05/07/2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 7, 2003 APPROVED Mr. Griffith stated he really enjoys working with the Hartford Group and the plan will be refined until everyone is comfortable. The goal is to break ground next spring. The project is a true partnership and details will have to be worked out in relation to funds. Ms. Kautz stated the team has added to all the hard work the City has already done on that site. Mayor Bergeson stated the Council will be asking hard questions of the development team and the Council does take some time to make decisions. This is a very important project for the City and ample review time will be necessary. Councilmember Reinert inquired about the number of rental units compared to for - purchase units. Mr. Griffith advised the plan calls for 295 multi -family units with 138 for -sale townhomes. Mayor Bergeson asked if constructing a hotel close to owned units is a problem. Mr. Griffith stated they do not have a project with a hotel in it. The team has not found a strong need for hotels in urban areas. Ms. Kautz advised a market study will be done to determine the need for a hotel. Councilmember Carlson stated she is glad the plan does not include a lot of parking. She inquired about the possibility of a pedestrian bridge to Target and Kohls. Ms. Kautz stated a walkway would be great if the City can get a federal grant. Such walkways are very expensive. Community Development Director Grochala stated the City is trying to incorporate a walkway into the reconstruction of the bridge over I35W. Mr. Griffith stated there is also a lot of underground parking included in the plan. Councilmember Carlson inquired about wetland replacement. Ms. Kautz advised the development team will be working with SEH to identify all wetland and environmental aspects of the plan. Councilmember Carlson stated she does not see any open fields or play areas on the plan. She asked if the fields would be part of the YMCA development. Community Development Director Grochala stated Staff would be looking for opportunities for play areas. The plan will also try to tie the development into the regional park. • Ms. Kautz noted the green area on the sited plan is a park area.