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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 4, 2018 7 Commissioner Lambeth discussed the great work being done by Journey Home, noting this organization was a non-profit working to build homes for disabled veterans and their families. He believed the applicant was not requesting a variance solely for fiscal reasons. Chair Thompson asked if three lots could meet all of the City’s standards. City Planner Bachler reported the property could be subdivided for three lots without the need for a variance. Commissioner Jones commented if only three lots were requested twinhomes could be constructed. City Planner Bachler stated that twinhomes are a conditional use in the R2 District. Commissioner Lambeth expressed concern that the City did not have more detailed plans on the proposed home designs. Commissioner Jones stated he was also concerned with the fact that the applicant did not have any house plans for the Commission to review. City Planner Bachler explained the Commission could table action on the Planning Case in order to request this information from the applicant if they wished. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Councilmember Holden stated the previous applicant did not own the property and based on the comments received from the Planning Commission the developer understood only three lots should be developed. She explained this led the developer to request a reduced sale price on the property from the Lake Johanna Fire Department, which led to the previous request being withdrawn. Vicki Hangle, 1882 Glen Paul Avenue, stated she was lived in her neighborhood for the past 31 years and noted she fully supported the proposed request. She explained she would love to have vets as her neighbors. Eric Schnell, Journey Home representative, thanked the Commission for their time and consideration. He discussed the curb appeal for the proposed homes and noted the homes would reflect the dignity the veterans and their families deserve. He explained he could get elevations to the City for the Planning Commission to review. He reported Journey Home would make these homes as beautiful as possible while still maintaining the affordability criteria. He stated the goal would be to have these homes fit in with the character of the neighborhood. He indicated he held an Open House with the neighbors and noted there was support for having veterans in the neighborhood. He explained four lots were being requested in order to help four veterans and noted the variance would only be for three and one-half feet.