12-06-23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 6, 2023 11 Chair Vijums stated one of his concerns was that the Commission did not have all of the information. The Commission did not understand how many apartment buildings, luxury homes, single family or big houses would be constructed. He indicated this was concerning to him because he was trying to consider what this would look like. He explained he was torn with the NR-3 and NR-4 areas because he believed 500 units may be too big of an increase. He feared the density was getting too large and noted the traffic studies confirm there were problems with the surrounding intersections before even putting a spade in the ground. He stated if only one of the districts were changed, either NR-3 or NR-4, and the other one remained as is, this could assist with addressing the density and traffic concerns. He encouraged the Commission to consider leaving NR-3 as is and allowing NR-4 to be changed. Commissioner Bjorklund explained he would like to move along with the agenda and allow the public to speak for the public hearing. Chair Vijums reported he was making a proposal for the Commission to consider, leaving NR-3 as is and allowing NR-4 to be changed as proposed by staff. He stated this change would still provide the affordable housing numbers the City needs to achieve. Commissioner Collins indicated this would eliminate small multi-family units from NR-3. He wondered how eliminating the three to eight multi-family structures would address the density concerns. Chair Vijums stated this was the problem because the Commission did not have a high level of detailed information, but he believed this change would impact the density. Commissioner Weber commented the 1,960 was a maximum density level. He anticipated the County did not want to bury its new spine road in cars. He believed there would be moderation. He was of the opinion the density was needed and he did not support the idea of removing multi- family uses from NR-3. He did not believe the density would cause that much of a traffic issue, but rather the design process would ensure the site was not overpopulated. He explained he feared the Commission was encroaching on JDA responsibilities. He trusted that the JDA was well-staffed and he believed they have been doing a good job. He wanted to let the JDA do their job. Commissioner Collins explained he did not support taking multi-family out of the NR-3 district either. He understood there were valid concerns about traffic, but he believed the multi-family proposal was in line for proper City expansion. Chair Vijums opened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Chair Vijums invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Chris Hughes, 3515 Snelling Avenue North, thanked the Commission for their candor and discussion. He commented on the report card for the streets noting this information was pre- COVID noting traffic patterns have changed since 2020. He reported the issues that were most concerning to the Commission were noise, pollution, air pollution and traffic. He believed it was great to have these concerns on the table, but noted the item before the Commission was to discuss zoning and comp plan amendments. He then read a prepared statement in full for the