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

Home Browse Search

by a property owner, the Planning Commission or the City Council. Mr. Keane stated the concerns that seem to be driving this amendment are driven by traffic issues and trip generation. He presented a letter to the Planning Commission along with a trip generation analysis. He stated multi-family is on the low end of trip generation. He does not believe traffic should be driving this text amendment. Mr. Keane stated this is a mixed use district including commercial and residential. The inclusion of multi-family in this district was included in the comprehensive plan. He requested the Planning - Commissiori delay any action on tkis and continue the discussion to continue the - opportunity to explore this text amendment as well as the traffic issues that seem to be driving this. Mr. Rob Davidson, owner of 1201 property. He stated on May 14th they were denied their request at the City Council meeting. On May 23rd they received notice the City was planning to remove multi-family housing from the B-2 district. A new proposal will be coming before the Planning Commission in July. Mr. Davidson stated he has been developing commercial properties in this area for 30 years. The kinds of development being proposed at the 1201 County Road E property would be as good as their previous developments. He stated multi-family would be the least impact solution to the area. Mr. Davidson stated the apartment would be an advantage to the City. He requested the proposal of amending the zoning code be denied. Mr. Flaherty of Flaherty's Arden Bowl. He is discouraged with the vacancies on County Road E. They had a property tax valuation done on their two parking lots and a consultant was brought in and her comment was the B-2 zoning is a deal killer for commercial business. He feels the Commission should be encouraging businesses rather than sending them away. He said we need to get serious on County Road E and start moving. He would be in favor of the multi-family plan that will be proposed in July. Chair Larson closed the public hearing at 7:19 p.m. Staff is recommending removing multi-family dwellings as a permitted use in the B-2 District while Bolton & Menk complete their work on Phase I of the B-2 District Implementation Plan. The expected outcome of Bolton & Menk's work is a final report and recommendation for traffic management solutions that can be acted upon by the City. The hope is that removing multi-family dwellings is a temporary action; however, the City must first identify how to adequately address traffic management solution that can be agreed upon by the Council that will accommodate land uses and densities. City Planner Meagan Beekman stated notice was published in the Shoreview-Arden Hills Bulletin, and mailed to all property owners within the B-2 District. Commissioner Holewa asked if this passed would it be in conflict with the comprehensive plan. City Planner Beekman stated they are hoping this would not be a permanent change to the zoning code. She does not believe it would be a conflict.