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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION—JULY 265 2010 2 <br /> E a long-term use. He indicated the worksession is intended to help inform the applicant, as they <br /> move forward, in determining how and when they may want to put together an application. Mr. <br /> Lehnhoff stated the purpose of the meeting was to get any questions or concerns on the table but <br /> no decisions are made tonight and the conversation is non-binding. <br /> Community Development ment Director Lehnhoff stated that the interim use permit (IUP) for <br /> Northwestern Holiday College to use the former Inn for Arden Hall was approved in May 2008. <br /> Y <br /> The IUP is subject to a three year limitation and is set to expire at the end of May 2011. The <br /> � y <br /> original idea was that after Northwestern College was done using the property, it would be <br /> redeveloped into some other use which was not defined at that time. He explained that the <br /> applicants are proposing to subdivide the property to retain the eastern portion for future <br /> pp p p g <br /> redevelopment. Northwestern College would purchase the former Holiday Inn to use Arden Hall <br /> p as a longer term use under an interim use permit. The process for the proposal would involve a <br /> zoning code amendment, a PUD, and a plat. Mr. Lehnhoff indicated that if the property were to <br /> be purchased b Northwestern College it would make the property tax exempt since they are a tax <br /> p y g <br /> exempt entity. He stated that the City would want to negotiate for payment for City services. He <br /> ty y <br /> stated that the 2010 tax statement lists approximately $90,000 in taxes and of that approximately <br /> $7,500 was the Citys portion.ortion. He stated that other items that would need to be addressed include <br /> the aesthetics of the how the subdivided lot would be accessed, and improvements to the <br /> property, <br /> elevator and sprinkling system. <br /> Rob Davidson, TAT Properties, stated that everyone is delighted with the way Arden Hall has <br /> operated and in general the community has embraced the use both from an employment <br /> p g ty <br /> and for providing services to the students. He indicated that now, however, long-term <br /> perspective p g <br /> investment is p required in a sprinkling system, elevator upgrades, and interior and exterior <br /> q g y <br /> upgrades and with that long-term investment they need long-term commitment. He indicated that <br /> pg g <br /> another major factor that has made the sale of Arden Hall to Northwestern College an attractive <br /> option is the recession that has impacted both the private side and the college side. He stated the <br /> p sale to Northwestern College would permit long-term investment and would correlate with many <br /> of the goals and objectives of the Guiding Plan for the B2 District. <br /> Doug Schroeder, Northwestern College, indicated that because enrollment has not been <br /> increasing, financing a new on-campus residence hall would be difficult. Arden Hall provides <br /> g p <br /> housing approximately to a roximatel 170 students, and they would need to find alternative housing for them <br /> if Arden Hall could not be used. <br /> Matt Hill Northwestern College, indicated that students like living at Arden Hall because it is <br /> located by many services and amenities. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if they were considering keeping the bus as the circulator. Mr. <br /> Schroeder indicated the would. She then questioned if there would be an easement from the two <br /> y <br /> acres that Mr. Davidson wants to keep to allow access to the property. Mr. Davidson indicated <br /> that there would need to be some accommodation to have access to that and hopes they can <br /> collectively reach an agreement. <br /> Mr. Schroeder indicated there is no p <br /> plan to spend money to remodel the kitchen and the eatery <br /> p <br /> will stayas is. The currently have 316 beds with a maximum of 350 and they do not see that <br /> y y <br />