4B, 09/24/12-R Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL– SEPTEMBER 24, 2012 4 Rob Davidson, TAT Properties, stated that he and his business partner Stu Nolan, own the property at 1201 County Road E, which is in the middle of the B2 District, which is affected by the proposed Zoning Code amendment changes. He indicated that he is a property owner and developer of 20 years and has significant investments in the City. He is opposed to the proposed Zoning Code amendment changes. He noted that some of the proposed changes are appropriate and applicable to newly constructed buildings, but make it impossible for an existing building to comply with the Zoning Code changes. The proposed Zoning Code changes require existing facilities to follow the same ordinances as a newly constructed building. He is discouraged and disappointed with the proposal. He stated that staff has promoted the notion that a 350 square foot apartment is not attractive, functional, or sustainable, and he has been told that an apartment of that size and type would create a "flop house". He emphasized that the apartments are targeted for college students, young adults, and professionals who eat out a lot and are connected socially by cell phones and electronic media. The size of their rooms is not important. Mr. Davidson stated that it is a growing trend across the country; not just Los Angeles or New York, but in similar size cities as Arden Hills, to develop "smart size" housing—apartments of 300 square feet or less--to meet an ever changing market that young people are demanding. The emphasis is on small living areas with expansive common areas. He asked that everyone see sustainability for what it is...the ability to adapt to a changing environment, responsible management, and the stewardship of a resource. He stated that the notion that "smart size" is unsustainable is wrong. The 1201 County Road E project is 80-85% housing and 15-20% retail. For the project to work, the housing component has to work. He would like to develop apartments at that site that are consistent with the zoning currently in place. By changing the zoning as proposed tonight, he may be forced to consider other options such as hotel, protected class, or senior/elder care. He noted that the structure as it exits is too substantial to ignore, and he asked that the zoning changes not be adopted tonight. Mayor Grant closed the Public Hearing at 7:24 p.m. 8. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Case 12-014 – Zoning Code Amendment – Multi-Family Dwelling Units Mayor Grant reminded the Council that the applicant in this case is the City and comments should be addressed towards City staff. This is a city-wide zoning that affects all properties. City Planner Beekman stated that at the June 25, 2012, regular City Council meeting, the City Council approved a city-wide moratorium on multi-family dwelling units while the City conducted a zoning study to look at possible design standards for multi-family housing. She noted that at the July 11, 2012, Planning Commission meeting, the commission reviewed the scope of the work for the design standards study and provided direction to staff on high priority items. Staff met with representatives from the League of Minnesota Cities, the City Attorney, and reviewed the zoning regulations of surrounding communities subsequent to meeting with the Planning Commission. She explained that staff prepared draft regulations of design standards for multi-family dwellings, and the draft was presented to the Planning Commission at their August 8, 2012, work session meeting. The Planning Commission provided further direction on a number