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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRA MINUTES 09111984• CITY OF ST. ANTHONY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MINUTES September 11, 1984 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Sundland at 8:59 P.M. Present for roll call: Sundland, Vice Chair Enrooth, Secretary/Treasurer Marks, and Commissioners Ranallo and Makowske. Also present: David Childs, Executive Director; William Soth, Attorney, John Arkell and Steve Yurick, Developers for the Kenzington Condominiums; and Richard Krier, Consultant. Motion by Commissioner Ranallo and seconded by Secretary/Treasurer Marks to approve as submitted the minutes of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting held August 28, 1984. Motion carried unanimously. The developers told the H.R.A. members construction on the condominium project had been delayed by the last minute withdrawal of construction financing by the Rothchilds Company, even though that firm had submitted a letter of commitment to the project and had instructed the developers to proceed with construction when the project was over 50% sold. Mr. Arkell indicated he perceived all lenders have become • very apprehensive about financing condominiums because so many of these projects have gone sour nationwide. Applying this experience to the Kenzington wwas completely unjustified in the eyes of the developer because he perceives the project should be a "piece of cake", with 60 units already sold and 59 of these to be paid in cash. Mr. Arkell said he is also frustrated by the lender's objections to "contingency sales" since he had been able to inform them that Edina Realty was guaranteeing to purchase any ,homes which did not sell at market value. Another strong plus for the project, the developer said, is the fact that all subcontractors are committed to the project and Kraus Anderson had agreed to early construction. Mr. Yurick told the H.R.A. members none of the buyers had been lost by the delay and eight of those who had already so"la—tlieir homes have made some very creative arrangements for residency until the condominiums are available. The developer indicated he has been. in close contact with all the buyers and believes those who have not sold their homes are convinced February and March would be better months than November and December for the sale of their property. Chairman Sundland and the Secretary/Treasurer both stated they perceived the H.R.A. is very committed to this project, considering themselves partners in the endeavor; and had no interest at this o i.s_time in calling i_n_Arkell's Letter of Credit. Com- missioner Ranallo iinquired f the developers whether there was anything further the H.R.A. could do to assure the success of the project. The developers were requested to continue to keep them close.ly_appri_sed_of_their_progress_in finding a funding source: Mr. Arkell indic_ated he was certain this would be attained within t{iirty days. • Mr. Krier reminded the H.R.A. members that he had warned them at the outset that there might be many ups and downs before the project was accomplished. He cited other projects which have taken a lot longer; Riverplace, which is only 50% sold -2 - after two years; a project in southeastern Minneapolis, which had been in the works for over four years; and what is considered to be a highly successful endeavor in • Richfield, which took two and one-half years before construction. The consultant indicated he was very optimistic that H.U.D. would select the City's senior housing 202 proposal later that month, which could have a very positive effect on the condominium development and would enable the H.R.A. to get on with the commercial redevelopment portion of the Kenzie Terrace Project. Mr. Krier indicated he perceived there was a unique situation in St. Anthony where the purchased housing project had been so supportive of the subsidized project, which had made quite an impression on H.U.D. officials. Because of these factors, and the fact that he agrees with Mr. Arkell that the Kenzington "is one of the best projects he has ever worked on", the consultant advised the H.R.A. not to 6e too concerned about the setbacks at this stage of the project development. The Attorney was requested to review the terms of the Letter of Credit held by Arkell. Mr. Soth indicated the expiration date is December 1, 1984 and he perceives no action on the part of the H.R.A. is necessary at this time. He added that it is the developers' responsibility to notify the H.R.A. 30 days prior to the expiration date if they intend to replace that document. Motion by Secretary/Treasurer Marks and seconded by Vice Chair Enrooth to adjourn the meeting at 9:37 P.M. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Helen Crowe, Secretary