11-26 Concurrent CC, HRA, and PC Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Concurrent City Council, Housing and
Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission Work Session
November 26, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by Mayor Maria Regan Gonzalez at 6:00 p.m. in the
Bartholomew Room.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Edwina Garcia; Mary Supple; Simon
Present: Trautmann; and Ben Whalen.
HRA Members Mary Supple, Chair; Pat Elliot; and Maria Regan Gonzalez.
Present:
Planning Commission Kathryn Quam; Sean Hayford Oleary; Peter Lavin; and Susan Rosenberg
Members Present:
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; John Stark, Director of Community
Development/HRA Executive Director; Julie Urban, Housing Manager; Pam
Dmytrenko, Assistant City Manager; and Kelly Wynn, Senior Office Assistant.
Others Present: Scott Nelson, Principal Architect, DJR Architects; Laura Barrett, President,
NorthBay
Item #1 CONSIDERATION A PROPOSAL FOR A 112-UNIT MULTI-FAMILY
REDEVELOPMENT BY NORTHBAY AT 6345 LYNDALE AVENUE SOUTH, 520/22,
TH
600/02 AND 608/10 64 STREET.
City Manager Katie Rodriguez introduced the item of discussion and Director of Community
Development, John Stark.
Director Stark described and clarified location of redevelopment.
Principal Architect, Scott Nelson, thanked everyone for coming. He then walked through the
existing buildings and the renovations that will occur. He defined the remaining lots as well as parking
and showed a mockup of the design. Nelson then discussed the building materials to be used on the
exterior, unit types, and underground parking.
Planning Commissioner Lavin commented on how he liked the concept but raised concerns
with how few parking spaces will be available. President Laura Barrett spoke to how they believe they
have enough spots due to the unit types of studio and one bedroom having only one tenant.
Concurrent City Council, HRA and Planning
Commission Work Session -2- November 26, 2019
Planning Commissioner Lavin worries where overflow parking will go and suggests that more
spaces be added to the parking lot. Director Stark spoke to the availability in the neighboring lots to
the north but will do some more research.
HRA Commissioner Elliot discussed shared parking agreements and possibility of residents
will be more reliant on metro transit. Nelson also discussed the certain demographic that will be
attracted will be more bike friendly as well and bike storage is available for each unit.
Planning Commissioner Hayford Oleary was curious to the possibility of not having to tear
down the existing house on the east end to create a surface lot. Director Stark spoke to a couple
different options such as using that lot for parking or green space and access to Garfield Park.
Council Member Whalen questioned how renovations will take place without disrupting the
existing tenants. Nelson discussed how they have successfully done repairs while tenants are still in
their units.
Council Member Whalen asked about the disbursement of accessible and affordable units and
if it will be in both the existing building and newly constructed building. Nelson stated that they will be
putting in more accessible units in the newly constructed building.
Council Member Supple wondered about the existing plumbing and if renovations will be
needed. Nelson specified that they have not taken a complete tally on all the necessary renovations.
Council Member Trautmann echoed comments of having access to Garfield Park and
potentially using the Henley Apartments for overflow parking.
Planning Commissioner Quam wanted to know who they would be marketing to and also
questioned if the rents will increase with the renovations. Barrett replied that rent right now is very low
for the market and they would eventually increase but they will be keeping them as low as possible.
She also spoke to marketing to the young professional that is on the go.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez asked about what kind of condition the existing building is in and how
to balance keeping it affordable. Director Stark doesn’t believe that it will be a problem property but
every property has its unique challenges. Nelson listed the items that would be involved in the
renovations such as flooring, paint, trim, windows, doors, kitchen/bathroom cabinets, and plumbing
fixtures. Mayor Regan Gonzalez also wondered if any renovations would be made to the exterior of
the existing building. Nelson responded with how the exterior is in good shape but the entry needs
work as well as some landscaping and general clean up.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez questioned how many homes would be impacted. Director Stark
replied that three duplexes and one single family home will be affected. All properties have been
purchased or are in purchase agreements. Mayor Regan Gonzalez would like to keep the area
affordable for residents and to keep communication open with residents.
Planning Commissioner Hayford Oleary brought up current appearance of the existing lot and
parking surface. He would like to see some clean up and potential resurfacing of the lot. Nelson
confirmed there would be clean up and landscaping to make it somewhat uniform to the new building.
Director Stark stated he would like to bring this to the HRA in January unless there is a need
for more discussion.
Concurrent City Council,HRA and Planning
Commission Work Session -3- November 26,2019
Planning Commissioner Lavin again brought up his concern around lack of parking and would
like to see the 1:1 ration go up. Director Stark described the next steps with HRA and land use
approval process.
Commissioner Elliot asked the question of is Richfield suburban or urban? He believes with
the demographic that will be attracted to these units, there will be fewer vehicles.
Council Member Whalen hopes the current tenants will be notified as soon as possible after
plans are solidified to keep them up to date on changes and renovations. Barrett replied they have a
strict plan to keep tenants in place and notified during renovations.
Planning Commissioner Quam questioned how the developers will handle low income tenants
if they do need to be temporarily displaced. Nelson discussed the desire to work during the day and
keep tenants in their units. He also described how they have done work on previous projects.
Planning Commissioner Lavin would like the parking lot explored to be able to accommodate
significant others, family, and friends come to visit.
Planning Commissioner Hayford Oleary requested more information on previous projects and
what the parking looked like for those buildings.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:40 p.m.
Date Approved: December 10, 2019
0 40" 00 2_
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
Kell Wy Katie Rodriguez
Senior Office Assistant City Manager