CCP 09-30-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ uwt C2 (! (! WfJ r q /~/{)"2- . 1 September 2002 To whom it may concern, We are writing you concerning the new Neighborhood Business (NB) zoning that was passed by the City Council last year. Fourteen properties have been rezoned with this new classification. Over the past several years, these properties have been undeveloped because of the strict zoning guidelines and the size and location of the property to neighborhoods. The City developed the new Neighborhood Business zoning so that these properties could be developed. So fur there's only been one approved development under this new NB District zoning. This development will set the precedence for others with this zoning. What the City Council lets this developer get away with will affect many homeowners and neighborhoods in Arden Hills. The property is located on the comer of CleveJand and County Road D. The adjacent neighbors are not happy with the landscaping and size of the building approved by the City Council. It clearly states in the Zoning Ordinances in more than one area that major consideration must be given for the following: . 1. Limitations on the type, size and intensity of uses within this district, given its proximity to residential uses. 2. To ensure adequate buffering is used to screen and visually separate: business sites from residential uses; business sites from public streets; and one site from another. 3. Buffer yards 30 feet in width shall be provided adjacent to all residential uses. The buffer yard shall be landscaped with a combination of evergreen trees (six-foot high minimum) and deciduous trees (three-inch caliper minimum) such that the use is effectively screened from the adjacent residences. The buffer yard landscaping shall not be included into the minimum landscaping calculation (Section A, 5, a). In the final building plans, the City Council approved a variance to the 30 foot buffer yard on the north and to the east. To the north, the buffi:r yard will be 14-112 feet to allow for the parking lot. To the east, they are allowing a turf block driveway access to the basement within the 30 foot buffi:r yard. The reason why they had to allow a variance for the buffer yard to the north was to accommodate the required parking for the size of the building. In other words, the large size ofthe building requires special variances in order to accommodate the parking. . Another issue that has just arisen is that the developer, Mr. Nelson, is now proposing an amendment to his original plans. The new proposal will change the building from the approved story and a haIfto two stories (oversized for property). It will increase the square footage by 1300 square feet. The outward appearance of the building has changed to reflect a more commercial appearance ( unattractive), and decks will be added to all comers ofthe upper level (privacy). New street parking is also proposed along