12-12-2006 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Planning Commission Minutes December 12, 2006 Page 7 developer of the site, stated no, that a typical developer/tenant relationship exists with Aldi's. Mr. Polden stated his objections to Aldi's business practices such as requiring customers to pay 25 cents for carts and providing their own bags. He stated he objected to the fact that Aldi's is a German company, not an American company such as Wal-Mart. He stated that Coborns built a wall to screen their business from the neighborhood. He asked that the Commission look at the aesthetics of Aldi's and stated he felt they built cheap buildings. Mr. Polden stated that he was totally against the Aldi's proposal and that he was representing 40 people who felt the same way. Wayne Traaseth,11707194th Avenue NW -Stated his objection that there was no separation between his home and the Elk Ridge Center development. He stated he has contacted the Attorney General's office regarding his concerns with the plat. Mr. Traaseth stated he was told Mr. Hemple would contact him regarding some type of screening with fencing and trees and has not heard from him. He stated that his property taxes have gone up $400, and that he is not able to sell his property until the development is completed. He stated he is very disgusted with the project and felt the City's only concern is increasing its tax base. Kent Peabody, 11713 200th Avenue NW - Stated that a grocery store will bring 53-foot tractor-trailers into the neighborhood, which will not be able to make the sharp turn into the development and tear up the curb. He stated that the City of New Hope required a developer to put up both a visual and a sound barrier at Winnetka and 49th Avenue to protect the adjacent residents from the noise and lights of a commercial business. He stated he felt the Commission was crazy to consider the proposal. John Conley, 11793 198th Avenue NW -Asked what has been done to evaluate the need for another grocery store. He stated he hoped that the Commission would reject the Aldi's proposal. Ron Westrum 11710198th Avenue NW -Opposed the project for same reasons as akeady expressed. He objected the aesthetics of the "box" store and felt the plan was not well thought out. He did not feel this type of store was conducive the area. He stated that he was aware lighting was necessary for security reasons, but that he would not want to see the type of lighting as the Aldi's in the Champlin store, which lights up the entire area. Greg Olson, 19762 196th Street -Did not feel the zero lot line was an issue. He stated he was having problems selling his home in Brentwood Addition. He felt that the wall screening the loading dock was a reasonable compromise. Dale Miller, 11795 196th Avenue NW -Did not feel Aldi's was a good fit for the neighborhood. He did not feel the developer was looking at the needs of the residents and they needed the City's help. There being no further public comment, Chair Lemke closed the public hearing. Commissioner Stevens asked if the loading docks were consistent with the original plan. Mr. Leeseberg stated that the original plan did not specify a number of bays, but that the circulation plan was the same as originally proposed. Commissioner Stevens asked if the berm and trees on the plan were as originally proposed. Mr. Leeseberg stated yes. Commissioner Stevens asked if retail was a permitted use in the development. Mr. Leeseberg stated yes and provided a list of examples of retail uses.