CCP 08-30-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - AUGUST 4, 1999 DRAFT 17 e pointed out that the office building will have tenants moving in and out at different times whieh would suggest that the access ramp may be used more often than MY, Nelson had indieated. Aeting Chair Nelson closed the public hearing at 9:39 p,m" as no one else wished to address the Planning Commission, Commissioner Sand eomplimented the applicant on the proposal and noted that it has been a long time since this corner has been used, He stated that the corner is an entryway into Arden Hills and is an important entryway, which lets people know that they are entering a City that has either a good or bad entranee, He felt that the proposal would help improve the aestheties of that corner. He also felt that the proposal was for the right sort of building for the site and noted that the City has received proposals in the past for this site for many unaeeeptable uses. This proposal would provide the least intrusive noise and traffic effeet of any building that eould be developed. Commissioner Sand stated that the details of the proposal could be worked on at the final planned unit development. However, he agreed with MY, Ristow that as much vegetation on the east side should be preserved as possible, If seeurity for MY, Ristow's family was a concern, Commissioner Sand suggested that a fenee could be eonstrueted on the east side ofthe property, e Commissioner Sand stated that he was not sure what effeet moving the building closer to County Road D would have, However, he would strongly resist any reduetion in the size of the berm area on the west side of the road, The gateway concept was very important to Commissioner Sand and the more green space is reduced in this area, the more the importanee ofthe gateway is reduced, He stated that he would prefer for more landscaping be shown on the plan. With regard to the suggestion of reorienting the building, Commissioner Sand asked if the applicant was also proposing to turn the building on its axis so that the front entrance would be on County Road D rather than Cleveland Avenue. MY, Nelson stated that the entranee would remain off of Cleveland Avenue, He stated that there would be an extended portieo from the entranee to the parking lot. Commissioner Sand stated that he had seen a portico similar to the one being proposed and indicated that it looked very nice and he felt that it was a good idea, Since this proposal was for a concept planned unit development, Commissioner Rye asked what weight the City Council approval would have for the entire planned unit development proeess. Ms, Randall explained that the eoneept planned unit development approval gives the applieant an idea of what will and will not be aceeptable, It also provides the applicant an inkling of whether or not the final planned unit development will be approved, without having to go through the process of preparing all the necessary & eostly plans, Additionally, the applicant is provided with pub lie comments at an early stage so there are no surprises when the planned unit development reaches final approval, . Commissioner Rye eonfirmed that the next step in this process would be the final planned unit development. Ms, Randall stated that this was correct. She indicated that the final planned unit development would include more plans reviewed by various departments and ageneies, This is the time it will be deeided whether or not all the details of the proposal will be aeeeptable sueh as grading and landscaping,. Acting Chair Nelson asked if the final planned unit development would be reviewed within the next couple of months, Ms. Randall stated that the City Couneil would be reviewing the concept