08-07-24 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION — July 10, 2024 19 Community Development Director Jagoe reported the caterer or the applicant would have to have a 2:00 a.m. liquor license in order to serve liquor until 2:00 a.m. Commissioner Mitchell suggested the language for Condition 21 read: Operations on the subject property will cease at 2:00 a.m. and staff can remain onsite until 3:00 a.m. Further discussion ensued regarding the relationship between the restaurant and the event center. Commissioner Erler stated he was unclear about the relationship between the event center and the restaurant, and how alcohol service would be managed. Chair Weber reported the restaurant would be created and would have a liquor license for the property. However, this did not mean the restaurant and the event center would have the same operating hours. Senior Planner Fransen explained the restaurant would be operational when events are taking place within the event center. She indicated the restaurant could still be open if a caterer was brought onsite for an event. She commented the restaurant could hold a City liquor license and this license would serve the premises. She reported the previous Northern Lights Bingo Hall restaurant, Brightside Cafe, had a liquor license and had served alcohol on the premises. Commissioner Bjorklund stated he was concerned about law enforcement and how many people would be driving drunk out of this property. Ms. Kukwa discussed the current alcohol service laws per the State of Minnesota. She reported alcohol service had to stop at 2:00 a.m. and noted the site would remain open to guests until 3:00 a.m. Chair Weber stated the Commission supported ending at 2:00 a.m. Commissioner Erler moved and Commissioner Mitchell seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 24-014 for a Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development for Phases 1 and 2, Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review for an Event Center and Restaurant at 3776 Connelly Avenue based on the findings of fact and submitted plans as amended by the conditions in the July 10, 2024 report to the Planning Commission along with the additional conditions as discussed: Condition 18 - The Applicant shall provide benches near the primary entrance of the building; Condition 19 - The Applicant shall be required to install curbing around parking islands with parking lot improvements; Condition 20 - Screening for ground -mounted mechanical equipment shall meet the requirements of the Zoning Code; and Condition 21 - The Applicant shall be required to cease hours of operation at 2 AM for commercial land uses approved as part of the PUD. Commissioner Bjorklund stated could hear the outside activities from Flaherty's from his residence and it was disturbing to him. He anticipated the proposed use would cause additional disturbances for his neighborhood and noted he would be voting against this request.