07-17-2002 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Wednesday,July 17,2002 5:30 o'clock p.m. (#2)#02-2789 DAHLSTROM DEVELOPMENT LLC, Continued Dahlstrom pointed out that by incorporating affordable mortgage programs and funding more can be done to accomplish the task. Berg asked if they could incorporate this request for funding from the federal government into their plan. She insisted that City's are very much on the forefront of asking developers to come to them with affordable housing. She found it hard to believe that these price points would meet affordable housing standards. In fact, Berg asked to see lower priced units or townhomes as part of the proposal. Johnston stated that the homes they had provided meet the medium range of affordability. Hawn added that, with regard to affordable housing, she would like to see the data that makes this possible or not possible. Krall stated that the Met Council provides data with regard to affordable housing standards on a region wide basis, as well as,the west metro area, and for differing levels of income in different places. They may find that they are unable to meet some affordability standards, but able to meet others. She pointed out that write downs, grants, and TIPS offer one way to help meet standards. Smith indicated that the applicant seemed to be creative, innovative, and open enough to pursue further exploration of affordable housing. Krall stated that they could compile the information, and perhaps, schedule a separate discussion on what constitutes affordable housing, identifying a regional goal, and how to accomplish it. Hawn stated that she was hesitant to dictate how many units per acre would be required, but instead preferred that the needs of the design drive the plan. She stated that she would like to see sidewalks along the townhome streets, more parking, more greenspace, and look at market research. Hawn felt the one story townhome price points were quite steep for the area, and wanted to see the data to support those, as well as, data supporting the overall location. She believed that Orono could not provide the local amenities to attract adequate buyers. She would not want to see them build a development that wasn't going to succeed, therefore she was curious to see the data to support that. She argued that, there are developments in other locations with more amenities and similar price points out there, and questioned why buyers would buy here. Fritzler stated that he could support the development, if enough distance for the loft building could be found. Fritzler continued that he was satisfied with the amount of greenspace and did not see the need for a playground. Gaffron asked for opinions with regard to tot lots versus picnic tables. PAGE 13 OF 22