09-24 Concurrent CC, HRA, and PC Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Concurrent City Council, Housing
Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission Work Session
September 24, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 5:45 p.m. in the Bartholomew
Room.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
Council Members Edwina Garcia
Absent:
HRA Commission
Members Present: Mary Supple, Chair; Pat Elliott; Maria Regan Gonzalez; Sue Sandahl; and Erin
Vrieze Daniels.
Planning Commission
Members Present: Kathryn Quam; Susan Rosenberg; Sean Hayford Oleary; and James Rudolph.
Planning Commission
Members Absent: Allysen Hoberg Chair;Bryan Pynn; and Peter Lavin.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Neil Ruhland, Communication and Engagement
Manager; Mary Tietjen, City Attorney; MelissaPoehlman, Asst. Community
Development Director; and Blanca Martinez Gavina, Executive Analyst.
Others Present: Brian Bochman, Austin Morris and Adam Guy from Enclave Development
Item #1 PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATION OF A REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR
PROPERTIES AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF 65TH STREET AND
LYNDALE AVENUE (6439 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH, 6437 LYNDALE AVENUE
SOUTH, AND 415 - 64 1/2 STREET)
Asst. Community Development Poehlman introduced Brian Bochman, Austin Morris and Adam
Guy from Enclave Development.
Austin Morris reviewed the plans for development for multi-family and human centric spaces
that provide a community focused experience.
Commissioner Elliot expressed that the timing is impeccable for this project. He talked about
the historical context of some developments like Lyndale Plaza and stated that he was excited about
the possibilities of upgrading existing affordable housing.
Concurrent City Council, HRA and
Planning Commission Work Session Minutes -2- September 24, 2019
Commissioner Vrieze Daniels asked clarifying questions on the amount of space that would be
used for retail within the development.
Asst. Community Development Director stated that there are currently at least 30,000 sq. ft. or
15,000 sq. ft. per building.
Council Member Whalen asked for clarification on the TIF value and 15% in lieu payment
would allot to.
Brian Bochman stated that the TIF amount is roughly $3.9 million. There were further
specifications of these amounts.
Council Member Whalen stated his objection to subsidizing market rate luxury developments
and using TIF funds towards this type of development.
Austin Morris expressed the challenges with existing conditions of the building and reiterated
that there are no current re-development projects within the 46 metros in a dense area that are not
using TIF, with exception of downtown Minneapolis. He continued to state that it is a crucial time to
redevelop downtown Richfield.
Asst. Community Development Director stated that TIF funds can only fund eligible items and
not for amenities like granite countertops.
Commissioner Vrieze Daniels spoke to the ongoing reduction of affordable retail spaces and
the challenge that it poses for small businesses.
Austin Morris remarked that this development is an effective use of land and that the company
is trying to target rental rates in Richfield.
Council Member Supple expressed that parking is an issue; there is an overflow from Lyn-65.
She also asked if there was a shadow study done.
Adam Guy stated that there are minimum shadows across the parking lot and most of the
shadow impact is in December.
Council Member Whalen asked the Enclave team what the rental rates would be for these
apartment complexes.
Brian Bochman responded as follows: Studios $1,200, 2 bedrooms $1,600.
Council Member Whalen stated that a renter’s average income in Richfield is $34,000.
Brian Bochman stated that the rates are compatible with projects that are going up the metro
area and that it is impossible to fill the niche for everyone.
Commissioner Quam asked about design elements and wondered if the design was too
modern to withstand changing architecture.
Asst. Community Development Director Poehlman shared information about a market study on
th
66 and Nicollet that stated the City has too much retail and that needs of residents lie on high end
niche stores.
Brian Bochman gave information about projected taxes of $80,000 annually.
Concurrent City Council,HRA and
Planning Commission Work Session Minutes -3- September 24,2019
Commissioner Supple spoke about the need to take action but to also be aware of unintended
consequences. She further stated that it is important to be cognizant of the push for luxury housing
but not at the expense of relocating residents.
Commissioner Elliott, commented that there is a ripple effects for decisions made and not
made, willing and able to bring upon these issues.
Austin Morris commented that they focus on durability and not latest amenities.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:50 p.m.
Date Approved: October 8, 2019
Maria Regan Go alez
Mayor
140_1,
/1/4-1/(272
B a a Martinez Gavina Katie Rodriguez)/
Executive Analyst City Manager