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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-June 12,2007 2 Councilmember McClung indicated that he wants the site used during the day, to have businesses and different types of uses. Spreading out traffic patterns may mitigate access issues. and free area for more single family. Councilmember Grant stated his preference is for owner- occupies housing, and he'd like to see a decrease in the number of apartments. Mayor Harpstead said that he's comfortable with the current level. Councilmember McClung stated he would decrease office showroom; he added that he is fine with adding floors to condominiums. Mayor Harpstead stated that as a Council, lower density is preferred. A total 5000 residents is high for the Council's comfort level, but there is little concern with an estimated 7500 workers. Mayor Harpstead asked, do we need to consciously try to capture certain kinds of homes in the plan? He noted that senior housing is important, but he senses that many seniors desire to downsize, not necessarily move into rentals or condominiums. Councilmember McClung requested discussion regarding different types and styles of housing; he'd like to see variety. Mayor Harpstead asked about the ability to intermingle housing types and styles and have less segregation. Mr. Chamberlain suggested one possibility is to design smaller clusters of types. Mayor Harpstead said he'd like to see some high value homes, with values near $800,000. Councilmember McClung stated that he does not like the mansion homes - they are too imposing and large. Mayor Harpstead indicated that we should make sure that with large homes, there are lots to support them. He would like to see larger lot footprints for larger homes. He said he'd also like to see some homes that can be affordable for young families. The next topic discussed was building elevation. Councilmember Holmes stated that she doesn't have concerns with height. Councilmember McClung stated he was comfortable with 5-8 stories for corporate, 4-6 stories for high density housing, with a trade-off for more greenspace. Mayor Harpstead noted that in an earlier discussion, Councilmember Holden had indicated comfort with 3-5 stories. He noted his own comfort level with 6-8 stories for commercial (more 6 than 8) and 3-4 for residential (but less on the south end.) Councilmember Grant stated he'd be comfortable with 6-7 stories for office along 35W, 3-4 for residential (with a limited amount of 5 story if it helps maintain green). He further stated that overall, the plan is too dense and he'd like to take out some office showroom and high density housing. Ms. McJilton stated that they don't want to overwhelm the Highway 96 area with too much height. She noted that if you go over three floors in height, you need structured parking, which could become uneconomical. The next topic discussed was parking. Mayor Harpstead stated that he likes two-level parking similar to Centennial Lakes. He supports the goal of limiting the area of asphalt. Mr. Collins noted that in the current concept plan, it is anticipated that there will be approximately 1500 asphalt spaces, 10,000-12,000 above grade, and 22,000-25,000 structured parking. Mayor Harpstead stated that he would like to see two sets of design standards developed. He believes the Council needs to take time to do both and balance them. He would like to see an emphasis on brick and stone, and other materials that stand the test of time. He asked the Council ifthey have any other comments.