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I I I Council Meeting Minutes February 8, 2000 Page 4 Council Business. continued Laurie McDaniel, 232 Kimberly Dr., asked what will be the project's proposed rental rates. Fulton said rates are driven by project cost and are anticipated as follows: one bedroom - $450, two bedroom ~ $650, and three bedroom - $750-850. McDaniel asked what would happen ifthe City denied the variance. Fulton said based on current zoning, the applicant could revise the project by providing surface level parking with exterior garages and fewer apartments. However, this may not accomplish the design attributes which the City feels are important to ensuring a quality project. Mir Ali, 2719 13th Ave. NW, confirmed that elimination of the third floor would be economically infeasible. Teague said the original proposal was a 43-unit building with detached garages. Fulton said it is not staff position to advocate denial or approval, but merely to ensure quality in the structure and reduce surface level parking which is the reason for the variance. The success of an apartment building is in part to how it is maintained and managed which is dependent on ownership accepting responsibility for its investment in the community. McDaniel does not feel Ali has maintained or accepted responsibility for the current facility, and asked how he intents to maintain the new building. Ali confirmed thc new facility will have a caretaker, maintenance person, and security personnel. Lisa Sample, former apartment manager, noted negative occurrences involving Ali. Ali debates these accusations. City Attorney Charlie LeFevere does not feel this is the proper forum to address such issues and suggested the Human Rights Department be notified. Elisa Edson, 219 Old Hwy 8, said Ali has delayed maintenance and repairs in her apartment, and questioned if he will adequately maintain a new facility. Larson confirmed that City inspectors have found no current City Code violations with the existing building. Joe Orlich, Tioga Blvd., feels that whenever a project is proposed, it should be reviewed to determine how will this project would benefit the City and its residents. Catherine Haidet, 130 17th St. SW, feels this high density project will add to existing traffic concerns, and supports a moratorium on apartment buildings. Alma Stephaniak, 2180 27th Ave., said New Brighton is a community to be proud of, but fears it will become known as an apartment community where families do not feel it can provide their children a good education. Nancy Sprang, 263 15th Ave. NW, debated an original estimate that the project would increase school population by 25 children and believes it is closer to 100 children. The School District indicated concern of not being contacted to prepare for the increased population, and Sprang feels the success of a community has much to do with its schools. Fulton explained it is not City responsibility to project impacts to school populations, but will contact the District of future projects which may impact. Fulton noted the City's demographics are changing and becoming more culturally diverse. Larson added that the District was sent the Comprehensive Plan which outlines development areas and zoning districts. Also, continual school population changes can be attributed to home ownership. Samuelson requested explanation of the moratorium process. LeFevere said a moratorium occurs when Council deems it important to put limitations on development to protect the planning process. This is intended when Council sees current land use controls, building code, zoning ordinance, and subdivision regulations do not appear adequate to protect public interest. A moratorium is used to prevent development from being established before planning decisions are made. Council Business Houwman/ Ali 219 Old Hwy 8 Variance, Special Use Permit and Site Plan Report 00-038