06-02-2008 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Housing & Redevelopment Authority June 2, 2008 Page 3 the project would need to increase the tax base as well as provide another public benefit e.g. job creation. Commissioner Kuester asked if there is information on the property. Ms. Mehelich stated that she did not have information on the condition of the building. Commissioner Toth stated that it would seem that the building would need to be removed. He stated he felt the site would be more advantageous to the city as a restaurant. Commissioner Kuester asked where a frontage road could go, since MnDOT is looking at closing accesses. She stated that this information would be important to a potential buyer. Commissioner Toth stated he felt the city should have this information available for inquiries. Commissioner Kuester asked if the property owner is looking for assistance from the city. Ms. Mehelich stated that the owner is looking for any type of assistance the city could provide, since he wants to sell the property and retire. Commissioner Motin asked if the owner is looking to the city to buy the property. He stated that this parcel and adjoining parcels were all considered for a possible redevelopment project at one time. He stated he had a problem with using tax abatement, and felt that the property could be redeveloped without the HRA's involvement. He stated that the only reason the business closed is because the roof collapsed. He did not feel it was the city's responsibility to help. He stated he did not see a frontage road happening anytime soon, and that he did not believe MnDOT has any plans to close the access. Commissioner Toth stated that the whole area needs to be redeveloped, and that the property owner may need to lower his price. Ms. Mehelich stated that the adjacent parcels are similarly priced and are being marketed separately. She stated that staff has offered to keep listing the property on the city's website, and the site was included in the marketing packet that was sent out to restaurants. Commissioner Toth asked if more information could be obtained on the property to provide to potential buyers. Ms. Mehelich explained that the city typically provides zoning, PID, parcel size and contact information. Commissioner Toth noted that there are two vacant homes on School Street (east of Jackson) and asked if staff had any information on them. Mr. Gongoll stated that he would check on the properties and provide information at the next HRA meeting. There being no other business, Chair Wilson adjourned the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority at 6:10 p.m. Minutes prepared by Debbie Huebner Tina Allard, City Clerk