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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 19, 2014 9 <br /> City Administrator Klaers stated that the numbers before the Council are a first attempt and he <br /> cautioned the Council from making any firm decisions based on these numbers. He understood <br /> the Council concerns voiced this evening regarding park expenses and defining surface water <br /> management. <br /> Councilmember Holmes 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 reported that she could run a model to show the Council the risks. <br /> Councilmember Holden thanked Ms. Kvilvang for providing the Council with preliminary <br /> numbers. <br /> • TCAAP—Residential Development and Densities <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher 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 /> Community Development Director Hutmacher 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 /> Mayor Grant 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 /> Councilmember Holmes 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 /> 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 /> Councilmember Holden stated that townhouses have become starter homes and questioned if the <br /> TCAAP development would offer life-cycle housing. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher 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 /> Councilmember McClung wanted to see balanced housing opportunities on TCAAP. <br /> Mayor Grant 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 />