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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – OCTOBER 11, 2021 7 Mr. Anderson reported the proposed Aldi would look like the stores that have been built recently and would not look like the stores that were built 10 years ago. Councilmember Scott commented on the proposed sign variance and noted he did not have a problem with this request because other businesses along Lexington Avenue have made this same request. He noted he did have a concern with the setbacks for the front tenant building. He encouraged the applicant to do whatever possible to ensure that the public did not have to look at the rear side of a building when entering this site, but rather to provide four sided architecture. Mayor Grant explained there were 15 major areas with this project and 10 required variances. He requested further information on staff regarding the 60 day deadline. Senior Planner Jagoe reported the City received the completed application on August 19, 2021 and the City must act on the request by October 18, 2021. Mayor Grant noted he had a problem with the amount of the development on the site, which was impacting the landscaping plan, side yard setbacks and building positioning. He commented he had a large issue with the off street parking setbacks. He indicated the building façade and building materials themselves were also a concern to him. He reported the building materials could have been enhanced given there were so many other flexibility requests, but the applicant failed to do this. He stated he had an issue with the amount of wall signage and encouraged the applicant to meet the City’s monument sign requirements. He believed that the developer was trying to put too much onto too small of a foot print for this development. He commented at this time he could not support this request. Mr. Anderson stated he understood the number of variances being requested was a concern. He reported the minimum parking requirements required flexibility due to the shared uses on the site. He commented on the freestanding sign size and noted the Planning Commission did not have a concern with being eight feet over the 100 square foot requirement. He indicated he would be more than happy to make adjustments in order to meet the City’s requirements. He clarified that 50% of the greenspace added was along the front of the building and 50% was in the rear of the building. He explained there was a massive amount of above ground and underground utilities along Grey Fox Road which requires the street trees to be in the islands. Mayor Grant questioned if there were drainage basins in the areas where snow would be stored in the winter months. He asked how the water would be channeled in this area. Mr. Anderson reported there were no drainage basins in this area. He reported the parking lot was graded with a 2% grade to ensure adequate drainage. He noted the site had catch basins along the parking lot along with a large underground stormwater system to meet all of the City and Rice Creek Watershed’s requirements. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to deny Planning Case 21-019 for a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Master Planned Unit Development, and Site Plan Review at 3737 Lexington Avenue and 1133 Grey Fox Road.