Minutes

New Brighton Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting – March 14, 2000

7:30 a.m.

Roll Call

Present:	Bob Benke, Gene Delaune, Dennis Flahave, Carol Frey,

Matt Fulton, Linda Harmon, Ken Johnson, John Kaufhold, Kevin Locke, Mark Nelson, Rosalyn Scaff and Cary Teague

Speakers:	Kent Carlson, Craig Rapp and Jim McComb

Absent:	Steve Larson, Ann Hoffman, Maxine Pierson and

Rakesh Agarwala

Call to Order

Ken Johnson, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.

NW Quadrant

Kent Carlson of Ryan and Craig Rapp of CPDC spoke about the beginning steps they are taking on the NWQ redevelopment. A matrix was handed out listing each business in the area along with property information and comments regarding their potential sale/relocation status. The City and EDC will receive monthly updates from the developers on the status of the project.

The consultants and EDC members talked about the acquisition process and development phases that will take place in the area. The housing component was discussed and members commented that this could be the slowest piece of the redevelopment process given the efforts needed for relocating the asphalt company. Comments were made also concerning the need to communicate the redevelopment plans with the public.

Brighton Village Shopping Center

Jim McComb spoke about the Brighton Village Shopping Center market analysis. McComb explained his background and long-time involvement with shopping center market analysis. He explained that the approach he is taking is twofold: 1) to examine the feasability of a grocer in the area; and 2) to determine what other type of use is viable for the site.

The history of supermarkets was discussed with an explanation of the current shift toward big-
box, lower-cost grocery stores. McComb stated that his initial reaction to the site is that there may be a market for a 15,000 – 25,000 sq foot grocer in the area (the vacant Lunds site is roughly 30,000 sq ft). Currently, 5-6 of these operators exist in the twin cities.

EDC members and McComb discussed other uses for the site as well as the possibility of remodeling or reconfiguring the current area. McComb stated that these options would become clearer as he proceeds with the study.

Other Business

Kevin gave a brief update on the Main Street Village site explaining that Ordway/Pratt have some potential businesses lined up as well as a general contractor. The development agreement is still being fine-tuned and will hopefully be resolved soon.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m.