Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 20149 <br /> <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> believed that the Council needed to know what costs the City cannot <br />bond for and what risks would be associated with these expenses. <br />Ms. Kvilvang <br /> reported that she could run a model to show the Council the risks. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> thanked Ms. Kvilvang for providing the Council with preliminary <br />numbers. <br /> <br /> TCAAP Residential Development and Densities <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br />stated that in April, the City Council was given <br />options for a self-guided development tour to see examples of recent residential developments that <br />offered mixed types of housing. These development projects are relevant to TCAAP because they <br />demonstrate how types of housing can be mixed and how density can be successfully achieved. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br />discussed concepts related to density in <br />preparation for further City Council discussion on the topic. She requested comment from the <br />Council on these residential developments and desired density levels for TCAAP. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> believed it would be difficult to provide an exact number because per acre density <br />can be calculated in so many different ways. He questioned if the Council had feedback regarding <br />density. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes <br /> stated that she recently spent time in St. Louis Park at Excelsior and <br />Grand and did not find the mix of retail to be attractive. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding the potential mix of uses in the Town Center, along with the pros <br />and cons of vertical and horizontal mixed use developments. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> stated that townhouses have become starter homes and questioned if the <br />TCAAP development would offer life-cycle housing. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher <br /> explained that the mix of housing products has <br />not been determined. She understood that Arden Hills did not currently have a lot of starter/young <br />professional homes. She believed that starter homes would assist in drawing and keeping families <br />in the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> wanted to see balanced housing opportunities on TCAAP. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> suggested that the market demand be reviewed prior to the Council making any <br />decisions. He wanted to see that the majority of the constructed units be owner-occupied. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br />indicated that TCAAP would be quite dense, which was a concern to <br />her. <br /> <br />