09-08-25-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — AUGUST 11, 2025 4 Councilmember Monson said if three stories with retail on the bottom will not work, would four stories with retail work? Vishal Dutt said it could work. Councilmember Monson said they need three stories of living space in order for this to work. Vishal Dutt said he would have to hold that space in his proforma for two years. It may not be two years, but that is what the market will be. Councilmember Monson said she would like to see affordable housing included. She doesn't know what that would look like or if there are questions for the City through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). That's important for her. Vishal Dutt would like to know how affordable housing is defined for Arden Hills. He said every city is different. Councilmember Monson said there is currently no policy. That is on the list of things to define. She is asking for 60%. Vishal Dutt asked for clarification that she is saying 60% Area Median Income (AMI). Councilmember Monson confirmed. Vishal Dutt said, for example, let's say this project is 100 units. What percent of the units would need to be at the 60% AMI? Councilmember Monson isn't sure. Whatever we do needs to be meaningful but she understands it needs to be economical for the developer. That is where Council would rely on City Staff to present options. She said she has been to a couple of multi -family homes that have nice rooftop amenities including playground structures. She wondered if he has done anything like that. Vishal Dutt has done a lounge area, but never a playground. He has created rooftop lounges that include grills, TVs and a Club Room. Councilmember Monson asked what kind of sustainability efforts might be included in this, or what has he done at other locations. Micheal Kuntz said stormwater has to meet the watershed requirements. That's locked in. They would be using materials with 30-year warranties on them, to include masonry and metal panel on this building. They would use Energy Star appliances. They are showing a courtyard on the second floor, covering the parking. They could do an intensive green roof there. There is considerable roof space where they could include Electric Distribution (ED) Panels. Councilmember Monson said Rice Creek Commons has some very clear guidelines of how to go all electric. She was just curious about how they may work toward sustainability goals. She said this area is identified as Business Corridor. The B-2 mixed use is south of the railroad tracks. It is proposed for large and small dwelling units as permitted with standards. She asked Staff if multi -family would be allowed in B-3 and B-4.