EDC Packet 02-19-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Meeting Notes February 19,2014 Page 2 B. Update on API Group expansion(Informational) This week staff met with API's design team for an update on the status of their project. API has hired Nor-Son to design the building. The attached site plan shows the location of the building. As we have reported previously, API will acquire approximately half of the 4 acre site this year and construct a 45,000 square foot, 3-story building. For comparison purposes, APi's current headquarters building is slightly more than 52,000 square feet in size. The building will be used for training activities, information technology and other office purposes. APi has followed a number of the principles contained in the New Brighton Exchange design guidelines with respect to building placement. One of the City's goals has been to create a more pedestrian feel to the development by shifting buildings closer to the street and/or corners of sites. API is hoping to submit for City approvals in the next two months and then be ready for construction this fall, possibly in early September. Under the terms of the redevelopment contract, API must close on the land by the end and start construction by the end of September 2014. They will have until the end of 2015 to finish the building. They also have the option to acquire the north 2 acres by the end of 2016. We will continue to keep the EDC posted on the project in the coming months, including any news about a groundbreaking date. No other action is needed by the EDC at this time. C. Update on Pulte Homes project(Informational) As we have been reporting for the last couple of months, Pulte Homes (Pulte) is still trying to work with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to address the agency's comments on their Response Action Plan (RAP). The company submitted a formal response to the agency in January describing how they would handle vapor concerns. Pulte has indicated there will be at least 12 feet or more of clean fill between the basements and ground water. All homes will have vapor barriers (also used to protect against radon) and, if necessary, Pulte would install venting systems. The company and its environmental team believe these measures more than meet the agency's standards for residential development. We have requested more current updates from Pulte, although their main contact person has been out of the office the last two weeks. Staff has also reached out to the MPCA to see if the agency can share any newer information. Staff plans to provide a verbal update at the meeting. D. Update on dump venting work(Informational) Late last month the City opened bids for a project to install additional venting on Block E, which is located on the east side of Old Highway 8. The additional venting is the result of discussions between the City and the MPCA about elevated methane readings in select locations around Block E over the last couple of years. The City has until March to aware the contract, but has been postponing the award until more is known about the potential development user on Blocks A and F. Ideally, this work would be coordinated in such a way that it wouldn't interfere with that effort. The current plan is to get the work started this spring and completed by early summer.