09-19-18 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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members of his community have work. He discussed the importance of allowing all families the right to work and how this would decrease crime while improving the achievement gap. Jonathan Weinhiggen, representative of Mounds View Schools, thanked the JDA for their time. He discussed the number of student and employees being served by the Mounds View School District and noted this new development was in the middle of the districts service area. He explained this created a great opportunity for growth. He discussed how young families were choosing to move into Arden Hills because of the schools. He commented on the work completed by a recent task force that was put together to address the Districts facility’s needs. He thanked the community for voting yes and supporting the needs of the District. He explained work was underway to serve the students within the District, which would include those living within Rice Creek Commons. He stated he looked forward to exploring more partnerships with the City ad Rice Creek Commons develops. He thanked the City for all of their work on this project and encouraged the JDA to move this project forward. Bobby Casper, representative of the St. Paul Labor Federation, stated he represented 175 unions in the four county area. He discussed how impactful the TCAAP development would be to his 57,000 laborers and encouraged the JDA to support this project. Bea Kyle, representative of the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, offered a letter of support for the ongoing redevelopment of Rice Creek Commons. She explained the Chamber strongly supports this project along with the jobs and affordable housing that would be created. She commented on how this development would impact the economy. She commented on the importance of affordable housing noting she was the product of an affordable apartment in an affluent neighborhood with a good school system. She encouraged the JDA to consider the importance of creating opportunity and quality living experiences for all members of the community. Russ Adams, Executive Director for the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability, stated he has visited City Halls all over the metro area. He discussed the impact of this project noting it went far beyond Arden Hills. He commented on the subsidies that have been poured into this site in order to prepare it for redevelopment. He encouraged the JDA to follow through with the City’s mission to create a vital community for all and not just those living at 80% of the area median income. He stated there were many seniors and those living in the mobile home park that were scared about how this development would impact their livelihood. He encouraged the JDA to get specific about their affordable housing goals by increasing the density and affordable housing options. Brenda Holden, Arden Hills City Councilmember at 1881 Beckman, stated there was not a single Councilmember in Arden Hills that did not want this project to move forward. She explained for the County to state the City was trying to put the brakes on this was completely inappropriate. She indicated the problem the Council has is with the process. She commented the County and the developer has met over 18 months and there has been little to no communication between the County and the City. She reported the County was going to do