Agenda - Council - 05/26/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that following the US census, redistricting occurs across the country. He stated that the City has expressed a desire to likely have a third elementary school at some point and would love to have a middle school as well. He stated that much of the Anoka High School population is Ramsey residents. He stated that the City hopes to continue to work with the school districts in looking forward at the future. Commissioner Woestehoff asked for staff to provide input on the comments received from public safety. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl confirmed that the entire public safety team reviewed the request and did not have any concerns at this time with the exception of plowing related to the cul-de-sacs. She noted that those departments will continue to provide input throughout the review process. Citizen Input Ben Schmidt, Excelsior Group, stated that he was present to address any questions. He commented that they understand that during these times things may not move as smoothly as they typically would and would be willing to grant the additional time for input. He stated that he can also reach out to neighbors individually to address questions as desired as well. He understood that neighbors can have concerns when property is proposed for development from farmland. He noted that they will be completing an EAW and advised that this is just the start of the process. Commissioner Woestehoff stated that based on the public comment there is concern with the proposed density and asked if the applicant would be willing to explore an option more in line with the current zoning restrictions. Mr. Schmidt replied that staff put together a number of 80-foot lots that could be developed, while they believe additional 80-foot lots could be developed. He stated that they are not attempting to increase density over what is allowed, but simply to provide a variety of housing types. He stated that big lots are less favorable in today' s market. He stated that they have heard that people do not care as much about the distance between the side neighbors but prefer to have a larger backyard and therefore they have attempted to provide that situation. He stated that not every person wants a big yard and therefore they attempt to provide a variety of housing types to appeal to different people and families. He stated that the plan was not put forth to create extra density and explained that they believed that the plan met the housing goals of the City and the needs of the community. He confirmed that they welcome input. Commissioner Woestehoff asked for additional details on the variation in housing products and price points. Mr. Schmidt stated that for every one foot of street frontage equates to about $600 in terms of infrastructure and therefore taking out some width helps to reduce the price. He stated that the smaller lot size does not always equate to the less costly option because often empty nesters are choosing those lots and choosing high end options inside. He explained that while the smaller lots often appeal to empty nesters, they can also appeal as more start up housing for families. He Planning Commission/ May 7, 2020 Page 3 of 21