2022.08.23 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Worksession July 26, 2022 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas Councilmember Abdullahi Abdulle (attending via Zoom) Councilmember Graeme Allen (attending via Zoom) Councilmember Pam Axberg Councilmember Emily Dunsworth (attending via Zoom) Absent: Staff in Attendance: Devin Massopust, Ben Gozola, Craig Schlichting Guests in Attendance: Jeff Miller, HKGi Vision Silver Lake Road 2040 Phase II Feedback and Next Steps Massopust explained staff would be providing the Council with a presentation on the vision for Silver Lake Road. He reported the City received a Corridor Revitalization Grant from Ramsey County which led a partnership with HKGi for this project. Gozola discussed the history of this project noting the City’s Comprehensive Plan was focused on the redevelopment of Old Highway 8 throughout the community, especially the area north of I-694. He reported these plans led to the New Brighton Exchange. After this area redeveloped the City was then told to focus on more housing and restaurant options along with the redevelopment of Silver Lake Road. He commented further on the proposed mixed use nodes that were proposed along Silver Lake Road. Jeff Miller, HKGi, introduced himself to the Council noting he was excited to be working with the City on this project. He reviewed the concepts for Silver Lake Road further focusing on the plans for the three mixed use nodes. The mixed use nodes were located at Rice Street and Mississippi Street, I-694 and St. Anthony/County Road E West. The proposed plans and improvements for each node were detailed. These improvements included mixed use buildings with housing, outdoor dining, new commercial uses, expanded pedestrian/bike facilities and more trees. Lastly, he reviewed the community engagement responses he received from the public for each of the mixed use nodes. Councilmember Axberg requested further information regarding the proposed sidewalks around Rice Creek Rd and Mississippi Street. Mr. Miller reviewed the sidewalks that were planned for the Rice Creek Rd and Mississippi Street node. Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas asked how tall the proposed housing would be. Mr. Miller reported mixed use housing would generally be three or four stories tall while regional housing was generally six stories tall. Staff commented further on the density differences between the mixed use node and the regional node. It was noted four stories were typically pursued by developers over a three story apartment building. Councilmember Allen requested further comment on the housing proposed near the golf course. Gozola stated