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<br />I--., <br />11.. <br />~ <br />Q <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION - NOVEMBER 5, 2008 <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />fortunate enough to attract an interim use with Northwestern College. Went through the <br />Commission and the City Council and have been successful in renovating and bringing <br />some vibrancy to the building. <br /> <br />Mr. Davidson stated that he and his partner have some concerns with the proposed <br />Ordinance changes: <br /> <br />Changing the hotel use from a permitted use to the conditional use. <br />Density restrictions as they relate to multi family housing <br />Zoning change from a permitted use to a conditional use. They not sure what we <br />will do with the property. In a couple years or before, we will be figuring what <br />will be the best use of the property. Mr. Davidson stated that he is heavily <br />invested in this community, and he and his partner want to have high-quality <br />property. The challenge they have is that they have a piece of land that has a use <br />as a hotel, and the Ordinance puts certain requirements on it because of that. He <br />is very concerned about the change from a permitted use to a conditional use. He <br />stated that they are committed to doing a top-notch job, but they do not know <br />what the market will allow them to do. <br /> <br />Chair Larson replied that the stated Objectives are meant to be flexible, and the City is <br />willing to accommodate. He added that this is not a rigid, strictly-enforced document. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued. <br /> <br />Mr. Stu Knowlan, Mr. Davidson's partner, stated that he has been a developer over 40 <br />years. He stated a concern about the statement, "Hotels/motels shall conform to the <br />following: restaurants, ..." He stated that the word "shall" does not sound flexible. <br /> <br />Chair Larson replied that it may be possible to change the wording to make it more <br />flexible. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that the wording does say "shall;" <br />however, a variance can be requested. <br /> <br />Chair Larson recommended that this be discussed, at another time, with Community <br />Development Director Lehnhoff. <br /> <br />Mr. Knowlan stated that he wants to go on the record as saying that this concerns him. <br /> <br />Mr. Knowlan stated that another concern was the fact that 5 story buildings will not be <br />allowed. He stated that, according to the height limit of 50 feet, they should be allowed. <br /> <br />The last concern Mr. Knowlan talked about was described as high density. He said that <br />20 units per acre is medium density. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that these guidelines are just a starting <br />point for us, but they have come from experts and have been reviewed by Staff. <br />