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Brian Bona, 222 Second Street in Minneapolis, explained other options were reviewed for the site, but noted the <br />other alternatives created alleyways and access issues. It was his opinion the proposed plan was most fitting for <br />the site. In addition, he believed having only one overhead door would be a practical difficulty. <br />Chair Nichols-Matkaiti requested further information on the variance requirements. Planning Director <br />Gundlach provided comment on the circumstances on the property that were unique and were not created by the <br />landowner. She reported the existing building placement was not the applicant's fault. <br />Mr. Bona requested the Commission allow him to have six overhead doors and that they be allowed to be <br />opened during the summer time for the benefit of his employees. <br />Commissioner Deick asked if additional landscaping could be placed in front of the building to hide the <br />overhead doors. Mr. Bona indicated he intends to plant considerably more landscaping than was shared with <br />staff. He reported he would be mimicking the landscaping at his shop in Fridley, Minnesota. <br />Commissioner Danger recommended the applicant plant evergreen trees and not deciduous as this would <br />provide better screening. He stated he could support the request if the applicant could agree to this type of <br />screening. Mr. Bona was willing to plant evergreens along the front of the building to address this concern. <br />Planning Director Gundlach indicated there was adequate space on the boulevard to plant a row of coniferous <br />trees. Her only concern was with the overhead power lines. <br />Commissioner Danger believed Mr. Bona had a very nice building in Fridley and he hoped he could have the <br />same look and feel at this New Brighton location after the renovations were complete. <br />Chair Nichols-Matkaiti questioned how the Commission should proceed with this recommendation. Based on <br />discussion by the Commission, Planning Director Gundlach recommended Condition 8 be amended to eliminate <br />the second sentence and add Condition 12 stating: The landscaping plan is amended to include a row of <br />coniferous plant materials running north -south along Old Highway 8 with the intent of that material to provide <br />screening of the overhead vehicular doors facing west. If the power lines easement prohibits this condition <br />from being met, the applicant shall keep the vehicular doors closed at all times, except while entering and <br />exiting a vehicle. She indicated the tree height and spacing could also be addressed. <br />Mr. Bona commented on the height of the power lines and believed that a row of trees would fit in under the <br />lines. <br />Commissioner Deick did not object to the doors being open so long as a row of trees was planted along the <br />boulevard. <br />Councilmember Jacobsen questioned when the overhead doors would be open. Mr. Bona indicated the doors <br />could be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. <br />Commissioner Danger asked if noise would be a concern if the doors were left open. Mr. Bona stated no <br />concerns have been brought to him from the adjacent townhome owners. <br />Planning Director Gundlach reviewed the revised language for Condition 12 stating: The applicant revises the <br />landscaping plan to include a row of evergreens running north -south in the front yard along Old Highway 8 with <br />the intent to screen the overhead vehicular doors facing west. The plant material shall be planted at a five foot <br />5 <br />