09 October 2023 Arden Hills Notes

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cityofardenhills.org • october 2023 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents October 2023 Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update The Joint Development Authority (JDA) has had a busy year so far. At their September 5 work session, they received presentations from four different experts regarding current and future market conditions. The presenters included Amanda Taylor (Greater MSP), Bruce Nustad (Minnesota Retailers Association), Anne Mavity (Minnesota Housing Partnership), and Thomas Fisher (University of Minnesota). The presentations were wide-ranging in topics and provided valuable insight to the JDA. While each presenter spoke about their given area of expertise, consistent themes from the Rice Creek Commons project panelists were flexibility on uses in the redevelopment code, the need for additional and affordable housing, connectivity with transportation and walkability, and maximizing partnerships. The JDA also held a special meeting on September 27 to hear from Alatus on a proposed density scenario. Alatus presented a scenario of 1,960 units, which is a 500-unit increase over the currently approved 1,460 units. The majority of the change would happen in the Town Center South by adding more units and converting the southwest corner of the site from Flex Office to residential. The additional housing types include single-family homes, townhomes, smaller multi-family buildings, and an approximate 175-unit apartment building. The developer also noted their commitment to working with the City and County to provide for ownership and affordability on the site across multiple income levels. This proposal will be further considered by the JDA and eventually both the County and City with opportunities for public engagement. Lastly, the JDA will have considered proposals at their October 2nd meeting for the Outlot A parcel, otherwise known as the Thumb. This parcel is the forty acres on the north side of the development zoned for a variety of commercial uses. Following consideration, the JDA will make a recommendation to the County Board, who will then begin working on a purchase agreement for the site. All of the JDA meetings can be viewed on the City’s website at cityofardenhills.org/320/Watch-City- Meetings. There have been a number of recent changes to State Law regarding the sale of lower-potency hemp edibles (less than 0.3 percent THC) and full-strength cannabis products. Due to a recent moratorium passed by the City Council, full-strength cannabis sales are prohibited in Arden Hills until January 1, 2025. This means that no business can sell full-strength cannabis products in the City until at least after that date. Note the moratorium does not pertain to the Medical Cannabis Program as administered by the MN Department of Health. Previously, no business has been allowed to sell THC products, but at the August 28 City Council meeting, the City Council approved an ordinance that had the following stipulations for the sale of lower- potency products, like gummies or THC-infused beverages, the highlights of the ordinance are: • Lower-potency products may be sold by a retail establishment, restaurant, or service station that is already licensed for liquor or tobacco sales in the commercial zoning districts as a conditional accessory use only. This means there cannot be a standalone store exclusively selling lower-potency THC products, and THC product sales would not be permitted in the City’s residential or industrial zoning districts. City Council Passes New THC/Cannabis Ordinances cont'd on pg. 4 COMMUNITY EVENT Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Evening 1425 Paul Kirkwold Dr, Arden Hills, MN 55112 Ramsey County’s Public Works Facility in Arden Hills Marsden Room The community is invited to learn more about the Rice Creek Commons redevelopment site. This event will provide interested community members with an introduction to the project and a recap of the overall vision for the site. RiceCreekCommons.com (exact time TBD)