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Director Perrault reported this means that for approval at the City level, the proposed changes <br /> would require at least four affirmative votes, unless the affordable housing clause is met, in <br /> that case the proposed changes could be done with a simple majority. Upon a recommendation <br /> of the JDA to direct City and County Staff to bring forth the proposed density of 1,960 units to <br /> their elected officials. Staff provided a summary of the proposed review of processes and <br /> timelines for the anticipated amendments. <br /> Commissioner Reinhardt commented on how the world runs on compromise because not all <br /> people run their lives the same. She appreciated the work that was done by the City on the <br /> AUAR. She supported the proposed compromise of 1,960 units and believed this would be a <br /> great project moving forward. <br /> Commissioner Fabel stated density within this project was one of the most controversial items <br /> when it came to this development. He discussed how the previous impasse led him to run for <br /> office for Arden Hills in order to get this project moving again. He knew from the very beginning <br /> that 1,460 was a non-starter. In addition, he believed a larger number was politically necessary <br /> but also financially and morally necessary. He commented on how the developer was asked to <br /> provide a range and the JDA Advisory Committee was provided a range between 1,700 to 2,200 <br /> units. He explained he appreciated the high level of consultants and the information that was <br /> presented by the developer last week. He reported he would be supporting the density of 1,960 <br /> for the Rice Creek Commons development. <br /> Commissioner Frethem believed it made sense to proceed forward with the proposed density <br /> of 1,960. She supported the JDA reviewing and amending the term sheet that was previously <br /> discussed between the City and Alatus. <br /> Commissioner Monson stated 1,960 units would be a maximum that the developer could build. <br /> She commented on The Heights development in St. Paul, noting this development would have <br /> 1,000 units on 112 acres. She urged residents to see the difference between an urban and <br /> suburban development. She explained she was excited to see how the developer had the <br /> density focused in the Town Center that would then transition to larger lots moving away from <br /> the Town Center. She indicated the vast majority of the site would have less than five units per <br /> acre. She appreciated how the developer was willing to work with the JDA to meet its energy <br /> goals. She wanted to see this development built for the future, which would different from how <br /> current neighborhoods in the City looked. She thanked staff for all of their efforts and noted <br /> she would be supporting 1,960 units moving forward for the Rice Creek Commons <br /> development. <br /> Commissioner Frethem explained Rice Creek Commons was the size of downtown St. Paul. She <br /> clarified that 40 of the 400+ acres would be at a slightly higher density than what Arden Hills <br /> was right now. She did not believe the proposed density was out of line, but rather was <br /> informed by experts and was in line with other developments occurring in the metro area. <br /> 22 <br />