04-07-21 Planning Commission - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. David Grant Boston Scientific – Building 14 Expansion Response to Neighbor Letter 12 March 2021 Page 4 of 6 Response: Boston Scientific has done multiple noise studies of this area and has shared previous results with the City of Arden Hills. Most recently, on January 21, 2021, Boston Scientific collected ambient noise readings at two un-obstructed locations along the NW property line for a period of 24 hours. The noise levels on the BSC property were well within the MPCA limits. The data conclusively demonstrated that Boston Scientific’s existing operations continue to remain in compliance with current noise emission levels. II. BUILDING HEIGHT/VISUAL POLLUTION a. Building height/visual pollution: Building 14’s existing structure sits at a height of 21 feet. The proposed expansion will almost double in height to a proposed height of 40 feet and sit exposed as a visual monstrosity. It should be noted that a significant number of mature trees were removed from the southwestern portion in the summer of 2019. These stumps can be observed from the community trail and would have considerably obstructed the view of this proposed expansion. A revision to the proposed building height should be made to remain consistent with the existing Building 14 structure; the City of Arden Hills should not grant a variance to the current zoning maximum height restriction of 35 feet. i. City of Arden Hills Code: 1320.06 District Requirements Chart: 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. Response: As noted by Mr. Mrsola, Boston Scientific was granted an option to exceed the 35’ height restriction pursuant to the Master Planned Unit Development (PUD) negotiated with the City of Arden Hills in 2003. Although the PUD is not a guarantee to exceed the height limit, it allows Boston Scientific to provide justification why the limit should be exceeded under certain conditions. In the case of the Building 14 expansion, the extended height of the building will be used to enclose all HVAC systems that support the manufacturing of the new building, which in turn will aid in improving visual aesthetics and noise mitigation to the surrounding community. In addition, BSC plans to execute an extensive restoration landscaping project which will include planting an extensive array of mature trees and expanding the greenway around the facility.