12 December 2023 Arden Hills Notes

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cityofardenhills .org • dec 2023 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents December 2023 Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update On November 1, the Joint Development Authority (JDA) held a Community Open House to provide a re-introduction to the Rice Creek Commons project. Approximately 200 people attended the event, of which 120 identified that they lived in Arden Hills. The focus of the open house was a series of project topic stations where attendees could review materials and talk directly with project staff to better understand different aspects of the plan; this included an overview of the developer’s proposal to increase density from 1,460 to 1,960. Other topics included parks, trails and open spaces, public works, housing and homeownership, environmental cleanup, green energy, and sustainability. A summary of the event and the feedback received was included in the JDA’s December 4 meeting packet. The JDA most recently met on December 4 and passed a Preliminary Development Agreement (PDA) with Alatus and a term sheet. The PDA gives Alatus development rights on the remaining “California” parcel (390 acres) of Rice Creek Commons through June 2025. Now, the JDA representatives will begin working on a development agreement for the project. The approved term sheet provides guiding assumptions for the development agreement and helps solidify priorities for the respective parties. The term sheet discusses items such as housing density, affordability, homeownership opportunities, job creation, financing, and green energy goals. At the December 6 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission heard Planning Case 23-021, a proposal from the City to increase the density at Rice Creek Commons. This proposal amends the City’s Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan, allowing for an increase in the density from 1,460 units to 1,960 units at Rice Creek Commons. The proposal also includes a rezoning of approximately 32 acres from Flex Office to Neighborhood Residential in the southwest area of TCAAP/ Rice Creek Commons. A public hearing was held at this meeting, allowing residents to provide feedback on the land use reviews. The image to the right shows the proposed plan. The red boxes indicate where the additional density would be placed. The proposal was recommended for approval to the City Council by the Planning Commission. The City Council is anticipated to hear the proposal at their January 8, 2024 City Council meeting. The public will be able to provide feedback on the changes at that meeting. Information on the proposal will be part of the City Council packet and available on the City’s website the Thursday prior to the meeting. 2023 Developer Proposed Plan Rendering (1,960 Units)