08-09-2018 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION AUGUST 9, 2018 was done specifically to not allow schools or other public uses in PUD Districts due to the property tax implications since there is already a significant amount of property in the city that is off the tax rolls. The City Planner explained that AFSA is currently operating out of two locations, and both are at maximum capacity. They own a location in Vadnais Heights which is used for grades 7-12, and they are renting temporary space at a church in Maplewood for grades 5-6. The City Planner stated that AFSA was approved for expansion and will be adding grades PreK-4 and this has caused the school to look for alternate locations. He reported that AFSA feels the location at 2925 Country Drive meets their needs because of the proximity to their Vadnais Heights location, and the capacity of the building to accommodate their projected enrollment of 312 students in grades Pre -K — 8. He noted the school anticipates 35-40 staff members working in this building. The City Planner stated that there are a couple of discussion points in relation to this request. First, is whether or not a charter school is an appropriate use, and the operational aspects on the site; second, would be a zoning code text amendment if the Planning Commission does feel a school is a compatible use in a PUD District. He explained that if this were the case, City Staff recommends establishing a specific PUD District that allows public uses. Buesing clarified that the Planning Commission is not discussing the tax implications of a school use, and that is only for Council discussion as part of a development agreement. He asked if parking and storing buses on the site would be allowed. The City Planner stated that these PUD District regulations would state what is allowed for vehicle parking and storage. Becky Meyer, Executive Director of AFSA, stated that they expect to have about 150 students the first year, and anticipate reaching their maximum capacity of 312 students within a few years. She explained that this new location would house grades Pre -K — 8t" -grade, although they are unsure if they will include the Pre -K level at this point. Buesing asked if they would buy the building. Ms. Meyer stated that charter schools are prohibited from owning property, therefore the non-profit AFSA Building Company would own the property. Schwalbach asked how the flow for drop-off and pick-up traffic other than buses would be since there is so much truck traffic during the rush hour times on this road. Ms. Meyer stated that they are doing a traffic study and may modify their exterior plan based on those findings. She noted they do not plan to have any vehicle stacking out on to Country Drive. She -2-