08-10-15-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JULY 13, 2015 10 City Planner Streff explained the findings of fact in Planning Case 15-015 support approval. However, if the City Council chooses to deny the application, the findings of fact would need to be amended to reflect the reasons for the denial. It was noted that the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 15-015 at their July 8, 2015, meeting and unanimously recommends approval of Planning Case 15-015 for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and adoption of the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) as Section 1380 of the Zoning Code, as presented in the July 13, 2015, Report to the City Council, with the public hearing comments forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Mayor Grant recommended that the Council approve each of the staff-recommended items one at a time. He noted that four votes were needed for approval of some of the recommendations. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2015-037, a resolution adopting an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for TCAAP property. Councilmember McClung indicated that he would not be supporting any of the staff recommendations this evening. He thanked staff for all of their work. He understood that a lot of time had been put into these items, however, he believed more work needed to be done and that additional flexibility is needed to create a world class development. He feared that by limiting the flexibility, this would limit the creativity. He wanted the City to strive for something extraordinary. Councilmember Woodburn stated that the proposed CPA was not the City’s original vision for TCAAP. He believed that too large a portion was being set aside for commercial and industrial development. He also feared that the density was too high. Mayor Grant commented that he would be supporting the motion. He did not believe that plus or minus a few units would make the site a showcase. He discussed how developments have changed over the past 30 years. He encouraged the Council to keep their eyes on the prize and how this site would benefit the City in the long run. Councilmember Holden agreed that this was not a world class development given the changes in the Master Plan that have been requested by the County and which the Council has accepted. She expressed concern with the proposed amount of showroom space. She had a hard time envisioning a world class development given the level of showroom space within TCAAP. She believed that the definition of “world class” needed closer examination by both the City and the County. She explained that she would be supporting all of staff’s recommendations this evening. Councilmember Holmes discussed the lengthy history of TCAAP and she believed that the Council was bringing forward the best option for the site. She reported that the TCAAP site would be developed at a density of 10 units per acre, while the remainder of Arden Hills was between two and three units per acre. She liked that TCAAP would have a variety of housing units. She fully supported the motions from staff. The motion failed 3-2 (McClung and Woodburn opposed).