05-27-08 Worksession CC/HRA/PC
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL/HOUSING AND
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY/PLANNING COMMISSION
WORKSESSION MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession of City
Council/HRA/Planning Commission
May 27, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Members
Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Susan Rosenberg; Fred Wroge; and Bill Kilian.
Council Members
Absent: Sue Sandahl.
HRA Members
Present: Joan Helmberger.
HRA Members
Absent: Sue Sandahl Chair; Martin Kirsch; Doris Rubenstein; and David Gepner
Planning Commission
Members Present: Gordon Hanson, Chair; Catherine Peloquin; Greg Van Sickle; Jeffrey Karr;
and Rick Jabs.
Staff Present: Steven L. Devich, City Manager; John Stark, Interim Community
Development Director; Karen Barton, Community Development Manager;
Corrine Heine, City Attorney; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording Secretary.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- May 27, 2008
Item #1 DISCUSSION REGARDING PENN CROSSING REVITALIZATION STUDY
Community Development Manager Barton introduced Bruce Chamberlain and Brian
Hjortas, Hoisington, Koegler Group, who are the consultants preparing the draft initial master plan
on the Penn Crossing Revitalization Study.
Mr. Chamberlain discussed the proposed revitalization area – Crosstown to 68th Street on
Penn Avenue. The study’s goal is to identify a vision and consider it as revitalization not
redevelopment to include the private and public investments in the area.
Mr. Chamberlain talked about the feedback received from the public workshop including
streetscape, amenities, gathering places, structured parking to intensify development and bike and
transit components. There is an open house scheduled for June 11, 2008 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Mr. Hjortas discussed the existing conditions and proposed ideal cross section with an
approximate 106-foot right-of-way. Two areas of focus are around the Crosstown/Penn Avenue
area and 66th Street/Penn Avenue with decreasing commercial square footage and increasing
residential units.
Mr. Chamberlain stated the concept is to focus on areas anticipated to be changed sooner
rather than later. A market study indicated the current Penn Corridor is strong but commercially
overbuilt.
Mayor Goettel asked about the right-of-way being limited more on the east than west.
Mr. Hjortas responded that access management is critical.
Mayor Goettel stated she thought the Park-and-Ride at Crosstown/Penn Avenue was a
great idea but housing would be lost.
Mr. Chamberlain explained the overall concept has increased housing.
Council Member Wroge questioned businesses being lost.
Mr. Chamberlain responded that the concept is trying to respond to interest in the Corridor
and that current retailers state they do not have enough space.
Council Member Wroge asked what businesses were on PCNAC.
Mr. Chamberlain stated some of the businesses include Fireside Pizza, Homestead Pickin’
Parlor, Lund’s, Value Village, Sign by Design – two-thirds business and one-third residential are on
the committee.
Council Member Kilian said the Park-and-Ride is a commitment and would seem to be
attractive for some type of housing.
Mr. Chamberlain added it could be a catalyst for redevelopment.
Council Member Wroge asked about the impact on the businesses on eastside of Penn
Avenue.
Special Worksession Minutes -3- May 27, 2008
Mr. Chamberlain explained that Hennepin County should anticipate the median as part of a
new design for Penn Avenue. Comfortable., enhanced pedestrian zones are included as well as
on-street parking.
Interim Community Development Director Stark suggested to finalize a vision there should
be a partnership with the consultants, public sector, and existing and new business tenants and
owners. No implementation piece is in place yet but an update on progress could be provided.
Council Member Wroge expressed his concern that now everyone on Penn Avenue is `on
notice'.
Interim Community Development Director Stark responded that implementation strategies
limit concern and most in the area know. something needs to change.
Mr. Chamberlain added that some current businesses are looking for a way up on Penn
Avenue so they don't leave.
Mayor Goettel said it would be good to hear from the businesses.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanii
Date Approved: June 10, 2008
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Cheryl Krumholz '-~J-
Recording Secretary
City Manager