Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, February 12, 2018 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />Walsh noted there is basically the same density with the senior housing and that this building will stay at <br />the same height as Stonebay so it will not look out of place. <br />Dankey commented the density will also impact the school district. <br />Crosby asked what the ramifications are from the Metropolitan Council if they do not approve higher <br />density. <br />Barnhart stated the City will be submitting a Comprehensive Plan Update later this year and that it is a <br />possibility the Metropolitan Council will not approve that if the City does not meet its density and <br />affordable housing goals. Barnhart noted currently there is quite a bit of density in the Navarre area and <br />that higher density in the Navarre area is probably misplaced due to the traffic levels. Barnhart stated the <br />City should try to provide more affordable housing options and that they are looking at this site as one <br />option. <br />Seals stated there are some areas in Orono that offer affordable housing but that she struggles with the <br />Metropolitan Council dictating what happens in this area. Seals asked what would happen if the City <br />Council does not approve this. <br />Dankey stated the City Council also needs to consider whether Orono is willing to expand the schools as <br />well if higher density is approved. <br />Barnhart stated the school district obtains an understanding of the new growth in the area from the City <br />and that part of the formal Comprehensive Plan Update process does involve the school district. Barnhart <br />stated the question for tonight is whether the City is open to changing the zoning on this site. <br />Walsh noted this development is consistent with the area. <br />Seals stated she is hesitant to allowing the Metropolitan Council to drive the density in Orono since <br />people move out to this area to get away from the higher density. <br />Walsh noted next door there is a senior housing project as well as the Stonebay development, which are <br />basically two apartment complexes. <br />Walsh asked whether the Council agrees that there is justification for changing the zoning. <br />Rief stated based on the Navarre Area Study, there is plenty of office space in the metro area and that it is <br />unlikely someone will come out here and build an office complex. <br />Printup stated the Council might want to re -discuss at a work session the possibility of sending a letter to <br />the Metropolitan Council in conjunction with other cities about their density goals. Printup stated this <br />location is probably more appropriate than in the middle of another neighborhood. <br />Walsh stated the Council is looking at changing this site from office to residential and getting credit for <br />the density. <br />Crosby stated he is on the fence because that gives the okay for more density. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />