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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRA MINUTES 01071981� 1 CITY OF ST. ANTHONY KENZIE TERRACE TASK FORCE MINUTES January 7, 1981 The meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M. by City Manager Jim Fornell. Mr. Fornell introduced himself and Ron Berg, City Administrative Assistant, as the City staff liaison to the Task Force. He also introduced Dick Krier of Westwood Planning, as the planning and engineering consultant, hired by the City to study, analyze and provide information to the Task Force. Mr. Fornell identified the study area as that bounded by Kenzie Terrace, Lowry Avenue and Highway 88. He noted the City has looked at and made studies of this area in past years, but never to the anticipated extent of this study, particularly with the formation and involvement of a task force comprised of all segments of the citizenry. Mr. Fornell said the Task Force will be receiving information and data from the consultant, assimilating the information and then making recommendations to the City Planning Commission and Council. Mr. Fornell emphasized that no assumptions have been made going into this study as to what, if any, changes should be made but that rather this is the purpose of the study. Mr. Krier outlined his background in planning and then asked the members of the Task Force to introduce themselves. Thirteen of the nineteen member Task Force were present and they identified themselves as: Dr. Charles Kirk - Center tenant (optometrist) and City resident John Madden - City resident George Marks - City Councilman John Du Rand - School Board representative Mikki Gottwalt - City resident and business person (Gottwalt Rosemary Franzese - City resident Richard Enrooth - City Planning Commission Clarence Ranallo - City Councilman William Zawislak - City resident Al Plaisted - Center tenant (Dairy Queen) Jerry Kelly - Center tenant (Jerry's Toys & Hobies) and City Jim Gahagen - City businessman (St. Anthony National Bank) Jim Haugen - Center tenant (J's Hair Design) Products) resident Absent: Judy Makowske, Jerry Ballot, Hobie Swan, Marland Johnson, Roman Hentges and Mary Cotroneo. Mr. Krier then gave an overview of the study process. Initially, he said, a market analysis is being done by Barb Lukerman, a specialist in that field and in cooperation with Westwood. The data provided by this study should determine what market there is here for housing, retail, office buildings or combinations of any or all of them. Other data is being gathered by Westwood and City staff is the existing sewer, water and land conditions in this area. This information will be provided to the Task Force and if it is determined there is a market for change or revitalization of the area, Westwood would then -2 - provide information on what is possible financially and the kinds of financial tools which may be utilized. Mr. DuRand asked for additional background in regard to how and why this study was being initiated. Mr. Fornell replied that it has been somewhat of an evolutionary process. More informal studies had been conducted in the past and in particular a study was conducted a few years ago by the firm of B.R.W. As part of that study, a questionnaire was sent to many City residents and Center shoppers were also asked to answer the form. The results of the questionnaire indicated dissatisfaction with the Center especially the type and number of stores and the traffic/parking layout. Thereafter, the required City Compre- hensive Plan addressed this area in greater detail and outlined various options of action from doing nothing to complete revitali- zation. Mr. Fornell continued by saying this study is a, logical extension of -the Comprehensive plan analysis with particular emphasis on soliciting input from the Center tenants, landlords and citizenry and to include options and guidelines for implementation for re- vitalization if such is seemed appropriate. However., he again emphasized that no assumptions for change are being made and the conclusion may be to do nothing in this area. Mr. Krier continued outlining his firm's and the Task Force duties. He stated one aspect of the marketing and financial survey being conducted will be to look at the area and the buying power of its residents and retail competition in the area. If, based on this information, the Task Force concludes some change should be made, Mr. Krier would present alternate types of plans outlining what part of the market is wanted or needed, i.e., what type of stores; what type of rehabilitation; or if appropriate, the type and number of housing units possible, needed or desired, The Task Force would review and/or alter this "revitalization plan" and if a consensus is reached, forward it.to the Planning Commission and City Council for their approval. If the process proceeds this far, Mr. Krier would prepare an implementation plan which would include the timing, financing and organization for implementation. Mr. DuRand asked what some of the members opinions of the area were. R. Enrooth stated the Planning Commission has had concern about the area for some time seeing it continually changing - not always for the better - and now the City has an opportunity to provide some direction in the changes. C. Ranallo felt at least a portion of this area is, or close to becoming, blighted and that it, like cancer, will spread if not stopped. J. Haugen, a tenant, agreed with Mr. Ranallo and expressed his • frustration in attempting to deal with the landlord in regard to suggestions and requests for maintenance and improvements. -3 - Mr. Fornell.add'ed that-& problem the City has had dealing with problems.in this area is caused by multiple ownership, that is, one center is managed locally by the Towle Co., through a New York law firm for owners in Europe, and the other is owned by a local individual but which individual is not in the area year-round. Discussion followed on various financial tools available for revitalization. The methods discussed were, Tax Increment Financing (T.I.F.)_; some limited.Community Development Block Grant monies (,C.D.B.G.)_; U.D.A.G..grant monies; Industrial Development Revenue Bonds; and Small.Business Administration loans. Of these, Tax Increment Financing is probably the best revitalization tool and is the most often used. The meeting was recessed at 9:00 P.M. The meeting was reconvened at 9:10 P.M. Discussion followed on the dates and time of.future meetings of the Task Force. It was the consensus of those present that the meetings should be scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the monthandto start at 7:00 P.M. and for the next meeting to be scheduled for February 11th. Mr. Fornell asked that the members give consideration to the appoint- ment of a Chairman for the Task Force. Motion by Mr'. Ranallo and seconded by Mr. Madden to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Ronald O. Berg Administrative Assistant