11-10-08 HRA Minutes (2)
SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
November 10, 2008
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority of the City of Golden Valley, Hennepin County, Minnesota, was
held at 7800 Golden Valley Road in said City on November 10, 2008, at 6:30 pm, in the
City Council Chambers.
The following members were present: Chair Paula Pentel and Commissioners Mike
Freiberg, Linda Loomis, DeDe Scanlon and Robert Shaffer. Also present were HRA
Director Thomas Burt, HRA Attorney Alan Barnard, Assistant HRA Director Jeanne Andre,
Finance Director Sue Virnig and Administrative Assistant Christine Columbus.
Approval of the Minutes
MOVED by Loomis, seconded by Scanlon, and motion carried to approve the minutes of
the October 14, 2008 regular HRA meeting.
Public Hearina on Redevelopment Plan for Doualas Drive Corridor Redevelopment
Proiect Area
Assistant Director Andre displayed a map of the proposed redevelopment area and stated
that the area outlined was consistent with the goals and the objectives outlined in the Plan.
The study of the Douglas Drive corridor identified roadways, particularly where there were
no sidewalks, as a priority and the proposed senior housing would meet the criteria for
redevelopment. The process for redevelopment starts with a public hearing at the Housing
Redevelopment Authority, and if a Plan is approved by the HRA the next step would be to
present it to the Planning Commission for review and then final consideration by the City
Council following another public in January of 2009.
Andre stated that at this the time the tax increment would not be established because
components were not ready, but staff recommends proceeding with consideration of the
Redevelopment Plan. HRA Director Burt, reported that since the developer has not secured
all the land need for the redevelopment, he recommends that no action be taken at this
time.
Commissioner Freiberg, questioned the following statement in the plan, "The land in the
Redevelopment Project would not be made available for development without the financial
aid to be sought since private developers could not economically develop the
Redevelopment Project without the proposed redevelopment activities."
City Attorney Barnard explained that the wording is generic and only meant to allow
development to go forward, he used downtown Minneapolis and Golden Valley shopping
center as examples of areas in a redevelopment district.
Special Meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
November 10, 2008
Page 2
Chair Pentel motioned that the meeting was now open for the Public Hearing and that
anyone wishing to speak could approach the podium. Seeing and hearing no one Chair
Pentel closed the Public Hearing.
Resolution 08-03 regarding Resolution for Adopting the Redevelopment Plan for
Douglas Drive Corridor Redevelopment Project Area
Discussion ensued about changing Map A to include all of the Douglas Drive right-of-way
adjacent to areas A-1, A-2, and A-3, and right-of-way at Duluth Street and adding text to
the Plan outlining the map changes. Commissioner Shaffer introduced the following
resolution, including the proposed amendments these amendments and moved its
adoption:
RESOLUTION 08-3
RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR DOUGLAS DRIVE
CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
The motion for the foregoing resolution was seconded by Commissioner Freiberg, and
upon a roll call vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Freiberg,
Loomis, Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer; the following voted against the same: none;
whereupon said resolution was adopted, signed by the Chair and her signature attested by
the Director.
Commissioner Shaffer pointed out the Advisory Board for the Douglas Drive corridor will
help identify improvements, like sidewalks, which should be constructed. Shaffer stated that
public participation was invited during the study process including brain storming sessions
and small group meetings with consultants. The feedback from the workshops was positive.
Joint Public Hearing on Establishment of Tax Increment Financing Plan (Douglas
Drive District No.1) and Private Redevelopment Agreement (United Properties
Residential L.L.C.)
Assistant Director Andre stated that the area of the proposed district includes the right-of-
way on Golden Valley Road, the seven private development parcels and the adjacent
railroad right-of-way.
Director Burt stated at this time the HRA will be taking no action on the proposed TIF Plan
or Development agreement and the notice of public hearing will be re-noticed if an
agreement is negotiated. The Commissioners agreed to take testimony from those present
for the noticed hearing. Chair Pentel motioned that the meeting was now open for Public
Hearing.
Marguerite Harbison approached the podium and wanted to know if the area between
Douglas Drive and Golden Valley Road had been rezoned to R-4.
Burt stated that the zoning is reviewed by the Planning Commission, which will look at the
height requirements.
Special Meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
November 10, 2008
Page 3
A prior resident, John Paulson, spoke about living in Golden Valley and being a builder
since 1947. He was opposed to tax increment financing.
Burt stated that the tax increment would be a two million dollar write down on the land that
would be paid for over twenty-five years and the advantage would be that the tax increment
financing would keep the cost of senior housing units affordable.
Resident Carol Harbison questioned the purpose of tax increment financing and felt the
purpose was for public redevelopment such as parks.
Pentel stated that tax increment generated above and beyond the redevelopment can be
used for public improvements.
Barnard stated that the Golden Valley shopping center is an example of a tax increment
district that benefited the public.
Harbison questioned how United Properties proposal could be considered to benefit the
public.
Burt explained that the tax increment keeps the housing affordable for a longer time for
senior co-op units.
Pentel seeing and hearing no one else wishing to comment closed the Public Hearing.
Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 pm.
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Paula Pentel, Chair
ATTEST:
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Christine Columbus, Administrative Assistant
nne Andre, Assistant HRA Director