08-01-16 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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the neighborhood park amenities should be determined by the neighborhoods. She hoped to see a more passive park along the spine road. Commissioner Grant recommended there be connections between the parks. Director Hutmacher reported the TRC does call for connections from the development area to the regional trail. The JDA would have to work with the County on this matter. She provided further comment on the differences between the proposed community parks versus the private pocket neighborhood parks. Chair Sand stated creativity would be needed to bridge or connect TCAAP to the residents of Arden Hills to the south. Commissioner Holden agreed this would be an importance feature for the development. Commissioner Ortega requested BRT be brought into the development. Kent Carlson, Inland Development Partners, requested further comment from the JDA on their vision for the Town Center. He asked how many acres could be set aside for retail and commercial uses. Commissioner Holden did not want to see rows and rows of townhouses. Director Hutmacher explained the Town Center had five acres set aside for retail and commercial, with an additional 20 acres available on the west side of the Spine Road . Commissioner Grant believed there was a shortage of high quality restaurants in the area. Mr. Lux requested feedback as to why the JDA was not in favor of mixed use. Commissioner Ortega asked what type of vitality was needed to support quality restaurants. Mr. Lux did not believe anything was missing from Arden Hills, but stated the vitality of an urban experience does assist in supporting restaurants. He added that restaurants needed rooftops in order to flourish. He commented further on the focal point that the Town Center would be for the development. Discussion ensued regarding successful developments around the metro area with retail and restaurants. Commissioner Grant commented on the water feature stating he wanted to see this manicured and professionally done.