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Jensen asked Mattila about other inquiries about Lot 1. Mattila responded a developer expressed interest in constructing an office building for an accountant on that lot, but has not called back. Ron Ostenberg, a representative of the Northeast Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, was present. Ostenberg said the church would have detailed plans drawn after their proposal is approved. Zisla asked about the change in elevation would be modified along Silver Lake Road. Ostenberg responded the grading plan shows a gradual slope from the building. Two berms would be built to screen the building from traffic. Zisla asked about the orientation of the building. Ostenberg replied the carport would be toward the road. Although vertical siding is shown on the plan, the final plan could reflect the wishes of the Planning Commission. Livingston asked about the lack of windows. Ostenberg replied that is the stage end of the building, and windows could be included. Ostenberg said the project would be the same floor plan and similar in appearance as a church in Coon Rapids near the Highway I-610 bridge on East River Road. Livingston asked if there would be a cross on the building. Ostenberg responded the Witnesses do not use crosses or steeples in their church buildings, but a sign would be built. The sign is shown on the landscape plan. Zisla said the drawing was so severe; the blank wall turned toward the community seems very austere. Ostenberg said the appearance from the road was a concern for the church and pointed out the view from each approach. Baker asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak at this public hearing. The owner of the property across Silver Lake Road from the proposed site asked to look at the proposed plan. Blomquist asked about the size of the proposed site and if the median turnout would remain after reconstruction of Silver Lake Road. Blomquist pointed out that, if the Planning Commission approved this proposal, land use of surrounding property could be limited. Blomquist said the property would not generate any tax income for the City or school district if the church proposal is approved. Zisla asked if this were the same site the Lyndale Garden Center had considered. Mattila responded the garden center looked at both sites. Zisla recalled the garden center withdrew their interest when they learned the median would not be removed. Mattila commented other developers had expressed interest in the site, but have not pursued a proposal after learning of the median, which prohibits a left-turn into the property. Blomquist asked how far the restriction on the building of a restaurant would extend from the proposed building. For instance, would this proposal prohibit Wong’s restaurant from obtaining a liquor license? Mattila did not know if Wong’s would be far enough away from the proposed church to have a liquor license. Ostenberg said the prospective buyer of the other lot is proposing a salon on his site, with a parking lot on the front of the property. Ostenberg said the church’s building would be in the front of the property with the parking at the back where it is not visible. The seller of the property wants to sell both lots at the same time. The sale of both lots, (closing dates, etc.), would be coordinated.