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Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2006 Page 6 --------------------------- Staffreport presented by Planner Chris Leeseberg. He explained that the conditional use permit is required for the zero lot line development of the site. The applicant proposed to construct a 16,224 square foot building and lease to a small specialty grocery store, Aldi's. He noted that this area of the development was intended to include connected retail buildings. Mr. Leeseberg reviewed details of the proposal including circulation, screening of the loading dock, parking, shopping cart screening, number of employees, hours of operation, building design, staff recommendations for modifications to the elevations, signage, landscaping, and signage. He noted that most of staff's concerns have been addressed via emails from the applicant. Commissioner Stevens asked if the design of the building would be similar to other buildings within the plat. Mr. Leeseberg stated yes. Commissioner Stevens asked if the design exceeds the standards. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the components of the design either meet or exceed the standards. He noted that staff is recommending some architectural features on the north side which will eventually be torn down when the adjacent building is constructed. Discussion followed regarding the requirement for a conditional use permit only for the zero lot line. Chair Lemke opened the public hearing. Antonio Luciano, 19797 Irving Street NW -stated that his home is 500 feet from the development. He stated he did not feel an Aldi's store would enhance their property values. He had concerns regarding the location of the loading docks. He did not feel the Comprehensive Plan was examined in reviewing this application, and asked how a commercial development ended up in a residential neighborhood. He stated that the developer has done a good job on the design of buildings to date. Leanne Brown, 19737 Lowell Street NW -Stated that she lives very close to the development and did not receive notice of the public hearing. She felt the views of the proposed Aldi's would be awful. She did not feel it was appropriate for the residents to have to look at the back of the buildings. She did not feel an additional grocery store was needed in the area, since the already is a Cub Foods, Coborns and Super Wal-Mart. Ms. Brown stated that Aldi's is a lower end type of store similar to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. She did not feel it was fair to the current grocery stores to allow an Aldi's to go in this area. She stated she felt the residents were mislead, and that a Class I restaurant would not want to locate next to discount type stores. She stated that the Planning Commission and City Council should set the standard, and that the area is already saturated with discount stores. She stated that this area is the last area suitable for a fine dining restaurant. She stated she did not feel an Aldi's was a good fit for this development and that the needs for this type of store have already been met. She stated that she felt the Caty should look at what Elk River needs and wants. She stated that she did not receive any positive comments about the Aldi's proposal. John Polden, 11751196 Avenue NW -Asked for clarification on the meaning of "zero lot line". Mr. Leeseberg provided background information regarding the development and explained the "zero lot line" property line issue. He noted that zero lot line development is consistent with other C3 zones. Mr. Barnhart stated that when second building proposal is received, it will also require the zero lot line approval. Mr. Polden expressed his concerns regarding the close proximity of the buildings to adjacent residents and impacts on their property values. He questioned if incentives were given to attract Aldi's. Mr. Hemple,