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City of Roseville - Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes for June 15, 20...Page 2 of 5 Nays: 0 Motion carried Public Hearing 7. a) Public hearing for consideration of the use of eminent domain for the property located at 2012 Eldridge Street (HF0020). Executive Director Bennett advised that the HRA had adopted Resolution No. 8 at the May 18, 2004 regular meeting setting the public hearing for consideration of the use of eminent domain for property located at 2012 Eldridge Street in Roseville. The notice of the public hearing was posted in the local newspaper and a public hearing notice was mailed to property owners within 350 feet of the subject property. She explained the goals of the HRA. Cathy Bennett further indicated that the HRA may acquire the site using its statutory authority MN Stat. 469-012 which allows the HRA to use eminent domain to acquire “substandard buildings or improvements”. The history and condition of the property at 2012 Eldridge would meet this definition. The property has been vacant for many years. In 1998 the City did an abatement to cover the cost of having the house repainted. In 2002 a non-profit housing organization called the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation received permission from the owner to conduct an interior inspection of the house to determine improvement cost, but found it too expensive and should be razed. In 2003 the City Code staff received a court order for an interior inspection, finding that the building was unsafe and the occupancy permit was revoked until corrections could be made. Pictures of the conditions were illustrated including: severe water damage, wall foundation problems, mold, animal nesting and faulty electrical and heating systems. Cathy Bennett explained the possible actions that the HRA Board could take in relation to this case. 1) Approval, Deny or Table the resolution approving acquisition by eminent domain. This process would take a minimum of 16 weeks plus another ten weeks if it is appealed. If approved and the process begins, a negotiated settlement could occur at any time. 2) A motion to approve a loan for Mr. Wu to finance the demolition of the home within 30 days. Don Munson, Roseville Code Enforcement Officer and Building Official explained the history of code compliance at 2012 Eldridge. As part of the court order in August 2003 Mr. Munson investigated the interior of the building. He described the poor conditions and notified the owner of required improvements to meet Code requirements. In September, a second inspection was done of the exterior of the property. In October 2003 the house was declared unsafe and in violation of the nuisance code. After these inspections, the certificate of occupancy for the structure was revoked. Member Kelsey asked about the complaints received. Don Munson explained that over the past few years there have been in excess of 25 complaints, mostly exterior nuisance issues. Frank Wu, owner of 2012 Eldridge, noted that prior to 1997 the property was owned by Mr. Wu’s father. Since 1997 to 2003 Mr. Wu’s mother owned the property and due to her poor health was unable to care for the property. Mr. Wu was not living in Minnesota until 1999 when he began assisting his mother with the upkeep. In 2003, Mr. Wu purchased the property from his mother with the intention of building a new home for himself. Mr. Wu indicated that he has been interviewing builders to create a plan for a new house. He asked the HRA for a loan to help demolish and grade the site until he receives his construction loan. He has two bids for demolition and two bids pending. Member Hermes asked what type of home is contemplated (two story, four bedrooms). Mr. Wu has floor plans but no building blue prints. Member Hermes asked if lenders have been sought. Mr. Wu is completing the pre-application process for a loan. Mr. Wu said he expects three months of planning before construction begins. http://archive.ci.roseville.mn.us/council/hra/minutes/2004/hram040615.htm4/16/2010