04-06-22 PC Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 8, 2021 2 several additions to the existing high school, a reconfiguration of the existing parking lot, and the use of the property at 1901 Lake Valentine Road, for parking and other school purposes. The amendment approved in April, 2020, added 14 additional conditions to the existing Planned Unit Development to address existing traffic and pedestrian safety issues based on the findings contained within the traffic study report, an evaluation of existing site conditions, and the Planned Unit Development Agreement. The terms of the PUD approval require the School District to implement safety improvements on Lake Valentine Road to address traffic and increased pedestrian crossings between the school building and the north parking lot, including installation of turn lanes and other access improvements, trail and sidewalk improvements, pedestrian signal, signage and striping modifications, and drainage and utility improvements. Planning Consultant Kansier explained the Applicant originally proposed two separate phases of traffic and pedestrian safety improvements for Lake Valentine Road. Phase 1 safety improvements, installed in 2020, included installation of a pedestrian traffic signal system, crosswalk markings, temporary painted center median, curb ramps and sidewalk pedestrian routes to the front of the school. Planning Consultant Kansier reported the Phase 2 traffic and pedestrian safety improvements were scheduled for construction in 2021 in order to allow the School District to acquire additional property from the State of Minnesota. This additional property would have allowed the relocation of the west entrance to the north parking lot to align with the drop-off/pick-up lot on the south side of Lake Valentine Road. Additional improvements include construction of a center median at the crosswalk, modifications to the south boundary of the north parking lot, and the construction of dedicated right turn lanes for westbound traffic accessing the east parking lot entrance and for the eastbound traffic accessing the drop-off/pick-up lot. The Applicant worked with the State of Minnesota for nearly two years on purchasing property, but has been unsuccessful in obtaining an easement or acquisition of land. The State indicated they were at least another year out in considering the sale of this land. As a result, the Applicant believes this option is no longer feasible and asked the City Council to consider a revised alignment. The City Council reviewed this issue at their May 17, 2021, workshop. The Council noted the use of the State property is preferred; however, they understand there is no guarantee the school district will be able to purchase that land. Safety is the most important factor. In August, 2021, the City Council approved an extension of the original Phase 2 construction to 2022. Planning Consultant Kansier reviewed the surrounding area, the Plan Evaluation and provided the Findings of Fact for review: 1. The properties located at 1900 and 1901 Lake Valentine Road are located in the R-1 Single Family Residential District. 2. The proposed conditions when implemented will create a safer environment for pedestrian movement across Lake Valentine Road. 3. The proposed roadway improvements will improve traffic flow through the road section adjacent to the school. 4. With the applied conditions, the application is not anticipated to create a negative impact on the immediate area or the community as a whole. 5. The traffic and pedestrian study was reviewed as part of the April 2020 Amended PUD application by City and School District staff.