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Mounds View Planning Commission June 16, 2004 Regular Meeting Page 3 _______________________________________________________________________ as a guideline. He then said that the homes on the list may not qualify for that program but, from a windshield perspective, these are the properties that Staff felt should be added. Commissioner Zwirn asked if the standards were taken from other communities or if they were arbitrary. Director Ericson indicated the courts have not determined standards and the courts give huge deference to the City when determining blighted property however the City would need something legitimate to base it upon. He then pointed out that if property owners approach the City it gives them the opportunity to sell to the City and clear it for development at market value. He further explained that this is a voluntary program and that is the difference with other cities with targeted acquisition programs. Commissioner Zwirn said he understood the volunteerism of the plan but that for certain houses on larger lots not utilizing the lots he is concerned that a developer could come in with a plan and could potentially force people to sell and develop, even if they do not want to develop. Director Ericson agreed and said he does not think that the City would want to utilize the program in that fashion. Commissioner Miller asked if Staff is expecting feedback from the public on this project. Coordinator Backman indicated the public hearing would be held on June 28, 2004. He then said that the designation does not provide any restrictions or encumbrances to selling the property. Commissioner Zwirn asked for clarification of the repeated addresses and the addresses with 0 in them. Planner Prososki explained that the County has not assigned an address to those properties because it is a vacant lot and that there are a number of them. Commissioner Zwirn asked if this action is being taken as a result of discussions a few weeks ago regarding acquisition of property on Long Lake Road and Highway 10. Coordinator Backman indicated that the process was started well over a year ago and thanked the other Staff for help. He then said that this process began with the settlement reached with the Office of State Auditor, as that office determined that the City needs to identify parcels before purchasing them with TIF dollars. Director Ericson indicated the purchase of 2525 Highway 10 was to come out of special project funds and not TIF funds. He then said that Council had discussed that once this was adopted, if a developer had not come forward the EDA could then acquire the parcel from the City to reimburse the City or the City could have sold it without utilizing TIF dollars.