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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 8, 2024 11 <br /> Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated was the culmination of a year's worth of <br /> work to bring new life to a project that has been stalled for the past six years. He stated it was <br /> encouraging to see the City ready to formally consider a compromise on 1,960 housing units for <br /> Rice Creek Commons. He indicated this was a density that was endorsed by the developer and <br /> Ramsey County. He reported a vote of approval would adopt changes that remove the roadblocks <br /> on a project that has held so much promise for so long. He explained the years of delay and <br /> litigation left the City with frustrations and lost opportunity costs. He stated now the City was <br /> close to realizing the benefits of more housing, more commercial development and more <br /> employment opportunities. He thanked staff for all of their efforts over the past year and for their <br /> renewed collaboration with Ramsey County. He acknowledged the work of the Planning <br /> Commission, who carefully reviewed these recommendations before recommending approval. <br /> Lastly, he commended Councilmembers Monson, Fabel and Rousseau for their leadership and for <br /> seeking a compromise with the County that has brought the City to this point. He stated after <br /> many years of observing City governance he would not hold his breath that these proposals will <br /> be unanimously adopted. But doing so would send a tremendously positive message to Ramsey <br /> County and the developer that this Council was united in moving this project forward. <br /> Christy Jacob, 1492 Arden Place, thanked the Council and staff for all of their efforts. She stated <br /> she was hopeful and excited to see the Council supporting a vote for increased density. <br /> Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, explained she supported the increased density of 1,960 housing <br /> units. She indicated this increased density would provide for a wider variety of housing units, <br /> increase the City's tax base and help attract additional amenities to the community. She <br /> appreciated how the proposed rezoning would decrease the number of traffic trips to and from the <br /> development. She recommended that smaller units be pursued given the fact a growing number of <br /> people live alone. She suggested detached homes be considered for lots that were less than .25 <br /> acre in size. She understood the Twin Cities has one of the largest housing shortages in the nation <br /> and she hoped the City would do its part to help in alleviating this problem. She wanted to see <br /> Arden Hills being a welcoming place for its workers, families and seniors by allowing the 1,960 <br /> units. <br /> Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 9:20 p.m. <br /> 11. NEW BUSINESS <br /> B. Planning Case 23-021 —Chapter 13, Section 1380—TCAAP Redevelopment <br /> Code, Rezoning And Comprehensive Plan Amendments <br /> • Ordinance 2024-001 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1380 Concerning the <br /> Residential Land Uses and Density for TCAAP Regulating Plan and <br /> Rezoning Properties to Neighborhood (NR-3 and NR-4) <br /> • Publication of Summary Ordinance 2024-001 <br /> • Resolution 2024-006 Approving 2040 Comprehensive Plan Amendments <br /> to Chapter 6, Land Use and Appendix G (TCAAP Outlot C)—Planning <br /> Case 2023-021 <br /> Community Development Director Jagoe stated the proposed Comprehensive Plan <br /> Amendments are within Chapter 6, Land Use and Appendix G specific to the Neighborhood <br /> Residential (NR) and Flex Office (FO) future land use designations. The proposed comp plan <br />