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<br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />Commissioner McQuillan concurred with Chair Biedenfeld’s comments. He noted the Midtown <br />Village project was directly in his backyard. He discussed how this redevelopment had provided <br />new affordable housing options for New Brighton residents. He commented on how this <br />community was changing radically and the average age had been reduced from 50+ to 37. He <br />reiterated that nothing had been proposed for the new mixed use areas. He supported the City <br />providing ways for the community to expand and grow. He reported he supported the <br />proposed Ordinance because it would set the City up properly for future redevelopment. <br />Commissioner Nelsen asked if setbacks were described in the Comprehensive Plan. Assistant <br />Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola reported this would be addressed in <br />the zoning districts and zoning code. <br />Commissioner Nelsen questioned if there was a process where public safety would be <br />consulted on new developments. Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development <br />Gozola stated public safety was a part of the comprehensive planning process. He believed the <br />City of New Brighton had a very strong public safety department. He discussed how each new <br />development request was reviewed by department heads, which included the public safety <br />department. <br />Commissioner Nelsen inquired why the city had a comprehensive plan. Assistant Director of <br />Community Assets and Development Gozola indicated this was a requirement per State Statute <br />and noted comprehensive plans must be updated every 10 years to assure regional growth was <br />well planned for. <br />Commissioner Frischman requested staff speak further regarding the Zoning Code Task Force. <br />Assistant Director of Community Assets and Development Gozola explained a Zoning Code Task <br />Force was formed in order to update City Code. He reported the current code language had not <br />been updated since the 1980’s. <br />Commissioner Harrison stated he moved to New Brighton in 2018 and indicated he loves this <br />community. He commented on how potential major changes to the community were <br />disconcerting to him. He noted this plan does not alleviate the demand for single family housing <br />in New Brighton, but would reduce the demand for overall housing. He asked if the Met Council <br />puts forward guidelines or recommendations for the City. Assistant Director of Community <br />Assets and Development Gozola stated system statements from the Met Council spell out <br />general requirements communities have to plan for, specifically when it comes to <br />transportation and affordable housing. <br />Commissioner Enanaa thanked the community for attending and speaking at this meeting. He <br />discussed how this Ordinance would benefit the community through redevelopment by offering <br />new housing and businesses. He understood people were afraid of change, but he anticipated <br />people are more afraid of what they don’t know. He encouraged the neighbors to stay involved <br />in this process.