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space? Member Traynor asked if parking can be placed underground or in ramps? Some discussions have been held. Aaron Isaacs explained that Metro Transit would provide funds for 500 additional spaces in a ramp. Chair Mulder requested the applicant presentation. Rollin Hunsicker, Mall Manager, and John Schupp, Project Director, Jones Lang LaSalle managing agent for Equitable, the in-line Mall owner, explained the Mall concepts. In 1992 a major renovation occurred. Recently interior amenities were improved. This proposal allows more development on the old Mervyn/May building site. This proposal is a blend of enclosed mall with large users and boutiques, but with exterior doors only to their stores. This proposal allows the Mall to redo the Mervyns site. John Schupp explained three major issues: transportation, transit and storm water. This project has 12 bus routes at the Mall. The ULI standard for parking is 4.5 parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of retail space. The Mall has to maintain the 4.5 spaces per its contracts, but is currently approaching 4.87 spaces/1 ,000 sq. ft. Storm water is a big issue and must be resolved with surface and subsurface storage. He said the life style center is gaining momentum in the industry. Some tenants will not be located in the Mall. Tenant mix is very important. Member Traynor asked if other life style centers attached to malls. How does it work? John Schupp gave examples: Woodlands Mall - Houston. (An earlier example was Jordan Creek, West DesMoines, Iowa.) Chair Mulder asked for details of how the Mall might ease traffic on County Road B-2. Dave Adams (Parsons) explained his projection and improvements in the plans. Chair Mulder asked for details on transit. Is the transit hub a positive asset to the Mall? What is the percentage of riders who use/shop the Mall? He feels the transit and park and ride will be needed more in the future. Are either the Herbergers or Mervyns areas good for parking decks? A life style center requires visibility for customers from the highway to recognize the store front. Ramps cannot block that visibility. Member Traynor commented that he doubted there is enough parking to serve the life style center. Member Doherty asked how many spaces are needed for the theater and are there enough spaces in the Herberger lot? According to Parsons consultants, approximately 1,000 spaces will be needed for the theater (at one space per three seats). Peak theater parking demand is 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Doherty notes the parking lot was at capacity at mid-morning on November 26, 2004 (day after Thanksgiving). John Schupp explained access between levels. Member Doherty asked if the northeast and east lots will require pedestrian walking pathways to the theater. Member Ipsen asked if the road could continue to be a two-way traffic pattern around the new expansion area. Member Pust explained that if County Road B-2 is not fixed, customers will not come to the life style center. How will the Center by supported? Chair Mulder asked Deb Bloom to explain the issues. The staff perspective is different than Parsons consultants. There is an existing traffic, but a significant issue with left turn and stacking problems. City needs to work with Parsons on traffic issues with the city's consultant SEH. The county must approve a systemic change to their system, and MnDOT must also be part of the solutions. Land and space between accesses is needed, and fewer access intersections are needed (because of the stacking and left turns required at each). More land is needed to solve this issue. The Rosedale Circulator routes must be expanded closer to B-2. There are issues for 2020 as well. Chair Mulder asked if it was prudent to do this without a vision for County Road B-2's future. Deb Bloom suggested that parking requirements should be studied. Thomas Paschke explained the 4.5 spaces may be acceptable with transit and mixed use/mixed time parking, but no detailed work has been submitted by the mall consultants to date. Chair Mulder asked how the snow removal will be handled - no parking space can be left to store snow. (Rosedale will install a snow melting machine.) Aaron Isaacs, Metro Transit, explained the excellent compatibility of park and ride (days) and movie theaters (evenings). Member Pust asked if decks are not accepted (at least in this early stage), would County Road B-2 still be improved (needs work)? There being no further public comment, Chairman Mulder closed the hearing and explained the "Concept PUD"