08-10-09-TCAAP WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL TCAAP WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 7 City Administrator Moorse reviewed that he and James Lehnhoff met with Commissioner Bennett this morning to see if the County would be interested in controlling the TCAAP land if it was to be parks and open space. He stated Commissioner Bennett indicated he was supportive of the county obtaining the land if the land were free and cleaned but that they had no funds available to build trails or parks on the land at this time. Councilmember Holden explained that she met with several other County Board members and that three other members were more than happy to take the land and believe that this site could be made a priority. City Administrator Moorse questioned if the full Council would like to meet with the full County Board to talk through this. Councilmember Holmes stated she felt this was a great suggestion and added that Greg Mack should be included in this meeting. Councilmember Grant indicated that he would be in favor of the County developing this site and not just taking it for free and letting it sit as open space. He explained that he would be interested to hear from the County on what they would do with the space and would commit to in the future. Mayor Harpstead suggested that staff request time with the County Board at their next work session meeting. Councilmember Holmes indicated the regional park would need approval by the Metropolitan Council. At this time they are concerned about the lack of affordable housing. She questioned what the City needed to do at this time to reduce this concern. Community Development Director Lehnhoff explained that each city has a housing goal assigned through a formula the Met Council created based on surrounding demographics, available land, and other factors. He stated he could pass this information onto the Council. Councilmember Grant asked how much affordable housing the City.had at this time.