MINUTES EDA 01.16.24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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the Ordinary High-Water Level (OHWL). The DNR required the plan to be changed to have an average setback from the OHWL of 37.5 feet. Once the plan was changed, the DNR required an additional 30- foot buffer from the OHWL. Ultimately, Mr. Trooien withdrew the project. The EDA reviewed a summary of their 2017 workshop with the Urban Land Institute (ULI), who consult on land and real estate development, providing advice to community leaders. Highlights from the discussion include high-level considerations about economic development that are significant in Hugo and similar communities. Juba says that many of the takeaways from the workshop are still applicable in 2024. Juba provided a review of the development criteria for the property, which included a requirement for a full-service restaurant or event center, a plan that is situated so that customers can take advantage of views of Egg Lake, a phasing plan with all development to be complete within 3 years, adherence to the Downtown Plan and Design Guidelines, and adequate parking. Several options for the future of the property were given. Juba said that the EDA wasn’t expected to make a formal decision at this meeting, and that the path forward may include any number of these options. These options include: • Starting a process of obtaining implementation flexibility on shoreland rules from the DNR • Starting a strong marketing campaign for the property • Hire a commercial real estate broker • Develop a plan for other ways the property can be used in the interim, such as community events or as a recreational space • Survey the community for what it wants to see on this property • Creation of planning documents, such as a market study, a master plan, a review of the Downtown Plan and Design Guidelines, grant applications, further engagements with ULI, etc. • The City could develop the property themselves • Doing something completely different, such as a zoning change to allow housing or other commercial uses, or using the property as a park or other public use The EDA primarily discussed going through the process of receiving implementation flexibility from the DNR on shoreland rules, which is intended to address situations where the rules impede development. The process usually requires the City to have higher standards to offset the flexibility, such as shoreland restoration or enhancement. The City and the DNR area hydrologist must agree on the flexibility and offsetting measures. The process for obtaining this flexibility is lengthy, expected to take roughly one year. Commissioner Arcand asked if this option was offered to Trooien. Juba responded that Staff and Trooien decided to focus on navigating the DNR’s pushback while maintaining the character of the project. Commissioner Chrun asked how far from the DNR’s requirements the project ended up. Juba said that the average setback was 37.5 feet, with some parts of buildings as close as 12 feet. The DNR was requiring everything to be buffered by at least 30 feet. Commissioner Chrun asked if purchasing the existing single-family home property to the north would have given Trooien some more flexibility for site design. Juba said that it probably wouldn’t have,