01-08-24-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JANUARY 8, 2024 9 to reevaluate and reconsider this development and to go back to the original plan. While he understood there was a need for housing, he suggested the density be reduced. Kristine Poelzer, 1870 Indian Place, addressed the Council regarding TCAAP stating she has attended many meetings over the years. She explained she was once opposed to this development. She discussed how a trail was proposed in her rear yard and she vehemently opposed this trail. She indicated the Council, in their wisdom, approved this trail and she was delighted with how the trail turned out. She stated she had full belief in what the JDA was doing. She explained she appreciated all of the work Arden Hills staff and Councilmembers were putting into TCAAP. She encouraged the Council to approve the proposed land use changes and rezoning. She stated she 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 163`d 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.