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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – June 8, 2022 7 <br /> <br />the voices of those that would be directly impacted by this project. He discussed how his roads <br />were crumbling and the paths to the parks were failing. He feared how his neighborhood would <br />be impacted if the density were suddenly tripled. He agreed the property had access issues and <br />recommended the amendments not move forward at this time. <br /> <br />Roger Fink, Trident Development representative, thanked the Commission and public for <br />sharing their comments. He reported Trident Development has always prided itself on fitting in <br />with the community and for bringing a product to the community that was needed. He stated the <br />comments that were raised this evening were no different from the concerns that were raised at <br />the community meeting. He explained these concerns would be taken into account when plans <br />are drawn up. He indicated he was proposing a 124 unit three story pitched roof building with <br />underground parking. He understood there has been a strong resistance from the neighborhood <br />and Planning Commission to the proposed use. He commented it was critical that he has support <br />for the use before he moves forward and creates final project plans. He stated he wants to be a <br />good neighbor, however, if this project was not well received, he would rather look for another <br />location to bring this product to the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber thanked Mr. Fink for being straight forward and for hearing the concerns <br />of the neighbors. <br /> <br />Chair Vijums thanked Mr. Fink for sharing his comments with the Commission. He believed <br />Trident Development was a great development company, but he was of the opinion the proposed <br />project would not fit on this corner. <br /> <br />John Olfield, North Heights Lutheran Church, stated the decision to sell this land was not only <br />financial. He explained there was a need for senior housing and as the population of Arden Hills <br />continues to age, these residents would like to remain within the community. <br /> <br />There being no additional comment Chair Vijums closed the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. <br /> <br />Commissioner Mitchell questioned what portion of land was being proposed to be re-guided. <br /> <br />City Planner Jagoe reviewed the portion of land that was being proposed under the amendment <br />was the northwest corner of the site from Public and Institutional to High Density Residential. <br />The church 30+ acres would stay under the current land use designation. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund discussed the concerns that were voiced by the Commission and <br />neighbors. He stated it was his opinion that adding 124 units on this corner doesn’t significantly <br />add to the current sound issues that were being generated by Highway 10. Also, he believed <br />putting high density housing was fitting for this site because it was adjacent to Highway 10 and <br />County Road 96. <br /> <br />Commissioner Weber indicated he would not support the request due to the harm it would <br />cause to the existing neighborhood both with sound and traffic. <br /> <br />Commissioner Collins stated he would be supporting denial of the request. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blilie explained she would also be recommending denial of the request.