11-18 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 18, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by Chair Supple at 5:45 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; Erin Vrieze Daniels; Pat Elliott; Maria Regan
Present: Gonzalez; and Sue Sandahl.
Planning Commission Allysen Hoberg, Chair; James Rudolph; Kathryn Quam; Sean Hayford Oleary;
Members Present: Peter Lavin; Bryan Pynn and Susan Rosenberg.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; John Stark, Director of Community
Development/HRA Executive Director; Julie Urban, Housing Manager; and
LaTonia DuBois, Administrative Assistant.
Others Present: Representatives from the Locus Architects, NHH Properties, Boisclair
Corporation development team and Representatives from Broadway Investors
Item #1 CONSIDERATION OF TWO POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR 6501
PENN AVENUE SOUTH.
Julie Urban, Housing Manager, gave background on this site, a brief recap of the work session
in September and outlined the direction needed from policy makers and some key talking points.
Housing Manager Urban also mentioned an evaluation form for policy makers to complete to help with
guidance.
Housing Manager Urban introduced development team Locus, NHH and Boisclair. The Locus,
NHH and Boisclair, the development team presented their vision focused on people, place and
possibility. They expressed their desire to focus on affordability and equity using a 3 phase approach
to the development, focused on future development and the need to be inclusive. Phase A; increases
commercial potential, dwelling unit count up to six stories. Phase B; creates an L shape plan to
include townhomes, about 10 units, with a large green space in the center. Phase C; expands to the
South offering more commercial on ground floor and bringing more street activity to Penn Avenue.
The Locus, NHH and Boisclair development team presented the intent to offer a variety of
subsidy depending on financing, they intend to submit application to the Minnesota Housing
requesting either a 9 or 4 percent tax credit, proposing income averaging of 30 – 80 % AMI also
Concurrent City Council, HRA and Planning
Commission Work Session -2- November 18, 2019
proposing S811 units, project based rental assistance administered from Minnesota Housing, with
referrals coming from the Department of Human Services. They explained the accessibility of the
proposed development, including units for hearing and vision impaired and full accessibility.
Chair Supple read questions submitted by Disability Advocates, to which the development
team responded they would be all inclusive and accessibility would be available to the outside
sidewalk without using the parking lot.
The development team offered more ideas pertaining to commercial space and open/green
space to feed the residents and the neighborhood.
Planning Commissioner Hayford Oleary inquired about Phase B; and how much the three
properties are worth versus how much would be required to develop the 10 townhomes and about
moving on with Phase A with the assumption that Phase B would work and why they chose
townhomes opposed to apartments.
The development team agreed that Commissioner Hayford Oleary’s assumption was correct
and the land cost would be high, but that they plan to work with different programs through Met
Council and the state to make the figures work. Mentioned that site plans change throughout the
development process and this is step one.
Council Member Whalen inquired about the competition to receive funding and how the project
and affordability would change without the funding.
The development team explained that they are affordable housing developers and they would
keep working to get the funding and they have the experience to score high.
Planning Commissioner Lavin was discouraged by language being used regarding the time
line and uncertainty about the townhomes and concerns for partial development.
The development team explained the time line is part of the affordability process. Spoke of a
HUD pilot program that allows faster underwriting time.
Chair Supple called on the next development team, Broadway Investors.
Broadway Investors presented three different options. First Option; A being a Mixed Use 5
story building located on the current Bumper to Bumper site. Second Option; B would be a Mixed Use
building that scrolls over to the East and covers the three residential parcels to the East. Option; C
incorporating the first two options as well as the property to the South with a Mixed Use Commercial
building lower level units and 4000 square feet of restaurant, co-working office space and a tap
house. Levels 2-5 will consist of approximately 160 apartment units with affordability being 20% of
units at 50% AMI, explained parking options, green space. Plans to use relationship built with Fraser
for accessibility, current plan offers 3-4 ground level accessible units. Broadway Investors explained
overall design features and vision with an innovative and active space providing walkability,
accessibility and rooftop decks.
Planning Commissioner Lavin inquired about excess parking due to popularity of a tap room.
Broadway Investors explained the current plan falls in line with parking requirements.
HRA Commissioner Vrieze Daniels inquired about mix of unit size and the green wall.
Concurrent City Council,HRA and Planning
Commission Work Session -3- November 18,2019
Broadway Investors explained the units would be a mix of 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, 1.5
bedroom and studio apartments and they are looking into plants that can withstand cold Minnesota
winters for the green wall.
Planning Commissioner Lavin inquired about acquiring the lots to the East.
Broadway Investors spoke of already having a contract with one of the single family home and
are still under negations with others.
Chair Supple asked Broadway Investors to define what they mean by fully accessible.
Zero step into units as well as bathrooms, roll under cooktops, etc. and roll in showers. People
would be able to get into the building without accessing the parking lot.
Planning Commissioner Hayford Oleary asked for clarification on eastern parking and green
wall and expressed dislike about blank wall on surface lot facing Oliver.
Director Stark went over staff thoughts and offered explanation.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:55 p.m.
Date Approved: November 26, 2019
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Maria Regan Gonzalz
Mayor
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LaToni: DuBois Katie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant City Manager