CCP 04-24-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - APRIL 5, 2000 12 John Garmon, A TS&R Architects, Inc., stated the construction staging area is plarmed for the lower parking lot and will not disrupt residents along Lake Valentine Road. He added that the . proposed site plan does not include a modification of lighting fixtures in the north parking lot which were added only last year. He noted the timers are supposed to go off at 11 :00 p.m. and attempts are being made to regulate them. Mr. Borg asked whether Lake Valentine Road will be affected, and whether construction equipment will use the road frequently. Mr. Fabick stated that the road will be affected to the extent that access to the site will be changed, and a new water main will be installed. He added that it will be necessary for the contractor to comply with City ordinance for construction and equipment. Mr. Cassady asked whether the bus terminal across the street could be used for parking. Mr. Fabick stated that the Minnesota State Department of Transportation (MNDOT) has been approached, and is very slow to respond. He added that the possibility is being pursued. Julie Wilkelius, principal of Mounds View High School, stated that alternatives for parking are being explored, including the lease of property at the bus terminal. Commissioncr Galatowitsch asked whether the triangular area next the football stadium and south ofthe existing parking lot could be developed for parking. Mr. Fabick stated that area is constantly used for a variety of sports and is needed for practice. Chair Erickson closed the public hearing at 9:54 p.m. . Chair Erickson stated the parking issue should be resolved before approval is granted. He added that all aspects of the proposal meet zoning ordinance requirements with the exception of available parking. He asked whether the parking should be approved as a variance. Ms. Randall stated the parking is an existing feature. She added that a balance must be reached between available parking and sports facilities, which is an another aspect of school function. Chair Erickson stated that the proposed lighting meets ordinance requirements, but added that residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with white lights which are glaring. He noted that the Commission could not mandate that the lights be changed to yellow lights since they meet ordinance requirements. He suggested that the architects might work with residents to arrive at an acceptable solution. Mr. Borg asked whether MNDOT might be approached with regard to relocating their facility so the school could utilize their property. Chair Erickson stated that MNDOT renegotiated their SUP 5 years ago and did not have any plans to relocate at that time. Commissioner Rye asked whether the existing parking is sufficient for evening functions held at the school facility. Ms. Randall stated that the street parking restrictions only apply during daytime hours. . Chair Erickson stated that the best solution for additional parking is the proposed utilization of the MNDOT property, although the Commission does not have the authority to mandate that as a stipulation for approval of the SUP. He added that it is the Commission's understanding that the School District intends to move forward with such a proposal in good faith.