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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 10, 2017 Page 8 current density of their neighborhood and the units proposed are 2-3-bedroom units. He felt 1 families moved into St. Anthony because of the school system. He looks forward to a plan that is 2 25 units/acre density, brings in tax revenue, and allows affordable housing that will enhance and 3 not overwhelm the current school system. 4 5 Ms. Barbara Sullivan, 2613 Lowry Avenue NE, stated she is concerned about the infrastructure, 6 water, traffic study, and the EAW. She stated the City needs to look at their resources. 7 8 Mr. Ned Moore, 3500 38th Avenue S., representing the Assembly for Civil Rights, stated they 9 were involved in organizing the Lowry Grove residents. He is representing Antonia Alvarez who 10 is unable to make it tonight because her daughter is in the hospital. Mr. Moore quoted scripture 11 and demanded the City take responsibility for its actions and decisions and become a force for 12 justice rather than indifference. He felt the loss of Lowry Grove was in process for a long time 13 and that a group of residents concerned about the closing of Lowry Grove came to City Hall and 14 were told there was nothing for them to worry about. He stated residents looked to the City for 15 leadership and assistance and had requested meetings with the City Council but throughout the 16 14-month process, Council had very little to say. Mr. Moore stated the developer said if they had 17 known they would be limited to 25 units/acre, they never would have bought the property. Mr. 18 Moore stated this is astounding to play ‘bait and switch’ with the developer and the Council 19 needs to take responsibility for their role in the closing of Lowry Grove. He believed there was a 20 direct link between density and affordability and urged the Council to stand up for justice even if 21 it isn’t popular and honor the commitment made to Lowry Grove residents in the 2008 22 Comprehensive Plan. 23 24 Mr. Dale Nugent, 2734 Stinson Parkway, stated he is very concerned about having this developer 25 as their neighbor. He felt Stinson Parkway was a jewel in the neighborhood and that traffic 26 studies were garbage that have been done so far because they contain many false assumptions. 27 Mr. Nugent stated there needs to be a do over and he is excited about the prospect of getting 28 affordable housing into Lowry Grove. Mr. Nugent stated he is not so certain about the developer 29 but the TAP proposal sounds good. 30 31 Councilmember Gray stated when Mark Casey was hired he was excited about having a great 32 City Mana ger and over the past 1½ years , he is convinced Mr. Casey is an outstanding City 33 Manager, probably the best in the State. Councilmember Gray stated he is concerned that 34 Council is ignored in the process since Council is making the decisions. He noted the Council 35 did not have any meetings with the developer. He stated he has concerns about the proposal but 36 if the resolution is supported, that does not mean the Council is against affordable housing. He 37 indicated he will be voting in favor of the resolution. 38 39 Councilmember Stille stated he will be voting in favor of the resolution, noting that trying to 40 shame the City for its lack of affordable housing is ridiculous since there are 1,458 rental units 41 and 84% are affordable at some level up to 80% AMI. In addition, 433 units have been 42 developed within the last 15 years and of those, 52% are affordable. Councilmember Stille stated 43 he agrees there is an affordability crisis but the burden cannot be placed on St. Anthony. He felt 44 TAP would go a long way in bringing people together, noting the Council is listening to the 45 resident’s concerns. 46 8