08-05-15-PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 10 Commissioner Bartel asked how many acres on TCAAP would be developed for residential housing units. Associate Planner Bachler stated that 151 acres were zoned for residential uses. Commissioner Bartel indicated that with 1,431 proposed units on 151 acres this created a density of approximately 9+ units per acre. He asked how this compared with the remainder of Arden Hills. Associate Planner Bachler reported that staff had looked at several neighborhoods in Arden Hills and that the average gross density ranged from 1.75 to 3 units per acre. Commissioner Bartel summarized that the proposed density on TCAAP was three times higher than the density of all other Arden Hills neighborhoods. He inquired what research the City had done to come up with the proposed 1,431 units. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the City Council met with multi-family and single family residential developers while drafting the TRC. He stated that the feedback from the development community influenced the residential density ranges included in the TRC. Commissioner Bartel questioned what the potential negative impact would be to increase the density from 1,431 to 1,700 units. He asked why the Council had put a cap on the density. Associate Planner Bachler noted that the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) completed for TCAAP reviewed two development scenarios: the Zoning Scenario, which included up to 1,500 residential units, and the Maximum Development Scenario, which included up to 2,500 residential units. The AUAR proposed infrastructure improvements to serve the needs of either scenario. He indicated that the total number of 1,431 units was based on the maximum density allowed in each residential zoning district. Commissioner Holewa understood that density was one of the most discussed issues by the City Council. He stated that a few Councilmembers wanted less density, while others wanted more and 1,431 units was the compromise. Commissioner Zimmerman questioned how the City would adjust the density in the future if a master developer wanted to build 1,700 units on TCAAP. City Planner Streff commented that if a developer wanted to increase the density beyond 1,431 units, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) would be required in order to support the developer’s proposed development. He stated that this CPA would be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission, City Council, and the Metropolitan Council. Commissioner Zimmerman inquired if the 1,700 units was necessary for BRT. City Planner Streff stated the Metropolitan Council was having a conversation to see if it was feasible to extend the A-Line to TCAAP. He reported that staff was unaware of the number of units needed to secure the extension of this line.