8C, Planning Case 12-001 and or Moratorium on Multi-family Housing

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halfway between Lexington Avenue and Pine Tree Drive on County Road E. The traffic signal would allow multiple accesses to be consolidated at one controlled intersection, which would greatly improve the left turn movements onto County Road E. The Guiding Plan identified land uses, including multi-family dwellings, as well as densities that were predicated on the assumption that a traffic light, or other traffic management solution that improves left turns onto County Road E, would be implemented in order to accommodate the additional traffic in this area. Commissioner Holewa stated he has concerns about traffic in this area. He was in favor of a stoplight in the area. He stated he does not see the amendment would solve any of the traffic issues. He does not know if he can prohibit property owners in this area from having multi-family housing. He stated a moratorium may make more sense. CiTy Planner Beekman stated a moratorium would be possible as well. The City Council stated concern that a traffic light may not be possible. Ms. Beekman stated some traffic management solutions need to be implemented. Commissioner Holewa stated a plan came before the Planning Commission for multi- family housing, which was denied. He feels property owners should be allowed to present plans for Planning Commission consideration. Commissioner Zimmerman stated the City has no jurisdiction on County Road E. Ramsey County will deal with County Road E as they see fit. Commissioner Zimmerman would be in favor of a moratorium. Chair Larson stated during his commute there are many signal lights. He stated he is not in favor of another traffic light. He stated there needs to be a solution. Traffic is very heavy due to the construction. The traffic light is not an issue for him. Commissioner Stodola stated neighboring cities have multi-use buildings with housing on the upper floors. Chair Larson opened the public hearing at 6:55 p.m. Mr. Ed VonHoltum stated he was Chairman of the Economic Development Commission. He heard about this project by reading the newspaper. He asked how the proposed change came about. Chair Larson stated it came out of a joint meeting between Council and the Planning Commission to look at the B-2 District. Mr. VonHoltum asked if the current zoning was not adequate. Mr. VonHoltum stated there is a quarter mile of vacant buildings along County Road E. He was involved on a steering committee to work on the B-2 plan along with 14 members. They worked hard on the plan. Mr. Tim Keane, Malkerson Gunn Martin, LLP, representing the owners of the property on County Road E and Lexington. He stated they are against the amendment to the zoning code. He stated this amendment seems to be a result of the previous proposal to convert the Holiday Inn into multi-family housing. The current proposal is to convert the units to code compliant apartments. Mr. Keane stated zoning amendments can be started