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• Mayor and City Council Pedestrian Bridge -Highway 10 August 28, 1996 Page 4 • Option 4A. Initiate an Amendment to the Zoning Code to Allow Parking Reductions Based on Off-Setting Uses: The City Council could initiate an amendment to the Zoning Code to allow parking requirements to take into account uses which offset each other because the demand pattern for parking is at different times. This approach has been used successfully in other jurisdictions, and would allow shopping centers such as Mounds View Square and others to apply. It is to the City's advantage to encourage a mix of uses in our retail centers, to expand and enliven our retail base. Having this tool available, subject to approval by the Planning Commission, would be very helpful and may address concerns regarding parking from Mounds View Square. Option 4B. Evaluate a variance request for signage at Mounds View Square based on visual simulation: The property owners are faced with the dilemma of granting an easement for an improvement which they feel may have a detrimental effect on the visibility of Mounds View Square. The property owners are seeking a variance request to increase the signage allowed on the site to address this problem. Under usual circumstances, a variance request could only be evaluated once the bridge is built, thus leaving the owners with no way to resolve the dilemma. The consulting firm which acts as the City Engineer has the technology available to simulate how the bridge will appear, superimposed on existing improvements, in three dimensions as though you were viewing the bridge and the shopping center from the highway(or any other vantage point). Staff is suggesting that a variance application be evaluated based on a visual simulation, and a decision rendered by the Planning Commission which could be made contingent on the bridge being built. Staff is recommending that Option 4A and 4B be pursued. This option may be the easiest to accomplish since the City Council can initiate Option 4A, and the applicant has indicated a desire to file a variance application (Option 4B). The question remains who will pay for the visual simulation. Suggested Action: City Council indicate which option or options you want to pursue, as summarized below: • Use the switchback design for the bridge. • Begin condemnation proceedings to obtain the easement for the bridge from Mounds View Square. • Deal with the property owners' request through a PUD. • Initiate an amendment to the zoning code to allow parking reductions based on off-setting uses. • Evaluate a variance request for signage at Mounds View Square based on visual simulation. •