03-17-2025 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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e. Outlot A Phase 1 Concept Review Director Jagoe stated the Joint Development Authority (JDA) should consider a request for a Concept Plan Review for a proposed office and manufacturing use development on the north side of the existing Outlot A located off of Old Highway 8. Ryan Companies US, Inc (Applicant), is seeking feedback from the JDA on the concept plan in advance of the full submittal which would include a land use application for items such as Subdivision Plan Review, Site Plan Review, Permitted Adjustment Requests, and Building Permit Review. The Concept Plan Review process is an opportunity for the JDA to provide comments and questions regarding proposed developments and permitted adjustment requests. A concept review is considered advisory and is nonbinding to the JDA and Applicant. No formal action can be taken regarding the application, aside from determining if the application meets the regular process or must be referred to the City TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) Amendment Request process. A formal application will be subject to the full review process, including a public hearing. She provided further comment on the proposed plans for Outlot A noting the applicant would have to revise their plans in order to comply with the TRC or seek a TRC amendment based on deviations with respect to off street parking, storage area, ceiling height requirements, building façade and shading requirements. She explained the applicant is seeking feedback from the JDA on their approach to sustainability for this project. Eddy Wolf, Ryan Companies, thanked the JDA for considering his concept plan. He explained he had a targeted groundbreaking date of April 1, 2025 noting time is of the essence for Ryan Companies and his future tenants. He indicated this project would create a 157,000 square foot newly constructed build to corporate headquarters for Micro Control Company, which was currently housed in Fridley. He noted this business would provide over 240 jobs and anticipates 20% growth over the next five years and offers strong wages/benefits. He indicated 90% of the proposed building would be comprised of office, R&D and manufacturing spaces. He stated Ryan Companies believes this was the type of project the JDA has been waiting for on Outlot A and was consistent with the stated goals within the TRC. Chad Lockwood, Associate Director of Engineering for Ryan Companies, spoke to the site plan further. He described how the building would be oriented on the parcel noting shared access would be provided to the south. He reviewed how the building would be broken down into office, storage, R&D and manufacturing space. It was noted the building would be accessed from Old Highway 8. He indicated the site would have 300 parking spaces and outdoor amenities were being proposed on the south side of the building. Kaitlin Veenstra, Ryan Companies (joined the meeting remotely), commented on the sustainability vision for this project. She discussed the parameters for Outlot A noting cost and feasibility are being taken into consideration for the tenants operation and must also work within the tenants schedule requirements. She indicated a hybrid geothermal approach may have to be considered for this site given the size of the land area and due to the fact Darcy may not be available to drill the needed wells. She reported she had a great solar company she was