Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/28/2023

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position. This project expands sewer and water in the area and also connect Ferret Street to Bunker Lake Boulevard (new infrastructure in addition to reconstruction of existing infrastructure). Notification: Notification is not required. Observations/Alternatives: Observations: The current uses (outside storage/industrial) by many of the businesses in the area (generally east of Ferret Street) are not consistent with current zoning (COR Retail). The industrial uses are considered lawful, non- conforming and can continue to operate as long as the use does not change and they are in compliance with city code. A few of these properties have required code enforcement actions to bring them into compliance due to excess outside storage and site use issues and the frequency of this has increased. Staff has been contacted by some landowners in the area west of Armstrong Blvd asking if the City would be interested in acquiring their properties. If the City is committed to a redevelopment City infrastructure project in the area, a strategy should be developed around the prioritization of land acquisition. Alternatives: At this time, this is simply a discussion item to determine the EDA level of interest in the proposed redevelopment project and to potentially identify parcels for acquisition. Nothing in this case should be interpreted as the City is actually considering additional land acquisition. Staff has not formulated a formal recommendation, and is seeking broad EDA recommendation. Here are some questions to contemplate: • Does the EDA support making more industrial zoned property with sewer and water infrastructure available? • Would the EDA support using TIF/EDA/HRA dollars to prepare plans and specs for roads and utilities? o TIF would be an eligible funding source is funds are expended prior to November 28, 2021 • Would the EDA support using TIF/EDA/HRA dollars to extend utilities, rebuild roads and extend Ferret Street north to Bunker Lake Boulevard? o TIF would be an eligible funding source is funds are expended prior to November 28, 2021 • Is the EDA interested in purchasing properties with blight and zoning issues (tied to recent zoning requests)? • Is the EDA interested in purchasing strategically located properties to help facilitate this redevelopment project (i.e, locations for regional storm water)? Funding Source: If as a matter of policy and priority, the City felt this was an appropriate acquisition(s), there likely would be adequate economic development funds. Possible funding sources include: 1. EDA Fund 2. Anoka County HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) Fund 3. TIF (Tax Increment Financing) (Expenses incurred prior to November 28, 2021)