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they would not be using the tracks area for the first phase; however, they will maintain the tracks area on <br />the option site. Nelson asked if they would be breaking ground this month. Black replied they would <br />begin construction next week if approved. <br />Black reported that staff was presented with a proposal for a new hotel on Block A last Friday. The <br />developers do not want to pay for the land and have asserted that this is necessary for the hotel market. <br />Black suggested that if it is ahigh-quality project this may be worth it, but the Council would have the <br />Iinal decision. While MPCA has approved the Transoma site, no more development will be allowed on <br />the east side until the cleanup is complete. The hotel developer may not be able to take the title without <br />the dump being closed. Stang asked what "dump closure" means. Black replied that this is a MPCA term <br />that means the dump is closed, no longer taking material and the gases are being managed. He added that <br />staff would be going back to MPCA with all of the data that has been collected to have a plan approved. <br />Nelson inquired if the building footprints would be included. Black replied that they would be included <br />for Transoma, APi Group and the other buildings with detailed plans; the cleanup plan would then be <br />amended as the rest of the area is developed. <br />Nelson reported that a letter containing misinformation has been sent to several commission members <br />regarding the Northwest Quadrant. He added that the letter was not signed and suggested that staff <br />counteract with a factual rebuttal. Black replied that staff holds a "Team NWQ" meeting every two <br />weeks and the subject of public relations was discussed at the last meeting. It was decided to continue <br />updating the City's webpage and add a section that will cover the history of the development. Staff <br />understands that there are some that do not have access to the Internet and the articles would also be made <br />available at the front desk. Lotter added that it would also be e-mailed to the Commissioners. He <br />expressed concern that the letter could be used as a political tool for the election since it is full of <br />misinformation and was especially concerned that it attacks staff unfairly. Lesher agreed that this must be <br />addressed and is a cause for concern. Stang suggested that it be stressed that no name was added to the <br />letter and that if the author believed his facts were correct it would have been signed. He added that this <br />has been a Iif~teen-year project and while there have been some uncontrollable issues, developing the <br />project would improve the City, much like the redevelopment of downtown has. Nelson suggested that <br />the letter be addressed at a Council meeting. Lotter noted that Larson addressed the Ietter at the last <br />Council meeting and there is a possibility of doing a "New Brighton Now" segment with Lynn Redlinger <br />to explain the history of the project. Hoffman suggested that the development is very dynamic and the <br />City's investment will be fine in the long run. She added that she was offended that staff was "slammed" <br />in the letter, and added that they did complete the due diligence for the sites. Witkowski asked if staff <br />knew how many people received the letter. Lotter replied that no one knows how many people received <br />the letter. Witkowski suggested that an article be written for the Bulletin addressing the letter. Lotter <br />replied that it was decided not to do a direct response to the letter, since it would then give it added <br />credibility, and staff will update the sources available to the City. Lesher and Stang agreed that since the <br />letter does not appear to be widely distributed, not to address it directly, but suggested continuing to put <br />out as much factual information as possible. Nelson added that if staff needs EDC members to discuss <br />that development with community organizations he would be willing to help. <br />Miscellaneous Developments <br />Post Office Buildings <br />Black reported that LISPS is currently working with Pratt Ordway and Ryan Companies to complete their <br />lease agreements for their new buildings. It is hoped that construction would begin this fall on both sites. <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />