Laserfiche WebLink
<br />ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 7, 2007 <br /> <br />10 <br /> <br />He stated the design ofthe development is disappointing. He stated it is time to have a <br />vision for the downtown of Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Chair Sand closed the public hearing at 8:55 p.m. <br /> <br />Commissioner Thompson inquired about the materials on the copy board. Gonzalo <br />Villares, Pope Architects, stated it is a manual changeable board with a white <br />background. <br /> <br />Commissioner Thompson inquired how it was lit. Mr. Villares stated it was backlit. <br /> <br />Chair Sand inquired if the other monument signs are lit from below. Mr. Villares stated <br />the lights are inside of the signs for the text. <br /> <br />Commissioner Stodola stated existing trees could remain with some minor alterations. <br /> <br />Commissioner Thompson stated she appreciates the developer's willingness to address <br />some of the concerns, but the traffic is bad. She stated as consumers they will go <br />elsewhere because of the traffic. She stated the traffic flow within the site is not <br />pedestrian friendly. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa thanked the developer for making changes and accommodating <br />the changes. He thanked the residents for their comments. He stated he does not support <br />the Walgreen's monument sign and is concerned about the trees, traffic, and the train. He <br />stated he would like the Council to work with the County on the traffic issue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman stated Arden Hills needs to be proactive and not reactive. He <br />stated if the residents are concerned about the issues in the City they need to express them <br />and be involved. <br /> <br />Commissioner Modesette stated it has been a difficult proposal to review. She stated the <br />developer's changes have made improvements. She stated the lack of the postal service <br />would be missed. <br /> <br />Commissioner Larson stated it is a dilemma the City is ill prepared for, but it is proper <br />zoning for the property. He stated traffic has been a factor in every development. He <br />stated denying the application because of traffic would not allow for the re-development <br />of empty buildings. He stated County Road E does not have a downtown character and <br />there are many chain businesses. He stated he is disappointed that major developments <br />have been turned down because of traffic. <br /> <br />Chair Sand stated it is a difficult matter and the City needs to be more proactive. He <br />stated the development doesn't fit the site. He stated he is concerned about the traffic <br />issues on and off the site. He stated his concerns with the site plan include the removal of <br />the trees in relation to the footprint of the buildings. <br /> <br />DRAfl <br />