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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes <br />February 26, 2018 <br />Page 15 <br /> <br /> <br />more because of the storm drain. The setback on Stinson would need to be reduced. He noted 1 <br />there is a considerable amount of environmental issues on the site and a traditional rain garden 2 <br />would not be possible because both ponds need to be lined. The sidewalks in the right of way 3 <br />are subject to Hennepin County and Park Board approval. The width of 6 feet would pertain to 4 <br />the interior trails and the developer will work with the Park Board on the access. In addition, 5 <br />they would be open to speed bumps. He stated the project rents are not currently available and a 6 <br />range would be provided to Council for review. 7 <br /> 8 <br />Ms. Rothstein asked if private security is in the plan. Mr. Wilson stated there is 24-hour staff on 9 <br />hand in the assisted living building. Private security can be discussed with staff prior to review 10 <br />by the City Council. 11 <br /> 12 <br />Chair Papatola closed the public hearing at 9:03 p.m. 13 <br /> 14 <br />Commissioner Kalar had some questions on traffic. He would support the consideration of the 15 <br />intersection being further analyzed. He believes this is less a capacity issue and more of a 16 <br />behavior issue. He asked about the proof of parking, stated he wants to make sure the parking 17 <br />decision is based on sound practices and he does not want to over park it. He does not want to 18 <br />see a lot of parking open and asked if the proof of parking could be expanded. He stated he lives 19 <br />adjacent to the property. Mr. Wilson referred to the drawing of the parking and stated they would 20 <br />be open to any amendments expanding the proof of parking. 21 <br /> 22 <br />Commissioner Bartel asked if there is a baseline that should be considered as the percentage of 23 <br />affordable housing. Ms. Rothstein stated there is no policy that claims a specific level. The Met 24 <br />Council and HUD had levels, 80% AMI is more affordable than market level. She felt the rents 25 <br />are still very high for those units, noting a family size of 4 is generally the standard. She stated 26 <br />this is a policy question as to what the City wants to achieve. Commissioner Bartel confirmed the 27 <br />Planning Commission has nothing to do with the TIF decision. 28 <br /> 29 <br />Commissioner Socha asked about moving the assisted living 17 feet as the Kenzington had 30 <br />concerns, noting if it was moved the patio would still be protected. 31 <br /> 32 <br />Commissioner Larson stated it seems the school district has lost quite a few students from the 33 <br />closing of Lowry Grove. The new development has 12 units of 3-bedroom apartments and he is 34 <br />concerned about the provision for housing for families. He stated it is important to provide 35 <br />housing for all demographics as best we can. He feels the prior proposal had several flaws 36 <br />related to density and he finds the current proposal is more appealing. Commissioner Larson 37 <br />asked if affordable housing is not required in this development, can it be required anywhere. He 38 <br />stated it is important to support people in all levels of life and economic situations. He would like 39 <br />to see more affordable housing and asked what the affordable housing component will be in the 40 <br />Comprehensive Plan and if it can they be applied now. Ms. Rothstein stated affordable housing 41 <br />can be controlled through zoning densities, regulation, and/or financial tools. The draft comp 42 <br />plan will have affordable housing policy discussed. She noted there are tools the City can use to 43 <br />subsidize affordable housing. These need to be policy discussions outside of the project review. 44 <br />Commissioner Larson stated he would like to see the code revised so it is applicable for the next 45 <br />project. 46