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08-15-83 agendaHOL?SI.NG AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Office of Executive Director HRA Letter No. 25 Agenda August 15, 1983 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commissioners City of Rchffield -- Dear Commissioners: Subject: Proposed Vo-Tech Rehabilitation Project Within the Area Bounded by Rae Drive, 66th Street and Coach Homes The HRA and the City Council have recently been studying the Rae Drive and 66th Street area, and the HRA is now evaluating al- ternatives that might be undertaken to retain the residential character of this area. The City Council is evaluating the prop- osed rezoning of the property at 910 West 66th Street to accommodate a dental office (see attached map). At the July 25, 1983 city council meeting, the second reading for an ordinance would have rezoned the property at 910 West 66th Street from a residential to a limited business use. However, this action was deferred until August 22, 1983. Consequently, the council desires the HRA to hasten planning of the proposed Vo-Tech 66th Street development particularly since one. plan suggests the need for access to 920 and 1016 West 66th Street via a 165 foot easement across the dentist's property. In response, the staff has had conceptual site plans developed that suggest one site layout utilizing an easement and one which does not. Copies of these site plans are attached to this HRA letter. An architectural firm developed seven different alternatives and narrowed consideration to the two provided in this letter. This letter discusses the merits and potential problems with each plan, updates the Commissioners on progress in developing the next Vo- Tech project, and makes certain recommendations that can be for- warded to the City Council. In developing conceptual site plans for the combined area of 920 and 1016 West 66th Street, two significant issues were evaluated: site access-and off-street parking.. Other issues that require consideration include: the unique geography of the site (a five to ten foot elevation above the established roadway); the need for visual buffering from adjacent residential or proposed business uses; traffic circulation (within and outside the site), compatibility with existing or proposed uses; .and the economical redevelopment of the site, :(extensive earthwork or site access provisions would be cost prohibitive). To simplify the study, some assumptions were made: each unit of each duplex would have HRA Letter No. 25 -2- August 15, 1.9.83 approximately 1,000 square feet of space on the main level. A single garage space-and°an additional single uncovered space would be provided as required by the zoning ordinance for parking. The building."footprints" would be a standard dimension, although the actual dimensions will vary from structure to structure as the project proceeds. Each ownership unit would probably have two to three bedrooms. A discussion of the two site plans follows. PLAN A Flan "A" provides access into the site from 66th Street, orients the front of-each duplex toward 66th Street and the off-street parking areas, and does not require an easement from the property at 910 West 66th Street. Some of the merits of the plan include: -site access from the most westerly portion where the grade is lower and a space in the median permits access to east and west bound lanes of 66th Street; -off-street parking of three spaces per.. unit for residents and guests. The zoning ordinance requires a minimum of two; -a front yard (66th Street) and rear yard (rear lot line) orientation which clearly indicates to those entering the the site where parking and unit front. doors are. located; -private yard spaces in the rear, approximately 25' x 35' per family unit; -on-site traffic circulation away from rear lot line and neighboring single family residential property; -adequate space for entering, turning around and exiting; -more functional green-space for individual owners and less paved areas; -dwelling units that appear to meet setback and lot size requirements for duplexes, although one unit is shifted to an east/west orientation to better utilize yard and parking areas; -setback of a majority of the units from the street to reduce the impact of traffic noise; -a reduction in site development costs because of the re- duced amount of paving and earthwork needed to accomplish this project. Some potential problems might be: -the concentration of traffic that will result near the intersection of Lynwood Boulevard, 66th Street, and a `OOach Homesoff-street parking area; FiRA Letter No. 25 -3- August 15, 1983 -developing a suitable arrangement among the new home- - owners for maintaining the off-street parking; and A "common areas" of the site. PLAN B Plan "B" provides access onto the site from 66th Street and Rae Drive, orients the front of each duplex toward 66th Street, provides off-street parking, and requires an easement from-the property at 910 West 66th Street. .Some of the merits of the plan include: -a more standard frontyard setback arrangement, although closer to the street, for each duplex unit; -a site layout-.with large front yards and an "alley-like" service to the rear for parking; -off-street parking of three spaces per unit for residents and guests; -alternative site access from the south (as in Plan A) and to the east. Some potential problems might be: -having to secure an easement and create some sort of public alley or private-drive across the rear of 910 West 66th Street and around the perimeter of 920 and 1016 West 66th Street; -the front yard (66th Street) and rear yard (rear lot line) seems to introduce a confusing orientation for those enter- ing the site since parking is at the rear, but front doors exist along 66th Street. Visitors might not know where to park without special signage; -no quiet private yard speces for residents since the only large green area fronts on 66th Street; -concentration of.traffic circulation to the rear lot line and neighboring residential property where none has pre- viously existed. Providing effective screening at the rear of the property would be an additional expense and require routine. maintenance; -requiring a larger amount of paved area to provide access and parking; -conflicting traffic circulation at 66th Street (as discussed previously) and some additional conflict with potential dentist office parking and the use of the easement .drive by other than duplex residents; HRA Letter No. 25 -4- August 15, 19.83 -traffic noise since all resident units would be closer to 66th Street; -developing a suitable arrangement among the new homeowners for maintaining the off-street parking and "common areas" of the site (or with the city for maintaining the."alley" type drive)., The result of the staff review of the merits and potential prob- lems suggest .the recommendation that Plan "A" is tYie best alterna- tive. Plan A produces marketable units and provides a suitable al- ternative to site development without relying on an easement from 910 West 66th Street to ensure project success. It should be kept in, mind, however, that Plan A is still a "concept" to be used as a guideline in final plan development. This recommendation, if suitable to the HRA, will be forwarded to the City Council and be available as they deliberate the zoning issue concerning 910 west 66th Street. If the Council determines that rezoning of .that prop- erty is appropriate, the HRA should recommend-that effective and aesthetically pleasing continuous screening be required on the western lot line of the property at 910 West 66th Street to ensure privacy for the proposed residential-structures. In addition to conceptual site plan development, other. events have occurred and are discussed here to update the HRA: -On July. 26, 1983, the planning commission determined that acquisition of 920 and 1016 West 66th Street would serve a public purpose and that the property acquisition, duplex .development, and property disposition were in conformance with the city's. adopted comprehensive plan (Resolution No. 48, copy of which is attached). -On July 19, 1983, the-city received preliminary approval for securing $59,60.0 in CDBG funds to be utilized for the proposed duplex development (Council D?emorandum No. 113 attached, discusses this funding). Those funds, in addition to other CDBG funds already programmed, were needed to acquire and prepare the site for development. The Hennepin County Board will .consider this allocation at their meeting at the end of August. -Negotiations for the acquisition of 920 and 1016 West 66th Street are proceeding. The future of 901-03 Rae Drive was also discussed when the planning commission considered the proposed project. The commission suggested that the HRA look at the acquisition of the property be- cause of-its declining condition. More recently, Richfield resi- dents have contacted the city staff with their concerns. Residents have indicated their concern that 901-03 Rae Drive would "suffer the same fate" as 910 West 66th Street should the council approve the rezon-ing. It is readily apparent that the acquisition, rehab- ilitation, and disposition of two units at~901-03 Rae Drive, as ownership housing, would be a stabilizing influence for the property. HRA Letter No. 25 -5- August 15, 1983 However, it appears. no funding for acquisition is available for at least one year. To rehabilitate this site economically, the Vo-Tech students could be utilized. However, .they would already be committed. to three years' worth of projects on 66th Street. As an immediate alternative, and to perhaps assist in preventing further decline, the city staff can recommend various home im- provement finance mechanisms to the property owner. As a result of this discussion, it is recommended that: 1. The staff continue to proceed with the development of the Vo-Tech project .based on "Plan A" as a guide- line 2. The Acting Executive Director transmit the following information to the City Council: A. No easement would be required across Q10 West 66th Street; B. If rezoning occurs, a condition of the rezoning would be the appropriate screening of the westerly boundary of 910 West 66th Street for adjacent residential development. 3. The staff will transit information to the property owner of 901-03-Rae Drive about methods. to stabilize the dwelling condition and information regarding financing of .improvements. Respectfully submitted, ~- ~ ~ 1 Thomas A. b?organ, fir. ~ Acting Executive Director cc: Community Development Director City Planner Housing and Redevelopment Coordinator TAM/eja HRA RESOLUTION N0. RECOMMENDATION RELATING TO DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE AREA BOUNDED BY 66TH STREET, RAE DRTVE, AND-COACH HOMES WHEREAS, the Housing and .Redevelopment Authority of Richfield, Minnesota.{HRA) has been evaluating the develop- ment of housing within the area bounded by 66th Street, Rae Drive, and the Coach-Homes development; and WHEREAS, simultaneously, the City of Richfield has been evaluating the rezoning of a:.resideritial parcel (910 West 66th Street) within this area; .and WHEREAS, .the HRA has developed conceptual.plans for rehabilitating and stabilizing'-the housing at 920 and 1016 West 66th Street and thereby retaining the residential character of the area; and WHEREAS, the availability of funding affects the scope of housing redevelopment that can .occur. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Richfield,- Minnesota: 1) that .conceptual Plan "A", included as an attachment to HRA No.. , will be-used as a guideline-for the final site plan development of .the next Vo-Tech project, 2) If reaoning of the parcel :at-910 West 66th Street is permitted, it is recommended that: - an easement is not required for access to the HRA site. - effective, aesthetic, solid continuous screening be provided and maintained near the western lot line, 3) Staff-assist adjacent residential property-owners by providing information on .property improvement financing. Passed by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Richfield this 15th day of August, 1983. Thomas E. Harms, Chairman Joan Helmberger, Secretary. VO-TECH DEVELOPPdENT- ~~~ 66TH STREET r^t.=32,690 = 3/4 acre sT~~ ET o ` .. m z jai .. ~, oZ cp z t ~, ~ o Q g ~ l-- w ~ d- =~; ' ~ W a Z O z ~ ~ _'' w n > o • X 4 . W~ ~ w ~ 0 w w H _ °r`- w U L n W ¢ .oso, ~~ oc `'~~ . to N • N 2L r 1 'P W M z ~ o ~ •°~ V -., r ~ w t-' LL. i = • ~ g O U • ~ °j ~ ~ a s9`£ .bz R __ ~ . o P~ _ n ~ ~~~ N ~ ~¢Q3 r a ~~~~ ~ ~~ ~ w ~ ti ~ ~}_W ti °-m< 0 n ~ ~ Z ~~~~ 4 ~o J ¢a~ ~ a- m~~ w ~~~~~a~ .~ - ~- ~~~ ~ ' J v ~a w ~ Q ~j a Z ~' N. ~ m O f" w ra- 52 ~- O -~ O Ow F- . ~ w m z Z ~ r Q ~ FW_- w O U ~ = W~ (~ w s ~ ~ 4 mw i z ~ ~ Z G ~_ .~£ u! ( 3 Z ~ J V ~ _ N. ~ ~ O ~ ~ ~?~ i ~. a ~ ,~ w ~w ~ .(~ '~ s a . ' ~ ~~ ~~ ~~~ ~ ~~ 0 N O O W _H o~ d W U Z O o < .. ~, Z ~" z m ~ < £ o ~ 9 I- Q Z ~" W ~ ~ w d. Z O Z J ~ W W J w ~ ~ F- _ W U W °C t- _. F- t0 Q ~ ~ _ _ U ° W w ~ ~ O ~ > ~ ~~~3 J ~~~~ W ~ ~ ~YN<W ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~3~/ U~ ~ p Z ~~~~~~~ w H ~~ U '~ Z N 2 m J Q O J F N W (~ Z H U o~ ~ ~ wo ~ = wh W W ~ aU D Q mw RESOLUTION N0.48 RESOLUTION FINDING THAT THE ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the Planning. Commission has reviewed ,the acquisition and disposition of properties at 920 and 1016 West 66th Street, and described as follows: 1. Lot 1 Rae Addition 2. Lot 8_Rae Addition 3. Commencing at a point the east and west quarter section line distant 410 feet west from the east corner of Section 28 thence south at right angles to said east and west quarter section line 74.6 feet to a point in the original military reservation line which is 83.5 feet southeasterly measured along said reservation line from the east and west quarter section line thence south 79 degrees 38 minutes west 140.14 feet thence south 7 degrees 10 minutes west 115.44 feet thence north 71 degrees 32 minutes west 405.09 feet to a point of beginning thence continuing north 71 degrees 32 minutes west 140.53 feet thence north 13 degrees east a distance of 165.9 feet thence south 83 degrees 50 minutes east 140.9 feet thence south 13 degrees west 196.1 to point of beginning except road. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has found that the acquisition and disposition of the property would serve a public purpose; and . WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has found that the acquisition and disposition of-the property would be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission finds the acquisition and disposition of the above described property for two-family residential use to be in conformance with the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan. Passed by the Planning Commission of the City of Richfield this day of ATTEST: Mark Ahlquist, Chairman Richfield Planning Commission Maggie McDermott HOUSING .AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Office of Executive Director HRA Letter. No. 24 Agenda August 15, 1983 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commissioners City of Richfield Council Members: Subject: Public Hearing Regarding the Sale of Property at 6822 Queer Avenue In October, 1982, the HRA authorized a contract with South Hennepin Vocational Technical Center (Vo-Tech) to substantially rehabilitate a structure at 6822. Queen Avenue. Project details included demolition of the "garage" house at this site and re- location of a structure from 6640 Grand Avenue to 6822 Queen Avenue. The rehabilitation work, which created a "super-insulated." house, is completed and the house is ready to be sold. The $48,000 contract with Vo-Tech will be paid from the proceeds of the sale. ~ ~. In order that the structure be sold and the contract paid in a timely manner, it is appropriate for the HRA to authorize the sale of the property to a moderate income family. However, before a purchase agreement can be effective, the HRA must hold a public hearing on the disposition of this property. A public hear= ing has, therefore, been scheduled for the August 15, 1983 HRA meeting. The planning commission has found the disposition of this property to be in conformance with the city's comprehensive plan. Previous Vo-Tech rehabilitation projects have been financed by_the FHA Section 235 low interest mortgage program. Because of budget cuts in federal programs, the Section 235 program is no longer available. Financing for this project will be provided by a standard FHA 203B mortgage at an interest rate to be determined at the time of closing. This type of mortgage is frequently util- ized by first time home buyers, since the program permits lower down payments. The present interest rate is approximately 13 1/2 percent with the HRA. paying a maximum of six points. An alterna- tive mortgage program is available from the I~~innesota Housing Finance Agency (MH'FA) in mid-August. The program offers an in- terest rate of 10 1/4 percent with the HRA paying a maximum of 3 1/2 points. The MHFA mortgage is more attractive, but compet- ition for commitments is strong. The MHFA financing would make the property at 6822 Queen more affordable for a moderate income family. HRA Letter ~To. 24 -2- August 15, 1983 The selection process to determine a purchaser began in April, 1983. The selection criteria required the applicants to: -have a five to eight member family to best utilize-the four bedroom home; -have an annual income between $19,000 and $27,200, de- pending upon family size (this was 80% of the metro area- wide median income--a Section 8 level income); -pay the initial sale price of $55,000 with $5,000 required as a down payment; -be subject to a second lien by the HRA for the difference between the sale price and the actual value.. (This lien is discussed in detail later in this letter); -be a first time home buyer or not have owned a home within the past three years. Advertisements for qualified purchasers were published in the Richfield Sun, A?inneapolis Star and Tribune, and the Richfield Exchange publications. Four applications were received and pre- liminarily evaluated. One of the applicants was qualified. The other three had either owned homes less than three years ago, did not have a large enough immediate family, or had a questionable ability to assume a significant mortgage debt. The six. member qualifying family, presently renting in Richfield, is currently being evaluated for eligibility for an FHA 203B mortgage. Data. privacy requirements prevent a release of information that might identify the family. In order to receive the firm commitment for financing, a purchase agreement must be executed and authorized by the HRA before the family can be determined eligible by FHA. The purchase agreement is void and earnest money released in the event author- ization is not received. The purchase agreement also discusses the HRA second lien placed on the property. After the $50,000 first lien mortgage to the lender and the $5,000 downpayment, the purchaser is responsi- ble for paying an additional $22,500 to the HRA. This amount is the difference between the $55,000 sales price and the $77,500 FHA estimated value of the property. This amount accrues no in- terest and would not-have to be paid by the purchaser until the house is sold at some future time. Since project costs were covered within the initial $55,000 sales price, none of the $22,500 is needed now. This type of lien has also helped keep the initial purchase price affordable to moderate. income families in previous Vo-Tech projects. A new element of the purchase agreement permits the HRA to monitor energy expenditures during the first two years. This should demonstrate whether the estimate of $150 to $200 per year for heating costs was accurate. HRA Letter No. 24 -3- August 15, 1983 It is not known at this time if the applicant is def inately the qualified purchaser. FHA or MHFA will. make that determina- tion once a loan package and purchase agreement are received. However, because the lender has found them acceptable, FHA or MHFA will likely find them acceptable also. It is, therefore, recommended that the HRA adopt the attached resolution authorizing the disposition of property at 6'822 Queen Avenue and permitting the Acting Executive Director to effectuate the sale of the property. Respectfully submitted. r Thomas A. Morgan, Jr: Acting Executive Director TAM/eja cc: .Community Development Director Housing and Redevelopment Coordinator HRA RESOLUTION NO. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OF PROPERTY AT 6822 QUEEN AVENUE SOUTH WHEREAS. the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Richfield., Minnesota (hereinafter referred to as the HRA) owns certain real property located at 6822 Queen Avenue South, said property legally described as follows: Lot 6, Block_2 Tingdale Bros. Lincoln Hills Third Addition Hennepin County; and., WHEREAS, the. property was acquired by the HRA so that the South Hennepin Vocational Technical Center (Vo-Tech) could relocate and rehabilitate a.house on the site and-the HRA could subsequently-.sell the home to a moderate income family; and WHEREAS, the rehabilitation-work is completed and dispo- sition of the property would allow for the timely payment of the Vo-Tech.:contract; and WHEREAS, as the result of advertising, and in cooperation with the lender, a qualified purchaser for 6822 Queen Avenue South. has. been selected.. and it is likely that ,they will be found eligible by FHA .or MHFA; and WHEREAS, a purchase agreement must be authorized by the HRA; and WHEREAS, the conditions of sale include a sale price of $55,000, a mortgage amount of $50,000, and provisions for a second mortgage by-the HRA; and WHEREAS, the purchaser will also be subject to any require- ments imposed by FHA or MHFA; and WHEREAS, the HRA has completed a public hearing on the proposed disposition of 6822 Queen Avenue South. NOW,. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSING-AND REDEVEL- OPMENT AUTHORITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA: 1) that the property located at 6822 Queen Avenue South can be sold in accordance with the conditions of sale; and 2) that the Acting :Executive Director and-staff are authorized to take such steps necessary to effectuate this resolution..-and .any sales agreement. Passed by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Richfield this 15th day of August, 1983. Thomas E. Harms, Chairman Joan Helmberger, Secretary HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AITTHORITY CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Office of Executive Director HRA Letter No. 23 Council Letter No. 280 Agenda August 15, 1983 The Honorable Mayor Housing and Redevelopment and Authority Commissioners. Members of .the City Council City of Richfield City of Richf field Council Members and Commissioners: Subject: Presentation of Preliminary Concept for Redevelopment of Graham Avenue Area, L/H/N In March, 1979, the HRA and the City Council adopted several plan modifications to the L/H/N project. .One of these modifica- tions called for the renovation of the two existing structures at 6630 Lyndale Avenue (Trestman Music Building) and 6700 Lyndale Avenue (Big Wheel Auto Building), the vacation of Graham Avenue, and-the construction of additional commercial space in the vacated right-of-way. All three structures would have an integrated facade and the three parcels owned by the HRA at the rear of Big Wheel Auto would be sold and utilized for parking. At the August 15, 1983 HRA/City Council meeting, Mr. Jerry Trestman and Mr. Richard Enrico will make a presentation of a preliminary concept for the area. Concept Mr. Enrico, who presently operates Scarpelli's Restaurant in Minneapolis, would be a tenant of Mr. Trestman's and would oper- ate a restaurant with a hockey theme. In addition to serving food, he feels a need to be licensed to serve alcoholic beverages including liquor, in order to be successful. The proposed restaurant would occupy a new structure of 6,000 to 7,000 square feet to be constructed within the vacated Graham Avenue right-of-way. Other appropriate retail uses would occupy the remaining space in the development. -The land to the rear would be utilized for parking, with Circle Place and the alley adjacent to the Big Wheel prop- erty being utilized for access. The. facades of the three structures would be renovated and architectually integrated. The feasibility of this concept has not yet been fully determined, however, it does meet the objectives which have been identified for this loca- tion. A restaurant appears to be appropriate for this location. However, a restaurant without. a liquor license would be unable to -2- pay rent at a level. which would support new construction. It would be necessary to relocate Big Wheel and the other tenants in the 6700 Lyndale property. Typically, auto parts stores pay rent at a level which is less than is needed to support new construction and renovation. Also, people who shop for auto parts tend to make single purpose trips. That is, they purchase an auto part and do not shop at other stores. Actions Necessary The-HRA and the City Council would be responsible for the following activities: The HRA would acquire the Big Wheel prop- erty, relocate the occupants and sell the. property to Mr. Trestman. The purchase price and resale price to Mr. Trestman are not yet known., Tre three HRA owned parcels would be sold to be utilized for parking. The City Council would be requested to issue a liquor license and possibly provide tax exempt financing (although only a limited amount of the proceeds could be utilized for the restaurant portion). The 6700 Lyndale property was sold in late 1981 to Triple S. Investments.. Triple S is owned by some of the same people who own the Big Wheel Auto Stores. Recently,-Big. Wheel Auto bought out the Star Auto business and installed new store fixtures. Some building renovation also took place with the installation of a new furnace and repairs to the brick at the front of the prop- erty. Mr. Shaller, who is a partner in Triple S and president of Big Wheel Auto, recently indicated that for a "fair" price he may be agreeable to selling his property. However, he was con- cerned about a location for Big Wheel Auto as 6700 Lyndale seems to be a very good location. -The city staff and the potential developer and tenant are now seeking an indication from the HRA and the City Council as to wY:ether or not this development concept is appropriate for the area. If it is .thought to be appropriate, the staff will begin to pursue the issues which must be addressed and return to the HRA and the City Council at the appropriate time for further action. Respectfully submitted, 1 /'`d1~• ~j Thomas A. Morgan,`Jr~ Acting City Manager/H Executive Director cc: Community Development Director Housing and Redevelopment Coordinator TAM/eja _.. _ _ . ..~.... _ a s -,~ .~ ~. ..v~~-~~ ~~~~~~od