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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes January 23, 2001 Page 10 1 Thuesen asked if the Council will receive the tax capacity data and other detailed information 2 needed to make a determination. Mr. Shardlow stated they will provide a cost benefit analysis of 3 all of the alternatives. 4 Thuesen asked if developer interest will be clear at that point. Mr. Shardlow stated he has talked 5 with several residential contractors and all desire development of that property for residences. 6 He stated he has also talked with national developers who are interested in the entire site. 7 Thuesen asked what role the Metropolitan Council will have in this project. Mr. Shardlow stated 8 they are interested in supporting and promoting their Smart Growth Twin Cities Initiative, 9 however, there is a great deal of flexibility in how that is interpreted. He noted this is under 10 utilized property and the project will provide new investment opportunities, support transit, etc. 11 Thuesen asked how the schools will accommodate new housing and how the City will address 12 the added services needed for new housing. Mr. Shardlow stated those issues will be addressed 13 as well. Sparks asked what impact a purchase by Hennepin County Parks would have. Mr. Shardlow 49 stated it would have a definite impact and advised of the meetings he has attended. He noted that 16 Hennepin County Parks has already indicated that the size is not adequate for a regional park 17 facility with active recreation. However, their program will be better understood as discussions 18 continue. Mr. Shardlow stated they will also talk with Columbia Heights about the option of 19 including the beach property. 20 Sparks asked if Hennepin County Parks has asked for a letter of approval from St. Anthony. 21 Mornson stated approval was given to proceed with negotiations and to purchase the property. 22 However, the City does not want that to close all options for the rest of the property. He stated 23 his understanding that the purchase agreement may be closed shortly so they will be before the 24 Council at that point. 25 Sparks stated it comes down to whether you want to see tax bearing property or open space. 26 Mornson noted that Phase II will now start with the final document expected in July of 2001. 27 Mr. Shardlow stated that is correct. 28 Mornson reviewed the meetings that will be occurring and advised that a grant of$120,000 will 29 be received to cover the cost of the consultants. 30 Mr. Shardlow reviewed how the March 10, 2001, issues forum meeting will be conducted and 0 stated they will distribute a worksheet to assure input is obtained from everyone. Mornson stated 32 the Council has indicated they may attend that meeting to observe.