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Motion carried. b. Planning File 3277: A request by the McKinley Companies for a Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment, Rezoning and a Planned Unit Development "General Concept Plan" for the redevelopment of property at 2330 Lexington Avenue for use as a five-unit office condominium. The proposal would require rezoning from R-1 Single Family to Planned Unit Development with a base zoning of B-1, Limited Business District and a Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment from High Density Residential (HDR) to Business (B). Chairman Craig Klausing opened the public hearing and requested City Planner Thomas Paschke to provide a verbal summary of the staff report dated January 10, 2001. Thomas Paschke explained the proposed five-unit office condominiums, with 12,288 s.f. of total space. The office will face west with parking also on the west side. The building will be vinyl siding, asphalt roofs, trees will be preserved. New coniferous trees will be planted on the east side. The staff received a letter (January 9,2001) from Steve Pfeiffer who expressed concern with the traffic (attached). Thomas Paschke noted the staff recommended approval. Chair Klausing asked for an explanation of the parking and proof of parking. Thomas Paschke explained that there are additional spaces that could be added if needed. Thomas Paschke noted that this type of restricted small office development would not generate high traffic. Member Rhody asked about the impact of the five-foot south setback from the Highway 36 right-of-way (no apparent impact). Member Wilke asked about the ownership of the private driveway known as Lovell Drive. There are no private easements recorded with the City. Thomas Paschke explained the past history of development on this site. Deb Bloom explained that the access to Lexington crosses this property and the Day Care property. Brent Thompson, applicant, explained needs for proof of parking on Hamline Avenue, and on Rice Street in Vadnais Heights. A typical floor plan will have three offices, with a need for five to seven parking spaces, primarily for attorneys, accountants and other low impact professionals (There are 35 parking spaces on the site). Member Cunningham asked for details of rear side of the building in order to create walkout units (There is a ten-foot drop in some areas). Member Cunningham asked for details of parking to the east of the project by town home owners. Steve Thornley, President of the Townhome Association, asked for details of preserving the trees along the southeast corner of the property (pine trees). Mr. Thompson will review the trees on site. Bob Zakaris, 1060 Lovell, asked if the outfall from the detention pond is connected to the City storm sewer (yes). Brenda Himrich, 1082 Lovell Ave., noted the east side would be the front yard of her home. What type of lighting would be placed on the rear of the building? (downcast). She asked for details on the fence. (There is a State highway chain link fence on the south side. A fence on the east side would be up to 6 % feet in height, board-on-board wood fence.) She preferred having a fence and landscaping. She asked for details of the pathway along Lexington Avenue. Deb Bloom explained the pathway plan and requirements of the developer to contribute to the fund. Brenda Himrich noted there is an open well on the site that should be capped (Staff and developer will review). Could the pine tree be saved? Stew Thornley, neighbor adjacent to the proposal, expressed concern about through traffic from the business. Such through-traffic speeds excessively. It is now posted as private property with no through-traffic. The Day Care traffic is a problem (safety, speed, wear/tear on roads). Chair Klausing noted that customers to the business are more likely not to be there daily and would use Lexington Avenue. Mr. Thornley said employees would learn the "shortcuts". Chair Klausing asked what condition should be placed on the development (Staff will review the site plan and entry designs). The architect and owner explained curb channelization to reduce through traffic. The fence should match existing fence, and, should extend to the northeast corner to reduce hazards. Member Wilke asked if the townhome access could be closed access to Lexington Avenue. Thomas Paschke explained