2019.05.21 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 from the neighbors given the recent lawsuits/misbehavior that has occurred at the City level. He encouraged the City Council to hear the concerns being raised by the residents. He was of the opinion the height of the units was too high and that the development was inadequately parked. Brett Larsen, 639 10th Avenue NW, stated he has lived in his home for the past 10 years. He noted the public hearing notice was the first communication he had received from the City. He discussed the 2040 Comp Plan and noted this site was to develop like a “traditional neighborhood”. He explained the proposed development was far from a traditional New Brighton neighborhood. He asked if the City had considered how crime in the community may be impacted by the proposed workforce housing. Duwayne Kroll, 734 Old Highway 8, noted he was a 55-year resident of New Brighton and stated he had attended New Brighton Elementary School. He recommended the curve in Old Highway 8 be straightened prior to this development being considered. He stated he would like to see the height of the buildings within the development being reduced. He suggested the Commission table action on this item until further discussions can be held regarding the building height. Karoline Nauss, 732 8th Avenue NW, commented on the building height within the proposed development. She stated the new buildings would be grossly encroaching on the neighboring homes. She commented on the current traffic situation in her neighborhood and stated she feared how a single roadway would be able to manage the traffic from this dense development. She indicated her last concerns were with how the demolition of the old New Brighton Elementary School would be managed. She commented she did not want lead to be spread into the community. Cindy Carlson, 2215 Kenwood Court N in Maplewood, stated she served as the President of the New Brighton/Mounds View Rotary Club. She explained she has worked in this community for the past 26 years as a commercial lender at Western Bank. She noted there was a tremendous need for affordable housing in New Brighton but did not want to discount the legitimate concerns being raised by the neighbors. She spoke favorably of the developers (Dominium and Pulte Homes) noting she had worked with these companies in the past. Sue Watlov Phillips reported she was the Director of MICAH (Metro Interfaith Council for Affordable Housing). She explained she was a resident of Fridley just two blocks out of New Brighton. She indicated MICAH believes people are to love and treat people in the manner we would want to be treated, and to care about others. She encouraged the Commission to consider that 97% of the population rented at some point in time. She commented there was a huge need for affordable housing in the metro area. She encouraged the Commission to work together with the neighbors to ensure this item moves forward to create safe, affordable and accessible homes for everyone. She noted she did have concerns with the demolition of the old New Brighton Elementary School and the lead issues. Commissioner Frischman asked if the parking were workforce housing parking ratio were increased to 1.5, how many units would be lost. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported the building may not have to be downsized due to the fact City land could be purchased to the south to provide additional parking.