02-09-2026-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — FEBRUARY 9, 2026 2 be about 20 feet wide. He doesn't understand why it needs to be so high up on the hill. He would like to know what other properties were considered. This is servicing the arsenal. Put it up there. Don't put it down here. He understands there are reasons it is being proposed in this location, he doesn't agree with those reasons. He asked if we really need two buildings. If two buildings are necessary, he wouldn't want them to be more than one story high. He would like them to look residential. In general, he does not want that building there. He wishes he had a say over this property, but it was taken by eminent domain. He's been involved with this property for 77 years and has seen a lot of development in this area. The property was in his family for 116 years. It was taken away in 1960. He doesn't like it. He doesn't want it there. He's concerned about how far it sits back off the road. He would like to see one building. He is contesting this project. 2. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 3. AGENDA ITEMS A. 3499 Lexington Avenue Apartments Concept Plan Community Development Director Reilly said Council will hear from the development team at Roers about a potential proposal for 167 units of market rate apartments on the property known as the Catholic United Financial Building. It sits on the corner of Lexington and Harriet. The presentation was provided to Councilmembers. He said there are Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code updates that would need to happen in order to allow a project here. He pointed to the information in the packet that describes what is allowed today in the code and what is proposed. He has spoken with four separate developers about this location and all of them were seeking to provide at least this number of units of housing on this site. They feel the market studies suggest it is feasible. He stood for questions. Councilmember Rousseau asked if this developer is aware that Council will be discussing affordable housing options. Staff confirmed. Councilmember Holden said this is on Lexington and a city road. She would require them to put a sidewalk on Benton Way. She asked if there will be a trail or some type of pass through to the retail center. Community Development Director Reilly confirmed that is part of their stated intent. They are proposing a link to the shopping center to the north, as well as trail and sidewalk access across Lexington. Councilmember Holden asked where the closest bus stop is. Community Development Director Reilly answered elsewhere. Councilmember Holden said the road has the capacity to handle that many additional cars. With 275 parking spots the fire department will have to look at it.