06-02-07-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CC WORKSESSION/MINI-RETREAT - JUNE 2,2007 3 value. In terms of high value, he thinks $500,000 and above is high. In terms of affordable housing, we need to have some, but need to do it right, it should be owner occupied, and it needs to look good. He indicated that the quality of building materials is very important (brick, glass, stone. ) Mayor Harpstead indicated that in regards to apartments, they should be high quality. In terms of housing, he'd like to see housing types interspersed, blending together different types. He likes the idea of cottage homes for seniors. He stated a dislike for big block houses with no trees, green space, etc. The Mayor noted that there seems to have been a lack of discussion about content regarding the master plan, especially about housing, and we need to have those discussions. He then asked for feedback from Council on the topic of building height. The Council expressed opinions ranging from a maximum ofthree-five floors, to no height restrictions. The Council next discussed the master planning process. In terms of the joint meetings with the Planning Commission, Mayor Harpstead indicated he is comfortable with those meetings. Councilmember McClung stated he thinks there is a need for separate Council time. There was a discussion about the need to change the facilitator of the meeting (MDAG and joint CC/PC). There was a concern stated about too much presentation and not enough feedback at these meetings. It was agreed that Mayor Harpstead and Administrator Wolfe would discuss this topic with Bruce Chamberlain ofHKGi and address these concerns with him for future meetings. Three additional topics were identified for discussion: mix of neighborhoods, parking, and design standards. Councilmember Holden stated that she would like to see more of a mix of designs within neighborhoods. Councilmember Grant indicated that he would like to mix it up a little, not to a major degree (don't force it, use transitions). Councilmember Holmes would be totally against the concept of residential above retail. Councilmember McClung stated that he would like to City to encourage some variety of designs in neighborhoods. Mayor Harpstead stated that he would like to see architectural and use variety. In terms of parking, Councilmember Holden stated that she would like the City to explore two- level parking understanding that it's a fairly reasonable cost. She also stated that the City should reassess parking requirements in code. Councilmember Grant indicated that he wants to see green, not a sea of asphalt; if two level parking reduces surface parking by half, he supports that. He stated that structured parking is expensive. Mayor Harpstead and Councilmember Holmes said that they like the two-level parking idea, resulting in less surface parking. The next topic of discussion was design standards. Mayor Harpstead stated that he wants to see a mix of materials used. Councilmember McClung indicated that the City should emphasize the desire for brick and stone, and other materials that stand the test of time. Councilmember Grant stated that materials required for three-four story buildings may be different than for single family homes. In either case he noted a need to require quality materials.