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Mr. Kuker commented that on parcel three the owners were parting out vehicles on the road and <br />causing disruption to vehicles attempting to reach his site. He noted that with the condition of that <br />building and site, other desired uses are not going to be attracted to the adjacent parcels for <br />development. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked how active the City should be and where the <br />efforts should be focused. He stated that acquisition of parcels two and three could be pursued <br />if/when there is a willing seller in order to help promote redevelopment in that area. He stated that <br />the decision today is whether the City should approach the property owners to determine if they <br />are willing sellers. He asked if there is support from the EDA to proactively acquire properties in <br />instances of blight and/or strategic planning. <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that he would be hesitant to add more retail property to the City' s land <br />inventory. <br />Member MacLennan stated that he would prefer to move forward with the roads and infrastructure <br />and then review the situation again. <br />Chairperson Steffen agreed that there is no rush to engage those properties owners, and this could <br />come back after the roads and infrastructure is in place as developers may be interested in the <br />properties after that time. He confirmed the consensus of the EDA that there is not support to <br />acquire additional properties. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan asked if there were interest from a private party to <br />purchase one of the properties, would the EDA support a City partnership related to demolition <br />and site prep. <br />Chairperson Steffen commented that he could be open to that if a private buyer were interested. <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented that the question related to strategic <br />acquisition could wait but asked if there is appetite to acquire strategic parcels. <br />Chairperson Steffen stated that he would be more interested in acquisitions needed to facilitate <br />related to industrial development. <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill confirmed the statement that the EDA does support strategic <br />acquisition of industrial property. <br />4.03: 2021 Business Appreciation Day Event <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan presented the staff report. <br />Member Johnson stated that she would prefer to use a Ramsey business rather than an outside <br />business. <br />Member MacLennan commented that he would love to keep it local. <br />Economic Development Authority/ May 13, 2021 <br />Page 7 of 11 <br />