HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025.01.27 CCM WORK1/27/25 -1- DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER
IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND
THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
WORK SESSION
JANUARY 27, 2025
CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center City Council/Economic Development Authority (EDA) met in Work Session
called to order by Mayor/President April Graves at 8:16 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor/President April Graves and Councilmembers/Commissioners Dan Jerzak, Teneshia
Kragness, and Laurie Ann Moore. Councilmembers/Commissioners Kris Lawrence-Anderson
was absent and excused. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Economic
Development Manager Ian Alexander, Community Development Director Jesse Anderson, Planner
and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh, City Clerk Barb Suciu, Deputy City Clerk Shannon
Pettit and City Attorney Siobhan Tolar.
CONCEPT REVIEW: 5400 BLOCK OF BROOKLYN BOULEVARD
(TOWNHOUSE DEVELOPMENT)
City Manager Reggie Edwards introduced the item and invited Economic Development Manager
Ian Alexander to continue the Staff presentation.
Mr. Alexander stated Amani Construction and Development was founded in 2013. It is locally
owned and lead by a BIPOC woman. The company partners with the Minneapolis Homes program
and the St. Paul Inspiring Communities program. They build market-rate and affordable housing
developments.
Mr. Alexander stated the site is 5400 Brooklyn Boulevard. 5415, 5407, and 5401 were acquired
for realignment of Brooklyn Boulevard. The site is difficult to redevelop. The parcel was replatted
and zoned medium density.
Mr. Alexander explained the concept is for 11 townhouse units with three or four bedrooms per
unit. The units would include a two-stall backload garage, a private front yard, and a deck or
balcony for each unit. In addition, the proposal features 15 visitor parking stalls, a small
playground, and a shared green space.
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Mr. Alexander asked if the Council/EDA would support the use of EDA-owned property for the
proposal. There is consideration of a luxury exterior. The original plan was for owner-occupied.
The affordability components would be for 80 to 120 percent Area Median Income (AMI).
Mayor/President Graves noted her support of the proposal. The Council/EDA has been interested
in more owner-occupied homes in Brooklyn Center.
Councilmember/Commissioner Kragness agreed she supports the project. It is a great location,
and its proximity to schools is convenient.
Councilmember/Commissioner Moore pointed out the proposal mentions 60 to 80 percent AMI.
Mr. Alexander clarified the 80 to 120 percent range was part of a recent phone conversation with
the developer. He corrected himself and explained the maximum end of the AMI range would be
115 percent. The range is realistic considering the current market.
Councilmember/Commissioner Moore asked if there is a guarantee the units will remain owner-
occupied. Planner and Zoning Administrator Ginny McIntosh pointed out that the City has
included written stipulations regarding rentals in past development agreements.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak added the site is difficult to develop. The proposal is
merely in the concept review phase. He asked if the Down Payment Assistance Program through
Brooklyn Center would apply to the proposed units. Community Development Director Jesse
Anderson explained the Down Payment Assistance Program covers up to 115 percent AMI. He
pointed out the Program is now run through the County.
Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak asked if there is a plan for a Homeowner’s Association
because that could impact affordability.
Mayor/President Graves noted she has received comments regarding how beautiful Wangstad
Commons is.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor/President Graves moved and Councilmember/Commissioner Jerzak seconded adjournment
of the City Council/Economic Development Authority Work Session at 8:27 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.