03-20-17-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MARCH 20, 2017 2 Grand Real Estate Advisors Developer Judd Fenlon noted Lyngblomsten is proposing using an approximate 6.5 acre parcel with 200 total units. They are looking toward a Spring 2018 opening. Lyngblomsten Representative Patricia Montgomery gave a verbal presentation on Lyngblomsten's history, services offered and anticipation of needs in the Arden Hills area. North Heights Church President John Oldfield stated that a goal of the church has been to provide long term housing and assisted living for their members. They feel the Lyngblomsten proposal will meet those needs. Mr. Fenlon discussed a market analysis that was done of Arden Hills and surrounding area, supporting the need for senior housing. Wold Architects and Engineers' Rick Moore spoke about maintaining the natural aspects of the site and being in a location adjacent to the church for potential shared activities. The west side of the property is the flattest and has the least trees so that is where they propose to build the project. Tuann Johnson noted the color scheme of the structure. She mentioned they would like to build a trail connecting to Royal Hills Park. Mr. Fenlon stated that he feels they can be competive in price points and packages they offer compared to the rest of the market. Mayor Grant asked if the property was ever zoned multi -family. Councilmember McClung stated that nothing other than a hostel has ever been proposed as residential for the property. Councilmember McClung questioned the demand analysis, wondering if the analysis took any of the properties currently being developed into account and if it took any of the TCAAP development into consideration. Mr. Fenlon replied that any properties currently built or being built were a part of the demand analysis, but possible TCAAP units were not. Councilmember Holmes stated that her biggest concern is the traffic pattern going out to Snelling Avenue and Highway 96. Councilmember McClung concurred. Councilmember Holden wondered what the active membership at North Heights is currently. Mr. Oldfield stated that membership is down about 50 per -cent from the previous high. Councilmember Holden then asked how much traffic would be produced by this development. Mr. Fenlon stated that they are estimating 480 trips per day. Councilmember Holden said she thinks 65 feet for the building height is way too high.