2021-04-28 WS & CC Meeting Minutes - Approved

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City of Centerville Council Meeting Minutes April 28, 2021 apartments because she does not feel it is a fair assumption or argument. She stated that if there are apartments as well as a Park ÒnÓ Ride nearby, she does not have any assumption of what type of people will live there. She stated that they are people that want to live in Centerville and will be their neighbors. She asked that comments directed to her not talk about the type of people that usually take apartments down or compare to what they have been seen in other places. She stated that there have been good apartments in other places also. She stated that she rides the bus, which saved her a lot of money when she worked downtown St. Paul and noted that the Park ÒnÓ Ride is an amazing amenity for the community. She reiterated that hearing the comments and labeling people based on where they choose to live upsets her. Council Member Koski stated that the apartment portion of this proposal has been the one that has generated the most comments and concerns. He stated that he believes that this needs to be vetted which is another reason that he would like to have more time to look into this and allow for more public input. He stated that he would like this to be a three-way communication from the public, the businesses, and from the City point of view of what can and cannot be done. He stated that one of the concerns he has about an apartment in this proposal is the height with relation to fire protection as well as the potential for light pollution. The concept of a mixed use was appealing even though Mr. Harchanko had stated that retail in this environment would be tough. He asked how much they had considered mixed use and having retail located within the building because then it could generate more revenue and would not have to be as tall. He asked if Apollo Development had worked with Halverson and Blaser before and if so, he would like know what their experience has been. He stated that they had mentioned the Running Aces Hotel and asked for other examples of other buildings that they have worked on. He stated that he understands that they cannot guarantee anything, but when it comes to apartments, to him, there is a bit more of a risk that if a home owner were to stop making payments on their home it is only one house that is affected, but if this building goes into default, that is a much larger risk to the community. He thanked Administrator Statz for putting together the tax analysis information and stated that he would expect that the 103 units will house more than 200 people. He stated the analysis also makes an assumption that square foot/square foot, commercial pays more than residential which he wants to make sure is clear. He stated that they are making an assumption that there is not a way to get that large of a commercial building on this piece of property. He noted that as far as the commercial aspect of this, the Council has worked hard and their number one goal is commercial development and questions a decision to take commercial property and turn it over to residential. He stated that there has been a lot of time spent working on the Comprehensive Plan and even work with the EDA to help spur economic development. He stated that he understands that in some respects and apartment building can do that, but he also looks at the fact that it would be taking a piece of commercial property away which in some aspects goes against what they have been trying to do with the City goals. He stated that there have been a number of people that have gotten involved, especially from Lino Lakes, which he appreciates. He stated that they have gotten active and he believes that is what this process is all about in giving people the change to be heard. He stated that he knows that this is not easy and thanked them for getting out there. He stated that he serves on the Council in order to help people and to be part of shaping the community. He stated that he understands many of the people involved are from Lino Lakes, but he will not let a border or a street prevent him from hearing their concerns and letting them have some input in this process. He stated that he supports tabling this item in order to get more public input. Mr. Harchanko stated that they have been developing commercial projects for years and one thing Page 23 of 26