08-13-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to determine whether the qualification test for tax increment eligibility, as required by Minnesota Statute for a Renewal and Redevelopment District could be met. The proposed district is located on Country Drive, south of Interstate 694 and between Levitz Furniture (3201 Country Drive) and Maaco Auto Body (3245 Country Drive). SCOPE OF WORK: The proposed district consists of one parcel that was the former Knox Lumber site. As part of the redevelopment program, three parcels will be created comprised of the following: 1. 108.928 square feet or 2.5006 acres containing one (1) canopy. 2. 150,040 square feet or 3.4444 acres containing three (3) buildings, one (1) of which is shared. 3. 388,041 square feet or 8.9082 acres containing three (3) buildings, one (1) which is shared and one (1) canopy not included in this report. EVALUATIONS: On July 7, 2003 and July 16, 2003, inspections were conducted on the six (6) buildings. Of the six (6) buildings only one (1), Building A was inspected from the exterior only. Building F (canopy) is being included in the 30% rule. FINDINGS: Coverage Test — All three (3) parcels met the coverage test with approximately 96% coverage. The three (3) parcels are occupied almost entirely by buildings, streets, utilities, paved and gravel parking lots and similar structures. This exceeds the 70% area coverage requirement. Condition of Buildings Test — Forty percent (40%) of the buildings, two (2) out of the five (5) buildings, (Buildings A & C), were found to be "Structurally Substandard" when considering code deficiencies and other deficiencies of significant total significance to justify substantial renovation or clearance. This exceeds the condition of buildings test whereby over 20% of the buildings are deemed to be "Structurally Substandard ". Fifty percent (50 %) of the buildings, three (3) out of the six (6) buildings (Buildings B, E, & F) were found to have existing conditions which would require substantial renovation or clearance to remove hazards to the health, safety, and general well -being of the community. This exceeds to 30% threshold for other buildings requiring substantial renovation and clearance to remove existing conditions such as inadequate street layout, incompatible uses or land use relationships, obsolete buildings not suitable for improvement or conversion or other hazards to the health, safety, and general well -being of the community. 7