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

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNlNG COMMISSION - SEPTEMBER 5, 2007 8 PLANNING CASE # 07-018 - MASTER PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, FINAL PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR PHASE 1, PRELIMINARY PLAT, AND FINAL PLAT; ARDEN PLAZA LLC; 3527 LEXINGTON AVENUE N, Mr. Lehnhoff reported that the applicant submitted a review of the Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development of Phase I, Preliminary Plat, and Final Plat of the Arden Plaza redevelopment proposal. He then provided background information and said that there will be no action at this meeting. He stated there will be no decision made prior to October 3, but it could be made after that. Denny Trooien, Arden Plaza LLC co-owner, introduced Steve Wellington as co-owner and Gonzalo Villares as the architect. He stated he would like to update the information on the traffic, responses to City staff recommended conditions, and potential site plan changes. He stated he has not received a new report regarding the traffic. He stated the County requested that they apply a 1.5% growth factor. He stated that one of the mitigation factors was an increase in the length of the right lane exit to ease congestion in the left lane. He stated it was requested to look at the conditions of the intersections of Lexington and County Road E, the weaving of the traffic, basic traffic safety, the queuing for the drive-thru, and the parking layout. He stated that they are in agreement with all of the staff recommendations. He stated that they have worked with the Rice Creek Watershed District to gather the water run-off. Mr. Trooien demonstrated the location of the sidewalk. He stated the screening for the dumpsters will be made out of the same brick as the rest of the building. He stated there was a request to soften the appearance of the various sides of the buildings. He stated Walgreens has added additional windows, painted doors and trash enclosures, and the signs have been reduced in size and some eliminated. Commissioner Holewa inquired about the location of the monument sign. Mr. Trooien demonstrated the location on the comer of Lexington and County Road E. He noted the effort for Walgreens to match the existing retail center. He stated they have been in discussion with Frattallone's about potential site plan changes for a garden center. He stated that they have tried to illustrate a more generic pad in the east central area and the proposal illustrates a way to allow for various potential businesses. He stated that there has been concern about the existing pharmacy and stated that they have spoken with them and they entered a lease agreement that provides for a lease termination of his lease. He stated that some of the existing tenants would like to see Walgreens come in. Chair Sand opened the floor to Commission questions. Commissioner Thompson inquired if Walgreens will be at the same elevation as the entrance or the existing buildings. Mr. Trooien stated that the intent is to slightly raise the ground elevation for the building. Mr. Villares stated the Walgreens pad is proposed to be 2 feet higher than the existing pads. He stated the roof ofWalgreens wouldn't be seen from the intersection.