11-25-13-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 30, 20132 opportunities and issues. Over 80 people were in attendance. The following boards were on Site context and features Transportation and access Environmental features Topography and elevations Parks, trails, and open space Key lessons from developer panel/developer interviews Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that attendees were asked to comment on residential and commercial building types, open space types, and neighborhood patterns. Attendees also had an opportunity to participate in a land use exercise in which they could distribute their preferred mix of residential, retail, office, and park uses across the site. Photos were taken of each completed exercise and projected onto a screen in the room. Comments received at the open house largely addressed the following themes: Emphasize trails and provide multi-modal connectivity Limit the amount of development to preserve the natural environment Create regional destination in the form of shopping centers or community attractions and amenities Place non-residential uses on the west and residential on the east part of the site Focus on small and local businesses Incorporate indoor and outdoor sporting/recreation facilities Provide lifecycle housing opportunities (young professionals, families, retirees) Find a way to incorporate alternative energy production Make sure there is ample green space and active space Make provisions for transit service Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that input from public and stakeholder engagement, including City Council and JDA comments, will be utilized along with technical analysis of traffic, land use, and environmental factors to develop two scenarios for the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) document. An AUAR is a form of environmental documentation through Minnesota State Rules that evaluates a development scenario (or several scenarios) for an entire geographical area rather than a specific project. The AUAR must include a scenario based on the existing comprehensive plan. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported the master planning process is on schedule. The consultants anticipate having a draft of the Master Plan prepared for Planning Commission and City Council review in December 2013. At the next TCAAP open house in January/February 2014, attendees will be asked to provide feedback on the draft Master Plan. The final Master Plan and the draft AUAR are both expected to be completed in spring 2014. B. Transportation Update Public Works Director Maurer discussed the US 10/Highway 96 road construction project with the Council. He reviewed several photographs that displayed the progress being made on the project. He commented the project has remained on schedule and would be completed yet this fall.