CCP 05-11-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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@ r~ .~ ~1 :r,1!.r.-. " . , U ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27. 1998 7 . Councilmember Malone stated that he was pleased that the plan was moving forward and clarified that the proposed expenditure was an unbudgeted expense. Councilmember Malone inquired if St. Paul Companies was involved in the creation of the redevelopment plan. Other such development ideas, including the June 1990 plan, that have not reeeived the endorsement of St. Paul Companies have failed in the past. Ms. Winiecki responded that other nearby communities were experiencing redevelopment and this could also happen in Arden Hills if the City Council decided to support BDC's vision. Mayor Probst stated that St. Paul Companies receives a good cash flow from the lease and may not want to interfere with its current situation. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the redevelopment may happen as a slow process but it should begin anyway. Councilmember Aplikowski asked the City Council to keep an open mind about the potential redevelopment in the Lexington/Fox area. Councilmember Aplikowski presented the example of TCAAP, where the property was not available to the City Couneil but the vision for the future may make it possible to acquire the property. Mr. McGraw and Councilmember Malone discussed the merits of the BDC vision plan. Councilmember Malone stated that he was skeptical that a private company could be lured into redeveloping the Lexington/Fox area without any public funds. . Mayor Probst commented on the benefit of involving St. Paul Companies in this process. He advised the feedback from them is that their buildings are all eurrently leased but the City could appeal to their being a tremendous corporate citizen of downtown St. Paul in an attempt to get them to "buy into" the vision for this area as well. Mr. Fritsinger inquired if the City of Arden Hills would be responsible for marketing the redevelopment plan after the illustrative plan was completed. Ms. Winiecki stated that there was no marketing plan in place. The illustrative plan was the first step towards making BDC's vision plan a reality. Councilmember Aplikowski clarified that the current plan is supported by a very efficient and technically knowledgeable staff. Councilmember Keim asked what the next step will be once the plan is developed. Ms. Winiecki stated they will try to market this area by getting the message out. Mr. Fritsinger stated upon completion of this report, there are steps that should be considered including closure by the Planning Commission regarding potential zoning changes to this district and an in-depth discussion on what approach the community wants to take (let the market take ,care of development or City financial participation to a higher level). He stated these are critical . issues that would need to be discussed prior to marketing the vision plan.