Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/05/2016

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Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Levine, Commissioners VanScoy, Andrusko, Maul, and Nosan. Voting No: None. Abstain: Commissioner Brauer. Absent: Commissioner Bauer. 5.02: Review Concept Plan for Aeon Housing in The COR Presentation Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama presented the staff report stating the City has received a proposed Purchase Agreement for a parcel located within The COR anticipated for high density residential (at least fifteen [15] units per acre). The Planning Commission is being asked to provide initial feedback related to land use policy before the City Council considers the Purchase Agreement. Final details are still being discussed; however, a concept plan has now been received. The parcel in question is in the COR-4c sub -district, which requires a density of at least fifteen (15) units per acre. The concept plan indicates a three (3) story apartment building with eighteen (18) units per floor, for a total of fifty-four (54) units within the first phase of the project. This equates to just under sixteen (16) units per acre (15.97 units per acre). The concept plan also appears to be consistent with the most recent Development Plan for The COR as well. As previously noted, Staff wanted to provide the Planning Commission with an opportunity to provide any preliminary comments on the proposed land use in advance of the City Council contemplating the Purchase Agreement. Staff requested the Commission provide staff with feedback on the concept plan. Commission Business James Lehnhoff, Vice President of Housing for Aeon, thanked the Commission for their time and introduced his company to the City. He noted Aeon's mission was to create quality affordable homes that strengthen lives and communities. The organization's vision was for every person to have a home and be interconnected within the community. He explained Aeon was celebrating 30 years of business in the metro area. He reviewed the number of housing units Aeon has assisted with throughout the metro area. He discussed the wide range of buildings that Aeon has constructed or renovated for housing units. Leslie Roering, 7463 161' Avenue, discussed the plans for Parcel 52 on Town Center Drive noting it was 3.38 acres in size. The project concept plans were reviewed in detail. She anticipated a three story building could be constructed with 50 to 60 apartment homes. The units would be a mix of 75% being 2 and 3 bedroom units with 25% being 1 and 4 bedroom units. She explained these units would serve families with children with incomes between $28,000 and $60,000 per year depending on family size. Ms. Roering reviewed a site plan with the Commission noting the plan included greenspace for children to play. She welcomed comments from the Commission and would make adjustments to the site plan where necessary. The next steps for the project were then discussed. Commissioner Nosan explained she toured The Rose building and believed it was extremely well done and was a nice fit for the neighborhood. Planning Commission/May 5, 2016 Page 5 of 8