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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-29-12-Special WS ,.It �-A EN HILLS Approved: December 10, 2012 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING OCTOBER 29,2012 5:15 PM—ARDEN HILLS COMMUNITY ROOM CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the Special City Council Work Session meeting at 5:23 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden (arrived at 5:3 5 p.m.), Fran Holmes,Nick Tamble, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher; City Planner Meagan Beekman; and Deputy City Clerk Amy Died 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. 1201 County Road E Concept PUD Discussion City Planner Beekman stated that TAT Properties is requesting a concept review of a possible Planned Unit Development (PUD) at 1201 County Road E, which is the former Holiday Inn property. The applicant is proposing to repurpose the property as a mixed use complex with 75 units of multi-family housing and approximately 25,000 square feet of retail space. City Planner Beekman indicated that the applicants have submitted a letter describing their proposed use, as well as sketches of potential exterior building modifications. The proposed 75- unit apartment complex would range in size from efficiency units up to 3-4 bedroom units. She noted that the application also includes plans for a fitness area, lounge, theater room, gaming room, and indoor bicycle storage. Retail space fronting County Road E is also part of the plan, but a subdivision of the property is not being sought at this time. City Planner Beekman stated that staff suggested recommendations to the developer in regard to items that should be included with an application. She noted that staff would like Council discussion and direction in terms of the application recommendations. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 29, 2012 2 Rob Davidson, TAT Properties, stated that he has attempted to address the issues and concerns that have been brought up over the last few months in regard to his PUD application. He noted that the original application included 155 units, and that number has been reduced to 75. He has proposed extensive exterior modifications to the west side of the building, which is the main entrance of the former hotel. He stated that this product mix should be well-received by college students. Stu Nolan, TAT Properties, noted that they have listened to the feedback provided by the City regarding their application and he feels they have found compromises that will satisfy the City's concerns. He stated that the proposed additional requirements need to be discussed. Mr. Davidson stated that there are concerns about the recommendations provided by staff. The major concern is the proposal to relocate the drive lane, which would eliminate a left-in and left- out at that access point. Relocating the drive lane would reduce the marketability of the property, and he asked if that recommendation could be eliminated. City Planner Beekman stated that the City would like to see a traffic analysis done to determine if there are any traffic circulation issues. Although a subdivision of the property is not being requested at this time, it is likely that one will be requested in the future. She noted that an analysis will provide more information, and will answer the question of whether the benefits of relocating the drive lane outweigh the negatives. Mr. Nolan noted that moving the drive lane east would move it closer to the busier intersection. Discussion ensued regarding the traffic flow in the area. City Planner Beekman noted that Bolton& Menk are in Phase I of the B2 District Plan. As part of that process, left-turn issues as well as the number of access points on County Road E and Lexington Avenue, are being identified and evaluated. She indicated that the County would like to minimize access points wherever possible. She stated that the former Carroll's Furniture property, which has two access points, will likely be redeveloped, and this is an opportunity to consolidate the three currently used access points into one. Mr. Nolan stated that the traffic analysis would have to be done quickly if this project is going to commence before the end of the year. Discussion continued regarding the proposed layouts of the units within the building. Councilmember Holden expressed concerns regarding the size of the four bedroom apartments and asked that the Council reevaluate this part of the ordinance at a future work session. Mayor Grant questioned how many tenants were expected in this development. Mr. Davidson stated that approximately 200 tenants are anticipated. Mr. Nolan noted that they plan to start marketing during the winter and will hopefully receive feedback that will give them a good sense for the most popular units. ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 29, 2012 3 City Administrator Klaers asked about the possibility of free standing garages and Councilmember Holden commented on the possibility of adding car ports. Discussion continued regarding the types and number of parking spaces. Mayor Grant stated that he has not heard any major objections to the topics discussed tonight, so that is positive. Councilmember Holmes stated that a lot of variances are being requested, and it is understood that it is an older building, which presents challenges in terms of remodeling. It was also recognized that the developer may need to make some concessions in terms of the proposed road on the west side of the property. Councilmember Werner noted that there is no `phasing-in' with this proposal, which was a concern with the original plan. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the City Council Work Session meeting at 6:55 p.m. Patrick Klaers David Grant City Administrator Mayor CANNED ,,-S EN HILLS Request for Special Council Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Council Members. Reason for meeting: Special Work Session for 1201 County Road E Concept PUD Discussion Requested Date: 10/29/12 Requested time: 5:15 PM Open meeting X Closed meeting Signa7]vf perso n(s) m king request: �,r�'/ Mayor or Council Member Date Council Member Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received: 16/ �� / I-)- Date meeting to be held: 10/29/12 Time of meeting: 5:15 PM Location: Council Chambers City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. Signature of Dep ty Clerk Date City of Arden Hills 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills,MN * 55112-5743 Phone 651.792.7800 * Fax 651.634.5137 www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us