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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 10, 2019 9 Commissioner Subramanian questioned how the high-density project would impact the seniors living within the development. It was his opinion the seniors would do better in a low-density development. He asked if any of the trees onsite would be saved. Mr. Polk reviewed the site plan and noted all of the trees on the outlot would remain in place. He explained 56 trees would be removed from the site out of 172 trees total. He noted three of these trees were dead and 12 were considered nuisance trees. He indicated he had a very thorough landscaping and tree replacement plan in place. Commissioner Subramanian asked if the Fire and Police Departments were ready to take on more medical and emergency calls. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this project had been reviewed by the Fire Department and they understood there may be an increase in calls. Annalise Peterson, Vice President of Operations at Walker Methodist, discussed the benefits of bringing older adults together noting this increased their quality of life and life expectancy. She stated socialization was incredibly important for seniors. She discussed how seniors were encouraged to call for staff or a nurse versus dialing 911. Commissioner Lambeth stated the site has substantial grade changes from low to high. He anticipated significant grading would be required to complete this development. Mr. Polk reported there would be a significant amount of export from this site. He stated the lower southeast corner of the building would be at grade on the back side of the hill. He noted he would be excavating into the hill to accommodate the building and underground parking. Commissioner Lambeth requested further information regarding the lighting plan. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the lighting plan with the Commission. Mr. Polk explained he would make adjustments to the lighting if any light was spilling off the site onto neighboring properties. He stated he would also be willing to make adjustments to the screening. Commissioner Lambeth commented on the traffic impact from the proposed development noting it was his understanding not all residents would be driving. He stated he did not have any concerns with the traffic that would be generated by the proposed development. Mr. Polk reported the development would have 24 memory care units and five enhanced assisted living units. He explained the residents in these units would not drive. He stated it has been his experience that the majority of the residents living in assisted living do not drive. He explained the development was a community experience.