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MINUTES OF THE ' <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMNIISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,Apri119,2010 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#10-3460 COMMONBOND COMMiJNITIES,SKETCH PLAN,CONTINLTED) <br /> CommonBond is a one-stop real estate lender and does real estate development,property management, <br /> advantage services,conshuction, and financing. As a developer and properly manager, CommonBond also <br /> owns every development that they have constructed and have never sold one of their developments. <br /> CommonBond has been in business for the past 40 years and is the largest nonprofit provider of housing <br /> services in the upper Midwest. CommonBond currently has 98 properties and 4900 apartment communities <br /> that serve seniors, families,and persons with special needs,which are defined as persons with such disabilities <br /> as Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's. They currently have over 7500 residents,including about 2000 <br /> children. <br /> CommonBond has looked into Orono because of their affordable and life cycle goals. This site has been � <br /> guided for high density housing. The 42 units proposed would help the City meet their goals for the <br /> Metropolitan Council as it relates to high density and affordable housing. Workforce housing is for people <br /> that are employed in the public and private sector and earn 60 to 70 percent less than the median income. <br /> Novak noted the median income in this area is$80,000,which would mean their residents would earn at least <br /> $20,000 and no more than$50,000. <br /> Novak stated the affordability index describes the people they would serve with their development. People <br /> within the$20,000 to $25,000 would likely be a retail worker,health aide, or someone on social security. <br /> CommonBond does not impose age restrictions on their housing and they do anticipate having seniors <br /> interested in living here. Workers making more than$25,000 would likely be people who work for public <br /> schools, city employees, and firemen. Commonbond as a property management company does a thorough <br /> screening process of the renters and performs background checks. Renters must income qualify with <br /> verification by W-2s or 1099s. <br /> In addition to a great property management staff, CommonBond also provides a number of programs for the <br /> children that would live in the development to help ensure that the lcids are not running through the <br /> neighborhoods but utilizing the local parks and programs. <br /> Novak displayed examples of other CommonBond developments in Maplewood,Maple Grove, and Plymouth. <br /> All of these communities are very successful. <br /> CommonBond is currently proposing for this site 42 townhome units consisting of two to four bedroom,with <br /> rents between$750 to$930 per month. CommonBond is excited about the opportunity to provide housing for <br /> people who currently work in Orono. <br /> Tody Elkins,Urban Works Architecture, stated they are proposing 42 townhomes on the site. All traffic <br /> would be brought in off of Fire Station Road. All of the townhomes will be clustered around a central core, <br /> which is called the heart of the community. Elkins noted this is a five acre site and that they are within the <br /> City's proposed high density zoning requirements for this area. <br /> Elkins stated at previous meetings with City Staff, it was pointed out that there is a wetland and a utility <br /> easement in this area,which is the reason why no buildings will be constructed there. Staff also pointed out <br /> the importance of preserving green space and view corridors adjacent to the residential neighborhood. All <br /> townhomes would be two to four bedrooms with tuck under garages. The roads within the development would <br /> be private. <br /> Page 10 <br />