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4. EDA BUSINESS <br />4.01: Discussion of 167th Avenue and Highway 47 Node <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama provided a brief history of this node and stated this <br />topic has been discussed with the City Council and EDA for a number of years and a number of <br />studies and conceptual plans have been completed including retail analysis studies. He reported <br />that a meeting with the property owners was held on June 5t and a summary of that meeting was <br />included in the agenda. He stated that all of the property owners except the cabinet property <br />indicated an interest in selling the property, all of the property owners indicated they were <br />interested in the EDA sponsoring a marketing package, and all of the property owners indicated <br />they were willing to consider a Comprehensive Plan amendment. He advised that Rum River <br />Hills is interested in pursuing a residential development and staff met with an ownership group <br />from Rum River Hills in June to review a preliminary concept proposal. He presented a concept <br />map of the Rum River Hills proposal and stated the proposal includes a residential development <br />with approximately 250 townhome units. He stated part of this proposal includes a request by <br />Rum River Hills for an underpass near TH47 that would be used by golfers and provides a <br />benefit for pedestrians getting across TH47. He stated the proposal also includes extension of <br />sewer service and it is estimated this extension would cost approximately $1.5 million, adding <br />the City has a sewer fund balance of $3.4 million and it would be possible to utilize that funding <br />source to extend sewer service. He indicated the underpass is estimated to cost approximately <br />$400,000 and not $500,000 as noted in the staff report and Rum River Hills has asked the City to <br />consider participating financially in the cost of the underpass. He advised that Rum River Hills <br />has requested the City consider TIF financing and staff has determined that $3.1 million in future <br />dollars would be available through TIF if the project came to fruition. He pointed out that <br />establishment of a redevelopment TIF district would require the City to correct blight issues on <br />the north side. He stated that Rum River Hills has asked the City to participate financially with <br />sewer costs and it is predicted that the City would recoup approximately half its costs through <br />connections to the sewer system. He stated that Rum River Hills has also asked that the City <br />consider donating the land needed for the golf holes. He added the total value of the support <br />requested from the City is approximately $2.1 million. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill stated that the Peterson parcel includes substantial <br />wetland and any development plans will need to consider potential wetland impacts; in addition, <br />there is a large gas line easement through the City owned parcel. <br />Assistant to the City Administrator Brama stated the City's financial consultant has determined <br />that a redevelopment TIF district is conceptually possible but it will be important to make sure <br />the City meets the criteria for a TIF redevelopment district. <br />Mr. Tom Anderson provided a brief history of their previous work on this site and stated their <br />original proposal included 71 units on approximately six acres and they believe that the site can <br />be increased to fifteen acres and the number of housing units increased accordingly. He <br />expressed appreciation to City staff for their work on the concept plans. <br />Mr. Tim Nichols stated he owns a number of different development companies that develop <br />senior housing as well as market rate rental housing and has spent a lot of time working with <br />Economic Development Authority /July 11, 2013 <br />Page 2 of 7 <br />