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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – MARCH 7, 2012 3 Commissioner Thompson stated the agreement with Northwestern College allowed for the site to be well maintained and managed by the college. She questioned how the site would be properly maintained through the new proposal. She felt there was great opportunity for the site to become unkempt on the main level without proper management. Mr. Davidson commented he was not proposing student housing. He was proposing professional market rate apartments that would be managed by a professional. There would be an attendant onsite 24 hours a day, with security cameras. He anticipated the population would be young adults, but tenant screening and credit checks would occur. Commissioner Thompson expressed further concern with the site being properly managed and maintained. She noted this site was within the B-2 District and she wanted to assure that the redevelopment fit properly into the City’s vision. Mr. Davidson stated it was his intention to market the apartments to local college students and young professionals. There was a large population renting in the community and this site would provide a great alternative. Commissioner Hames stated she has an 18-year old child and has been reviewing the rental housing available in the Summit Hill area. The rents are $700-800 per month. She was pleased with the proposal from Mr. Davidson as it offered a unit with a lounge area and an athletic facility. She saw a huge need for these types of units. Chair Larson asked if any of the units have included a microwave without a range. Commissioner Hames stated she had seen this in the units. Several had a range with no microwave and others had a microwave with no range. Chair Larson addressed the splitting of the parcel. He felt access to the second parcel would be a disadvantage if approved. He questioned if the County approved of the right-in, right-out access. Mr. Davidson stated he has secured approval from the County for this access on Lexington Avenue. Chair Larson questioned if any other uses for the building were discussed. Mr. Davidson stated he did not have any other users proposed for the west side of the building. A restaurant would be a good use for this space, but nothing had been determined at this time. Chair Larson saw the market for the studio apartments. He questioned if a hotel use had been reconsidered. Mr. Davidson stated this was not economically feasible given the hotel standards of today. Chair Larson asked if demolition and redevelopment was considered. Mr. Davidson noted this was always an option, but an anchor would be needed for the site. Commissioner Holewa expressed concern that the entire building was not being renovated at once. He inquired why the fourth floor was not being proposed for redevelopment. Mr. Davidson stated he was proposing for the entire building to become studio apartments, but only 70 units would be completed to begin with.