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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 7, 2021 14 Planning Consultant Kansier explained the building address was 3787 Lexington Avenue. She reported there was an existing building that may have some current tenants and the intent was to remove this building and the tenants would be relocated. Commissioner Weber stated he supported the project, but noted he did have some concerns regarding the lack of parking. He feared parking would become a concern around the holidays or on the weekends. He questioned if the building could move closer to the County right-of-way. Planning Consultant Kansier reported the County had reviewed the plans and did not have any concerns. Further discussion ensued regarding access to the site and building placement. Dan Ray, Kensington Development Partners, thanked the Planning Commission and staff for reviewing his request. He explained the retailer has a parking requirement of four (4) per 1,000 square feet. He indicated currently he was meeting this requirement. He reported the building would have food prep space that would take away from the retail area. He noted he has been in contact with Arby’s and Big O Tire’s and neither facility was interested in cost sharing for a cross access. Commissioner Wicklund asked what the guarantee was that the County would install the traffic signal in 2022. Planning Consultant Kansier explained the County was very confident this project would happen in 2022. She noted the plans were approved (at 90%). She indicated the applicant has many of the same concerns. She reported the City Council would consider this request next week and the City would be entering into an MOU with the County. She commented a second MOU would also be put in place that should the project be delayed, the City can authorize the developer to install a temporary signal at the developer’s cost. Chair Vijums stated he believed this was a great development. He was eager to learn what grocer would be coming to the City of Arden Hills. He indicated he was not concerned about the parking. He agreed that the traffic signal was a must for this development. He requested further information regarding the proposed monument and wall signs. Planning Consultant Kansier reviewed the size and scale of the proposed signs. She noted the monument sign would be 20 feet in height and would have 171 square feet of sign area. She commented the wall signs were a new flexibility. She reported in 2012, Cub Foods received approval of 800 square foot of signage on the site. She noted the applicant was requesting 532 square feet, which was significantly less than was approved for Cub Foods. Chair Vijums asked why the applicant was nearly doubling the amount of signage on the property. Mr. Pommeroy stated he was proposing to have three signs, two 90 square foot signs and one 180 square foot sign. He explained the 180 square foot sign would be above the main entry. Chair Vijums commented going forward, the City should take a look at its sign code. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 8:52 p.m.