12-16-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EDC Minutes November 18, 2016 Page 4 of 8 Commissioner Helgemoe asked about the current zoning and uses. Beeman said the site is currently zoned B-3 which is a highway business use however the plan is to rezone the area to a Planned Urban Development (PUD) which will allow more flexibility in the uses. An overlay district was also approved allowing buildings to be constructed closer to the street to maximize the space. This is what The Beard Group was planning with the front porch and steps of the apartments to be located close to the street and proposed sidewalk. The south side of Mounds View Boulevard near the Crossroad Pointe site already has much existing residential, so it may make sense to complete that side of Mounds View Boulevard with more housing then focus on the north side for more business use. There has been interest in developing the southeast corner from BelRae Senior living for retail. If the City desires a downtown destination then potentially all four corners of Mounds View Boulevard and County Road H2 including Crossroad Pointe, Moe’s restaurant, Vino’s Stogies, and Rydell Auto, may allow for enough space to create this type of development. However, the City doesn’t own those properties and this is where an EDA levy would be able to help in purchasing more land for development. We could potentially put another business in the movie theater parking lot and look at the entire area as a downtown destination rather than limiting ourselves to only one corner on 4.25 acres. Having a more long-term vision may make some sense rather than waiting for a developer to tell us what they want to put there. Commissioner Larson asked if the developer for the TCAAP development had been contacted. Beeman stated that he did in fact contact Alatus, the master developer for the site and sent them all the current marketing materials and information about the Crossroad Pointe site. Beeman was told that the information had been sent to the appropriate people at Alatus and they will be reviewing the materials and will contact City staff if interested. Beeman also stated that he had contacted several developers this week trying to renew some interest in the site and gauge what types of development they may have in mind before going back to the Council work session in December. Beeman said he had a sophisticated senior housing developer who was interested in the site with the market studies showing a high demand for senior housing, however at the time the RFP’s were sent out, the developer had several other projects and couldn’t meet the deadline for submitting their proposal. Beeman said this raised another question. The Council will need to decide if the City should be setting firm formal proposal deadlines or if the Council will do a wait and see approach and consider each project as they come forward. The good thing is that the City controls the site, so a decision can be made on the best fit and benefit to the community. Commissioner Stevenson stated that the workshop has been set for December 5 and he will be attending. Helgemoe asked how Commissioners should get their recommendations to the Council. Beeman stated that they can express their opinions and suggestions to him directly and he will pass those along to the Council or they are also welcome to attend the meeting.