HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-10-10 Menards Ltr to OPH Re Gate CanopyMayor David Beaudet
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Boulevard North
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-2007
Administrator Eric Johnson
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Boulevard North
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-2007
Common Council
City of Oak Park Heights
14168 Oak Park Boulevard North
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082-2007
RE: Proposed Menards Expansion
Oak Park Heights, MN
October 10, 2003
SENT VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS
SECOND DAY
Mayor Beaudet, Administrator Johnson, and Honorable Council Members:
am contacting you today regarding the relocation of the gate canopy at the Oak
Park Heights Menards, per a request by City Planner Scott Richards. As you may know
we propose relocating the existing yard gate canopy to the east side of the store in order
to add a garden center and to make other yard renovations. Accordingly, we have
requested a variance from the front yard setback.
As I mentioned in the project narrative (previously submitted), the gate canopy
can aptly be described as a semi-permanent structure. The gate canopy will be a slab on
grade structure with no basement, no second floor, no attic, and no plumbing.
Nonetheless, this modest structure is truly appreciated by our security guards and guests
alike. The canopy provides cover from rain, sleet, and snow. It therefore keeps guard,
guest and paperwork dry. Furthermore, the enclosed area, a 7'-2" x 10)-4" guard shelter,
keeps our team members warm on cold winter days. Lastly, the overhead doors make for
a safe and secure yard, when closed.
It is our firm belief that relocating the gate canopy as shown on the site plan
(previously submitted) is the best layout from both an operational and safety standpoint.
4777 MENARD DRIVE EAU CLAIRE, WI 54703-9625 TELEPHONE (715) 876-5911
FAX: 715-876-5901
As you can see from the enclosed photographs, the garden center is not entirely contained
under the 72' overhang, but extends outward into the yard. Given the location of Krueger
Lane, the exiting Menards store, and the detention pond, we cannot both add a garden
center and keep the gate canopy at its current location without serious adverse effects to
both operational feasibility and guest safety. Whereas, there may not be a large number
of people in the enclosed photos, I assure you that the garden center is a very busy place
on warm weekend days in the spring and summer. Because of the concentration of
people in the garden center area, we do not believe that it is advisable to direct all of our
vehicular traffic through this area. Accordingly, we respectfully request a variance from
the front yard setback.
We at Menards are excited about the proposed reinvestment into your community
and I look forward to meeting with you on Tuesday, October 14 Please consider the
above arguments and allow Menards to bring the Oak Park Heights store up to the
standards in service and expanded product line found in our newest stores. Your
cooperation and support are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Cc:
Mr. Scott Richards
Northwest Associates
5775 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 555
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
S inggrely
Mark G. Lei SF
Menard, In F .
Properties Department
Phone: 715 - 876 -2828
Fax: 715 - 876 -5960