08-03-15 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

advanced work on the JDA governance process. Also, as Ramsey County moves forward with potential selection of a master developer, the JDA should consider how that process aligns with the JDA approval process. Development Director Hutmacher explained that with the preliminary approval of the TRC, the City is moving forward with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment. City Council and Planning Commission discussions on this topic will be held in June. Public hearings on the TRC and the CPA are tentatively scheduled for July 8. The Council will consider final approval of the TRC and CPA on July 13, contingent upon Met Council approval of the CPA. Development Director Hutmacher stated that if the proposed approval timeline were followed, the construction of the Spine Road and trunk utilities would occur in 2016, followed by private development in 2017. Commissioner Sand discussed the developer comments and noted these comments differed from those presented to the County last Monday. Development Director Hutmacher explained that the presentation given to the County was the same condensed presentation given to the public at the May 26 City Council meeting due to time constraints. She reported that all comments presented to the County were valid and were expanded this evening. Commissioner Ortega requested a list of developers that had participated in the City’s development panel discussions. Commissioner Huffman stated that small lot sizes were an important housing factor along with the need for empty-nester and young professional housing. He asked why a change was made to the NB3 District. Development Director Hutmacher reported that the change to this district was made at Councilmember Holden’s request. Commissioner Holden commented in order to get the TRC approved by the City Council, the City would need four votes and at this time, the City only had three. She explained that the City was trying to keep in mind all of the voices it has heard over the past year and her change would assist in arranging housing in a manner in which 4/5 of the Council could support. Commissioner Sand expressed concern with why the Council was questioning the need for the JDA. He believed the JDA should have a discussion with the JDA Attorney and the City Attorney as to the level of flexibility that would be available in the TRC. He was concerned that all future developments would revert back to the Council, and if this was the case, what was the purpose of the JDA. He commented that the JDA was here to stay and had a say in how the TCAAP site developed. He was in favor of seeking advice from counsel in order to greater define the role of