08-02-2004 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing&Redevelopment Authority Page 2 August 2,2004 will be paid by the developer of the downtown project will be used for developing the park • space and a river walk path. 5. Downtown Revitalization Project Update Ms.Mehelich noted that the master timetable for the Downtown Revitalization Project includes key elements of the tax increment financing process and land use approval process, and that it is preliminary and subject to change. She noted that the City Council has called for a public hearing on September 20th to consider the TIF Plan. Ms.Mehelich stated that staff anticipates the development agreement to be reviewed by the HRA and City Council in October,and that MetroPlains anticipates starting construction of the Bluff Block by spring 2005. Ms.Mehelich reviewed other recent activities as noted in the staff memo,including a note that MetroPlains has closed on the purchase of the Hinrichs property. Keith Holmes,owner of Kemper Drug,expressed his concern regarding customer parking and construction vehicle parking. He stated that if there is no place to park,he will have no customers. Mr.Holmes suggested using parking stickers for construction employee vehicles. Vern Hanson of MetroPlains stated that disruption of the downtown is also a concern they share,since it would have a negative impact on current businesses as well as future business. He stated that workers will be parking off-site,in the area north of the railroad tracks and east of Jackson. Mr.Hanson stated that they are still refining the staging plan and this plan will be included in the development agreement. He explained that when the underground parking is completed,this area will be used for workers to park,as well as 410 material storage. Mr.Hanson noted that there will be a portion of the sidewalk which will be lost during construction on the east side of Jackson. Ms.Mehelich noted that Mr.Hanson will attend the River's Edge Downtown Association meeting in August. 6. Update on Redevelopment Plan for Downtown North of Highway 10 Assistant Director Heidi Steinmetz explained that the HRA defined a study area boundary and a long-term vision for the area at the June 30,2004 work session. She noted that staff is working on concept options for the area,as well as updating past research information. Ms. Steinmetz noted that staff will also provide recommendations on potential barriers to implementing the concept options. Ms.Steinmetz noted the following next steps for the project: October 2004 • Staff presentation of concept options and past research • HRA to discuss potential barriers to implementing the concept options November • HRA work session to refine concept options • HRA to discuss next steps •