Laserfiche WebLink
affordability does not mean cheap or poor quality, but rather comes from the work that would <br /> be done with other funding sources. She stated she enjoyed speaking with people at the event <br /> and hearing their comments, both positive and negative. She indicated she felt really good <br /> about where this project was at this time. She supported the JDA hosting additional open <br /> houses in the future. She suggested in the future that surveys be available online in order to <br /> allow residents to fill out the survey at a later time. <br /> Commissioner Fabel stated the presentations made by Mr. Lux and staff were effective and <br /> useful. He explained this project would not happen next year, but rather would take 10+years <br /> to complete. He commented on how the housing market would change in that time. He <br /> indicated he heard repeatedly at the event that there was a need for affordable senior housing. <br /> He stated one of the harder questions he received was if taxes would increase for Arden Hills <br /> residents in order to complete this development. He noted he was troubled by the residents <br /> who spoke to him on how affordable housing would bring riff-raff into the community. He <br /> indicated these comments were troublesome. <br /> Commissioner Frethem reported she appreciated the level of engagement from the <br /> community. She explained she supported the JDA holding additional open house events in the <br /> future. She suggested future events have a more formal presentation for those members of the <br /> public that were seeking general information. She commented on the potential timeline for this <br /> project based on the proposed density. She reported the proposed density was not chiseled in <br /> stone, but rather was required in order to complete the traffic study and fiscal analysis. She <br /> suggested the JDA presentations be summarized and be placed on the website. She <br /> recommended that at future meetings the JDA directly address traffic concerns, affordability, <br /> and other issues that have been voiced by the public. She suggested multiple methods of <br /> feedback be considered for future open houses. <br /> Commissioner Reinhardt commented on how expanding the tax base through this development <br /> will benefit all residents in Ramsey County. <br /> Commissioner Monson stated it was clear the JDA needs a more clear definition around <br /> affordability and costs. She understood the JDA has been discussing housing diversity, but she <br /> had questions on how the JDA would determine how many housing units would be 30%, 40%, <br /> 50%, 60%, etc. of AMI. She believed the JDA needed a stronger clean energy presence. She <br /> stated people were very interested on what this looks like for the entire development. She <br /> agreed a formal presentation should be given by the developer at all future open houses as well <br /> as at the December Planning Commission meeting. She feared the messaging surrounding the <br /> JDA needed clarification in that the JDA was not the developer. She would have preferred for <br /> more information regarding the amount of greenspace within the development to have been <br /> discussed with the public. She proposed future open houses be held in a gym. She noted she <br /> was open to future open houses, so long as a formal presentation is given by the developer. She <br /> appreciated the number of people that attended the open house, as well as the questions that <br /> were asked by the public. <br /> 28 <br />