2019.05.21 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 Gozola stated staff could review this further with the developer if the Commission wanted to see a change. Mr. Hoyer commented setbacks were very subjective and varied from city to city. Commissioner Melquist requested further information with parking at the workforce housing development. Mr. Quest stated it was his opinion 2.5 parking spaces per unit was too high based on his experience. He indicated Robbinsdale had a parking ratio requirement of 1.5 spaces per unit. He noted he was proposing to have 1.44 parking spaces per unit. He discussed occupancy calculations with the Commission and commented on the demand for parking in Minnesota. He reported adults in affordable units do not have more than one car. For this reason, he believed the proposed parking ratio would more than meet the demand for parking within the workforce apartment complex. He stated the site would have proof of parking available if parking became a concern. Commissioner Biedenfeld stated he feared the developer was misguided that none of the workforce housing tenants would have two vehicles. He indicated he was having major issues with the 1.44 parking ratio. He feared that the City would be putting a major burden on the development if the parking ratio was not addressed right now. Commissioner McQuillan stated this development had mass transit readily available, but he agreed the proposed parking ratio was a bit low. He indicated he would like to see a surety bond in place for the parking. He feared the lack of parking would put pressure on the neighborhood. Commissioner Biedenfeld questioned if parking would be impacted in the winter months due to snow storage on the lot. Mr. Mentz explained if snow became a concern it would be plowed and trucked off premises. He commented it would not be convenient for families to have to find on- street parking. He stated it was his belief the residents living in the workforce housing complex would not have that many cars and that the surface and underground parking would be adequate. He stated he would not have investors willing and ready to finance this project if it was not properly parked. Chair Nichols-Matkaiti opened the Public Hearing at 8:36 p.m. Debra Perkins, 712 8th Avenue NW, explained she lived across from the site. She believed the traffic study was insufficient. She noted she had great difficulty getting out of her driveway in the evening peak hours. She stated she feared how the traffic would be impacted by the proposed development. Pat Yahnke, 1286 Robin Lane, stated she has been a resident of New Brighton for 30 years. She spoke in support of the Midtown Village housing project. She commented the City was in need of affordable senior housing for its aging community. She understood baby boomers were seeking safe, affordable, maintenance free housing. She discussed how the workforce housing would assist working single mothers. She encouraged the Commission to support the proposed housing development. Reverend Beth Donaldson, 3217 40th Avenue South in Minneapolis, stated she was the lead minister of the United Church of Christ on Long Lake Road. She commented on the number of housing assistance requests she has had over the past 15 years, noting this number was on the rise. She reported the community was in need of affordable housing for seniors and working families. She stated she supported the proposed development.