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CASE # RUM RIVER COMMERCIAL NODE REDEVELOPMENT STUDY By: Amy Geisler, Associate Planner Background: At the July EDA meeting, Jim McComb from the McComb Group reviewed the completed redevelopment study for the Rum River Commercial Area. The EDA is interested in obtaining information related to the following: Possible development scenarios and associated costs · Options and costs to update existing buildings on site · Costs for providing a Master Plan It would appear that this information is best suited to come from a consultant that is able to provide land use planning as well as project development and implementation services. The City does not have the staff capacity to undertake this type of project without outside assistance. Recommendation: Staff is recommending that the EDA authorize staff to prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) to hire a consultant that is able to provide both a land use plan for the area and a retail development strategy. It is staff's opinion that by hiring a consultant, the EDA's questions and concerns raised at the July EDA meeting (refer to enclosed minutes for details) will be addressed. If the EDA is inclined to direct staff to begin writing an RFP, the RFP used to hire the McComb Group would be appropriate to use as a model. Staff will base the rewrite on comments discussed at the July EDA meeting. The City Council will be reviewing the McComb study sometime in September or early October. Staff is suggesting that the Council should review the McComb study and the RFP at the same meeting, as this will move the project forward. Staff sent a copy of this case cover sheet to the landowners advising them of what would be discussed at the September EDA meeting. Recommendation: Direct Staff to begin the RFP process for land use and retail planning for the commercial node at the Rum River Commercial Node, and forward the McComb study to the City Council. Reviewed by: City Administrator Economic DevelopmenffTIF Specialist EDA: 9.8.03