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FILE ~~n~ ~\~_'((~\(DO July 30, 2000 To: Arden Hills Mayor & City Council . From: Kirk Soldner, 1923 Noble Road, Arden Hi11s MN 55112 r ,-, ;::j\/ED Subject: Planning Case #00-11, Proposed Zoning Amendments "-~n~ JUL J 1 LUU <1: \0",-. C'T'.'''~ ",n,',':" ul' I S 'I i VI ti.nl...lUilli L..L. 1 have carefully read a July 10, 2000 memo from Jennifer Chaput (City Planner) to the Mayor and Council of Arden Hi11s, and am very disturbed at several of the proposed changes to the Arden Hi11s zoning ordinance. I implore the Mayor and Council to consider the following arguments and leave the existing ordinances largely unchanged, as they have served us well for many years. In the few cases where updates are appropriate, I would be happy to be part of a citizen contingent to propose and/or review exact wording. I will note at the outset that we choose to live in a suburban setting, and this means that some compromises and tolerance are required. On a related note, there was a successful council-led move several years ago to change our name from "Village" to "City". Many residents such as myself opposed this, and I intentionally moved to Arden Hi11s 13 years ago because I liked the "Village" connotations and the fact that it was a little different than surrounding suburbs. I will further suggest that legislation should only be enacted where there is a clearly demonstrated need for restrictions, gives due consideration to a variety of viewpoints, is the minimum required to address a specific need, and has advance consideration of possible unintended consequences. , . Proposed Change #1 - Restrict Student Housing in Single Familv Homes There are two main problems with this proposed change - the premise and the proposed remedy. The premise that several students should not be allowed to live in what normally is considered a "single family dwelling" is flawed on at least two counts: 1) It is counter to an atmosphere of diversity and tolerance, and is hostile to those we should be trying to help. Single family dwellings - either used "as is" or modified somewhat - may be the most cost-effective form of housing for cash-limited students, and many students find "neighborhood" life preferable to large- scale college dorms and similar housing. Students bring much to a community - activities, ideas, and concerns - and generally promote a more complete dialogue on many subjects, which can only be beneficial to the students and the community. I welcome groups of law-abiding students in my neighborhood, and hope that they will find such experiences beneficial- particularly those that are "on their own" for the first time. 2) It assumes that groups of students in a properly outfitted dwelling present inherent problems - an extremely prejudiced position. A "family" of the same number would present roughly the same issues and perhaps several more, depending on the mix of ages. Any legislation that assumes stereotypical behavior from any particular group is counterproductive and typically does not stand up in a court of law. A household , of several students lives about 1/2 block away from me, and they consistently have been friendly and well- behaved and have caused my wife and I no problems whatsoever. Other minor things in the neighborhood, including regularly barking dogs, have been much more annoying (both specific and recurring instances) . than these students ever have been. The suggested remedies are even more disturbing than the premise.