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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 3, 2025 8 Chair Collins thanked Mr. Nguyen for his presentation. He then opened the meeting for public comment. Paula Ludewig, 1626 Lake Johanna Boulevard, explained she lived to the west of the subject property. She noted one tree did go down, but noted there were several other trees on the lot. She feared these trees would be removed and this was a concern to her. She stated she was also concerned with how the drainage from this property would impact her home. She requested the footprint of the proposed home be reconsidered to more closely match the existing home. She discussed how her home shifts on her sandy lot and questioned if the proposed lot could support a three story home. Dianne Pidde, 1619 Lake Johanna Boulevard, reported she sent an email outlining her concerns and the variances that were under consideration. She indicated she has lived in her home since the mid-1970’s and was deeply connected to her neighbors and Lake Johanna. She appreciated the need to join the two lots, but she was concerned with how the large structure would impact the environment. She was of the opinion a non-conforming lot should move closer to conformity when being redeveloped and not further away from conformity. She explained she wanted to ensure that the lake was being protected and recommended a home with the same or similar footprint as the existing home be considered for this lot. She was of the opinion the proposed home was out of character for the neighborhood, especially given the size of the lot. She further discussed how her view of the lake and sky would be lost if the new home were constructed. Commissioner Bjorklund asked if Ms. Pidde could support a two story home being built on this lot. Ms. Pidde stated she believed this would be reasonable. Chair Collins closed the meeting for public comment. Commissioner Burlingame reported this was likely the most constrained and visible lot on Lake Johanna. He indicated the applicant has land based hardship, but the relief being requested goes well beyond the minimums used. He expressed concern with the fact the home would be built below flood plain standards. He recommended action on this item be tabled until the Rice Creek Watershed District has reviewed this request or only approve the request if the number of variances was reduced and the elevation of the home was increased. He did not support approving the request without having safeguards in place because this would impact the entire Lake Johanna corridor. Commissioner Lindau stated improving that property as shown was welcomed in the City. He explained he appreciated the thoughtfulness of the proposed plans. He understood this was already a non-conforming lot but he had concerns about increasing the amount of impervious surface to 66% and the FAR to .51 with no clear hardship. In addition, he had concerns with the fact no improvements were proposed for the shore impact zone. He discussed how important it was to impact the water quality for Lake Johanna. Commissioner Jacobson indicated this was a non-conforming lot and it would be difficult to meet the City’s setbacks. She discussed the history of the lot, noting this property began with a cottage. She understood that some of the requirements for this property could not be met, but was