10-01-2012 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing&Redevelopment Authority Page 3 October 1,2012 downtown,and that it would be in everyone's best interest to convert the remaining 8,000 • square feet into 8 additional luxury apartments. Mr. Soderberg reviewed the basis for his conclusion,including demands for on-street parking on Main Street,the positive impact on other commercial owners in the downtown by decreasing the amount of vacant retail/commercial space,and the finding in the Housing Market Study which indicates the highest demand is for rental. Commissioner Motin asked if any of the condominium owners that were bought out have stayed. Mr. Soderberg stated that one resident stayed. Commissioner Motin stated that he was concerned the housing study focused too much on immediate needs,which may not necessarily be in the best interest of the city for the future. He stated if they built more rental housing,residents are likely to come,but he was not convinced turning the office/retail space into residential was a good idea. Mr. Soderberg discussed his projections regarding future increase in the number of seniors looking for this type of housing. He suggested finding a way to add 30 of 40 parking spaces. He stated that he has not seen any demand for the commercial space,even though they have done extensive advertising. He stated he would love to fill the space up with commercial, but he does not feel there is enough parking. Commissioner Toth asked if the businesses have concerns about parking. Mr. Soderberg stated that the feedback he received from potential businesses is that there is not enough parking close to the building. He stated that a coffee shop or fitness facility would completely pack those spaces close to the building. He stated that he feels the residents will 1111 shop at the businesses downtown and having more residents is a win-win situation. Commissioner Kuester stated that she was unable to park near the cinema building and was told by the owner that the employees of the businesses fill up all the parking spaces close to the building. Commissioner Toth stated that if employee parking in front of the buildings is an issue,it needs to be look at. Commissioner Motin stated the businesses need to be encouraged to park behind the buildings. Mr.McCoy stated that most of the businesses in the Cinema Building are one-person offices and they have someone watch for the CSO to mark the tires, so everyone scrambles to move their cars. Commissioner Lieser asked if there would be enough underground parking if additional apartment were added. Mr. Soderberg explained that 22 spaces were reserved for the office space,and if 8 additional units were added with 2 spaces for each unit,the total parking required would only be 16 spaces. He discussed the various types of businesses he would like in the building such as a fitness center or coffee shop/wine bar,but there just isn't enough parking. Mr. Soderberg stated that there is a demand for 2-bedroom units,and they currently have very few. Commissioner Toth asked if the 22 spaces are available. Mr. Soderberg stated that the spaces could not be used by the public,because they would have access to the apartment building. He noted that all commercial tenants must go through a background and credit check for this reason. Commissioner Toth stated the parking in front of the building does seem to be full. Mr. Soderberg stated he will encourage all the tenants to use the underground parking,as well as contractors working in the building.