2004-03-16_Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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They currently do not offer rooms for to other organizations since they lost their custodial services due to budget cuts. If the City or other organizations could partner for custodial services the Armory could possibly open up the space again for community use. Mark Doneaux, Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) commented: Currently conducting a water quality project in Villa Park and have worked closely with the Lake McCarrons Neighborhood Association. The CRWD looks at new developments as an opportunity to improve water quality in the area. They would be very interested in the retention of the pond but may look at a modification to accommodate development. The pond could not be filled in. There would be a requirement to treat the water runoff prior to discharge to the pond based upon the new impervious service added due to the development. The CRWD is silent on land use but will look at the pond and possible impacts due to higher density development and come back with comments and suggestions. Rice Street Business Owner, Steve Kissel, commented: His property is a multi tenant building located at 1899 Rice Street. The owner does not see this project as a direct impact to the business. He is interested in what is happening in the neighborhood. There have been several improvements to the site over the last few years which have received favorable comments. The uses within the building include TaeKwondo Center, Linn Building Supply and Kissell Construction Inc. George Seidel (owner of the 56 McCarrons Apartments units, the largest rental property owner near the Guptil site) was contacted by phone for his thoughts: Mr. Seidel said he could accept a senior hi-rise or other multi-family, or townhomes, and that he likes the idea of more people in the area rather than the vacant building. He explained that his buildings went up in valuation 41% one year and 47% the next, which was hard to accept. He suggested opening up the armory for neighborhood recreation - especially the gym and play fields. He is happy with his renters; mostly young blue collar workers renters who are hurt by lose of jobs. He does have to work with them on stretching rent every month. While the rental market is full of vacancy, and there are lots of deals in current market, it does not have too much impact on him because the Seidel units are $695 monthly for a two bedroom unit and $595 monthly for a one bedroom unit. He would like to be kept involved of this study. He said the 23 (1 bedroom) units on Elmer sold in spring of 2003 and sold again later in 2003 for about $65,000 a unit - way too high for the rent. Mr. Seidel was happy to hear the neighbors like his building and find it a "key" to neighborhood stability. DRAFT MARCH 10, 2004 21