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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 4, 2024 13 Commissioner Blilie reported even if these units were not affordable, if seniors in the community moved to them, it would open up single family houses in Arden Hills. Chair Weber stated he understood this to be the case, but noted the existing senior rental units within the community were not full and he did not believe it was in the City’s best interest to build more of the same. Commissioner Collins explained if this building were to move forward, these types of developments would pull tenants from the surrounding communities as well. Chair Weber reported this was a tax exempt property that does not pay property taxes. He indicated the City could add an enormous amount of affordable housing to this site without impacting the City’s bottom line, and there would still be a net positive for the community. Mr. Fink stated he was not opposed to having affordable units on this property. He indicated when he brought forward concepts, the concept has explained the units were intended to be market rate. He explained he did not receive any push back from neighbors or the City Council on this concept. He asked that the Commission recommend approval of the project with a suggestion an affordable element be included. Chair Weber asked if Mr. Fink had experience with creating affordable rental units within his previous developments. Mr. Fink stated he did have experience noting these projects required TIF. Chair Weber was of the opinion the only feasible option for the Planning Commission was to recommend denial of this request with the intent to continue moving forward in order to work towards a viable product for the City. Commissioner Bjorklund stated there was a clear failure to comply with the City’s comprehensive plan. Commissioner Bjorklund moved and Commissioner Collins seconded a motion to recommend denial of Planning Case 24-018 for a Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan Review, Final Plat, and Easement Vacation for a Multiple Family Dwelling at 1700 Highway 96, based on the findings of fact and the submitted plans based on the fact the project fails to meet the goals within Section 7 of the City’s comprehensive plan and it fails to recognize policies implemented in Section 6. Commissioner Erler stated the Commission could deny on the basis of not accepting the flexibility requests on the grounds that they are not consistent with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Collins reported this would be a denial based on the density and the Commission was not supporting the proposed density because the City’s comprehensive plan and affordable housing goals were not being met.