05-07-25 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 9, 2025 5 Commissioner Birken explained she drove by the property today and she believed the request made sense. Commissioner Burlingame stated he would be recusing himself from taking action on this item because Dr. Low is his son’s piano teacher. Commissioner Lindau commented he believed the applicant was making a reasonable requestion. Commissioner Bjorklund asked if the applicant has paid $750 for this application, along with an escrow that had to amount to $3,000. Senior Planner Fransen explained the applicant had to pay a $750 fee for the land use application for the variance and conditional use permit request in addition to the escrows. Commissioner Bjorklund reported he had no conflict of interest, but apologized to Dr. Low for the fees that were being charged given how simple this request was. He indicated he would be offering his support for the variance and conditional use permit. Commissioner Jacobson stated she believed this would be a great project that would solve the problems the applicant has with his home. She indicated she would be offering her support for the requests. Chair Collins invited the applicant to come forward at this time. Philip Low, 1126 Benton Way, commented over the past few winters his grand piano has lost its touch and tuning. He explained his home was in need of a vestibule to protect the climate surrounding his piano. Commissioner Birken asked where cars parked for lessons. Dr. Low explained visitors park to one side or the other of his driveway in order to accommodate two cars during lessons. He reported he owned the extra pavement the extends from his house and this was used for backing out. Chair Collins opened the public hearing at 7:01 p.m. Chair Collins invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Mary Henry, 3521 Ridgewood Court, explained she was a piano student of Dr. Low and reported it brings her great joy to take lessons from Dr. Low. She commented on how the proposed addition would not be visible except from one neighbor across the street, but would have a great impact on Dr. Low’s pianos. There being no additional comment Chair Collins closed the public hearing at 7:03 p.m. Commissioner Erler moved and Commissioner Birken seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 25-001 for a Variance to construct a 30 square foot principal structure addition at 1126 Benton Way based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the April 9, 2025, report to the Planning Commission. The motion carried 6-0-1 (Commissioner Burlingame abstained).