05-05-21 Planning Commission - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 7, 2021 8 good neighbor. He reported the feedback being provided was not going unheard. He noted Boston Scientific would be addressing the noise and landscaping concerns. There being no additional comment Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 7:48 p.m. Chair Vijums summarized the comments voiced by the public noting the request before the Commission was for a five foot variance to the building height. He stated it was his understanding the noise currently being generated by Boston Scientific was meeting MPCA requirements. He explained Condition 11 required Boston Scientific to complete a noise study after the building expansion was completed. He recommended that yearly noise studies be taken and that these results be shared with the City and that any deficiencies be addressed by Boston Scientific. He commented further on how the mechanical equipment would now be placed in a mechanical penthouse, along with the chillers, and believed this would greatly assist with addressing the noise concerns. He was of the opinion this was a win-win situation. Commissioner Weber supported the additional language for Condition 11, requiring Boston Scientific to completely yearly noise studies on Building 14. Commissioner Wicklund asked if it was a standard practice to require yearly inspections when there are noise issues. He questioned if this should this be handled by another agency or on an as needed basis. Planning Consultant Kansier stated she was uncertain how the City has managed noise concerns in the past but noted it was her experience this was not something staff should do. Rather, Boston Scientific would complete the study and the results would be submitted to staff for consideration. She explained most cities do not have the proper equipment to complete noise studies. She recommended that if Condition 11 is amended that it be made clear that the property owner would be responsible for completing the noise study. Commissioner Wicklund questioned if there were any other properties within Arden Hills that were required to submit annual noise audits to the City. Councilmember Holden reported there were not. Chair Vijums asked for motion to move Planning Case 21-001 forward adding Condition 12 requiring Boston Scientific to complete yearly noise studies. Commissioner Lambeth moved and Commissioner Weber seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 21-001 for a PUD Amendment and Site Plan Review of 4100 Hamline Avenue, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the April 7, 2021 Report to the Planning Commission adding Condition 12 to require Boston Scientific to complete yearly noise studies on Building 14 and to report these findings to the City of Arden Hills. Commissioner Wicklund stated he was in favor of the 11 conditions, but stated he did not support making a yearly noise audit a requirement for a five foot building height variance. He was of the opinion this would be addressed by Condition 11 as written by staff.