10-02-23 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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