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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 29, 2015 2 <br /> A. Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough <br /> Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough introduced himself to the Council. He <br /> discussed the progress that was being made on TCAAP through both the City and County's <br /> efforts. He looked forward to future development and economic stimulus on this site. He <br /> explained that the County was interested in flexibility going forward in order to achieve vitality, <br /> uniqueness, and complex developments within TCAAP. He reported that he would continue to <br /> advocate for an extension of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) A-Line to TCAAP. He provided <br /> further comment on the proposed density on TCAAP, along with the new, unique neighborhoods. <br /> He indicated that Ramsey County was interested in securing a large amount of private investment <br /> on this site as a large amount of public investment will be made. He wanted to see the City and <br /> County begin from a point of flexibility in order to have the tough conversations with future <br /> developers. He provided the Council with a letter and requested that the Council consider <br /> densities that would allow for 1,700 units on the TCAAP site. He discussed the numerous <br /> benefits of this density level noting that it would provide a greater return on investment. He <br /> thanked the Council for their time and asked for questions or comments. <br /> Mayor Grant stated that based upon Commissioner McDonough's presentation he understood <br /> that the County was interested in flexibility, density,jobs, and transportation. He commented that <br /> transportation has been a concern for the City for quite some time given the current jobs available <br /> in Arden Hills. He proposed that the County and the Metropolitan Council pay attention to the <br /> jobs on the TCAAP site as this too would drive the transportation need. <br /> Commissioner McDonough agreed that jobs would drive transportation. He provided comment <br /> on how bigger investments would follow if the site flourished with both jobs and residential <br /> density. <br /> Councilmember Holmes explained that she has ridden the bus from Arden Hills for the past 25 <br /> years. She understood that the Metropolitan Council's plan for the northern suburbs was to create <br /> additional park and rides. She noted that there was a park and ride at County Road H already. She <br /> believed that the BRT was an inefficient option for Arden Hills' residents given its current route. <br /> Commissioner McDonough discussed the BRT A-Line and the light rail Green Line. He <br /> believed that these routes were quicker than driving a car downtown and offered other <br /> conveniences to transit riders. He commented that park and rides were important investments to <br /> the community, but that private investments are shown to follow the BRT. <br /> Councilmember Holden provided comment on the density proposed by the City Council stating <br /> that the City was proposing to have 9.6 units per acre. She commented that the AUAR proposed a <br /> maximum of 1,700 units on TCAAP, which was an overage of 8% given that there was a change <br /> in acreage on the TCAAP site. She recommended that the County reconsider their density needs <br /> for this site. <br /> Commissioner McDonough believed that the best starting point for density on TCAAP would be <br /> 1,700 units. <br />