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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – April 8, 2026 4 <br /> <br />Commissioner Lindau explained he asked staff to pass this information along to the Planning <br />Commission. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bjorklund thanked staff for all of their work on this item. <br /> <br />Commissioner Erler questioned if this ordinance could be modified through a PUD like any <br />other ordinance. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly stated this would be the case. <br /> <br />Commissioner Birken inquired if this ordinance would apply to any multi-family housing <br />project over 20 units. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly commented this ordinance would apply to any <br />housing proposal for any type of housing that was 20 units or more. <br /> <br />Commissioner Birken asked where in the City this ordinance would apply. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly stated the mauve area on the future land use map or <br />the area surrounding Lexington Avenue would apply. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bjorklund questioned if housing was allowed on industrial sites. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly explained comprehensive plan and zoning code <br />amendments would be required to allow for residential uses in an industrial use district. <br /> <br />Chair Collins asked why staff settled on a project that had 20 housing units as the standard to <br />include affordable housing units. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly reported this was the standard for other communities <br />that have an inclusionary housing policy. <br /> <br />Chair Collins opened the public hearing at 7:20 p.m. <br /> <br />Chair Collins invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. <br /> <br />Kristine Poelzer, 1870 Indian Place, stated ADUs were unknown to most people. She requested <br />the city not let the lack of facts deter the city from learning more and giving serious thought to <br />this topic. She asked that the Commission be wise with its recommendation when it comes to <br />ADUs and to be wide in its planning in order to provide options for residents. She urged the city <br />to consider its past when looking towards the future. She believed the city was fortunate to have <br />Mr. Reilly’s experience in addressing this topic. She discussed how ADUs are allowing seniors <br />to age in place while creating multi-generational housing. She spoke to how difficult it was for <br />younger generations to get into a house at this time and stated ADs would be a positive step for <br />the City. <br /> <br />Mary Henry, 3521 Ridgewood Court, thanked staff for the detailed staff report. She commented <br />on how difficult it would be for those living in poverty to live in Arden Hills. She believed 60% <br />AMI was more reasonable for affordable housing than 80% AMI. She stated at 60% AMI <br />housing could be provided for retail workers and assembly line workers. She encouraged the