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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/22/2005 EDAC Minutes 1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, September 22, 2005 MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Schwartz, B. Combs, K. Corson, J. Kuschke, K. Hansmann, J. Helgemoe MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Milbauer, T. Vacha, S. Rymer OTHERS PRESENT: Ms. Divine, Greg Hayes (Hardwood Creek LLC) & Kendra Lindahl (Landform) GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes of August 4, 2005 were approved. CONSIDERATION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR VILLAGE OF HARDWOOD CREEK Greg Hayes from Shingobee Builders and Kendra Lindahl from Landform, the real estate planner, representing the Village of Hardwood Creek, LLC (VHC) returned to present an economic analysis of the projected tax base impact of the project. The 362-acre project is located northwest of 35E.Cty Rd. 14 Ms. Divine explained that EDAC will be considering a recommendation regarding a change to the city’s land use plan from industrial and medium and high density housing, to mixed use to allow for commercial, and low and medium density housing. Approval of a Comprehensive Plan amendment does not constitute any approvals of this project. Mr. Hayes shared a theme book that showed housing types, trails systems, open space and street types. He explained how the road system will potentially work. He stated that the project follows the guidelines of the AUAR. He stated there was about 85 acres of green space that consists of neighborhood parks and other common open space. The project’s green spaces will be managed by a master association, but open to the public. He outlined the economic impact. Currently the land pays about $11,000/year in property taxes. The project will pay about $4.9 million in property taxes. This is a conservative estimate. City portion of the taxes is $1.6 million, county is $1.25 million and school district is $863,000 annually. The dollars are there to support roads, infrastructure and schools. A no-build scenario still requires infrastructure improvements, with no new development to help pay for it. Members expressed their interest in a pedestrian oriented development where residents could walk to the commercial areas, and not be blocked by parking lots. Ms. Lindahl said the residential neighborhood sidewalks will connect to area trails. Also mentioned was the need for a ball park. 2 Ms. Lindahl stated it is the developer’s intention to do a Conservation Development. But there is not enough detail at this point for staff to say it definitely meets the criteria, but it is heading that direction. They are specifically asking for approval of a Comp Plan amendment from 267 acres of light industrial, 45 acres of medium density and 45 acres of high density residential to mixed use with a range of commercial (55-70 acres). It won’t be improved as an exemption from the growth management. EDAC is looking specifically at whether mixed use of residential and commercial is a more appropriate land use. Ms. Hansmann stated that in recommending approval, she wants it to go the Conservation Development route. Members want to see details the next time it goes through approvals. Ms. Divine stated EDAC normally doesn’t do plan review. EDAC’s role is more geared toward looking at whether this type of land use is of greater value to the community than the current land use. Ms. Hansmann stated that EDAC is sometimes seen as always rubber stamping an economic development project, and she’d like to see the best of both worlds, an economic benefit to the city and a conservation development. Ms. Lindahl stated members may want to read the AUAR mitigation plan, which has significant changes related to stormwater that is stricter than most cities. This will help to get the green space the city is looking for. Mr. Combs made a motion to recommend to the City Council approval of the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to mixed use. Mr. Helgemoe seconded the motion. Mr. Corson stated he felt it was important that a conservation development utilizing trail access between commercial and residential areas be included in EDAC’s recommendation. Ms. Schwartz suggested a second motion that EDAC supports conservation development. Motion passed unanimously. EDA members discussed ways that they could convey to the City Council that they want to encourage that the developer to pursue conservation development as outlined in the AUAR. EDAC discussed that recommending approval of the Comp Plan amendment included a desire by the committee see pedestrian connections between commercial and residential areas, and outlying areas, with appropriate recreational amenities. Ms. Hansmann moved that EDAC recommends that the City Council support the Planned Unit Development concept plan, utilizing the conservation development outlined in the AUAR recommendations. Mr. Corson seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. Ms. Kuschke asked Mr. Hayes how a slowdown of housing starts would impact this development. Mr. Hayes stated that there isn’t much slowdown, the Lino Lakes area is selling more homes than the year before. Mr. Corson stated affordability matters also, if houses are starting $100,000 below the average home price. Ms. Schwartz stated most of the professionals locally don’t think there’s a bubble, but she has seen that some higher end homes ($450,000 +) are appraising for more than they sell for. Mr. Hayes said Multiple Listing Service data has only shown two years of flat sales. Ms. Schwartz stated the twin cities has an varied economic base, 3 and that we’re more recession proof because it has a federal reserve, state capitol and university in one city. CITY COUNCIL 2006 BUDGET Ms. Divine informed members that final city budget cuts will have some impact on the council goals, as well as EDAC goals. Funds were cut for public relations plan and materials, and a revitalization plan for Lake Drive, but that won’t stop staff from progressing on these items. Lake Drive is an evolutionary process. LEGACY AT WOODS EDGE Ms. Divine stated public improvements are underway, and the city has received applications for Betty’s Pies, Country Inn and Suites, and the workforce rental housing/commercial. They will be going to Council October 24. The city is working with the hotel on meeting design standards. The YMCA is planning to start March 2006. Currently, the design is at about 40,000 sq. ft. Another $1 million would allow a leisure pool and full gym. Ms. Schwartz said it would be disappointing to go this far and not get a full facility, and that it will be costlier to add on in the future. SLUC Ms. Divine stated that the Sensible Land Use Coalition has invited Lino Lakes to speak on the “Lino Lakes Town Center from Vision to Reality.” CANDIDATE’S FORUM The Quad Press and the Quad Area Chamber will be hosting a candidate’s forum on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at city hall OTHER BUSINESS No other business. Meeting adjourned.