02-04-2026 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 3, 2025 4 4. Table Chair Collins opened the floor to Commissioner questions for staff. Commissioner Jacobson reported she has heard a lot about this section of trail and she had the pleasure to walk it on Monday. She explained this trail section connects Cummings Park to Floral Park. She indicated the people surrounding this area are lucky to have this amenity in the area. She asked if there were concerns regarding how the wooded area would be impacted by the proposed construction. Senior Planner Fransen stated staff had forwarded to the Commission the written comments the City received prior to this meeting. She noted there were also members of the public in attendance. Commissioner Jacobson commented it was her understanding the proposed sound wall was an expensive, good neighbor gesture from Boston Scientific to assist with mitigating noise. She inquired if neighbors have complained about noise in the past. Senior Planner Fransen reported there have been noise complaints from the neighbors. Commissioner Jacobson questioned if the concerning noises were coming from the loading dock area. Senior Planner Fransen indicated Boston Scientific does have an active loading dock with Building 14. Commissioner Jacobson stated she lived near a college that has an active loading dock and she has asked the college to address this concern and this seems to have worked. Commissioner Lindau asked if Boston Scientific currently met noise requirements within the 2021 PUD Amendment. Senior Planner Fransen reported the applicant provided a recent noise study, which was a requirement of the 2021 PUD amendment for the addition to Building 14, Boston Scientific must submit yearly noise studies. She indicated the study findings showed Boston Scientific was in compliance with the required noise levels. Commissioner Lindau stated the noise wall was not required, but rather was an act of goodwill. Senior Planner Fransen commented the applicant has stated they are aware they are meeting the City’s requirements but the noise wall would further mitigate the noise levels. Commissioner Birken questioned if noise studies were taken from adjacent properties versus at the loading dock. Senior Planner Fransen deferred this question to the applicant, but noted several noise studies have been completed by the applicant and the applicant was meeting the City’s noise standard requirements.