12-20-2023 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 20, 2023 The Community Development Director presented a request for a zoning map amendment and lot combination for the properties located at the northeast corner of Rice Street and Demont Avenue. She stated that Reuter Walton Development is proposing to build a 160-unit multifamily apartment building with a mix of one-, two- and three -bedroom units. She provided background information on the process thus far and reviewed the existing site conditions, and the parcels to be combined. She provided details on zoning, noting that this change in zoning would match the future land use map. She reviewed the proposed site plan, proposed zoning map amendment, and zoning code requirements related to the lot combination. She stated that Ramey Washington Metro Watershed District is in the process of reviewing the project proposal as well and noted that Ramsey County has been involved in the development of plans, specific to the access. She asked that the Council hold a public hearing and consider the request. Paul Keenan, Reuter Walton, stated that a large component of the site is the land swap with the Flameburger as that restaurant is an asset to the community. He stated that business is excited to move to the new location noting that the interior and exterior of that space will be renovated. He stated that six months ago they came forward with a concept to receive support for funding requests, noting that original proposal included 175 units with access on to Demont Avenue. He stated that after receiving input from residents through neighborhood meetings, they have provided the right-in/right-out onto Rice Street and decreased the number of units to 160. Mayor Fischer opened the public hearing for comments from the general public. Signe Pretzel, 2442 Rice Street, commented that she likes the new plan with the right-in/right-out for Rice Street. There were no further comments from the public. Upon motion by T. Miller, seconded by D. Miller, the public hearing was closed. Ayes (5). Nays (0). Motion adopted. Mayor Fischer referenced the statement that the unit count has been decreased and asked if that would impact the footprint of the building or amenities. Mr. Keenan commented that they received feedback on the unit mix at the public meeting and therefore they are staying within the footprint but have decreased the number of one -bedroom apartments in order to add more three -bedroom units. Kwapick referenced the strip shown on Rice Street and asked if this development would add a median, preventing left turns onto Rice. The Community Development Director confirmed that is a traffic improvement that would be constructed with the project. Kwapick stated that he is happy to see that sidewalks are still included in the plan. He asked the closest bus stop to this development. The Community Development Director commented that there would be stops both north and south, providing those locations. Kwapick stated that he would like to continue to focus on sidewalk connections as they encourage people to use transit. Mayor Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 3