07-28-2003 HR MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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HRA Minutes Page 2 July 28,2003 4111 plan. Chair Toth asked that the HRA maintain its involvement regarding this issue via the Comprehensive Plan Update Task Force. 6. Housing Work Plan Session IV: Central MN Housing Partnership (CMHP),Tri-CAP,and the Sherburne County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity Ms.Hall introduced CMHP Deputy Director Lisa Graphenteen and Executive Director Sheri Harris. Ms. Graphenteen provided an overview of CMHP's housing programs and mentioned the importance of the following issues when developing a housing program: • Technical Assistance • Program Delivery • Housing Planning • Grant Writing/Financial Packaging • Resource Referral/Networking Ms.Hall introduced Tri-CAP Community Development Coordinator Dan Roberts. Mr. Roberts provided an overview of Tri-CAP's housing programs. Ms.Hall introduced Sherburne County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity Board Member Vance Zehringer. Mr.Zehringer provided an overview of the Sherburne County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity and stated that the main challenge faced by Habitat for Humanity is finding free or low cost residential lots. 7. Downtown Revitalization Project Update • Director of Planning Michele Mcpherson asked that members of the public be allowed to provide the HRA with any issues or concerns regarding the Downtown Revitalization Project. 7.1 Presentation of Issues and Concerns by Downtown Owners and Tenants Rob VanValkenburg,Baxter,MN(Cinema Building Co-owner) —Mr.VanValkenburg distributed copies of Kemper Drug Co-owner Wendy Simenson's letter to the HRA and copies of a survey of Cinema building tenants conducted by Mr.VanValkenburg. Mr. VanValkenburg also stated that he would be providing the City Council with a petition of 700 signatures stating disapproval of the Downtown Revitalization Project. Mr. VanValkenburg stated he has three main concerns with the Downtown Revitalization Project,which are: • Loss of parking during construction and permanently • Loss of historic town square • Lack of safety and play area accommodations for children living in the 2-bedroom residential units Mr.VanValkenburg mentioned that he would rather see the open space between the Sunshine Depot and Cinema building be redeveloped rather than Jackson Square. Mr.VanValkenburg concluded his presentation by informing the HRA that he would be asking the City Council to reverse their decision to approve the letter of understanding between the City and MetroPlains for the future sale of the City-owned Jackson Block • Property.