CCP 04-26-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - APRIL 7,1999 ~~~~i 3 them with a parking lot in an area which does not fit for parking. He stated that he is a Civil Engineer and in his opinion the site is much better suited for tennis courts. There is a 10% grade up to the proposed parking lot where a 6% or less grade would be more appropriate. Mr. Paulu suggested that, if there is the potential of relocating the tennis courts to the west of the current parking lot, the parking should be expanded in this area rather than relocating the tennis courts. The College recently expanded parking across from the service drive on Snelling Avenue and he wondered when there would be enough parking. Other schools are considering deck parking and this could be another consideration. Ms. Billy Schacht, 1683 Lake Valentine Road, stated that Bethel College has developed skeptics throughout the City and this may be one reason why. There have been many controversial issues with the College in the past, such as when the College removed a number of beaver homes along Snelling Avenue, a few years ago. The College had stated that the beaver dams were blocking the water flow, which they were not. The College keeps pushing for more development and the residents of the City tend to be skeptical. Chair Erickson closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m., as no one else wished to address the Planning Conunission. Chair Erickson aSked Staff if, when the proposal had been discussed with the applicant, had other alternatives been considered for the relocation of the tennis courts. Ms. Randall suggested that the applicant address this question. Mr. Craig Hjelle, Director of Physical Planning, Bethel College, stated that other options had been considered. The preferred option would be in the location of the joint effort across Old Highway 10. The alternative location on campus, west of the existing parking lot, would not impact the vegetation. The College would prefer not to locate the parking in this area due to the view when driving by the campus. The proposed location of the parking lot would be in close proximity to, and serve, the Residents Hall. With regard to the suggestion in the letter from Mr. Nagel, to locate the tennis courts on the northeast side of the campus, Mr. Hjelle stated that this had been considered. However, most other locations on campus have hills, trees, and wetlands. Chair Erickson confirmed that the proposal would be to locate the tennis courts either in the area of the existing softball field, or across Old Highway 10. Mr. Hjelle stated that this was correct. He indicated that the current tennis courts are in terrible shape and would need substantial soil corrections. With the need for additional parking on campus, it was determined that the area would be better suited for a parking lot. Commissioner Rye asked if the applicant had considered the expansion of the western parking lot. Mr. Hjelle stated that this had been considered, however, there had been a concern for the view from the road. Conunissioner Nelson asked if locatillg the tennis courts west of the parking lot would result in the College being short one softball field. Mr. Hjelle stated that a Junior Varsity softball field is planned to be part of the joint effort across Old Highway 10.