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residential neighborhood; preference to make sure this remained a one story, and prohibited a second story in the future that would be entirely out of character for the neighborhood; and ensuring pedestrian access currently provided by the private parking lot. Ms. EI- Afandi provided comment from her husband (Bill Kinnunen, 1870 Alta Vista) who was unable to attend tonight, but requested that should rezoning be granted, it be with a caveat that the assisted living facility actually built, and if not, rezoning wouldn't happen. Commissioner Doherty questioned, if to provide an access on Larpenteur, a two -story building was indicated, if she would support a two -story building. Ms. EI- Afandi replied in the affirmative; echoed by Mr. Radovich. Warren Olson, 650 Larpenteur Avenue W (St. Paul, MN) Mr. Olson opined that parking was an issue; and that signage needed to be addressed off Alta Vista. Mr. Olson noted the number of people using the bus at that site; and the need for a sidewalk. Mr. Olson further opined that the proposed parking space wouldn't handle staffing for the facility, and visitor parking even on weekdays. Mr. Olson, while admitting that the company sounded like a good firm and their proposed facility a good one, assured Commissioners that he would be doing additional research on this company and their other facilities; concluding by opining that this would be a dramatic impact on the neighborhood. Gene Anderson Mr. Anderson concurred with supporting a two -story building as a trade -off for additional parking. David Ficek Mr. Ficek noted that, pending completion of negotiations, Comforts of Home may or may not be the ultimate operator; and recognized the genuine concerns of the neighbors and expressed his willingness to work with them and staff in concert on signage or blocking access; whatever solution was evident. Mr. Ficek clarified again that this was not a nursing home, but an independent assisted living, with limited staffing requirements. Mr. Ficek also noted this willingness to work with the neighbors and accommodate pedestrians with an applicable portion of sidewalk. With no one else appearing to speak, Chair Bakeman closed the Public Hearing. Mr. Paschke advised the Planning Commission that conditions couldn't be placed on rezoning of the property; and that other City Code requirements would address parking setbacks, but that more parking or height limitations could not be required. Mr. Paschke noted that currently under the B -2 zoning designation a three -story building could be constructed on the premises without formal City approval. He further advised, that the majority of issues /concerns raised by Commissioners and the public are site related and not zoning or rezoning related. He informed the Commission and public that staff had been aware of neighborhood concerns and that further departmental consideration would be made during the site plan review process (assuming the rezoning is approved). Mr. Paschke clarified that without a unique proposal that seeks multiple deviations from City Code standards, the Planning Division didn't have the luxury of requiring a PUD; and staff had previously determined that this site plan didn't lend itself to the PUD process, since there was only one (1) variance required for the setback of a parking lot that was currently located in the right -of -way. Mr. Paschke further noted that the curb cut and access issues would be taken into consideration during the formal administratively reviewed and approved site plan process, but that such items are not applicable for a rezoning request. The City Planner further indicated that staff's goal is to seek resolution with the developer to make the project work, while addressing the concerns expressed by the public, Planning Commission and City Council. Discussion included parking space ratios based on site use; and self - regulation of parking for various uses and sites. Commissioner Doherty noted that he was always nervous with rezoning issues; while opining that the proposed assisted living use on this site seemed to be an appropriate use, he questioned whether rezoning could create an unintended consequence. Commissioner Doherty spoke in support of requiring a sidewalk north on Dale Street to accommodate the bus stop; recognize the access and safety concerns of residents; his support of an access on Larpenteur; and would support a two -story building to allow more flexibility on the site, and to meet the developer /owner needs, as well as those of the neighborhood and City. Commissioner Doherty shared neighborhood skepticism regarding the ratio of employees to Page 3 of 5