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Planning Commission Page 3 <br /> June 23,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Chair Larson-Vito discussed the Land Use Amendment and shared her feelings <br /> regarding sticking to the rules and guidelines of the Comprehensive Plan,noting the <br /> time and energy spent to guide the city and to change that would have to be <br /> compelling. She was not convinced this project meets the requirements of what was <br /> planned for this property. <br /> Commissioner Johnson stated he really likes the project and felt it was a good project <br /> but did not feel it was in the right location. He explained the site currently zoned <br /> Highway Business is an opportunity for new commercial development, and especially <br /> with the upcoming redesign of Highway 169, noting the city has limited commercial <br /> land available for redevelopment. He also felt the upcoming review of the <br /> Comprehensive Plan may identify other areas where this, roject would be a better <br /> fit. <br /> Commissioner Beise was in support of providing affordable workforce housing but <br /> did not feel this was the proper location. He felt the Commission would be short- <br /> sighted to amend the land use of this property before the highway redesign and the <br /> upcoming review of the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Commissioner Thiel stated he agreed there was a need for affordable workforce <br /> housing. His main concern with this proposal was the parking plan and felt it would <br /> cause problems in the future if enough parking stalls or covered parking is not <br /> addressed now, as well as parking space for snow removal.He stated he would <br /> welcome folks coming to Elk River to live in this type of housing and participate in <br /> our community and stated he was disappointed and personally offended by the tone <br /> and statements made in some of the project opposition letters written to the city and <br /> stated some things written were unfounded. <br /> Commissioner Feinstein agreed with some of the comments made by the other <br /> commissioner this evening including the tone of the letters. He indicated this area is <br /> already busy with traffic for people dropping off kids at New Horizon and increasing <br /> traffic going through that area is asking for trouble. <br /> Commissioner Jordan stated he has seen a lot of these types of housing <br /> developments in other cities where he lived and worked. He indicated planning <br /> commissioners are made up of the same people as the residents, and do not make <br /> decisions to increase the tax base or because "we don't live there"because they do <br /> live here. As he read the letters,he understands the frustration. He states he makes <br /> decision from his heart and every decision is made in the best interest of everyone. <br /> He stated because there was a need in the current Elk River apartment market he <br /> wondered if a moratorium on apartment developments should be considered to <br /> allow time to do a study. <br /> Mr. Leeseberg stated he was not aware of any discussion regarding an apartment <br /> development moratorium and noted this project would need to continue due to <br /> application deadlines. He stated perhaps it will become part of the comprehensive <br /> plan update when discussing uses especially along Highway 169. <br /> P <br /> }� <br /> � agwEeEo er <br /> A AfURE <br />