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3 | P a g e Arden Hills City Council February 17, 2021 As described by City of Arden Hills Planning Manager, Mike Mrosla, we see this height variance as a “give and take” option where we will “give” the 40’ variance. We don’t see any way “taking” additional plantings can ever screen or obstruct a 40’ building from the residentially exposed side of the property. Additionally, these plantings will take decades to make any considerable impact on the proposed expansion. 3. Expanded Lithium Battery Manufacturing: An environmental and safety specialist was present during the community presentation and spoke vaguely about the current and future impact of BSCI’s battery manufacturing operations. The vagueness of comments is concerning. Many questions remain. o What are the emissions from current and future operations, and do/could they impact adjacent neighbors? o What are the risks? o Have environmental spills occurred in the past? o Has the land and water been tested recently? o What measures are taken and by whom to ensure everyone remains safe? As City Council Members and advocates for all residents of Arden Hills, we respectfully ask that you act on an evaluation of impact regarding the listed concerns for the community of Arden Hills. Per City of Arden Hills Code: 1325.05 Design Standards Subd. 6 Aesthetics. A. Evaluation of Impact. The proposed design, scale, massing, materials, height, and other aspects of the subject matter of any permit requested hereunder shall be evaluated by the Planning Commission and the Council with respect to structures and properties in the surrounding area. To this end, the Planning Commission and the Council shall consider, prior to the issuance of any permit hereunder, whether the appearance of the subject matter is so at variance with the structures and properties in the surrounding area as to cause a substantial depreciation in the property values in the surrounding area or to unreasonable detract from the appearance of the area or the city. Boston Scientific was informed of these concerns during the public hearing, indicated it would be resolved, however, they have not been addressed. We are all advocates for adding new jobs and foreseeable expansion of the BSCI campus, however, it needs to proceed responsibly without negatively impacting the residential neighbors or the community. For most in this community, our homes are the single largest investment and this expansion as proposed is a direct threat to our property values and quality of life we have come to enjoy. We encourage all of you to take a walk along the community trail and review the concerns.