7A, Arden Hall Planned Unit Development & Zoning Code Amendment

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Chair Larson .asked in the setbacks for Lot 1 would be in conformance with the City's Zoning Code. He expressed concerns with the access to Lot 2. There could potentially be a user for this lot that would generate more traffic than the proposed access could accommodate. He asked if this had been taken into consideration. City Planner Beekman stated the setbacks for Lot 1 would be in conformance with the City's Zoning Code. She stated the access for Lot 2 had been looked at closely. The County does not want additional curb cuts along County Road E or Lexington Avenue. The two lots sharing an access point was part of the Guiding Plan for this area. She also explained as part of the development of Lot 2 the developer would be required to have a traffic study done that would review the access points and traffic impacts. The development of Lot 2 would increase traffic in this area and traffic studies have indicated that a full build out would need a traffic signal. Commissioner Holewa asked what the Fire Department would like for curb cuts. City Planner Beekman explained the Fire Department would like to have better access to Lot 2 but the existing curb cuts are functional. Commissioner Holewa asked for clarification regarding the improvements reference by condition 21. City Planner Beekman stated these improvements included the installation of the storm water pond and infiltration basin, the parking lot islands, curbs, and gutters, and the planting of trees along the street and the installation of the sidewalk. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m. Chair Larson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Mr. Doug Schroeder, Chief Financial Officer, Northwestern College, stated in the foreseeable future Northwestern College will not be contemplating construction of a new housing facility due to economic considerations and the amount of debt to be taken on at this time is too great given the remodeling and expansion that has already taken place. The better option for the College at this time would be to continue to lease the property currently referred to as Arden Hall. As a condition of the Interim Use Permit the College runs a shuttle service from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This helps to reduce the number of cars traveling in the area. Northwestern also has a permit process for cars parked in this location and it is monitored to ensure only those vehicles authorized to be there are there. This is something that the College would continue to monitor. Commissioner Holewa asked how many students were enrolled at the College and how many of these students were located at Arden Hall. He also asked if Mr. Schroeder had any concerns about the lack of green space at the Arden Hall location.