06-15-15-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JUNE 15, 2015 6 City Planner Streff reviewed a section of City Code that addresses the City vision. Councilmember Holden questioned if owners of affordable housing units are able to sell their homes at market rate after living in them for a number of years. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed the affordable housing standards and models. She noted that in most cases, some level of affordability has to be maintained and that it would depend on what the terms were when the home was purchased. Discussion continued regarding affordable housing units on TCAAP. Mayor Grant commented that he did not support portions of Section 7.4.2 within Chapter 7. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on how the Met Council defined affordable housing. Community Development Director Hutmacher provided the Council with definitions on how Met Council defined affordable housing and subsidies. Councilmember Holden asked if either the Met Council or the County were expecting 10% of all housing units and 20% of all owner occupied units to be affordable housing. Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed general income level expectations for affordable housing. Councilmember Holmes suggested that the language regarding 50 foot lots be adjusted to read: "these lots may accommodate affordable housing". Mayor Grant did not support the line that reads: "Additionally, certain zoning districts within the neighborhood residential land use classification could also be used for affordable housing on TCAAP". He wanted this sentence deleted as he did not support affordable housing within the Hill and Creek neighborhoods. Councilmember McClung stated that the only way he could support this amendment would be if the words "Town Center" and "Neighborhood Transition" were not called out in the second sentence. Councilmember Holden and Councilmember Holmes were in favor of the first sentence remaining and the next two sentences being eliminated. Mayor Grant explained that he would vote against the Comprehensive Plan if this were the direction the Council pursued. Councilmember Woodburn wanted to hear from each of the Councilmembers regarding this topic.