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Planning Commission Page 4 <br /> March 22,2022 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Commissioner Booth asked if the number of overall parking spaces would be <br /> maintained after construction. <br /> Mr. Carlton indicated the number of overall parking spaces would be maintained <br /> after the construction. <br /> Commissioner Mauren asked about the area by the front doors and access to the <br /> front doors. <br /> Mr. Carlton stated he did not see anything impeding the current entrance and the <br /> parking lot would be striped after completion to make parking spots clear. <br /> Chair Larson-Vito opened the public hearing. <br /> Deb Lidahl—owner of Kemper Drug,downtown`Elk River, stated she was thrilled <br /> to see businesses come to downtown Elk River, but she was concerned with the <br /> traffic flow at Highway 10 and Lowell should this project be approved. She stated <br /> she sees existing traffic challenges and confusion at this intersection, causing jams, <br /> and wonders if the new project would exacerbate what is already taking place. She <br /> hoped that was something the commission would discuss when reviewing the <br /> request. She also asked what do we want for our downtown? She stated her <br /> downtown business group has talked about the value of them being a destination <br /> business and finding the value of visitors staying here to take advantage of existing <br /> businesses. She stated she felt like this type of business would make people come in <br /> and immediately leave. She felt there is already parking concerns and perception of <br /> lack of parking and would this create the perception of congestion. Lastly, she felt <br /> Eke this type of coffee shop deters from her vision of having a sit-down coffee shop <br /> and deters anyone else from coming into downtown,which would also benefit the <br /> surrounding bu Wss, dowqWy,*,, <br /> There being no one else to speak, Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing. <br /> Chair Larson-Vito stated she also had similar concerns with traffic flow and as a <br /> commission they have limitations with choosing what type of business comes in,if <br /> it's allowed by city ordinance and asked if we were bound by that. <br /> Mr. Carlton stated yes if it is allowed by city code. but in this instance, they are <br /> requesting some deviations due to the zone change to a PUD. <br /> Chair Larson-Vito asked if staff had received any comments from MnDOT. <br /> Mr. Carlton stated the initial comments from MnDOT related to stormwater as it <br /> connects to a system that is maintained by MnDOT,but he has received no <br /> comments related to traffic. <br /> Commissioner Mauren asked if staff had received any comments from the owner of <br /> the building. <br /> it-401 <br /> wEeEUo0IE 1YAR' <br />