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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – September 8, 2021 15 Acting Chair Wicklund opened the floor to Commissioner comments. Commissioner Subramanian questioned what the money would be used for when the properties are sold by the City. Councilmember Holmes explained anyone from the public could bid on the property and the funds would be placed in the General Fund. Councilmember Weber suggested the funds be placed in the Park Fund. He was of the opinion this was not a buildable lot and asked if the land could be sold to the adjacent neighbors. Senior Planner Jagoe stated the Planning Commission could recommend denial of the land sale. She indicated the adjacent property owners would have the same opportunity to purchase the land if listed for sale and then they would have to make application to subdivide the land between neighbors. Commissioner Zimmerman stated his only concern was that the lot would come back before the City with a request from a developer because this was a non-conforming lot. Senior Planner Jagoe commented any future buyer would have to apply for a variance and as part of that review demonstrate site layout and code compliance with any future request. Councilmember Holmes explained the Council understood this property was below the City’s required total lot area, which would require a variance. She noted the Council was concerned about additional variances being requested due to the lot size. Acting Chair Wicklund open the meeting for public comments. Jeff Magnuson, 3570 Ridgewood Road, stated he lived just south of this property. He explained it was unusual that this land could be sold given the fact it was an unbuildable lot. He was concerned with the fact the City was willing to sell this lot, which would lead to variances. He reported he placed his home on his lot with the understanding the adjacent lot was not buildable. Carla Taylor, 3583 Snelling Avenue North, indicated she made a huge investment when she relocated her driveway. She explained her driveway was changed for safety purposes. She stated at the time she changed her driveway she tried to purchase a portion of this property and was told this lot was unbuildable and was park land. She commented if this property was sold, the City was agreeing to make variances in order for a home to be built. She discussed how a home on this property would peer over her home and would require her to share her driveway. She indicated she was quite disturbed to have developers walking up her driveway with potential clients for this lot. She commented further on how the value of her home would be impacted if a home were located on this unbuildable lot. She requested the City allow her family and the Magnuson’s first right of refusal on this property. Kathy Nelson, 3475 Siems Court, stated she has been a resident of Arden Hills for the past 35 years. She discussed how her property would be impacted if a home were placed on the unbuildable lot. She expressed concern with the notification the City gave to the adjacent residents. She encouraged the City to take into consideration the fact that the neighbors were