HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-28 City Council Meeting PacketAgenda
Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority
City of Edina, Minnesota
VIRTUAL MEETING
Thursday, January 28, 2021
7:30 AM
Watch the meeting on cable TV or at EdinaMN.gov/LiveMeetings or
Facebook.com/EdinaMN.
To participate in Community Comment:
Call 800-374-0221.
Enter Conference ID 6186549.
Give the operator your name, street address and telephone number.
Press *1 on your telephone keypad when you would like to get in the queue to speak.
A City sta; member will introduce you when it is your turn.
I.Call to Order
II.Roll Call
III.Pledge of Allegiance
IV.Approval of Meeting Agenda
V.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority (HRA) will invite residents to share new issues or concerns that
haven't been considered in the past 30 days by the HRA or which aren't
slated for future consideration. Individuals must limit their comments to
three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same
issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are
elsewhere on today's agenda may not be addressed during Community
Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or Commissioners to
respond to their comments today. Instead the Commissioners might refer the
matter to sta. for consideration at a future meeting.
VI.Adoption of Consent Agenda
All agenda items listed on the consent agenda are considered routine and
will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of such
items unless requested to be removed from the Consent Agenda by a
Commissioner of the HRA. In such cases the item will be removed from the
Consent Agenda and considered immediately following the adoption of the
Consent Agenda. (Favorable rollcall vote of majority of Commissioners
present to approve.)
A.Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting December 10, 2020
B.Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting December 17, 2020
C.Edina Housing Foundation Appointments
D.Resolution No. 2021-01: Designating O9cial Newspaper
E.Resolution No. 2021-02: Designating O9cial Depositories
VII.Reports/Recommendations: (Favorable vote of majority of Commissioners
present to approve except where noted)
A.Election of O9cers
B.Appointment of the Executive Director of the HRA
C.Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to redevelopment of 5146 Eden
Ave
VIII.Correspondence
A.Correspondence
IX.HRA Commissioners' Comments
X.Executive Director's Comments
A.Year in Review - 2020
B.By-Law Review
XI.Adjournment
The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority wants all participants to be
comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of
hearing ampliBcation, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else,
please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VI.A.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Minutes
From:Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist
Item Activity:
Subject:Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting December 10,
2020
Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes December 10, 2020
Page 1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DECEMBER 10, 2020
7:30 A.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and noted the meeting was being held virtually
to comply with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic then explained
the processes created for public comment.
II. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Commissioners Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Chair Hovland.
Absent: None.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED - AS PRESENTED
Motion by Commissioner Brindle, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, approving the
meeting agenda as presented.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
No one appeared.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, approving the consent
agenda as presented:
VI.A. Approve minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 12, 2020
VI.B. Approve 2021 Calendar of Meeting Dates
VI.C. Approval and Authorization of Closing Documents for The Sound on 76th
VI.D. Update to New Multi-Family Affordable Housing
VI.E. Approve payment claims for Check Register Claims of HRA Check Register
September 18-December 4, 2020, totaling $187,272.13
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VII.A. ACCEPT THE HOUSING STRATEGY TASK FORCE REPORT – ADOPTED
Affordable Housing Development Manager Hawkinson said the Housing Strategy Task Force had
been meeting over 18 months to develop Goals and Strategies to address the housing needs in Edina.
She said the report was a culmination of 45 meetings and a compromise that included the
preservation of R1 zoning for single-family houses and recognized the need for more multi-family
housing production to accommodate growth. Ms. Hawkinson said the report was not prescriptive
but a document to guide housing priorities in the City and to suggest strategies to achieve specific
goals. She said the hope was the report would encourage the City to proactively enable, support
and facilitate quality housing development that met the evolving needs and thanked the Task Force
for their work to create this report.
Minutes/HRA/December 10, 2020
Page 2
Housing Strategy Task Force Co-Chair Hunt thanked the members of the Task Force for the
culmination of debates that resulted in this report. Housing Strategy Task Force Member Brown
shared the executive summary that outlined how housing had changed in Edina and appeared on
course to continue or outpace growth. He spoke about limited ability to collect input due to the
pandemic and civil unrest then community drivers that included quality of life, goals and strategies
that promoted life cycle housing, amended land use regulations to enable a more diverse housing
mix, reduced building costs, and encourage sustainable design and technology. They reviewed five
housing priorities that included the creation of 992 new affordable housing units, 900 new market
rate rental housing units, 360 new senior independent living units, 250 new multi-family units, and
200 new senior assisted units then outlined recommended next steps. They thanked Members
Brindle and Fischer for their years of service to the City and Ms. Hawkinson for her work on this
project.
The Commission thanked Task Force members for the comprehensive report and commented
about the level of dedication to this project and need for focus then asked about potential racial
covenants and steps to remove. Ms. Hawkinson explained how the Task Force did not want to
negate history but that racial covenants still existed on titles and outlined the work by the Human
Rights and Relations Commission to remove. City Attorney Kendall added this work would be a
process and while the City would assist to remove them from property titles the covenants were
unenforceable.
The Commission spoke about the importance of the missing middle and referred to the Edina
Housing Foundation’s work to balance high land cost in the City and not compromising materials in
order to lower housing costs. They inquired about the report that referred to a matter of personal
opinion regarding exclusionary housing policy and whether active zoning should be implemented and
commented about not downsizing but more of rightsizing. The Commission spoke about current
challenges with the MN Builders Association and the ongoing debate about permitting costs that
increase housing costs and suggested the report be received with direction to create an
implementation plan for formal consideration.
Co-Chair Hunt responded to the building and land costs discussion and said there was a need for
balance between increased requirements and the City’s high standards to ensure affordability. The
Commission agreed that as policy makers there has to be standards in place as well as appropriate
price points and thanked the Task Force for their great work.
Motion by Commissioner Staunton, seconded by Commission Fischer, to adopt the
Housing Strategy Task Force Report and direct staff to create an implementation plan
for formal consideration.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
VII.B. ACCEPT THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY COMPLIANCE REPORT –
RECEIVED
Ms. Hawkinson said the Affordable Housing Policy for new multifamily residential developments had
been in place since 2015 with the intent to ensure that affordable units would be included in market
rate developments and rented to income qualified tenants. The affordable units would remain
affordable for a predetermined period of time, which for some was 15 years and for new
developments was 20 years. She shared that Affordable Housing Connections (AHC) was hired as
a compliance consultant to confirm and verify the affordable units were affordable and rented to
income eligible tenants then reviewed the requirements in detail to ensure affordable housing
occurred. Ms. Hawkinson reported that after review with Avidor, Aurora, Aria, and Nolan Mains
and based on the areas of compliance that included income eligible tenants and affordable rent levels,
Minutes/HRA/December 10, 2020
Page 3
only The Aurora was in compliance as presented in AHC's first compliance report. She summarized
that staff and AHC believed all owners and property managers had every intention of compliance
but that compliance could not be confirmed at this time. She added early agreements were not
prescriptive and while the Policy Guide was provided to managers the four developments not in
compliance were approved prior to the Guide’s creation and that work was still needed to achieve
compliance.
The Commission asked how the Guide applied to the earlier developments and how while the
development agreement was the controlling document for compliance language could be considered
vague with regard to garage rent and utilities and how the four earlier projects should be treated
differently to adjust and hopefully achieve compliance. Ms. Hawkinson explained most direction was
outlined by resolution but that property owners had agreed to begin offering affordable units until
2035 or a certificate of occupancy was received and while the City had no formal recourse staff
would work to address separately.
Mr. Neal outlined the goal of generally accepted terms and how everyone was working to meet the
Commission’s commitments to affordable housing. The Commission reiterated the goal was to
provide affordable units within balance.
Motion by Commissioner Brindle, seconded by Commission Anderson, to receive the
Affordable Housing Policy Compliance Report.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE – Received
IX. HRA COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS – Received
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS – Received
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Brindle, seconded by Commissioner Fischer, to adjourn
the meeting at 8:47 a.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Neal, Executive Director
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VI.B.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Minutes
From:Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist
Item Activity:
Subject:Draft Minutes of Regular Meeting December 17,
2020
Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes December 17, 2020
Page 1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DECEMBER 17, 2020
7:30 A.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. and noted the meeting was being held virtually
to comply with the Governor’s Stay at Home Order due to the COVID-19 pandemic then explained
the processes created for public comment.
II. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Commissioners Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Chair Hovland.
Absent: None.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED - AS PRESENTED
Motion by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, approving the
meeting agenda as presented.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
No one appeared.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED
Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the
consent agenda as presented:
VI.A. Approve minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 1, 2020
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VII.A. APPROVE PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GRANDVIEW 2 TIF
DISTRICT AND REQUEST FOR PURCHASE FOR CONSULTING SERVICES - APPROVED
Director of Engineering Millner said the HRA was asked to approve public improvements associated
with the Grandview 2 TIF District and request for purchase for consulting contracts with SEH, Barr
Engineering, and Kimley Horn. He summarized the decision for funding that must be committed by
June 2021 then recommended a slate of improvements totaling $5.3 million that included public
improvements on Eden Avenue/Brookside Avenue, Grandview parking ramp, Eden Avenue and
Arcadia intersection. He outlined more details regarding the traffic study for Eden Avenue that
included closure of southbound Highway 100 ramp, testing the closure in spring 2021, then reviewed
options with and without the closure and pedestrian improvements. Mr. Millner reviewed options
for the Grandview ramp in detail that included possible slip ramps and others not feasible then spoke
about the pedestrian crossings and the northeast corner of the parking ramp. He reviewed the
estimated costs for the recommended public improvements and said staff recommended the HRA
approve the improvements and request for purchase with the consultants for final design, bidding,
and construction with discussion regarding the Yancy dedication in roundabout if approved.
Minutes/HRA/December 17, 2020
Page 2
The Commission asked questions regarding available TIF funding and if funds could be used for these
improvements, requested greater detail on the Grandview Road improvements and pedestrian
crossing at Eden Avenue, confirmed the repositioning of the ramp on southbound 100, then spoke
about pedestrians on Eden Avenue and concerns about crossing and the need for a shared, multi-
use trail.
Mr. Neuendorf explained staff had engaged Ehlers & Associates to provide financial projections for
this district and concluded the district would create a good amount of revenue for 10 years of
increment for $5.3 million debt or could close the district early and place the property back on tax
rolls. Mr. Millner responded a multi-use trail had been included in the Transportation Plan since
2016 to help reduce speed impacts for pedestrians.
The Commission asked questions regarding movement from Gus Young Lane and its necessity then
spoke about the need for traffic counts in this heavily-used area. They inquired about repositioning
the slip lane around the sound wall and suggested this area be used to celebrate the Yancy family
legacy. They stressed the need for more streets to create grids and create a new east/west street
to build a street network with the long-term plan to elevate the frontage road and how the work
done now would result in short term safety changes with long term improved traffic movements,
then asked about the potential for a future rail line utility. Mr. Millner explained a right turn lane
would be created in the grass area to go onto Vernon Avenue that would capture the natural area
for landscaping enhancements.
Executive Director Neal explained this approval would not compromise TIF funding regarding the
former Public Works site nor compromise TIF flow from that development then explained how the
Dan Patch Line had much discussion on how to redevelop into a commuter-type line and while there
were no plans in place in the near future they wanted to preserve the area as an opportunity.
Commissioner-Elect Pierce asked questions regarding Vernon Avenue and slip ramp removal where
pedestrian traffic would flow and potential improvements at Eden and Vernon for pedestrian safety.
Mr. Millner explained a controlled intersection would be part of the Avidor project and include
painted crosswalks and flashers and ways to address potential sight line issues due to the hill.
Motion by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commission Staunton, approve public
improvements associated with the Grandview 2 TIF District as presented and approve
Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, to SEH, Barr
Engineering, and Kimley Horn in the total amount of $655,000.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
VII.B. RE-USE AND REDEVELOPMENT OF 5146 EDEN AVENUE - RECEIVED
Economic Development Manager Neuendorf stated previously this year staff updated the HRA
Board on the status of this vacant site and recommended action be taken in 2021 to redevelop and
reuse the property. He reviewed background details of the site that included several years of
community input and the recommendation that a portion of the site be retained for future fire
department use and establish a process to select a buyer for the remainder. He said a few developers
had expressed interest in the site and while there was no binding commitment after selection as a
potential partner, Frauenshuh Commercial Real Estate and United Properties had proposed to
construct two new buildings on the property to develop a multi-phase, mixed used project. He
shared about two pending studies in progress that identified this site as a site for future fire station
#3 in 5-10 years then explained the proposed use for ownership and rental senior and family housing
units for low to moderate incomes.
Minutes/HRA/December 17, 2020
Page 3
Dave Anderson and Dean Williamson, Frauenshuh and Bill Katter and Alex Hall, United
Properties/Pope Architects introduced their team then presented their preliminary concept for the
site. They provided the collaborative development process and proposed concept that included
outgrowth of learnings and discussions regarding the City’s objectives for the Grandview
redevelopment. They discussed next steps that included timelines and HRA project objectives of
both public and private use that the HRA concluded was cost prohibitive then explained the
development concept that included owner-occupied senior cooperatives of market need and
demand, medical office/health and wellness, and civic elements that would create a project of
moderate scale and density, low traffic generator, enhanced walkability and connectivity,
infrastructure enhancements and sustainability. The team explained the senior cooperatives in
greater detail and shared data the demand for this housing type and medical office/health and
wellness component to provide a connection for the two uses. They reviewed civic elements that
included plaza green and a woonerf/pedestrian way then reviewed the development plan
components.
The Commission asked questions if the proposal included full senior coop or a combination of mixed
income/market rate and reasons for the proposed lower height. The team explained underlying
HUD financing required age restriction but still allowed affordable units in the mix and said the
height was selected as it allowed for lower construction costs to help achieve affordability and ensure
the priority of possible passenger rail in the future. They explained more about the medical office
use and where the public space was proposed and that all plans included the City’s seven guiding
principles including multi-modal transportation.
Commissioner-Elect Jackson asked questions about the process for public transportation station and
the proposed fire station and supported the senior coop idea. Commissioner-Elect Pierce supported
the proposal in term of usage and stressed the need to add more ownership opportunities.
The Commission spoke about the importance of including potential rail and that the uses made sense
and how the partner had strong ties to the community already. They discussed the TIF deadline of
June 2021 and the likelihood of not being able to use those funds at this time then shared their
support of age-restricted ownership options as this was an underserved area of need and shared
their consensus to partner with Frauenshuh/United Properties on a project that included a possible
fire station, rail access, public use, and potential private development either in public/private
partnership or through land sale.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE – Received
IX. HRA COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS – Received
X. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COMMENTS – Received
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Brindle, to adjourn
the meeting at 9:37 a.m.
Roll call:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Hovland
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Neal, Executive Director
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VI.C.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:MJ Lamon, Community Engagement Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:Edina Housing Foundation Appointments Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Appoint Bernadette Hornig, Mary Kay McNee, and Ann Swenson to the Edina Housing Foundation with a term
ending 3/1/22.
INTRODUCTION:
The Edina Housing Foundation consists of five members. Per the Foundations by-laws, members shall be
appointed each year. Two members are appointed by City Council and three are appointed by HRA. T he HRA is
being asked to appoint Bernadette Hornig, Mary Kay McNee, and Ann Swenson.
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VI.D.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist
Item Activity:
Subject:Resolution No. 2021-01: Designating Official
Newspaper
Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Adopt Resolution No. 2021-01 designating the Edina Sun-Current as the official newspaper for the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for 2021.
INTRODUCTION:
Staff recommends Council designate the Edina Sun Current as the official newspaper of the HRA for 2021.
The Sun-Current rates for public notices for 2021 is the same as 2020.
All published public notices are posted on the Sun-Current's website www.current.mnsun.com, at no additional
charge.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Resolution No. 2021-01: Designating Official Newspaper
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-01
DESIGNATING OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER
BE IT RESOLVED by the Edina Housing & Redevelopment Authority of the City of Edina, Minnesota, that the
Edina Sun-Current is hereby designated as the Official Newspaper for the Edina Housing & Redevelopment
Authority for the year 2021.
Passed and adopted this 28th day of January 2021.
Attest:
TDB, Secretary James B. Hovland, Chair
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) SS
CITY OF EDINA )
CERTIFICATE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting Executive Director for the Edina Housing & Redevelopment
Authority do hereby certify that the attached and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina Housing
& Redevelopment Authority at its Regular Meeting of January 28, 2021, and as recorded in the Minutes of said
Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this ______________ day of ___________________,
____________.
Executive Director
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VI.E.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist
Item Activity:
Subject:Resolution No. 2021-02: Designating Official
Depositories
Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Adopt Resolution No. 2021-02 designating official depositories for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) for 2021.
INTRODUCTION:
See Resolution No. 2021-02 designating official depositories for 2021.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Resolution No. 2021-02: Designating Official Depositories
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-02
DESIGNATING OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES
BE IT RESOLVED, that U.S. Bank, Crown Bank and Tradition Capital Bank, are hereby authorized
to do banking business in Minnesota, be and are hereby designated as Official Depositories for the Public
Funds of the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City of Edina, County of Hennepin, Minnesota
until January 1, 2022.
Dated: January 28, 2021
Attest:
TBD, Secretary James B. Hovland, Chair
STATE OF MINNESOTA )
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) SS
CITY OF EDINA )
CERTIFICATE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting Executive Director for the Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority do hereby certify that the attached and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina
Housing and Redevelopment Authority at its Regular Meeting of January 28, 2021, and as recorded in the
Minutes of said Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this ______________ day of ___________________,
____________.
Executive Director
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:Scott H. Neal, City Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Election of Officers Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Motion appointing Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary of the HRA.
INTRODUCTION:
The by-laws of the HRA provide for the designation of officers. The Chair presides at the meetings and executes
all contracts. T he Vice Chair steps in during times when the Chair is unavailable. The Secretary co-signs all
contracts.
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VII.B.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:Scott H. Neal, City Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Appointment of the Executive Director of the HRA Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Motion to appoint City Manager Scott Neal as Executive Director of the HRA.
INTRODUCTION:
The City Council previously designated me as Executive Director of the HRA. I request the Council affirm this
designation with the requested motion. The proposed term of this appointment will be concurrent with my
employment as City Manager.
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VII.C.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to
redevelopment of 5146 Eden Ave
Action
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Frauenshuh Commercial Real Estate and United Properties.
INTRODUCTION:
This item pertains to the potential re-use and redevelopment of vacant land owned by the Housing &
Redevelopment Authority located at 5146 Eden Avenue.
The re-use of this site has been discussed for many years. Potential ideas have been pursued since 2008. None of
those previous concepts was able to move forward.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared by the City Attorney to establish a temporary working
arrangement with Frauenshuh and United Properties.
Staff recommends approval of this Memorandum of Understanding.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Staff Report
Memorandum of Understanding 5146 Eden Ave
Housing & Redevelopment Authority
January 28, 2021
Chair Hovland and Commissioners of the Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Bill Neuendorf
Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to the redevelopment of 5146 Eden Avenue
Information / Background:
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority owns a 3.3-acre parcel located at 5146 Eden Avenue. This site
was originally developed as a concrete factory and was most recently used by the Edina Public Works
Department. The site has been exempt from property taxes since 1962. It has been vacant since 2013.
In recent years, several different concepts have been explored to redevelop the site and return it to
productive use. Concepts included: all public uses, all private uses and multiple combinations of public and
private uses. None of these concepts was able to be implemented.
Two local development companies intend to partner to bring together a proposal that successfully
redevelops the site. This effort will be led by Frauenshuh Commercial Real Estate. Frauenshuh was selected
by the HRA after a competitive search in 2016. United Properties will partner with Frauenshuh to develop a
senior housing cooperative on part of the property. United Properties and the City of Edina previously
worked together to redevelop the gravel pits into Centennial Lakes Park.
Based on feedback provided by the Commissioners in December 2020, staff has worked with the developers
and the City Attorney to prepare an agreement that establishes a temporary working relationship. This
agreement defines the general expectations of the developers and the HRA. It grants a temporary exclusive
right to the developers to prepare an updated concept plan to deliver four key elements:
• New commercial building on the south
• New for-sale housing (preferably cooperative) on the north
• New public plaza in the center
• New pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks with future access to the railroad tracks
STAFF REPORT Page 2
The agreement also clarifies that the HRA does not expect a new publicly-owned facility at this location nor
a Metro Transit park-n-ride.
City staff will work with the developers and their design team to identify conditions that must be addressed
in their concept. Some conditions are anticipated to include: widening of Arcadia Ave., inclusion of
affordable housing, and shared use of parking lot when not needed by the commercial business. Other
conditions will be explored and shared with the developers as they prepare the concept.
In keeping with the spirit of the 7 Guiding Principles and Grandview District Framework, the agreement also
clarifies that the goal of the HRA is not simply to maximize land value, but to redevelop the site in a way
that creates the best practical projects while delivering fair value from the land.
This agreement is intended to be the first step in the process to return the site to productive and beneficial
use. If the HRA and Developers desire to move forward with the concept plan, additional steps will be taken
to bring the concept to fruition. An overview of the key steps follow:
Key Tasks Approx. Time Frame
Step 1
MOU
Explore concept plan
Solicit input through Edina’s Sketch Plan Review process
Identify methodology to establish land value
Q1-Q2 2021
Step 2 Contract for Sale and Redevelopment Agreement Q2-Q3 2021
Step 3 Preliminary Rezoning and Site Plan Approval Q3-Q4 2021
Step 4 Financing and Transfer of Ownership Q1 2020
Step 5 Construction and Occupancy Q2-Q3 2021
Step 6 Occupancy 2022 - 2023
Recommended Action:
The City Attorney has prepared the attached Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Staff recommends
that this MOU be approved.
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MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
5146 EDEN AVENUE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“MOU”) dated this __ day of
_____________, 2021 (“Effective Date”), by and the Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority, a public body corporate and politic under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the
“HRA”) and Frauenshuh, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, d/b/a Frauenshuh Commercial Real
Estate (“Frauenshuh”) and United Properties Development, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability
company (“United”) (Frauenshuh and United are collectively referred to as the “Developer”).
WHEREAS, the HRA owns and desires to promote redevelopment of certain property
within the City located at 5146 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436 (the “Property”) as depicted in
Exhibit A attached hereto;
WHEREAS, the Developer desires to explore the possibility of acquiring the Property
for a multi-phased mixed-use development, consisting of four (4) mandatory elements, as
follows:
(i) a Commercial building on the southern portion of the Property;
(ii) a Public green plaza in the central portion of the Property;
(iii) a Multi-family ownership building on the northern portion of the Property;
(iv) a pedestrian crossing bridge over the railroad tracks on the northern edge of the
property with future access to railroad tracks at the southern or central
portion of the Property;
(collectively referred to as the “Proposed Development”);
WHEREAS, Developer desires that the HRA work exclusively with Developer related to
the redevelopment of the Property to provide Developer with time to study and explore
redevelopment of the Property for the Proposed Development;
WHEREAS, the HRA is willing to work solely with Developer for the time period
provided in this MOU, subject to the conditions identified herein in order to (i) identify a market
viable scenario to repurpose the Property for the Proposed Development and (ii) convey the
Property at fair market value.
NOW THEREFORE the parties agree as follows:
1. TERM. This MOU will commence upon the Effective Date and will terminate
one-hundred twenty (120) days after the Effective Date (“Term”). Upon mutual agreement of
the parties, the Term may be extended based on satisfactory progress or other considerations
which may warrant such an extension.
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2. ASSUMPTIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS. The parties agree on the
following assumptions and understandings with respect to development of the Property and this
MOU:
a. The studies for development of the Property will include the four mandatory
elements described above;
b. There is no expectation of a new public building or Metro Transit park-n-ride as
part of the Proposed Development of the Property;
c. That the combination of elements making up the Proposed Development may not
maximize the land value for the HRA, but the HRA places priority on delivering the best
practical project following the 7 Guiding Principles, rather than simply maximizing the sale price
of the Property. However, the HRA expects that a purchase price for the Property will be based
on the fair market value for the approved level of development and mandatory elements of the
Property;
d. The use of tax increment financing or other public financing sources may be
considered to support construction of affordable housing units and public infrastructure including
but not limited to the pedestrian crossing bridge over the railroad tracks on the northern edge of
the property;
e. Rezoning as a planned unit development process may be necessary for the
Proposed Development.
f. Based on the City and HRA comments on the concept plans proposed under this
MOU, the parties will be in a position to make an informed decision about the viability of the
Developer’s concept for the Proposed Development and will inform the parties’ desire to
consider preparation of appropriate agreements for the sale and development of the Property
following termination of this MOU.
g. This MOU is not intended to bind the parties to enter into any future agreement
for the sale, acquisition or development of the Property, but is merely intended to set forth the
parties’ intent to determine whether the parties desire to proceed with the process of negotiating
an agreement for the sale and purchase and development of the Property following termination of
the MOU.
3. DEVELOPER RESPONSIBILITIES. During the Term of this MOU,
Developer agrees that it will:
a. Conduct appropriate studies of the Property necessary for determining the
feasibility of the Proposed Development of the Property, including: a review of existing site
conditions, past studies, relevant codes and guidelines, and market conditions to support the
preparation of conceptual plans to redevelop the Property;
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b. Submit conceptual plans to the HRA for review and comment;
c. Submit conceptual plans to the City of Edina for review using the City’s standard
process for sketch plan reviews, which will then be reviewed by the City of Edina staff, Planning
Commission and City Council pursuant to the sketch plan review process.
d. Present and obtain feedback from stakeholders and other interested community
members, as identified by HRA/City staff;
e. Submit the methodology for Developer’s determination of a purchase offer price
for HRA consideration and approval.
4. HRA RESPONSIBILITIES. During the term of this MOU, the HRA agrees that
it will:
a. Work exclusively with Developer on the study and review of the development of
the Property with the intent of identifying the viability of the Proposed Development and
identifying a proposed sale price of the Property;
b. Identify essential criteria applicable to the development of the Property, including
roadway and utility right-of-way needs and public access needs for pedestrians and other non-
motorized traffic as well as other preferred criteria to be considered as the Developer prepares
concept plans;
c. HRA consideration and approval of the methodology for Developer’s
determination of a purchase price offer within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date;
d. Share existing studies or other information pertinent to the site, upon request of
the Developer including:
(i) Most recently available ALTA Survey with all Table A checklist requirements;
(ii) Most recently available site geotechnical report;
(iii) Most recently available Environmental Assessment report(s);
(iv) Updated Title Commitment;
(v) Copies of any unrecorded easements. leases, licenses and other agreements for
use or rights that encumber the Property.
5. CONDITIONS. Developer agrees to the following conditions:
a. The Developer’s conceptual plans for the Property will be responsive to and to the
greatest extent feasible, consistent with:
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(i) the City’s Grandview Framework Plan;
(ii) the City of Edina Comprehensive Plan;
(iii) other applicable guide plans, including the 2016 Grandview Transportation Plan
and the 2018 Grandview Stormwater Guide;
b. Any and all costs associated with the studies, preparation of concept plans,
attendance at meetings and other costs and expenses incurred by Developer in performing the
obligations of this MOU shall be the sole responsibility of the Developer;
c. The HRA’s sole costs incurred in connection with this MOU will be limited to the
cost of the HRA’s internal staff time that is not typically required to be paid by developers as
part of the sketch plan review process;
d. During the term of this MOU, the Developer will only communicate with
HRA/City staff regarding issues pertinent to the Property. Except for presentations and
discussions at public meetings, Developer will not communicate in any way with elected or
appointed City or HRA officials regarding issues pertaining to this Property.
6. AMENDMENT. This MOU may be amended by mutual written agreement of
the parties.
7. TERMINATION. This MOU may be immediately terminated by a party upon
violation of the obligation or conditions of the MOU by another party to the MOU.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Memorandum of Understanding
to be duly executed as of the date and year first above written.
EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
BY:________________________________
James Hovland, Its Chair
AND:________________________________
___________________, Its Secretary
213528v2 5
DEVELOPER:
FRAUENSHUH, INC. dba FRAUENSHUH
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
BY:________________________________
Its:___________________
UNITED PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT, LLC
BY:________________________________
Its:___________________
213528v2 6
EXHIBIT A
DEPICTION OF PROPERTY
PID: 2811721310014
PID: 2811721310015
PID: 2811721310016
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: VIII.A.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Other
From:Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist
Item Activity:
Subject:Correspondence Information
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
There has been no correspondence since the last meeting.
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation
From:Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Year in Review - 2020 Information
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Accept the staff report.
INTRODUCTION:
Each year, staff provides a summary of relevant activities that have been completed, in progress and pending. The
report for 2020 has been prepared.
Staff is available to answer questions about the content. While no decision-making is involved in this report, staff
recommends that the report be accepted for the record.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Year in Review 2020
HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
2020 - YEAR IN REVIEW
OVERVIEW
The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) was established in 1974 for the purpose of
undertaking urban redevelopment projects and assisting with the development of affordable housing.
The members of the Edina City Council serve as Commissions of the Board of the HRA. The Edina City
Manager serves as Executive Director of the HRA. From time to time, additional services are provided
to the HRA by City staff as part of their regular job duties.
The HRA also uses third-party professionals to provide expertise in the preparation of redevelopment
agreements and to provide monitoring and reporting oversight.
This report has been prepared by City of Edina staff to highlight activities and accomplishments in the
past year. This report also contains updated project information that may shape upcoming activities and
programs of the HRA.
2020 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Completed redevelopment at 4500 France Ave. – the Lorient Apartments and received public
easements on 40 new parking stalls and a new public plaza
• Established Small Business Emergency Assistance Program and issued 11 forgivable loans and 41
grants to local small businesses to help counter the economic impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic
• Established Emergency Rental Assistance Program and awarded $200,000 in rental assistance to
Edina households in 2020
• Worked with the Edina Housing Foundation and MWF Properties to break ground on new
affordable housing at 7075-7079 Amundson Avenue
• Prepared documents to sell property to Aeon for new affordable housing at 4100 West 76th St
• Closed on thirteen (13) “Come Home 2 Edina” second mortgages
• Provided funding to the Edina Housing Foundation to acquire 4040 West 70th Street to be
redeveloped into permanently affordable senior housing
• Implemented the Class 4d Property Tax Reduction for naturally occurring affordable multifamily
housing to one building, preserving 23 affordable units for 2-years
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 2
REDEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
The global pandemic impacted redevelopment and economic conditions in Edina. Most projects that had
already received financing or broken ground continued to move forward. Unfortunately, some projects
were delayed and some may not recover.
In 2020, many businesses located throughout Edina experienced unprecedented impacts due to the
pandemic that was officially recognized in mid-March. In order to limit the spread of the virus, many
businesses were affected by government mandated closures and temporary occupancy limits. Other
businesses were impacted by rapidly changing consumer behavior, with some customers not willing to
patronize businesses in person due to concern of virus spread. While some businesses (like grocery
stores and hardware stores) prospered, the majority of other businesses struggled.
Despite these conditions, developers and investors continued to be interested in in under-performing
commercial and industrial sites in Edina. Most redevelopment occurs on properties that were originally
developed 50 or more years ago. The aging structures on these properties typically has not kept pace
with the needs or expectations of the current marketplace.
Most redevelopment in Edina is privately funded. The HRA does get involved in project financing when
the project is determined to be unfeasible without intervention and when the proposed project delivers
long-term community benefits. Most of the 60 major redevelopment projects constructed since the
recovery from the Great Recession have been privately funded. Only nine projects have utilized tax
increment financing (TIF) from Edina. Four of these nine projects were developed by the Edina HRA or
not-for-profit affordable housing developers.
As of year-end 2020, Edina has nine active TIF districts. No new TIF Districts were established this year.
Key details of Edina’s TIF districts are summarized below:
Name Type Size
(acres)
Year
Established
First
Collection
Expiration
Year
44th and France 2 Renewal, 15-years 1.0 2018 2021 2036
50th and France 2 Redevelopment, 25-years 2.8 2017 2020 2045
72nd and France Special Housing, 20-years 5.2 2019 2023 2043
Amundson
Avenue Special Housing, 20-years 1.2 2019 2022 2042
Grandview 2 Redevelopment, 25-years 10.8 2016 2020 2045
Southdale 2 Economic Development,
8-years 208 2012 2013 2021
66 West Housing 0.9 2016 2019 2044
West 76th Street Special Housing, 20-years 2.0 2018 2022 2042
Pentagon Park Redevelopment, 25-years 47 2014 2018 2043
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 3
In general, Edina uses TIF to a lesser extent than neighboring communities. For property taxes paid in
2020, only 3.8% of the property tax base was included in a TIF District. This is an increase from 3.5%
from the previous year. Based on preliminary estimates for 2021, this measure is likely to increase to 5%
of the total property tax base. Maps and graphs to illustrate the use of TIF in Edina are attached as
Exhibits A and B.
More detailed information regarding each TIF District is contained in the Annual Report submitted to
Minnesota’s Office of the State Auditor. Those reports are available upon request.
INCREMENTAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS
The incremental property tax is being collected in 5 of the 9 TIF Districts. This amount is calculated by
Hennepin County. The amount collected in each District is summarized below. The 2020 estimates are
based on the most recent information available from Hennepin County.
It should be noted that these “incremental” taxes do not include the base taxes that are distributed to
each of the taxing districts like the County, City and School Districts. Similarly, the amount shown
below do not include other taxes paid by commercial and industrial property owners that are
distributed to the State of Minnesota and contributed into the fiscal disparity pool that is shared with
other municipalities in the metro region.
TIF District Name &
Number 2019 2020
Southdale 2 (#1208-1209-1210) $6,104,336 $5,751,287
Pentagon Park (#1211) $445,174 $380,452
Grandview 2 (#1212-1213) $77,768 $183,889
66 West (#1214) $610 $2,736
50th & France 2 (#1215) NA $59,476
44th & France 2 NA NA
72nd & France NA NA
West 76th St NA NA
Amundson NA NA
Sources: MN OSA’s Annual Reports and Hennepin County Tax Increment Finance Settlement statements from
December 2020
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 4
PROJECT STATUS
1) 4500 France Avenue – The Lorient Apartments
The HRA entered into a Redevelopment Agreement in 2018 and pledged to issue a TIF note up
to $2.295 million after successful completion of the $29 million redevelopment project. The
project consists of approximately 46 apartments (of which three are affordable to households
with incomes at or below 60 percent of AMI) with approximately 7,000 square feet of
commercial space on the first floor. The new building is designed to be four stories near the
commercial street and two stories along Sunnyside Road to make a smooth transition to the
adjacent single-family houses. The project will also include several infrastructure improvements
in the commercial node and will provide a public plaza, public parking, public art and new public
sidewalks with streetscape improvements.
The project received the Certificate of Occupancy on schedule in August 2020. Residents began
to move into the building. Commercial leasing has been hampered by the pandemic and
challenges finding appropriately sized businesses.
Staff is working with the developer to compile and document compliance with the
Redevelopment Agreement. It is anticipated that the TIF Certificate of Completion will be
delivered in spring 2021. The first TIF payment is anticipated to occur in summer 2021.
2) 3940 Market Street – North Ramp
This project was completed in Fall 2018 at a total estimated cost of $12 million. Real estate
proceeds and monies from the Centennial Lakes TIF fund were used to fund the capital
investment. The final project includes 546 public parking stalls as well as 10,000 square feet of
commercial space.
The commercial space was sold to a private developer in October 2019. After the commercial
spaces were sold, the developer began interior construction for new businesses. The two spaces
will be subdivided to accommodate four new tenants. Basecamp Fitness opened in February
2020 but has been hampered by the pandemic. They remain open subject to government-
mandated operational limits. Soul Cycle began construction in January 2020, but paused on all
new projects when the pandemic took hold. Their opening date is uncertain. An new tenant -
the Bar Method – is on track to open in January 2021.
3) 3945 Market Street – Nolan Mains / Center Ramp
This property was sold to a private developer in 2018 for construction of 100 units of rental
housing, approximately 20,000 square feet of commercial space and reconstruction of the new
Center Parking Ramp. The building is configured around a series of public walkways and plazas
to create a vibrant pedestrian experience that engages the adjacent commercial properties.
The project also includes shared trash rooms for use by adjacent businesses and extensive,
utility improvements that benefit surrounding properties.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 5
The HRA issued a $10.1 million TIF note that will begin to bear interest and be payable upon
completion of the $74 million project.
With the support of the Edina Housing Foundation, the HRA also provided a low-interest loan
to support 10 affordable rental units in the facility for a period of at least 15 years.
Residents began to occupy the building in November 2019. The development was determined to
be substantially complete with the installation of final landscaping and street paving in spring
2020.
Maintenance of the exterior common areas was turned over the to the City of Edina in early
2020. City staff have installed additional signage and created educational materials to help
customers better understand how the new ‘shared street’ operates.
Commercial leasing was hampered due to the pandemic. In fall 2020, five new businesses moved
into some of the storefronts. The Lynhall Restaurant has become a popular destination, although
its operations have been limited by the pandemic. Other retailers include: Flirt Boutique, Six for
Good retail, Stranger & Co. retail and Hubert White menswear (holiday pop-up). Additional
tenants are expected in 2021.
The music and event programming anticipated for the public plaza was paused due to the
pandemic.
4) 6112 – 6120 – 6128 – 6142 Kellogg Avenue – Edina Flats
The HRA sold vacant property on Valley View Road and Kellogg Avenue to a private developer
for construction of up to 18 new condominiums. The developer also owns vacant property at
Valley View and Oaklawn.
As of year-end 2020, all four buildings are substantially completed. The public plaza on the
corner was completed in 2019. Ten (10) of the 15 units are sold or reserved for new residents.
5) 5146 Eden Avenue – former Public Works site
The HRA continued to pause redevelopment planning on this vacant site throughout most of
2020. Staff recommends that redevelopment be pursued soon. Based on direction provided by
the HRA Board members, staff is prepared to explore a proposal from Frauenshuh Company
and United Properties in 2021.
6) Southdale Center Mall
In 2019, two transformational projects were completed at the 77-acre Southdale Center Mall
property. The RH Gallery furniture showroom remained operational throughout the pandemic.
The Lifetime Athletic, Lifetime Sport and Lifetime Work facilities were temporarily closed but
have reopened under occupancy limits to limit the spread of the virus.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 6
The mall was temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but reopened mid-year. While some
retailers closed, several new businesses opened for the holiday season.
The former Herberger site (originally Donaldson’s) remains vacant since the department store
was closed in late summer 2018. Due to the pandemic, the anticipated proposal for new
housing, new library and new retail has been paused. Hennepin County has withdrawn their
interest in the site and paused plans to rebuild the Southdale Regional Library. Simon Properties,
the property owner continues to explore several possibilities for re-use or redevelopment of
the Herberger site. A new concept is likely to be unveiled in 2021.
7) 6600-6800 France Avenue – Southdale Office Center
While the property owner/developer secured land use approvals to add new retail, housing,
hotel and office space on the site in 2016, the only element to be completed has been the new
Bank of America. The property owner has determined that the original concept is not financially
feasible, due in part to the high cost of structured parking and storm water requirements. They
have indicated that the project cannot move forward without significant changes.
In 2020, the property owner worked with McGough Development to prepare a new site plan
that better addresses market conditions. The new proposal was submitted for rezoning
consideration.
Staff determined that the site is eligible for tax increment financing based on the age, layout and
condition of the existing buildings.
Unfortunately, city staff and Planning Commission did not find that the updated plan adequately
met community goals for rezoning. The City Council supported that decision and the developer
withdrew the proposal in January 2021.
While it is likely that the property owner will return with a different proposal, the HRA should
be prepared to consider public financial assistance (TIF) if the new project can deliver enhanced
stormwater improvements as well as other public benefits.
8) 7001 France Avenue – US Bank site
Ryan Companies and US Bank intend to redevelop the 5.7-acre site with a mixture of
commercial and residential uses, including a modern facility for US Bank. At year end, the
primary tenants have vacated the existing buildings with only the bank remaining. The developer
received preliminary approval to rebuild the site by creating four separate parcels, each with a
new building.
Due to the high cost of construction and redevelopment, the developer indicates that public
financing is necessary to move forward. A proposal for TIF financing is anticipated to be received
in 2021.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 7
9) 7200/7250 France Avenue
In late 2018, the developer/property owner secured rezoning approval to replace two aging
office buildings with two multi-family apartment buildings with commercial space on the street
level. The approved site plan includes several public realm amenities and preserves a portion of
the property that has a grove of mature trees.
In April 2019, the City & HRA established the 72nd & France TIF District and entered into a
Redevelopment Agreement with the developer. This agreement pledges $12 million in future
TIF payments after successful completion of the project. The TIF pledge will reimburse the
developer for eligible expenses associated with public benefits.
The developer has not been able to secure private funding for the project. Lenders and
investors indicate that the project is not financially feasible in the current format. At this point,
the project is unlikely to move forward. The developer is reviewing options regarding how to
proceed but there is no timetable for redevelopment
10) 3250 West 66th Street – Millennium of Southdale
The first phase of this project began in 2019. It consists of 227 units of multi-family housing. The
vacant building was demolished in summer and site work began soon after. At year-end the
contractor has completed the framing and is busy enclosing the building and working on interior
improvements. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2021.
While this property is located within the Southdale 2 TIF District, this project was privately
financed with no HRA participation. The owner has agreed to make seven of the units (3
percent) affordable.
11) 7001 York Avenue – Hennepin County facility
Hennepin County owns and operates the Regional Library on this 8-acre property. For several
years, they have been considering how to redevelop the property. The Service Center relocated
to Southdale Center in 2015. The Court Facility moved to Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka in
2019. The Regional Library is scheduled to be relocated to the southeast quadrant of Southdale
Center mall as early as 2022.
The HRA may get involved in the future redevelopment of this site, possibly for the creation of
new affordably priced housing in addition to other viable market-driven uses. In 2020, the
County decided to pause its redevelopment plans while it reimages the timing and location for
library services in this area. This delay is due to the pandemic.
12) 3650 Hazelton Road – Bowers Residences
The City approved the zoning for a new high-rise residential building on this 1.25 acre site in
2019. This project is privately financed. The developer to broke ground in Spring 2020 At year
end, the concrete frame is about 75% completed. Occupancy is anticipated in 2022.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 8
13) 4040 West 70th Street
The Edina Housing Foundation acquired this 1.58-acre site and conducted an RFQ process to
select a developer to build affordable senior housing. The HRA provided a $3.65M loan to
acquire the property. This loan can be forgiven if the Foundation enters into a 99-year ground
lease instead of selling the property to the developer. This method assures long-term
affordability.
14) 4100 West 76th Street – The Sound on 76
The HRA acquired the property in August 2019 and entered into a Purchase Agreement with
Aeon with the intention to sell to Aeon after they have secured full construction funding for an
affordable housing development.
After a brief year-end delay, the HRA conveyed the property to Aeon in January 2021 and
construction has commenced.
15) Pentagon Park South – Pentagon Village
The HRA executed a Redevelopment Agreement with the developer to support complete
redevelopment of the vacant 12-acre property. Upon completion, the developer will deliver
completely new infrastructure and several new building elements. The new buildings are
anticipated to include: new dual-brand Marriott hotel, two new retail buildings, Waterwalk
extended-stay hotel, mixed-use retail/office building, two new office buildings, parking garage and
public plaza.
In recent years, the developer has made significant progress in pursuing complete
redevelopment of the site. The infrastructure and retail buildings have been completed. Three
TIF notes were issued in July 2019 with a total principal amount of $18.1 million.
2020 was a particularly challenging year for Pentagon Village. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed
or de-railed the opening plans of several new businesses. Multiple restaurant operators had
intended to occupy the new retail buildings. Due to the pandemic, only one of the restaurants
opened. The developer was able to pivot and remodeled one of the buildings to accommodate a
new co-working business that was seeking an additional site.
Construction of the dual-branded hotel was also delayed, The hospitality industry was hard hit
by the pandemic. This dramatically reduced both business and leisure travel. With occupancy
rates unlikely to recover for several years, the hotel operator has not identified when the
ground breaking will occur.
Construction of the extended-stay hotel had been delayed prior to the pandemic but the weak
outlook for the hospitality industry led the developer to investigate other options for the site.
At this time, there are no firm plans.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 9
Facing these challenges, the developer has amplified their marketing efforts for the site. They are
actively seeking strong tenants to occupy the site and are seeking new partners for some of the
delayed sites.
These challenges have little impact on the HRA. Until milestones identified in the
Redevelopment Agreement are achieved, the TIF Notes will not bear interest or be payable.
16) 7075 Amundson Avenue
The HRA acquired 7075 Amundson from the Edina Housing Foundation at the asking price of
$1.3M sold to MWF Properties for $600,000. This write-down helped fill a funding gap and
allowed MWF to maximize points on their Low Income Housing Tax Credit application. Full
funding was secured in early 2020.
Construction began in early summer 2020. At year end, the structural framing is complete and
the roof and windows are being installed. The project is on schedule to be delivered in Summer
2021.
OTHER HRA ACTIVITIES
17) Small Business Emergency Assistance Program
In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the HRA created an
Emergency Assistance Program to provide forgivable loans to small businesses suffering negative
impacts. Eventually, two rounds of funding were made available.
Both rounds focused on brick and mortar businesses with more than a single employee/owner.
These types of businesses were prioritized because multiple business failures in Edina’s various
business districts potentially threaten the ongoing viability and desirability of those districts and
would damage the redevelopment efforts of the HRA.
Other HRA programs and activities were put on hold in lieu of this unanticipated priority.
Eleven (11) small businesses were provided $9,000 forgivable loans in the first round. The 11
businesses were competitively ranked by need, employment, and potential for success. All of
those loans were forgiven in fall 2020 thanks to Edina’s allocation of federal CARES Act monies.
The HRA was then reimbursed to keep the HRA’s budget whole.
An additional forty one (41) small businesses were provided $10,000 grants in the second round
of funding. This round also used part of Edina’s allocation of federal CARES Act monies. These
41 businesses were selected randomly from a pool of more than 50 eligible applicants.
All funds were disbursed and all agreements were executed by the November 15, 2020
deadline.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 10
18) Emergency Rental Assistance Program
To protect residents faced with job loss or other hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
HRA created an Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This program is operated by VEAP.
Originally, the funding came from Edina’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Up to $500,000 was
pledged. By the program deadline in November 2020, $200,000 in rental assistance had been
provided to maintain people in their housing in Edina.
When Edina’s funds were combined other resources, VEAP was able to serve 312 Edina
households with emergency rental assistance. There are 300 Edina households on a waiting list
for support when additional funds become available.
Eventually, monies from the City’s allocation of federal CARES Act funding was use to
reimburse the Trust Fund.
19) Open to Business Program
The HRA continues to partner with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers
(MCCD) to provide free business consulting services for start-up businesses or expanding
businesses located within Edina. These services are also provided to Edina residents regardless
of where the business may eventually be located. The $5,000 annual contribution from the HRA
supplements funding provided from Hennepin County.
The implementation of this program was hindered by the pandemic and related closure of City
Hall in 2020. MCCD staff shifted focus to support Hennepin County in delivering grants to more
than 150 existing businesses in Edina. Additional detail of Open to Business services delivered
are not available at this time.
Staff recommends that Edina continue to participate in this program in 2021.
20) Come Home to Edina Program
The Come Home 2 Edina program closed thirteen loans in 2020. Marketing efforts have been
increased, especially to organizations that serve under-represented populations.
The Edina Housing Foundation also launched a new program to assist existing homeowners who
have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing second mortgages allowing the
homeowner to reduce their first mortgage obligation and to assistance homeowners requiring
mortgage forbearance.
21) Class 4d Property Tax Incentive
HRA approved a pilot program for owners of naturally occurring affordable multifamily
properties to reduce their property tax obligation by investing in energy efficient upgrades to
the building and committing to keep units affordable for households with incomes at or below
60 percent of AMI for a period of time.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 11
This program has not been embraced by apartment owners in Edina. No one used this program
in 2019 and only one owner used the program in 2020. Staff will continue to offer this program
in hopes of maintaining existing affordable housing units.
22) Community Land Trust program - WHAHLT
HRA approved a $1.3 Million line of credit with the West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land
Trust (WHAHLT). This includes using $840,000 in grants to expand the Homes Within Reach
program in Edina.
23) Affordable Single Family Homes – Metro HRA
In 2020, the HRA approved $2 million in funding to support a new partnership between the
Edina HRA and Metro HRA. These funds will be used to acquire single family houses in Edina
and lease to households on Section 8. The Edina HRA will hold title to the houses, but lease to
Metro HRA to maintain and manage for their program participants.
FORECAST OF 2021 ACTIVITIES
The staff work plans for 2021 tentatively include these activities:
• Issue TIF note for 4500 France Ave. – Lorient Apartments
• Make TIF payments for Orion 4500 France and Edina Market Street
• De-certify the Southdale 2 TIF District at year-end
• Evaluate whether to maintain or de-certify the 66 West TIF District
• Implement strategy to redevelop the vacant site at 5146 Eden Ave.
• Determine viability to implement district parking at 44th & France neighborhood node.
• Work with local commercial properties to implement business/tenant attraction program.
• Create process to improve communications with local businesses.
• Monitor and update policies to support businesses as they recover from pandemic business
conditions
• Conduct six business appreciation and retention visits with Mayor and City Manager
• Make a determination regarding enacting a Tenant Protection Policy.
• Monitor and process construction draws for the Sound on 76th (4100 W. 76th Street)
• Monitor construction draws for 7075-7079 Amundson Avenue
• Work with Developer of 4040 W. 70th Street on funding applications for the development of
senior affordable housing.
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 12
• Continue working with West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust to expand their single
family home ownership
• Update Come Home 2 Edina website to make more user friendly
• Develop workplan items based on the Housing Task Force Report.
• Market NOAH 4d Pilot Program
• Continue working with Metro HRA on expanding program for Sec. 8 single family households
• Develop training programs for owners and property managers in Multifamily rental buildings
• Maintain a database on the number and location of affordable housing in Edina.
• Investigate possibility of creating a Homeownership Rehabilitation program.
• Review process on using affordable housing funds received from the Buy-In option and develop a
policy to ensure funds will be used with a race and equity lens.
• Work with VEAP to determine need for Rental Assistance in response to COVID-19
Prepared by:
Bill Neuendorf Stephanie Hawkinson
Economic Development Manager Affordable Housing Development Manager
January 28, 2021
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 13
Exhibit A – Map of Active TIF Districts
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 14
Exhibit B – Use of TIF in Edina
2020 Edina HRA – Year in Review Page 15
Exhibit C
Date: January 28, 2021 Agenda Item #: IX.B.
To:Chair & Commissioners of the Edina HRA Item Type:
Report / Recommendation, Other
From:Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:By-Law Review Information
Edina Housing and Redevelopment
Authority
Established 1974
CITY OF EDINA
HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action required; for informational purposes only.
INTRODUCTION:
The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority is governed by a set of By-Laws that can be updated from
time to time. T he By-Laws were originally written in 1974 and updated in 2016.
Staff does not recommend any changes to the By-Laws at this time.