Laserfiche WebLink
family development in order to give some time for retail and restaurants to develop and provide <br /> more of a balance in The COR. <br /> Councilmember Specht stated that the City has done a good job in providing a variety of housing <br /> options and agrees that there should be a pause in apartment development. He stated that <br /> perhaps focusing on a mix of single-family and medium density would continue to allow for a <br /> variety in the housing market. <br /> Mayor LeTourneau asked the availability of a medium density product in The COR and overall <br /> community. <br /> Deputy City Administrator Gladhill provided additional details on housing that would be <br /> considered medium density. He identified areas that would be available for medium density <br /> development within The COR as well as areas that are proposed to be developed with a similar <br /> product. He stated that using a moratorium is a very short-term opportunity to conduct study and <br /> analysis, most likely a one-year period. <br /> Mayor LeTourneau stated that the plan was designed with the highest concentration of density <br /> in, or close to, The COR with density continuing to decrease as you move outside of The COR. <br /> He asked where the medium density housing could occur within The COR and how that would <br /> help the City reach its goal for population that will bring in the retailers. He stated that The COR <br /> is about 80 percent built out for the concentrated population goal, which is finally bringing in <br /> attention from retailers. He stated that he would be afraid that putting a pause on the <br /> development would also put a pause on retail attention. He stated that overall .4 percent of the <br /> acreage in the City will be multi-family housing. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma asked if the City has met its commitment with the Metropolitan Council <br /> for the train station and ramp. <br /> Deputy City Administrator Gladhill explained how the City secured its rail station. He stated <br /> that pausing would most likely not cause an issue but agreed that changing the land use map <br /> could bring attention from the Metropolitan Council. He noted that the main focus is within one <br /> mile of the rail station because of the walkability and access to the rail station. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would not support pumping the breaks. He stated that this <br /> should continue to remain market driven, noting that developers want to build the apartments <br /> close to the rail station. He commented that there is not that much land left for apartment type <br /> development within The COR. He believed that Aeon would like to come back and build their <br /> second building and would want to be able to support that action. <br /> Councilmember Heinrich stated that she is comfortable with the word pause as she continues to <br /> hear from residents that they do not want to see more apartments in The COR. She commented <br /> that she understands the link between population and retail, but residents do not seem to care and <br /> would like the development of apartments paused. She stated that it would be nice to have some <br /> of the retailers come in to provide a balance. <br /> City Council Work Session /February 24, 2020 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br />