09-27-23 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

space within the development. She hoped the project would have senior housing, along with a daycare and preschool. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, commended the JDA for seeking a new density housing number. He believed staff did a very good job providing visualizations for what density would look like within this development and how it relates to existing neighborhoods in Arden Hills. He stated the original AUAR that was completed in 2014 had two different development scenarios, 1,500 units and 2,500 units. He noted the site could accommodate this range of density. He stated the 2019 AUAR considered the same range and came to the same conclusion. He reported the 1,460 units was a number that was pulled out of thin air and there was no due diligence in choosing this number. He stated he appeared before the City Council and requested documentation on why this number was chosen and no documentation was provided to him. After repeated failures to compromise between the partners, the City, County and developer have recognized that a new number was needed to move this development forward. He hoped that new land uses, financial situations, environmental and transportation considerations will guide consideration to one or more density scenarios that meets the needs of all partners. He believed this development was a great opportunity that has waited far too long. Review Road Map Director Collins reviewed the Road Map in detail with the JDA. Commissioner Frethem asked if the community event was still slated for November 1. Director Collins reported this was the case. Visualizing Density Presentation Director Perrault stated City and County staff have prepared a presentation to help visualize housing density in a suburban setting. Housing density is often measured as units per acre, and this presentation aims to demystify those numbers by showing images and examples of communities nearby and their densities. This is intended to be a resource for informational purposes. Staff reviewed slides to illustrate different densities using examples from neighborhoods in Arden Hills and other nearby communities. It was noted these examples do not reflect the design standards or architecture expected within Rice Creek Commons but rather show land use and scale of development. Ella Mitchell reviewed additional slides sharing examples of different suburban residential developments and discussed how similar densities can look different within neighborhoods. Chair Wicklund asked for comments or questions from the JDA. Commissioner Frethem thanked staff for the detailed presentation.