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Mounds View EDA October 13, 2014 <br />Regular Meeting Page 3 <br /> <br />Executive Director Ericson stated the CDBG grant funds would expire at the end of 2014. <br /> <br />President Flaherty discussed the benefits of the grant program noting it would allow the home <br />with a burnt garage removed and replaced with a new home. He did not understand why the <br />homeowners had not chosen to sell the home on the open market. He provided comment on the <br />other properties the City has tried to purchase through CDBG funds. <br /> <br />Mr. Ackerman believed that there was no need to demolish the home, as it could be <br />reconstructed. <br /> <br />Ms. Ackerman encouraged the Council to reconsider the request and questioned if the grant <br />funds should be used on another property. <br /> <br />Commissioner Meehlhause commented that this was not up to the City to determine. He <br />explained that the EDA was simply acting on the request of the homeowner. <br /> <br />Mr. Ackerman went on record stating he and his wife objected to the proposed purchase and <br />demolition of the property at 2665 Ardan Avenue. He requested the EDA delay the proposed <br />project. <br /> <br />President Flaherty asked if the EDA could delay the project. He believed the EDA had a small <br />window of opportunity for this project. He apologized to the Ackerman’s for the short notice on <br />this project. Planning Associate Heller indicated the City had a purchase agreement in place with <br />the homeowner. Executive Director Ericson stated there would be a risk in delaying the project <br />as a purchase agreement was in place and could be withdrawn by the seller and the funds would <br />go back to the County. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hull feared that if the EDA did not take action on the property, that it would sit on <br />the open market for another year or two and no action would be taken. He explained that the <br />City was trying to help the neighborhood by improving the property. <br /> <br />Commissioner Gunn reiterated the fact that the homeowners came to the City and offered their <br />property for the CDBG grant program. She explained that the City did not force the property <br />owner into this sale. <br /> <br />Mr. Ackerman had a problem with homeowners handing their property over to the government <br />for sale. <br /> <br />Commissioner Meehlhause asked if this item could be delayed to October 27th, to allow the <br />Ackerman’s to speak with their neighbors, and still allow the City to complete the purchase of <br />the property, if necessary. Executive Director Ericson stated he had a meeting with GMHC next <br />week. He stated the reality was that a delay could have the entire project falling apart.