MINUTES EDA 11.21.23 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Commissioner Puleo asks what the existing right-of-way width is near his business at 16155 Forest Boulevard North. Bear estimates that the current highway right-of-way at that location is 110 feet wide. Juba stated that there is more to come on the study, but that the two decisions made by the Metropolitan Council and Washington County Board are big steps. Bear points out that the unified corridor approach will greatly reduce the need to acquire right-of-way from existing properties, some of which would include demolishing buildings. The EDA will continue to be given updates as the study progresses. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Juba gave an update on the status of the Downtown Hugo project being developed by Denny Trooien. Trooien revised the plan to calculate the average setback of the buildings from the ordinary high- water level (OHWL) of Egg Lake as requested by the DNR. After several weeks the DNR responded stating that the calculation was not satisfactory, and added an additional 30-foot minimum setback from the OHWL. Juba stated that Trooien also had been in conversation with a restauranteur who was interested in adding an event center to the second floor of a restaurant. Juba stated that the change to an event center would require additional adjustments to the plan, such as a circulated drop-off and additional parking considerations. Staff will have a meeting with Mr. Trooien and the DNR to address the conflicting directions the DNR has given. Juba stated that Trooien’s purchase agreement will be expiring at the end of this year, and that he will likely be asking for an extension. Prior to recommending an extension, Staff will have a meeting with Trooien to determine any adjustments that need to be made for a possible event center. President Weidt asks how long the plan has been delayed by the DNR. Juba responds that it has been over a year. Commissioner Klein asks if the EDA can see the written corresp ondence from the DNR detailing the changes they are requiring, as well as which representatives of the DNR are making the decisions. Commissioner Chrun asks if the same people are making these decisions each time. Bear responds that Staff has been in correspondence with the correct people, and that the supervisor of the unit responsible may be asked to come in for a future meeting. Commissioner Puleo asks if the City has large capital improvement needs that could be met with this property if Trooien’s plan does not come to fruition. Juba responds that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan allows for an additional fire hall, but that this property may not be the right place geographically. Juba stated that the Parks Commission had discussed a park use on this property in the past, but moved away from it to focus on redeveloping Lions Park. Juba stated that continuing efforts to make Mr. Trooien’s plan work is in the city’s best interest, as the DNR’s standpoint is not from an ecological or scientific basis. Commissioner Puleo said he feels that Staff should consider alternative uses for the site, particularly for municipal facilities. Juba replied that two restaurants were approved on the property previously that the DNR had approved, and that there are still possibilities for some version of T rooien’s plan to work.