12-15-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 15, 2021 development, the steps are to rezone the property and take steps to supporting the financing application. He noted without the approval of the financing application, this project cannot happen. He stated the financing application for tax-exempt bonds only happens twice a year. He explained that if the financing is approved, then there would be site plan reviews later on. Keis asked if this was postponed, what additional information would the Council be looking for. Miller stated the residents have valid concerns, but she does not feel there is any other information they would need if it was postponed. Fischer stated that the primary concern from the neighbors seems to be the building itself and cars going in and out. He stated that he would be interested to see if anyone else has the capital to purchase the property. Keis stated that if this was postponed, would the developer even be interested in six months. McGraw stated that he understands the concerns, and this has been the first project that has been able to work, and asked if this is actually approving the project. The City Administrator explained that the first action is just to rezone the property, but the second action is to support the financing application for Reuter Walton to Minnesota Housing which involves a significant deposit from them. Fischer stated that he is at the point of tapping the brakes because he is feeling rushed, and noted it is not the City's problem that the developer is on a short timeline right now. Keis stated he does not know what other information they would get if postponing. McGraw stated that he does agree with Fischer, but we may be in the same place in a few months. Torkelson stated that he did a lot of research into whether multi -family housing hurts property values and does not feel that is a valid argument. He understands the concerns though. He stated that the Twin Cities desperately needs housing, and the residents who would live here are working residents who have to pay the rent. He feels the housing shortage is a regional problem and stopping potential affordable housing development hurts the region. Torkelson stated that a quality property management company will make the property a quality property. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO. 2021-12-153 — ADOPT ORDINANCE 859, AMENDING THE LITTLE CANADA ZONING MAP TO REZONE PID 313022310001 AND PID 313022310002 FROMR-1, SINGLE FAMILYRESIDENTIAL TO R-3, HIGHDENSITY RESIDENTIAL, CONTINGENT UPONA COMPREHENSIVE PLANAMENDMENT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Torkelson. Ayes (4). Nays (1). Fischer. Resolution declared adopted. Fischer stated that he voted no because he feels the city is going too fast and are going on the developer's timeline. Keis introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOL UTION NO.2021-12-154 —APPROVE RESOLUTION CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSAL FOR A HOUSING FINANCE PROGRAM rel