09/07/2000 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 density of housing. The plan shows townhomes, 10-plexes, senior housing, live-work, etc., but is meant to be a demonstration of diversity and density, not a decision about housing type. The Fefercorn plan shows more housing area, plus apartments. This is a concept plan and is open to negotiation. Mr. Wessel described the separate sites owned by the city and the Taggs. Mr. Juni asked if the apartment piece was the issue, and said EDAC shouldn’t be concerned about that detail. Mr. Gorowsky said the market reaches the conclusions about the types of housing. Mr. Greg Hayes said the city has a plan from Calthorpe, a plan from a developer, and suggested an RFP inviting other plans along the guidelines. Then the city can pick and chose who is following guidelines best. Mr. Wessel said the city interviewed six developers and the timing was such we needed to move ahead. It’s always been a consideration to do an RFP and may still happen. Mr. Rehbein said part of the density issue is driven by what the Taggs perceive as the value of their land. If a developer purchases the property, his decision of density is based on the cost of the land. The council is saying they don’t like the density and that’s their decision to make. If the council doesn’t like the density then maybe nothing happens on the Tagg site right now. Mr. Wessel said there is likely to be negotiation regarding the density. Mr. Gorowsky said the options are affected by the value to the Taggs. If an offer is made and it’s less than what the Taggs want, then there’s no deal. Ms. Divine read the policy recommendation regarding housing that stated an 80/20 mix of market rate and affordable and a 50/50 owner/rental mix was encouraged. Mr. Chase recommended removing the specific numbers. Ms. Schwartz questioned whether EDAC should be taking direction from the council regarding what EDAC should recommend, rather than thinking for themselves. Mr. Gorowsky said he didn’t believe the specificity is needed, but the concepts are needed. After that the city can work with the market to find the right mix. Mr. Wessel said crime in connection with apartments has surfaced as a concern. The police chief said he liked the Traditional Neighborhood Development concentration of density because it fits with his community policing philosophy, with eyes on the street and community involvement. Mr. Gorowsky said if for economic development purposes this committee believes we need a minimum of units of rental units, then it is part of EDAC’s charge to get more specific about numbers. Mr. Johnson said a lot of employees within the area couldn’t afford the median single family home in Lino Lakes. Ms. Divine said employers moving into Lino Lakes can’t find employees and usually ask about population growth and housing. Mr. Rehbein asked if rental housing was an important part of the Livable Communities application. Ms. Divine said the city scored well because of numerous issues, including