4B, Draft Minutes 12-17-12 Work Session

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 17, 2012 5 Permit amendment, rezoning, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary and Final Plat, and Master and Final Planned Unit Development. The proposal was for a 55-unit workforce affordable housing apartment building. The units would be one to three bedrooms in size. Zoning required 55 surface parking stalls and 55 underground parking stalls. A tot lot was included along with a picnic area. City Planner Beekman explained that Sand Companies was proposing to modify their development proposal from the 55 affordable units to 56 market rate units and four (4) affordable units. The reason for the increase has to do with the need for more one-bedroom units versus three-bedroom units. She reviewed the previous Site Plan noting the revised plan would have 27 one bedroom units, 27 two bedroom units and six (6) three bedroom units for a total of 60 units. The site would require 96 parking stalls in accordance with the new Zoning Code, and the applicant is proposing to have 60 surface park stalls and 60 underground stalls for a total of 120 parking stalls. City Planner Beekman stated the footprint of the building would be modified slightly and the exterior finishes would be upgraded with stone. Six additional trees are proposed for the site. She reported the recreation area was modified to accommodate the anticipated clientele. The interior modifications were discussed including the fitness center, storage spaces for residents, added media/game room and the increased size of the community room. City Planner Beekman believed the changes to the site were minor which allowed for the Council to approve the revisions through a Development Agreement Amendment as opposed to a PUD Amendment. She requested the Council review the proposed changes to Arden Village and provide staff with comments. Jeremy Burg, architect, reviewed the exterior and interior changes proposed for Arden Village in detail with the Council. He stated more common space has been added, while all units would have stainless steel appliances and private decks. Mayor Grant questioned how the affordable units would be determined. Mr. Burg stated the four (4) affordable units would be geared towards families, with each being a three bedroom unit. Mayor Grant asked if the parking would remain the same. I Mr. Burg explained the development had proposed having 60 surface parking spaces and 60 underground spaces. However, if this could be reduced, according to the new Zoning Code, this may be reconsidered. City Planner Beekman indicated if the Council was amenable, some of the parking could be identified as proof of parking. This area could be developed as green space and added as parking only if necessary in the future. This could be added as a condition for approval to the Development Agreement Amendment. Mayor Grant questioned where the storage space would be located for the residents.