12-04-24 PC Minutes-Amended - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 4, 2024 6 Commissioner Erler questioned if the Commission should be considering the development given the fact the City Council has tabled action on the zoning of this property. Consultant Planner Hofer indicated there was not a procedural conflict at this time. He stated approval of this Planning Case would be contingent upon the rezoning. Commissioner Erler asked if it would be pertinent to add a condition to that affect. Consultant Planner Hofer stated this would be appropriate. Commissioner Erler requested further information on what a residential dedication was. Consultant Planner Hofer explained this was either land or a fee that was required of residential developers and has to do with the dedication of a reasonable portion of land for open space or other public use. He indicated this development was dedicating right of way along with drainage and utility easements. He reported cash in lieu could be offered by a developer for 10% of the property value. He stated the proposed property was valued at $22 million prior to the subdivision. Commissioner Erler indicated this would mean the developer was responsible for paying the City $2.2 million in dedication fees. Consultant Planner Hofer reported this was the case, but commented this may depend on if the subdivision for the property has paid park dedication in the past. He explained he did not believe park dedication had previously been collected. Further discussion ensued regarding the size of this property. Commissioner Bjorklund indicated this was a large housing project. He asked if the Commission was bound by the goals of the City as stated within the comprehensive plan. Interim City Administrator Jagoe commented on the housing goals within the comprehensive plan noting Commission should look to these as goals, but not strict adherence. She indicated the land use chapter should be considered for guidance of future land uses. Commissioner Bjorklund commented on the goals of the City within the housing chapter of the comprehensive plan. He reported one of the goals was to encourage the incorporation of affordable housing in new development. He reviewed the language within the comprehensive plan that states Arden Hills needed more affordable housing units. He believed the City had a clear goal when it came to housing and he was of the opinion the City should be following this goals. He supported relaxing the dedication fees in order to receive more affordable housing units. He stated without the inclusion of any affordable housing, he may be voting against this entire project. Chair Weber stated he was not entirely supportive of this project, but he understood the City Council wanted to see it moving forward. He understood the City needed to work to achieve its affordable housing goals and recommended 20% of the units be affordable. He explained if the developer were to work towards this goal, he could support lowering or lessening some of the dedication fees.