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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMylISSION - APRIL 3, 2002 7 . Bill Frank, 1228 Wynridge Drive, stated he did not have an opposition to what was being proposed if it stood on its own. He stated there was reasonablc planning effort involved and this was reasonable. He stated, however, i I' this were a part of the Master Plan, he would havc objections to it. He stated vacating FeTIlwood was a problem and this was an Lmacceptable approach to the development of the whole site. He stated hc understood wbat they were doing and he had no objection to what they werc proposing tonight, but if this was a "domino" {or many other approvals that are going to lollow, then it should stop here, but if this approval can stand alone, tben it should be approved. Chair Sand invited applicant to make comment. Jolm Larson and Judd Brasch, RSP Architects, presented Guidant's proposal. They indicated many of the issues the residents had brought up at the prcvious meeting wcre currently being worked on. Commissioner Lcmberg asked wbat was Guidant's timeframe for the future administrative bLlilding. Mr. Larson replicd within a four to six year time pcriod, depending on approval of a PUD. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he understood the topography of the land and this was what causcd the building to be 52 fcct tall. However, he stated the rcason for the . variance request was for the stairwell to access the skyway. Mr. Larson and Mr. Brasch replied that was corrcct. Commissioner Zimmerman stated if they did not need the stairwcll, they would not need the vmiance. Mr. Larson replicd the stailwell would be used for othcr purposes as well. Mr. PalTish stated the skyway was a part of this request and this was represcnted on the site plan, The condition was that Fernwood be vacated and replatted or some other anangement be made with thc City so they could pass over the City's right-of-way. He stated this skyway would be built in conjunction with the building. Mr. Larson stated thc building and skyway was a way of linking tbe buildings and the ease of moving employees over Femwood Avenue in a controlled environmcnt, which was very important for Guidant' s business opcration, Commissioner Ricke asked i I' othcr designs had bccn looked at, such as a tumlel instead 01' a skyway. .Ylr. Brasch replied thcy had looked at this, but it madc sense to have a skyway because thcir other buildings were connected by skyway, and this would make the flow easier through their complex. Commissioner Ricke askcd if the training centcr made sense without the skyway. Mr. Brashe replied they could still do the training ccnter, but the skyway would aid Guidant in their plans. . Commissioner Zimmennan inquired about the parking facility and asked if the parking would be adequatc. He stated from his calculations, tbey would be ten spaces short. Mr. Panish replied the City had guidelines that specified a certain number of parking stalls, however, from a design, aesthetic function, and environmental perspective, you did not