EDA_Minutes_2016_08_29 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

RHRA Meeting Minutes – Monday, August 29, 2016 Page 28 At the request of Member Etten, Ms. Kelsey reviewed the timeframe for Option 1. Ms. Collins noted Ms. Kelsey had held preliminary discussions with Ramsey County on the property and Ms. Kelsey advised that their mindset was that they had no interest in keeping the parcel off the tax roll; and their only interest in a partnering opportunity was if it was reprogrammed for the tax rolls. Ms. Kelsey stated the County felt there was already sufficient Institutional properties in Ramsey County and not enough contribution to the tax rolls, especially with the Capitol building and other government buildings. Member Etten noted the County probably wouldn’t be interested in partnering with the city to review the building’s potential in that case; and expressed his concerns in draining funds as well. Ms. Kelsey suggested having that discussion with Ehlers, noting the government didn’t need to acquire everything, but perhaps could facilitate redevelopment of the site versus taking it on and repackaging it. Ms. Kelsey suggested the REDA take that opportunity to have that discussion. In his recent door knocking in that area, Member Etten noted there was a fair amount of interest, but as you moved further away from the site, that interest also diminished. Member Etten noted the need to be very thoughtful of potential uses and also the need to involve people in that area in the discussion. However, with the dollar amount being considered, Member Etten noted the need for the discussion and decision-making to involve the entire community. Given the dollar amount, timing and discussion with Ehlers as suggested by staff, Member Etten noted the time needed to think about this decision let alone actually doing something about it. President Roe stated that the first thing that came to mind in acquiring the property for use by the city was “What for?” President Roe noted nothing had been identified in the Park Master Plan or other processes that this was an ideal site, with several park amenities in that area of the city already updated. While there may be other opportunities for some of the limited uses suggested, President Roe stated he was really leery as a public decision-maker to spend significant money to acquire a pretty significant property with no purpose in mind other than because it’s available. President Roe also expressed concern in funding the acquisition and/or rehabilitation without uses identified. Also given Ramsey County’s lack of interest in the site for future Institutional use, President Roe agreed the site was probably not suited to that use going forward, and suggested the neighbors needed to be consulted to find out what their preference would be going forward for the site. At this point, President Roe stated he didn’t see the city acquiring the site.