CCP 07-26-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - JULY 7,1999 [;i: r::'- 1 C':;i '1? '0' [!j ; { ;! ,~~ {iL Ii '1... ;:,,~ !:'; Ii 11 e Mr. Ringwald concurred with Commissioner Sand and added lighting to the list of criteria. He agreed that all of these issues would be excellent reasons for red-flagging particular types of uses for either inclusion in the not permitted or special use categories. Commissioner Sand suggested also including height in this list of criteria. If a particular business, in order to be profitable, needs a certain number of square feet and there is limited lateral square feet, this would need to be adjusted by building up. There should be some limitation on the height in a neighborhood area while trying to balance this with the ability ofa business to conduct itself profitably. Mr. Ringwald suggested that the Planning Commission could end the discussion this evening with the basics, and continue with the building and site design discussions at the next meeting. Commissioner Sand stated that he had hoped to consider this issue in a more generic matter this evening, rather than getting into too much detail. He indicated that one category of site design which he felt should be included was keeping in mind that at least three of the seven sites are at Gateway corners. He proposed item number 11 under site design be: Gateway/Entrance Design, stating that for sites located at or near designated Gateway entrances, according to the Comprehensive Plan, special attention should be given to site design, landscaping, signage and lighting. Mr. Ringwald concurred. . With regard to whether any of the seven sites should be deleted, or if any should be added, Commissioner Sand stated that he did not understand the importance of the Baptist Conference Council site as a neighborhood business. This use has been in this location for a long time and has not been a concern for the neighborhood. He also questioned what to do with the Big 10 Supper Club and noted that this site may be important because of the activities at the Arsenal site. With regard to the site containing Lindey's restaurant, he felt that there should be improvements with the landscaping on the site, however, he did not know what would need to be done to further limit the site. The restaurant has also been there for a number of years and exists cohesively with the neighbors. Mr. Ringwald stated that one consideration for inclusion ofthe developed sites was what is it about them that make them work in the residential area. He added that, as the City went through the Comprehensive Plan review process, the four vacant sites were considered for the new zoning district first. The other three developed sites were added later. One thing that was taken into consideration, particularly with the Baptist Conference Council site, was not so much the use on the site now, but what could be allowed under the B-1 zoning if the current use no longer existed. Mr. Ringwald stated that one reason for having included the Old City Hall site was because it is adjacent to single family homes to the west, and townhouses to the south. Additionally, the intent is to limit the range of uses on this very large site. . Commissioner Sand stated that the Old City Hall site was interesting because, as the Arsenal develops over the next 20 years, and Highways 10 and 96 are updated, any development on this side of Highway 96 must take into consideration what will be developed across the road. It was his understanding that Hamline Avenue and Highway 96 will be a major entrance into the City. For this reason, what is done with this entrance, and the area around it, is important. Chair Erickson stated that, having read through the staff report, it appeared as though staff was heading in the right direction. He suggested that, rather than reading through the entire draft at this time, the Planning Commission could simply discuss any particular concerns they may have.