04-12-2022 Joint CC, PC, and HRA Work Session
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Joint City Council, Planning
Commission, and HRA Work
Session
April 12, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
The work session was called to order by Mayor Regan Gonzalez at 6:00 p.m. in the
Bartholomew Room.
Council Members
Present:
Maria Regan Gonzalez, Mayor; Mary Supple; Simon Trautmann (6:05 p.m.);
Sean Hayford Oleary; and Ben Whalen
Council Members
Absent:
None.
Planning
Commission
Members Present:
James Rudolph, Chair; Brett Stursa; Brendan Kennealy; and Ben Surma
Planning
Commission
Members Absent:
Kathryn Quam and Eddie Holmvig-Johnson
HRA Members
Present:
Mary Supple, President; Maria Regan Gonzalez; Lee Ohnesorge; and
Gordon Hanson (not yet confirmed).
HRA Members
Absent:
Erin Vrieze Daniels
Staff Present: Katie Rodriguez, City Manager; Melissa Poehlman, Community Development
Director; Sack Thongvanh, Assistant City Manager; Joe Powers, City
Engineer; Ben Manibog, Transportation Engineer; Chris Swanson,
Management Analyst; and Kari Sinning, City Clerk
Others Present: Rich Dippolito and Lauren Robinson, Brixmor Property Group
ITEM #1
INTRODUCTORY PRESENTATION OF REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR THE
HUB SHOPPING CENTER BY REPRESENTATIVES OF BRIXMOR PROPERTY
GROUP
Joint City Council, Planning Commission, and HRA
Work Session Minutes -2- April 12, 2022
City Manager Rodriguez stated the agenda item is informational and to gather initial feedback
on the proposed plans and then introduced Community Development Director Poehlman. Director
Poehlman then turned the meeting over to Rich Dippolito from Brixmor Property Group.
Rich Dippolito detailed the HUB area currently and the proposed plan that includes residential
and the current tenants that have longer leases. The plan focuses on creating greenspaces and
allowing for walk-up restaurants. Dippolito explained that they would be asking for Tax Increment
Financing to help with the funding for the development.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez stated that the leaders from Partnership Academy were present and
contact information should be shared to improve both developments.
Council Member Hayford Oleary expressed his excitement for the development plans however
the proposed plans brought up some concerns such as the potential for a large vacancy in the main
retailer in the future, the location of the residential component in reference to public transportation
along Nicollet, many drive-thru sites along 66th Street, and that there is only one north-south
connection instead of two that would follow the Comp Plan. He urged the developers to look further
into the future and bring more pedestrian friendly ideas.
Chair Rudolph was impressed with the proposed plans and looks forward to the
redevelopment of the historic area.
Council Member Whalen echoed Council Member Hayford Oleary’s comments and expressed
additional concerns for the underutilization of the space with several single story buildings instead of
residential above retail spaces and the large size of parking available. He was excited about outdoor
spaces and residential space but stated that there is more opportunity to build up instead of out.
Dippolito explained that they are retail developer and do not know much about residential
developments.
Council Member Supple thanked them for bringing the proposed plans and expressed curiosity
about the smaller, locally owned retail tenants. Dippolito stated that the proposed plan highlighted
retailers that had long-term leases and if those small business owners would like to extend their
leases they would be happy to talk with them.
Commissioner Stursa expressed gratitude for the proposed plans but asked the developers to
focus more on pedestrian/people orientation versus vehicle. She also asked about the affordability of
the residential housing. Dippolito stated that they are working with their residential partners and the
goal is to have an affordability aspect.
Commissioner Surma expressed concern for accessibility for public transit users and brought
up the idea of moving the Walgreens closer to the public transit stop along Nicollet. Commissioner
Surma also asked if the plans would alter the curb lines. Dippolito stated that there is no plan to
change the curb lines and appreciated the comment about the pharmacy having access to those bus
stops.
Commissioner Hanson was excited for grocery store option and asked about the affordability
of lease rates for smaller, locally-owned retail shops. He stated that he would support the use of
higher density of the site to provide more residential housing. He also commented that this would be a
great opportunity for their company to expand their expertise and push the boundaries of what they
are capable of.
Dippolito asked what density would be appropriate for this site. Director Poehlman stated that
the Comp Plan has a this site for a high density of about 100 to 150 units per acre and the general
allowance for height would be around six stories but there is flexibility since this is a planned unit
Joint City Council, Planning Commission, and HRA
Work Session Minutes -3-April 12, 2022
development. Chair Rudolph brought up that a residential building the size of City Bella would be a
good fit for this site. Council Member Hayford Oleary agreed with Chair Rudolph and added that there
has been push to build apartment buildings at the Hub from residents.
Council Member Trautmann expressed gratitude for the discussion of the proposed plans and
expressed concern for the amount of drive-thru buildings and limited green spaces for the community.
He encouraged Bixmor to think about the future that would keep people living, working, and shopping
in Richfield.
Commissioner Kennealy was fortunate to have this discussion and stated that they should
focus on transportation by car being the least attractive option. Commissioner Kennealy also
expressed excitement and support for the increased density and height.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez stated that the proposed plans are good however we are interested to
be creative to make this more functional for the community and expressed that, as a part of
Downtown Richfield, this site is very important for the community and the revitalization of this would
be multi-generational. She mentioned partnering with Holy Angels and Partnership Academy to
benefit our entire community. She also asked about when they could share the details of who the
grocery retailer would be. Dippolito stated that they would not be able to disclose that information until
they are allowed but once they are able to they will let the City know.
Council Member Whalen asked about the possibility of doing a multi-level grocery and also
asked Brixmor to keep in mind the redevelopment and the residents of and along 65th Street that
might not want to look at the back of buildings. He also stated that an unattractive parking structure
would be better than so much of the area being surface parking and would allow for more density
much like the areas of 50th and France.
Council Member Hayford Oleary appreciated how ambitious the proposed plans are and
expressed hope that they would go further with the opportunities. He also expressed delight about the
quick timeframe they stated to redevelop the site but would like to see the project take longer and get
done right than be rushed.
Director Poehlman stated the next steps would be for Brixmor to digest the feedback from
tonight’s work session and to work with the City to create a sketch plan. She also stated that staff
would keep Council and Commissioners informed as the process moves forward.
Mayor Regan Gonzalez thanked everyone for the discussion.
ADJOURNMENT
The work session was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:41 p.m.
Date Approved: April 26, 2022
Kari Sinning Katie Rodriguez
City Clerk City Manager
Mary B. Supple, Mayor Pro Tempore