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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-MAY 18, 2009 5 <br /> Mayor Harpstead explained he would be interested in reducing the scale of the <br /> development to eliminate the need for access to TH10. He suggested some <br /> commercial developments be explored along the west side of the property through <br /> the use of TIF, which would reduce the stress placed on the residents near TH 10. <br /> Mayor Harpstead stated he would still like to see some residential lots on this site <br /> in an area that is clean enough to afford apartments, senior housing, and mixed <br /> single family housing. He indicated the area that makes up the bulk of the <br /> reduction of density should be set aside for parks and open spaces adding value to <br /> the City. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned how the sale of this property could be <br /> negotiated. <br /> Mayor Harpstead explained the TCAAP parcel would have to be split into <br /> various uses utilizing a lowest cost option for the developer and for the City, it <br /> might make sense. He stated the previous options were the highest cost options. <br /> Councilmember Holden reported that the overwhelming majority of the original <br /> subcommittee felt this land should become park land. She explained that at that <br /> time, the City did not have the funds to clean the land. Since that time, the Army <br /> has set aside funds for this cleanup. Councilmember Holden stated that she had a <br /> hard time proceeding with a negotiated sale or public auction as this did not meet <br /> the original needs of the community. <br /> Councilmember McClung stated the community wants clean and clear parkland, <br /> which was not the condition of the TCAAP site at this time. <br /> Councilmember Grant explained that he would be in favor of potentially <br /> developing the area adjacent to 35W with the funds from this land sale funneled <br /> back into cleanup. He stated this could be a potential funding source to increase <br /> the cleanup on the parkland available to the residents. <br /> Councilmember Holden indicated she would be in favor of creating a plan for a <br /> public conveyance due to the state of the current economic market. <br /> Councilmember Holmes stated the parkland may become state or county land <br /> based on the funds used to assist in the cleanup. She explained that Ramsey <br /> County would have $1.7 million from increased sales tax available for projects. <br />