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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead stated in order for the rental properties to have the level of <br />amenities to have them feel like a part of the community, it has to reach a certain <br />level of units. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung agreed but stated integration between rental and owner <br />occupied property will benefit the community. He stated he was still <br />uncomfortable with the affordable housing side of things as it has not yet been <br />addressed. <br /> <br />Bruce Chamberlain, Hoisington Koegler indicated this project will be <br />implemented and approved over a long period of time. He stated at this time, the <br />Council needs to establish a framework to establish the public infrastructure and <br />identify targets and principles within the housing mix. Mr. Chamberlain <br />explained design principles should be set by the Council but that flexibility would <br />need to be maintained to review each development as it comes to the City to see <br />how it meets the established targets. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead noted he was comfortable with the numbers of the 1750 <br />distribution. He indicated the sites toured were all favorable developments that he <br />can see added to the TCAAP site for the residents of Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes stated the Council may want to set some goals to aim for, <br />for each rental/owner occupied parcel. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned how the proposed apartment units would be <br />guaranteed to be well maintained into the future. She stated she did not want these <br />units to become an eye-sore for the community as other apartment complexes have. <br /> <br />Ms. KviIvang explained this could be addressed within the design guidelines to <br />have higher quality building materials used. In addition, working with a qualify <br />developer upfront who is a long-term investor, and looking at developing a rental <br />licensing program with annual inspection as well as reviewing other City codes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant asked about the sustainability. or demand for rental <br />apartments. He felt that the proposed rental spreadsheet with 600 rental units was <br />too high, especially with a portion of that being affordable housing. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant indicated the higher density housing added to the <br />police/fire expense for the City, which may become a sustainability issue. <br />