04-11-22-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MARCH 21, 2022 3 Councilmember Holden said if the membership became 1,000, the parking would be impacted. She noted parking would not be allowed on the streets in this area. She questioned what would happen if a business were to grow too large for this site. Mr. Lee stated only a certain number of access passes would be allowed and checks are made several times a day. He noted each business was only granted a certain number of parking passes, and not every team member was provided with an access pass. Mayor Grant questioned if additional parking could be located along the front of the building. Councilmember Holden reported there was a holding pond along the front of the building. She asked if Saltbox was proposing to rent or purchase the building. Mr. Lee indicated Saltbox was proposing to purchase the building. Mayor Grant inquired if there was a City trail on the back side of this property. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented there was not a trail along the rear property line at this time. He stated there was a trail along the west side of the property. Mayor Grant commented he liked the concept and he appreciated the fact that the applicant had done their research in terms of being able to attract tenants. He indicated his only concern was with parking. Mr. Sorenson explained because not all of the loading docks will be used, that area can be restriped for additional parking. He estimated this would add another 24 to 36 parking stalls. Mr. Lee indicated he was hoping to make site plan application on April 1 and would have 140+ parking stalls. He asked if the Council would support a plan moving forward. Councilmember Holden stated she would support this. Mayor Grant concurred noting the additional parking would make the application stronger. He asked if the 10-foot walls within the building were high enough. Mr. Lee explained this height would work well for the proposed use. He then commented on the security measures that would be in place to protect the space and the tenants. Mayor Grant questioned how many years Saltbox has been in business. Mr. Bonnie stated Saltbox has been in business since November of 2019. Mayor Grant inquired what the occupancy rate was of Saltbox’s current facilities. Mr. Bonnie said the occupancy rates for the facilities Saltbox has in operation currently range from 60% to full. Councilmember Radziej stated he supported the proposed use.