I forgot that. Oh yeah, this is what I was trying to get. Check. Check. Jesse James car. We're going to run this. President,
>> gentlemen, one minute out. Okay, >> we have to speech at the end. Mr. Chair, we're ready to go. All right, we'll call this meeting to order. Thursday, September 4th, 2025.
And we'll start off with the pledge of allegiance. Please stand. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> All right, roll call. Jeremy Brainard >> here. >> Joe Karata here. Mike Harding >> here. >> Tim Kesh >> here. Mike Conu here. >> And James, you're here, too. >> Oh, yeah.
>> Okay. All right. Approval of the agenda. Everybody take a look at it. >> We need a motion. You guys, >> I'll make a motion. >> We have a motion by Tim. >> Second. >> Second by Mike Anu. All in favor? >> I.
>> All opposed? Motion passes. Approval of a minutes. There's none. We'll start off with the public hearing for the compressive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 central business to a planned unit development
to all of an apartment facility. Corey. >> Uh thank you Mr. Chair and good evening planning and zoning commission. Uh our requested action tonight, conduct public hearing for the comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property
located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 Central Business to a plan unit development PUD to an all of an apartment facility. Uh location. The subject property is located at 900 Ash Street Northeast. Parcel PD number 1
1925276024 and described as lot B of Harvest Pond second edition. Harvest Pond second edition out lot B and part vacate uh 10th Avenue uh northeast. Uh the applicant uh Brian Bugamin
uh from B&B Holdings LLC is the applicant. uh land use plan. Uh the 2024 comprehensive plan shows the subject property guided as B3 central business and surrounded by R4 medium density residential to the east. PUD RRMP
planned unit development rolling ridge marketplace to the west, R2 single family detach to the north and R2A single family duplex to the south. uh overview. In prep in preparation for the proposed 58 unit uh three-story
apartment with partial parking garage, B&B Holdings is requesting that the city consider amending its land use plan and official zoning map to coincide with proposed plan unit development PUD.
Uh reasons to consider a plan uh unit development based upon the 2040 comprehensive plan. Uh gentlemen in your packet uh there's a port uh attachment uh chapter 5 housing page 14 rental
housing development uh develop 26 to 30 general occupancy market rate rental units with two and threebedroom mix ranging in size from 1,000 to 1200 1,250 ft and rent of $800 to $975 per month
excluding electricity and garage. uh and monitor the and then after that monitor the need for additional subsidized tax credit rental units. That's from that page 14. Uh chapter 11 uh of the comprehensive plan. Page 10,
an additional 338 acres are included in the future land use boundaries for medium to high density density residential development. As of 2016, the city had 26 acres of medium to high density acreage proposed. uh acreage uh
proposed acreage is located on the east side of the city adjacent to the proposed highway commercial industrial land use. Uh in the recently with the 2025 market study showed a need for 55 units with rents ranging from 1,025 the
studio to 1415 for a two-bedroom unit. Uh based upon the 2040 comprehensive plan and recently completed market study, staff is recommending the planning commission to consider approval of the camp comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900
Ash Street Northeast from B3 central business uh at to a planned unit development PUD to all of an apartment facility. uh fiscal impact uh at this time with this public hearing tonight for the resoning. Uh proposed resoning
is just staff time and publication expenses. Alternatives do not recommend approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Street Northeast from B3 Central Business to plan unit development PUB to all of an apartment
facility. Uh as I stated earlier in your packets uh there one there is a copy of the public hearing notice that was uh uh on it was placed on our website and also it was ma direct mailing within uh all
residents or properties within 300 ft of the proposed 9 or the proposed property. Uh there's the excerpts are from the 2040 comprehensive plan chapter 5 housing page 14 and then the chapter 11 and then the pages 2022 through 2024 of
the recent 2025 market study pages. Uh Mr. Chair. Okay. Thank you. Um I'd like to thank everyone for showing up here tonight. We want to keep it very
orderly and uh there's no swearing. You're limited to two minutes and we want you to come up to the podium, speak for two minutes, and that's it. But give us your address. >> Address. >> What's that? >> Name and address.
>> Name and address. I'm sorry. Yep. Okay. So, we will open up the public hearing. >> Yeah. So, can I say something? I'd like to have the developer speak um prior to public comment as well. >> What? >> Okay. So, um I'm Joel Erikson, the city administrator, and um it's been a hot
topic about section 8 housing. Um I'm sure a lot of you are here for that. Others I'm um live adjacent to it and would have concerns with that as well and just the impacts to the uh vicinity of of the project area. Um briefly for section 8, currently Rice County has a
250 person waiting list. Um, the only way that it would that uh someone with a section 8 voucher, so it follows the person, it's not the the facility itself, would be they already have a voucher in Rice County or they're coming from a different county. Uh, but
ultimately, it would take the property owner to be willing participant to allow them to rent there. So, um, again, there's already a 250 person waiting list in Rice County for for section 8. So, um, people aren't
going to be applying to to to live here. And also, it would take the the property owner uh willingness to, uh, accept them, uh, to to be renters there. So, just wanted to put that out there first.
So, Brian, I don't know if you want to get up and speak about your project. Well, first of all, thank you commissioners and staff for your time. My name is Brian Brham. I'm developer for the proposed project. Uh what we're looking to do is put up a 58 unit
threetory apartment building on the site with nine that is that better. Okay. Nine residential uh single family houses to the north. Uh just to orient you a little bit on the site. So you can obviously see the apartment building around the south and
east side would be uh tuck under parking garages to allow the residents to park underneath the building. Um on the east side would be residential units. So those will be leasable units on the first floor. Uh we do have some amenities and patio. We show a pet park.
Um we usually put a community room in there and also a fitness center. And then you we can look at other amenities too as kind of the site sees fit. Uh this is our general plan. We actually just opened this exact same building or I just opened this exact same building
in Anenddale, which is my hometown where I live. Um that opened up on Tuesday of this month. We're at 30% pre-leas right now. This picture was taken last Friday. You can see they're putting the last lift of asphalt in. But um we had a lot of community members come out in
opposition of that project as well, just because it's changed to their backyard, which is can be scary and we're sympathetic to that. Um, this coming Thursday, a week from today, we're actually hosting a co a coffee happy hour or coffee sit down with a lot of those community members. They they love
the project now. They think it's a beautiful building. Um, so we invited them over to come have coffee with us and just to do a tour of the facility and see, you know, the the end work of the project that they got to be want built in their backyard. Um, this one has a putting green on it, too. We'll probably do a putting green out here in
Ldale as well. Um, yeah, that's generally what we're looking to do. Uh, if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them. Um, I really appreciate the opportunity to come here and appreciate everyone for setting it up. I I should say too, uh, we don't develop
low-inccome tax credit projects. We don't develop section 8 housing. This is a market rate apartment and we'll market it actually as a luxury apartment building. Um, so that's our intent is to be the highest and best class asset and and apartment building in the in the community here.
>> The only question I'd have is what kind of a guarantee do we have that two three years down the road you can't get it rented out and then you back off and and do accept section 8 or low income. And >> we've never had to do that. Uh I don't
know if there's ways to guarantee it. My intent is to hold the property for at least the next 10 years. Mhm. >> Um, so I'm I'm the guy that's going to be talking to you guys for the next 10 years. Uh, like I said in Anenddale, we opened up on Tuesday. We're 30% leased already. We've got great trajectory.
It's not going to be an issue. It's this building probably doesn't meet the demands of the community, but it's what the the market study says. And really just to get bank financing on a project like this, we've got to follow the market study. >> Curious about of the 30% of uh people
that you have leased. Yep. What are the age ranges groups? >> Yeah, I don't know the age ranges specifically, but I'll say um over 50% are single females. Um we've got one family with a child. Um and then there's
a couple um retirees who are just looking to have maintenance-free living. Um, and then we've got one family too who uh they sold their house with the intent of building a new house and need a place to live for that one-year period between selling and their new house
being built. So, that's kind of the makeup. Um, a lot of times we get teachers, frankly, that are moving into the district or young professionals and then the retirees or I would say the two ends of the spectrum that we typically see. >> Okay. How about uh what's the range of
the the lease term >> as far as as the cost total cost of of a place there? >> It'll depend on what size unit you have. Um but for a studio will be around $1,000 a month. Um and then you know the detached garages are that's usually 20
bucks a month for a detached garage. I think it's 35 for a tuck under our proforma. And then kind of back of the napkin, every room you add adds $100 a month in rent. So, you know, a onebedroom would be $1,100, 1,200, 1300 as you go up. It's kind of our back
math. >> Okay. >> And we follow the uh pricing recommendations of the market study that Maxfield did. >> Um question, can you explain your vetting process on uh potential tenants on your property? And also, do you have
anything written in your agreement for problem tenants? Um, is there a two strikes you're out or something like that process that we could? >> So, we have a professional management company that'll manage this property. They manage all my properties. It's uh used to be called Grant City Real Estate
and now it's GCRE. They're out of St. Cloud. Um, but they do background check, credit checks for all tenants moving in because we want to protect our asset just as much as anything else. A problem tenant to us is, you know, bad neighbor to the rest of our residents. So, we don't want them in the building. So, we
do have recources available to evict tenants if there is a situation that should become a problem tenant. But, they said we our our property is going to have more background checks and vetting than somebody renting out the house next door to to your house because we care about it and you we've got $10
million in debt on it. >> You mentioned Annale. Is that the first one you did? >> Yep. Andale is my hometown's first project I did. Um I'm starting a project in Hutchinson on the 10th. So it'll be about a week from now. Um so we'll kick that off on the 10th.
>> Same thing. >> Uh Hudchinson's a little bit bigger. Hudson's a pretty big community. So that's 81 unit project. A little bit different construction style. That'll have a flat roof. This will have a pitched roof. >> Um these pitch roofs tend to blend in a little bit better in communities where the one in Hutchinson's right downtown
urban core type project. So it has more of a an urban look to it. >> Okay. And how about your heating and ventilate your is the heating each room uh unit separately or is that a central? >> So we'll do a boiler loop system for the heating. So there'll be radiant heat and
then uh through all AC units and then we usually do a second one if there's a you know two or three bedroom we'll do a second one in the primary bedroom as well. Um just so that the the primary bed can have a little better regulation of their temperature. Right. So,
>> I had a question about the building security and surveillance system. >> Who monitors that? >> Our uh property management team monitors it. I don't know if they've got like a third party that also monitor. I would doubt it, but you know, we've got I've been in their office. They've got, you know, the screen. We've got interior and
exterior cameras. Uh all doors will have badged entries so we know who's coming in, who's coming out. Um, so you know, we want to know that just as much as anybody else cuz it's a liability to us. >> Okay. >> Anything else you guys? >> One other question. Is there going to be
a property manager on site or is it all going to be out of sync cloud? >> No, there'll be an on-site property manager and a property management office in the building. Um, so they might float between this and another property. So I don't know if it'll be a property this size usually doesn't require, you know, 1.0 FTE. So, you know, maybe a 0.5 FTE
property manager. They'll flow between this and another property in the portfolio. Um, but it'll be usually it's a local person who ends up getting hired to manage the property and they just get like a subsidized rent as well and um it's kind of part of their package for their being the property manager.
>> Anything else you guys question? >> All right. Well, thank you. >> No, thank you. I appreciate your time. >> Great. Okay. >> Now, we will open it up to public comment. And uh as I said, please come up, give
your name, your address, and uh please limit it to two minutes. Good evening. Uh, my name is David Forsa. I live at 727 Birch Street Northeast. Um, actually want to apologize to Corey. I had sent you an email on a different
email account. talk to you later about a written comment that I didn't plan on being here for you. In the three years I have lived here, I've always cherished the peace and sense of safety this community offers. With years of experience as a police officer and the owner of three rental
properties, I know the challenges that rentals can introduce. I observe the deterioration that can happen when tenants do not invest in their surroundings, the difficulty of finding good quality tenants, and the cumbersome process of eviction or stark realities of rental property management. Mayor Berg wishes to invest in young
families of Lndale. I moved here when I was 26 years old and can appreciate and be proud of the fact that my generation is being taken into consideration. Believe there are more beneficial alternatives to an apartment complex which can stimulate the local economy and support our town. Currently, residents need to travel beyond the city
limits to access a variety of shopping options for home goods, clothing, and entertainment. This is timeconuming and inconvenient. Having a local business on the slot would diversify our economy and provide employment opportunities, creating a bustling hub of activity within our own community. The bar
restaurant would also be a more attractive option for people my age. There are not a lot of options in town for my generation to draw them in. More businesses means a broader tax base which leads to improved public infrastructure and enriches our daily lives. If business is not considered, then I propose the construction of affordable town homes which young people
can purchase and invest in. Uh home ownership will lead to an increased demand for home goods, outdoor power equipment, and home renovation materials which invited to improving their environment and consequently enhance the social fabric of our town. Research conducted by
American Society for Justice uh revealed that renters were three times more likely to experience various levels of assault and robbery compared to Americans in owner occupied housing. More importantly, when an outside rental agency handles our properties, local concerns take a backseat. The face of our community shouldn't be dictated by
organizations that don't fuel the pulse of our town. A poll showed that only 5% of the community recommended highdensity housing as opposed to 78% recommending low density housing. The inst the installation of town homes will be an adequate middle ground to increase the tax base of Lonsdale, retain the spirit
of a small town and create a close-knit community which people wish to gather in. All these are goals which the city has outlined in their comprehensive plan. I purchased my first town home at 23 years old and I'm forever grateful for the opportunity has given me to be in this community today. By prioritizing the construction of town homes, you're making a choice to provide young
families with a chance to buy property contributing to a stable, safe, and prosperous community. We must take this chance to improve the quality of life on Monzale by supporting home ownership. Three young people will become pillars of our town. A rental property will not do this. Uh that's all I have to say. Um I threw
out some stats out there. I do have the report if you guys would like to read that just to cooperate what I've been saying. Um I also have a a print out of a petition that's online that currently has 74 signatures opposing this. You said you're
>> I don't know a proper way to give this to you guys, but >> that's fine. You said you're a police officer. >> I answer. >> You which area? >> I work in the metro. >> Okay. >> So, >> all right. >> Lots of apartments. >> Mhm. >> Plenty of plenty of time spent in
apartments. >> Mhm. >> And >> Okay. >> That's not to say that, you know, obviously it doesn't mean that renters are bad. It's just you have a large company. They've got a lot of stuff to manage and having three properties, it's a lot easier for me to manage who
actually gets in there versus having 58 units or 100 units or however it may be. >> Okay, I'll take that in. >> Thank you. Good evening. I'm Steve Swinger. Last
name is S Wii G- R T. I live at 534 Northeast 3rd Avenue. Um, I've been in this community for 7 years now. I came from the metro. I lived in St. Paul for pretty much 40 years. I'm also a police officer and I know that when you have
big rental properties like apartment complexes, crime disproportionately affects that or is drawn at that address. Um, a lot of good renters out there, but there are a lot that aren't. And even when friends start coming into these communities, they disregard laws,
rules, and everything around there. I've got a brother that's up in a brand new place up in Lexington that he's lived in for one year. He's afraid to go to the community room because of all the people that are hanging out there, all the teenagers and and the friends during the day. He's afraid that he's going to get
jumped if he says something to him. And it's a nice place. Studio apartment is $1,200. Um he just got a notice that his lease for rent is going up $300 a month next year. He's moving in with me because he
can't afford that and he wants to buy a house, but he can't sh an extra $300 a month and save enough money to buy a house. So that's all I got. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else?
My name is Barb Stripsky and I live at 230 Hawaii Street Southeast and I just wanted to share my experience with um apartments coming into the community. I worked at an elementary
school for 20 years in special education and our school was very excited because um with coming of the apartments and it did have section 8 housing was the fact that we got more funding at school
because funding was based on um reduced and free lunches at that time. Well, I can tell you that the impact on the beautiful children of our school who came from loving homes um were like deer
in headlights. We had streetwise children. um teachers were doing uh much more um disciplining and crowd control and my job being in special education, I
became part of the team that had to um remove children from classrooms and try and help with discipline problems. And our school changed dramatically. And um
analogy would be a rotten apple does spoil the barrel. And um I I could tell you lots of stories, but I just want you to know I had a firsthand experience with what um apartment living and
section 8 housing, how it can change a community and an elementary school. And I would be very sad to see that happen here. Thank you. Thank you. Anyone else? >> My name is Shannon Price. I live at
3099th Avenue Northeast, just to the north of where that's going to be developed. And um I disagree with everybody who came up here ahead of me. I am not an officer, but I worked in law enforcement for 20 years. And um rentals do bring extra whether we
believe it or not. Um, and I I moved here because it's a small, peaceful town. I grew up in a town of 500 people, long scales. There's hardly any crime as we all know. Um, I've left my home before, accidentally leaving garage open all day and never had an issue. And I'd
be afraid to do that with rentals across the street. I hope to never do that again, but I wouldn't appreciate that. Um, and I just agree with what everybody said ahead of me. I would rather see it not, you know, like maybe the town homes are a good idea, but we're looking at
this development and um I would not go with it if it was my decision. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hello, my name is Jeff Van Ree. I live at 1027 street just down the street from where that complex is going to be built.
I don't agree with putting a complex in. I'd rather still have more businesses. If it's a business district, let's leave it a business district. Let's bring >> KFC in. Something else that these younger kids can get a job at because I know a lot of young kids that are
looking for work, but they can't find nothing. We had something else in town that might help them out. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Open podium. >> I'd love to add one more thing.
>> Sure. >> Sure. >> Again, 4727 B Street Northeast. Mhm. >> Um since we're talking about crime, I just want to bring up uh average crime rate in Lawndale is 15.27 per 10,000 residents. Uh the city of Annale, which
has less people in it, is 20.91 per 10,000 residents and uh they have at least 13 apartment complexes, which is posted right on their website. They're easy to identify. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
I'm John Worth at uh 519 Harvest Fort Southwest. Um a lot of the things that folks previous to me said um I do agree with. Um, I personally work in HVAC, so just my
story working in and around the cities. We not only is there a lot of obvious crime there, but um, our trucks get broken into. Um, and usually it's around these areas where there are rentals. We don't work in rentals, but there are areas
um, where there's apartment across the street or around the corner, and that's where our trucks are getting broken into. We're getting emails from our office on a monthly basis just reminding us to stay locked up and stay safe. Um,
I'm not going to sit up here and pretend I know in know all the ins and outs of this project or the the potential positive effects it's going to have on the city. Um, but uh, we moved here three years ago. Um, moved from Apple Valley to get away from
all this nonsense. And um I always joke with my wife when we get the paper each week we read the uh crime report and you know somebody drove off and forgot to pay for gas or um you know ding-dog ditch or a butt dial and 911. That's
that's how we get around here. So it's nice to kick back on my on my deck and read the paper and laugh about it. Um, and what he had said before about section 8, and you already already asked questions
about that, um, the potential going forward for that, I it sounds like there's no guarantee. Um, going forward that, um, there wouldn't be section 8 vouchers coming in. Uh my my question
based off that is there a way for the city aside from the property owner to prevent that um from happening? >> Okay. Can somebody answer that? >> Um I guess the agreement that we're going to have with the uh developer
would be a PUD agreement. Um you know that that could be a possibility. Obviously I'd have to verify that with legal All right. Anyone else? One more time. Anyone else? >> Okay. >> Uh Mr. chair. Um during the uh
notification period, I did receive one public comment uh that was sent to uh my email. >> Um this public comment was shared with the planning and zoning commission uh when it came in and also with the city council. Um, it's from a, as far as we
know, uh, there there's not a first and last name, uh, but it states it's from a police officer, uh, that essentially is sharing the same view, as the other officers that were that, uh, came up for a public, um, comment here.
Um, just the closing paragraph, this this per the public comment says, the city of Lal is an escape from the seven county metropolitan area. There is a reason so many police officers seek out our are your city. I alone know seven police officers that choose to call this
place home. This is a signific significant number considering the city's small population. We come here because we know the trouble and problems that follow with multif family dwellings. I sincerely hope this uh that this city does not allow the multi-unit apartment complex to come in.
>> Uh Mr. Chair. >> Okay. Thank you, Corey. Wish this person would have came to the meeting. All right. Anyone else? We need a motion, folks. Commissioners, >> motion >> to close the meeting.
>> Yep. Motion to close the meeting. >> We have a motion by Mike Harding to close the meeting. >> Second. >> Second by Mike Conu. All in favor? >> I. All opposed? Motion carries. All right. We don't have any presentation of
citizens petitions and comments. No consent agenda. Old business. None. New business. Consider approval of comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 Central Business to a planned unit development to all of an
apartment facility. Corey. Uh thank you, Mr. Chair. And um the public hearing for the comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 central business to a plan uh a unit
development PUB to all of an apartment facility was reviewed prior to this agenda item under public hearing. The commission should consider public comments received prior or at the meeting. Uh based upon the 2040 comprehensive plan recently completed
market study, staff is recommending the planning commission to consider approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 Central Business to a plan unit development PUD to Alvin Apartment facility requested by B&B Holdings LLC. Uh in the packet it
also states this is just a repeat uh excerpts from uh chapter 5 of the comprehensive plan page 14 chapter 11 page 10 uh that's the same excerpt that was delivered at the public uh during the public hearing process and
then at the 2025 market study uh showed the need for 55 units with rents ranging from 1,025 that was also stated earlier here uh during my staff report during the public hearing meeting. Uh the recommendation staff is seeking the commission uh to recommend approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to
reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 Central Business to a plan unit development PUD to Alvin apartment facility for city council approval at the se September 11th 2025 meeting. Um, we already talked
about fiscal impact, staff time, public expenses at this time and then alternatives. I do not recommend approval of the comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast. Um, Mr. Chair. >> Yes, it's in your court.
>> All right. Thanks, Corey. All right. Commissioners, discussion time. >> Um, is there any tiff districts being created here? any abatement of taxes that we need to be concerned about? Um >> uh as of now we have not received any
applications for any type of uh public subsidy. >> Okay. Um sewer water service. Will the existing service that is there be large enough to handle? >> Yes, there's a >> Yep. There's sufficient uh water and
sewer stuff into the property. And then on 8th Avenue, I believe there's a 18inch sanitary sewer. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um, now it looks like there's a street that's going to be extended through their tent. >> Yeah, I see.
>> I can't get my computer back. >> That's proposed from previous >> Okay. So yeah, that was um with the original harvest ponds plat um there will be a request to to vacate that that right of way.
>> Okay. >> Um any any uh utilities that are in currently in place will need to be in inside of a a drainage utility easement. >> Right. >> And then our single family homes on the north side um lot sizes. I think that we
had issues with that on other areas. So, so as part of a PUD, uh, planned unit development, it's a negotiation between the city and the developer. There's give and take from, uh, both sides. >> Um, from, I guess, staff's perspective
there. Um, and at least the the current owner, there was a plan out there for for those nine lots on uh, Birch Street. I guess as as staff, we felt it was important to create as much of a buffer as as we could. >> Mhm. uh between the existing single
family houses. >> Okay. >> And then one last thing that this putt is going to be just for this developer, correct? If this deal falls through, it does not follow the property. It'll follow >> Correct. >> It'll follow this transaction. Correct.
>> Correct. Okay. >> All right. I'm done. >> Okay. Anyone else? The only thing I have is the talking about the section 8 before they get going moving forward. I mean, I'd like to know what the lawyers say about it.
If we can make sure that we can put that in there. >> I mean, isn't section 8 only 800 bucks a month or something? I I don't I'm not an expert on it. >> Yeah, I don't either. It's income based, >> but I know it's >> so they take >> Isn't the most they can get 800 if
that's you know and I I'm not an extra. Maybe they can do that and pay other amounts. I don't know. >> Um so to qualify for the subsidy um rents need to be at least for for Rice County uh 980 for a studio.
Yeah. 980 8 98 8 for 9.86 86 for a onebedroom. Uh 1294 for a twobedroom and 1720 for a threebedroom. >> He's going to be over that >> for his rents. Yeah. >> So if rents are above that, it would not
be a qualifying complex. >> Right. Right. >> Yeah. So I mean kind of answers the question. I think that's everybody's biggest concern is the section 8. Um, >> good or bad. You know, uh, uh, you know,
people have perceptions about section 8. It can help out a young family going through issues. It could be, >> you know, problem people. You just don't know. But, uh, yeah, like I said, so like I said, we're over that amount. So, >> well, also as far as um section 8 in
Rice County, preference is given to applicants um who live or work in Rice County uh who are currently working, elderly or disabled. So, those are the the priority people that Rice County considers. >> Is uh have you got any letters of
encouragement or you know, we've got seven that are no. >> I have had a few comments. I had a few calls before the meeting of people encouraging. When we were campaigning, I had several teenagers and early 20 year
olds asking for apartments in town. They're sick of moving away. They want to be close to their parents. My son had to move move all the way to Minneapolis because there's nothing close and there right now we do have apartments in town. There is waiting list on our apartments.
I had a call with Mayor Berg to the city administrator of Elco Market this morning. They built a 58 unit complex last year and it is full. Their senior living has a waiting list of 50 people and it's only a 30 occupancy building.
They're building a new apartment next year with another 38 unit apartment. So, there is demand in the area and he's already saying he's going to do background checks. Nobody's going to hire the ones that are going to destroy their property. They're going to want the people that are going to be there
and do good for their property. And yes, there could be crime, but we could have crime in our town houses. And if we want to stay small, it's going to hurt because our kids are going to move away. Y
and as far as pros on the Facebook post, anybody that actually showed their name was for apartments. Anybody hiding behind an anonymous number, which there's a lot of them, was anti- apartments.
So, don't think that everybody's against it. There are people there that are for these apartments. That's all I got for you. >> Do you have their address? >> For a legal petition, it has to have their address and legal name. It can't
be anonymous. >> Yeah. No, that's fine. I understand >> the legality behind it. It's just more of a >> There's Mhm. They can't override your decision. >> No, but we'd consider it. But we also
have to realize there's almost 5,000 people in town. >> We can't cater to a couple hundred when four over 4,000 or four either. >> I don't think we we don't need to split
on that. >> Yeah. I mean, I guess for the neighbors, I mean, is there any concerns, you know, because I think we went through this with Quick Trip for traffic and issues like that. Um,
do they got anything any ideas there for? I mean, to, you know, headlight issues or things like that that could help it out. Good question. You know, I know on Quick Trip
>> and I think they were willing to work with you. I'm sure Mr. Bugman would do the same also. >> There were some issues. >> Yeah, I guess going through the concept plan um I guess staff, you know, if we are presented with the concept plan, put ourselves in the situation of hey, if we
lived adjacent to this. So again, that's why we recommended to the developer to keep those nine single family lots. And there was discussion about access off of birch or ash. And I said the same thing. Who's going to want all these headlights
going right into their their front window? So we recommended that the access come off of of 8th Avenue. >> Oh, it is. Okay. That's a better >> So it would line up with uh Mac and um >> Perfect. >> North access to their parking lot.
ask. >> Yeah. >> Can I put you on the spot, Jason? >> Yeah. >> As far as what what are your thoughts about crime and, you know, having an apartment complex and what kind of strain would it put on your department?
>> Um, full staff. I mean, I don't see it put strain on our department. Um, but it's I mean, it's hard to predict what the crime rate is going to be, you know, complex. I can tell you that, you know, with our current apartments that we have, you
know, we don't have a significant increase of calls just in there compared to the rest of the community. Officers, they have a big relationship with, you know, a lot of the tenants there and not only that, we have a good relationship with the management of
those building. So, if we do run into issues, um, you know, we are getting management involved and res far as crime. I mean, it's hard to say, but I mean, it takes
one or two people and and it doesn't even have to be going into apartment complex. It could be one or two people buy a house in town and all boom, you know, for some reason. >> Thank you. >> Anything else? Anybody got a question
for? >> No, actually I was going to ask the same thing, but I was also thinking about the fire department, too. >> So, that's a question I didn't ask about the apartment complex, fire suppression, or is it just going to be monitored? >> I believe there's state statute that
says it has to have fire suppression. >> Fire suppression, right? >> R13 fire suppression. >> Okay. and and as we go through the uh site plan review uh we would involve uh the fire department as well. >> And Mike, I did bring this run this by
Joe Pumper, our fire chief. Just remember this is just a preliminary site plan concept. This is not the detailed plan that tonight we're trying to res or there's a recommendation to reszone that that address. Uh Joe Pomper did look at
that. Um, you know, he just made a few a comment saying, "Hey, is there going to be stand pipe uh in the stairwell?" Brian, is there going to be stand pipe in the stairwell? >> And then uh he said, "Hey, that's why we have a building inspector that makes sure that these plans are checked off
and meet state fire code uh during the plan during the actual plan review." >> I just remember I I lived in an apartment in Burnsville and we had a lot of fire calls. people burning stuff and setting fire alarms off a lot. So, I just wanted to
make sure we weren't going to like overload the fire department on top of that. >> Yep. And also based off this concept, it's got a ring road around it. So, if there was >> need to be access to the the east side. >> Cool. >> All right.
>> Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> Is a traffic study required of the project? Uh there isn't one required. >> Okay. >> Um but that's not to say that one couldn't happen. >> Does the city plan to keep that walkway
in front of Birch Street Northeast because that makes the street already harder to drive on with that and now you're putting nine units in front of that with that walkway to the senior center. Is there any consideration on that? >> Yep. We've already addressed that with the developer and um that this is a
short term that demonstration lane is a short-term uh solution. So we've been waiting until this property got developed so that there be a sidewalk or maybe something between uh the the apartments and the the houses on 9inth or I'm sorry Birch >> and those nine units they don't have to
fall in line the other units that are developed across the town with the minimum building size structure. Uh again, it's a PUD, so we would negotiate that with um the the developer. Uh we do have numerous PUDs for um town houses or
detached single or detached town houses throughout town. I mean, right across the street's a PUD. So, that would be probably an example of of the design standards that that we would require. We're keeping this very informal. So if you have a question, please.
>> How much actual business property do we have left? If something wanted to come to town, >> if we do this, we lose some more business property for us to grow the businesses. >> Right now we don't
have much left. >> So right now here and there's not a whole lot left. >> Yeah. So right now we don't own that property. The city does. >> The city does not. Uh this uh correct? No, it is privately held. >> So this is a negotiation that that the
developer made with the current owner of the property. >> Sure. To answer your question, sir, uh we had about 3 acres um just southeast of here where quick trip going right across the street. Uh there's about three acres there. There's a 2.21 acre just directly south of Dollar General. And then there's still a lot um west of
McIntoons. I know it's owned by the church, but I mean that's a, you know, the whole length of that development, 200 feet deep. There's still one remaining lot uh west, excuse me, of Wetsy's car wash. And then the city also has um commercial industrial land, 12.6
acres. >> Otherwise, I'd rather see a park put in there than city park, especially I live on Ashley Street. There's a lot of kids that are running around. instead of them having to walk
to the park. That's one thing I think everybody complains about the kids on ebikes and driving around. Like having somewhere for these kids to go for a long period of time other than like a skate park would be a great opportunity for all the young kids that are around here. That
open door to go into a community center, go play games or yeah, outdoor park, basketball courts, stuff like that would be a lot more useful for the young children, especially my two young children. because he he goes to his friends house and they always want to go ride around town. I understand the
problem of kids on bikes and everything, but if he had a central place to go with his buddies, I think that would be a better opportunity for everybody. >> Sir, I I mentioned a few minutes ago that it's very relaxed even um meeting tonight, but could you please give us your name and address?
>> Jacob, for the record. >> Okay, cuz we have the other ones. The lady we don't, do we? code 938. >> Okay, thank you. Anyone else? What do you guys think?
>> I live at 326 16th Avenue South. I have to say I agree with most high was a bad idea. I lived in Bloomington. So developers come there say that it was for young professional to get a foot
door and live and it didn't turn out that way. There's always section 8 high crime. So I don't think it's a good idea at all. >> Okay. >> Sure.
>> My name is Tito Gila. I live in Hills. Um I moved here from living in Apple Valley and uh same thing like some of the people are here. Um I don't agree with the construction of the apartments living in the valley. Same thing. We had
crime. I close to a an apartment. Um, cars sometimes were broken into, windows broken, stuff like that. Stuff got stolen. And now I moved down here to get away from all that. I tried to get apartment in Burnsville. Same same issue. So I was like, no. Try build.
Same issue. So I say no. So I moved down here. Um, since I moved down here, no issues at all. I love this place. I come in all the way to Bloomington and have a gentleman here. There's two apartments that just got built in Bloomington.
There's one off of uh exit 82nd Street going to 35. That one always, it's a brand new one. I think it's not even 6 months old or something. Maybe I could be wrong, but there's always cops in that place almost 60% of the time. When
I'm driving a customs car with something, when I work up there, I see cops. there's always uh congestion of like people coming in and out of that place and obviously traffic from that intersections has gone up. It takes a while for people to come in from if
you're working in Bloomington going home on 35. So that's something I'm suggesting against that. >> Okay. >> Yes sir. Yeah, John Worth 19 Sport Southwest. Um I guess some of the
positives you guys have mentioned are, you know, some of you have kids that would appreciate somewhere to live or um elderly folks as well. Are there any other other positives that the city sees
um in adding an apartment complex like this to to grow the town and grow business? or is it or is all all the positives pretty much been stated already? >> Well, my feeling is we never want to stop the city from growing. We want
Lndale to be a good place to raise your family and whatnot. We don't want to don't want to stifle growth, but we want to do it the right way. And I mean, I'm not a big fan of of growing real quick, real fast, and just
develop everything like you see in some of these areas in in Apple Valley, Burnsville, like that. But, uh, I just that's why we're having the open hearing. That's why I'm being so lax and letting people talk. We're actually having another hearing. But, uh, uh,
that's my feeling. We want it done correctly. We want the people in Lawndale to be happy with it and promote it. You're the taxpayers. So, okay. >> Well, some of these I just wondering like we want it
done right, right? >> Y >> is this in the middle of town where people usually develop apartment complexes. You see them on the outskirts. You see them over here. You see them over here. But you don't really see like the prime real estate in the middle of a tiny community like this.
That's exactly what we're going to put in an apartment complex. >> That's not the ideal situation for a town where kids are scootering, riding this, that we're going to throw nine houses there and, you know, 50 cars in the parking lot in addition to mac and I
used to live right over there. It's going to be a cluster. >> It's already bad enough getting in and out of there. It's going to be worse. Like I would hate to have kids on scooters trying to ride around there. It's scary. >> So sir, I guess to answer your question,
some of the other benefits would be um we'll negotiate parkland uh cash in le of parkland. So um to the gentleman's question over there, um we'll have increased funding to uh improve our park system. Uh we'll get trunk water and sewer fees to uh improve our uh water
and sewer collection system. Um as far as the the location, um I don't know if anyone thinks that there's a a really good location for it. Um, you know, I guess this location, you've got the villages of Longdale right next door. That's a three-story uh complex. Um,
again, we've got the the nine houses to create a buffer. Then to the west of that, you've got Mac and the the marketplace there. Um, I'm sure that they would um be appreciative of, you know, 58 units there. Uh, increased customers to to their businesses. Not to
mention that, but downtown as well. Dollar General, >> Main Street, >> and property taxes. >> Yeah, you're probably looking at >> $10 million building. He said, >> yep, >> you do the math on that. >> Potential workers for businesses that
are coming in. >> Four times the value of residential property. Commercials get taxed at. So, question. >> I think the the villages pays about $80,000 in taxes a year. >> So, I know that that's not valued. that's valued substantially less than than $10 million.
>> Yes. >> And we do hear from our businesses that um >> we need workers. >> Yep. >> 121 mentioned that parents didn't move in there. Your son moved up to Minneapolis. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> How old?
>> 24. I can only speak to myself kind of younger crowd a little bit older community here but myself I grew up in Lakeville I was fortunate I moved here when I was 19 by my house at home here
and I still work in that area it's not I grew up in community it was community I say 2018 that kind of generational change from what I can see. I still see and
experience other siblings that are kids that are still there. It's nowhere near the same experience here. here looking at that I moved on here because it is a safe community in
between there as well mentioned prior but building in here for people more years I have our property values as well that's There's one extra stuff
in here. Well, it's going to be a $10 million facility, so I don't think it's going to bring down your property values that way. Um, yes, property values can change. I bought my house in 99. I've seen it drop in value and increase in value three different times.
Um, you're not going to find a house around under 250 in town. And if you do, it's one of the original houses in town that might have even been ca came over on a steam engine from Vesley. So those houses are over 100 years old.
The newer houses, they're pushing 375, 400. There's a few houses over half a million dollars in town. If you want to move out to the country, three4ers of a million dollars ain't touching hardly anything anymore. So, yes, it sucks. But
>> that being said, it's kind of a hand for the ability to as you said, they're up from what wages are generation.
That being said, it's one more complex. compost, [Music] >> but it's a start. Thank you, commissioners. >> Think I spoke everything I wanted to say.
>> Amen. >> Then we would have to have a motion. And Mr. Chair, just to clarify the motion. The motion is to consider approval of comprehensive plan amendment to reszone the property located at 900 Ash Street Northeast from B3 Central Business to a planned unit development
PUD to all of an apartment facility. >> Okay, >> I'll make that motion. >> You'll make the motion to change it. >> Do we have a second? >> I'll second. We have a second.
All in favor? >> I I >> opposed. I >> I >> I >> And I'm sorry. I want to make sure I have this clarified. So I have to vote the
>> Tim and Mike Harding. Yes. Joe Kada. Mike Conu. Jeremy Brainard. No. 3 to two. Motion is defeated. Any new business? That was the new business. Any o other business? We have our upcoming meeting Monday, September
15th. Otherwise, we are ready for adjournment. Motion to adjurnn. Anyone? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Mike Harding. Second. Mike Conu. All in favor? I >> I. All opposed. Motion carries. >> Okay.
Thank you everyone.