06-12-07-Joint WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-June 12, 2007 3 Commissioner Zimmerman stated he believes there is a need to make sure people can get in and go any direction and leave and go any direction. Councilmember Holden stated that the park on Highway 96 seems like a bad idea. Mr. Chamberlain responded that it is really designed to more open space with landscaping, serving as a buffer to the road, but not an active park use. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he was concerned with the access to the athletic fields, especially if County Road I interchange is closed. There was discussion regarding the National Guard's plans for the AHATS property adjacent to TCAAP. Mr. Chamberlain asked for input regarding the possibility of extending single family housing north and south, to explore the options financially. Commissioner Larson stated that there is a need for a good mix of uses. Commissioner Zimmerman stated he agreed, that there needs to be a mix, including providing a way for current residents to stay in Arden Hills. Council members Holden and Holmes expressed interest in exploring how much options to increase single family and reduce medium or high density impact flllancials for the project. Commissioner Zimmerman asked if it would be possible to mix any neighborhood business into neighborhoods. Mr. Chamberlain responded that it would be difficult to do. Councilmember Grant stated that because of the size of this development, he believes the proj ect can easily accommodate seniors and others who want to downsize. Councilmember McClung indicated that he would like to see less high density and medium density housing and more single family. Commissioner Modessette asked what the Met Council will require. Community Development Director Barton responded that they will require three units per acres. Councilmember Holden asked about the definition of affordable housing. She noted that some residents want affordable housing with their own yard, so condos do not meet that need. There was discussion about exploring options like detached townhomes or single family homes with small lots. Mayor Harpstead stated that he thinks there needs to be variety. He stated it should not all be affordable homes, and there should be some high density. He noted that there had been comments that the development should accommodate people who work here, that they can also live here, which means a need for both executive housing as well as lower-cost housing. He indicated that we need to make sure to have sustainable, quality materials on all products. Mr. Chamberlain asked the group if we are narrowing down in the right direction. Several Commissioners stated that they think we are, and that input has been captured, but need to look at financials now. Mayor Harpstead stated that he thinks the process has been captured well. He noted the caveats include characterization of the site, access issues, infrastructure, financial analysis, and phasing.