2012-04-21_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

HRA Meeting Minutes Saturday, April 21, 2012 Page 5 1 2 Chair Maschka noted that the mass transit and walkabiltiy amenities could handle that congestion; and 3 opined that more density was a given in that area in the future, and noted that it had already started to 4 occur. 5 6 7 at this point. Regarding traffic congestion, Ms. Kelsey noted that, if that site was used for senior 8 housing, it would be a destination, with people parking their vehicles, and then walking; and would not 9 further add to congestion. 10 11 Member Quam observed that the discussion was getting too detailed for the purposes of this planning 12 session, and needed to refocus on the broader picture. 13 14 Chair Maschka concurred; and reiterated the need to consider creative approaches for the senior 15 housing concept that could morph into the future needs of the community as well. 16 17 Ms. Kelsey noted that Good Samaritan may not be the developer of choice for the HRA if their goals 18 were not similar. 19 20 Member Willmus suggested it may be necessary for the City/HRA to drive the development rather than 21 relying on the developer to do so. 22 23 Member Elkins noted a previously-discussed option held by the HRA for down payment assistance for 24 employees in Roseville. 25 26 Member Masche concurred; however, he stated that affordable, senior rental housing was a priority for 27 the community from his perspective; and there was currently only one (1) such building in Roseville. 28 Member Masche noted his previous residence in SE Roseville for almost a decade, and the many 29 changes he observed in the neighborhood. Similar to his past discussions with Mr. Trudgeon, Member 30 Masche addressed challenges in SE Roseville with the duplicity of ownership along the Rice Street 31 corridor with multiple municipalities (Roseville, Maplewood, Little Canada, and St. Paul), and 32 suggested some kind of collaboration, opining that the entire streetscape is quite dismal. Member 33 Park & Ride was constructed, it would only bring 34 the area down further, even if it was located across from a lake. 35 36 Also, Member Masche noted the need for the HRA and City Council to develop a stronger relationship 37 if anything was going to work, rather than waiting until the end of the process to bring the City Council 38 into the picture. By seeking buy-in from the City Council throughout the process, Member Masche 39 opined that the City Council needed more ownership than the current quarterly HRA update from staff 40 and Chair Maschka. 41 42 Member Majerus questioned if that meant asking Member Willmus, as a Councilmember, to report 43 monthly to the full City Council the activities of the HRA. 44 45 While not limiting that option, Member Masche suggested that it would be a tremendous chance to 46 consistently keep them aware of HRA goals and projects. 47 48 Member Lee enthusiastically supported development of an action plan with the City Council to 49 consistently get their buy-in and share discussion with them to reach consensus. 50 51 Member Masche noted that the initiative had begun with purchase of the fire station parcel, and could 52 53 he had found refreshing and encouraging. Member Masche noted that the end goals were those of both 54 the City Council and HRA was for citizens and taxpayers to maintain a superb first-ring suburb for the 55 benefit of the entire community.