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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />AND JOINT WORK SESSION WITH JDA – AUGUST 15, 2016 3 <br /> <br />where the park and paths would be located within Town Center and pointed out the connections. <br />The challenges for the site would be to create further connection points from this site to the <br />remainder of Arden Hills. The plans for the Town Center were reviewed in further detail with the <br />Council and JDA. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant questioned if the group had feedback at this point. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant believed further discussion would have to be held regarding “best homes” and <br />“best jobs”. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden asked which buildings would require a height variance. <br /> <br />Mr. Shaver anticipated this would be for the apartment and condominium buildings in Town <br />Center. It was noted the condominium building would be done in concrete. Further discussion <br />ensued regarding the density proposed for Town Center per block. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden did not believe she would support moving City Hall. She indicated the <br />current location was very centralized for all Arden Hills residents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes agreed. She discussed the underground parking and expense for the <br />proposed bridge. <br /> <br />Mr. Shaver discussed the costs associated with the underground parking and proposed bridge <br />noting these would be long-term solutions for the site. He indicated grants may be available to <br />assist with the expense. <br /> <br />Ms. Kvilvang stated based on conversations held to date, it appears the underground parking and <br />bridge would be done privately. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes commented on the proposed rental rates and expressed concern with <br />entrance and exit points for the apartments. She stated she was skeptical about how heavily the <br />public transportation would be used given the fact this was a suburb. In addition, she was not <br />convinced the proposed rental rates would be achieved. <br /> <br />Chair Sand understood senior housing would be located in the Town Center and asked how this <br />would fit into the proposed plans. <br /> <br />Mr. Shaver stated this was a good question as it also addressed traffic and livability of the <br />community. He commented on a senior housing project that he recently completed in Wayzata. It <br />was noted the senior housing would have secure underground parking. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung indicated overall he liked what he was seeing. He appreciated how <br />the natural resources corridor would be highlighted. He understood Alatus would be seeking <br />height flexibility for the condominium buildings. He anticipated this would be for two buildings. <br />He asked if Alatus had any idea how many buildings would be higher than six stories.