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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.11.25 EDAM REGULAR SESSION11/25/24 -1- DRAFT MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION NOVEMBER 25, 2024 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Regular Session called to order by President April Graves at 8:22 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL President April Graves and Commissioners Marquita Butler, Dan Jerzak, and Teneshia Kragness. Commissioner Kris Lawrence-Anderson was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Commissioner Jerzak moved and Commissioner Kragness seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, and the following item was approved: 3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. September 9, 2024 Motion passed unanimously. 4. COMMISSION CONSIDERATION ITEMS 4a. PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT WITH AWC HOLDINGS LLC (JAMBO AFRICA PROJECT) Executive Director Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander to continue the Staff presentation. Economic Development Manager Ian Alexander pointed out the applicant is present. He explained that 6500 Camden Avenue North is an approximately 1.62-acre parcel located to the west of Trunk Highway (TH) 252, to the north of Top Golf (6420 Camden Avenue North), to the south of an 11/25/24 -2- DRAFT approximately 10,000-square foot mall (615 66th Avenue North) and Speedway (6545 West River Road), and to the east of Melrose Gates Apartments (6401 Camden Avenue North). The property is zoned Planned Unit Development/Commerce (PUD/C2) District. He showed an aerial image of the site. It has previously been used as parking for Metro Transit. Mr. Alexander noted the site is somewhat difficult due to easements in the middle of the area. The City has invested $685,000 into the property. The City’s Economic Development Authority acquired the property in 2017 as part of a strategic acquisition where the City purchased a vacant lot as part of an overall strategy to enhance the planned redevelopment of the Regal Theater site and facilitate a land exchange with Top Golf Brooklyn Center LLC that would provide the EDA with options to maximize land use opportunities and transportation improvements associated with the proposed future 66th Avenue Interchange and TH 252 improvements. Mr. Alexander stated the proposed concept is for Jambo Africa restaurant and nightclub. The offer was $500,000 for 1.62 acres which is about $7.085 per square foot. The EDA acquired the former Target for $9.10 per square foot and Topgolf acquired Regal Theater for $10.00 per square foot. Mr. Alexander stated the Purchase and Development Agreement identifies terms of $10,000 earnest money, 30 days due diligence to study the site, developer-paid EDA costs, the developer must complete Planning Commission processes, the developer shall commence construction within 30 days from closing but no later than December 25, 2025, and the developer shall substantially complete construction by April 25, 2026. President Graves asked if the underground main had been considered in the planning efforts. Mr. Alexander explained the purchase price considers the underground main, and the easements have been considered in the planning so far. Other concepts have been pitched for the site, but it has been difficult to situate a building on the property. President Graves moved and Commissioner Kragness seconded to open the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Kevin S. stated it is a great proposal. He pointed out the area can be very busy when Topgolf hosts an event. He asked if the proposal included widening the access. Nahid K. noted she lives near the site. She looks forward to seeing Jambo Africa grow. He asked if any Park and Ride spots would remain. If the Park and Ride is eliminated, she asked where it would be relocated to. She asked how the future of Hwy 252 would impact the project. Ultimately, she wants the Council to carefully consider potential impacts to ensure success for Jambo Africa. Commissioner Jerzak moved and Commissioner Kragness seconded to close the public hearing. Motion passed unanimously. 11/25/24 -3- DRAFT Community Development Director Jesse Anderson stated there are no plans to expand the road. However, the Planning Commission process includes reviewing parking spots and traffic impacts. As for the Park and Ride lot, it is fairly under-utilized with five to ten riders per day. There is a potential for a private agreement to continue the Park and Ride. President Graves moved and Commissioner Kragness seconded to adopt EDA RESOLUTION NO. 2024-03, A Resolution Approving a Purchase and Development Contract with AWC Holdings, LLC, Approving Conveyance of Certain Property, and Approving a Business Subsidy (Jambo Africa Project). Motion passed unanimously. 5. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Butler moved and Commissioner Jerzak seconded adjournment of the Economic Development Authority meeting at 8:34 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.