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<br />DRAFT
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<br />ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - AUGUST 4, I999
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<br />15
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<br />If the Planning Commission makes a reeommendation on this Planning Case, it would be heard
<br />at the August 30,1999, regular meeting of the City Council.
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<br />Mr, Steve Nelson, applicant for the concept planned unit development, stated that when the
<br />coneept was designed, detailed plans were not included until it was determined where the
<br />building would be loeated on the site, The initial desigu plan had been for all parking to be on
<br />the west side of the lot, whieh would be his preferenee. The reason for the proposed layout of the
<br />building and parking areas was to meet the 50 foot front yard setback requirement of the B-2
<br />Zoning District. Mr, Nelson stated that the building design would fit the needs ofthe offiee
<br />better ifit were longer to the south and narrower, Although this would reduce some of the
<br />berming, this would eliminate the proof of parking area off County Road D, Additionally,
<br />redesigning the building in this way would move the entrance further to the east, as suggested by
<br />staff,
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<br />Mr, Nelson noted that the adjoining structures on the adjacent properties to the north were
<br />primarily garages, some ofwhieh were quite large, and were essentially the backyards of the
<br />properties. He had presented his sereening plan to these residents and had reeeived no negative
<br />comments,
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<br />Mr, Nelson stated that, once the building site is determined, it will be determined what trees on
<br />the site can be saved and which ones must be removed, He indieated that there are some large
<br />trees on the site, one of which is a large cottonwood tree, which would be removed.
<br />Additionally, there are a few large willow trees that may be saved; however, these are weak trees.
<br />The remaining trees are primarily box elder, ash and maple trees.
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<br />With regard to drainage, Mr, Nelson stated that there was a drainage ditch at the north end of the
<br />property whieh was setup to drain the site, The lot naturally drains to this area and the goal
<br />would be to drain the parking lot into this ditch and directly into the storm sewer.
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<br />In order to make the basement function for storage, Mr, Nelson stated that the aeeess ramp would
<br />be an important addition, since earrying storage boxes up and down stairs would not be
<br />functional. He indicated that a hard surface would not be used, The plan was to use landseaping
<br />rocks, which could be driven on, He noted that landscaping equipment, sueh as the lawnmower,
<br />would be stored in the lower level as well, and the ramp would provide access to this equipment.
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<br />Commissioner Sand pointed out that the aceess ramp would slope down whieh would make it
<br />less visible, Mr, Nelson agreed, He noted that consideration had been given to plaeing the ramp
<br />on the north side of the building, however, this was the area where water would drain,
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<br />Mr. Don Ristow, 2033 West County Road D, expressed concern that the proposed aceess ramp
<br />may cause loud echoing truck noise, He also stated that the properties to the north of the
<br />proposed development, referred to earlier by Mr. Nelson, have deeks and patios facing this
<br />parcel, as well as garages, He indicated that he has two small children whose bedrooms would
<br />faee the proposed strueture, He stated that he did not objeet to the construction of the building,
<br />He did, however, objeet to the removal of trees on the property, The eurrent stand of trees
<br />provides privaey and protection from the nearby highway,
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<br />Mr, Ristow presented the Planning Commission with photographs of the lot being considered for
<br />development and noted the amount of trees currently in plaee. He did not feel that these trees
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