CCP 08-12-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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apartment complex. Harmon asked whether the EDC would be reviewing these proposals for the Council. Black replied that Council has not asked for the EDC's involvement regarding the review of these proposals. *Black announced that Belair Excavating would complete the excavation and cleanup of the Midwest Asphalt site within the month. They would then demolish the Ferrellgas site and complete a small amount of site cleanup there. Flahave inquired about the current cost to make the site buildable. Black replied he could not recall the bid price; however it was considerably lower than anticipated. There have been a few surprises found, which would raise the cost of the cleanup, but not significantly. Black reported that Ramsey County has purchased a proportion of the Ferrellgas site to enhance its entrance to Long Lake Regional Park, at the purchase price of $300,000. After some concerns expressed by Council, the agreement was amended to state that the area would always remain a stormwater retention pond. Black reported that the APi Group building should be completed in September. Staff recently talked with the APi president regarding the construction of the second building. They would like to postpone construction until they have a tenant. They have offered to make payment to the City to offset the loss of tax revenues, and the area would be completely landscaped until the site is developed. Council has not yet made a decision regarding this new development. East Side Black announced that the City was awarded grants of $1.4 million from the Metropolitan Council $2.6 million from the state for the dump closure. It is hoped that the bids from contractors would come in low, as they did for the West Side cleanup. Black stated that staff is still in talks with JLT Group regarding its proposed four-star hotel on Block A. The 0,ne remaining issue is who would pay for the cost of pilings and beams to construct a seven -story building on the site. Council has decided they are not willing to pay for the pilings or beams, but is willing to accept a below-market price for the land. Harmon asked whether the pilings were needed only because the building would be seven stories or would they be needed on any size building. Black replied there would be piling costs for any building over three to four stories. Black reported that staff was recently approached by Ryan Companies regarding Cummins constructing a new office building within the development. Cummins has a large facility in Fridley and is would like to construct a building in this area that would be 150,000 to 170,000 square feet. They are on a fast-track time line; however the dump needs to be closed before any construction could begin. Berke suggested that Council consider an incentive to the excavator if they are able to close the dump ahead of schedule to help keep the Cummins proposal. Sculthorp suggested that the northern ten acres on the west side may be a good fit for the company. Black announced that Transoma is now open with some employees already on site. Staff recently toured the building and was pleasantly surprised at how attractive the building is. Black reported that the cell tower intends to relocate to the Mission Foods site, just north of the Northwest Quadrant, since no location in the development were found suitable. The proposal would be going before the Planning Commission and Council for a code amendment in the next month. Railroad Team Track and Wye Fernelius announced that the team track construction has been completed and the wye construction should start W is fall. The historical review of the Butcher's Spur, a condition of approval for the Surface Transportation card (STB), has been completed. It appears that a historical plaque will need to be placed in the Northwest Quadrant acknowledging that the track was there and its historical significance to the area. The STB should make its final ruling regarding the abandonment in early October. Page 2 of 3