MINUTES EDA 03.20.18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Juba asked Eng to further talk about the project taking place in Oak Park Heights. Eng stated that the City wants to see higher density development in an area that is currently largely comprised of overbuilt parking lots. The City has discussed hanging some land uses to mixed use to allow for a variety of uses. He stated the application describes a high level master plan, specifically looking at the feasibility of roads and utilities. Eng stated that the City has requested a $9,500 grant, while the total project cost is $27,000. UPDATE ON WASHINGTON COUNTY CDA OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM Eng stated that beginning in July, 2017 the Community Development Agency Board (CDA) approved an 18 - month contract with Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) to begin operating the Open to Business Program in Washington County. Open to Business is a resource for small and emerging businesses in Washington County that may need support with business feasibility, planning, financing, licensing, and regulatory issues. Eng stated that the Open to Business program is going very well and 59 businesses have been served, six of which are located in Hugo. Eng stated that Business Advisor, Tyler Hilsabeck, can be reached for further questions and spends one day a week at Hugo City Hall for those looking for more information. Eng invited County Commissioner, Fran Miron, to the podium for any extra words on the programs. Miron stated that he is excited about having these opportunities available to the community. He described that the County Board has embraced Chris Eng's work so far within the County and appreciates him engaging the County Commissioners and the areas they represent. Miron stated that the County Board believes many economic development efforts need to come at a higher, more regional, level which is why the County hired an Economic Development Director and are supporting these programs. Miron explained that the work the County has put into economic development thus far seems to be embraced by the cities within Washington County, especially the smaller cities with a more limited staff. He explained that cities seem to recognize economic development, wherever it occurs in the County, is a positive thing for the County as a whole. Chair Weidt stated that he is happy that these programs are being taken advantage of. Miron also added that the County Board was presented with information from the County's assessment team and he wanted to share some information. Miron stated that so far this year there are 326 residential new starts in Woodbury, who is leading the County. Hugo has 81 new residential starts in 2018. He stated that these numbers translate into continued growth in the County. Miron also stated that home values continue to increase with a 4.45% increase in residential house values in Hugo. Miron added that commercial and industrial values have seen a 3% increase in Hugo; a 10% increase in 5 years. Bryan Bear, City Administrator, stated that the City Council just approved the reimbursement of excess TIF valued at $350,000 for the Bald Eagle Industrial Park project. He stated the County will be receiving some extra revenue from that recent approval. UPDATE ON SHWIETERS DEVELOPMENT EXPANSION Juba described that Schwieters Properties, LLP. submitted a concept plan to receive informal comments from the various Commissions and City Council prior to moving forward with the formal development approval process in December, 2017. She stated that last Tuesday, March 13th, Schwieters submitted an application for a conditional use permit, site plan, and final plat for a campus development. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff provided an update to the EDA on downtown redevelopment.