11-26-07 Item 7A, PC 07-018 3527 Lexington Ave Redevelopment

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Page 1 of 1 James Lehnhoff From: marknpenny@usfamily.net Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 5:07 PM To: James Lehnhoff Subject: Thank You (Please pass on to the rest of the Planning Commission members) Dear Mr. Lehnhoff, Chair Sand and commissioners, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all the time and thought put into planning case 3A, PC 07-018 Arden Plaza. I know this was a tough decision but I truly beiieve you are making the correct recommendation and that it is in line with the city's vision - "A strong community that values our unique environmenL". I cringed at the meeting last month when the developer stated "The trees destroy the view of the shopping mall". I love having the trees. And maybe it is just me but I think I could spot the Walgreens without the monument sign on the corner. Thank you for your stand on the signage. I grew up in Arden Hills moved away for a few years and returned to Arden Hills. I truly appreciate the uniqueness of our city. I am not against redevelopment and revitalization but am strongly against big retail chains moving in. The comment was made a couple of times regarding retail pharmacies that "This is the way the market is moving." I hope this is not the way our city is moving. You are correct that the city (and it citizens) need to do more proactive work in determining what we want in Arden Hills before we are faced with a proposal like this. The TCAAP project is a good example of the city gathering resident's input and providing options for development of an area. If it is felt that the Arden Plaza needs some revitalization then maybe the owner and the city should invite some public input and provide some options in a similar way. I have gotten away from the intent of my emall so will stop with that and say thank you again for your service. Mark Johnson Long time Arden Hills resident --- USFamily.Net - $8.2S/mo! -- Highspeed - $19.99/mo! --- 11/21/2007