CC WORKSESSION PACKET 11162021- Joint with Planning Commission

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The density counts are identified for the entire high density designated areas, and are averaged over that designation. The unit styles listed in the table include row-homes, townhouses, garden apartments, and larger apartment buildings. From a density standpoint, apartment projects will fit the 20-40 units per acre range, depending on the floor count. Row homes and townhouses will usually fall below the range, given the land areas dedicated to each unit. The Plan presumes that some individual projects will fall below the range given the allowable unit styles, but that the overall density in the high-density areas will meet the range specified. With that, the City can consider a variety of project types on the property in question. Because the multiple family areas of the Silver Lake Village PUD are largely built out, or being constructed currently, and at densities well above the 20 unit per acre minimum threshold, a project of any size on this one- acre parcel will barely move the overall average density number for the larger district. The City has been approached by a development interest that proposes a small apartment complex on the property, with a total of 38 units – the development group describes it as the same as that which they are currently constructing at 3725 Stinson, one block south of the gas-station site. As the City may recall, that project is a 38 unit structure with surface parking, and is designed to be a low-amenity building with the goal of providing housing to workforce/affordable markets, but without public subsidies. For most land use decisions, factors to account for include transportation and access, surrounding land use compatibility, utility impacts (if any), and Comprehensive Plan policies. The City’s consideration of land uses on this site would appear to be open to a range of housing, given the land use direction (high density residential), and the Comprehensive Plan’s acceptance of a variety of housing styles. Finally, it is also common that development design and quality routinely become a factor in land use decision- making, and these elements may be important in the City’s consideration of any particular proposal. Staff is seeking feedback from City Council and Planning Commission as to any particular direction to lead interested development parties on the project, as well as direction to the current party. While inquiries are often general in nature, the current proposal has a more specific expectation and a current model to evaluate it against. In any case, direction from public officials will benefit both this developer and any others in the preparation of further plans, particularly given the range of options that the Comprehensive Plan makes available to the City. Elements that may have bearing on the City’s response may include the following: • Density and Unit Count • Project Design and Architecture • Building Massing • Market • Affordability • Sustainability Features • Site Amenities, Features, Landscape • Support Features (parking, etc.)