02-01-16 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, believed the JDA was being asked how quickly they wanted to move forward with the Master Developer Solicitation. And, the JDA may need to look more closely at its goals for the TCAAP development in order to move forward. It was his experience that developers were able to navigate through two differing bodies and sets of goals. He believed the more important objective was if the members were comfortable with the Solicitation. Chair Sand asked if the JDA had to set its own goals and objectives for the TCAAP development. JDA Attorney Norton advised the JDA does not have to establish its own goals. However, the JDA was supposed to approve the Master Developer and the criteria for this should be clear for all entities involved. Further discussion ensued regarding the approval process. Commissioner Grant questioned if the JDA could pursue a Master Developer prior to the County approving the Master Plan. JDA Attorney Norton commented that the JDA could embark on the process of pursuing a Master Developer. However, he indicated the JDA could not implement the development process until the County approved the Master Plan. Chair Sand suggested on Page 4 of the draft Solicitation that the goals read as follows: The City has the land use authority and the County was the landowner. Both have distinct but similar goals for the orderly and timely redevelopment of RCC. The goals generally include job creation, transit and mobility opportunities, energy and environmental resiliency, housing diversity, natural resource protection, community vitality, interconnection and enhanced recreational features. He asked if the JDA members could agree to these goals. Commissioner Holden believed this language was fine, but suggested the City’s goals be attached to the Master Developer Solicitation as a separate document in the same manner as the County did. She questioned how the JDA would evaluate and measure the responses to the Solicitation given the fact the goals were not consistent between the two agencies. She believed that the Solicitation should be held off until this issue can be resolved. Commissioner Grant discussed a previous conversation the JDA had regarding housing diversity. He believed the JDA had to come to an agreement regarding the housing diversity that would be provided on TCAAP prior to the site being developed, or a Master Developer being sought. He recommended the percentages be more clearly defined. Chair Sand requested clarification from the County. Administrative Director Worthington stated the metric suggested that 10% of all housing units and 20% of the owner occupied units to meet Met Council affordability levels. Development Director Hutmacher believed the language as written had overlapping requirements (and not stacking) with regard to affordable housing. Further discussion ensued regarding the affordable housing requirements and goals for TCAAP.