05-24-2023 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP MEETING CITY COUNCIL LITTLE CANADA, MINNESOTA MAY 249 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof a Workshop meeting of the City Council of Little Canada, Minnesota was convened on the 24th day of May, 2023 in the Council Chambers of the City Center located at 515 Little Canada Road in said City. Mayor Tom Fischer called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the following members of the City Council were present at roll call: CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Fischer, Council Members T. Miller, Gutierrez, and D. Miller. Absent: Kwapick. ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator Chris Heineman, Community Development Director Corrin Wendell and City Clerk/HR Manager Heidi Heller. REVIEW PROPOSAL FOR A MULTI -HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ON RICE STRET & DEMONT AVENUE BY REUTER WALTON The Community Development Director explained that City staff has been working with the owner of properties located at the northeast corner of Rice Street and Demont Avenue since 2020 for a redevelopment project. She stated that development company, Reuter Walton, has secured an option to purchase and develop the property into multi -family housing. She reported that tonight Paul Keenan from Reuter Walton will review the background of the site, the preliminary site plan, and discuss the planning process of the proposed development. She stated that Reuter Walton is requesting to redevelop five parcels to construct approximately 175 housing units with underground parking as well as surface parking. She noted that a neighborhood meeting is scheduled for June 7 to share the proposal and hear comments from neighbors. This proposal also includes the relocation of the Flameburger restaurant. Paul Keenan, Reuter Walton, explained that they would buy five properties that are currently owned by Tom Duray, and the Flameburger would move to the existing building on the corner of Rice and Demont, which is also owned by Mr. Duray. He noted that the property owner and the restaurant operators are open to moving next door, but are concerned about the cost for the remodel that the other building would need for a restaurant. Mr. Keenan stated they will be requesting funding from Ramsey County and the State of Minnesota, but not the city. He explained that he would request a resolution of support from the City to apply for housing funds on June 14 and the funding application is due in July. He explained that if they are not approved for funding in July, the project would be on hold for six months and they would apply for funding again in January 1. The City Administrator explained that there is an existing sidewalk on Rice Street that ends at the south side of Mama T's and picks up again on the north side of County Road C, so there is a gap that the City may want to look at how to fund. Mr. Keenan stated there could be some other funding sources to help with the cost. He noted that Tom Duray and the Flameburger property