11-10-2004 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 10, 2004 LITTLE The City Administrator described the properties along Little Canada CANADA Road that have the potential for redevelopment, noting that at Council's ROAD direction he contacted Tom Cossack to determine his willingness to sell REDEVELOP- the two lots he owns in this area. The Administrator reported that Mr. MENT Cossack is wilting to sell for a price of $9 per square foot. The ISSUES Administrator felt that this price was too high, and asked the Council if they wanted to take a proactive approach iu acquiring the property by eminent domain. The other properties in this redevelopment area include the former Stadler property now owned by the City and the Maleitzke property. The Administrator thought that the Maleitzke's were willing to sell their property. The Administrator noted Gordie Howe's previous interest in redeveloping this site with townhomes, and indicated that he would determine if Mr. Howe was still interested. If so, Mr. Howe would negotiate with the M.aleitzke's directly for the purchase of their property. However, give^ the $9 per square foot price for the Cossack property, there may need to be City action in acquiring the two lots owned by Mr. Cossack. Blesener suggested that the property be allowed to redevelop on its own. Fahey suggested that without a coordinated approach to the redevelopment of this site, the property would develop iu a piecemeal fashion. Fahey noted that the Cossack property is vacant land; therefa~e, he did not have a concern with acquisition tlv~ough eminent domain. The City Administrator reported that in his discussions with Mr. Cossack, he indicated that he would be listing the property. Blesener suggested that once afor-sale sign goes up, the City can find out the asking price. Montour indicated that he would like to see the area cleaned up. Montour felt it was the appropriate time to act on this area given the Maleitzke's interest in selling. if the property is sold, it may be more difficult to acquire and redevelop the site. The Administrator felt it was unlikely that the 1Vlaleitzl<e property would be sold as asingle-family home. ,Blesener suggested that the first step would be to obtain an appraisal of the property. If the appraised value is such that City involvement in the redevelopment makes sense, then that would be the direction to go. If not, the property should be allowed to redevelop on its own. The City Administrator pointed out that the proposal that was previously discussed with Gordie Howe would not require the use of TIP assistance. It was the consensus of the Council that should Mr. Howe be interested in redeveloping this site, that an appraisal of the property be ordered. The