05/01/12 Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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HRA Executive Director Ulrich recommended the City try to accommodate the housing units the best it can and noted a solution may be to move housing units west of Armstrong Boulevard, develop housing on the periphery, which would lower traffic impact in The COR and may be a better solution than pushing everything to the middle. Mayor Ramsey stated he does not envision housing on the west side of Armstrong Boulevard but, instead, a large retailer. He preferred to come up with a solution of where housing would actually happen. Mayor Ramsey suggested the issue of densification be addressed later. Senior Planner Gladhill clarified that staff is not recommending any solution but looking at options. He noted the City instituted mixed use zoning to create flexibility and the area west of Armstrong Boulevard may be an area to prove the point that it will accommodate more housing units. Chairperson McGlone stated the map has to be fixed but development may not occur that way, which can be addressed in the future. Development Manager Lazan clarified there are retail opportunities on Armstrong Boulevard and potential housing would be to the west. He noted the City's $650,000 grant is being "held hostage" by the Metropolitan Council until its housing unit goals are met. Senior Planner Gladhill recommended Ramsey be up front with the Metropolitan Council about its concern with traffic capacity with housing density at that level. Chairperson McGlone asked where the housing units need to be to make it work with the Metropolitan Council. Senior Planner Gladhill stated the Metropolitan Council will want a base of 2,500 housing units but staff may be able to convince them to lower it to about 2,200 housing units. Ramsey also needs to address the concern that while it is open to showing this forecast, the City remains concerned that transportation capacity is not there. Public Works Director Olson asked what was forecast in TOD application. Senior Planner Gladhill explained that application focused on housing along Center Street, about 1,000 housing units, but did not count all of the housing units, and was used for the recommendation to approve the grant. Public Works Director Olson asked if the Metropolitan Council told the City it had to change the Land Use Plan to get the grant Senior Planner Gladhill stated the Metropolitan Council did not but some members have opposed any reduction in number of housing units. Housing and Redevelopment Authority / May 1, 2012 Page6of8