04-20-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 20, 2020 2 space. The Subject Property comprises two parcels totaling approximately 2.5 acres. The Applicant is proposing to remove the existing building. The Applicant is proposing to redevelop the site on behalf of a national supermarket chain with plans to incorporate a secondary retail or restaurant use on the parcel closest to Lexington Avenue. Once completed, the Applicant is proposing to build a 20,000 square foot grocery store on the site and a 3,600 square foot retail space on the lot. Staff commented further on the proposal and requested feedback from the Council. Scott Moe, Launch Properties, thanked the Council for their time. He discussed his site plan in detail with the Council noting he was proposing to tear down the large building in order to make way for a large national grocer. He reported the grocer has requested to remain confidential at this time. He stated the City would be proud to have this business in the community. He discussed how COVID-19 has impacted this project. It was his hope the project could begin this summer with the large grocer and an outlot retailer. Councilmember Holden asked how a high quality national grocer was defined. Mr. Moe reported he was proposing to bring a high quality national grocery chain into the community that had a very good reputation. Councilmember Holden asked if there was anything that the applicant was not asking for a variance on. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the applicant would need setback variances but would be meeting all other City design standard requirements. He commented further on the proposed setback variances that would be required. Councilmember Holden inquired if a drive-thru would be necessary. Mr. Moe anticipated a drive-thru would be required whether a bank or coffee use were to locate on the retail outlot. Councilmember Holmes commented on the flexibility requirements that were being requested by the applicant. She stated this was very concerning to her. Mr. Moe indicated he was not requesting flexibility on the use or the quality of the tenant. In addition, he would not be asking for flexibility on the building materials. He stated he was asking for flexibility on the setbacks and parking requirements. He was of the opinion that the City's parking requirements were out of context for the grocer market. Mayor Grant stated the parcel only had so much real estate. He explained the minimum setbacks have been reduced which gave the developer more parking space. He questioned if the site could be redesigned to reduce the need for flexibility with setbacks. Mr. Moe deferred this question to Civil Engineer Brian Wurdeman.