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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 13, 2025 17 Councilmember Weber explained he had a very hard time accepting the fact there was a statement within the comprehensive plan to add additional density and the City can't tie it to anything. He stated one of the biggest needs in the community was affordable housing. He recommended this language be reviewed because he wanted the City to have this option. He indicated he could support the inclusion of the trail connection. Mayor Grant commented on how expensive affordable housing was for developers and stated often times required cost sharing between the City, school district, State and the County. Councilmember Monson supported the City having leverage in these moments and she supported the City Council having further discussions on what other cities have done to encourage affordable housing. Mayor Grant indicated he could support the increased density, FAR and building height with the City requiring the trail connection. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to hear from the applicant, noting she would not support the rezoning, if the applicant was not going to construct this building. Mr. Fink addressed the Council noting when he first started looking at this project, even in the early concept phases, he was in excess of 120 units. He reported as he worked with City staff and learned how density was calculated, the number of units was pared down through the design phase to 119 units. He was of the opinion this was an appropriate number of units given the lot size, especially given the wetland deductions, which required the density bonus request. He explained 119 units was the minimum number in order to make the finances work. He explained he could support the trail requirement as proposed by the Council. He suggested the trail connection extending to Highway 96 adjacent to the site to the northeast corner of the church property, if within the public right of way, that the cost be offset from the park dedication fee. He indicated this would then provide a complete trail connection. Councilmember Holden stated she believed this was a great idea, because a complete trail would then be in place. Councilmember Monson agreed. She asked if the applicant had a problem with providing EV charging stations. Mr. Fink explained he did not object to EV charging stations being required. He reported it was his understanding the charging stations would have to be outside of the parking ramp for fire safety purposes. Mayor Grant stated he has heard the applicant supported moving forward with the project with the inclusion of a trail/trail extension to Royal Park and the inclusion of EV charging stations. Mr. Fink reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden questioned how many EV charging stations should be required.