CC_Minutes_2004_0726 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City Council Regular Meeting - 07/26/04 Minutes - Page 25 Determining that the Land at 2012 Eldridge Avenue (the Wu Property) Contains a Structurally Substandard Building and may be Included in a Future Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District in Order to Reimburse Taxpayers for Public Expenditures Incurred in this Matter (HF 0020). City Economic Developer Cathy Bennett reviewed tonight's request, at the recommendation of the City's Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Attorney Jim Casserly and the HRA Board. Ms. Bennett noted that this action did not obligate the City to create a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, but due to the substandard structure on the parcel, the City could reserve the blighted property status, in conjunction with the findings of the HRA, for a period of three years. Mayor Klausing opined his support of the general concept; however, expressed his concern over the HRA's use of Eminent Domain proceedings. Ms. Bennett reviewed the substantive history of this vacant property with an absent property owner, and the many attempts over the last 10 years to work with the property owner to demolish the home and remove the safety hazard, continuing abatements and code enforcement issues. Ms. Bennett noted that, after all other recourse failed, the HRA adopted a resolution to acquire the property by use of eminent domain under its statutory authority under Minnesota State 469.012. Ms. Bennett noted that, prior to this action, and in response to continuing concerns of the neighbors, the City received a court order to perform an interior investigation, and findings substantiated neighborhood concerns related to rodents and safety issues, at which time the Certificate of Occupancy was revoked and remains in force. Ms. Bennett noted that further attempts to work with the property owner, or for the HRA to purchase the property at fair market value have proven ineffective. Discussion ensued regarding the HRA's use of Eminent Domain procedures. City Attorney Anderson opined, after review of the actions to- 2012 Eldridge Avenue (Wu Property) Structurally Substandard Building (HF 0020)