Kingfield Neighborhood Association
Board of Directors Meeting
November 11, 2004
Minutes
Board Members Present: Rosemary Dolata, David Sadoris, Art Knowles, Rolf Johnson, Mari O’Rourke, David Muschenheim, Sean Wherley, Ben Kristensen, Niki Valens, Thor Anderson
Others Present: Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Robyn Repya (Southwest Journal), David Keller, Chris Kennelly, Theresa Dolata, Mark Hinds
Meeting Called to Order:
Dolata, acting as president in Motzenbecker’s absence, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Community Forum:
3757 Harriet Avenue: David Keller addressed the board requesting support of changes he wants to make to his property at 3757 Harriet Ave. S. The KFNA Zoning Subcommittee did not have time to assemble and review the request prior to the board meeting, so Dolata and Knowles requested that Keller directly make his request to the board.
Keller wants to provide more livable space to the third floor apartment, which would require modifying the dormers on the south side of the structure. The city had approved a shed-style design proposal, stipulating that the roof line’s pitch match the existing design. Keller asserts that these requirements were unreasonable since it would require raising the roof to an “absurd†height, 10-15 feet above the current roof.
Dolata said she didn’t like the proposed exterior changes, while Knowles felt that the proposal was consistent with the organization’s mission of maintaining/increasing population density in Kingfield.
Keller asserted that he wanted to make sure the changes adhered to the character of the existing structure by using stucco siding instead of vinyl. He also mentioned that he would try to limit inconveniences for existing tenants during the alterations. Keller has owned the property for approximately one year and owns several investment properties in the Uptown area.
Knowles moved that the KFNA Board write a letter asking the city zoning board to reconsider the restrictions it had put on the property at 3757 Harriet Ave. S. Johnson seconded the motion. The motion passed. Wherley opposed and Valens abstained.
Theisen Building Project: Chris Kennelly of the Lander Group addressed the board to discuss the firm’s plans to redevelop the former Theisen Vending building at 3800 Nicollet Ave. S. The Lander Group has been developing properties in the city for 10 years, and signed a purchase agreement on the Theisen property. Kennelly said the current timeline calls for construction to be completed in summer 2005.
Currently, Lander Group envisions keeping the historic structure on the corner of Nicollet Avenue and 38th Street and eliminating the annex on the south side of the parcel. The location is zoned C2 which mandates a 56-foot or 4-story maximum height. Kennelly mentioned that most likely they will need a zoning variance to complete the project. Kennelly said that they have a good track record of working with neighborhoods, and that the Lander Group is looking for feedback from the community on how to best develop the property.
Kennelly outlined plans for the property. The corner structure would be commercial/retail on the first floor and rental units on the upper floor. The new annex would become condos/lofts, with underground parking for residential units. The annex would have stepped floors so there would not be four stories going straight up from the sidewalk to the roof. The firm will try to keep the units affordable.
Dolata stated that she thought KFNA would probably support assistance in removal of the billboards atop the existing building. Valens asked that the Lander Group find tenants that are complimentary to, but not competitive with, the existing businesses. Kennelly stated that the Lander Group did not have any tenants in mind, but they were committed to making the development work.
Pedestrian Bridge Partnership: Mark Hinds, chair of the King Bridge Partnership, addressed the board to discuss the memorandum provided to the board for consideration. Hinds said the bridge is the cap stone of the 40th Street Greenway project and the hope was to create an iconic gateway to south Minneapolis. Currently the partnership is looking for firms to design the estimated $3 million project. There has been strong support from several government entities, including Hennepin County and Mayor R.T. Rybak. The memorandum addresses the partnership between Bryant Neighborhood Association and KFNA, and the utilization of resources from both organizations. Wherley moved to approve the memorandum as provided. Knowles seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Secretary’s Report:
Knowles moved to accept the secretary’s report. Motion carried unanimously.
Committee Reports:
Dolata asked that the Redevelopment Committee meeting minutes remove the word “draft†and that the minutes be provided at the next board meeting.
Architectural Design Studio- Nicollet Ave.:Â Dolata informed the board that architecture students were using the Theisen Vending location as a hypothetical redesign project for their class. The students created many design ideas which were interesting but largely impractical. The students were to present their work at the University of Minnesota on November 12. Dolata mentioned that the university and students have developed a connection with Kingfield since the design charrette.
Old Business:
KFNA Fundraising: The fundraising letter went out in early November and has so far netted $1,475. Last year KFNA received roughly $4,000 with expenses of $2,000. This year the expenses were lower because less staff time was required and KFNA is using the same vendor for printing. Dolata urged that all board members give. The newsletter will be mailed the first week of December and includes an appeal of all Kingfield residents.
Nicollet Lighting Update: Linnes-Robinson delivered the news that the petition was one signature away from the required amount and that she felt it should be completed soon. The owners of Mulroy’s body shop want the actual cost they will bear before signing. The city’s estimate is lower than KFNA’s and Mulroy owners are wary of the differing figures. If Mulroy’s does not sign, it will take many smaller property owners to sign to complete the process. Currently, there is no deadline for the acquisition of signatures for the petition.
MPHA Update: The Minneapolis Public Housing Authority is having problems with the property at 23 W. 38th Street. Demolition of the structure has been completed, but the contractor reports bad soil conditions and estimates it will cost an additional $50,000 to make the site viable for construction. MPHA is looking for funding to alleviate the problem. Anderson said that $50,000 is excessive for the work involved and questioned if bids were solicited for the work. The board discussed use of NRP funds, but apparently the money would not be available this year. Wherley expressed concern about committing money to the project from KFNA before other money is secured.
Design and Development Guidelines: Eric Lindseth edited the Design and Development guidelines for KFNA and submitted them for Board approval. Saddoris requested that the new topics listed after “Kingfield’s Advantages†be modified to include a new number for the topics, instead of a continuation of numbering from the previous section “Kingfield’s Goals and Priorities.†Linnes-Robinson expressed concern about listing the goals in order of preference. Wherley moved to accept the guidelines as amended. Knowles seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
New Business:
Fixed Asset Policy: Linnes-Robinson discussed the old fixed asset policy and the new proposal for depreciating KFNA assets. The current policy depreciates assets with an initial value of greater than $500 on a 5-year schedule. The new proposal would move to a four-year depreciation of 25 percent per year. She requested that the Board formally approve the change this month rather than tabling the issue until December. Knowles moved to change the KFNA fixed asset policy to a four-year schedule depreciating at 25 percent per year. Valens seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Nicollet Avenue K-Mart Site:Â The board discussed the group that is lobbying for changes in the K-Mart site at Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue. The hope is that with the Sears purchase of the site that the company would demolish/redesign the location to allow for the re-opening of Nicollet Avenue. The formal group that is addressing the issue is looking at redevelopment of Lake Street from Grand Avenue to 11th Avenue, and areas between 28th and 31st Streets. Although the site is not in Kingfield, it will have a major impact on the neighborhood redevelopment efforts. Dolata proposed that the KFNA board provide a statement of support to the group investigating the issue and lobbying for the re-opening. Wherley moved that KFNA support re-opening Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street. Muschenheim seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
After the conclusion of Old and New business, O’Rourke and Valens expressed concerns about the 3757 Harriet Ave. S. property. Both thought that the building is not well maintained and they had reservations about the board’s endorsement of Keller’s appeal to city zoning. Several board members asked that such concerns be raised during discussion of a business item.
The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
Minutes respectfully submitted by David Muschenheim.
KFNA Board Secretary–Sean Wherley
KFNA Board President–David Motzenbecker