08-07-23 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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reported the total number of affordable units has been a subject that Ramsey County has brought up a number of times. She understood Ramsey County needs 15,000 deeply affordable units, which involves public subsidies. She worried that Arden Hills residents could be looking at more taxes, TIF, housing revenue bonds and a great deal of staff time in order to administer CDBG programs. She requested the JDA not ask the public to not look at the total number of units or suggest that the public ask other questions. She believed that the questions being asked by the public were very important and very relevant. Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, questioned where the County’s proposal was for TCAAP. He believed the City had a plan. He reported he has asked to see the County’s plan for the past six months. Chair Wicklund stated the JDA was taking public comments at this time. He noted the short answer at this time was that the group was taking a look at the entire project and there were no proposals on the table. Rather, the group was having discussions surrounding all of the pieces in the puzzle in order to put together plans for a development agreement. Mr. Wenzel expressed concern with the fact a plan could has not been created for this property in over 50 years. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated she was not able to attend the July 11 JDA meeting. She explained after reviewing the July 11 agenda, she had concerns with some of the information presented in the documents. She wanted Arden Hills residents to know that a number of the items listed never came to light before an Arden Hills residents, such as making the JDA Advisory Committee meetings public. She noted there has been a request from Arden Hills residents since the JDA Advisory Committee was formed to have these meetings held publicly. She understood this group was going to make some, but not all of their meetings public. She reported minutes from these meetings have been requested and they were finally available on the City’s website. She stated since the JDA was formed, Arden Hills residents have been asking for an Open House to inform residents on what is occurring. She expressed concern with the fact there has been nothing about TCAAP in recent City newsletters. She believed Arden Hills residents needed to have more information regarding this project. She recommended the JDA listen to the residents because this was their City and they want what was best for the community. She commented further regarding the concerns she has with the fact the JDA Advisory Committee was holding closed meetings. Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, stated she has been doing some reading about housing and mentioned she would like the JDA to consider attainable housing. She recommended the JDA housing parcels not be sold in large parcels. Rather, the lots should be made available individually in order to accommodate modest homes. She discussed how this would help in making future homes more affordable to families. Cathy Sukki, 1286 Karth Lake Circle, reported none of the JDA members live north of I-694 or east of Highway 10. She explained the JDA was urgently working to approve a term agreement