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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 30, 1999 <br /> <br />12 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />down to the ramp. He wanted to be able to drive down the access ramp, however, there would be <br />no vehicles parked in the driveway. <br /> <br />Councihnember Larson stated that he had no strong feelings about whether the driveway should <br />be gravel or grass. He felt that the proposed building was very attractive and was concerned that <br />a dirt or gravel road crossing the boulevard could detract from the attractiveness. Mr. Nelson <br />suggested that concrete or brick could be used. The intent was to discourage traffic from using <br />this access. He suggested installing private driveway signs or a chain. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem stated that she had attended the Planning Commission meeting when this <br />Planning Case was discussed. She was puzzled by the concept of an office needing a drive down <br />ramp for storage. The storage would be more secure with an inside access. With the changes <br />being made to County Road D, and the amount of traffic, the hope is to minimize the curb cuts <br />off the road. She understood that the applicant did not intend to use this access ramp on a daily <br />basis, however, her concern was how this may be used by the next owner of the office building. <br />Additionally, the sunken driveway could become a collection point for rubbish. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mr. Nelson stated that he intended to remain in this office space for the next 15 to 20 years. He <br />noted that he may use the lower level to store his private boat during the winter months. <br />Additionally, he would not prefcr to store his files off-site and would not want to have to carry <br />them up and down stairs. He stated that he could not understand the objections to the proposed <br />access ramp. He indicated that there could be three houses built on this lot and a driveway could <br />be installed five feet from the eastern property line which would be much noisier than his <br />proposed use. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem asked if another intent of the storage area was for the applicant to store his <br />boat. Mr. Nelson stated that he would primarily be storing his dead files in the lower level. <br />Councilmember Rem noted that there have been many discussions regarding what will be <br />allowed in the proposed Neighborhood Business Zoning District and not all aspects have been <br />decided. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst suggested that, rather than the curb cut off County Road D, paving blocks could be <br />installed to wrap off the other entry drive to the access ramp. He indicated that boat storage <br />underneath an office building did not feel right to him. He could not think of any reason to <br />object other than, if the office were sold to someone else, he would not want this space to <br />become a boat storage business. He suggested controls over how the lower level storage is to be <br />used be added to the developer's agreement. Mr. Nelson noted that, in order for the building to <br />be used primarily as boat or vehicle storage, the owner would have to apply for a building permit <br />and comply with all underground parking requirements. He pointed out that the driveway will <br />only be 10 feet wide which would not allow for vehicles to pass. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Mayor Probst expressed concern for what others may use this area for in the future. If the <br />applicant uses the storage space for the reasons he has indicated, he would not have objections. <br />However, if the office building were sold, a new owner could try to use the building to sell <br />storage space in the winter which would not be appropriate. He had been suggesting that there <br />be restrictions in the developers' agreement on how the lower level is used. Mr. Nelson noted <br />