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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 8, 2022 6 <br /> <br />Commissioner Mitchell commented her initial reaction to this project was that this was a good <br />corner for the proposed development because it was separated from the surrounding <br />neighborhood by the church property. She understood there would be a loss of trees but she <br />understood the City had tree replacement requirements. She stated she drove the site and she <br />appreciated the concerns that were raised by Commissioner Weber. She suggested a sound wall <br />or green buffer be required in order to address the noise concerns that would be created by the <br />proposed senior apartment complex. She understood the Twin Cities needed more housing and <br />she believed there were some upsides to developing this corner into senior housing. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums stated he has many concerns with this development site. He understood the North <br />Heights Church has elected to sell of this corner for financial reasons. He indicated this allows a <br />developer to come in but noted this was not a high density area. He reported this property was <br />zoned low density. He believed it would be horrible for the people that live adjacent to the <br />proposed senior building to have to look at this from their single-family home. He commented <br />on how difficult it would be for seniors to enter and exit the proposed property. He did not see <br />anything good about locating this senior housing project on this parcel. He spoke about the senior <br />housing project that was being constructed at the corner of Hamline and Snelling Avenue. He <br />noted this was a more suitable corner for such a structure. He reiterated that he did not believe <br />the proposed corner was the right fit for a senior housing project. He feared the City would be <br />opening a big can of worms if this project were to move forward. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber stated it takes 100 feet of trees in order to reduce 10 decibels of sound. <br />He indicated there was not enough space on the North Heights Church property to plant enough <br />trees to assist with addressing the noise concerns. He commented further on how this portion of <br />Highway 10 was in the top 10 for being the loudest roadways in the State of Minnesota. He <br />discussed how the proposed apartment building would compound the noise concerns. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blilie reported she does not live in this area of Arden Hills and was not familiar <br />with the noise concerns. She explained she opposed making a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, <br />given the lack of sensible ways to access this property. She did not support this project moving <br />forward due to the lack of access in and out of this site. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 7:35 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. <br /> <br />Denise Sayer, 4482 North Snelling, stated she lived directly across the street from North <br />Heights. She discussed how the rezoning or reguiding of this property would adversely impact <br />the surrounding neighborhood. She explained when she purchased her home in the 1990’s she <br />understood North Heights would be located on this corner with a great deal of greenspace. She <br />discussed how the events at the church has evolved over time. She stated since Highway 10 was <br />redone, she can no longer open her windows because of the traffic noise. She feared that the <br />proposed senior housing complex compound the noise concerns. She made the Planning <br />Commission aware of the fact there was a petition going around from the neighbors stating they <br />did not support the project. <br /> <br />Ryan Jenner, 1555 McClung, stated he lived across the corner from the park. He thanked the <br />Commissioners for their comments on this project. He encouraged the Commission to really hear