11-16-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EDC Minutes November 16, 2007 Page 3 Staff asked if the EDC would like to discuss its vision for the property this morning. Chairperson Helgemoe mentioned the renovation of Mounds View Square, located across Hwy 10 from Silver View Plaza, and what a positive impact the project has had on the buildings’ leases. Commissioner Jaker asked if Original Mattress Factory has found a new location. Director Ericson responded that the company is currently negotiating a lease to locate within Northcourt Commons, located in Blaine. It is anticipated that Original Mattress Factory will vacate their current building in Mounds View by the end of the year. Commissioner Belting, current Silver View Plaza tenant, added that a “wait and see” approach to Silver View Plaza is not the right thing to do. He asked staff if Kraus-Anderson is willing to provide a facelift to the building. Ms. Steinmetz responded that staff asked the property manager that question this past week and the response was that Kraus-Anderson does not have plans to reinvest in the building at this time. She suggested that the EDC and City Council begin conceptualizing and that a mini-marketing or planning study be explored. Commissioner Johnson suggested that an office building may be more appropriate for the site due to traffic and site access issues. Chairperson Helgemoe asked if the site’s access could be changed and Director Ericson stated “no”. Ms. Steinmetz added that the property owner indicated that they have approached the County regarding a change in access and that the County is not interested. Commissioner Johnson stated that the property should “tie in” with the adjacent properties/amenities (the library, the Super America and the new walking trail). Commissioner Meehlhause said that a senior housing facility may be a better utilization of the property, especially since a housing facility would not need direct access to Hwy 10. He added that the status of Silver View Plaza reminds him of Brighton Village, the Kraus-Anderson property located in New Brighton at Silver Lake Road and 694. Director Ericson responded that staff did alert Kraus-Anderson that the City of Mounds View hopes to avoid a similar situation, however the behind the scenes process of Brighton Village was not a case of Kraus-Anderson simply postponing the site’s redevelopment, which is encouraging for the City of Mounds View. He added that Commissioner Meehlhause’s idea of senior living is a good idea and that perhaps retail is no longer viable on the site. The consensus of the Commission was that it seems as though the “ball is in the City’s court” and that Kraus-Anderson should share the cost of the study. C. Comprehensive Trailway Project: Director Ericson stated that the City Council discussed the feasibility report for trailway segments 1-5 (County Road H to Red Oak Drive) earlier this week and that the engineer’s estimate for the project was substantially more than what the City had earmarked. It is anticipated that the City Council will discuss potential funding solutions for the project again in January during a work session, perhaps looking at eliminating some of the project’s extra amenities such as ornate grasses, etc. Since most of the City’s TIF revenue has now been dedicated to the Street & Utility Improvement Program, the City Council will also be taking a closer look at prioritizing projects in conjunction with the financial management plan for the City. Director Ericson stated that this information will be shared with the EDC once available. Commissioner Belting asked if the Council will be discussing whether or not Hwy 10 is on the County’s schedule for the years 2012 and beyond, which is also when three of the City’s TIF Districts will expire, and mentioned the reconstruction of Hwy 96 in Shoreview, which was completed in conjunction with a trail system in that area. He added that it is nice that Mounds View’s Tax Increment money received through business growth was funneled back to the community through the construction of trails. He also mentioned the importance of Public Works removing trail obstructions such as the shrubs near the library (as the trail curves) because he believes a person in a wheelchair was injured last year in that area.