HomeMy WebLinkAboutMar 15 2016 EDA Min
GOAL SETTING SESSION WITH
THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF
MARCH 15, 2016 AT PUBLIC SAFETY BLDG.
The meeting began at 4:00 pm by Gary Peterson.
Members Present: Bruce Nawrocki, Donna Schmitt, Gary Peterson, John Murzyn, Marlaine
Szurek, Bobby Williams, Gerry Herringer and Rob Fiorendino.
Staff Present: Walt Fehst, Joseph Hogeboom, Joe Kloiber, Renee Dougherty, and
Shelley Hanson.
Hogeboom reviewed the redevelopment related goals set at the 2014 session on a power point
presentation to those present. The purpose of this meeting is to review the 2014 goals and
objectives, determine which items remain a priority, and potentially establish new goals and
objectives.
GOAL #1-Enhance the City’s Image and Enhance Community Pride by actively promoting
the many positive aspects of the City.
Strategy #1 Develop a brand for the City that builds upon its positive aspects and unique
Completed.
character –
*Brand adopted Spring 2015-new logo and tagline
*Brand implemented on internal communications-website, letterhead, newsletters, etc.
*Merchandise sales feature new brand-cups, travel mugs, posters
*Brand continues to be implemented into Capital Improvement Projects-vehicles, street
signs, water tower
Strategy #2 Develop a communications plan to more fully promote the City and inform
residents and surrounding metropolitan area of the positive attributes and strides made within the
community. Enhance existing communication tools (website, social media, etc) to assist in
In Progress
engagement.—
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*
Staff will approach Council March 28 for funding for website redesign
*New website committee formed; and a re-sign of the website will be released in fall,
2016.
We had a 5 yr agreement with design provider that has now expired.
This is something we need to budget for on a regular basis as updates will continually
be needed.
*Newsletter to be evaluated for effectiveness
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March 14, 2016
Hogeboom explained that staff wants to streamline and reduce the information on the website to
just city services and core information that residents most often look for. He went on to explain
that they would probably minimize Facebook accts to better control what is being posted.
He said most people have apps on their phones now when they look for restaurants, theaters, or
events. They don’t go the City website for that information unless it is sponsored by the City.
Fehst asked if we could still link to weekly events. Schmitt said she would like to see more of a
Chamber of Commerce type of website which gives basic information along with all the social
events and local business information.
Hogeboom suggested having two separate websites—one for basic city information and the
other for local social event information.
In
Strategy #3 Establish neighborhoods to promote pride and internal image enhancement—
Progress
*Currently focusing on redevelopment and rebranding of Heritage Heights and Circle
Terrace neighborhoods.
Hogeboom asked if the City wishes to pursue organizing formal neighborhood groups?
This was tried in the Huset Park area after the last goal setting session and it didn’t
work all that well. Hogeboom thought if we did pursue this, it might be better to break
the city into 4 quadrants rather than a lot of small neighborhoods. It’s too hard he said
to get people organized and to commit to a lot of meetings. Herringer noted that
Fridley has marked their neighborhoods with signage, but doesn’t know if each
neighborhood actually has a group that meets to deal with matters pertinent to their
particular neighborhood. Nawrocki said it is hard to get people involved when most
households have both adults working and coping with parenting responsibilities.
Fiorendino stated that the City is not that large and that he identifies with being a
resident of Columbia Heights as a whole rather than his local neighborhood area.
Fehst and Nawrocki both expressed dismay at the local Chamber of Commerce group
falling apart. They said it was an organization that promoted local businesses and
encourage residents to shop locally when possible.
Schmitt suggested contacting the “Heights Next Group” to see if they might be
interested in organizing neighborhood groups.
Strategy #4 Establish a formal system to solicit stakeholders to gather feedback concerning
Ongoing
community issues and solutions—
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March 14, 2016
*As a policy, staff now requires Site Plan applicants to hold neighborhood meetings prior
to public hearings to inform affected neighbors and to gather their input before seeking
Commission/Council approval.
Hogeboom said this has worked well thus far, and gave the example of Dominium
seeking the input of the Huset Park Townhome residents regarding their proposed
project for the Sr. Housing building. He said based on feedback from the residents,
adjustments were made to the plan that satisfied all parties involved and helped the
approval process move ahead smoothly.
*Staff hopes to create a Comprehensive Plan Update Subcommittee group this summer.
He said he would like to have representatives from the Park & Recreation Commission,
the Planning & Zoning Commission, the Traffic Commission, and various staff
members serve on the committee to provide input into the Comprehensive Plan Update
that is due to the Met Council at the end of 2018.
Held a
Strategy #5 Reconvene Citizen’s Academy to introduce people to local government.—
couple sessions, but none currently scheduled.
*Is this still a priority of the City? If so, when should this be re-established? There was
a short discussion regarding the purpose of the Academy and whether the value of it
could be measured. Hogeboom will research this and bring this back for further
discussion.
Strategy #6 Actively celebrate success in the community through press releases, website, and
Ongoing
council comments.
GOAL #2 Determine a Location and Construct a new City Library to meet the needs of
the community. Completed.
Scheduled to open June 18, 2016. Members said the site will need signage, and information
should be put on the website regarding the ingress/egress to the Library facility.
GOAL #3 Create a Redevelopment Plan for Central Avenue that will contribute to
long-term community stability through an increased tax base and business vitality.
Ongoing.
Not initiated-since a lot of
Strategy #1 Create of redevelopment plan along Central Avenue-
redevelopment has taken place without use of public funds.
*Does the City wish to commit public funds to promote further redevelopment along
Central Avenue or continue to let the construction trend continue as is.
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March 14, 2016
Hogeboom explained that a lot of redevelopment has occurred along Central Avenue in the last
two years and there are several projects that are currently in the planning stages. He gave an
update to the members as follows:
Blockbuster Project/New Chipotle at 5200 & 5220 Central now complete.
*3989 Central Ave Business Center building is currently seeking a tenant for at
least 4 floors of the building.
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* Architects have met with staff regarding the old Rainbow site at 43 and
Central for a complete redevelopment of that site, and there is a Purchase
Agreement for the property.
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*Venture Pass has a Purchase Agreement on the commercial piece at 47 and
Central. They are seeking an anchor tenant to solidify the project.
*There is interest in the land behind White Castle currently owned by Heights
Rental by a Hotel chain. Construction of the hotel is being encouraged by
Medtronic who needs a business class hotel nearby its corporate headquarters.
This would give Heights Rental funds to work with so they could potentially
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move to a larger site and possibly open up their current location at 39 and
Central for sale/redevelopment.
In progress.
Strategy #2 Actively pursue and select a developer for Mady’s site by 2015.
*New Library is currently under construction
*Staff is working with Heights Rental to develop its property in the north section of the
City; once that is redeveloped, Heights Rental is amenable to leaving this site.
*Staff is working with the development community to gauge interest in the remnant
development parcel.
Again, see notes above.
Strategy #3 Review and possibly Revise Redevelopment Agreement objectives in order to
find a developer to finalize commercial and residential phases of redevelopment
In Progress
of the Kmart site by 2015.
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*A developer is working with staff on a Site Plan for the commercial area at 47
and Central. Jiffy Lube is no longer interested in being the anchor tenant for this
site, so Venture Pass is looking for another business before submitting their plans.
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March 14
*Current leadership of the Grand Central Lofts Home Owner’s Association is not
amenable to any residential development other than condominiums. Hogeboom
reminded members that we have had two proposals for upscale apartments but the
HOA threatened the developers with a lawsuit. The market for condo buildings is
not favorable at this time, so it is unlikely anything will happen on the site unless
the leadership of the HOA changes.
In
Strategy #4 Continue to review options for the existing Rainbow Foods Shopping Mall.
Progress.
*A commercial developer has an active purchase agreement for this property.
*Complete redevelopment of this site is expected to occur. A Site Plan is
expected by mid-summer.
Strategy #5 Expand entrepreneurial development opportunities to assist small business owners
Ongoing
to succeed.
*The City has partnered with Anoka County and the Metropolitan Consortium of
Community Developers to offer “Open to Business” program services to small
businesses.
*Staff continues to reach out to small businesses through participation in the
Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Heights Business Council.
Strategy #6 Review zoning regulations, sign regulations and design regulations for continued
Ongoing
relevance.
*Currently revising automotive business requirements. This will be brought back
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to a council work session April 4.
*Will initiate a Sign Code revision and Interim Use Permits before the
Comprehensive Plan is updated.
Strategy #7 Coordinate with the City of Hilltop for the successful redevelopment of Central
In Process.
Avenue.
*Staff is researching the possibility of obtaining special legislation to allow
Columbia Heights to use its redevelopment powers to potentially acquire and
demolish the Starlight Motel. The Police Dept. is in support of this happening.
*Staff regularly discusses shared zoning concerns with Hilltop’s City Clerk.
*Staff could potentially assist the City of Hilltop with redevelopment grant
funding (CDBG)-help them prepare a grant application.
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March 14, 2016
GOAL #4 Establish a comprehensive Housing Program that will help increase values,
manage and reduce the number of single family rental properties, generate a
wider range of price point options and encourage reinvestment.
Strategy #1 Review budget for 2014 to allocate staff time be devoted to housing issues.
Completed
*In 2014, staff revised the Scattered Site TIF District Housing Program
Guidelines, as well as inventoried additional City and EDA owned lots.
Hogeboom stated that research was done to determine what funds were used to
purchase all the properties, and therefore it was determined what restrictions there
are on the lots.
Strategy #2 Review all existing rehabilitation/incentive programs to determine effectiveness
and refine or discontinue as appropriate. Track funding available for both
Completed
programs.
*Allocated funds for the Loan & Rehabilitation programs were expended, and the
EDA discontinued the programs in 2014.
*The programs were not shown to have incentivized residents to complete
projects they would have not otherwise undertaken without government
assistance.
Hogeboom explained that Anoka County and MHFA now offer funds similar to
the programs we had previously offered.
Strategy #3 Prepare a comprehensive housing inventory that determines tenure, livability
measures, need for reinvestment and identifies properties/neighborhoods that
Not
require significant public interventions to assure continuous reinvestment.
initiated.
*Staff has been focusing efforts on continuing reinvestment in the Heritage
Heights and Circle Terrace neighborhoods. So a complete inventory has not been
completed on the rest of the City.
Hogeboom stated staff is looking into purchasing one more property in the
Heritage Heights area that is now owned by ACCAP. Members asked about the
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scattered site lot at 43 and Reservoir Blvd. They expressed interest in buying
the lot back from Timbercraft since he has not started construction on it and there
may be other interested parties. Hogeboom stated that he hasn’t pursued this
since Timbercraft has been marketing it and has been maintaining the lot, but he
will contact the developer to see what the status is and report back to the EDA.
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Strategy #4 Determine outside funding for housing rehabilitation and procure funding to
Ongoing
leverage local dollars.
*Staff continues to research funding options for housing rehabilitation programs.
Possible program dollars in 2016 could be acquired through Local Community
Action grants administered by the Metropolitan Council.
Strategy #5 Enhance neighborhood livability through more proactive management of single-
Ongoing
family rental housing.
*Community Development continues to partner with Fire to monitor issues
associated with single family rental housing.
*Do we want a limit on rental housing units?
Herringer asked if the number of new rentals is less than it was. Hogeboom said
yes, it has slowed down. He suggested checking with the Police Dept to see if
they can determine whether there are more police calls on rental properties versus
owner occupied properties. It was decided that we need to set a separate meeting
at a later time to further discuss the rental housing issues.
Williams stated that more residents may be selling their homes in order to move
into the new Lily Gables Apt Complex so we could potentially add even more
rental homes if investors are the ones buying up the homes. Williams went on to
say that the EDA needs to set goals for University Avenue especially since the
new apartment building is being constructed on the east side. Members thought
we should look at the 3 block stretch of properties along the west side
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fromWagamon Bros. property at 37 Avenue to the Root property at 40Avenue.
He would like to see that whole area redeveloped also.
Hogeboom said the Root property is in tax forfeiture and needs extensive clean-up
work done. He thinks it may be worthwhile for the City to obtain the site and
demo the remaining buildings and clear it of scrub growth in order to make it
marketable to a developer. This is something that will be pursued at a later
meeting also.
Hogeboom also told members there is some interest in a small redevelopment at
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the corner of 53 and University Ave.
Nawrocki said he thinks the City should look at options for restricting single
family rentals and that the business areas of the City be cleaned. Up.
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Strategy #6 Develop a comprehensive strategy (policies and programs) to address issues in the
Ongoing
Circle Terrace and Heritage Heights neighborhoods.
*In 2014, staff revised the Scattered Site TIF District Housing Program
guidelines, as well as inventoried additional City and EDA owned lots.
*The City created the “Residential Lot Sales Program” to address the sale of lots
that are ineligible to incorporate into the TIF District.
Strategy #7 Review multi-family zoning standards as a guide to review future development
Ongoing
proposals.
*This strategy is somewhat ambiguous. It is currently an allowed use and is
regulated through the City’s Site Planning Process.
Hogeboom didn’t feel this Strategy is necessary.
Strategy #8 Evaluate Scattered Site Housing Program, and consider modifications.
Completed.
*In 2014, staff revised the Scattered Site TIF District Housing Program
guidelines. Currently, one lot remains within the Program. The lot is being
actively marketed.
Strategy #9 Develop communications tools to promote housing options and community assets
Ongoing
(schools, park programs, etc)
*Staff is currently working to update the City’s website and social media
portfolio.
*The City has created new resident welcome brochures.
*The City now participates in the successful annual North Metro Home and
Garden Show.
*Press releases have been sent which advertised the Residential Lot Sales
Program.
GOAL #5 Continue to invest and reinvest in City infrastructure as a means to promote
growth and shape the community.
Strategy #1 Review City CIP and match planned improvements with City goals and strategies.
Ongoing.
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March 14, 2016
*The Public Works Dept continues to be informed of EDA goals and objectives.
Hogeboom said Public Works has ordered new banners with the new logos. Any
new street signs being replaced will have the new logo in the corner of the street
sign, and the water tower will be painted in the near future and the new logo will
be added.
Strategy #2 Identify barriers to walkability and determine opportunities for improvement.
Ongoing.
*Staff continues to seek grant funding or pedestrian-related improvements on
Central Ave, near the location of the new Library as well as in the north end of the
corridor.
*Staff is working with Metro Transit to reroute bus service to serve SACA and
the Huset Park Townhomes.
*The City continues to require infrastructure installation from large scale
development projects, such as the Huset Park Senior Living project.
A short discussion took place regarding the Blue Cross/Blue Shield grant the City
has applied for. He will notify the EDA and P & Z members if this grant is
awarded.
Ongoing.
Strategy #3 Continue to invest in improvements to the City’s Park System.
*The City is currently focused on expanding the City of Peace Park (Circle
Terrace Blvd. Play Lot) to include new playground and sport court equipment, a
new community multi-use building and a new sidewalk.
Next Steps for Columbia Heights – Potential New Goals
* Create a stakeholder review group, comprised of Council members, Board and
Commission members and residents for the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Update.
* Initiate redevelopment activities for the former Root property on University Avenue.
* Evaluate public parking needs in Downtown Columbia Heights.
* Partner with Anoka County to seek funding opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian
improvements along certain County Road corridors.
Continue working on 2014 Goals as follows:
Continue working on re-design of City website
Contact “Heights Next Group” to see if they want to work to establish neighborhood
groups.
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March 14, 2016
Look into possibly resurrecting the Citizens Academy.
Keep promoting city through website, press releases, brochures, and participation of city
sponsored events.
Continue looking for developers to complete the Mady’s site redevelopment.
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Work with interested developer for the 47 and Central commercial site.
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Work with interested developer for the Rainbow Mall at 43 and Central.
Keep working with “Open to Business” to assist small business owners.
Update the Zoning Code
Partner with Hilltop for future redevelopment along Central Avenue
Continue looking for funding sources to help with housing rehab/replacement.
Hold a separate meeting to discuss rental properties.
Hold a separate meeting to discuss plans for University Avenue Redevelopment.
Continue working on Circle Terrace and Heritage Heights neighborhood improvements.
Continue implementing new branding/log designs.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Hanson
Secretary