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02-21-85 agendaHOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Office of Executive Director HRA Letter No. 6 Agenda January 21, 1985 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commissioners City of Richfield Subject: HRA Consideration of a Position Statement on the Moratorium Proposed for the Interstate/Lyndale/ Nicollet (ILN) Study Area Dear Commissioners: This letter requests the HRA related to the future of the ILN been concerned about for several to adopt a position statement area with which the HRA has years. The City Council is now considering a proposed ordinance which would restrict the issuance of building permits to permit the formulation of a redevelopment plan for the area. The HRA was in attendance at the city council meeting when discussion on the first reading of the ordinance on December 17th, 1984 took place. Concern and support from the HRA for formulating a plan for improving the area has been in evidence since 1980. Subsequently in 1982, 1983 1984 and 1985, funds have been allocated to undertake planning activities in the area by staff and consultants. To date, activities of any significance have not been initiated. Events of the last few months suggest that the future welfare of the City will be impaired if some action is not now taken. "Piecemeal development" has occurred and is being contemplated for a number of vacant or underutilized parcels within the proposed study area. If these developments proceed, the problems of blight and incompatible land use will be exacerbated. The unique potential for this are in terms of additional jobs, increased sales and increased tax revenue could be lost for the next generation. During the time the restrictions are in place, permits for remodeling and renovation of buildings (which would not increase the value of property by more than 10~) would be issued. Permits for expansion of buildings or construction of new buildings would not be issued. During one year period, staff and planning consultants would undertake a comprehensive study of the area. Elements to be evaluated would include traffic, parking, building conditions, present and future land use and financial considerations. -2- The 198~- and 1985 HRA Capital budget includes an allocation of $25,000 and $55,000 respectively, or a total of $80,000 for consultantc~msrehensivenplan.ILN.HRAhstaffuisscuorrently used to prepare a p developing a process to undertake a study. Because of the concern of the HRA for this area, it is recommended that the HRA adopt the attached position paper. Respectf ly submitted, John G. Ca tw ght Executive Director JCG/eja ILN POSITION STATEMENT HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY January 21, 1985 1. 2. The HRA endorses the concept of placing restrictions on the issuance of building permits to provide an opportunity for the formulation of a long range plan for the ILN study area. The plan is necessary to deal with the problems existing in the area and to allow for the realization of future opportunities. Problems presently existing in the area in- clude undeveloped and underdeveloped parcels which can only be developed to their optimum with improved access and traffic patterns. Buildings in the area are aging and appear to be deteriorating and present a poor visual image. Loading and unloading areas are poorly located. Parking is insufficient.. Conflicts exist between the residential area and the commercial area. The purpose of the HRA is to formulate and implement strategies designed to maintain andl~mW~uld thus be physical envrianment of the city. appropriate for the HRA to assume a lead role during this planning period. However, it is important to recognize that the Plannning Commision and City Council also have a role in the planning process. While the HRA would assume the lead position, it would also work closely with these other organizations. 3. The funds appropriated by the HRA for a study in this area will be made available. ~}. The HRA endorses the concept of a committee of citizens appointed by the City Council to serve as a voice foreriod. planning area and the community during the planning p 5. The HRA will designate a board member to be the official liaison to the citizens' committee. The Executive Director is requested to make the position of the HRA known to thedP~Onformulatelaslongarangeeplanyfooruthel as they discuss the nee area.