07-08-15 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 8, 2015 8 7. The proposed CPA, Rezoning, and TRC advance the City’s Comprehensive Plan to preserve, protect, and restore the community’s natural resources, including open spaces, lakes, wetlands, other significant natural features, and historic resources. 8. The proposed TRC implements the vision for a walkable, mixed-use, resilient, and vibrant TCAAP development. City Planner Streff stated that staff 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 8, 2015, Report to the Planning Commission. City Planner Streff reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this matter: 1. Recommend Approval as Submitted. 2. Recommend Approval with Additional Comments. 3. Recommend Denial. 4. Table. Vice Chair Hames opened the floor to Commissioner comments. There were no comments or questions from the Commission. Vice Chair Hames opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. Vice Chair Hames invited anyone for or against the request to come forward and make comment. Ramsey County Commissioner Jim McDonough, 815 Montana Avenue, St. Paul, discussed the County’s thoughts on TCAAP. He looked forward to seeing the TCAAP site dramatically improved in the near future. He had some concern with the City’s proposed density and encouraged the Planning Commission to consider increasing flexibility in the TRC to allow for 1,700 units. It was the County Board’s feelings that the increased flexibility in density would attract national developers. He explained that the A-Line BRT was not proposed to extend to the TCAAP property at this time; however, the Metropolitan Council is considering this extension. He stated he would continue to work on this issue with the Metropolitan Council. Ramsey County Commissioner McDonough discussed the importance of private development. He stated that he was a strong supporter of creating 4,000 jobs on the TCAAP site. This will be accomplished through long-term investment. He provided comment on the strength of Minnesota’s work force. He appreciated the joint work that has been done by the City and County to date. It was his hope that the City and the County could move forward together with a strong shared vision for TCAAP. Commissioner Zimmerman questioned what type of additional housing units the County wanted to see on the TCAAP site in order to reach 1,700 units.