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City staff to ensure zoning requirements are met. She stated that they hope to move forward to <br />schematic design and construction within the project timeline identified. <br /> <br />Member Riley asked for more information on the different phases mentioned. <br /> <br />Ms. Sprosty stated that they would consider completing the first-floor commercial space as part of <br />phase one to allow community interaction immediately upon completion of construction. She <br />stated that the goal would be to include one apartment in phase one, ready to be leased within that <br />timeline. She commented that the other two apartments would be completed and ready as part of <br />phase two. She reiterated that they do not want to overpromise and underdeliver within the <br />specified timeline. <br /> <br />Matt Davage, land surveyor, stated that he assisted with platting the home in Ham Lake and spoke <br />about the positive experience and ability of Ms. McDermott to accomplish her goals within the <br />specified timeline. He believed that this project would be an amenity for the community with the <br />additional benefit of affordable housing units. He commented that he also worked on the <br />Storyteller Café project and has experience and knowledge of the site and platting process. <br /> <br />Economic Development Manager Sullivan commented on the architectural feasibility provided in <br />the packet and noted that the Building Official has reviewed this to confirm that the applicant is <br />on the right path and that this would be a feasible project. He commented that this project is very <br />well thought out and that the right people are involved to set it up for success. <br /> <br />Chairperson Wiyninger recognized that there are two things to consider in terms of getting the <br />project built, as well as operational consistency. He wanted to ensure that they were not building <br />a beautiful space that would not be sustainable. He asked for more information about the <br />sustainability of the coffee shop and the gathering space. <br /> <br />Ms. McDermott stated that the clients of the program would also work within the facility, which <br />would assist with some of the staffing. She stated that she believes in cross-training, and some of <br />her staff would work in the building and assist with the coffee shop during peak times. She did <br />not plan to run the coffee shop, although she would be there often as their office is three blocks <br />from this location. She stated that she has also run two coffee shops throughout her career and has <br />spoken with Anoka County to partner with their workforce program. She stated that the County <br />partnership would allow for their clients and the 55 plus community to work at the coffee shop, <br />but be paid through Anoka County rather than the business. She stated that they desire to be a <br />place for members of the community to partner as well, noting that they would have space available <br />for small businesses to rent and showcase their products for sale. She stated that some of those <br />partnerships would allow cottage bakers to host pop-ups in the mornings to sell their products, <br />donating 10 percent of sales back to the organization, and also alleviating the need for a full kitchen <br />build-out. <br /> <br />Member Stewart stated that the previous applicant, Scooters, stated that they would be required to <br />have a manager on-site per their franchise agreement and asked if this business would have a <br />manager. <br /> <br />EconomicDevelopment Authority/June 11, 2026 <br />Page 5 of 11 <br /> <br />