Agenda - Planning Commission - 07/27/2023

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Commissioner Anderson asked the disadvantage of turning the building to having the back of the store to the back of the strip mall. Planning Manager Larson identified an area that will be preserved for future use, whether that is a multitenant building or single user. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that would be an issue of visibility for Aldi. He commented that the business is attempting to draw traffic from Armstrong and if you spin the building, you will not see the Aldi arch. He commented that he is not a huge fan of what is occurring on the Sunwood side, making businesses have doors onto Sunwood while others do not. He commented that with parcel 46 to the north, there would most likely be residents walking to Aldi. He noted that apartment residents also walk to Coborns and would most likely walk to Aldi as well along with those at the dome. He stated that he likes the mural concept but would also be in favor or forcing a door on that side of the building as other businesses were made to do so. He stated that he loves the other sides of the building and would like to see a similar design scape on the back. He commented that he believes pedestrian facilities are still a must. Commissioner Anderson noted that his suggestion to back the buildings up would prevent the developer from having to invest more into the design of the back side of the building. Chairperson Gengler invited the applicant to address the Commission. Ryan Anderson, representing the applicant, stated that there is a lot of flexibility and discretion within the concepts. He thanked the Commission for allowing this informal review to provide input so that the public process can proceed smoothly. He stated that the presented concept would be the preferred aesthetic of Aldi. He commented that they want to have a nice building that fits within the framework of Aldi and also works well within the City's design. He commented that while the changed orientation could be an option, that would be a last resort. He believed that they could enhance the design in the current proposed location. He stated that they have the ability to add windows in the rear to make it look more four sided. He commented that the rear of the building is warehouse and storage space, therefore they would prefer the opaque version of windows. He commented that although not everyone will walk to get groceries, some users would and provided a general overview of the pedestrian connections. He stated that they would not prefer to add a second door as that would not function well with the floorplan. He commented that with the corner entrance, it does face the parking lot and street to the north. He agreed that they could add landscaping to break up facades. Commissioner Heineman commented that in his experience an Aldi is set up to have one entrance into the building with customers weaving through the aisles, therefore having a second door would not work well with that layout. Mr. Anderson confirmed that to be true. He commented that there are some rare locations where a second door has been added but those are more unique designs. Planning Commission/ May 25, 2023 Page 6 of 10