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Attachment 1: Applicant's Narrative <br />Introduction <br />This narrative accompanies an application for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) <br />amendment for a skilled nursing home facility located at 6070 Blanchard Boulevard, Lino <br />Lakes, MN. The amendment seeks approval to modify the original proposal from a two- <br />story, 51,780 square -foot building with 56 units to a three-story, 48,888 square -foot <br />building with 57 units. The revised design maintains the essential character and intent of <br />the original proposal while improving the efficiency of land use and enhancing the facility's <br />capacity to serve the community. <br />Background <br />The original PUD, allowed for the development of a two-story skilled nursing home, <br />providing 56 units across a gross floor area of 51,780 square feet. Since that time, further <br />design evaluations and market studies have led to the conclusion that a three-story design <br />offers significant benefits in terms of operational efficiency, improved patient care, and <br />environmental sustainability, while enhancing the quality of life for residents. <br />Proposed Amendment <br />This amendment requests the following changes to the original PUD: <br />Building Height: Increase from a two-story to a three-story structure. <br />Despite the increase in height, the total building footprint will be reduced, allowing for <br />improved land use and the preservation of more open space on the site. The modest <br />increase in the number of units aligns with the community's growing demand for skilled <br />nursing services and is accomplished without compromising privacy, comfort, or <br />accessibility for residents. <br />Rationale for the Amendment <br />1. Efficient Land Use: The three-story structure allows for a more compact building <br />footprint, reducing the overall land disturbance. This configuration opens up more <br />area for landscaping, recreational spaces, and other site amenities that will <br />enhance the quality of life for residents. <br />2. Sustainability: A smaller footprint reduces impervious surface area, supporting <br />better stormwater management and potentially lowering energy consumption. The <br />vertical design also improves natural ventilation and daylighting opportunities within <br />the building, contributing to energy efficiency. <br />3. Improved Operational Flow: The three-story design allows for a more optimized <br />internal layout, improving operational efficiency. By stacking the units vertically, <br />staff can move more efficiently between floors, enhancing response times and <br />facilitating patient care. <br />4. Aesthetic and Compatibility: The new design will be carefully integrated into the <br />surrounding community, with architectural features that blend with the existing <br />buidling character. The building's height and massing have been thoughtfully <br />considered to minimize visual impact, and the reduction in total square footage <br />further helps in keeping the overall bulk of the building compatible with adjacent <br />properties. <br />Impact on Surrounding Areas <br />The proposed changes will have minimal impact on the surrounding areas: <br />