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STAFF COMMENTS <br />MEMORANDUM <br />DATE: <br />January 13, 2014 <br />TO: <br />Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers <br />Patrick Klaers, City Administrator <br />FROM:Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director <br />SUBJECT: TCAAP Update <br />The Joint Development Authority (JDA) and the Arden Hills Planning Commission reviewed the <br />draft Master Plan on January 6 and 8, 2014, respectively. <br />JDA Commissioners generally supported the draft plan and were pleased at the progress that had <br />been made. Commissioners discussed the roundabout and the need to demonstrate that it can <br />work safely and efficiently. Commissioners questioned the effect of TCAAP on the Mounds <br />View School District. Mayor Grant indicated that he will be updating the school district on the <br />Master Plan, and previous comments from the school district were that the new development at <br />TCAAP would be a net positive for the district. Commissioners questioned whether the water <br />treatment facility could be used to support the central water feature, and how to enhance the <br />water feature as an amenity. <br />Consultants from Kimley-Horn and Cuningham Group gave a detailed presentation to the <br />Planning Commission covering all information that was presented to the City Council on <br />December 16 and 26, 2013. Planning Commission comments are summarized as follows: <br />Planning Commissioners asked how water from the water treatment facility could be used <br />for heating and cooling. <br />Commissioners felt that the City needed some sort of community center or public <br />gathering place, and the park/open space area east of the proposed Town neighborhood <br />may be a good location for that. <br />Commissioners responded favorably to the mix of land uses and supported opportunities <br />for life cycle and work force housing on TCAAP. A commissioner suggested that the <br />City contact the realtor association for additional information on housing trends for <br />young professionals and families. <br />Commissioners felt that a roundabout could be a positive attribute to the site since their <br />experience has been that roundabouts move traffic smoothly and efficiently. Properly <br />designed, it could also provide an opportunity for an attractive entrance feature. <br />12 <br />Page of <br />