CCP 11-29-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 3, 1999 DRAFT 13 Commissioner Sand confirmed that the new City Hall will have a designated street. Commissioner Sand was not sure how much consideration could be given to the zoning of this District, since knowing the layout of the streets would provide a better conceptualization of the downtown district. He asked if plans had been made for the layout of the streets in the District. Ms. McMonigal stated that some concepts have been considered. Ms. Randall indicated that the City Hall was currently proposed to access directly off of Highway 96 and there is a gravel road that would run along the back side, which could potentially become an improved street. Commissioner Sand asked ifthe entrance to the City Hall off of Highway 96 was proposed to be a permanent entrance. Ms. Randall stated that this was correct. Commissioner Sand stated that this would eliminate the intent for the access to the City Hall to be through the central town area. He suggested that the City provide for an eventual permanent access from Hamline Avenue for the City Hall. Chair Erickson asked what portion of the Civic Center Zoning District would be owned by Ramsey County. Ms. McMonigal indicated on the map the Ramsey County portion of the Zoning District. Ms. Randall noted that the actual boundaries of the Ramsey County property was llilcertain as a survey of the bOllildaries had not been done. Commissioner Sand noted that the area pointed out by Ms. McMonigal did not abut Hamline Avenue. It was his understanding that Hamline Avenue was to be a major entry way into this Zoning District and, if the Ramsey COllilty facility Vvill not abut Hamline Avenue, this will provide the City Vvith more flexibility on how Hamline Avenue is treated as an esthetically pleasing entry. With regard to the issue of traditional versus downtown requirements, Commissioner Galatowitsch stated that she had a difficult time visualizing how the plans for the new City Hall will incorporate with other buildings. She felt that the design for the City Hall was more modem and contemporary than would be fOllild in a traditional downtown setting. She felt that the integration of the City Hall with a downtown area should have been taken into consideration prior to designing the building. Ms. McMonigal noted that the City Hall area would be set apart somewhat from the larger area of the District. Chair Erickson stated that he was interested in pursuing the idea of a downtown type Ordinance. He suggested that building placement, and whether or not parking Vvill be allowed to the front of a building, be included in the development standards or district requirements. Not allowing parking to the front of a building would allow a building to be close enough to the street to allow for a pedestrian atmosphere. Ms. McMonigal agreed and stated that the setback must be enough to allow space to the front of the building. She suggested that a design study be made, however, she agreed that the Ordinance could require no parking between the street and the buildings. Chair Erickson noted that a 20- foot setback would eliminate the possibility of parking to the front of a building. Ms. McMonigal stated that the 20-foot setback would be a minimum requirement, therefore, it would allow, but not require no parking to the front. She reiterated that a design plan may have to be created for the downtown area in order to properly consider setback and building requirements as well as determine the location of streets and parking. Chair Erickson stated that the intent of the City was to have the Zoning District in place as soon as possible. He noted that the Ordinance can be changed and updated as needed. He indicated that he was in favor of moving forward with the downtown alternate with some exceptions. He suggested that the height limitation be changed from 45 feet to 35 feet and the lot coverage by structure ratio be changed to 40 percent.