CCP 03-08-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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f ARDEN HILLS EDA SPECIAL MEETING - JANUARY 25,1999 2 , UNFINISHED AND NEW BUSINESS . A. Authorize to Pursue Acquisition of Railroad Spnr Line and Bridge Mr. Ringwald explained that the EDA is being requested to authorize Staff to pursue acquisition of the MT Properties (railroad right-of-way) real estate in the Gateway Business District. He noted the map which identified the location of that property and other properties constituting the majority of the developable property remaining in the Gateway Business District. He noted the Council had previously looked at this property when Welsh Development attempted to purchase this right-of-way for Phases 2, 3 and 4. At that time, MT Properties decided they did not want to sell their property even though their staff did support the sale. Because of this, Gateway Boulevard was relocated to the north and the City has constructed it. As part of the plans, the alignment was discussed due to a potential connection with the City of New Brighton which has a large development plan for the northwest quadrant of the intersection as a vehicular connection. The cities talked about the utilization of the bridge which could be reutilized for a public trail system to link the two cities. Mr. Ringwald advised that a survey does not need to be included since Welsh Companies did a survey by a registered land surveyor when they were attempting to acquire the property. Because of that, the exact legal boundaries and legal description are already known. Staff would need to hire an appraiser to determine the fair market value of the property, hire an environmental consultant to conduct Phase I environmental audit, and consult the City Engineer on issues related to the bridge over I-35W and the City Attorney on legal matters related to the potential . acquisition of this right-of-way. Staff requests authorization to commence negotiations for acquisition of the MT Properties real estate, including the hiring of necessary consultants, in the total amount for the negotiations not to exceed $15,000, without further EDA action. President Probst asked about New Brighton's interest in dealing with their property and whether this can be done simultaneously so the costs can be split between the two cities. Mr. Ringwald advised that New Brighton is interested in taking ownership of the property west of the center line and they are pursuing that same negotiation. President Probst asked what Staff anticipates in terms of activity on the remaining property of Morris Communications and A TS Steel. He noted there is an agreement with Morris Communications to support their marketing efforts. Mr. Ringwald advised of his discussions with various people who are interested in the Morris Communication property and issues with the redesign of the Highway 96 and Round Lake Road intersection. He noted that starting construction on the intersection this spring will answer a lot of those questions. Commissioner Larson noted there is no building value assigned and asked what value is assigned to the bridge. Mr. Ringwald stated the bridge is apparently owned by MnDOT, and MT Properties believes that they only have the right to utilize the surface, which would be transferred to the City. He advised that Staff will follow up with the lineage of the bridge. MOTION: Commissioner Malone moved and Commissioner Aplikowski seconded a motion to authorize Staff to commence negotiations for acquisition of the MT Properties (railroad right-of-way) real estate in the Gateway Business District .