CC 02-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 26,2001 14 Councilmember Larson asked why they needed the drive-in facility. Mr. Gerker replied the elderly, handicapped, and people with sick children liked the drive-in facility. It was a nice convenience for those customers. Mr. Gerker stated the Walgreens were more local stores and not regional stores such as a Target Store. He indicated they were attempting to place a Walgreens every two miles in the Twin Cities area. Mayor Probst expressed concern regarding the updated traffic analysis being given to them this evening and not having the opportunity to review this information prior to the meeting. Councilmember Grant asked what the turning radius was from the median turning into Arden Hills Plaza. Mr. Kohler replied it would be over 100 feet. Councilmember Larson asked about Ramsey County recommending the right-in only. Mr. Kohler replied they had presented that to Ramsey County and Ramsey County had not recommended the right-in only. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated she had been struggling with this. The building looked wonderful, but she did not believe it belonged on this corner. She disagreed with Councilmember Larson about pulling the building closer to the street. She liked it back farther away from the intersection. Councilmember Grant asked if there was a way to make the right-in only with no possibility of traffic making a left turn in. Mr. Kohler replied it was just the matter of the angle ofthe approach. Councilmember Aplikowski expressed concern regarding four signs, when the other businesses did not have that many signs. Mr. Kohler replied the Ordinance allowed them to have this number of signs. Also, the corner signs were moved back to allow room for the City sign. and the signs had been dropped down to keep them below the height of the canopies of the building. Mayor Probst asked to have this extended until April 5, 2001, so the Council could have further time to review all of the information presented this evening. Councilmember Rem agreed. Councilmember Larson agreed to table the item for further discussion. He stated he had no opposition to the idea of it being developed, but he did not think it did a good job of setting the tone of the downtown area. He stated he wanted more time to review the plan and obtain additional ideas from the architect as to what might make this more attractive as an entrance to the City. He stated he would still like to see the building pulled forward. He believed more thought needed to be given to the lighting and sidewalk access. Councilmember Grant stated he would be in favor of taking more time to look at the options. He expressed concern regarding the traffic flow, the traffic study, and the median. He indicated he needed more time. He stated this was a major intersection and he thought this proposal deserved more reVIew.