HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/02/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - Economic Development Authority - RegularIOfSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 16, 2016
1. Call to Order
President Mavity called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.
Commissioners present: President Anne Mavity, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg,
Thom Miller, Susan Sanger, and .lake Spano.
Commissioners absent; None.
Staff present: Executive Director (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Economic
Development Coordinator (Greg Hunt), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. Economic Development Authority Minutes February 1, 2016
It was moved by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Sanger, to approve
the EDA minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of Agenda
It was moved by Commissioner Lindberg, seconded by Commissioner Brausen, to
approve the EDA agenda as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Reports - None
6. Old Business - None
7. New Business
7a. First Amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE.
Resolution No. 16-03
Mr. Hunt presented the terms of the first amendment to the Preliminary Development
Agreement with PLACE. He noted the four properties on Highway 7, and stated the
preliminary development agreement will be extended one year, with no cost implications.
Commissioner Sanger stated she will not support this amendment. She felt it was not a
good project, especially considering the Wooddale traffic problem. She added that 60%
of the 300 apartment units would be affordable units, stating that low income projects can
Economic Development Authority -2- February 16, 2016
lead to problems and for those two reasons, and the fact that the project is very expensive,
she will not support it.
Commissioner Brausen stated he appreciates the work being done on this exciting project
and welcomes the affordable housing piece of this project. He added the project is
inclusive and provides high quality housing. He stated he supports the project.
Commissioner Miller stated he opposed this project and while the ideology is good, the
size of project is too large in a very congested area, with several hundred units. He added
he has concerns about the infrastructure.
Commissioner Lindberg stated he supports the project, noting it is exciting from an
environmental perspective. While he does have some concerns, the timing of the project
allows for addressing these concerns.
Commissioner Spano stated the EDA will not agree to a plan tonight. He added this is an
ambitious project in a very challenging area, noting that if the City is not doing big
things, it won't be remembered for big things, so the EDA should try to accomplish this
project.
President Mavity said to be clear, the EDA is not approving this development tonight, as
there is too much to still consider; however, this will allow for more discussion.
It was noted that the Agreement terminates on February 29, 2016, unless extended.
It was moved by Commissioner Brausen, seconded by Commissioner Hallfin, to waive the
reading and adopt EDA Resolution No. I6-03 approving the First Amendment to the
Preliminary Development Agreement between the St. Louis Park Economic Development
Authority, the City of St. Louis Parr and PLACE.
The motion passed 5-2 (Commissioners Miller and Sanger).
8. Communications
None.
9. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.
I 6 �
Melissa I needy, Secretary Anne Mavity, President