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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 14, 20132 Elizabeth Garsky, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, expressed concern with the poor condition of her roadway given the high level of traffic this summer due to road construction. She explained that she discussed this matter with a representative at MnDOT. She then presented the Public Works Director with several photographs showing the poor condition of Lake Valentine Road. 3. STAFF COMMENTS A. TCAAP Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that all but one building has been demolished on the TCAAP property. She explained that Building 502 will have asbestos abatement completed this winter and will be demolished in the spring. B. Report on JDA Denver Visit Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that on August 1 and 2, 2013, the JDA visited three redevelopment areas in Denver: Stapleton, Fitzsimons-Anschultz, and Lowry. Following the visit, Commissioners and staff completed questionnaires detailing the insight gained from the visit. The completed questionnaires have been compiled and summarized. The report completed does not include every comment, but focuses on the recurring themes that were evident in many responses. The JDA reviewed this report at its October 7, 2013, meeting and the Responses regarding the best features of the Denver redevelopments can be generally categorized as diversity, design, and public spaces. Community Development Director Hutmacher addressed diversity within the 3 development areas. She noted that in Lowry and particularly in Stapleton, housing styles and architecture are varied, yet fit together well in terms of scale. Homebuilders are not allowed to construct housing -pe. Elevations and colors cannot be repeated on a block. Types of housing are also diverse. Thoughtful design assures that diverse housing types (single-family, paired homes, multi-family) are well-integrated in neighborhoods. The mix of housing types also allows a diversity of incomes and ages. Older residents may live in senior housing in close proximity to their younger family members. Young professionals, families, and empty nesters may find suitable housing within a single neighborhood. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided comment on design. She explained that much of the diversity is accomplished through a high level of design. Both Stapleton and Lowry utilize extensive design guidelines that are applicable to all development in the community. The design guidelines promote consistent quality and a unified aesthetic. With the high level of design, although densities were approximately 12 units per acre, the development does not seem exceedingly dense. Infrastructure also contributes to design. Utilities are buried. Alleys are used extensively to eliminate garages on public roads. Two-lane streets and landscaped medians are used to give streetscapes a pedestrian scale and diminish the tendency of roadways to divide neighborhoods. Community Development Director Hutmacher then discussed the importance of public spaces. She commented that both Lowry and Stapleton have significant public spaces that encourage community interaction. Stapleton has a retail-focused town center and an open public green space