10-27-14-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 27, 2014 4 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that while these tools would provide greater control over densities and types of housing in specific areas, they would decrease flexibility to developers and the ability to mix types of housing products within neighborhoods. Staff requests that the City Council weigh the benefits and challenges to each approach and provide policy direction. Mayor Grant stated that the Council has not talked to a condo or senior housing builder. He requested further clarification on the definition of a twinhome. Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that a twinhome differed from a manor home. She stated that a twinhome was a duplex or home with two units. Mayor Grant recommended that staff make contact with a senior housing and condominium builder in order for the Council to have a conversation regarding these housing styles. He further discussed the current zoning for the Hill and Creek neighborhoods and expressed concern with the lack of control the City had on the number of units per acre. He wanted to see an upper limit for density to be set while still allowing future developers some flexibility. Joel Jamnik, City Attorney, suggested that the Council frequently "look back" and review the density and development of TCAAP. This way, if the Council was not satisfied with the progress after five or ten years, modifications to the zoning districts could be made. Further discussion ensued regarding potential development scenarios for the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. Mayor Grant wanted to ensure that the Council had some sort of structure in place to allow the City's vision for TCAAP to be reasonably realized. He liked the idea of flexibility; however, he wanted the City to be protected against "worst case scenarios". He was in favor of the Council further examining its vision in order to put zoning in place to realize this vision. Councilmember McClung indicated that the current zoning structure has created an imperfect situation and does not properly address the Council's concerns. Mr. Jamnik commented that even without the JDA, the City would take a reactive approach to future development. Mayor Grant suggested that the Council consider its vision for product mix and density within the Hill and Creek. Councilmember Holden wanted to see senior housing brought into the housing mix on the TCAAP site. Mr. Jamnik believed that senior housing needs would be driven by market demand. Councilmember McClung asked if staff thought the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) would be completed by the third meeting in December.