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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 4, 2024 8 <br /> <br />Chair Weber stated this may only be one or two units per acre, but ended up being 20+ units <br />more for the entire development. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink discussed how he exceeded many of the performance standards required by the City by <br />having more open space than required by ordinance, the building had a smaller footprint, more <br />parking, and the project had more landscaping and less impervious surface than was required. <br /> <br />Chair Weber was of the opinion the City needed more affordable housing and asked if there <br />was any opportunity to add affordable housing units to this development. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink commented this was the first time this has come up. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bjorklund interjected he has spoken to Mr. Fink, personally. <br /> <br />Chair Weber asked Commissioner Bjorklund wait until Mr. Fink finished his comments. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink indicated he had not addressed affordable housing. He remembers the conversation <br />Commissioner Bjorklund brought up. He reported typically affordable units came with some sort <br />of assistance from the City. He stated he would need to know what an affordable unit means. <br /> <br />Chair Weber stated this development was providing a unique opportunity to the City by <br />providing residential housing on a property that does not pay property tax. He explained he <br />would like to see affordable housing incorporated into this housing development and if finances <br />were required from the City this would be a good investment for the City. <br /> <br />Commissioner Wicklund asked where the proposed housing product sits on the expense side of <br />construction. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink reported the proposed units would have high quality construction and finishes and the <br />building would have architectural appeal. He indicated he would not be building the highest <br />quality building, but anticipated the units would be constructed above average. He believed his <br />market rate rents would be comparable to the other rental units in the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Collins questioned what the rental rates would be. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink estimated the rental rate ranges would be $1,900 to $3,000 per month depending on <br />the size of the unit. <br /> <br />Chair Weber asked if the developer had spoken with Ramsey County regarding coordination for <br />the intersection. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink reported civil engineers have been in touch with Ramsey County to address right of <br />way, access, the intersection and permits. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bjorklund questioned why some of the trees within the landscaping plan were <br />being planted on the church property. <br /> <br />Mr. Fink explained he was required to plant more trees than would fit on the lot and for this <br />reason, he was proposing to put surplus plantings on the church lot. He indicated the church <br />supported the proposed placement for the plantings.