06-12-2014 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 12, 2014 furniture that they like the "butt test" before purchasing it. Customers are now in and out of furniture stores much faster. Johanson indicated that parking will never be an issue at this site. Duray asked if any issues of concern stood out for the Planner. The Planner noted that there are no issues of concern from a public safety standpoint. He also indicated that visually this development is appropriate for the site, and that the PUD District was created as a means of providing flexibility in exchange for enhancements. Johanson pointed out the exterior changes proposed with each store having its own store front. He again indicated that this property will become a furniture destination. Schwalbach asked if Johanson was agreeable to enhancing the landscaping. Johanson indicated that he was agreeable. The Planner suggested that the additional landscaping occur along the sidewalk area in front of the building as well as in parking island areas. The Planner noted that this was an aesthetic enhancement to break up the view of the building. Johanson indicated that they would work with their architect to add landscaping. Fischer expressed concern for the curb cut that is on the Country Drive curve and suggested that it be moved. He noted that with the MN Pass project there will be additional traffic on Country Drive. He also noted the additional traffic to the site given it will now be open 7 days per week. Johanson stated that he understands the concern and reported that they will look at moving the curb cut. Malietzke asked if a study was done relative to the increase in traffic and what benefit this might bring to the businesses in the community. The City Planner replied that a traffic analysis was not done. He noted that when Dock 86 was originally proposed, there was concern about whether Country Drive could handle the increase in commercial traffic given the area was primarily warehouse and industrial at the time. Since Dock 86 has been operating, the site has proved to be a good commercial site and Country Drive has been able to support this commercial traffic. Malietzke suggested that other businesses in the area would benefit by this proposal. Johanson indicated that eliminating most of the warehouse use of this building will reduce the amount of semi -truck traffic to the site as well as customer pick-up traffic. Johanson was asked about the light pole banners. He indicated that the banners are an attempt to bring some color and seasonality into the site. -7-