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