01-13-25-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Page 19 of 20 1. The application is not consistent with the policies within Chapter 6 of the Comprehensive Plan: Land Use, or within and the goals of Chapter 7 of the Comprehensive Plan: Housing, that encourage the incorporation of affordable and life-cycle housing into new development and redevelopment where feasible. 2. The request for additional density, floor area ratio, and building height is not consistent with Section 1355.04 Subd. 3.B of the City Code in that the proposed development does not meet the goals for population density and the orderly development of the neighborhood and the city within the general purpose and intent of this Zoning Code and the Comprehensive Plan for the City. Since the December Planning Commission meeting, the Applicant has submitted a supplemental narrative to address the concerns discussed at the meeting which is included in this memo as Attachment O. The Applicant has stated the goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plans that the feel they are meeting. The Applicant has also stated that they will provide 10 units at 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). Housing that has controlled prices under this value is considered affordable. The proposed rate for these units is estimated to be $336 and $625 per month. To accommodate these affordable units, the Applicant has stated that they would be looking for a cost savings of at least $1,300,000 for the development. The Applicant has proposed this be achieved through a cash contribution or a reduction and/or waiver of City fees and charges. The Applicant has not stated the size or type of unit, nor have they indicated a time when the affordable units would be transitioned to market rate. The City Council has the authority to waive the public use and park dedication fees required with the subdivision of the property as described in Section 1130.08. The City does have additional processes and means to provide financial support or business subsidies to projects that meet specific purposes. These standards are established in the City of Arden Hills Business Subsidy Criteria and City Public Financing Guidelines, (Public Financing Guidelines) dated July 27, 2015. This process allows for the City to consider public financing through tax increment financing, tax abatement, bonds, waiver of City fees (excluding building permits), and other forms of public financing, provided a development meets the criteria set within the standards. With the late addition of the affordable units, staff have not been able to evaluate the proposed project under these standards. For the project to move forward with any kind of financial support that is detailed within Public Financing Guidelines, the Applicant would need to waive their rights to a timely review under Minnesota Statute 15.99. The Applicant has already extended this deadline to January 13, 2025, and without their consent to extend, the City must act on PC 24-018 and the tabled request for Rezoning PC 24-015. The Applicant also stated that the flexibility requested for F.A.R, maximum building height, and density are appropriate based on the standards that have been exceeded. Public Comments Notice was published in the Pioneer Press on December 24, 2024. Notice was prepared by the City and mailed to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject property. The City received one comment prior to the Planning Commission opposing the project due to concerns with drainage and building placement.