05-22-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — MAY 8, 2023 N. Councilmember Rousseau requested comment from staff. City Administrator Perrault reported at the May 1 JDA worksession meeting, Director Collins did have concerns about limiting the use on this property or messaging or signaling there was one bidder in mind. He indicated the JDA Advisory Committee met on Thursday, May 4 and had a discussion. At that point, Director Collins indicated she supported expanding the uses in the Campus Commercial district. This was followed up with an e-mail from Director Collins to the City. Councilmember Fabel read an email he received from Director Collins from Ramsey County to clear up any misunderstanding. He explained the County fully supports the City's review of land uses for the thumb parcel, and any other TCAAP parcel that will help to realize market potential and promote the creation of jobs and economic development. He reported the initial intent for this parcel was for a corporate campus, when defined six or seven years ago. However, there has been dramatic changes to office climate since COVID. He commented in the past four years of inactivity interest rates have sky rocketed along with inflation. He explained Ramsey County was not in the same financial position that they were four or five years ago and could not fund the spine road and mass grading. He reported until Ramsey County was in a position to begin funding these items, the project would continue to languish. He indicated the sale of the thumb property would assist in raising much needed capital. He noted the sale would be consistent with the vision for the TCAAP property. He discussed how the Rice Creek Commons development was to create economic prosperity, build an inclusive economy, have a long range sustainable development and develop an energy forward community by providing much needed housing at a variety of income levels, including affordable housing and creating well paying jobs. He asked that the Planning Commission be allowed to identify uses that would be allowed under the existing City Code in order to maximize the opportunity to have that property sold in order to move TCAAP forward. Mayor Grant stated he understood interest rates have changed, along with the office climate. He discussed how the thumb parcel was set aside for jobs and prosperity. He was of the opinion the uses for this property should have been adjusted prior to the County sending out an RFI. He questioned if the County was worried about not receiving proposals for the site. He believed the County was correct when Director Collins expressed her concern. He supported the development community going through the RFI process but questioned why the JDA was trying to change the rules after the game had started. He understood the City wanted to get the highest and best use for this property. He indicated this parcel was in a prime location because it was directly off I-35W and was near I-694. He supported the RFI staying the course. Councilmember Holden agreed with Councilmember Monson that the idea was to get as much out of this parcel as possible. However, she did not believe now was the right time to rethink the uses for this property, given the fact it was right in the middle of an RFI. She indicated Ramsey County had an opportunity to not give up the State money and phasing that was discussed for this project. She understood Costco and Alatus are interested in this parcel. She feared how it would look if the City were to suddenly change the use. She supported the City waiting until July 28 to see how many RFI's come in. After this time, the City could change the uses properly and responsibly instead of this mad rush. She fears this could open things up to other complications.