07-20-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JULY 20, 2020 2 proposed senior living facility will feature 143 units, with 110 units devoted to independent or assisted care living and 33 units devoted to memory care. The project would include such amenities as a pool, library, movie theater, dance hall, salon and spa, bistro/bar and onsite physical therapy and wellness services. The applicant is also proposing to make a public trail connection along the proposed access drive and other amenities on site. They are proposing a density of 22.3 units per acre. However, they are requesting flexibility to the memory care units - which consist of private bedrooms/bathrooms with an opening to central, shared kitchen, dining and living areas - to be calculated as the equivalent of 0.5 units. Counting the memory care units as half units would bring the density to 12.7 units per acre. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the Applicant is requesting flexibility to the height of the building. The proposed facility would have a building height of 55 feet to the midpoint of the roof, which exceeds the B-2 district ordinance by 5 feet. He noted other development projects that have also exceeded that height. The proposal will require a Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit for multiple family dwelling in the B-2 District, a Planned Unit Development (PUD) is required for new developments and assisted living use in the B-2 District. At this time the applicant is only asking for flexibility on building height and density. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla said the “Guiding Plan for the B-2 District” was approved by Council in March, 2008. It was a visioning and planning process for the B- 2 District, which generally includes the properties near County Road E between Lexington Avenue and Hamline Avenue/Highway 51. The plan took into consideration market-initiated redevelopment. The plan also discusses the need for senior housing in community. At that time there was a projected need for approximately 712 units within the area. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla noted items the Council may wish to discuss after the presentation include amending the B2 zoning district language to consider memory care/assisted living units as half units, minimum lot area per unit, building height flexibility and other items as determined by Council. Mr. Ilazi gave an overview of the Boldt Company. They do primarily healthcare construction and developments across the Midwest. They are completing two projects in Wisconsin that are very similar to the one being proposed in Arden Hills. Mr. Novaczyk said he founded Perspectives Senior Living in 1998 after his mother-in-law, Betty, died. They currently have 24 communities with 2800 residents and 1800 team members serving the residents. The proposed facility will be in collaboration with Bethel University so they will have internships and practicums with nursing and marketing students. They feel they will have a large impact on the community and Bethel University, along with synergy and collaboration between students and residents. Mr. Ilazi noted they are proposing approximately 143 units, 33 memory care and 110 independent/assisted living units. The community will be approximately 177,550 square feet with 35 underground parking stalls and 75 onsite stalls. There will be many onsite amenities.