2019.05.21 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 Scott Nichols, 126 Windsor Court, asked if the City has made any effort to understand how the community defines diversity. He stated with 80% of the units being subsidized he believed it would be important for the community to better understand this topic. Fred Hoff, 690 6th Avenue NW, explained he believed the proposed development was not suited for the site. He discussed how his views would be impacted by the extremely tall senior housing building. He commented on the complaints that have been posted on the web for Pulte Homes and Dominium. He indicated the mass transit in New Brighton was not fully adequate and questioned if either apartment complex had adequate parking. He discussed how loud the passing trains were and stated he feared how the new residents would be impacted by the train traffic/noise. Becky Bates, 718 10th Avenue NW, stated she lived three blocks from the proposed development. She explained it has become apparent to her that the residents of New Brighton were not being heard. She believed the message from City Hall was that this development was what the citizens of New Brighton wanted. She questioned where the evidence was to prove this case. She indicated she witnessed over 50 residents speak against the proposal in January of 2019 and had yet to see a resident speak in favor of the development. She was of the opinion the proposed development was too dense for the 12 acres of land. She asked why her neighborhood was being asked to bear the brunt of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Karen Meyer, Director of the Community Support Center, explained her non-profit agency was supported by 11 local churches, community organizations and individuals. She discussed how her agency worked to prevent evictions through referrals and financial aid. She stated working at CSC she has noticed a severe affordable housing shortage in the City and many residents cannot find housing they can afford. She reported the CSC supports the proposed plan and recommended the Commission adopt the plan. Diane Christofferson, 704 9th Avenue NW, stated she lives one block from the proposed development. She explained she would like to have a dog park, soccer field, baseball field and one- level senior housing development built on this land. She reported this land has always given back to the community and she recommended this continue. She recommended that the City’s outstanding debt be completely paid down prior to the City considering to spend additional funds on new developments. She encouraged the City Council to be good stewards of the City’s money. Tony Doroff, 518 9th Avenue NW, stated he grew up in New Brighton and attended the New Brighton Elementary School. He estimated a 10-foot retaining wall would be installed near the apartment building and would be less than 20 feet away from the apartments. He commented on how the retaining wall would block the views from the first-floor apartments. He indicated the City was in need of affordable housing and stated the proposed townhouses should not be considered affordable. Colin McCarty, 754 9th Avenue NW, stated he feared the parking from this development would spill over into his neighborhood. Ben Jones, 631 17th Avenue NW, reported he lived four or five blocks from the proposed development. He questioned why the City was note requiring the developer to meet typical parking and setback requirements within the Zoning Code. He explained he did not understand why there was a desire for such a high level of density. He stated he appreciated the presentation from the developer but believed the interests of the developers did not align with the best interests of the