2004-06-15_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

City of Roseville - Housing & Redevelopment Authority Meeting Minutes for June 15, 20...Page 3 of 5 Andrea Wicevic, 1988 Eldridge, explained that she expects this project will take until spring of 2005 to be completed. She mentioned that there is a wild cat in the neighborhood that she believed lives in the vacant house. She mentioned that the cat has bitten people. Ken Ljung, 1972 Eldridge, said five years ago he had expressed interest in purchasing the site. What happens if HRA does acquire the site? Cathy Bennett explained the HRA could build on it, resell or sell the parcel to others. The first step would be to demo the existing house. Public notice of final disposition actions by the HRA will be published. Mr. Ljung also asked if there were delinquent taxes on the property (unsure). Andrea Wicevic, 1988 Eldridge, asked if a commitment letter from Mr. Wu would be required (Yes). Chet Mulholland, 2097 Wilder St. No., asked if attorney fees would be paid by HRA (Yes). Will a time line be established by the HRA (Yes)? Will a progress checklist be created (already established in packet)? Terry Fleming, 2001 Eldridge, expressed concern with the vacant house becoming a safety hazard as it is an attraction to younger children as a hang out. He indicated that he suspects that children hang out in the backyard at night as it is secluded. The house should be demolished. There being no further discussion, Chair Majerus closed the public hearing. Action Items 8. a.) Consideration of Resolution to begin the process of eminent domain of 2012 Eldridge Street (HF0020). Executive Director Cathy Bennett presented two action options to the Board for consideration relative to the process of eminent domain for property located at 2012 Eldridge Street. The first option included the adoption of a resolution that would authorize the acquisition of the property at 2012 Eldridge through eminent domain, after which formal proceedings for a quick take of the property could occur in about 16 weeks. The second option presented was to table the resolution to allow the property owner, Mr. Wu, to demolish the structure within 30 days. Mr. Wu had indicated he did not plan to demolish the structure until later this year, but would remove the structure as soon as possible with a loan from the HRA. Estimated cost for demolition and grading is between $10-15,000. Mr. Wu is now securing bids for this work. This process would give Mr. Wu a month to proceed, after which the HRA could pursue eminent domain process if Mr. Wu is unsuccessful in his efforts. Member Bean asked that if an additional 30 days of non-action would occur, how can the HRA expedite the house razing? How can the HRA force the issue in a timely fashion? Gay Greiter, HRA Attorney from Krass Monroe, explained that the City could also make a decision to raze the house immediately due to it being declared an unsafe building. Otherwise, the best option for the HRA is to provide the loan to facilitate demolition. The HRA would not be able to go onsite to demo the building themselves until they took title as part of the eminent domain proceedings. Member Kelsey explained that the eminent domain procedure should be started but to continue negotiations with Mr. Wu to attempt to complete the demolition and rebuilding on the site. She explained the timeline could last as long as 36 weeks and that tabling the action is only delaying the process another 30 days. Member Hermes asked if the Fire Department, with Mr. Wu’s approval, could burn down the structure as soon as possible? (Yes, they have been informed and will need Mr. Wu’s approval). Chair Majerus explained that he hoped for a timely resolution to this process. Both the HRA and http://archive.ci.roseville.mn.us/council/hra/minutes/2004/hram040615.htm4/16/2010