CCP 03-26-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - MARCH 7, 2001 9 . that unless a certain minimum level of development is obtained, the project cannot be financed successfullyHe explained the need for these elements to be identified so the property can be marketed, However, the final detailed plans will be reviewed and analyzed by the Planning Commission during the final Pun process, Mr, Shardlow stated the two plans presented show the range of what can happen on the property at a maximum and medium level. Commissioner Erickson noted the maximum plan identifies an eight-story building and asked about the height of the parking ramp in that plan, He also asked the height of the building and parking deck on the mid-range plan, Steve Dowdy, Pope & Associates, stated the maximum plan would have an elevated parking deck with the possibility of adding another level ifthe full eight story office building is constructed, He explained that the height of the parking deck could vary depending on the size of office building. He stated on the mid-range plan, the office buildings would be single story and the parking area a single parking deck. Commissioner Erickson asked ifthe parking ramp encroaches the setbacks on Gateway Boulevard, Mr. Dowdy stated the picture does make that appearance but when the Pinal Plan is determined, they will adjust the boundaries and follow the City's guidelines. Commissioner Pakulski asked where a bank building could be located on the plan, . John McClure, Chesapeake Companies, stated he is not sure where it would go but if they get large corporate users, they will determine the type of ancillary uses that would best fit. He stated it is not their intention to fill the project with 6,000 square foot buildings; they just want flexibility. Mr. McClure stated they are presenting these plans to identify the site constraints, wetland areas, topography, etc, However, the Pinal Plan will be driven to a great extent by the desires of the user and will probably not appear like either of these plans, Mr. McClure stated it is important to understand that this Master Plan identifies a scale of development, maximum to minimum. He stated when they talk to users, they want the ability to show the criteria and have some of the up-front entitlement work out of the way, It also shows the City embraces this project which makes the potential tenants more comfortable with moving forward, Mr. McClure stated their primary goal is to make this as attractive as possible to potential tenants and make it easy to begin construction, Commissioner Erickson questioned the rationale for setback changes at this concept stage. . Mr, Shardlow suggested a mutual desire to maximize development on this site for a high profile project He stated this is one ofthe best areas left in Arden Hills to achieve a high tax base project. He noted that 54% of the site is open space due to site constraints, Thus, it is not uncommon to relax constraints within the center of the project. Mr, Shardlow noted this is an integrated development rather than having the buildings sit on individual lots, He explained this is a Pun approach with the buildings clustered into the middle of the site. That is the rationale for considering the setback variances, However, when the Pinal Plan is completed they will make every effort to minimize the setback variances, Chair Baker closed the public hearing at 8:17 p,m,