CCP 04-24-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - APRIL 5, 2000 11 Elizabeth Garski, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, stated she lives directly across from the school's parking lot. She added that the new lights in the parking lot are a concern to residents along that road as they stay on until II :30 p.m. or later, and are very bright white lights. She noted that residents were not informed when the lights were installed last year. Ms. Garski stated she would prefer that the lights be changed to yellow lights, which are less harsh, and requestcd that the lighting timer problems be resolved. Ms. Garski stated that the garbage contractor formerly used by the school picked up garbage at 4:30 a.m. and made a lot of noise. She noted that the new garbage contractor does not pick up garbage that early, but requested that the applicant consider moving the garbage retention area to the back of the school to prevent such disruptions in the future. Ms. Garski stated she has noticed that the road leading around the school on the west side is not gated at night and she often sees cars there. Ms. Randall stated the road will be gated at all times. Don Techs, 1770 Lake Valentine Road, spoke on behalf of his neighbor who lives across from the parking lot, who wondered if the construction storage areas will be located directly across from their home. He added his neighbors were concerned at the noise levels and large equipment as well as the behavior of construction workers. Jim Borg, 1812 Janet Court, stated he lives near Ms. Garski, and echoed her concerns with regard to the parking lot lighting which is irritating and bright, and often left on all night. He added that in his opinion the street parking situation has gotten worse. Ms. Randall noted the City has installed signage which allows residents to park on the street but prohibits students and others. Mr. Borg stated the street parking situation is an indication that there is inadequate parking at the school, and cutting more spots as in the proposed plan does not make sense. He reiterated that parking is an issue of great concern to residents in the area. Jim Cassady, 1833 Gramsie, stated there is a great deal of pressure in the neighborhood with regard to parking, and the proposed site plan only increases the pressure on students to park on side streets. Nancy O'Malley, 1851 Gramsie, stated her backyard backs up to the sports fields. She asked whether the trees located near her property will be removed. Tom Fabick, ATS&R Architects, Inc., stated the sports fields at the south edge ofthe property will not be altered, although drainage issues will be resolved. Mr. Fabick stated iliat the architects and the School District are sensitive to the parking issue and understand that it is a very big problem for the property. He added there is no feasible area on the site for additional parking. He noted that softball and soccer are currently played off-site due to limited space, and the topography of the site makes development difficult and expensive. Mr. Fabick stated that safety concerns are being addressed by separating the bus and car traffic loops, which is a positive step. He added that some parking spaces were sacrificed to accomplish this, but additional parking will be available in the bus loop for special functions.