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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 7, 2021 9 <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones explained he also supported the request with the 11 conditions as written <br />by staff. He recommended that noise complaints drive the need for additional noise studies. <br /> <br />A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried unanimously (6-0). <br /> <br />B. Planning Case 21-002; Bethel Football Field Improvements – Amended Conditional <br />Use Permit and Site Plan – Public Hearing <br /> <br />Planning Consultant Bemus stated Bethel University (“The Applicant”) is requesting a <br />Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Amendment and Site Plan Review for a proposed project at 3900 <br />Bethel Drive (“Subject Property”) to update the existing football and practice fields located in the <br />southern quadrant of the Bethel University Campus. Specific improvements include converting <br />the football field to artificial turf with a new running track constructed around it. The proposed <br />project will also include sports field lighting, scoreboards, spectator plazas, and perimeter <br />fencing, as well as updates to the existing grandstand and press box. Seating capacity will remain <br />as is. <br /> <br />Planning Consultant Bemus reported Bethel University is proposing to update the existing <br />football and practice fields located in the southern quadrant of their main campus at 3900 Bethel <br />Drive. The Applicant is proposing to convert the existing grass football field into a synthetic turf <br />stadium field with a new track constructed around it and the existing grass practice field into a <br />synthetic turf multi-purpose field. The Applicant is also proposing changes to the lighting around <br />the two fields, the spectator plazas, the perimeter fencing, and the grandstand and press box. <br /> <br />Planning Consultant Bemus explained Bethel University operates under a CUP Master Plan. <br />As the university comes forward with plans, they are reviewed against the Master Plan for <br />consistency. Building plans that are consistent with the Master Plan require a Site Plan Review. <br />A CUP Amendment is required when plans are not included in the approved Master Plan. The <br />two proposed improvements to the football field and the practice field are not included on the <br />Master Plan and a CUP Amendment is therefore required. <br /> <br />Planning Consultant Bemus reviewed the site data, the Plan Evaluation and provided the <br />Findings of Fact for review: <br /> <br />General Findings: <br />1. The Bethel University main campus at 3900 Bethel Drive is located in the Institutional <br />Zoning District. <br />2. A Higher Education, College Campus is a Conditional Use in the Institutional District. <br />3. Bethel University operates under a Conditional Use Permit Master Plan. <br />4. The proposed additions are not included on the Master Plan and a CUP Amendment is <br />required. <br />5. Bethel University has requested Site Plan Review approval for the proposed changes to <br />the football and practice fields. <br />6. The proposed changes to the football and practice fields would be in compliance with all <br />provisions of the Zoning Code. <br />7. A public hearing for a PUD Amendment request is required before the request can be <br />brought before the City Council. <br />8. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on April 7, 2021.