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Mounds View EDA October 13, 2014 Regular Meeting Page 2 Purchase Offer for the Property Located at 2665 Ardan Avenue, Mounds View, Ramsey County, Minnesota with Community Development Block Grant funds from Ramsey County HRA, and Approval of the Terms and Conditions and Purchase Agreement. Planning Associate Heller explained the City was proposing to use CDBG funds, which were awarded to the City two years ago to purchase the blighted property located at 2665 Ardan Avenue. She indicated the CDBG funds would cover the expense of the property and demolition. She reviewed photos of the current home along with schematics for the new home. Staff recommended the EDA proceed with the purchase of the property. President Flaherty requested further information on who would be rebuilding the home. Planning Associate Heller stated the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) would contract with a local builder for this property. She noted once the house was complete, GMHC would resell the home following the grant guidelines. John Ackerman, 2673 Ardan Avenue, stated he lived next to the subject property. He questioned why the home was being demolished instead of reconstructed. He did not believe the property had become blighted. Ann Ackerman, 2673 Ardan Avenue, commented that tax dollars were being used to purchase and demolish the structure when perhaps the home could be sold on the open market at a lower expense to the public. President Flaherty indicated the City was working to improve and invest in its housing stock. He provided further information on the grants available from the County and Federal government to assist with run down and blighted properties. Mr. Ackerman feared that the value of the new home would not match the surrounding homes. He questioned why the sale of this property was being done outside of the real estate market. President Flaherty was uncertain of the homeowners’ circumstances. Commissioner Mueller stated the City had 73 vacant homes at this time and the homeowner of the subject property approached the City for assistance with their blighted and uninhabitable home. She discussed the tools available to the City through grants and federal funding. Ms. Ackerman asked if the City would have a problem if she and her husband were to put in an offer on the home. He questioned if the EDA would be willing to delay action on this item to allow them to speak with the homeowners. President Flaherty commented this would be entirely up to the Ackerman’s.