12-06-23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 6, 2023 7 Commissioner Collins inquired if the proposed densities would be in character with what was in Arden Hills and its surrounding communities. Community Development Director Jagoe reported this was the case, stating the proposed density ranges were being seen in existing neighborhoods and adjacent communities. Commissioner Blilie asked if there would be affordable housing units at 30% AMI. Community Development Director Jagoe understood there would be affordable housing units at 30% AMI, but noted she did not have the breakdown as to how many. She explained further discussions would be held by the JDA in order to work through the level of affordability within the affordable housing units. Commissioner Blilie asked what was a “Big House,” one of the housing type examples provided by the Developer. Community Development Director Jagoe shared that a Big House is single-family housing with 16 units that are attached. Commissioner Wicklund explained he would be recusing himself from voting on this item. Commissioner Bjorklund asked what the average annual median income was for the residents in Arden Hills. Community Development Director Jagoe stated Met Council states that the area median income for a family of four is $125,000. She noted this was the number that would be used when considering AMI (area median income) and the affordability for housing units. Commissioner Bjorklund reported he visited all of the roadways and trails surrounding this project. He explained north of County Road I and 35W there was a large number of townhouses, quads and apartment style housing units right on the freeway. He anticipated this was how the southwest neighborhood would look. He commented on the huge amount of open space that would be located behind the new housing proposed within the southwest neighborhood. He believed this would offset some of the negatives. Commissioner Mitchell discussed how this proposal was taking an area that was designated commercial and backs up to two major highways and turns it into residential. She discussed how the EPA has concerns with air pollution issues that happen within 500 to 600 feet of a major highway. Community Development Director Jagoe reported this concern and discussions would continue to unfold between the JDA and the developer. She explained she could not speak to what was 600 feet from the boundary of the property. At this time, the Commission was being requested to guide the zoning and future land uses through the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Mitchell commented on what she learned through her research with the EPA. She explained the proposed comp plan changes would force a number of housing units to be within 600 feet of a major highway. She discussed the health concerns that arise for people living