Laserfiche WebLink
<br />C. APi Option Update <br /> <br />Gundlach reported that staff was contacted by APi the week of December 19th regarding a request to <br />have until January 31st to make a decision on whether or not to move forward with their option. Based <br />on communications with APi representatives, it seems APi may be considering an actual project verses <br />paying for an extension (or delay). Staff has communicated to APi the City won’t move forward with <br />any other development interests until at least February 1st, even though their option rights expire at the <br />end of 2016. <br /> <br />Gundlach commented meanwhile, Pulte Homes has been in constant contact with staff and continue to <br />be interested in building townhomes in 2017. In fact, Pulte submitted a Letter of Intent to purchase the <br />land on November 21, 2016 (see attached), which was forwarded to Council as information-only via <br />their December 2, 2016 Weekly Memo. Staff has communicated to Pulte that the City is still working <br />with APi and if/when that changes Pulte will be notified. <br /> <br />Gundlach stated APi representatives indicated they will provide updates to City staff prior to January <br />31st as they become available. Staff is hopeful the City and APi can reach an agreement to develop the <br />two acre parcel in question, whether it be an extension or actual project consistent with the current <br />option terms of the Redevelopment Contract in effect. <br /> <br />Commissioner Carter asked if Pulte were to purchase the land how quickly would the site develop. <br />Gundlach stated Pulte was interested in building townhomes in 2017. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman believed Pulte was a great partner to the City, as was APi. She stated she was <br />willing to continue working with APi on the option. Gundlach discussed the office market and stated <br />she would know more about the APi situation in the coming weeks. <br /> <br />2017 Work Plan <br /> <br />Gundlach discussed the four categories of economic development as developed and agreed upon by the <br />EDC in a joint meeting with the City Council in 2015. Those categories are as follows: <br /> <br />1) Business Retention & Expansion – Open to Business effective 2/1/2016 <br />2) Housing Programs – consider examining past Council work <br />3) Placemaking Initiatives (Sense of Place) – Resolution to be forwarded to Council in January <br />2017 <br />4) Physical Redevelopment Opportunities – New Brighton Exchange (on an as needed basis) <br /> <br />Gundlach noted the EDC would also be meeting with Open to Business in 2017 and would be discussing <br />the Comprehensive Plan update along with housing issues. <br /> <br />Chair Zisla looked forward to discussing housing issues with the EDC in February or March. Gundlach <br />discussed the research staff had done regarding housing market values in New Brighton. <br /> <br />Commissioner Benke asked if the City had many tear down and rebuilds. Gundlach stated the City has <br />had a number of tear downs along with subdivisions and infills. <br /> <br />Councilmember Bauman did not want to see any housing loans designed for interior or personal <br />property. She did support an emergency loan program for costly home expenses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Benke stated it may be difficult for the EDC to define what the City’s housing problem <br />was. Gundlach stated a windshield survey may benefit the EDC. She was pleased with the fact that