12-06-1989 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Agenda

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Minutes of the Arden Hills Planning Commission Meeting, 12-6-89 Page 4 CASE #89-21 (Cont'd) Probst questioned if the two access drives onto Lexington Avenue are proposed due to necessity. • Sessing stated the Zoning Code contains wording which suggests two entrances are desirable. He explained the only access for the site at this time is from Lexington Avenue. Sessing explained the design allows the City some flexibility when discussing alternative access, such as from the rear of this site by use of a service road. Winiecki questioned if the formula for calculating the parking spaces for the site was based totally on retail use. She commented on the excellence of the traffic report from Engineer Maurer. Bergly stated the applicant used the standard formula of one space per 150 square feet of gross floor area; this calculation is the highest ratio in the ordinance and should cover most uses. Winiecki suggested the building plan be reversed to accommodate access for the service area. Architect Sessing stated the RCWD reviewed the plan and expressed concern that the existing drainage and ponding areas be maintained; the southern area of the site contains the majority of the ponding area. He advised that the service area shown is existing and there are no problems with access at this time. Winiecki questioned how many tenants currently occupy space in the building; if additional tenants are proposed the access may become a problem. • Scott Roberts stated there are currently three tenants in the building. Sessing advised the service could be handled by directing the times of day for deliveries. Bergly noted the proposed angles in the rear parking area may prohibit truck maneuvering through the site. He suggested the applicant review this area carefully. Martin stated there will be significant building demolition to accomplish the proposed plan; questioned if any analysis has been completed relative to the existence of hazardous materials in the building materials. Sessing advised there has been no analysis regarding hazardous materials at this time. He stated the original building plans have been reviewed and there does not appear to be any such materials present; advised the analysis would be accomplished prior to building demolition. Piotrowski stated she is not opposed to the proposed plan; suggested additional landscaping along Lexington Avenue to screen vehicles parked in the area. Sessing stated he will review this area for additional landscaping or berming to lessen the visual impact along Lexington Avenue. Commission discussed the concrete wall treatment. Sessing advised there appears to be a "theme" along Lexington Avenue with the • recent Shannon Square and Burger King site development for use of the concrete block wall. He preferred to remain uniform in design and compatible with the other sites recently developed in this area.