09-19-16-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 19, 2016 12 Ms. Kvilvang questioned what Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant could support. Councilmember Holden explained she could support a building that was 10 stories in height. She believed that the added height did not add value through additional greenspace. Councilmember Wicklund saw value in the proposed building heights as being a design and architectural issue. Councilmember Holden stated she has spoken to many of her neighbors and all had concerns with buildings higher than 10 stories. Councilmember Wicklund encouraged the residents of Arden Hills to not have the "not in my backyard" syndrome as he believed that Alatus' vision for the TCAAP site was phenomenal. Councilmember Holden noted that this property also had the highest point in Ramsey County. Ms. Kvilvang reported if the building were only 10 stories, the penthouse units would be eliminated. Mr. Lux appreciated Councilmember Holden's concerns and asked where Mayor Grant stood on building height. Mayor Grant agreed residents were appalled by the thought of having 12 stories. He understood the value of concrete construction and appreciated all of the information Alatus has provided to the Council regarding this matter. He discussed his history with the project and indicated 10- and 12-story buildings had never been considered for this project. Mr. Lux stated he wanted to be respectful to the many years of work that have gone into this project. He stated he wanted to be responsive to the Council and their needs. Ms. Kvilvang commented on how building trends had changed over the past 10 years. Councilmember Holden feared that the 12-story building would look out of place. She noted the Council very recently approved the TRC. Councilmember Holmes stated she has been in communication with many residents and none had voiced concerns about the building heights. She believed the proposed building heights were the trend for the future and she wanted to see Arden Hills be a part of the future. She heard that residents did not want TCAAP to reflect the original portion of the City because it was 50 years old. Councilmember McClung provided further comment on the residents that he has spoken with. He heard from residents that both support and oppose the 10- and 12-story buildings. However, one common concern was that TCAAP be a high-class development with lots of restaurants. He stated he could support two 12-story buildings and two 10-story buildings. He believed that the proposed level of density would provide the City a great water feature and restaurants.