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The Commission continued the item so Mattila, who is absent, can present his update. There was a brief discussion on the schedule outlined in Mattila’s memo. Baker suggested setting up the optional meeting to be used if the subject is not completely covered during the regular Planning Commission meeting. Realignment of Brighton Village Drive Aisles for Drive-Thru Kraus-Anderson/ Snyders Teague reviewed the memo relating to the concept review of the proposed realignment of the driveways in the Brighton Village parking lot southwest of the Snyders building to allow for a drive-thru window on the Snyder’s building. Zisla stated he did not understand the public policy advantage of encouraging drive-through operations. Zisla said he saw absolutely no advantage to be gained from this request. The Brighton Village parking lot is a disaster now. Baker replied the Snyder’s’ area of the parking lot is okay. Zisla said the whole parking lot was inconvenient. Gregori said that, when the Rice Creek Center is redeveloped, Snyder’s will probably ask for a drive-through at that location. The map included with the memo shows a 12-foot curve between the building and the curb in the lane toward the canopy. Is that enough room for a car to turn in? O’Brien said he was concerned about turning room also. There may be enough room for most drivers, but not all drivers can do this maneuver and may run into the building. Livingston asked about moving the drive- through to the back of the building. Teague responded that may be an option. Zisla stated the plans for the center may be consistent with comments made earlier about livable communities. Brighton Village is a place where you often meet your neighbors and stop to visit. Zisla said that community atmosphere was the reason he is against drive-through windows. Destroying the sense of community that comes from interaction between neighbors would be unfortunate. Teague said the code required stacking for six cars for a drive-through window. The code was probably written to deal with fast food restaurants. The window at Snyder’s would not handle the volume of a fast food place. However, that is the code. O’Brien asked if Snyder’s was going to ask for exemption from that requirement. Teague responded Snyder’s did not provide a plan. There may be room for six cars, but it will be close. They may have to ask for an exemption from the code. Locke stated this item is simply a discussion item to get the Commission’s opinions. Locke said he agreed that, in light of the earlier discussion on less dependence on cars, drive-throughs are created for the convenience of drivers. The question is how much does our ordinance allow us to restrict these drive-throughs if they meet the ordinance standards. If they have to apply for a variance, the Commission would have a good deal of discretion whether this is a good idea or not. Baker said the need for a drive-through was a business decision. Snyder’s may feel they need the drive- through. The Commission’s decision must be based on the code. Baker stated he was concerned about the twelve-foot aisle. O’Brien asked about moving the aisle to the southwest. Teague responded that the slope and cutting into the hill is the constraint. Schiferl said he was concerned about the narrowness of the site. Schiferl said he did not like drive-throughs because of the dependence on cars, but also because of the emissions. I:\COMMISSIONS\PLANNING\MINUTES\1998\02-17-98.WPD 6