12-03-25 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 3, 2025 10 areas of concern instead of pursuing a noise wall. He reported he was an architect and he believed there were successful measures that could be taken that do not include a sound wall. Bob Christiansen, 1234 Winridge Drive, thanked the Commission for allowing the neighbors to speak. He stated Boston Scientific has been saying things like “goodwill gesture” and “good faith”. He reported he was being woken from a dead sleep by slamming garbage bins. He supported Boston Scientific looking into the timing of deliveries versus a sound wall. He indicated he did not want to see the sound wall in his backyard. Chair Collins closed the meeting for public comment. Chair Collins referred to Attachment F and explained he was the opinion the methods for gathering data may not have been met because the data was collected at the trail and not at the property line. He indicated the City does not have a clear understanding of if there was a point in time when sound was higher or if the noise levels were sustained. He wanted to better understand if the applicant was complying with current noise standards or not before this application was considered. Commissioner Lindau stated he believed Boston Scientific has done an outstanding job trying to address the noise concerns and he understood the wall would be a significant investment. He was of the opinion Boston Scientific needed to better understand the problem and be specific with how the four sources of noise would be mitigated. He agreed the measurements should be taken from the proper location. He stated if the rooftop units had the silencers installed, then perhaps a wall would only be needed around the loading dock. He indicated this may be a more common sense approach to the situation and would protect the natural beauty of the trail. Commissioner Bjorklund agreed more had to be done from Boston Scientific before this project could move forward. He supported action on this item being tabled because there has been significant public comment addressing the concerns of the effectiveness of the wall, there has been significant Planning Commission input addressing the concerns of the wall and the deficiencies of the recent sound study. He stated there may not be a need for a wall if the proposed measures were taken on the roof top units and Boston Scientific followed the proper schedule for deliveries. He recommended Boston Scientific be given more time to consider what mitigation measures should be pursued in order to eliminate or reduce the scale of the proposed sound wall. Commissioner Jacobson commented Boston Scientific put together a great set of plans. She stated she was hearing from the residents and Boston Scientific that there was a noise problem that had to be solved. She supported the Commission having before and after noise levels before making a decision. She encouraged Boston Scientific to consider looking into changing he road design in order to reduce the amount of backup beeping for the neighbors. Commissioner Erler stated this was a tough case. He noted he attended the neighborhood meeting in July and explained it was obvious there was a noise problem. He appreciated the efforts Boston Scientific had come forward with but noted this solution was being rejected by the residents who were being most affected by the noise. He encouraged Boston Scientific to take into consideration the what other solutions may be more effective without being so intrusive. He stated he could support a shortened wall on the northwest corner of the building or to table action on this item to allow the applicant to further address the questions that have been raised.