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Mounds View Planning Commission October 20, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 5 • Commissioner Stevenson pointed out that unless the center median at the entrance on County Road I is removed or shortened, which is not presently allowed,there would be no alternative but a right-in, right-out turn at this location, therefore, signage may not be necessary. Planning Associate Ericson pointed out that although it is not intended that traffic traveling west on County Road I utilize the County Road I access, some people may deviate from this by crossing a lane of traffic and diverting themselves from the median. In addition, he explained that eastbound traffic on County Road I travels at a fairly significant speed, and although entering the site at this location from the westbound lane is probably less of an issue, it would likely be less hazardous to eliminate this ingress altogether, marking it exit only and divert all traffic into the site to Mounds View Drive. He commented however, this might be overly cautious. Chair Peterson stated that a motorist traveling east on County Road I might see the traffic light change and increase their speed to reach the light at the same time a vehicle is attempting to drive the wrong direction to by-pass the median and access the driveway. He stated he believed signage at this location was a very prudent consideration and not overly cautious. Commissioner Laube inquired if the site access at Mounds View Drive would be indicated"entrance only," as previously discussed. He pointed out that this access exits the site in an area surrounded by a strip mall, the SuperAmerica station, and the Silver Lake Woods Development. 411) Commissioner Stevenson stated this would not be possible, as it would restrict vehicles attempting to travel west on County Road I,who would subsequently have to enter the SuperAmerica or Burger King sites, and turn around. Commissioner Laube pointed out that the traffic from the SuperAmerica station will be adjacent to the site, and directly across the street, within a few feet, there is a 131-unit development, with only this and one other exit, which will result in much congestion at this location. Commissioner Stevenson stated 80 percent of the traffic exiting the site to go to the highway would exit onto County Road I,turn right, and travel east to the traffic light. He explained that there would not be many people traveling west on County Road I, however, they should be allowed to do so, as forcing them to first travel east on County Road I would ultimately create more congestion. Mr. Lewis stated he agreed with this. He added that if Mounds View Drive was restricted to an entrance only, people would disobey this, or problems would result on County Road I. He pointed out that assisted living facilities do not generate a large amount of traffic, and there would only be 10 or 12 employees on site during the heaviest shift, who would not be entering or exiting the site during peak traffic times. Chair Peterson inquired if the fire hydrant location had been addressed by the Fire Marshall. Planning Associate Ericson stated staff has not yet consulted with the Fire Marshall, however, this • matter will be addressed prior to the next meeting of the Planning Commission. He explained that