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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — FEBRUARY 21, 2023 2 Councilmember Holden felt they could get rid of some of the variances if they would drop the number of units. Councilmember Rousseau asked why they wanted 14.95 units per acre instead of 12. Mr. Fink stated that 124 units was the optimum size for the property that includes the wetland, and it optimizes the size for income from the property. They would need to drop 12 units to get down to 12 units per acre which wouldn't change the cost of construction much but it will change the amount of income from the property. Mayor Grant said if there wasn't a wetland there wouldn't be an issue. Councilmember Rousseau asked if it was fairly standard to go up to 14 in density. Community Development Director Jagoe said she would get the numbers from the last two properties that were built. Discussion ensued regarding height measurement. Mr. Fink stated the building would be 32 feet at the eaves, 44 feet at the peak. The building height would be 38 feet, in part due to the nine -foot ceilings in modern buildings. Mayor Grant noted that if developers stay within the 35 foot height then they are looking at flat roofs. He felt that aesthetically it would be better to have a pitched roof than a flat roof. Community Development Director Jagoe stated the New Perspective project was under a commercial zoning district that allows higher density of up to 20 units per acre. The Round Lake Senior Living project is zoned R-4 and was approved at a density of 21 units per acre under the PUD. Councilmember Holden asked how the City would benefit under a PUD. Mr. Fink replied that they would be using an underutilized property and putting it on the tax rolls, and fulfill an unmet need for senior living. Initially they aren't planning to connect directly to the park with a trail because of neighborhood concerns about burdening the park, and requests that activities be held mainly on site. Councilmember Holden said her concern would be people walking through parking lots to get to the park. She asked what amenities they were planning to have onsite. Mr. Fink said there would most likely be a walking trail, patio, pickleball court and something for grandkids. They would have more exact plans when they come forward with the formal application. Councilmember Rousseau wondered if people were able to safely walk from the property to the park. She felt people look for that when deciding where to live.