10-27-09 WorksessionJ
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Richfield, Minnesota
Special Worksession
October 27, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Goettel at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Debbie Goettel, Mayor; Sue Sandahl; Pat Elliott; Fred Wroge; and Tom
Fitzhenry.
Staff Present: Steven Devich, City Manager; Mike Eastling, Public Works Director; John
Stark, Community Development Director; and Cheryl Krumholz, Recording
Secretary.
Item # I PRESENTATION BY VELMIER COMPANIES OF UPDATED SITE PLAN FOR CVS
DEVELOPMENT AT PENN AVENUE AND 66TH STREET (COUNCIL MEMO NO.
174)
Community Development Director Stark discussed the background related to the CVS site
plan presented in April 2009 by Velmier Companies, including the design standards for Penn Avenue.
John Lenander, Velmier Companies, reviewed the updated CVS plan, including relocation of
the retaining walls on Penn Avenue and 66th Street to provide a wider and more usable sidewalk
area, and the walls being segmented not poured cement.
Community Development Director Stark stated the design guidelines set a goal and vision for
the area. Previously staff recommended not approving the original site plan because of the
pedestrian experience. The revised plan enhances the sidewalk and conceptually staff is supportive.
Community Development Director Stark continued that the proposed revised plan estimates
the cost of the improvement to the public sidewalk and is contingent upon the HRA or City of Richfield
providing 1/3 of the cost. The 2010 Proposed HRA Budget does contain items for Penn Avenue
streetscape improvements and is sufficient to cover costs.
Council Member Fitzhenry asked about Hennepin County paying to move the traffic control
box.
Mr. Lenander replied that Hennepin County told CVS that it is CVS's cost so it is not being
moved.
Bob Wolfson, property owner, spoke about relocating existing tenants.
Community Development Director Stark explained the next steps in the process if CVS wishes
to continue with the proposed project.
Special Worksession Minutes -2- October 27, 2009
Item #2 PRESENTATION BY MICHAEL DEVELOPMENT AND ST. CROIX REAL ESTATE
REGARDING POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF WOODLAKE PLAZA (COUNCIL
MEMO NO. 175)
Community Development Director Stark explained the developers have created a concept
plan for market-rate rental housing development on the current site plus the inclusion of a small HRA-
owned property that abuts the Woodlake Plaza. Their financial analysis identifies a funding gap so
the developers will be requesting TIF for the project in addition to their own equity.
Michael Swenson, Michael Development, discussed the proposed development.
Community Development Director Stark stated a similar presentation was made at the
October 9 HRA Meeting with positive feedback.
Council Member Wroge expressed concern regarding adequate parking because expecting
transit use by the tenants does not work.
Community Development Director Stark replied that no great analysis has been done until
feedback was received on the conceptual design.
Mayor Goettel questioned the use of TIF for prime real estate in the City.
Community Development Director Stark explained the need for some TIF to have
development happen but the eligibility needs to be proven.
Council Member Wroge stated the site does not look dilapidated and the inability to rent space
may be impacts from road construction. He said he is not willing to support TIF just to get something
there.
Mr. Swenson explained the area is outdated and is a destination, not a retail center.
Council Member Fitzhenry expressed concern for the density of apartments in the area and
displacement of tenants.
Mr. Swenson stated the project is not feasible without assistance.
Council Member Elliott stated the project should be given a fair chance for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at 6:46 p.m.
Date Approved: October 27, 2009
c;neryi Krumno~z 0 ~ . - ! Deg
Recording Secretary City Manager