Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/17/2023 - Special

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Councilmember Specht asked if this is where they are going to put the higher density. Planning Manager Larson noted that density and zoning are two different things. He noted that they would be taking the same number of units but consolidating it into one area. Councilmember Specht asked if the phone calls that have been coming in for this area have been from businesses. Planning Manager Larson shared that the listing for the property is for 17 acres; however, many of those calling in do not realize that a lot of the area is wetlands. He noted that they would not be able to develop all 17 acres of land. He stated that the way that the comprehensive plan is guided does not identify this area to have open space and units were assigned to it. He noted that this area would still pass the density test with the Met Council; however, the form that it would take would not necessarily be a single family lot. He added that if someone were to build an apartment on this lot it would have to be a very small apartment building or an assisted living facility. He stated that there could also be a few row homes on this lot. Councilmember Specht asked if someone would be able to drain the wetlands to have more buildable area. Planning Manager Larson explained that this is one of the most photographed water bodies in town. Councilmember Musgrove asked if they could have an apartment building with adequate parking in this area. Planning Manager Larson explained that they could have a small or underground parking structure. Councilmember Riley stated that if this land is for sale then he would not want to limit it and say that it is zoned something different if there is already interest. Planning Manager Larson stated that it would be a very awkward spot for any kind of 80 foot lots as the County would not allow anymore driveways so the driveways would have to be shared. He added that they would also not want a public street that would be very strangely shaped in this area in order to meet the frontage requirements. He noted that a builder would have to be very creative in their design on this lot. He explained that they would also need to bring sanitary sewer to this area which could be costly and would not make sense to do for just a few lots. Councilmember Specht said that he would be fine with allowing a different use in this area to make it more open to development. Planning Manager Larson shared that he has been encouraging those who have shown interest in the lot that they would have to be creative to figure out something that would work and make sense in this area. He asked if the Council had any other recommended changes to the text. Councilmember Woestehoff added that he would be in support of removing the heliport section. City Council Special Work Session/ October 17, 2023 Page 8 of 16