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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 5, 2023 12 <br /> <br />4. Table <br /> <br />Chair Vijums opened the floor to Commissioner comments. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber asked who made the determination that the work was repair, replacement, <br />restoration or maintenance. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe stated in preparation of the application she <br />determined the site plan review process was the proper pathway. She explained the parking lot <br />was not being expanded, but rather three-fourths of the parking lot was being reclaimed. She <br />commented further on the flexibility that was allowed through the site plan review process. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber reported this appeared to be a more invasive project because the entire <br />parking lot was being rebuilt. He was curious if this process was avoiding a jam that the property <br />owner would be in given the fact the property was legally non-conforming. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blilie stated she did not have big concerns noting this was a well established <br />business in the community that was being forced to do this work, for reasons out of their control <br />by Ramsey County. She reported Lindey’s was not pursuing this project of their own accord, but <br />rather was being forced. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber asked if the City was cost participating in the sidewalk. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe stated the City and the County would be assisting <br />with a portion of the project improvements. She indicated the sidewalk would be part of the <br />roadway project scope. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber believed the City and the County were being extremely generous in <br />covering the costs for this project. He did not believe the City should be paying for the sidewalk <br />to be redone. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the proposed cost sharing for this project. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bjorklund explained he lived near Lindey’s. He asked if the City has received a <br />series of complaints regarding the parking, snow storage or lights from this restaurant. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe stated staff to her recollection has not received any <br />complaints regarding these topics. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bjorklund understood that the proposed project would cure and address some of <br />the non-conforming issues on the property. He stated he would be supporting the request noting <br />this business has been in the community for the past 61 years. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund requested further information regarding the trees on the property. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the size and location of the trees on the <br />site. She commented on the potential of a perimeter fence, but noted the applicant was not <br />committing to the fence at this time.