11-21-01 Council Special Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 21, 2001 Knudsen asked if there would be retail fronts on both sides of the building. Johnson replied that larger users would have entrances on both sides of the building. Sma]ler users may front on just one side backing up to another smaller user that would front on the opposite side of the building. Knudsen suggested that if there would be retail users fronting on the interior side of the building, perhaps it would make sense to have some retail space in the Parcel B building as well making for a courtyard effect. Johnson indicated that while the senior housing component will be successful, there is concern for the retail component. Fahey indicated that the City would not preclude a retail component in the other phases. However, the focus tonight is Phase 1 and the City's requirement for 25,000 square feet of retail. Fahey agreed that it would be attractive to have both a restaurant and a bank in that space. Anderson pointed out that Parcel B as proposed by Johnson and Rutzick provides only one entrance/exit for underground parking at the south end of the building. Johnson agreed that ideally there would be two. Fahey indicated that he wanted to move quickly on the Phase I project and felt that in order to get the best project for the City, the RFP process should be utilized. Anderson asked what Johnson and Rutzick expected for rents in their Parcel A building. Johnson pointed out that they are proposing 70 units and estimated that rents would start at $945 per month. Roycraft was concerned that the buildings would become low income. Johnson pointed out that he developed the Lakeside Apartments 15 years ago. These buildings have been well maintained and have not deteriorated. Johnson pointed out that Sherman Rutzick is a major land owner in the area, therefore, it is their feeling that they should be allowed to develop the project. Johnson stated that they are prepared to purchase The Venetian Lm property from the City once it closes on its purchase and go forward with aretail/senior housing development. Johnson pointed out that in the past they have made several proposals for this area, none of which have gone forward for a variety of reasons. Roycraft asked if the City wanted to see rental or owner-occupied senior housing. Fahey stated that the City is fine with rental senior housing. Roycraft stated that his hope was for owner-occupied housing because of concerns with deterioration of a rental building. Roycraft felt that the businesses occupying the retail space would also prefer owner-occupied housing.