CCP 11-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 29, 2001 8 , Ms. Jan Bergman, 379 1 Brighton Way, stated she spoke at the Planning Commission meeting. She noted she was in agreement with her two neighbors. She added the neighborhood would be e affected by the additional vehicle and foot traffic. She stated Bethel College would be leaving. She noted she was not in favor of the size of the proposed structure. Councilmember Rem asked about the source of the resident's traffic figures. Ms. Piotrowski responded her traffic numbers came from the County this afternoon. Mr. Filla stated the Council had several options. He noted the Council could act upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission and staff. He added the Council could request more time to review this application as long as it provides notice to the Applicant by November 14,2001. Mr. Parrish noted the application was submitted in August and the applicant waived the statutory obligation for timely review. Mr. Filla stated the City could deny the plan. He noted the city had more discretion in denying the changes in the Comprehensive Plan. He added ifthe Council did not think it an appropriate time to amend the Comprehensive Plan, it could turn it down in its discretion. He stated if the Council does not approve an amendment for the Comprehensive Plan, then none of the other approvals are legal. He noted four votes were necessary for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and a Master Plan PUD. Councilmember Larson stated he continued to have concerns about turns onto Cleveland Avenue e out of the parking lot during rush hour. He noted he could see cars stacked up on County Road E2. He added there is a planning issue as a city regarding whether or not they feel comfortable about Bethel College expanding its campus outside of the area designated on the Comprehensive Plan for Bethel College development. He stated he was not saying whether it was a good or bad thing. He noted it should be considered because of all kinds of considerations. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she could not concur with Councilmember Larson. She noted the issue was whether they wanted an apartment building on that parcel or not. She added she was personally in favor of changing the zoning on this parcel. She stated a gas station was the only thing that came across the desk on this site before. She noted the office complex never went any place. She added it made sense to change the zoning. Councilmember Rem stated she was not convinced the Council had to change the zoning at this time. She noted it had only been established as a Neighborhood Business Zone for a few years. She added that in addition to traffic concerns, she had concerns about environmental issues. She stated that if the Mayor, with his experience, had concerns about this site working, then she also had concerns. She noted traffic was still a major concern. She added that if they were considering an apartment building, she might be more inclined to see a smaller one. She would like to see it on a smaller scale. Mr. Panish stated this project was originally 60 units. He noted the applicant worked with staff A to reduce the plan to meet the allowed density (12 units per acre). He added this density was .. fairly low compared to the metropolitan level. He stated the Planning Commission grappled with