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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 7, 2017 6 Interim City Planner Zweber stated the purpose of the study was not to restrict the expansion of Northwestern and Bethel, but rather to encourage the growth and development of the entire City of Arden Hills. He reported the City was taking a comprehensive look at all commercial and industrial zoning districts in order to promote Arden Hills globally. He commented that the Smiths Medical site was very attractive for redevelopment and could foster three or four new businesses. He indicated staff was further investigating how other cities were zoning for institutional uses in order to adapt and provide flexibility, while not taking away from the business community as a whole. Commissioner Lambeth questioned if taxable property was the root of this issue. Interim City Planner Zweber commented this was not the root of the issue, but rather one component of all of the other characteristics for zoning along with how higher education was evolving. Commissioner Jones asked if the school bus depot property (zoned R-1) could be rezoned to Gateway Business. Interim City Planner Zweber stated this was the proper question to ask and explained this situation could be examined further by the City. B. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Interim City Planner Zweber stated the Metropolitan Council requires all communities within the seven-county metro area to update their comprehensive plans every ten years. The City Council has authorized WSB & Associates to prepare the 2018 update. The scope of work includes the minimum amount of updates required to meet the Metropolitan Council Requirements. The information in this staff report and attachments includes the updates to the housing chapter of the plan, as well as an evaluation of affordable housing requirements. The results of the Higher Education Study, which was discussed in Agenda Item 4.A., will determine potential updates to Land Use chapter of the plan. Interim City Planner Zweber reviewed the Housing Chapter with the Commission and commented on the City’s affordable housing needs allocation. Staff requested the Planning Commission comment on the proposed Housing Chapter amendments, particularly those proposed to address the 50% to 80% of AMI affordable housing allocation. Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Zimmerman commented on the AMI percentages and asked how this impacted rental rates. Interim City Planner Zweber stated AMI was defined as area median income and reported no more than 30% of individual’s income could be spent on housing related expenses on a monthly basis. He described how land values and rental rates were established for affordable housing units. He reported the more units within a housing project the more affordable the units became.