10-02-23 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

proposed was not pulled out of thin air. But rather was derived after numerous public discussions, conversations with stakeholders and multiple open houses. She reported Alatus President Bob Lux was part of the consensus when the JDA previously established the 1,460 number as was former Councilmember now serving as Chair of the JDA, Jonathan Wicklund. She indicated the JDA was all about transparency, but did nothing to correct the misinformation. Historical information was provided on how the previous JDA came together to decide on park sizes, lot sizes for the different neighborhoods, parking and street locations. She expressed frustration with the fact the JDA did not correct the misinformation that the 1,460 number was picked out of thin air. She reported this claim was not part of the public record and on video for all to view. She noted when the City arrived at this number, none of the people serving on the JDA choose to attend the public meetings, except for Chair Wicklund. She expressed frustration with the fact the JDA Advisory Committee was holding closed door meetings and was then announcing plans, which was not transparent. She discussed how Commissioner Frethem came to the City Council and spoke to them about all kinds of County projects and yet the largest project facing the community, TCAAP, was not one of them. She commented on how the Councilmembers serving on the JDA ran on a campaign that promised transparency, that TCAAP was not to impact traffic, and that residents would be allowed to vote on the final decision. She questioned what happened. She believed the JDA has embarked on decisions without providing information or input from current or past Councilmembers, without involving the public, or without considering any transportation solutions or studies. She noted Congresswomen Betty McCullum once told her this was her city and not the county’s and it was her job to do what was in the best interest of the City. She urged the JDA to consider the impacts of their decisions on the City. Donna Weiman, 1406 Arden View Drive, noted the JDA were elected representatives were closing in on a TCAAP plan without any public participation. She explained the plan was conceived behind closed doors at JDA Advisory Committee meetings. She indicated even the mayor was not allowed to attend these meetings. She stated a plan was being presented to the public when it was so far along the JDA was seeking feedback instead of input. She discussed how the TCAAP development will change the character of northern Arden Hills for decades to come. She indicated there were currently 1,435 units in the northern part of the City and the population was 3,730. She explained the number of units proposed for TCAAP was 1,960, which would add 5,170 people to northern Arden Hills. She reported there were no plans for public transportation for this area and most of the people living in the new units would need cars to get groceries, to medical appointments, etc. She feared how traffic in northern Arden Hills would be impacted. In addition, a big box retail store was being proposed within the development, which would draw additional traffic to the area. She believed the proposed density for northern Arden Hills was excessive. She asked what she could do to make the JDA care about the people living in northern Arden Hills. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated she was saddened and appalled that the Arden Hills City Council, nor its residents were invited to attend the November 1 community event that has been planned. She explained she found out about this event after visiting the Ramsey County Rice Creek Commons website. She reported there was nothing on the Arden Hills website about