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Mounds View Planning Commission • <br /> Page 2 <br /> October 9, 1996 <br /> The obvious question raised by this proposal is whether there is sufficient parking on the site. <br /> Planning Case Nos. 461-96 and 463-96 are concerned with this issue, and involve a request to use <br /> joint parking facilities between the restaurants and the retail uses on the property, and also a <br /> request for a variance in parking ratios. The staff report labeled Item#6A concerns these two <br /> cases. <br /> The sign variance is being requested due to the City's plans to build a pedestrian bridge over <br /> Highway 10. The bridge is proposed to be located just north of the Highway 10/Long Lake Road <br /> intersection with a circular ramp in the area now occupied by a detention pond at the southeast <br /> corner of the Mounds View Square property. The staff report labeled Item#6B reviews and <br /> comments on the variance request, Planning Case No. 462-96. <br /> Our recommendations are this point are summarized below: <br /> Staff Recommendation on Conditional Use Permit: Favorable, allowing for joint use of <br /> parking facilities between uses in Mounds View Square such that the number of parking spaces <br /> required is 454. <br /> Staff Recommendation on Parking Variance: Favorable, with findings as noted above. In • <br /> particular, the City's parking ratios create a hardship for shopping centers of this size, and the <br /> shopping center contains both nighttime and daytime uses which cause the parking demands to be <br /> offset. <br /> Staff Recommendation on Sign Variance: Favorable to some adjustment in sign allowances to <br /> address the possible visual obstruction created by the construction of the bridge. The discussion <br /> session with the Planning Commission, however, will provide a good opportunity to explore some <br /> alternatives to the applicant's proposal. The sign needs to better relate to its surroundings, and <br /> may not need to be as high as is proposed to gain visibility for the shopping center or may need to <br /> be placed-in-abetter location. <br /> If a variance were granted, staff is suggesting that it be made contingent on the construction of <br /> the bridge and field verification that the bridge has close to the same appearance as is shown in <br /> the visual simulation. Staff would also suggest that the sign have a brick base which would tie it <br /> to the architecture of the center. <br /> • <br />