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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 7, 2014 9 <br /> <br /> Development Interviews, January 30, February 20, and March 12, 2014 <br /> <br />On April 14, 2014, the City Council reviewed a summary of public comments compiled by <br />Kimley-Horn. <br /> <br />On April 21, 2014, the City Council discussed recommendations from the Parks, Trails, and <br />Recreation Committee (PTRC) for amenities needed within each park area. The PTRC <br />recommendations, which were accepted by the City Council, can be summarized as follows: <br /> <br /> Park areas in neighborhoods should include play structures, a gazebo, and off-street <br />parking (located either in lots or in bump-outs along the public street); <br /> Parks should be located nearer to center or at the entrance to residential neighborhoods so <br />that park traffic is not routed through the neighborhood; <br /> An adult athletic facility (softball and hockey) should be located adjacent to a County <br />road. This facility should be lighted and ideally will have shared parking with adjacent <br />businesses. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff indicated that the City Council also discussed goals for the surface water <br />amenity on April 21. Council comments included: <br /> <br /> Pond areas should be well-maintained and should have water present at all times; <br /> Ponds may be connected by natural areas or a “brook” environment; <br /> Trails and benches should be included so that the surface water management can also be a <br />site amenity. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff explained that the City Council is scheduled to discuss residential densities <br />and the flex space land use on May 19, 2014. In preparation for this meeting, the City Council <br />was provided with suggestions for a self-guided mobile tour highlighting various types of <br />residential and commercial development. Planning Commission members may be interested in <br />the self-guided tour as well since it is relevant to upcoming discussions on zoning requirements <br />and design standards for residential and commercial development. The City Council was also <br />given three articles recommended by JDA Chair David Sand: <br /> <br /> Mixed-Income Housing – Myth and Fact <br /> Higher Density Development – Myth and Fact <br /> Visualizing Density, Chapter One <br /> <br />City Planner Streff reported that the City Council reviewed the draft Alternative Urban <br />Areawide Review (AUAR) on April 14, 2014. The draft AUAR and Mitigation Plan was <br />published in the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Monitor on April 28, 2014. The document <br />was also sent to adjacent cities, the Mounds View School District, Rice Creek Watershed <br />District, the Minnesota National Guard, and other stakeholders and interested parties. Public <br />comments on the draft AUAR and Mitigation Plan will be accepted until May 28, 2014. The City <br />Council is tentatively scheduled to approve the final document on July 28, 2014. <br />