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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, February 06, 2008 Page 8 Staff recommended APPROVAL of the REZONING AND GENERAL CONCEPT PUD REQUEST, submitted by Roundy’s, for 1201 – 1211, and 1215 Larpenteur Avenue, based on comments and conditions of Section 6 of the project report dated February 6, 2008. Discussion included future conditions for landscaping requirements throughout the process; sidewalk along Fernwood Avenue and additional paths and pedestrian access along and within the site; pedestrian friendly access and design through effective placement of new construction; and transit amenities along Larpenteur Avenue. Commissioner Gottfried opined that he would prefer the building located on Larpenteur Avenue, with the parking lot in the back to soften aesthetics and make it more pedestrian friendly, and utilize transit amenities on Larpenteur. City Engineer Debra Bloom addressed proposed storm water drainage, and proposed improvements on the site to alleviate drainage, including raising the parking field to develop an underground collection pipe gallery for release into the storm drainage system at a controlled rate and to allow for particulate sedimentation through a new ornamental pond; roof drainage also routed to the underground system; and provide for reduced drainage off site. Ms. Bloom noted the major drainage issues in this area, and spoke in support of the improvements proposed by the developer, and city participation in a portion of those improvements. Further discussion included the preferred location, as proposed, for the pipe gallery related to overall site design. Applicant, Dan Farrel, VP of Real Estate, Roundy’s Property owners, Mike Prichard and Max Stigman, with Roundy’s, were also present at the meeting. Mr. Farrel advised that this property had been purchased in 2003, and was not up to Roundy’s standards, which prompted them to look at opportunities for improving the existing structure and adjacent buildings on the site. Mr. Farrel addressed the existing slope of the current massive parking lot; ongoing drainage issues on the site, and on Larpenteur Avenue; and ultimate proposal for razing the site, and making improvements to solve site issues, while considering upgrading facilities for the City, and surrounding properties. Mr. Farrel advised that they had utilized some of the City’s previous work, the Larpenteur Avenue Streetscape Plan and Master Plan, for guidance, and were incorporating that into this proposal. Mr. Farrel reviewed site amenities, softening of the property edges, circulation of the site and its pedestrian friendliness; circulation with adjoining properties and drive aisles; problems in flipping the building, due to pedestrian and truck traffic, in addition to water problems. Mr. Farrel further addressed handicapped parking access in the middle of the site, with direct access to the main entrance, their support of pedestrian friendly access, and willingness to work with staff to achieve that amenity; and previous vocal comment from customers and neighbors regarding their desire for easy access for pedestrian use and mass transit, in addition to vehicular traffic. Mr. Farrel advised that the developer had held a neighborhood meeting, with 200 people in attendance (some from Roseville and some from St. Paul proper across Larpenteur Avenue), with overall support of the project. Mr. Farrel advised that most public comment was related to the length of time the business would be closed; foot traffic and accessibility; and placement of the store in relationship to existing buildings. Mr. Farrel advised that those in attendance had been invited to this meeting to address any additional concerns after their initial review, or to show their support, at their discretion. Mr. Farrel advised that the developer had sent each attendee a thank you note after the meeting, incorporating details of tonight’s meeting and location.