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<br /> ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION ~ JUNE 1, 2005 10 <br /> No.7: Prohibits residential use of any of the units in the proposed development. We <br />. agree with this condition. <br /> No.9: Recommends establishment of a comprehensive sign plan for the development. <br /> As pointed out in our previous comments dated May 24, we regard 30 square feet of <br /> wall sign permit unit as excessive, whether in the form of an upright panel about 3 x 5 <br /> with a light over it or the horizontal elongated "optional" panels about 2 x 10 shown on <br /> the building elevation sheet. <br /> A very similar development in Lakeville by the same company with substantially <br /> identical building elevations uses much more discrete wall signs, per the photographs we <br /> have submitted. If this works in Lakcville, it can work in Arden Hills. We strongly <br /> recommend that the Planning Commission specify that type and size of all sign (only) <br /> only for this development. <br /> Notwithstanding the staff s interpretation of how the square footage of the free standing <br /> entrance monument sign would be calculated, it's the 30 wall signs and not the entrance <br /> sign that represent our conecrn. <br /> No. 12: Recommend submission of a revised lighting plan. <br /> As stated in our previous submission, we recommend elimination of the light pole and <br /> the southernmost three or more parking stalls adjacent to lot 20, which is the closest to <br /> residences at 1389 and 1390 Arden Vicw Drive. As pointed out on page 12, the lighting <br />. proposed along the south boundary of the development is in excess of requirements for <br /> adjoining residential property. <br /> Comments on sections of the memorandum other than the l7 specific conditions: <br /> 1) Access. <br /> As pointed out in the Plan Review Comments under item "0" on page 13, and <br /> notwithstanding the cquivoeal approval implied in the traffic study, access to the <br /> development from Hamline Avenue will be problematic and will lpontribute to <br /> congestion already existing as times south of Highway 96 at the Arden View Drive <br /> entrance. We direct the attention of Planning Commission members to the <br /> recommendation on page I5 of Attachment 4b-3, the Traffic Impact Report, to <br /> "Construct larger than required radius (50 foot radius if feasible) on the northwest and <br /> southwest comers of the Hamline A venue/Karth Lake Circle/Site Access intersection <br /> to improve traffic flow in and out of the site." No such radiuses are shown on the <br /> plat, and in fact, there is a very large wood utility pole right at the northwest comer. <br /> Among other things, we urge the Planning Commission to require the iplat to show <br /> such radiuses and that they be constructed. , <br /> ! <br /> 2) Landscape lot area. <br /> In our May 24 comments under "Drainage," we questioned the applicaPt's claim of <br /> "40.3% open space" and requested professional confirmation. As indicated in item <br />. 4A on page 13, staff has calculatcd the landscape lot area to be closer tq 33%, about <br /> 5,000 square feet below NB zoning requirements of 35% in view of the latter's <br /> exclusion of areas less than 10 feet in width or less than 500 square' feet in area. <br /> Replacement of I5 parking spaces in three areas selected by staff but not specifically <br /> identified would increase landscape lot area to at least 35%, still well below the <br />