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Mounds View Planning Commission August 16, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Klebsch believed the applicant had a solid application for a workforce housing development, but explained she remained unmoved and could not support the request at its present location. Commissioner Klander inquired if the Planning Commission received a letter from Ramsey County. Planner Sevald stated that the City did receive comments from Ramsey County, and are summarized in the Commissioner’s packet, but that this letter was not included in the packet. Commissioner Klander understood the County suggested that the traffic study be updated to include movements at Groveland Road and County Highway 10. Planner Sevald stated this was the case. Commissioner Klander suggested further work be done on the traffic study as recommended by the County. Mr. Stokka stated this recommendation was made by the County before its review of the traffic study that was completed by MWF. Commissioner French questioned how much affordable housing the City of Mounds View had at this time. Planner Sevald commented the City was in good shape. He noted Mounds View was being requested to guide for 27 additional affordable housing units by the Metropolitan Council within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Further discussion ensued regarding the rental rates for the proposed workforce housing. Mr. Stokka reported Mounds View has no vacancies in their affordable housing units, which shows the City has a demand for this product. He commented that four of the units would be offered to residents with disabilities and would have lower income requirements. Commissioner Klebsch requested further information on the comments staff has received from the public regarding the proposed project. Planner Sevald stated the majority of the concerns that have been raised by residents focused on traffic concerns. Commissioner Schiltgen understood change was hard for everyone. He requested the applicant provide the Commission with information on the MWF housing development in New Brighton. Mr. Stokka explained the New Brighton project was a 50% low-income limit, which was a lower standard than MWF is proposing for Mounds View. Commissioner Schiltgen believed that the project in New Brighton was very well done and while there may have been some apprehension at first, the development had not become a crime concern for the community. Commissioner Klebsch stated she visited the MWF development in New Brighton and believed this was a well-done, beautiful property. She commented she supported affordable housing, but feared the proposed site was not a good fit given the numerous traffic concerns and lack of walkability to local amenities. Chair Stevenson noted the walk to public transportation was only two blocks from the proposed site.