12-03-25 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 3, 2025 8 the neighborhood side of the wall. He stated the landscaping would then be augmented with new trees as well. Commissioner Jacobson explained she read through the proposed planting list and appreciated the wide variety of trees that would be used. Chair Collins commented it appears the sound wall would not be effective when it comes to the rooftop units for the adjacent homes. Ms. Door reported the sound wall would be effective for the ground level of the homes, but not the second level. She indicated this was the reason Boston Scientific would be adding silencers to the rooftop units. Chair Collins asked if the sound wall would address the noise coming from the louvered mechanical area and the argon tanks. Ms. Door explained the sound wall would address the noise coming from these areas. She indicated the noise from the loading dock area would also be addressed. Chair Collins appreciated the fact that the noise from three of the four problem areas would be addressed by the sound wall. He inquired what the decibel level reduction would be after the noise wall was in place. Ms. Door stated there was a range pending which location on the wall someone was at. Mr. Baxter reported the noise near the loading dock would be reduced 7 to 20 decibels. He indicated the rooftop units would be reduced 4 to 11 decibels. Chair Collins inquired if Boston Scientific would be making any other changes to the campus that would be increasing noises. Ms. Door commented there are two future items, one being a chiller that would be placed on the roof in 2026. She noted this piece of equipment would be screened on the roof. She explained other HVAC units would be removed which would help with sound mitigation. Chair Collins opened the meeting for public comment. Brian Mills, 1280 Winridge, explained he has lived in his home since 2009. He stated he moved eight houses up the street seven years ago in order to remain in this neighborhood. He encouraged the Commission to read his letter and to walk the beautiful path in his neighborhood in order to truly understand what he was living 24/7/365. He appreciated that some improvements have been made, but noted there was still a problem that engaged residents cannot solve. He stated he needed help from the City in order to hold Boston Scientific accountable for the impacts they are having on the residents each and every day. He indicated his quality of life has been greatly impacted by Boston Scientific and he wanted the City to hold Boston Scientific accountable. He recommended the trash bins be placed in a structure. He asked that a noise study be done on the rooftop units with and without the silencers to show the improvements. He urged the City not to push the sound wall through until these other improvements have been considered. He explained he was not a sound expert, but noted he had read through the entire packet of information prior to this meeting. He reported after speaking with Laura Dickerson at