06-07-2021 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Huffman read a prepared statement to the JDA. He explained on January 22nd the County Board met in a closed session to discuss future negotiations for the sale of Rice Creek Commons to Alatus. He reported the County has been working to negotiate a Master Development Agreement but has reached an impasse. He indicated Rice Creek Commons was a shovel-ready, prime development opportunity that will benefit the community with jobs, housing and economic growth. He anticipated that all parties want to move forward toward a development solution but stated the County was losing momentum and development opportunities as negotiations have not led to an MDA that was appropriate for all parties. As the property owner, the County had a responsibility to its tax payers to develop this site. He feared a construction season would be lost given the fact infrastructure plans were not in place. He explained funding sources and financial tools are set to expire in 2019. He commented the County would lose State approved funding for the spine road. He reported the County has invested $40 million in the site, Alatus has invested millions in development plans and now the project is stalled. Per Section 2.3.11 of the Joint Powers Agreement, the County would like to resolve outstanding issues through a dispute resolution via mediation to move the project forward. He stated appropriate housing,job and economic growth were very important to the community. He explained the County wanted to ensure this project was done right. He commented successful mediation may be the best option to move this project forward. He stated he was not looking for JDA approval regarding mediation, but rather the County and the City would have to approve this. Commissioner Grant requested further information regarding the State approved funding for the spine road. Ms. Collins reported the County had several million dollars allocated from the State to assist with completing the spine road in 2019. Commissioner Grant questioned who paid for the thumb roadway. Director Olson commented this was paid for by Ramsey County. He noted there may have been some expenses that were eligible for State funding. Commissioner Holden stated she took offense to the statement, "the County has been negotiating in good faith". She reported the City has been negotiating with the County since 2012 on this project. She explained she had attended heated meetings where County staff was yelling at Councilmembers. She commented on all of the concessions the City had made in order to meet the County's wishes. She stated the City has been negotiating on phasing, density, building heights and flexibility issues with TCAAP since 2012. She indicated the City has been working with the County, shoulder to shoulder to give them what they want. She stated bullet three was a problem for her.