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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, February 06, 2008 Page 5 Bake Baker Mr. Baker spoke to the concept of using green construction; however, advised that while they were very actively working on a number of sustainable projects, the company’s objective in development work was for testing the ever-evolving marketplace, and finding markets that were willing to pay rent premiums for those amenities. Mr. Baker advised that LEED certification, at a minimum, would be included. Further discussion included the level of environmental clean up for office park versus residential uses, with Commissioner Wozniak advocating for the site to be cleaned up to residential standards to facilitate future use; recognition that this site was what initiated shoreland ordinance development throughout the State of MN; anticipated timeframe for construction (Spring of 2008) based on approval timing and construction start; and complications of the development to the developer and the City, in addition to a potential tenant, thus creating an aggressive timetable for project start and to provide a lease rate to any potential tenants. Mr. Fabel noted that this site is very unique, and one of very few opportunities for contiguous office footage in the northern suburbs, with great access and visibility. Additional discussion included Section 8.8 of the staff report related to Design Review Committee (DRC) concerns, ongoing discussions, and resolution for construction of Twin Lakes Parkway and other roadways within the redevelopment area; limitations of staff as all roadway parcels were not owned or under control of a single master developer for the roadway network, and considerations for individual parcels, as well as the entire redevelopment site. Further discussion included adhering to the Twin Lakes Urban Design application process for construction appearances; additional pedestrian and trail connections throughout the system and the site; building placement and design durability; new urbanism approach design principles upon which the developer and staff were primarily in agreement; and challenges to the developer in balancing building placement in relationship to the outside edges (street frontage) and lake views for the corporate office building, while accommodating a strong corporate identify for the tenant(s). Mr. Paschke noted that it was the intent of the Design Plans as overarching themes, not to require full compliance, but to guide overall development principles and goals. Discussion continued on comments from the neighborhood meeting, with Mr. Fabel advising that the conversations were encouraging, with some in attendance from outside the adjacent neighborhood, and others living on the northeast corner of Langton Lake, and providing for a great discussion. Mr. Fabel advised that they expressed their expectations and comments, with no specific concerns repeated, but appeared to be more as a learning opportunity about the project, with their apparent general support of the project. Commissioner Wozniak noted the numerous trash containers on surrounding industrial properties and their detraction from the development site; and suggested that staff take a closer look at enforcing codes in the redevelopment area to enhance the office park. Mr. Baker offered his support of such enforcement, on behalf of the developer, Public Comment Dean Maschka, 1695 Millwood Avenue Mr. Maschka opined that it was a historical fact that when such an improvement was made, other properties followed suit. Mr. Maschka spoke highly of this local firm and