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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 8 Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated when the comprehensive plan was adopted in 2018 this language did not exist. She explained in 2019, Trident Development came in and developed the Round Lake Senior building and at that time the comprehensive plan was amended to provide the boundaries for the area where up to a 100% increase in density would be permitted through the PUD process, which was split by Highway 10. She indicated this language was then amended in 2022 to cross over and incorporate the North Heights site. Mayor Grant asked if it would be fair to say the City scored points with the Met Council based on the density encouraged language that was included within the comprehensive plan. Interim City Administrator Jagoe reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden reiterated that the City Council was to be provided plans back in 2022 for this project and this did not happen. Had she known that, she may not have approved the change to the comprehensive plan. Mayor Grant requested to review an aerial of the property. He noted this property was bounded by Highway 10, County Road 96 and North Heights Church. He indicated he would never support more than the initial 124 units for this property due to the dimensions of the site. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Roger Fink, representative for Trident Development, thanked the Council for their concerns and questions. He explained there are many steps and approvals necessary for this development. He indicated he has been working closely with City staff on which path would be best to follow in order to receive these approvals. He recognized the development site was somewhat complicated and he felt the best approach was to get the comp plan amendment approved, followed by a rezoning and subdivision. He stated this puts the church in a position where they have created a separate parcel that could be sold to Trident Development or someone else. He explained it was his goal to get to a final plat and building permit so he can complete the transaction from the church in order to purchase the parcel from the church. He indicated there has been a lot of discussion about the density bonus included in the comp plan. He stated he did not have a good memory to recall how this language came about, but noted this site has numerous physical constraints that would make it difficult to increase the density. He reported if he did not go through with the transaction with the church and someone else wanted to purchase the parcel, they would be meeting the same physical constraints. He discussed how the preliminary plat would not be created in a vacuum, but rather would take into account the wetland boundaries, the building footprint, stormwater ponding and surface parking. He stated when the site plan is brought forward, he would show the Council how all of the pieces fit together within the confines of the lot. He explained he had a hard time understanding where the parking would fit if a development were to come forward with 240 units. Mayor Grant asked if the applicant would be bringing forward a project that was a PUD. Mr. Fink indicated he was still in discussions with staff regarding this matter. He explained he was still trying to understand if flexibility would be required for two minor areas within the project.