Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 21, 2020 3 <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung stated access and traffic flow were concerns for him. He feared the <br />site would have a bottleneck at the proposed intersection. He commented on the other grocery <br />stores in close proximity to this area. He encouraged the applicant to consider the viability of <br />another grocery store within this development. <br /> <br />Mr. Rea stated his tenant was a very large corporation that has invested a lot of resources in order <br />to complete market studies. He explained his client believes this is a great market for them to be <br />in. He reported Kensington Development was a key developer of grocers in the Midwest. He had <br />100% confidence that his tenant has completed the proper amount or research and would be <br />successful in this market. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned if the building would have a drive-thru. <br /> <br />Mr. Rea reported the building would not have a drive-thru. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant requested further information on how traffic would flow through the site. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla discussed the Lexington Avenue <br />project noting it had been pushed from 2021 to 2022. He explained the tenant believed a signal <br />would be installed at the service road of Target and the southern portion of Lexington Station <br />Phase 3. He indicated a median would be installed along Lexington Avenue when the project was <br />completed which would limit left turns. He reported if the project does not move forward in 2022 <br />as proposed, Ramsey County would implement a stop light. He noted Arby’s and the Big O Tire <br />would then have right-in, right-out access only. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if City staff has had any conversations with Enterprise Rental Car. <br /> <br />Mr. Rea reported he had been in contact with the Enterprise building owner. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant reiterated that this was an area with several grocery stores in close proximity and <br />noted this was not something the Council could not base its decision on. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked if pedestrians could walk safety from Phase 3 to Phase 1 or Phase <br />2. <br /> <br />Mr. Rea explained he could work with Larson to identify a safe walking path. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden anticipated shoppers would want the properties tied together in order to <br />allow them to shop for groceries and then walk to get a cup of coffee. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung supported this recommendation and recommended the applicant <br />pursue a walkability plan. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding cost sharing and access to Arby’s and Big O Tires. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung suggested staff or the applicant reach out to Arby’s and Big O Tires to <br />discuss a cost sharing and access option in the future.