HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/03/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - Planning Commission - Study SessionOfficial Minutes
Planning Commission
March 7, 2018
Page 4
Commissioner Peilen made a motion recommending approval of the conditional
use permit subject to conditions recommended by staff. Commissioner Carper
seconded the motion, and the motion was passed on a vote of 6-0.
4. Other Business: None
5. Communications: None
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
The study session began at 6:25 p.m.
1. Comprehensive Plan – Housing Discussion
A discussion of the city’s housing programs and the housing section in the
Comprehensive Plan update was held.
Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor and Deputy Community Development Director,
and Marney Olson, Housing Program Coordinator, presented an overview of housing in
St. Louis Park. Ms. Olson began the discussion with a summary of past housing actions
and programs.
Commissioners and staff discussed affordable housing in the city. Questions were raised
concerning how affordable housing is defined. Ms. Schnitker and Ms. Olson explained
the Met Council’s calculations for affordable housing and St. Louis Park’s share of the
region’s projected affordable housing needs. Commissioners discussed the link between
affordable housing, housing density and development desirability.
Commissioners asked for more information regarding affordable housing’s impact on
economic viability of providing street-level commercial uses in mixed-use developments.
They also asked if staff have conducted a comparative analysis looking at how St. Louis
Park’s housing numbers compare to neighboring cities. Ms. Schnitker explained that a
comparative analysis was part of the last comprehensive plan update process, but staff
have not conducted such an analysis yet for this plan update.
Commissioners and staff discussed target numbers for affordable housing and the
appropriate amount of rental housing in the city. Commissioner Carper suggested the city
purchase land and create mobile home parks as a way to increase affordable housing in
Official Minutes
Planning Commission
March 7, 2018
Page 5
the city. Commissioner Robertson suggested exploring rental assistance through
businesses and employers.
Commissioners asked about food security in the comprehensive plan. Staff explained a
study on food access and security in St. Louis Park was planned for after the
comprehensive plan update and expects to include this strategy in the health section of
the plan.
Ms. Schnitker explained some of the city’s most recent affordable housing policies and
programs, including the Inclusionary Housing Policy, the Tenant Protection Ordinance,
and the Kids in the Park program. She also explained future initiatives for preserving
naturally occurring affordable housing including a legacy program and financial
incentives for property improvements.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Sells
Recording Secretary