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he did not think that was the case because the conditions of the Purchase Agreement did not <br />require any changes to the density or financial assistance. So he had defended that deal. <br />Commissioner Tossey noted that as the density request changed, he knew that if at .75 it would <br />be cost prohibitive because the parking structure had to be built. He stated he received a call <br />from another developer who was told the City would not change that so that developer moved to <br />a project in St. Francis. He noted the issue came up that it is the zoning that's a problem and the <br />zoning should be changed. Commissioner Tossey questioned staff's confusion about the HRA's <br />previous direction because it was acknowledged in the staff report so he would ask why a zoning <br />request is not on the agenda tonight. He stated Mr. Kuker is interested in a project but he <br />(Commissioner Tossey) does not think taxpayers should pay for it or other developers in the <br />region excluded. Commissioner Tossey stated support for considering a rezoning of this area <br />and maybe other areas to attract more developers. He stated Mr. Kuker sent him information <br />showing other communities were changing zoning. <br />Deputy Executive Director Gladhill stated the zoning is not on tonight's agenda because that <br />public hearing was set for the Planning Commission meeting and Code requires ten days in <br />between Planning Commission and the Council. The Planning Commission met and conducted <br />that public hearing last Thursday but there was no ability to have minutes available for the <br />Council's consideration tonight. He noted the Planning Commission meets once per month and <br />staff needs to work within the timing of the State Statute. <br />Commissioner Tossey asked whether it was anticipated to have the zoning issue before the <br />Planning Commission at the beginning of November. <br />Deputy Executive Director Gladhill explained the Planning Commission met last Thursday, held <br />the public hearing, and advanced its recommendation to the City Council. It will be introduced <br />on October 28, 2014, for a first reading. In addition, the Planning Commission directed staff to <br />prepare FAR exhibits for the benefit of the Council so the policy implications are clear. It is <br />anticipated that adoption will occur in mid - November before the Council. <br />Commissioner Tossey stated it is an election year but no mater what PSD does, it will be <br />controversial in Ramsey and he believed the real issue was the parking ramp. He described a <br />scenario of a property being sold that had a radon issue and whether it would be worth more <br />prior to radon mitigation or post radon mitigation. Commissioner Tossey felt that by lowering <br />density, the value of the property in question will increase since there would be no requirement <br />to construct a parking ramp. <br />Brian Pankratz, CBRE stated supply and demand is a big driver and yes, there will be interest <br />from a wide group of people but it is a `different ballgame' to get a transaction to a Purchase <br />Agreement and then to close. He noted that for Parcel 49, there is a cost to build a parking <br />structure but rental rates are not there to meet the market. However, in downtown and uptown, <br />the rental market is there. Mr. Pankratz believed that if you have to build a parking ramp, it <br />would be a loss leader. <br />Commissioner Tossey asked CBRE to make recommendations to staff if they determine there are <br />things the City can do to better promote development, such as rezoning. <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority / October 14, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 8 <br />