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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Keis and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Eric Seaburg, P.E., City Engineer <br /> <br />DATE: March 9, 2022 <br /> <br />RE: Resolution of Support for CDBG Funding <br /> <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />The City Council is asked to consider approval of a Resolution of Support for an application for <br />Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from HUD administered by the Ramsey County <br />Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA). <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides annual grants on a formula basis <br />to entitled cities and counties to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment. The Ramsey <br />County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) utilizes CDBG funds for various improvements. <br /> <br />City staff has been in communication with Ramsey County Community Development Specialist Heather <br />Posthumus regarding the availability of CDBG funding and a possible application for a pedestrian <br />amenity along Twin Lake Boulevard. This is the same program that was utilized for the sidewalk <br />installation along Allen Avenue in 2020. <br /> <br />Twin Lake Boulevard is scheduled in the Capital Improvement Plan for roadway improvements in 2023 <br />by both Little Canada and Vadnais Heights. There is also a new multi-family housing development <br />scheduled to begin construction this summer. As part of the development agreement for that project, the <br />developer will likely be installing sidewalk or trail along the road in front of the development’s property. <br />Early discussions with the developer regarding this addition have been favorable and the developer is on <br />board. <br /> <br />Staff has heard from numerous residents in the area that are in favor of a pedestrian amenity along Twin <br />Lake Boulevard for safety purposes and the increased number of potential walkers and bikers from the <br />multi-family housing development increases the need for some type of amenity. <br /> <br />Staff has prepared a conceptual layout and cost estimate for a pedestrian amenity along the roadway. The <br />total conceptual cost is $1.0M with the cost being split almost evenly between Little Canada and Vadnais <br />Heights. The City will be submitting the application for $500,000 in CDBG funds; however, it is likely <br />that an award amount would likely be less than the amount requested. <br /> <br />City staff will continue to seek all available grants to help provide funding for this project. Additionally, <br />Vadnais Heights city staff supports Little Canada’s efforts in pursuing funds. <br /> <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: <br />Staff recommends City Council approval of the attached Resolution of Support.