04-08-2026 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – February 4, 2026 13 Mr. Gardner indicated a large portion of the building was set up as storage that he would not be using. He commented 9,500 square feet of the space would be used for retail space. He noted his 6,000 square foot slot track would not be making the move to his new facility. Commissioner Jacobson stated this would be a great tenant and business for the community. She looked forward to the proposed improvements for this building and supported this Planning Case moving forward. Commissioner Lindau indicated he supported this Planning Case moving forward as well. Commissioner Burlingame questioned if a traffic study should be completed for this Planning Case. He stated overall this would be a net improvement for the property. Senior Planner Fransen explained the Planning Commission could make a recommendation to waive the traffic study requirement. Chair Collins moved and Commissioner Lindau seconded a motion to recommend approval of Planning Case 25-016 for a Site Plan Review and Variance to establish a retail sales use at 3628 Connelly Avenue based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans, as amended by the conditions in the February 4, 2026, report to the Planning Commission adding Condition 11 to read: The Planning Commission recommends waiving the traffic study. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS Community Development Director Reilly reported Boston Scientific submitted a request in writing to suspend the application indefinitely. Subsequently city staff has learned that the firm intends to withdraw the application for the noise wall. He noted that Boston Scientific stated an intent to remove cottonwood trees sometime this year. City staff awaits further information from Boston Scientific. REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Councilmember Weber provided the Commission with an update from the City Council. He stated the Council has been discussing affordable housing and noted the Planning Commission would be seeing something soon. He discussed the recent items that had been addressed by the Council noting immigration enforcement was discussed. He thanked the public for all of their comments. He reported the Council would consider resolutions or ordinances at their next meeting in order to do what the City could in these difficult times. He commented on the JDA meeting, which was held on Monday, February 2. He stated the County has brought forward the idea of changing the trail widths and distances between lighting fixtures on both sides of the spine road. He indicated an amendment to the TRC would be required for the trail width and lighting spacing. He reported the JDA has asked the County to consider how to move the Rice Creek Commons project forward without a lead developer.