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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - MARCH 16, 2009 <br /> <br />11 <br /> <br />Pete Keely, project architect, explained that after the last Council work session, the <br />proposal was revised to address some of the concerns and suggestions raised. The <br />following items have been specifically addressed: <br />. The buildings have been located closer to County Road E by over thirty feet. <br />. Parking between the buildings and County Road E has been removed. <br />. Traffic circulation throughout the site has been simplified and improved. <br />. The traffic pattern and movement will be compatible with the future <br />stoplight. <br />. The Arden Hills city sign has been incorporated into the corner of the site. <br />. Pedestrian movement has been improved. <br />. The 'Gathering Area' has been integrated with the buildings to create a <br />'Main Street' character and a strong definition of the public edge. This is <br />intended to provide a 'Front Door' to the project. This area will be suitable <br />for outdoor eating space as well as movement. <br />. The retail area fronting this gathering area has been provided with additional <br />parking to make restaurant uses possible. <br />. The entire first three phases of the development are being shown. There is a <br />potential fourth phase development at the south end of the site not being <br />shown at this time. <br />. Additional retail has been added facing Lexington Avenue. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung commented that building four includes a loading dock <br />and he asked what is being proposed for that building. <br /> <br />Mr. Keely explained that building four is 17,000 square feet and one possible use <br />would be a grocery store, such as an Aldi' s. He further explained building two is <br />planned for a restaurant use, but this will depend upon finding tenants. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant questioned what type of use is proposed for building three. <br /> <br />Steve Wellington, one of the property owners, responded they anticipate several <br />small use businesses such as a dry cleaners or a Subway. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead commented that the proposal before the Council now is much <br />improved over the original. As now proposed, the proximity of the two new <br />buildings to County Road E is on par with the office parks to the west. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated she likes the way the four buildings pull the <br />shopping center together but the location of the Walgreen's entrance is quite a <br />