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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 3, 2020 7 to serve as a twinhome. He commented further on the tree loss and noted he was not a fan of the project. Commissioner Wicklund discussed the variance requirements and noted the applicant was requesting to go from 85 feet to 81 feet. He believed the applicant was proposing a reasonable use. He appreciated the fact the developer was proposing to have lots sizes and homes that would match the character of the surrounding neighborhood. Commissioner Jefferys understood this property needed to be redevelopment, but she was concerned about the proposed lot widths. She feared that the only reason the applicant was requesting a variance was for economic reasons. Chair Gehrig commented variance requests were all different and unique. He stated the variance request was not extreme. He noted the proposed development would not place an extreme strain on the neighborhood or abuse City services. He appreciated the fact the developer was taking into consideration the character of the neighborhood. He understood the homes would be a little closer together, but he believed this would match the adjacent neighborhood. Commissioner Lambeth stated the only conformance issue to consider was the lot width. He believed that the proposed lot widths successfully addressed City Code. He explained he would be supporting this Planning Case. Commissioner Jones indicated he liked the smaller lots with smaller homes as this would be more in keeping with the neighborhood. Commissioner Lambeth moved and Commissioner Vijums seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 20-003 for a Preliminary Plat and Variance at 3246 New Brighton Road based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the eighteen (18) conditions in the June 3, 2020, report to the Planning Commission. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 5-2 (Commissioners Jefferys and Subramanian opposed). B. Planning Case 20-005; 2 Pine Tree Drive North – Master Planned Unit Development Request, Preliminary and Final Plat – Public Hearing Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated in 2013 Bethel University acquired the Country Financial facility at 2 Pine Tree Drive. The property consists of three (3) parcels that total approximately 43 acres. The northern parcel which is 21.52 acres in size contains the access road off of Pine Tree Drive and the majority of the surface parking. The center parcel which is 19.16 acres in size contains an existing 181,432 square foot office building and a small fraction of the surface parking. The remaining undeveloped parcel to the south is 2.43 acres in size and is made up of mainly woodlands and wetlands. The Applicant is proposing to subdivide the northern parcel into two (2) lots and consolidate the center parcel and the remaining southern exception parcel into one lot of record. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported the subject property is located within the B-2 General Business District, where higher educational uses are permitted by Conditional Use Permit (CUP). At its November 25, 2013 meeting, the City Council approved a