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Regular City Council Meeting <br />Monday, May 23, 2016 <br />Page 12 <br />At the request of Councilmember McGehee, Mr. Williams advised that the maxi- <br />muin number of units in HDR-1 was 40 units according to acreage; and were in- <br />sufficient to make the project affordable. <br />At the request of Mayor Roe, Mr. Williams clarified that the proposed one- <br />bedroom units were between 650-700 square feet; and the two bedroom units <br />were approximately 950 square feet, with no larger units intended. <br />Mayor Roe asked if potential long-term future use of the facility would allow easy <br />combination of smaller units or if that would not be architecturally feasible, or if <br />the units could be reconfigured to market rate units. <br />Mr. Williams stated, at this preliminary stage of design, he was unable to answer <br />that question as to how feasible that may be. <br />For the benefit of the developer, Mayor Roe noted that the City Council was <br />struggling with short- and long-term use and number of potential units allowed in <br />HDR-2 zoning designation indefinitely, or 35 years from now when the property <br />may redevelop once again, especially the potential for higher density HDR in that <br />area. <br />Public Comment <br />Amanda Kappes, Policy Coordinator for Metro Interfaith Council on Af- <br />fordable Housing (MICAH) <br />Similar to her comments at the Planning Commission's public hearing on this re- <br />quest, Ms. Kappes spoke in support of this housing in Roseville; and reiterated the <br />goals of the Metropolitan Council and City of Roseville for increased affordable <br />housing units in the community. Ms. Kappes noted that the senior population <br />was, and was projected to continue, as the fastest growing population in Minneso- <br />ta, and in great need of affordable housing options. <br />Gary Kwong, 1700 Fry Street, Falcon Heights, MN <br />Similarly to his comments at the Planning Commission public hearing, Mr. <br />Kwong provided a brief history of his own family and their housing needs. Mr. <br />Kwong spoke in support of this request, and the ainenities available in Roseville <br />to retain a stable residential base and allow current residents to move into this <br />type of housing and remain loyal to their community and their familiarity with it. <br />Councilmember McGehee stated her dilemma was similar to that of Mayor Roe. <br />While happy to have affordable housing for seniors, and 40 units would be nice, <br />the potential for additional traffic in this already congested area was problematic <br />for her. Councilmember McGehee reiterated that she wasn't against the project, <br />but with rezoning under current HDR-2 zoning designation indefinitely and the <br />concern with higher density in the area. <br />