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Variance Request – WilsonWolf (2100 Old Highway 8) Planning Commission Report; 8-18-20 Page 6 (cont.) active roadway). Because the City earlier this year approved an SUP authorizing the potential for a roadway to be constructed directly north of this facility, it is more than reasonable to conclude this proposed patio could be adjacent to an active roadway in the future (and using the same logic above, potentially within 10 feet of the roadway). By enforcing zoning rules and denying the variance request, this potential safety problem is avoided which is the intent of zoning. Criteria not met. 2) Is the variance consistent with the Comprehensive Plan? Applicant’s Statement: Our request fits several provisions of the Comprehensive Plan: LU 6.0 calls to “Provide opportunitys for redevelopment, reinvestment, and infill, to support expanded employment throughout the city, particularly within identified opportunity areas.” Wilson Wolf has been able to triple its number of staff by moving from our former location at 33 5th Ave to our new location; that’s approximately 27 new jobs that may now be accommodated. LU 6.3 calls to “Acitively encourage redevelopment (private market driven) of blighted properties, brouwnfileds, and marginally used industrial areas.” The 2100 Old Highway 8 space was vacant for years, and as of about one year ago, the 2110 portion of the building has been vacant. Improvements such as we plan which are visually appealing from the outside, help creat a more intimate, less sterile environment and will be attractive to those considering space around us. LU 7.1 “Ensure that places of employment are desgined to be compatible with adjacent non- employment land uses.” Because of the large distance between our building and the next one North, and with the railroad tracks, trees and fields in-between, the patio we have had designed is a perfect transition space between industrial work and the natural outdoors. Staff Analysis: Staff whole-heartedly agrees with the applicant that the proposed patio is well thought out, is a beautiful design, and would significantly complement the Company’s new work space within the City. We also wish to make it crystal clear that staff is greatly appreciative that WilsonWolf has found a new home in New Brighton, and we always want to make the transition into a new building a great experience. That said, there are limits to what we can do, and this request unfortunately crosses one of those boundaries. The Comp Plan establishes a broad blueprint for the City to follow, and zoning adopts specific regulations to ensure the overall vision becomes a reality. While we agree this relocation certainly improves the 2100 buiding and allows the company to expand its employment base, we disagree with the applicant’s reading of the various goals of the plan and how they play into this case. For example, the applicant calles out land use goal 7.1 in support of the application whereas staff would point to the same goal as a reason to deny the application. Enforcing setbacks ensures places of employment are ultimately compatible with adjacent land uses. Given the recent SUP approval granted to the adjacent