CCP 09-11-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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-. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL -AUGUST 28, 2006 15 Ben Stevens, Rice Street, Shoreview, stated he understood nothing has changed hands yet. He indicated he was pro development and he liked to see development with jobs being created. He stated when someone owned property and it was zoned appropriately, they can do what they want with their property. Hc stated Rice Creek Watershed had not said yes to this development. He expressed concern the daycare would need to purchase a large sump pump. He stated all of the comments regarding traffic were right. He expressed concern about the added dangers of people trying to exit and enter the daycare center. He stated when TCAAP came in that would really add to the problems. He stated the residents needed the 6.38 acres as a buffer from Highway 96 and the arsenal. He asked what was wrong with leaving 6.38 acres as open space when they had all of the TCAAP property they can develop. He stated if the Council did not listen to its residents, the residents would make their decisions at the polls. Mike Black, Royal Oaks Realty, stated they have been working with the City for almost three years and they were really trying to work with the residents. He stated one message that has been sent was that the citizens had to participate in the Planning Commission, the Comprehensive Plan, etc. because that was what the developers relied on. He stated they attempted to work within the zoning standards set by the City and they were not exceeding the zoning standards with this proposal. He stated according to the zoning guidelines, this development fit into the City's plan. He believed this was an appropriate use for the property. He stated if anything had gone wrong, thc citizens should have been working with the City on the Comprehensive Plan and zoning standards a long time ago. He stated if the zoning would not allow this type of a development, they would not be here tonight. He stated they had substantially increased their offer for the property based on the appraisal. He acknowledged these decisions were not easy. He stated they had no issues with revising the landscaping plans as requested. He stated they were willing to put in additional green space in the parking areas. He stated the issue of lighting was not an issue and they would work with staff on this. He stated they would look at the downspouts and drainage and work with staff on this also. Mayor Aplikowski asked if they could add a signal at Keithson or North Heights Church. She asked if this would make any difference. Mr. Soler stated obviously putting in a traffic signal at Keithson and 96 would make it easier to access Keithson and it would make U-turns easier, but traffic signals were not without problems. He noted traffic signals increased rear end accidents. He stated they had to weigh the benefits and negatives of adding signals at these points. Councilmember Larson stated he agreed the visibility off of Keithson was not good. He asked if the need warrants a no U-turn sign at that location. Mr. Soler stated if they find a location where a lot of U-turns were being made and there was a site problem, a "No U-turn" signs could be added. He stated right now they were not seeing any issues with U-turns at this location. Council member Grant inquired about another access point on Highway 96. Mr. Soler responded he would prefer only one access, but they could work with two accesses with appropriate signage and separation of traffic. Councilmember Larson left the meeting at 9:39 p.m. and returned at 9:40 p.m.