07-20 CC, HRA, and PC Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
ConcurrentCity Council,Housing and
Redevelopment Authority and Planning
Commission Work Session
July 20, 2020
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by HRA Chair Supple at 6:00 p.m. via Webex.
Council Members Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; and Ben
Present Whalen.
Council Members Edwina Garcia; and Simon Trautmann.
Absent:
HRA Members Mary Supple, Chair; Maria Regan Gonzalez; Sue Sandahl;
Present: Erin Vrieze Daniels; and Pat Elliott
HRA Members
Absent: None
PC Members
Present: Kathryn Quam, Chair; Jim Rudolph; Peter Lavin; Sean Hayford Oleary; and
Brian Pynn
PC Members
Absent: Susan Rosenberg.
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; John Stark, HRA Executive
Director/Community Development Director; Julie Urban, Housing Manager;
Melissa Poehlman, Assistant Community Development Director and LaTonia
DuBois, Administrative Assistant.
Others Present: Brian Bochman, Enclave Development; Ryan Samsa, Enclave Development;
Aaron Roseth, Enclave Development; Christopher Willettte, ESG Architects;
Neal Reardon, ESG Architects; and Bruce Hinks, property owner.
Item #1 DISCUSSION OF A REVISED 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 ½
STREET).
Assistant Community Development Director Poehlman provided background on the project
and concerns Policy Makers discussed at previous work session.
Concurrent Council, HRA and Planning Commission Work Session -2- July 20, 2020
Brian Bochman, Enclave Development, discussed requests and questions from residents and
Policy Makers and changes proposed to parking structure, provided updated time line and status of
current business owners and plans for relocation of those business looking to relocate in Richfield.
Discussed how ESG Architects came in to help with ideas for more affordable options, how affordable
housing would be addressed and the addition of affordable units.
Planning Commissioner Lavin inquired about the exit and entry of parking and traffic on 64 ½.
Brian Bochman explained exit and entry from and to Lyndale Avenue and explained the
Lyndale Avenue exit and entry would likely be the quicker option and discussed the fire code
requirements for parking.
Planning Commissioner Lavin expressed neighborhood concerns regarding traffic.
Council Member Whalen requested clarification regarding Tax Increment Financing and
following the Inclusionary Housing Policy guidelines.
Brian Bochman explained how Natural Occurring Affordable Housing would come into play.
Council Member Whalen expressed desire for more resources to allow more affordable units
opposed to Tax Increment Financing.
Executive Director Stark mentioned applications being submitted to the Met Council to seek
additional funding. The current gap exceeds HRA’s ability to fill.
Assistant Community Developer Poehlman inquired about ways to make the project work and
about providing a smaller amount of affordable units to start the project but to seek additional funds to
fill the gap to allow for more affordable and or accessible units.
Brian Bochman discussed high development costs and the desire to look into additional
funding to allow more affordable units and the need to access financing for the project and the parking
ratio setbacks to obtain a density rate while maintaining reasonable parking ratios.
Assistant Community Develoment Director Poehlman explained the parking requirements are
Enclave’s parking requirements not the Cities requirements, but Enclave parking requirements fall in
line with the City requirements, Brian Bochman explained the reasoning for Enclave’s parking
requirements.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed thoughts that he believes this good project and
improvement to the site, and stated concerns with design and would like to see the main entrances on
Lyndale Avenue. He also stated concerns with the additional parking and funds being invested in
parking versus affordable units.
Christopher Willette, ESG Architects offered design explanation regarding primary access
points and stated willingness to look into other options. Discussed possible options if there was on
street parking and discussed the commercial terrace area and opportunities for walk up spaces.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez expressed appreciation for efforts being made by City staff and the
developers, and echoed concerns regarding the entrance into the neighborhood and amities
projecting into the neighborhood, and affordable housing desires.
Commissioner Sandahl inquired about plans for Lyndale Avenue and slowing traffic.
Concurrent Council, HRA and Planning Commission Work Session -3- July 20, 2020
Assistant Community Development Director Poehlman stated an additional roundabout is
planned for 65th and Lyndale Avenue and lanes being narrowed to slow traffic on Lyndale Avenue
north of 66th Street. .
Chair Supple mentioned a chat message stating a reduction of the speed limit in the area has
been approved.
Planning Commissioner Lavin inquired about who would occupy the commercial space.
Brian Bochman expressed desired tenants, but inability to predict.
Commissioner Sandahl inquired about access for commercial business.
Brian Bochman explained there would be access to the commercial spaces from the front walk
up spaces and the rear.
Council Member Whalen echoed concerns with front and rear entry points and expressed his
desire for affordability and that he would not be interested if there was not affordable housing.
Commissioner Vrieze Daniels echoed comments about affordability and she too would not
approve without the affordable units.
Brian Bochman inquired about how other developments were able to provide affordable units.
Executive Director Stark explained the different ways other developers were able to provide
affordable units.
Chair Supple echoed the desire to provide assistance to relocate current businesses in
Richfield and for affordability.
Commissioner Elliott offered support to the developers and their efforts to work with Policy
makers and residents.
Planning Commissioner Lavin echoed Commissioner Elliot’s statements.
Commissioner Sandahl echoed Commissioner Elliot’s position that this would be a good
development for the City.
Executive Director Stark mentioned how other developments have adhered to the Inclusionary
Housing Policy and mentioned some constraints in obtaining affordability.
Planning Chair Quam offered her support.
Planning Commissioner Rudolph also offered his support.
Chair Supple thanked the development team.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:57 p.m.
Concurrent Council, HRA and Planning Commission Work Session -4- July 20, 2020
Date Approved: August 10, 2020
Maria Regan Gonzalez
Mayor
LaTonia DuBois Katie Rodriguez
Administrative Assistant City Manager