3.1. HRSR 07-28-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special HRA Minutes Page 3 June 30,2003 • invited to Planning Commission meetings to discuss the establishment of planning guidelines in order to prevent guidelines from being catered to a developer or project. Commissioner Thompson suggested that the boundary of the district include the buildings directly west of Lowell Ave. Vern Hanson of MetroPlains was asked to comment on the design standards. Mr.Hanson mentioned that his main concern is who will review and approve the final design. Commissioner Wilson expressed concern that the design standards would cause new downtown development to be too homogeneous in design and that a variety of building designs is important to downtown. Mr.Leeseberg agreed with Commissioner Wilson yet explained that the main purpose of design standards is to create variety with vertical separations,rather than to create a development to look like a single developer completed the project. Commissioner Wilson inquired how existing businesses would be required to conform when making an expansion using existing materials that would not conform to the proposed standards. Mr.Leeseberg asked the HRA what could be done to make the standards less restrictive. Commission Motin provided Mr.Leeseberg with several grammatical/composition suggestions regarding the standards. 5. Housing Work Plan Session III: St. Cloud HRA Ms.Hall introduced St. Cloud HRA Deputy Director Bruce Thielman and St. Cloud HRA • Housing Development Manager Wendy Hulsebus. Mr.Thielman provided an overview of the St. Cloud HRA and Ms.Hulsebus gave a presentation explaining the St. Cloud HRA's housing programs and also provided the following opportunities/challenges to developing a housing program: • Cities must identify their housing needs through a market study • Some cities have to deal with high land costs,a lack of developers,and NIMBYism (not in my backyard) • Developing partnerships and being an educator to partners is important(non- profits,experienced developers,power companies,local employers,banks, etc.) • Staff expertise in construction& financing is important • A large amount of staff time must be dedicated to coordinate the program and write applications for projects • Cities must acquire different streams of income to fund the program,such as developer fees • Each city must find its own niche to fill a need not being met by the private sector Mr.Thielman mentioned that he and Ms. Hulsebus would be willing to provide additional insight to the HRA if the HRA decides to development a housing program. 6. Adjournment There being no other business, COMMISSIONER THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. COMMISSIONER WILSON SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-0.