06-08-22 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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