2009.11.09 EDA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Klein asked about the two accesses that the development team showed into the site. The CD Director stated that MNDOT has stated that they will allow one full access to the area and possibly one right in right out access. Mark Finnemann stated that they can probably live with a right in right out access. Miron stated that TIF money is shown in the financial plan for the project and asked what it would be used for. Mark Finnemann stated that they need to figure that out more, but will most likely be used for public improvements like ponds, parking, and utilities. Miron stated that the City has had these properties for a while now and things are not happening on their own. This area needs a push and this may be the answer. Granger asked what the City has into the properties. The CD Director stated approximately $8 per square foot. Mark Finnemann walked the EDA through the letter of intent. The big item is the demolition of the building to the south of the City owned property. He stated that they really want the plan to move forward. Bever asked if the development team was interested in purchasing the properties to the south of the City owned properties. Mark Finnemann stated that they have contacted the property owners to start a conversation, but it did not work out. They would like to work with the property owners to the south. Denaway asked the development team what they think the next steps are. Mark Finnemann stated that it would be working out a developers agreement and demolition of the building to the south. Granger asked staff what was going on with the Carpenters redevelopment project. The CD Director stated that staff has met with them and they are interested in talking about alternatives. He stated that everything is on the table for them. He stated that the development team is proposing to purchase an acre. Staff will need to evaluate what we will have left and look at the whole area. Mark Finnemann stated that the development team would like to think of the park as a shared investment between the developers and the City. Granger asked about the value of the City owned property again and asked what the City assessor thinks the City could sell it for. The CD Director stated that the City Assessor believes that the City could sell the property for $8 to $9 per square foot. Granger stated that the park is not very important to him because we have more parks in the City now then when the downtown plan was developed and there is Lions Park directly to the west. A park on the Egg Lake will not attract a large amount of people, but will give businesses a good place to eat lunch and a view of the lake. The trail connections are important to the area. Miron stated that staff needs to look at the plan and analyze it. We need to think big picture for the City. Granger stated lets keep this moving and give the development team a direction to go. Miron made a motion, seconded by Klein, to set up a meeting with the owners of Carpenters Restaurant and include Miron, Denaway and Council Member Weidt. He stated we should get the valuations from the County and Frank Langer and get estimates for the demolition of the building to the south of the City owned property.