Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 10 , 2019 8 <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Polk explained many other communities allow for 16 to 25 units per acre for high density <br />developments, while Arden Hills only allows 12 units per acre. He stated after speaking with the <br />City Council he learned that this was done to require all larger projects to be brought through the <br />PUD process. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig asked how the public would access the proposed park. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the park would have <br />public parking and could also be accessed via trail. He noted a trail connection would be <br />completed to the west to Gateway Boulevard at some point in the future. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig questioned how long this trail connection would be. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla estimated the trail connection would <br />be one-quarter of a mile long. <br /> <br />Chair Gehrig stated with rezonings the Commission was to consider if the parcel was <br />underutilized and he believed this was the case. For this reason, he supported the proposed <br />rezoning. <br /> <br />Commissioner Subramanian indicated he believed the development would be a good addition <br />to the City. He asked if the senior living development would be run by a non-profit entity. <br /> <br />Mr. Polk explained Summit Development was a for-profit business and Walker Methodist, the <br />care manager, was a non-profit entity. <br /> <br />Commissioner Subramanian questioned how the developer arrived at 120 units. <br /> <br />Mr. Polk stated if less than 120 units were constructed it would be difficult for the senior living <br />development to have proper cash flow. He explained in terms of the market study for Arden Hills <br />there was a need for 700 units. He stated the 120 units was the smallest building Summit <br />Development would construct. <br /> <br />Commissioner Subramanian requested further information regarding the land swap. <br /> <br />Mr. Polk discussed the land swap and how it would be used for additional greenspace and an <br />exercise loop. <br /> <br />Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla commented the park dedication fees <br />for this development would be roughly $149,100. He reported in this case the applicant was <br />proposing greenspace and park amenities, but anticipated a park dedication fee would still be due <br />to the City. <br /> <br />Commissioner Subramanian questioned how the high-density project would impact the seniors <br />living within the development. It was his opinion the seniors would do better in a low-density <br />development. He asked if any of the trees onsite would be saved. <br />