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<br />ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - AUGUST 1, 2007
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<br />Chair Sand asked whether elevations will be maintained or increased above the buildings
<br />that sit below street level. Mr. Lehnhoff responded that the building elevations will be
<br />similar to the existing building elevations. Commissioner Modesette requested that the
<br />applicant speak, in the future, to the question about planned retaining walls.
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<br />Chair Sand opened the informational public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
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<br />Mr. Lehnhoff respectfully pointed out that several emails from area residents had been
<br />received, copied, and left at the dais for each Commissioner for review: Elam Noor,
<br />Keller Willams Premier Realty, 4 Pine Tree Drive, Arden Hills, in support; Rachel Cain,
<br />Shoreview resident, in opposition; Mary Hagerman, Shoreview resident, in opposition;
<br />Michael Owen, 1428 Arden Oaks Court, in opposition; Elaine McGillivray, 1270 Nursery
<br />Hill Court, in opposition; Steve and Marcia Schultz, 1127 Amble Drive, in opposition;
<br />Mary Lou and Roger Klinkhannner, 1015 island Lake Avenue, in opposition; and Lyle
<br />Steinfeld, 4430 Arden View Court, in opposition. In addition, Mr. Lehnhoffreported that
<br />he had received a phone call from resident David Parizo expressing opposition.
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<br />Dennis Trooien of Dennis Properties, representing the applicant and owner of Arden
<br />Plaza, LLC, Steve Wellington, introduced his team, provided some clarification regarding
<br />the Frattalone tenancy, and reported that elevation for the proj ect would be very similar
<br />in terms of height, some work would be done to facilitate drainage, and a traffic
<br />consultant would address Commission concerns.
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<br />Steve Wellington, president of Wellington Management and co-owner, expressed
<br />appreciation to the Commission and staff and said he wished to be respectful of affected
<br />existing businesses, such as Ace Hardware, and not damage their success and to publicly
<br />apologize for less attention paid to building 3. He said there are current discussions with
<br />businesses such as TCF, Mr. Movies, etc., and a balanced business mix is important for a
<br />vibrant center. Mr. Wellington stated that there has been no commitment to a grocery
<br />store and, acknowledging Commissioner Larson's stated concern, parking will be status
<br />quo and driven by tenant mix.
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<br />Chair Sand asked about tenant displacement necessitated by the proposal, and
<br />Mr. Wellington responded that termination agreements are incorporated in leases and
<br />parties will work to address issues, noting that owners are responsible for a resolution and
<br />not Arden Hills.
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<br />Commissioner Zimmerman stated his desire for tenants to remain in Arden Hills and not
<br />be displaced, and Mr. Wellington responded that it couldn't be controlled but effort
<br />would be made to retain them within the community. Commissioner Zimmerman said it
<br />would make sense for tenants doing well in the location to look at building 3, rather than
<br />moving. Mr. Wellington stated that the Pediatric Group appears to be a good tenant to
<br />retain if possible, noting that market conditions might push several tenants out of the
<br />area. Commissioner Zimmerman commented that it appears there is impetus to jumpstart
<br />the depreciation factor, and Mr. Wellington responded that the development performs
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