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Schiferl said that the vegetation on the east side of the site is mostly deciduous. Hilger responded affirmatively. Schiferl stated, then, six months of the year there is no screening. Hilger stated he thought maintaining the vegetation on that side was the correct thing to do. If that is not the case, Hilger said they would be happy to change the plan. Livingston asked if Ramsey County planned to put in a median in that area when it reconstructs Silver Lake Road. Larson showed where a stop light and left turn lane has been proposed. South bound traffic may have to access the site by traveling on Rice Creek Road. Livingston stated no one has commented on the reverse plan. A resident commented the reverse plan directs the light away from the residents on Mounds Avenue. The back of the site could be bermed to direct the water away from the Mounds Avenue homes. A resident on Rice Creek Road stated the lights from Salem Baptist Church constantly shine into the homes on Rice Creek Road. The lilac bushes along the east side will not stop light from shining into the residents on Mounds. Plan one is totally unacceptable. The resident at 2455 Mounds Avenue stated they bought the house from Pickering. Pickering said that an small office building would be built on that lot. The resident said she was concerned about the business hours of Hollywood Video. The resident stated her backyard is only 18 feet deep; she will be looking directly into the Hollywood Video store. O’Brien asked Hilger if he would consider a retaining wall on the north and east. The planting will be planted about six feet above the existing grade. Hilger responded he did not see the necessity for a retaining wall. Natural grading helps drainage more effectively. O’Brien outlined how the berm and retaining wall would work. Hilger stated he would consider either a flat area and retaining wall or a berm. Hilger pointed out the drainage problem is not caused by the site. A larger drainage issue exists in the area. Hilger stated he was concerned about drainage. Terry Gillman, 2298 Rice Creek Road, stated the proposed business will bring in more traffic than the old filling station. Why would Hollywood Video want to come into a neighborhood where it is not wanted? There is residential property on two sides of the site. Gillman stated she was concerned about drainage and the proposed business hours. Schiferl asked Gillman if, assuming Hollywood Video builds the store without the Special Use Permit, she would prefer evergreens to the deciduous vegetation on the east side. Gillman stated the site sits below her property, so evergreens may not offer any screening from the lights. Livingston asked Gillman if she preferred the reverse plan. Gillman answered it was hard to choose between looking at the back of a building or having light shining into her home. Gillman said there may be less noise if the building faced west, but she would rather not see any building there. The resident at 2455 Mounds, stated drainage, lighting, and hours of operation are the key issues. Noise will be a problem when residents windows are open. A retaining wall on the north side would be a good idea. Either orientation would put headlights in the windows of the homes on Mounds. A resident said there are many video stores in New Brighton; how many do we need? Livingston responded that is not the question under consideration. Ellie Skare, 2412 Mounds Avenue, stated she was concerned about young people congregating at the video store. The hours of operation will create opportunities for vandalism. I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\1999\06-15-99.WPD 8