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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 26, 2013 2 <br /> Mayor Grant requested that Mr. Dresdner provide a presentation to the Council addressing the <br /> questions on the TCAAP Master Plan and that the Council refrain from questions and comments <br /> until after the presentation. <br /> Mr. Dresdner stated that open space, parks and density are a concern for the Council in the <br /> proposed TCAAP Master Plan. He discussed how he devised the percentage of park space for <br /> TCAAP and how the proposed parks would meet the needs of the residents within the <br /> development. He indicated that 3.8% (145 acres) of the City's current land was used for parks <br /> and open space. The proposed Master Plan has 49 acres of the TCAAP site being used for parks <br /> and open space, including wetlands. He reviewed the wetlands within the site noting they could <br /> be used passively. <br /> Mr. Dresdner reviewed how he devised the number of employees and residents estimated for <br /> the TCAAP property. The proposed community space was discussed in further detail. He then <br /> explained how the mixed use space would develop in the Town Square area of TCAAP. It was <br /> his opinion that the mixed use space would be difficult to develop but it also would be quite <br /> valuable given the number of residents in the area. He indicated that the site would benefit from <br /> a variety of stores in different sizes. <br /> Mayor Grant asked for comments or questions from the Council. <br /> Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the lack of green space near the Town Center. <br /> Mr. Dresdner indicated that smaller "tot lots" were being proposed within the housing <br /> developments. These tot lots could be part of the private developments and would be less than <br /> one mile from the Town Center area. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned how the water feature would be more than a drainage ditch. <br /> Mr. Dresdner commented that the clay lining would help with the water feature, along with high <br /> quality plantings and maintenance. He reported that he would provide the Council with several <br /> examples of successful water features in the metro area. <br /> Councilmember Holden was in favor of having a more pronounced water feature, versus a <br /> drainage ditch. <br /> Councilmember McClung agreed that the water feature was a major amenity of the site and he <br /> did not see the proposed wetlands meeting that need. He wanted to see a"wow" factor similar to <br /> Centennial Lakes. <br /> Mr. Dresdner indicated that the proposed design followed the lay of the land while also meeting <br /> the wetland mitigation and storm water needs for the site. <br />