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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,July 17, 2017 Page 14 Specific to the traffic pattern, Ms. Hermes stated that she had heard reports that �-- said an additional 800 vehicles/day and the 208-unit apartment complex could be accommodated. However, Ms. Hermes invited council members to visit her and witness current traffic concerns, opining that they then would no longer want this in their neighborhood. Ms. Hermes stated that the city couldn't control current speeding on their street, with trucks frequently going 40-50 mph, which was a conservative speed compared with some of the personal vehicles also using that street. Specific to the Metropolitan Council's goals for additional affordable housing units in the city, Ms. Hermes asked why so many — almost half— were needed with this proposed development. If too many lower-income residents were crowded into one area, Ms. Hermes opined that they would never get ahead but instead should be spread throughout the city rather than confined to one area. Ms. Hermes opined that it was offensive for those people expecting to live in those units,making it seem like a housing project surrounded by nice homes. Tom Brama,2994 (residence) and 3020 Old Highway 8 (11 unit apartment complex owner) With Councilmember Willmus noting this area being "down-sized" from Busi- ness to HDR, Mr. Brama opined that the neighborhood didn't consider it downsiz- ing at all, but only in creasing the number of vehicles during rush hour. Referenc- ing the displayed map, Mr. Brama noted existing traffic issues north on Old Highway 8 to County Road D with back-ups east to I-35W and all areas in be- tween with congestion on Highway 88 and Old Highway 8, and additional ramifi- cations with access on Old Highway 8 of this proposed development and instincts for routing elsewhere. Mr. Brama stated that he was not opposed to development of the parcel, but opined that Medium Density Residential (MDR) was more ap- propriate. Also, while recognizing the good reputation of this developer, Mr. Brama expressed concern with their lack of response from his multiple e-mails to them seeking more community engagement; and concerns about clear-cutting the site and setting aside funds for tree replacement. Under the circumstances, Mr. Brama opined that the developer seemed to be telling the city one thing while not attempting to engage the public as he implied to the City Council. While the Rice Street/Larpenteur Avenue Safety Center may be a five-year commitment for the city to lease, Mr. Brama noted that this would serve as a life-long commitment to this neighborhood. Mr. Brama opined that development of proposed four-story buildings on this site was totally out of character for that entire neighborhood, in- cluding the adjacent New Brighton and Village of St. Anthony and also would serve to overburden Sandcastle Park facilities as well. Kurt Burmeier,3045 Patton Road, other side of Sandcastle Park Mr. Burmeier addressed the potential increase in population attempting access to and from the neighborhood on Old Highway 8, essentially a residential, two-lane road. Mr. Burmeier also questioned the future of the bike path along that road; and opined that this proposed development was a disaster and only further nega-