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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 5, 2021 8 maximum night time noise level between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is 50 decibels. She anticipated this property would be similar. She discussed the ambient noise that was already coming from I-694 and other adjacent roadways. She indicated the Commission could require a noise study once the building was completed to see if additional screening was necessary for the rooftop mechanicals. Chair Vijums stated he was satisfied with the location of the drive thru mechanicals. He explained he would be interested in adding a condition for approval that would require the applicant to complete a noise study once the structure was built. Commissioner Wicklund indicated this location, which was formerly a Perkins that ran 24 hours a day, sits adjacent to I-694. He did not believe noise would be a concern for this property. He supported the Commission leaning on staff’s expertise on whether or not a noise study should be completed. He was of the opinion this was a great repurposing of this property. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Ankit Bhakta, owner of the Quality Inn, stated he had concerns about the proposed Chick -fil-A. He indicated he was concerned about the drive-thru, noise that would be generated by the drive-thru speakers, as well as the noise that would be generated by the rooftop HVAC units. He discussed how the cars waiting for the drive thru would also be generating extra noise. He feared how this would impact his customers given the fact Chick -fil-A would be open until 10:00 p.m. He stated he was also concerned with where Chick -fil -A would store snow in the winter months and did not want snow being pushed onto his property. Commissioner Weber explained Chick -fil-A was requesting to be closer to the property line than was allowed. He stated he now had concerns with the application given the fact the adjacent property owner had concerns with the amount of noise that would be generated by the drive thru. He indicated he did not support allowing the restaurant and drive thru moving closer to the hotel. Chair Vijums asked if the drive thru speakers could be adjusted so that they faced away from the hotel. Mr. Lark sta ted this would not be possible. He reported the drive thru speakers were 50 feet from the closest parking lot and over 100 feet from the corner of the hotel. He explained if the drive thru speakers were moved closer to Lexington Avenue this could back up traffic onto Red Fox Road. Chair Vijums commented he supported the proposed plan, but noted he was also concerned about how the restaurant and drive thru would impact the adjacent hotel. He stated this use was different from Perkins, because there would be a drive thru. He supported a noise study being completed. Commissioner Wicklund reported the business model for this company had Chick -fil-A closed on Sundays meaning the hotel guests would not be impacted by the drive thru on Sundays. Chair Vijums suggested a condition for approval be added to address the noise concerns. He recommended a noise study be completed after the restaurant was completed or that the noise boxes be moved.