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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-16-2007 R MOUNDS VIEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION AGENDA November 16, 2007 at 7:30 A.M. MOUNDS VIEW CITY HALL - CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER 7 :5 A.M. 2. ROLL CALL: ,/ Belting Entsminger Field i/-' Helgemoe ,cam Jaker t.-- - ,e. ,,�'- Meehlhause ( ) ,/ Steinmetz Staff } V Ericson (Staff) 3. APPROVE EDC MINUTES G_ A. October 19, 2007 EDC Minutes kc:r me `'-' `f `n LJC`l,CSO/L „??!..1.1 4. SPECIAL BLISINES' ryc_ A. None ii• 5. EDC BUSINESS A. Review Economic Development Component of Comprehensive Plan 5 1-- . 11,01 '� 6. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS ,-�C. i , ��L .c • J -�` A�6 ti A. Report of Commissioners ' \ '' r�; �` c ;be ,; L ,c � � / 7. REPORT OF STAFF �'� �i�`` -, �0- rA. Prem' Stop Redevelopment �c% r B. Silverifiew Plaza {(‘ ��J it C. Comprehensive Traiiway Project 'kJ ,'� �( D. The Mermaid `r S 8. ADJOURN at ?': ` A.M. 37 Proposed Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting: December 14, 2007 (one week early due to the holidays) • Not Approved Minutes of the Economic Development Commission • City of Mounds View Ramsey County, Minnesota Regular Meeting October 19, 2007 City of Mounds View, Council Chambers 2401 Highway 10, Mounds View, MN 55112 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Jason Helgemoe called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Members Present: Tom Field, Gary Meehihause, Jason Helgemoe, Jerry Jaker, Torn Johnson Members Absent: Greg Belting, Jackie Entsminger Staff Present: Community Development Director Jim Ericson 3. APPROVAL OF EDC MINUTES: • Motion/Second: Commissioner Meelhause moved and Commissioner Johnson seconded the approval of the September 21, 2007 EDC minutes. Motion Carried: 5 Ayes 0 Nays 4. SPECIAL BUSINESS None. 5. EDC BUSINESS A. Review Economic Development Component of Comprehensive Plan: Community Development Director Ericson stated that the Comprehensive Plan is the City's guiding document/framework for the future. The last time the Plan was updated was in 2001 and Director Ericson stated that all City boards and commissions are being asked to provide input on relevant sections of the plan (i.e. the EDC is being asked to review the Economic Development component of the plan). Director Ericson stated that he is not requesting that the EDC take action on this issue today. Commissioner Johnson recalled that during the last Comprehensive Plan update,the EDC reviewed the Economic Development component in "chunks", which seemed less overwhelming. Chairperson Helgemoe suggested that the new Economic Development Specialist facilitate the EDC's review of the plan beginning at the November EDC meeting. Furthermore, Chairperson Helgemoe asked that the EDC "jump ahead" to item 7A on the agenda (Economic Development • Specialist position update). Director Ericson reported that Heidi Steinmetz has accepted Mounds View's offer of employment as the new Economic Development Specialist and her first day will be November 5, 2007. Director Ericson commented on Ms. Steinmetz's experience, which includes six years of Economic EDC Minutes Not Approved_ roOv October 19, 2007 Page 2 • Development experience in the City of Elk River. He added that Ms. Steinmetz is looking forward to a new opportunity in her career as the "lead" Economic Development person for Mounds View. Commissioner Johnson asked Director Ericson about Ms. Steinmetz's first few projects in Mounds View. Director Ericson indicated that the first three priorities will be the Premium Stop redevelopment, the Saturn relocation/Multi-Tech vacant lot development and the revitalization of Silver View Plaza. Director Ericson added that Ms. Steinmetz's niche is marketing and that branding Mounds View will also be an important part of Ms. Steinmetz's job. Commissioner Field added that it will be interesting to reevaluate the EDC's priorities in January and he looks forward to doing so. 6. REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Johnson reported that she attended the City's Street and Utility Improvement Program Public Informational Meeting on October 15, 2007. She said that it was well attended by residents in, that the presentations were well-done, that the meeting was well set-up and that no questions were left unanswered. Commissioner Johnson continued with sincere congratulations to the Irondale High School football team for a wonderful season. She feels that their success has added to Mounds View's community spirit,which contributes to positive Economic Development. Director Ericson added that the Irondale marching band is also doing very well this year. In addition, Commissioner Meehlhause congratulated the Irondale Cross County team and the Irondale National Merit Scholarship finalists. II 7. REPORTS OF STAFF A. Economic Development Specialist Position Update: This item was discussed above. B. Premium Stop Redevelopment Update: Director Ericson stated that staff has been working with Master Development on a Preliminary Development Agreement for the site and that it is Master's preference to include the Robert's parcel within the project; however it is unknown at this time whether or not it is feasible. Director Ericson reported that the property was up for auction on October 11, 2007, however the auction did not result in the sale of the property. He added that the two-month redemption period for the property expires on November 11, 2007 and that he hopes to have more information to report at the next EDC meeting. Commissioner Johnson asked about the zoning of the property. Director Ericson stated that it is zoned B-3, which is one of the most permissive business uses in the community. He added that the concept plans for the project indicate a residential use,which would add roughly ten million dollars to the City's tax base. He forecasted the potential City involvement in assisting the developer to make the project financial feasible. Chairperson Helgemoe asked if the developer has talked with the owners of the Taiko sushi restaurant. Director Ericson stated that the developer has discussed the redevelopment concept with the owners and that they are willing to participate in the project if financially feasible. Several Commissioners inquired of Master Development's experience and requested examples of the developer's past projects. Director Ericson offered to e-mail a copy to the EDC of Master's response to the City's Request for Qualifications. EDC Minutes Approved October 19, 2007 Not Page 3 • C. Other Various Updates (added to the agenda): Totino's: Director Ericson confirmed that Totino's has signed a lease with Mounds View Square to locate in the building that is currently occupied by the Original Mattress Factory. Commissioner Field asked about the Original Mattress Factory's search for a new site and if the company prefers a stand-alone building or if they're interested in Silver View Plaza. Director Ericson believes that a strip mall is an option. Silver View Plaza: Chairperson Helgemoe asked if a Kraus-Anderson (Silver View Plaza property owner) representative other than the leasing agent or the property manager should attend the November EDC meeting. Director Ericson agreed that it is time to discuss the future of Silver View Plaza with the proper representative from Kraus-Anderson and will extend the invitation for the next EDC meeting. He added that Kraus-Anderson's position has been to secure tenants prior to remodeling the building; however staff believes that renovating the building would better attract tenants. Director Ericson feels that 2008 is a year in which Kraus-Anderson will make a solid decision regarding the future of the property due to the high-vacancy rates over the last 1.5 years. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the new walking trails are highly utilized and perhaps this would help boost the success of the facility. Commissioner Field asked the status of Wynsong Theater and if there are less screens being used. Director Ericson responded that he is not aware of any changes at the theater; Commissioner Johnson agreed. Commissioner Field added that perhaps there is an opportunity for a synergy to be developed between the theater and Silver View Plaza (if the mall could attract evening users). Chairperson Helgemoe took this opportunity to thank Director Ericson for wearing"three hats"as the Interim City Administrator,the Community Development Director and for taking on extra duties during the Economic Development Specialist vacancy. Skyline Motel: Director Ericson stated that the property sits on almost two acres and is zoned light industrial. The owner is willing to sell the property and Director Ericson predicts that the City may see changes on the site within six to nine months. Christmas Tree Lot (Integra Homes): The Planning Commission and City Council has approved a townhome project on this site,which is just over three acres in size. This project will include nineteen units. It is anticipated that construction will commence in the Spring of 2008. Harstad Townhomes: Three new townhome buildings were constructed this year. Director Ericson added that City staff toured some of the model units, which were impressive. Medtronic Commissioner Johnson mentioned the "Thank you, Mounds View" billboard on Hwy 10. Chairperson Helgemoe asked if the EDC could get a tour of the facility. Director Ericson said that Medtronic is more than happy to host a tour once the final fire inspection is completed. A tour could occur in December. Ferrellgas This company has requested a Conditional Use Permit and wishes to locate on Mustang Circle within 700 feet of the Townsedge Manufactured Home Park. The City Council requested a Risk Management Plan almost one year ago, which the company has not been submitted. • Arden Hills TCAAP Site Chairperson Helgemoe asked Director Ericson if there are any concerns from Mounds View's standpoint regarding this project. Mounds View's Public Works Director has been meeting monthly with Arden Hills staff regarding the project. The develop concept includes a reconstruction of County EDC Minutes Not Approved October 19, 2007 Page 4 • Road H, which will benefit Mounds View however there are unknowns regarding the impact the project will have on County Road I. Traffic concerns will be discussed as the project moves forward. Johnson Property Director Ericson forecasted that a planning application may be submitted next year on this property, located on the corner of Groveland and County Road 10. 8. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, Chairperson Helgemoe adjourned the meeting 8:25 a.m. Respectfully submitted, / . Heidi Steinmetz Economic Development Specialist 410 410 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan ocl; 11111 tcv „, COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS Mounds View's future economic development will be governed and directed by a set of basic goals,eA'-'j^� principles and assumptions. The most important of these are set forth below. Iv {(Y C' The redevelopment or expansion of an existing business,new commercial or industrial development, V tj;t, 1 or residential housing will be considered even if it involves the possible acquisition,demolition or / (j� • relocation of an existing business or residential homes. i1:10, The redevelopment or expansion of an existing business, or new commercial or industrial , 31 development,or residential housing will be considered if a reasonable opportunity for public input Pp tY P has been provided,particularly by those business owners and homeowners who could potentially be 1‘ l affected. Whether or not such parties support (or, at a minimum, do not oppose) any proposed / redevelopment, expansion, new development or new project will be one of the more important factors in determining the City's position with respect to any such proposal. In the final analysis,the City's goal will be to determine whether the actual or potential benefits to the City(from any such 0 proposal) outweigh the actual or potential negative impacts on individuals, businesses or the community as a whole. r' The City will actively market itself to selected target audiences as a prime location for specific types of businesses and industries. In order to continuously refine and review its objectives as economic 11111 conditions and realities change,the City(through the EDC and/or the EDA)will annually update its list of targeted businesses and industries.Although the City will respond in a timely and businesslike manner to all requests for information about the City's suitability as a business location,City staff members will focus their attention on those requests that come from businesses of the type that appear on the City's target list. In light of the increasing mobility of businesses in general,the City's future economic development efforts will focus on retaining existing businesses and industries in the community,in some cases by helping to create circumstances under which they can expand to meet their customers needs and/or their own desire to grow and prosper financially. Given the fact that the City is almost fully developed,and in order to improve the City's tax base and improve the City's visual aesthetics,the City also intends to devote significant attention to redeveloping aging, obsolete, blighted or otherwise underdeveloped structures. Additionally,the City will explore the opportunities that are presented by the few remaining parcels of undeveloped property. In some cases this may involve assisting the owners of such parcels with the marketing of their properties to prospective developers. The City recognizes that the maintenance of an adequate workforce will be one of the most serious challenges that will face business and industry for much of the foreseeable future, and that the private sector and/or educational institutions will be primarily responsible for addressing and resolving workforce issues. However, the City is prepared to assist with such efforts by working collaboratively with others who are concerned about such issues. The nature of the City's assistance may include having City representatives serve on local and regional committees,commissions and agencies devoted to this important topic. 90 • Item No. 5A Meeting Date: November 16, 2007 Type of Business: EDC City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Economic Development Commission From: Heidi Steinmetz, Economic Development Specialist Item Title/Subject: Review Economic Development Component of Comprehensive Plan Background: The City's Comprehensive Plan is a policy document, which was last updated in 2001 . It is meant to be a guiding document or framework for the future of the community. Commissioner Meeh!hauso repronents the FDO on the Comprehensive Plan Task Force, which was formed earlier this year. EDC members are welcomed to attend Comprehensive Plan Task Force meetings, held the second Wednesday of each month, to provide input on the entire plan. It is anticipated that the draft update will be completed by June of 2008 with the final document ready for adoption by the City Council by December of 2008. Discussion: The Comprehensive Plan Task Force asks that all City boards and commissions provide input on relevant sections of the plan (i.e. the EDC is asked to review the attached Economic Development component of the plan). On October 19, 2007, the EDC opted to review the Economic Development component of the plan in sections beginning on November 16, 2007. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the EDC review the "Community Economic Development Goals" and "Priorities for Economic Development Decisions" sections found on pages 90 and 91 of the 2001 Comprehensive Plan and prepare to discuss any suggested changes or updates at the November 16, 2007 EDC meeting. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Steinmetz Economic Development Specialist M �� CI R _ ND VIEW COMPRFH1jrbJSIVF PLA . , 'k , 'ti 4 S` �� X93 4 _ ":i11,-: .• �: = Fire • M P � 0 � d y��harr� � s � a r, , i'ai 4" .," _.,.,sem v�<'�. T , „".. P�hi, ` �. .,`S�`'`.a+, .�.. .. W.z. � Preserving the natural environment in a fully developed suburban setting APPROVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL: November 8, 2000 • APPROVED BY THE MOUNTS VIEW CITY COUNCIL: July 23, 2001 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements City Council Dan Coughlin, Mayor City Staff Rich Sonterre, Mayor Gary Quick Kathleen Miller, City Clerk/Administrator Roger Stigney Chuck Whiting, City Clerk/Administrator Rob Marty Lynn Thomason Bruce Kessel,Finance Director Barbara Thomas Mike Ulrich, Public Works Director Rick Jopke,Community Development Dir. Planning Commission Jim Ericson,Community Development Dir. Jim Atkinson, Planning Associate Jerry Peterson Steve Dorgan, Housing Inspector Gary Stevenson Jeremiah Anderson,Housing Inspector Jean Miller Kevin Carroll, Economic Dev. Coordinator Greg Johnson Aaron Parrish, Economic Dev. Coordinator Brian Kaden Jim Hess,Engineering Technician Michael Berke Barb Benesch,Administrative Assistant Ordeen Braathen GIS Consultant William Laube Michael Hegland PlanSight, LLC Barbara Thomas Herb Zwirn Mari Scotch Other Economic Development Commission North Metro I35W Corridor Coalition Cindy Carlson Rosemary Goff Tom Field Wendy Marty Sean Walther Julie Olsen Jerold Kahn Dr. Gregory Belting Torri Johnson Stan McDonald • 2 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents Chapter Page Chapter 1. Introduction 7-9 Overview 8 Process 9 Organization 9 Chapter 2.Community Background 10-20 History 11 Physical Environment 11 Demographics 16 Chapter 3.Land Use 21-42 Introduction 22 Goals and Policies 22 Existing Land Use 30 Land Use Plan 34 Surface Water Management 41 • Historic Site Preservation 41 Solar Access Protection 41 Chapter 4.Housing 42-56 Introduction 43 Goals and Policies 43 Housing Supply 45 Future Housing Needs 54 Housing Programs 55 Chapter 5.Public Facilities 57-67 Introduction 58 Goals and Policies 58 Community Facilities 62 Chapter 6. Transportation 68-86 Introduction 69 Goals and Policies 69 Streets 74 Trails 82 Transit 83 Rail 83 Airport 83 • 3 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7.Economic Development .. 87-93 Community Economic Development Goals 88 Priorities For Economic Development Decisions 89 Resources To Support Economic Development 90 Economic Development Challenges 91 Chapter 8. Intergovernmental Coordination 94-96 Goals and Policies 95 Existing Collaborations 95 Chapter 9.Implementation 97-101 Introduction 98 Administration 98 Future Actions 99 List of Tables 5 List of Figures 6 Appendices 102 A:Community Forum Summary 103 • B: Land Use Plan Changes 113 C:Functional Classification Definitions and Criteria 115 D:Long Term Financial Plan 118 • 4 SCity of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan List of Tables Table Page Table 1: Soil Limitations . 12 Table 2: Population,Households,and Employment 16 Table 3:Age and Gender 16 Table 4:Household Income 17 Table 5:Educational Attainment . 19 Table 6: Employment by Industry 20 Table 7: Occupation of Workers . 20 Table 8: Existing and Future Land Use 37 Table 9: Comprehensive Plan/Zoning Compatibility 40 Table 10: Total Number and Percent of Dwelling Units by Type 45 Table 11:Age of Current Housing Stock 46 Table 12:Housing Condition 47 Table 13:Housing Sales 47 Table 14:Affordable Housing 50 4111 Table 15:Housing Indicators 51 Table 16:Minimum Lot Sizes 52 Table 17:Metropolitan Council Benchmarks for Mounds View 54 Table 18: Sewage Flow Projections .63 Table 19:Community Facilities .. 64 Table 20:Historical Traffic Volumes 80 • 5 0 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan List of Figures Figure Page Figure 1:Wetlands 13 Figure 2:Drainage Districts 14 Figure 3:Development Limitations 15 Figure 4:Median Household Income 18 Figure 5: Existing Land Use 31 Figure 6:Future Land Use 32 Figure 7: Existing and Future Land Use Comparison 33 Figure 8:Year Single Family and Duplexes Built 49 Figure 9:Developable/Redevelopable Residential Land 53 Figure 10:Community Facilities 65 Figure 11: Water System 66 Figure 12: Sanitary Sewer System 67 Figure 13:Functional Street Classification 75 Figure 14: Jurisdiction of Streets 76 • Figure 15:Traffic Accident Distribution 78 Figure 16: 1997 M.S.A.S. and Projected 2020 Traffic Volumes 81 Figure 17:Trails and Sidewalks 85 Figure 18: Transit Routes 86 • 6 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT • • 89 COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS • Mounds View's future economic development will be governed and directed by a set of basic goals, principles and assumptions. The most important of these are set forth below. The redevelopment or expansion of an existing business,new commercial or industrial development, or residential housing will be considered even if it involves the possible acquisition,demolition or relocation of an existing business or residential homes. The redevelopment or expansion of an existing business, or new commercial or industrial development,or residential housing will be considered if a reasonable opportunity for public input has been provided,particularly by those business owners and homeowners who could potentially be affected. Whether or not such parties support(or, at a minimum, do not oppose) any proposed redevelopment, expansion, new development or new project will be one of the more important factors in determining the City's position with respect to any such proposal. In the final analysis,the City's goal will be to determine whether the actual or potential benefits to the City(from any such proposal) outweigh the actual or potential negative impacts on individuals, businesses or the community as a whole. The City will actively market itself to selected target audiences as a prime location for specific types of businesses and industries. In order to continuously refine and review its objectives as economic conditions and realities change,the City(through the EDC and/or the EDA)will annually update its list of targeted businesses and industries.Although the City will respond in a timely and businesslike manner to all requests for information about the City's suitabiliy as a business location,City staff members will focus their attention on those requests that come from businesses of the type that appear on the City's target list. • In light of the increasing mobility of businesses in general,the City's future economic development efforts will focus on retaining existing businesses and industries in the community,in some cases by helping to create circumstances under which they can expand to meet their customers needs and/or their own desire to grow and prosper financially. Given the fact that the City is almost fully developed,and in order to improve the City's tax base and improve the City's visual aesthetics,the City also intends to devote significant attention to redeveloping aging, obsolete, blighted or otherwise underdeveloped structures. Additionally,the City will explore the opportunities that are presented by the few remaining parcels of undeveloped property. In some cases this may involve assisting the owners of such parcels with the marketing of their properties to prospective developers. The City recognizes that the maintenance of an adequate workforce will be one of the most serious challenges that will face business and industry for much of the foreseeable future, and that the private sector and/or educational institutions will be primarily responsible for addressing and resolving workforce issues. However,the City is prepared to assist with such efforts by working collaboratively with others who are concerned about such issues. The nature of the City's assistance may include having City representatives serve on local and regional committees,commissions and agencies devoted to this important topic. 2 • City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan S PRIORITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS In order to expand the City's tax base and thereby provide property tax relief for homeowners,the City of Mounds View's economic development priorities and objectives are,in general,as follows: • Retain existing businesses that make positive contributions to the local economy. • Provide a reasonable and prudent level of assistance(financial or otherwise)to enable existing businesses to expand their operations and/or facilities in Mounds View. • Attract new commercial and industrial development. • Encourage the development of new office space,warehouse space and retail operations that will enable Mounds View to offer services,facilities and goods that are not presently available in the community, or that are unavailable in sufficient quantity or quality. • Pursue the redevelopment of parcels and sites that are aesthetically displeasing, contaminated, blighted, abandoned, or otherwise underdeveloped. 11111 • Facilitate communications between and among the City,Ramsey County,local businesses,the Chamber of Commerce,local educational institutions,and any other parties or entities having a direct or indirect interest in the continued economic prosperity of Mounds View. • The City will continually develop and review more specific priorities in order to provide guidance to City staff,business owners,developers,and residents with respect to intended areas of concentration(geographic and otherwise). 91 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan 4110 RESOURCES TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Resources to support economic development can be defined as any facts,programs or circumstances that enhance Mounds View's ability to attract new businesses,retain and expand existing businesses, or assist in the preservation of a vibrant,diverse local economy. Such resources currently include the following: • Close proximity to Interstate 35-W, allowing relatively quick and easy access to the downtown areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and to other portions of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. • Good internal traffic circulation. • Successful, attractive business parks. • Visible evidence of new commercial activity, storefront improvements, remodeling, and other indications of local economic health. • Ongoing efforts to enhance the appearance of, and to better coordinate planning for the further development of,the County Highway 10 corridor and the community at large. • • Local business owners who are interested in expanding their operations and improving the appearance of their properties. • The potential availability of City assistance for appropriate development or redevelopment projects. o Tax increment financing is a type of assistance that has been provided by the City in the past, and City-assisted funding for cosmetic and operational improvements has been provided through the Business Improvement Partnership Loan program. o These types of City assistance have been,and will continue to be,provided in a manner consistent with the City's written policies regarding such assistance,and will generally be limited to situations in which their use will enable the City to attract a new business, retain or expand an existing business,provide new employment opportunities,enhance the City's tax base,or otherwise improve the appearance or vitality of the local business economy. o The City will continually monitor and periodically evaluate its programs and policies regarding development and redevelopment assistance in order to make certain that they are helping the City meet its economic development goals,priorities and objectives. • 92 City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan • • Parcels of land that are suitable for development or redevelopment. • An active local Chamber of Commerce. • A coordinated approach to local planning and development issues, as evidenced by the ongoing work of the I-35W Corridor Coalition. • A plentiful supply of life-cycle housing to accommodate a wide range of incomes. • Easy access to mass transit for workers who need or prefer to use such methods of transportation. • The proximity of the Anoka County Airport in Blaine. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES The effectiveness of local economic development can be enhanced by continuously assessing,and attempting to address, any circumstances that might negatively impact the local business climate. Such circumstances may include those that might: • a. make a developer or business owner less inclined to establish a new business in Mounds View; or b. make a developer or business owner less inclined to relocate an existing business to Mounds View; or c. make an existing Mounds View business less inclined to expand its operation in Mounds View; or d. make an existing Mounds View business consider moving its operation to another community; or e. adversely affect, in some other way, the ability of an existing Mounds View business to achieve economic success. The preceding circumstances are, to varying degrees, mitigated by the presence of financial and other incentives that encourage or allow economic development. Successful economic development will continue to require the careful monitoring of these existing and developing challenges so that realistic and timely efforts can be made to emphasize Mounds View's many positive attributes in order to effectively minimize or counteract negative perceptions or circumstances.Examples of such future efforts may include the following: • In order to address the relative scarcity of raw land suitable for new construction, and in light of the small size of the few remaining parcels of undeveloped land, • 93 • City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan • Prepare and periodically update an inventory of undeveloped land, • List undeveloped parcels on the City web site with the knowledge and consent of their owners/agent, • Acquire and/or clear underdeveloped sites suitable for new construction, • Focus development efforts on businesses suitable for smaller lots, and investigate the possibility of combining adjoining lots to accommodate larger businesses. • In situations involving unrealistic price expectations on the part of those who own undeveloped parcels of land(i.e., asking prices well in excess of actual market value), • Wait for the market to catch up with currently excessive asking prices and • Investigate options that might reduce those prices(offering relocation assistance,etc.). • In cases involving actual or perceived neighborhood opposition to commercial development of certain types in certain areas, • Survey nearby residents to determine their preferences and/or • Arrange neighborhood meetings or public hearings in connection with proposed 111111 commercial development(s). • In situations where owners of underdeveloped parcels(especially residential homeowners and owners of old or obsolete commercial structures) are unwilling to sell, thereby delaying or preventing the development of those properties to their highest and best use, • Arrange meetings with the owners, • Provide current information to them regarding the potential market value of their properties, • Develop or refine City relocation policies, or • Consider the use of eminent domain only as a last resort. • In order to strengthen Mounds View's identity, • Continue work on the development and improvement of County Highway 10, • Maintain a high profile within the local and regional business communities, • Attempt to develop a greater sense of community, and • Handle business climate inquiries promptly and professionally. • Given the scarcity of attractive office space and rental warehouse/office space, encourage new construction to meet these needs. • 94 • City of Mounds View Comprehensive Plan • Due to the potentially high cost of some of the available methods of aggressively recruiting the most attractive new business prospects and/or marketing Mounds View as a business location, investigate and use the more cost-effective and/or more carefully targeted recruitment/marketing techniques. • Inasmuch as limited funds are available for the funding of business incubator programs, enterprise facilitation projects or other initiatives designed to help new businesses get started locally, • Pursue grants to fund such programs, • Establish collaborations with other governmental entities and non-profit organizations, and • Serve as a clearinghouse for information about assistance(financial and otherwise)that may be available from sources other than the City. • In light of the limited selection of tools that are available to the City to finance or promote economic development,monitor developments affecting economic development and(where appropriate) make recommendations regarding alternative, new or improved methods of • providing advice, assistance or encouragement. • Due to the high cost of redeveloping property vs. developing property,participate in seeking creative solutions to the financing challenges inherent in potential redevelopment projects. • 95 IP,!I Louisa Builders, LLC_ Ilidi • Construction • Real Estate • Development 2195 Silver Lake Road • New Brighton, Minnesota 55112 Office (651) 636-9991 • Fax (651) 636-3422 Award-Winning Townhomes in Mounds View We are delighted to announce that Louisa Builders' entry in the 2007 Parade of Homes, the model townhome at 2594 County Road H2 in Mounds View, has won both the Reggie Award and the People's Choice Award. This year there were 334 builders in the Parade of Homes, with a total of over 840 entries in 135 cities throughout the greater Twin Cities area. Out of all of those, Louisa Builders was the only townhome entry to win both the Reggie Award and the People's Choice Award! The Reggie Award is the most coveted award of home builders to "recognize outstanding achievement by member builders in the design, quality and value of their homes." These homes are thoroughly evaluated by a group of peer builders and vendors who are randomly selected by the Builders' Association to ensure the judging is fair. The competition is divided into single-family and association- maintained categories, and then further divided by price, creating a total of twenty-two categories. The People's Choice Award is an opportunity for consumers to judge homes according to various criteria such as curb appeal, floor plan, site orientation, construction quality, and value. There are just eight winners of the People's Choice Award in the entire Twin Cities market. These award-winning townhomes are located at Red Oak Estates on County Road H2 in Mounds View between Silver Lake Road and Long Lake Road. The standard model in Red Oak Estates is 8224,900, has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, over 2,000 square feet of finished space, and is loaded with features.