PL PACKET 02151983 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-2- in the existing Zoning Ordinance had been designed to permit densities • and building heights for the proposed projects which would make the redevelopment economically feasible . He added that the amendment was written to apply only to redevelopment projects so as not to affect the existing community characteristics . Mr. Bjorklund indicated he perceived there had been a "creep in densities" since the first land use .plan was adopted when between 400 and 500 units had been proposed to be developed on approximately 13 . 7 acres and now the current plan is. for up to 500 units for about 10 .9 acres , with 2 . 71 acres deleted from the project now. Mr. Krier . agreed early 1982 the density had been increased from 37 to about 50 units per acre with the deletion of the triangular site south of Wilson from the Tax Increment District, but said it had become apparent that with the costs of purchasing the eleven homes and one business in that tract and well over $100 ,000 to relocate the residents , the entire project would become economically unattractive for a developer with the prevailing interest rates . Iie added that these properties could possibly be developed later when the interest rates drop . Mr. Krier told Mr. Bjorklund all the changes had been accepted with the resolution of approval of the Tax Increment District passed unanimously by the Commission in June. Mr. Bowerman read the reso- lution and Mr. Bjorklund was shown pages past 42 which he waid were not in his possession which detailed the project as proposed at that time . • When Mrs. Makowske asked Mr. Bjorklund whether he sees the proposed densities as a detriment to the project, the Commission member replied that he is very anxious to see the project succeed, but was concerned that residents might blame him for permitting greater densities in the southern part of the City than have ever been accepted by the community before . He said he would. be uncomfortable with the role of advocate for the project. Mr. Childs told him the role of advocate should rest with the staff and H. R.A. members and that the public had been fully notified of the number of units and densities involved in the project through the City Newsletter and numerous articles carried in the Bulletin , the Star and Tribune , the Northeaster, not to mention the public hearings which had been publicized like the one that evening where no residents had come forth to express any concerns . Mr. Zawislak reported he and Mrs . P4akowske had attended almost all the meetings of the Kenzie Terrace Task Force including the last one where Mr. Kuross had asked whether there was an understanding that both densities and building heights would have to be increased to attract a developer and all those present indicated they could accept the project as proposed. The Planning Commission member said he and Mrs . Makowske had gone door to door in the area around the Kenzie Terrace site getting the reaction of the neighbors including those who had expressed concerns about the senior project planned for the northern • site which is now considered as Phase 1 of the project.