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<br />3 <br /> <br />canopy materials would match existing exterior materials, that the hedge would be new <br />with five times as many plants and that the height of the shrub would be 2 1/2 to 3 feet in <br />height to block headlights but not to create a visibility problem. <br /> <br />Chairman Wietecki questioned the distance from the driveway to the property line. He <br />pointed out that it should leave a small area for plant materials. Chairman Wietecki asked <br />what was the hardship or practical difficulty that was present to justify a variance. Mr. <br />Dunwell responded that the practical difficulties included the fact that there is no front <br />door on County Road B, the interior building layout including lack oflobby, lack of <br />proper dining area, and existing resident activity area locations and the limited expansion <br />capabilities. <br /> <br />Member Sandstrom questioned what other improvements would be involved. Mr. <br />Dunwell described the other improvements. Member Wall asked if fire trucks could pass <br />under the canopy. Mr. Dunwell responded that they could not, but that it would not be <br />required. Mr. Dunwell also pointed out that access could be provided through the hedge <br />to the sidewalk but that the Center discourages residents from going our on their own. <br /> <br />Mary Bakeman, 1178 County Road B, stated that as a pedestrian in the area, she has <br />noted problems on County Road B and that she didn't feel it was appropriate to move <br />anything closer to B. She pointed out that the proposed hedge would make conditions <br />worse. Mrs. Bakeman suggested that the dining be moved in front and an entry <br />maintained on the back. <br /> <br />Richard Verhagen, 1293 Roselawn Avenue, stated his concern about driveways close <br />together and suggested that a loop be put in the proposed driveway to the north parking <br />lot to eliminate the access to County Road B. <br /> <br />Chairman Wietecki closed the public hearing. <br /> <br />Member Harms stated she did not like the proposed plan, that the proposed access to <br />County Road B was a problem for reasons including the elderly would be using that <br />access and that she felt the inner space could be designed better to eliminate the needs for <br />the variance. <br /> <br />Member Thomas asked if Ramsey County has issued a permit. Aune responded that the <br />permit has been issued. Member Thomas added that the marketing issue was one of the <br />first impressions you get, that she liked the revised plan better than previous plan because <br />the drive was moved to the east, and pointed out that it is unusual to have a business <br />without a main entrance on the street on which it is located. <br /> <br />Member Sandstrom stated that the Center is avoiding the reality of nursing homes that <br />minimum landscaping and green spaces is being provided and that they have an option to <br />