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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL-July 27, 2009 10 <br /> Councilmember Grant stated that he is in favor of this application but would like <br /> to explain why this application meets the seven hardship criteria. The applicant's <br /> letter states specifically that the property is currently not a reasonable use for its <br /> occupant. He clarified that this is not per applicant but per use of the land. <br /> Community Development Director Lehnhoff stated that this is correct. This <br /> alone is not sufficient for hardship but the official findings are contained on page 2 <br /> of the staff report. <br /> Councilmember Grant stated Item 4 and Item 7 of the applicant's letter under the <br /> hardship criteria were essentially the same. The variance will not create a land use <br /> not permitted in this zone and the addition of the bedroom is permitted within the <br /> zone. Item 6 of the applicant's letter references economic gain and states that the <br /> purpose of the main floor bedroom and bathroom is not for economic gain but to <br /> allow the structure to reasonable comply with the physical needs of its user. He <br /> clarified that this was the situation and the Council was aware of this need. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated that one of the neighbors had expressed support for <br /> the proposed addition. She asked where this person lives in relation to the location <br /> of the proposed addition. <br /> City Planner Beekman stated that this person lives across the pond from the <br /> proposed location but she does not have the exact address. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if other neighbors had expressed any concerns. <br /> Ms. Linda Nelson, trustee for the family at 1126 Benton Way, Arden Hills, stated <br /> that the other neighbors are very supportive of the proposed addition. <br /> Councilmember Grant stated that it was a unique situation to be able to add living <br /> space in the middle of a lot and keep it aesthetically pleasing. Past Councils have <br /> supported similar types of requests in the past. <br /> Councilmember Holmes stated that she agreed with Councilmember Grant. She <br /> asked if this was a situation that was allowable because the development was a <br /> PUD. <br /> City Planner Beekman stated that this is a variance request not a PUD <br /> amendment. <br /> Councilmember McClung stated that he also supports this request. <br />