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Planning Commission Page 2 <br /> June 23,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Since the public hearing remained open from the May 26, 2020, Planning <br /> Commission meeting, Chair Larson-Vito asked for members of the public to speak. <br /> Steven Casey— 19453 Irving Cir. NW—stated he was opposed to the project and <br /> did not feel it belonged in this neighborhood. He stated while he was not opposed to <br /> low-income housing,he had concerns with approving this location as he felt it would <br /> increase traffic and crime and decrease property values if approved. He submitted an <br /> opposition letter to the Commission that was included in the packet. <br /> Andy Hughes, the director of Acquisition and Development and Cecile Bedor, the <br /> Executive Vice President of Real Estate, both representing CommonBond,and Matt <br /> Finn, Senior Architect from LHB,presented a PowerPoint explaining the <br /> CommonBond company and their Elk River proposed project, a 60-unit apartment <br /> building project. Mr. Hughes indicated their project would provide the needed <br /> affordable service-rich housing in Elk River with an aesthetically pleasing building to <br /> fit the surrounding area. He outlined some myths and questions raised during this <br /> application request. He stated that although a representative from Hemple <br /> Companies was not able to attend tonight's meeting,Hemple supported <br /> CommonBond's request for a Land Use Amendment. <br /> Mr. Hughes addressed the city parking requirements and indicated that they felt the <br /> proposed parking of 120 stalls, or 1 per bedroom and 2 per unit,none enclosed,is <br /> adequate based on experience with their other properties. He addressed concerns <br /> raised regarding decrease of property values,increase in crimes, and increased traffic <br /> with affordable housing developments. <br /> Rick Pool, 11800 194`x'Ave. stated he lives 520' from this project and outlined his <br /> opposition against it. He submitted an opposition letter to the Commission that was <br /> included in the packet. He indicated part of the proposed property now known as <br /> Elk Ridge Center Second Addition was originally planned as a city park,but the city <br /> amended the use to Highway Business. He indicated there was opposition to the <br /> property being reclassified to allow an apartment building. <br /> Gary Tonseger— 19576 Holt St. NW—owner of the Pearle Vision building for 15 <br /> years,which also houses the Noble Quilter,presented a PowerPoint opposing the <br /> land use amendment application and explained the history behind his building and <br /> the area, and requested to keep the property as commercial as the city originally <br /> intended. <br /> Tom Halbaken - 11744 194`''Ave. NW- stated he has lived at his home for 30 <br /> years,loves his neighborhood,and outlined the reasons he was opposed to this <br /> project. <br /> Matt Walliczek— 19666 Lowell St. NW, opposed the CommonBond project and <br /> asked if anyone considered the impact this project would have on the elementary <br /> schools as Parker and Lincoln Elementary Schools are at maximum capacity. <br /> There being no one else to speak, Chair Larson-Vito closed the public hearing. <br /> rawEeEWDO��A�' <br />