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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 8, 2024 9 has been pleased with the information the City has been providing to residents in the City newsletter. In addition, she thanked Councilmember Monson for sending emails to residents with information on this project. Lyle Salmela, 1480 Arden Vista Court, stated he supported the increase of residential density on Rice Creek Commons from 1,460 to 1,960 units. He explained this increase will expand regulatory technology and economic needs by allowing the developer to build more affordable units. He commented on how this development was working to reduce greenhouse gases. In order to achieve this, a clean all electric energy grid was being pursued for this development. He discussed how Xcel Energy was ready to support this project. He indicated the proposed designs for this project would make it the most energy efficient community in the State, noting the increased density would help to make the project cost effective. Nicole Hayden, 5152 163rd Lane in Andover, shared her support for the increased housing density in TCAAP. She reported she was a local realtor and she sold homes in Shoreview, Arden Hills, New Brighton, Columbia Heights, Mounds View, Blaine, Ham Lake and Anoka. She commented on how there was a massive need for more housing in the metro area. She explained the Federal Reserve of Minneapolis estimates the metro area was 85,000 units short on housing. She explained she understood the concerns that have been voiced regarding traffic, but stated her humanity led her to be more concerned with the need for more affordable housing units. She discussed how her clients were being impacted by high interest rates and home prices. She stated if the number of houses in the metro area continues to increase, the prices will go down, but if the number continues to decrease, housing prices will only continue to go up. She understood as a realtor that more people would love to move to Arden Hills and asked that the Council support the proposed zoning and land use changes in order to provide more housing units to the community. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, commented on how 20% of the units would be affordable at a minimum of 60% AMI. She believed that the agreement that was signed with Ramsey County and the developer states that 22% of the 1,960 units will be affordable at 60% AMI or less. She requested staff or the JDA Councilmembers provide her clarification on this. City Administrator Perrault explained the agreed upon term sheet that was signed by the JDA stated 20% of the units would be affordable at 60% or less AMI. He noted the 22% recommendation addressed that 10% of the units should be affordable for first time home buyers. Ms. Wiemann requested a copy of the term sheet. City Administrator Perrault reported this document was available on the City's website. Ms. Wiemann stated when requiring 20% of the units to be affordable, she asked who would be deciding what the AMI percentage would be. She asked that the public be made aware of the percentage of affordability within the units going forward. Chris Hughes, 3515 Snelling Avenue North, commented this was an exciting time for the community. He stated the TCAAP property was a property that comes around once in a lifetime. He appreciated the fact the City was talking about development details. He explained he supported the 1,960 units because this would create additional affordable housing options for seniors in the community who want to downsize but remain in Arden Hills. In addition, the additional housing units would create more affordable housing options for folks that want to live