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4 (2) 2040 Comprehensive Plan Rezonings (a) Adoption of an Ordinance Rezoning property located at 2770 and 2750 I-694 Service Drive from B-1 to R-3B (PIDs 19-30-23-34-0008 and 19-30-23-34-0009) in conformance with the City’s new 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This area, known as the Benedictine Health Center campus, is guided for “Mixed Use Regional” development by the new Comprehensive Plan, and the proposed rezoning would allow for consideration of a Planned Residential Development in compliance with the new Comprehensive Plan. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported State law provides cities with nine months to update zoning ordinances and maps following approval of a new comprehensive plan. The recently approved 2040 Comp Plan has initiated that time clock, and approval of these two ordinances (865 & 866) will be the first step in meeting the City’s legal obligations. Both ordinances are needed at this time to allow developers to initiate the application process. Delaying either project (provided they meet the goals and objectives of the new plan) serves no public purpose. The need for additional housing in the City was discussed. Staff commented further on the Benedictine Health Center development and recommended approval of Ordinance 865 approving the rezoning. It was noted the Ordinance would only grant conditional approval. Commissioner Frischman asked what the density differences were for Mixed Use Regional versus Mixed Use Neighborhood. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained the Mixed Use Regional zoning had a minimum of 12 units per acre and a maximum of 50. He reported the Mixed Use Neighborhood properties were guided for 8 to 40 units per acre. Chairperson Nichols-Matkaiti opened the Public Hearing at 7:48 p.m. Rick Dietrich, 775 8th Avenue NE, stated he was a block away from the proposed development at the old New Brighton Elementary School. He explained he did not support the proposed zoning change. He questioned why the City had to be in compliance with the Met Council. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained that the City is required to be in compliance with its Comprehensive Plan. He reported the City gathered feedback from the public to prepare the document, and it was reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council. The document is now being reviewed by the Met Council for final approval. Mr. Dietrich stated he did not believe this area of the City had to be developed quite so densely. He was of the opinion the proposed development would not be keeping in character with the existing homes that were built in the 1940’s and 1950’s. He recommended the City reconsider the density of the proposed development. In addition, he feared his home value would decrease given the close proximity of the high-density development to his home. He encouraged the City to buck the trend and pursue another type of development other than high-density apartments.