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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION – APRIL 26, 2021 2 Planning Consultant Kansier explained the proposed lot is within the Red Fox/Grey Fox/Lexington Avenue Business Area which is discussed in the Land Use Chapter. This area includes Red Fox and Grey Fox roads and is bounded by Lexington Avenue, Highway 51, Interstate 694, and the Canadian Pacific railway. This area is used by a number of small and large businesses for a variety of retail, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, and office uses. This area was largely developed between the 1950’s and 1970’s, though the retail area along Lexington Avenue has had some new development and redevelopment in the last 15 years. This area is marked as an area of possible redevelopment. Planning Consultant Kansier commented the Property is currently owned by STORE Capitol. The site is currently developed as a vacant industrial building with an associated parking lot. The Applicant is proposing to develop the parcel as a new +/- 19,480 square foot ALDI grocery store and an additional pad site with an +/- 5,300 square foot building purposed for a quick serve restaurant (~ 3,500 square feet) and bank (~1,800 square feet). The proposed development is planned for construction 2021-2022. The Aldi building is proposed to be located in the northwest corner of the site, with the supporting restaurant and bank in the northeast corner. The Subject Property includes one access point off of Grey Fox Road. Staff commented further on the proposal and requested comment from the Council. Dan Terwilliger, Director of Development at Launch Properties, introduced himself and his team to the Council. He stated a year ago he began working with staff on this project. He reported Launch Properties completes retail projects all over the metro area. He discussed how exciting this project was as it would redevelop an industrial property that was located in a retail pocket. Ryan Anderson, ISG, explained he was an architect speaking on behalf of Aldi. He indicated Aldi was a 20,000 square foot grocer that has been adding stores in the metro area. He noted Aldi builds steel buildings with full brick that would meet City Code. He estimated Aldi would need 95 parking stalls. He understood this was a tight site, but Aldi was comfortable with the proposed concept plan. He reported Aldi would receive one, maybe two truck deliveries per day. He commented further on the landscaping plan and how the plantings would improve the property. Councilmember Scott stated he was confused to which side of the lot was the front lot line. Councilmember Holden agreed this was confusing. Planning Consultant Kansier stated she would have to investigate this further. Mayor Grant questioned why the applicant was only proposing to cover 14% of the lot with landscaping when 25% was the City’s requirement. Mr. Anderson reported the existing site was currently 5% landscaped. He discussed how he had maximized the site in order to meet the needs of Aldi, the required parking and had improved the green space. He reiterated that this was a tight space. Mayor Grant asked if Mr. Anderson had more information to present to the Council. Mr. Anderson reported he reviewed the site plan in further detail and commented on the encroachment on the east side of the property. He stated he wants to work with the City to