10-23-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 N 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL Kathy Sukke, 1286 Karth Lake Circle, reported she moved to Arden Hills from Harlem. She explained she understood what density was. She stated the housing in Arden Hills north of I-694 was currently 938 units, 217 apartments and 280 Arden Manor lots for a total of 1,435 units. She indicated these diverse housing units are on roughly one square mile or 640 acres. She commented on how northern Arden Hills was boxed in by freeways to the south and west. She discussed how 1,460 units were being proposed to be placed on 161 acres or only one quarter of that space. She believed the proposed density would distort the nature of northern Arden Hills and would make the development incongruent with the diverse housing around it. In addition, the population would be multiplied which would impact traffic, services, and an increased tax burden will fall on current residents. She feared how the community would be impacted if the JDA opts to increase the density within the development to 1,960 units. She reported this density would mean there would be 5,100 more people being added to northern Arden Hills which would be a 136% increase in population growth. She stated this level of density was unconscionable. She understood the developer has said density is your friend. She disagreed with this noting many Arden Hills residents moved to this community to get away from a higher density area. She urged the JDA and City Council to allow Arden Hills residents to have a place at the table when it comes to the TCAAP development. Mayor Grant reported Linda Swanson provided a prepared statement to him. He read this statement for the record, noting Ms. Swanson requested all TCAAP summaries from City Administrator Perrault regarding the activities of the JDA and JDA Advisory Committee be added to the JDA Advisory Committee summaries. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Lexington Avenue was open to traffic and would have intermittent outside lane closures as the contractor finishes the trail and sidewalk construction. He noted this work would continue through the fall until the work is completed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the roundabout at County Road E and Old Snelling was open to traffic in all directions, but was an active construction site. He indicated the south leg would be paved on Friday, September 29 and the final paving would be completed next week. He urged vehicles passing through the site to pay close attention to the posted signage and moving heavy equipment.