Laserfiche WebLink
2 <br />Ms. Lindahl stated it is the developer’s intention to do a Conservation Development. But there is <br />not enough detail at this point for staff to say it definitely meets the criteria, but it is heading that <br />direction. They are specifically asking for approval of a Comp Plan amendment from 267 acres <br />of light industrial, 45 acres of medium density and 45 acres of high density residential to mixed <br />use with a range of commercial (55-70 acres). It won’t be improved as an exemption from the <br />growth management. <br /> <br />EDAC is looking specifically at whether mixed use of residential and commercial is a more <br />appropriate land use. Ms. Hansmann stated that in recommending approval, she wants it to go the <br />Conservation Development route. Members want to see details the next time it goes through <br />approvals. Ms. Divine stated EDAC normally doesn’t do plan review. EDAC’s role is more <br />geared toward looking at whether this type of land use is of greater value to the community than <br />the current land use. Ms. Hansmann stated that EDAC is sometimes seen as always rubber <br />stamping an economic development project, and she’d like to see the best of both worlds, an <br />economic benefit to the city and a conservation development. <br /> <br />Ms. Lindahl stated members may want to read the AUAR mitigation plan, which has significant <br />changes related to stormwater that is stricter than most cities. This will help to get the green <br />space the city is looking for. <br /> <br />Mr. Combs made a motion to recommend to the City Council approval of the amendment to the <br />Comprehensive Plan to mixed use. Mr. Helgemoe seconded the motion. <br /> <br />Mr. Corson stated he felt it was important that a conservation development utilizing trail access <br />between commercial and residential areas be included in EDAC’s recommendation. Ms. <br />Schwartz suggested a second motion that EDAC supports conservation development. <br /> <br />Motion passed unanimously. <br /> <br />EDA members discussed ways that they could convey to the City Council that they want to <br />encourage that the developer to pursue conservation development as outlined in the AUAR. <br />EDAC discussed that recommending approval of the Comp Plan amendment included a desire <br />by the committee see pedestrian connections between commercial and residential areas, and <br />outlying areas, with appropriate recreational amenities. <br /> <br />Ms. Hansmann moved that EDAC recommends that the City Council support the Planned Unit <br />Development concept plan, utilizing the conservation development outlined in the AUAR <br />recommendations. Mr. Corson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. <br /> <br />Ms. Kuschke asked Mr. Hayes how a slowdown of housing starts would impact this <br />development. Mr. Hayes stated that there isn’t much slowdown, the Lino Lakes area is selling <br />more homes than the year before. Mr. Corson stated affordability matters also, if houses are <br />starting $100,000 below the average home price. Ms. Schwartz stated most of the professionals <br />locally don’t think there’s a bubble, but she has seen that some higher end homes ($450,000 +) <br />are appraising for more than they sell for. Mr. Hayes said Multiple Listing Service data has only <br />shown two years of flat sales. Ms. Schwartz stated the twin cities has an varied economic base,