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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JUNE 16, 2014 8 <br /> <br />calculations were complete. He explained that on June 30th the infrastructure design team would <br />be present to discuss this in further detail with the Council. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding the location of the bodies of water as well as road access issues. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant provided comment on density stating that the consultants were proposing and the <br />County was supporting 1,770 units. He discussed how density could impact land value and <br />property taxes. He suggested that the Council consider this matter and decide on a density <br />number in the near future. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated that she would like to see no more than 1,500 units. She believed <br />that any higher density would be difficult for the site to manage. She feared how traffic would be <br />impacted by TCAAP given the fact the area was already congested. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung could support starting at 1,770 units, but could split the difference <br />between the high and low numbers by having 1,650 units. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes was uncertain where she stood on this issue. She was in favor of lower <br />density for traffic purposes, but had a feeling this would not support the proposed retail. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner understood both the City’s and the County’s point of view on this <br />matter. He preferred that TCAAP have 1,600 to 1,700 units. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant stated that he supported 1,500 units on TCAAP. He discussed how density could <br />be altered or expanded vertically to make the lot sizes for homes larger. He understood that there <br />may be transportation issues but also wanted the retail to be properly supported. He wanted <br />TCAAP to resemble Arden Hills and not downtown Minneapolis. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden agreed but stated that TCAAP could have a very urban look. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher encouraged the Council to visit several <br />neighborhoods in the metro area to see some examples of potential setbacks and densities. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant agreed that this would provide the Council with a great visual. He recommended <br />that the Council visit neighborhoods and set a goal for the end of July to come to a decision on <br />density. <br /> <br />B. Economic Development Commission Update <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that a State of the City event was held in <br />September 2011 and 2013. The purpose of the event is to build relationships with the Arden Hills <br />business community and to provide local businesses with information about City projects and <br />goals. In order to maximize business turnout for the event, the State of the City has been held on a <br />weekday morning with continental breakfast included. Feedback for both the 2011 and 2013 <br />events was very positive, and the EDC recommends holding a 2014 State of the City event. <br />