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<br /> <br /> <br />Public Housing Agency. TIF Consultant Dave Marony explained that because there is a <br />possibility that tenants may be displaced the City should be concerned that adequate <br />amount of dollars are set aside for relocation and that a relocation plan be done by a <br />professional relocation consultant. <br /> <br />Director Bennett mentioned that the proposal has gone through development review and <br />was approved by the Planning Commission at the July 16, 1997 meeting. The Council will <br />vote on the development proposal at the July 28th meeting and is holding a public hearing <br />on the sale of the land. <br /> <br />Mr. Marony reviewed the sources and uses presented by the applicant per the EDC=s <br />request in May. Mr. Marony explained the financing structure from Minnesota Housing <br />Finance Agency, Ramsey County, Minneapolis Public Housing Agency and the City of <br />Mounds View. He noted that although the amount of the City loan is relatively small <br />compared to the entire project size of $5 million, he suggested that any support should be <br />conditioned upon the applicant securing other sources of financing and providing a <br />relocation plan by a professional relocation consultant. Per State law for use of TIF funds, <br />this is seen as an acceptable of tax increment funds. <br /> <br />Per the EDC=s request in May staff gathered additional information regarding the <br />management of the project. Danzeisen Properties has been hired to provide property <br />management for the project. Staff contacted references and received wonderful comments <br />on Danzeisen Properties abilities to effectively manage the property. Ms. Danzeisen gave <br />an overview of how she manages property and answered several questions. <br /> <br />The commission members asked the applicant several questions regarding density, children <br />play area, crime, green space and noise abatement. The applicant explained that the <br />project is much less dense than is required, that they have created two play areas, quality <br />management controls crime, that they exceeded the required green space and any noise <br />abatement required by MnDot would be covered by the developer. Commissioner Goff <br />wondered if the retention pond would be screened from Children. The applicant responded <br />that the play area is fenced. Commissioner Sjoberg asked more specifically how the <br />management would reduce the crime. Ms. Danzeisen explained tenant screening and strict <br />policies and she expects that crime will decrease by 90% after the project is fully complete. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carlson noted that this is a difficult project because of the level of public <br />funding and the first lenders investment will require quality construction and proper <br />management. The need for a market study was discussed. Commissioner Carlson wondered <br />if requiring that an independent 3rd party study be done is necessary. Mr. Marony <br />suggested that the EDA may want the study for assurances that there will be a payback on <br />the loan. MSP Real Estate said it is a requirement for first mortgage lender. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carlson reviewed the goals for improvement in this area - develop EDA <br />owned land, improve safety and improve aesthetics - and this project seems to meet these <br />goals. Carlson asked about the status of the first mortgage. MSP said that they have <br />received a letter of intent from the equity investor and first mortgage lender. <br />Documentation should be final in September with closing in October. The loan is a 9%, 30 <br />year fully amortized loan. Carlson noted that when Western finances this type of project <br />they generally see acquisition costs of approximately $24,000 per unit (or less) on older <br />apartment buildings. This project contemplates a cost of $80,000 per unit (acquisition plus <br />rehab). The cost will exceed value for purposes of determining bank financing and thus the <br />project will require significant subsidy. This level of subsidy for housing seems common <br />place in many urban housing redevelopment projects.