CCP 01-22-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

=Approved � hiferl asked if the applicant had considered adding a restaurant to the hotel, even though the units have full chens in them. Gundlach replied that the applicant has stated that they do not have restaurants in their extended stay hotels, although Commissioner Schiferl is not the only resident to inquire about one. Schiferl replied that most people staying in extended stay hotels tend to eat out quite a bit, and in this area the residents would be traveling several miles to reach a restaurant. He added that without a restaurant, the proposal does not offer much to the community. Baker asked staff if the applicant does not gain approval from Ramsey County for the side walk would the entire application be null and void, since that approval is a requirement. Gundlach replied that is a significant concern for staff, and staff was hoping that the applicant would have gained approval before they submitted the application. Since the applicant was having a difficult time contacting Ramsey County, the City's Public Works Department contacted a Ramsey County representative who indicated that they would support a sidewalk in that location. Gundlach added that she believes an agreement will be reached, however if it falls apart that would be an issue for the proposal. O'Brien asked if the poisonous plant, that the City Forrester notes concerns over, has been addressed yet. Gundlach clarified that the Forrester is not requiring that the plant be removed. John Haffner, Cities Edge Architects, stated that his company has worked with Torgerson Properties for the last eighteen years. Torgerson Properties are the largest owner/operator of hotels in the state of Minnesota. Since they would be the owners of the property they have a vested interest in the community. He stated that along the Hwy 694 corridor there is a deficiency in the market for an upscale extended stay hotel. The extended stay tel hosts mainly business clients who stay anywhere from seven to fourteen days. A majority of the clients e not on vacation, thus the amount of dining out is decreased, but the management would offer activities in the evening to encourage the guests to interact with one another. He stated that they are concerned that the wording for the required approval by Ramsey County is beyond the applicant's control. While the applicant would try to do everything they can to gain approval they would like to see this requirement worded in such a way as to not cause the entire project to be at risk. I -Ie added that the poisonous plant would be replaced with a non-poisonous plant. Kevin Hanson, Project Manager, added that they intend to use an inlayed, decorative product on the cross walk. O'Brien asked if traffic lights would be added to that intersection. Gundlach replied that a traffic light would eventually be added to that corner, however this road is not planned for improvement in the next twenty years and the City does not know when a traffic light would be added. O'Brien asked if the applicant would be using concrete masonry as the back up for EIFS. Hanson replied that before the EIFS is put onto the building a liquid membrane is applied to the sheeting, which acts as a secondary barrier. "There would be drainage channels added behind the foam and additional inspections are done while the product is being applied to ensure that it is applied correctly. He added that they do use EIhS on a majority of their hotel buildings and have not had major issues with it. Vern More, President of the Applewood Pointe Cooperation, stated that they have a concern about the pathway connecting to the regional park system since they own private property that abuts the park system. They also would like to see a restaurant added, although they understand this hotel normally would not have one. Ile 1tated the Cooperation has a concern about the amount of traffic being brought into that area, which is already issue and they would like to see a stop light added sooner than later. They believe the building would be a nice addition to that area. llaae 6 of 12