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

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - SEPTEMBER 5, 2007 10 Chair Sand stated he would like the green comer to be retained as much as possible. Mr. Trooien stated there are a lot of trees that block the view from the shopping center. He stated the existing tenants don't particularly care for that. Commissioner Modesette inquired if there could be a site plan that indicates where the caliper inches would be removed and where they would be added. Commissioner Larson inquired about the proposed location of the garden center. Mr. Trooien demonstrated the location of a building pad that would be removed and the potential garden center. Commissioner Larson inquired if the garden center would feature a permanent structure. Mr. Trooien stated that he thinks it would be a structure and not a hoop structure. Commissioner Holewa requested information about the number of parking spaces and stated he is in favor of the garden center. Mr. Trooien stated the parking spaces will be addressed in the report. Commissioner Holewa stated that he visited an area in Chanhassen and there is visual appeal to the non-traditional looking buildings in the center. He stated his appreciation for Mr. Trooien's work with Walgreens on the changes and requested a colored picture of the sign at the intersection. Mr. Trooien stated that Walgreens is proposing a manually changeable reader board. Mr. Villares demonstrated the change in the sign. Chair Sand stated that he inquired about the safety and visual appearance of the parallel parking. He stated that he is concerned about people walking between the cars in front of the building. He stated he would like the parking spots to be eliminated in front of the building. Chair Sand inquired about the exterior mailbox. Mr. Trooien stated that the mailbox will be accommodated. Commissioner Holewa inquired about the allowance by the fire marshal for the parking spaces. Mr. Trooien stated that he doesn't have the answers to the questions until the report is complete. Commissioner Thompson stated that the garden center will improve the building. She stated that she is also concerned about the parking. She inquired if there was more that could be done aesthetically. Commissioner Modesette inquired if the front tower elevation is one or two stories. Mr. Villares stated it is one story. Commissioner Modesette inquired if the sign is behind the window, if it is unique to this location, and if it counted in the signage calculation. Mr. Villares stated it is not unique to this location. Mr. Lehnhoff stated that it does count toward the signage calculation.