HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-06 HRA Special Work Session MinutesMINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION
OF THE EDINA HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MAY 6, 2021
S:30 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.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.
It. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Commissioners Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, and Chair Hovland.
Staff in attendance: Scott Neal, City Manager/Executive Director; Don Uram, Finance Director;
Andrea Rich, Financial Analyst/Accountant; Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Manager; Liz
Olson, Administrative Support Specialist; Bill Neuendorf, Economic Development Manager; Chad
Millner, Engineering Director; Risi Karim, City Management Fellow; Cary Teague, Community
Development Director,
111. 5146 EDEN AVENUE — DISCUSSION OF PREFERRED OUTCOMES
Executive Director Neal said this item pertained to the future re -use and redevelopment of the
vacate site at 5146 Eden Avenue. He said over the past 10 years, the City and HRA have explored
several different concepts for this site and conducted sketch plan level reviews of the preliminary
concept and site plans and that based on comments and concerns expressed, it would be appropriate
for the HRA to discuss its goals for this property and potential paths to return the vacant property
to a productive use.
Economic Development Manager Neuendorf shared background information in order to provide a
platform to discuss preferred outcomes for the site at 5146 Eden Avenue. He shared questions to
consider, a summary of past efforts, the current memorandum of understanding (MOU) and recent
concepts, land valuation, and use of funds then asked for an HRA discussion of the priorities,
preferences, and a path forward. He reviewed past plans, the seven guiding principles that should
be included in any plan that came forward, then spoke about work to determine the highest land
value versus fair market value then reviewed allowable use of HRA proceeds.
The Commission shared the importance of not just redeveloping the site but the entire area that
would create a destination area and neighborhood center and the need to decide on an overall plan
in a structured fashion over time within current constraints that included cost. The discussed how
the site did not have to be publicly owned and operated but could be done privately then spoke
about the need to maximize land value while creating a project the City could be proud of that
included open space with elements such as a band shell, outdoor theater, and other activity areas.
They discussed the importance of creating a vibrant, connected district but that a community center
would likely not work here as the public realm element was overarching. The Commission liked
the senior coop element and envisioned a development similar to the curling center/town hall
concept in Chaska and asked if they could sell a portion of the site and use the proceeds to create
a plaza. They spoke about a grand vision in conjunction with the difficulty of approving one-off
proposals and the importance of a destination venue created close to the parking facility. They
stressed the importance of an affordability component being more than 10-20% of the units based
on the affordability housing study and how that could be achieved through increased density or
height and how an ownership concept created a neighborhood. The Commission spoke about the
plaza to the north and the need to use the parking garage to the north when the lot was used during
the day as an asset they could tie to the public parking and shared they did not want to see the City
enter into an operating situation for a new facility in regard to Jerry's Enterprises. The Commission
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suggested creating building vision concept via u model similar to Nolan Mains and said they would
like to see the south side used for a senior coop and the north side for a destination/public realm
benefit and hospitality venue. They said this concept would require design assistance onwhat could
occur that included the financial component then talked about a developer doing the entire site
vvh||e selling o small portion of the site to gat enough value. The Commission discussed a
build/operate/lease option that included selling half to a private developer then conclude options for
the north side.
Consensus was to consider the feasibility of selling the south half of the site for a residential housing
project and retain the funds to create o public development on the north half that would energize
and engage both sides of the site and create a housing type and price point consistent with the
Housing Task Force report. They stressed the importance ofproviding transitional housing to
encourage current residents to remain with the assumption that both sides did not have to be the
same developer and could beleased back tothe City. The Commission agreed toretain ownership
of the north half and lease back while retaining control for future roads and include a private/public
component such unarestaurant partnership.
Mr. Nemendorf said staff would connect with Fronmheuh and United Properties to discuss the
expiring MOU and noted with the change in scope they would likely request the City to beginp 'n8
development costs for the northern portion, Engineering Director M|||narmhanad the proposed
concept for the pedestrian bridge that would be awarded in June and provide future easement access
from Brookside,
IV. ADJOURNMENT
Chair Hovland adjourned the meeting at7:24p.m
Respectfully submitted,01,100