11-08-21-SR - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – OCTOBER 11, 2021 3 Review for a proposed project on 3737 Lexington Avenue North. (“Subject Property”) and 1133 Grey Fox Road. The Property is currently owned by STORE Master Funding III, LLC. The site is currently developed as a vacant industrial building with an associated parking lot. The proposal includes a lot reconfiguration that would adjust the existing lot line to the east. The Applicant is proposing to demolish the existing building and redevelop the site with a new +/- 19,480 square foot Aldi grocery store and an associated pad site with an +/- 5,300 square foot building purposed for a national dental tenant and Bank of America. Senior Planner Jagoe reviewed the Plan Evaluation in detail, commented on the flexibility the Applicant was requesting and recommended the Council hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holmes asked where the second entrance point would be for this site. She feared it would be difficult for semi-trucks to access this site. Senior Planner Jagoe reviewed a map of the site with the Council and noted the two access points. She reported the City Engineer and Fire Marshal reviewed the site plan and have approved the plans, stating truck traffic will use the two-way access off of Grey Fox Road. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:39 p.m. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, commented this was a PUD which meant it was a negotiation between the applicant and the City. He reported the applicant has requested a great deal of flexibility to depart from City Code requirements. He encouraged the Council to look to the applicant for demonstrating some flexibility on their part as well. He believed this request was a repetition of everything that has been done wrong on Lexington Avenue from an urban design standpoint. He indicated this building turns its back to the street. He suggested the building be reconsidered in order to make a more attractive entrance from Lexington Avenue. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:41 p.m. 9. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 21-019 Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Master Planned Unit Development and Site Plan Review – 3737 Lexington Avenue North and 1133 Grey Fox Road – Launch Properties (Aldi) B. Senior Planner Jagoe stated Launch Properties (“The Applicant”), on behalf of Aldi, is requesting a Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Master PUD, and Site Plan Review for a proposed project on 3737 Lexington Avenue N (“Subject Property”) and 1133 Grey Fox Road. The subject property is currently two lots with one building developed over both lots. The proposal includes a lot reconfiguration that would adjust the existing lot line to the east. This development includes the demolition of the existing vacant industrial building and redevelop the parcels with two separate one-story buildings, one 19,480 square foot grocery store and one 5,350 square foot dental/office building. Staff commented further on the request and offered the following Findings of Fact: