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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 7 <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler noted that the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) <br />completed for TCAAP reviewed two development scenarios: the Zoning Scenario, which <br />included up to 1,500 residential units, and the Maximum Development Scenario, which included <br />up to 2,500 residential units. The AUAR proposed infrastructure improvements to serve the <br />needs of either scenario. He indicated that the total number of 1,431 units was based on the <br />maximum density allowed in each residential zoning district. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa understood that density was one of the most discussed issues by the City <br />Council. He stated that a few Councilmembers wanted less density, while others wanted more <br />and 1,431 units was the compromise. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman questioned how the City would adjust the density in the future if a <br />master developer wanted to build 1,700 units on TCAAP. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff commented that if a developer wanted to increase the density beyond 1,431 <br />units, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) would be required in order to support the <br />developer’s proposed development. He stated that this CPA would be reviewed and approved by <br />the Planning Commission, City Council, and the Metropolitan Council. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman inquired if the 1,700 units was necessary for BRT. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff stated the Metropolitan Council was having a conversation to see if it was <br />feasible to extend the A-Line to TCAAP. He reported that staff was unaware of the number of <br />units needed to secure the extension of this line. <br /> <br />Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough commented that 1,700 units was not the focus of <br />Metropolitan Council. However, there were a certain number of units that the Metropolitan <br />Council was interested in seeing before they would invest in infrastructure within TCAAP. He <br />encouraged the City to consider 1,700 units as this would make the development more <br />competitive to receive additional transit lines when compared to other developments in the metro <br />area. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel questioned how long it would take to amend the Comprehensive Plan to <br />allow a developer to construct 1,700 units. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff stated this was a lengthy process and estimated that this would take at least <br />120 days given the Metropolitan Council review process. <br /> <br />Vice Chair Hames indicated the recommendation was to approve the document as presented by <br />staff. She believed that the research that went into the document and the proposed density levels <br />should stand. She again reviewed the density levels for the remainder of Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel appreciated the comments that were voiced this evening, but he supported <br />the density levels as recommended by staff and the City Council. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa suggested that Paragraph E be added to Section 1.1 in the TRC, as <br />outlined in the public comments he provided in Attachment M. He read the paragraph in full for <br />the Commission.