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<br />Mr. March explained there is $6.9 million available for grants and an additional <br />$3 million for projects that enhance transit opportunities. He stated the current <br />Park and Ride lot within the City is located at the Tom Thumb. Mr. March <br />indicated the Tom Thumb owners would like the site moved by June 1,2000. <br /> <br />Mr. March proposed demolishing the two public works buildings, that all wells be <br />capped, and to use this site for a community area with streetscapes. He stated <br />financial incentives could be offered to potential developers to meet the needs of <br />the City. Mr. March noted that a municipal parking lotJPark and Ride would also <br />be planned on a portion of the block. <br /> <br />Mr. March stated he met with a representative of Lorenz Bus Service and Met <br />Council and both were in favor of the proposed changes. He explained a five- <br />page proposal would need to be submitted to Met Council by June 2, 2000 from <br />the City and no local match would be required for the grants. He stated the grants <br />were designed to encourage mixed-use compact development. Mr. March <br />indicated the proposed changes would put the vacant properties back on the tax <br />roll and would encourage development in the area. He stated this would also be a <br />financially feasible solution for the City. <br /> <br />Mr. March asked that the Council allow staff to submit a grant and a special <br />meeting be held on May 31, 2000 to discuss this proposal in more detail, along <br />with Ordinance #4. <br /> <br />Council Member Sweeney stated he was in favor of the grant proposal but asked <br />if control could be maintained through this development. He stated he would like <br />to see the municipal building placed on this site as well. Mr. March agreed with <br />the comments and stated Met Council is looking for future phases of development <br />within the proposals, which would fit with the municipal building upgrade <br />needed. He stated the timing is right for funding needed to update the downtown <br />area with additional phases. <br /> <br />Council Member Nelson asked if a core group of citizens were working on this <br />proposal. Mr. March stated he hopes the Council would work with this issue and <br />future phases would be brought to the residents. <br /> <br />Council Member Nelson stated this was a wonderful venture for the City and she <br />is excited about the prospects. Council Member Travis stated he was excited for <br />this venture as well. He indicated that a consultant may want to be addressed for <br />future grants. Mr. March stated he would keep this in mind and those residents <br />affected by the project would also be notified of the upcoming changes. <br /> <br />Council Member Broussard Vickers stated she was in favor of the project and was <br />excited to hear the Park and Ride would be expanded. <br /> <br />Mayor Wilharber agreed this was a tremendous idea but stated concern about <br />taking any property off the tax rolls. He explained that additional commercial and <br />industrial prospects would lower the tax burden on the residents of the City as <br />well. <br /> <br />Page 9 ofl2 <br />