CCP 01-13-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• 0 Wct TON the city that works for you REQUEST FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION Special Order of Business Item No. 3 January 13, 2009 ITEM DESCRIPTION: Report on Economic Development Commission's 2008 Activities and 2009 Plans DEPARTMENT HEAD'S APPROVAL: Grant Fernelius, Director of Community Development CITY MANAGER'S APPROVAL: No comments to supplement this report Comments attached Explanation: The Economic Development Commission continued its longstanding role of advising the staff and Council on significant development and redevelopment projects. Most of the work involved various aspects of the Northwest Quadrant (NWQ) redevelopment project. Some of the key areas were: • Development projects. The Transoma Medical and APi Group projects were completed in 2008. These were the first two developments in the area under the 2005 plan, and the first new buildings to be constructed in the NWQ in over thirty years. • Development proposals: A Request for Proposals was prepared for Tract 1 on the west side. JLT, Inc. proposed developing a Sheraton hotel on Block A on the east side. • Land acquisitions/dispositions: Ramsey County closed on the purchase of the northern portion of the former Ferrellgas property. Staff worked on negotiations to relocate the cell tower from Block D, in fulfillment of our contract with Ryan Companies to provide an option parcel for possible expansion of Transoma. Staff also worked on the purchase and exchange of the Butcher's Spur rail line bisecting the development area. The formal abandonment of the line was completed during the year. The completion of both projects is expected in 2009. • Financial: The Commission scrutinized various financial summaries and projections, and guided efforts on obtaining special legislation to allow for additional flexibility on development timing. • Grant agreements: The Commission offered opinions on proposed provisions in grant agreements related to affordable housing. • Environmental: The cleanup of the west side development area was largely completed. The east side dump closure project was engineered, bids were let, a contract was awarded, and substantial work was begun during the year. • Market study: The EDC reviewed four proposals to study the area for the first time in nearly four years, and provided suggestions on how the report should be structured.. The Commission also guided other development efforts throughout New Brighton: • The new post office carrier annex building was completed. The post office retail building was started and nearly completed during the year. HAEDC Annual Report.doc