Redevelopment Committee Minutes
Kingfield Neighborhood Association
April 25, 2007
MLK Park
7:00 PM
Attendance
Rosemary Dolata, Darrell Gerber, Peter Hallstrom, Arthur Knowles, Doug Kress, Tom Parent, Dave Saddoris,
KFNA Staff: Sarah Linnes-Robinson and Joanna S. Hallstrom
Guests:
Lee Blons, Executive Director of the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation; along with Doug Mitchell , Matt Orellin and a representatives from the foundation board etc.
Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation: Lee Blons, Executive Director of the Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation presented multiple build out scenarios for the funeral home site at 37th and Nicollet. The foundation plans to incorporate transitional apartments for homeless youth, a coffee shop and owner occupied townhouses.
The foundation plans to close on the property June 15, 2007. The property will be abated before demolition. The Reuse It Center has already toured the building to evaluate what can be reused.
The foundation will be requesting a parking variance and will need neighborhood support for this. The coffee shop will utilize street parking and bike racks. There will be a residential parking lot in the back. Currently plans show access to this lot via the alley.
The property lines currently show that the City owns a section of land between the funeral home and Nicollet Ave. (possibly originally intended for a turn lane). The City has vacated this easement on adjacent properties; the foundation expects that the City will do the same for them.
The foundation is looking into a new Section 8 Homeownership program for the townhouses.
The committee gave the following feedback on the models:
They would like to see the residential townhouses face 37th street to provide a softer transition between the large apartment building and residential homes.
Consider adding other on site services such as a counseling center or clinic besides the coffee shop.
Consider building affordable townhouses for large families verse one or two bedroom units.
Look at solar energy and other “green” systems for the buildings (the foundation is already pursuing funding options from Green Communities).
Separate the townhouses from the apartment building with a driveway, the entrance into the residential parking lot.
The foundation would like to be very intentional about reaching out to the local community as their plans unfold for this sight. They will seek KFNA guidance in this process.
The committee encouraged consistent communication about the project development and also encourage the new youth community and staff at the facility to get involvement in neighborhood activities and committees.
City of Lakes Community Land Trust:
The committee reviewed a letter of support for CLCLT. It was approved. It will go to the KFNA board for final approval in May.
Housing Program:
Linnes-Robinson reported that the City is only allowing neighborhoods to contract 50% of their Phase II NRP Plan money. Linnes-Robinson recommended a revision within the Housing Objective as follows: Move $50K under Affordable Housing 1.1.1. to the Home Improvement Loans 1.1.2. And add the $50K to the Home Improvement Loan Program. The $50K will be designated for loan applicants at or below 80% MMI with an option to repay the loan over a 10 year period. Saddoris made a motion to approve this plan. Motion passed unopposed.
The committee reviewed the Kingfield NRP Home Improvement Loan Program and Hallstrom recorded revisions. Linnes-Robinson will take the revisions to Don Snyder at the City, who will review the final document that will be submitted to the KFNA board for approval. The program is on schedule to be available to the neighborhood in September of 07.
BFIP
The committee reviewed and approved two BFIP applications.
Daryl and Patsy Skiba of The Fun Sisters applied to replace their existing store front windows and entrance. The committee made an amendment to the acceptance letter stating that the Skiba’s could come back for the remainder of the funding limit, if the owners decided to open up a the currently boarded over upper windows of the store front.
Mary and Dan Hunter of The Grand Café applied to add a second, matching awning over their southern windows and to repair the original sign and adorn it with metal work. Their acceptance letter will state that they must be in compliance with the zoning department sign regulations.
Minutes completes by Joanna S. Hallstrom-KFNA