CCP 02-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. submitted a memorandum to the Planning Commission (Exhibit E), addressing his concerns regarding the proposal as it relates to community gateways in the City. Traffic Study. The applicant hired URS/BRW to complete a traffic study for the impacts of the proposed Walgreens on the Lexington Avenue/County Road E area. The study (Exhibit F) illustrates that the proposed changes to County Road E will actually improve the intersection and traffic flow, even with the addition of a Walgreens store at this location. Sign age. The Sign Ordinance permits one freestanding sign and one wall mounted business sign per frontage on a public street. The proposed freestanding sign meets the Sign Ordinance requirements whereas the wall mounted signs must be adjusted to not be higher than 16 feet in height at the top ofthe sign. Significant discussion took place around a gateway sign for the City at this location. . Gateway Designated Areas The November 1998 Comprehensive Plan update identifies "Community Gateways" in Figure 7.1, Road Classifications (Exhibit E 1/4). This map, as adopted, does not match the identified "Community Gateways" in the 1985 Parkway System Feasibility Study (Exhibit E 2/4). The Parkway System Feasibility Study amended the 1980 Comprehensive Plan (Exhibit E3/4) which was completely redone in the 1998 update. The Comprehensive Plan, as updated, does not identifY the comer of Lexington Avenue and County Road E as a "Community Gateway". The Planning Commission has directed staff to amend the Comprehensive Plan through the proper procedures to correct the map. Although this property is not formally designated as a "Community Gateway" by the last adopted plan, the applicant has attempted to incorporate the landscaping ideas from the Parkway System plan into their plans (Exhibit E 4/4). The only information provided on "Community Gateways" in the 1998 Comprehensive Plan is as follows: "The intent is that special attention be paid to enhancing intersections where there is an entrance to the community. Special attention may include street and curb realignments, signage, burying overhead utility lines, berming and landscaping. Design parameters need to be developed to help define each intersection." This language is vague and provides little direction for potential applicants. rfthe City wishes to have specific design guidelines for "Community Gateways", they should be developed and adopted into the City's Zoning Ordinance as a separate district or overlay district. Additionally, the properties identified as "Community Gateways" are not City owned parcels. If the City intends to have entrance signs on any of these properties in the future or have special landscaping, the City would have to purchase land, replat as substandard lots for a sign or obtain a permanent easement from the private property owner, if willing. . Deadline for Al!encv Actions The City of Arden Hills received a complete application for this request on December 6, 2000, Pursuant to Minnesota State Statute, the City must act on this request by February 4,2001 (60 days), unless the City provides the petitioner with written reasons for an additional 60-day 3