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Summary of Comments - December 7 Work Session <br /> Density Issue <br /> - Limit density per the Comp Plan guidelines in areas guided for residential uses <br /> Only allow higher residential densities in areas now zoned/guided for commercial use <br /> - Because conversion of commercial property to residential use is essentially a <br /> downzoning, which potentially reduces the value of the land, `subsidies' such as allowing <br /> increased density are needed to maintain the value of the property and avoid `taking' <br /> claims <br /> Building Height <br /> Dunbar: Fixed costs (typ 65% of unit value) go up if limited to 2-story building <br /> - Residents: Height is an issue along with the massing <br /> Apparent Concensus: Limit height in residentially guided areas to 2-1/2 stories, limit <br /> residential building height on commercially guided properties to 3 stories <br /> Dunbar will lower the east wing to 2 stories, and decrease to 62 units <br /> - Roof pitch is shown at 5/12; could lower to 4/12 but will look more institutional or <br /> commercial in nature <br /> Elimination of end-loaded garage at east end helps reduce the visual height perception <br /> from Brown Road <br /> Financial and Use Control Issues <br /> Residents suggested going with higher rents to result in fewer units <br /> - Dunbar noted facility is tailored to this region, with more 2BR/2BRDen units than <br /> normal <br /> - Financing package involves 1)Non-profit ownership; 2) 30-year bonds through Hennepin <br /> County (controls use, renter qualifications, i.e. site control and continuity); and 3) City <br /> TIF (allows for rent reduction to meet needs and affordability guidelines) <br /> - City can restrict unit priority to a certain group; proposed priority is 1) current Orono <br /> residents; 2) relatives of current residents; 3) past residents <br /> - Not a clear consensus as to whether this should be restricted to Orono residents <br /> Need to maintain initial age-group intent- at the end of 30-year bonding period, <br /> covenants could be in place to do this, but always changeable at whim of future councils <br /> - Generally a positive outlook by Council on the financing issues; see also Fifield memo <br /> Another way to increase City control is for city to own the land <br />