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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — NOVEMBER 2, 2023 2 If the number doesn't change, the project isn't going forward. He stated that City environmental reviews in 2014 and 2019 examined two development scenarios; 1,500 housing units and 2,500 housing units. The City twice approved the reviewed conclusions that Rice Creek Commons could accommodate that density range without adverse environmental or traffic impacts. The proposed 1,960 number falls just below the midpoint of that range. It received unanimous support from the JDA. It may not be the final number set forth in the master development agreement but it will now be the subject of further public, environmental and financial reviews. The school district has confirmed it is prepared to meet the Rice Creek Commons enrollment. He said the Metropolitan area lacks sufficient housing, especially affordable housing. This project could go a long way in satisfying some of those needs. He felt the Council should proceed with the next steps based on the proposed 1,960 housing units, and it would be particularly noteworthy if the Mayor showed leadership by joining other Councilmembers, the County and the developer in support of continued progress on the project. Kristine Poelzer, 1870 Indian Place, supported what was proposed at the Rice Creek Commons open house. Her daughter and daughter-in-law who are both in their 40s have expressed desire to have much housing in Rice Creek Commons, as they are looking ahead into the future. She has talked with other people that agree that the high amount isn't really high. She understood that every day they wait it will cost more money to build. Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, stated that she supported the higher density in Rice Creek Commons and a variety of affordable housing. She reported that a 2023 survey found that 77% of respondents would pay a premium to live in a walkable neighborhood and for Gen Z that figure was 92%. More than half of those surveys preferred to own or rent an attached dwelling in a high opportunity area that is walkable to shops and restaurants. There is a need for housing to bridge the gap between large lot single family homes and apartment complexes including duplexes, triplexes, townhouses and small apartment buildings of 4-9 units. They need to have housing that is affordable to those that work in our community. College graduates should be able to find an apartment they can afford while paying back their student loans. Seniors should be able to find a place they can afford on social security. She also thought they should make much of the affordable housing owner occupied to give residents a chance to build equity, create stability and greater involvement in the community. Smaller lots combined with social infrastructure and walkable neighborhoods help create connections, amenities attract residents and increase socialization which also improves community resiliency. Increased numbers of residents brings more businesses and makes it more possible to obtain public transportation. She felt Arden Hills could be a leader in designing an innovative, environmentally friendly, responsible development that creates a place for everyone in the community. She hoped they would look at the possibilities with an open mind and be flexible in adjusting the plan to better suit the needs of the community going forward. Ted Dickenson, 3188 Asbury Avenue, said residents last night got a view of the Rice Creek Commons development and it what it may look like, and an understanding of why it is needed. Having a surplus of business real estate has made it possible to plan for 1,960 units without crunching everything in, and with a mix of housing types and affordability. Rice Creek Commons comes at a time following two decades of underproduction in both owner occupied and rental units. His son has been looking for a house in and around south Minneapolis for nearly three years and has found most houses to be priced at or above $300,000 and still requiring much work. For many people with full time jobs finding an adequate home is out of reach, so he was glad to see