11-06-2017 HRA MN SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing and Redevelopment Minutes November 6, 2017 Page 3 Commissioner Chuba thanked the Down Rivers Edge group for their input. He stated that the downtown is basically service-oriented with very limited retail. He asked what the goal is; bringing more people to the downtown? He stated that the businesses owners know what they need, but it helps to have a plan. Chair Toth stated that the hanging baskets in downtown Anoka seem to work, as their sidewalks are not that wide, either. Deborah Liedahl stated that the businesses would be willing to help and they would like to see the money spent on purchasing what they need, rather than on a plan. Chair Toth stated that the Utilities plan needs to be implemented first. Discussion followed regarding the implementation of ERMU's plan for the downtown. Troy Adams explained that the first step would be a photometric layout to determine foot candles, height of the poles, specs, etc. He stated that he could get a list of accessories to put on the poles. He stated he would rather see spending money on spotlights, than lighting on the ground. Commissioner Ovall asked if there was a way to speed the tracking of the project, such a completing the photometric study sooner rather than later. Mr. Adams stated that the concern of completing a project in 2018 is the cost, since he would estimate needing 20 poles at $5,000 each. Ms. Wagner stated that she felt the groups can work together and wait until 2019. She asked the budgeted funds could be rolled over. Ms. Othoudt stated that any budgeted funds that are not spent in the budget year roll over into the HRA reserve account. The HRA can choose to spend the reserves on public expenditures through a budget amendment which would need to receive final approval by the Council. Mr. Adams stated that ERMU could do a plan in early 2018. He discussed details of the study and proposal to light every other pole. Ms. Othoudt stated that the HRA will review this item further at a future meeting. 3. Downtown Redevelopment Plan Ms. Othoudt presented a proposal for an RFP (Request for Proposals) for a high density, mixed use, market rate residential development at T.H.10 and Main Street (former School District offices), to include 265 units of high density residential, structured above and below grade parking, and commercial/retail space. Discussion followed regarding the proposal and the relationship to the city's housing study. Further discussion followed regarding parking, increased tax base, impacts on traffic and possible phasing of a project.