05-01-2006 HRA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing & Redevelopment Authority May 1, 2006 Page 2 The Bank o{Elk RiverE�.-Mansion Ms. Mehelich explained that construction on The Bank of Elk River expansion project began on April 24 and a 12-month construction period is also anticipated for this project. She stated that prior to construction, staff met with the bank's contractor, Vanman Architects and Builders, and the construction manager for the Bluffs project to discuss the city's building inspections expectations and encourage the two projects to communicate and coordinate as much as possible. She noted that Building Official Bob Ruprecht has been designated as the official inspector for The Bluffs, The Bank of Elk River, and the Jackson Place projects. Status of -Jackson Place Project Ms. Mehelich stated that MetroPlains announced last week that the MN Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) awarded their recent application for tax credits toward the Jackson Place development. She indicated that MetroPlains has completed all of the contingencies outlined in the Development Agreement to allow for the city's transfer of the Jackson Block property and for construction to commence. She noted that closing on the transfer of the property is anticipated to occur in early June and construction to commence immediately following the transfer. Jackson Place is also expected to have a 12-month construction period. 5.1. Rivers Edge Commons Park Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz stated that the concept plan for the Rivers Edge Commons Park was approved by the Council in 2004 and the budget was approved in 2005 as part of the 2006 budget. Mr. Maertz provided an update on the design and construction t of the park. Mr. Maertz emphasized that both the City Engineer and the Police Chief feel that the four parking spaces in front of the park need to be removed due to the unsafe backing of vehicles into the intersection and they would be removed with or without the park's construction. Commissioner Toth questioned if the trees that are proposed to be planted will block the view of the mural on the Cinema building. Mr. Maertz explained that the trees may block small portions of the mural but that the trees will not grow very large and that since the park drops down towards the river it will allow most of the mural to be visible. Chair Wilson questioned the anticipated start and completion dates of the park project. Mr. Maertz stated that the bid opening is scheduled for May 9 and providing that everything goes according to plan, construction is expected to commence in June. He noted that the site will be fenced off once construction begins and the impact to traffic will be minimal. Mr. Maertz stated that the park is anticipated to be completed in mid -September. Commissioner Kuester questioned how the flow of the construction vehicles would be handled for the park. Mr. Maertz stated the contractors will be held to the same standards as the other contractors downtown but that the construction traffic plans will be worked out with Community Development and Public Safety staff. 5.3. Traffic Flow/Public Safety Plan Community Development Director Scott Clark indicated that staff met this afternoon with representatives from Vanman Architects and Builders, Flannery Construction, CSS Builders, ( and MetroPlains to discuss temporary changes to the downtown traffic flow plan. Mr. Clark explained that when the original traffic flow plan was approved in July 2005, it included the