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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 13, 2025 8 Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. Brad Bjorklund, 3530 Wood Court, stated the members of the Planning Commission had no problems with the physical aspects of the building, but rather had concerns with the lack of affordable housing. He noted he stated this clearly at the Planning Commission meeting. He reported the City has a project across the street that has been contentious that was slated to include 20% affordable housing. He indicated the project that was now before the City now included 8.4% affordable housing units. He questioned why the developer was requesting a large amount of funding back. While he believed the City was working with a fine developer, he recommended the Council support the denial of this project due to the affordability aspect because this project does not meet the City's comprehensive plan goals. Roger Fink, Trident Development, thanked the Council for considering his request. He thanked staff for the comprehensive staff report. He appreciated staff s assistance and support on this project. He commented he did not have a lot of prepared remarks. He reviewed the areas where he was requesting flexibility within the development and commented on the ability to integrate affordable housing within this application. He reported City Code spoke to a dedication of land (20%) or cash in lieu. He stated it has been tricky to determine the land value given this includes all of the improvements on the entire 40 acres with the house of worship. He noted the development would be on the 20 acres alone, without the house of worship. He recommended the park dedication fee be calculated from the 20 acre land value alone. He reported the church has agreed to sell the 20 acres of land for $2.25 million and this should be the value the park dedication fee should be calculated from. Mr. Fink clarified, if it weren't for the wetlands, he would be at 11 units per acre. He noted the FAR was being exceeded slightly. He indicated if he were to reduce the building size down to 3.0, he would have to sacrifice lobby space, common area space, the party room and rooftop patio. He stated the three extra feet of building height would allow for a nine foot ceiling height within the units versus an eight foot ceiling height for the three story building. He explained he was prepared to include affordable units if required by the City. He reported he could offer up to 10 units at 80% AMI. He estimated this project would cost $33,650,000. He explained he has worked to lower the project costs down to $32,300,000 in order to offer a proper return on investment, while still including the affordable units. He stated if the City moves forward with the affordable units, there will be a number of agreements that will need to be included in the development agreement. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:32 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Planning Cases 24-015 and 24-018 — 1700 Highway 96 W — Trident Development, LLC • Resolution 2025-006 PC 24-015 Approving a Rezoning for Subject Property • Resolution 2025-007 PC 24-018 Approving a Conditional Use Permit for Lot 2, Block 1, Arden Heights Addition • Resolution 2025-008 PC 24-018 Vacating Drainage and Utility Easement Planning Consultant Hofer reviewed the staff report with the Council and offered the following Findings of Fact: