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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994 10-18 HCM AMENDED MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF IOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 18, 1994 BROOKLYN CENTER HIGH SCHOOL BOARD ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Robert Torres at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL, Chairperson Robert Torres, Commissioners Kathleen Carmody, Keith Tuttle, Vince Opat, Neal Nelson, Maria Olek and Jack Kelly. Also present was Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz. Commissioner Todd Cannon was absent and unexcused from the meeting. City Council Liaison Barb Kalligher was absent from the meeting. Also in attendance at the meeting were representatives from the Earle Brown Neighborhood Housing Advisory Committee, including Chairperson Jody Brandvold and Committee Members Dennis Morrow, Nancy Carlson and Johanna Mills. The guest speakers at the meeting were :')unty Commissioner Mike Opat and Hennepin County staff members Larry Blackstad and John McLaughlin with the Training and Employment Assistance department and Commissioner Opat's administrative assistant, Mr. Kevin Dockery. PRESENTATION BY HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER MIKE OPAT ON HENNEPIN COMMUNITY WORKS PROGRAM Commissioner Opat introduced Mr. Larry Blackstad and John McLaughlin of the Training and Employment Assistance department w •h Hennepin County and also his aide, Mr. Kevin Dockery. Commissioner Opat explain. _I the Hennepin Community Works Program is a public works program concept designed to bring about public space in the county and provide employment and maintain and strengthen the county tax base where it is stable or declining. Mr. McLaughlin pointed out that numerous groups were involved in the planning stages of the Hennepin Community Works Program, which initially focused on Minneapolis and included the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park Board and the Minneapolis School District. In Po Po addition to Minneapolis representatives, the initial planning included a summit of various urban jurisdictions and groups. He explained that when the county became involved in the project, the suburban communities in Hennepin County became part of the program. 10 -18 -94 -1- Mr. McLaughlin proceeded to explain the concept and pointed out that one of the core theories and assumptions in this program is that a public facility or amenity serves as a magnet for improvement or redevelopment of housing and additions to the economic base of a jurisdiction. Also, connections between various jurisdictions is also important in the Hennepin Community Works concept. One of the questions to be asked are how do various jurisdictions use existing parks, roads, water, open space, etc., to their fullest advantage. Mr. Larry Blackstad then addressed the meeting and explained he was the project manager for the Hennepin Community Works Program, which started in August of 1993 with the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park Board, Hennepin County and the Hennepin County Park Board, which all put up money to fund the start up study for the project. He explained the group consisted of an 18- member commission which developed and initiated the study which took six months, and ultimately determined that this concept was feasible and worthy of additional development. Mr. Blackstad also explained that after the study was completed, the next task is to develop a project. He pointed out that a planning committee has been formed and has met for the first time today to begin to define the elements of a project. The goal, he pointed out, is to complete the framework for evaluating projects by mid January, and in February and March develop proposed projects for the Hennepin Community Works Program. The overall goal is to obtain more value for public dollars expended in the area of public works and economic development. He cited an example of a watershed that was created in the City of Minneapolis that directed storm water to create a man-made lake which attracted industrial development and high -value homes. This is an example of an amenity that helped to create development and value. Mr. Blackstad explained the Hennepin Community Works project has entailed a vast amount of research. He showed the group a map of market values in the City of Minneapolis which showed that property values near the parkways and chain of lakes in Minneapolis maintained their value. He pointed out that things that create value are those things that connect portions of the community and create amenities. Commissioner Opat stated the focus of the program is on projects that are too big for a single jurisdiction or community to undertake. He explained there is a flattening and decline of values in housing in some areas of the county where housing has reached the end of its useful economic life. He pointed out the question is how to usher in the next generation of housing and development. Commissioner Opat stated this project proposes to create amenities that could not be created by the private sector alone or by a single governmental jurisdiction. Commissioner Opat pointed out that he would like to do something with a project that includes Brooklyn Center and the City of Minneapolis. He suggested one possible project would be to take Humboldt Avenue and convert it into a Victory Memorial Drive -type of roadway. He explained some difficulties exist; for example, it would initially remove housing and create an open public space. 10 -18 -94 -2- MUgUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 18, 1994 BROOKLYN CENTER HIGH SCHOOL BOARD ROOM CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Robert Torres at 7:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Robert Torres, Commissioners Kathleen Carmody, Keith Tuttle, Vince Opat, Neal Nelson, Maria Olek and Jack Kelly. Also present was Community Development Specialist Tom Bublitz. Commissioner Todd Cannon and City Council Liaison Barb Kalligher were absent from the meeting. Also in attendance at the meeting were representatives from the Earle Brown Neighborhood Housing Advisory Committee, including Chairperson Jody Brandvold and Committee Members Dennis Morrow, Nancy Carlson and Johanna Mills. The guest speakers at the meeting were County Commissioner Mike Opat and Hennepin County staff members Larry Blackstad and John McLaughlin with the Training and Employment Assistance department and Commissioner Opat's administrative assistant, Mr. Kevin Dockery. PRESENTATION BY ]HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMISSIONER NHM OPAT ON HENNE COMMUNITY WORKS PROGRAM Commissioner Opat introduced Mr. Larry Blackstad and John McLaughlin of the Training and Employment Assistance department with Hennepin County and also his aide, Mr. Kevin Dockery. Commissioner Opat explained the Hennepin Community Works Program is a public works program concept designed to bring about public space in the county and provide employment and maintain and strengthen the county tax base where it is stable or declining. Mr. McLaughlin pointed out that numerous groups were involved in the planning stages of the Hennepin Community Works Program, which initially focused on Minneapolis and included the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park Board and the Minneapolis School District. In addition to Minneapolis representatives, the initial planning included a summit of various urban jurisdictions and groups. He explained that when the county became involved in the project, the suburban communities in Hennepin County became part of the program. 10 -18 -94 J Mr. McLaughlin proceeded to explain the concept and pointed out that one of the core theories and assumptions in this program is that a public facility or amenity serves as a magnet for improvement or redevelopment of housing and additions to the economic base of a jurisdiction. Also, connections between various jurisdictions is also important in the Hennepin Community Works concept. One of the questions to be asked are how do various jurisdictions use existing parks, roads, water, open space, etc., to their fullest advantage. Mr. Larry Blackstad then addressed the meeting and explained he was the project manager for the Hennepin Community Works Program, which started in August of 1993 with the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park Board, Hennepin County and the Hennepin County Park Board, which all put up money to fund the start up study for the project. He explained the group consisted of an 18- member commission which developed and initiated the study which took six months, and ultimately determined that this concept was feasible and worthy of additional development. Mr. Blackstad also explained that after the study was completed, the next task is to develop a project. He pointed out that a planning committee has been formed and has met for the first time today to begin to define the elements of a project. The goal, he pointed out, is to complete the framework for evaluating projects by mid January, and in February and March develop proposed projects for the Hennepin Community Works Program. The overall goal is to obtain more value for public dollars expended in the area of public works and economic development. He cited an example of a watershed that was created in the City of Minneapolis that directed storm water to create a man-made lake which attracted industrial development and high -value homes. This is an example of an amenity that helped to create development and value. Mr. Blackstad explained the Hennepin Community Works project has entailed a vast amount of research. He showed the group a map of market values in the City of Minneapolis which showed that property values near the parkways and chain of lakes in Minneapolis maintained their value. He pointed out that things that create value are those things that connect portions of the community and create amenities. Commissioner Opat stated the focus of the program is on projects that are too big for a single jurisdiction or community to undertake. He explained there is a flattening and decline of values in housing in some areas of the county where housing has reached the end of its useful economic life. He pointed out the question is how to usher in the next generation of housing and development. Commissioner Opat stated this project proposes to create amenities that could not be created by the private sector alone or by a single governmental jurisdiction. Commissioner Opat pointed out that he would like to do something with a project that includes Brooklyn Center and the City of Minneapolis. He suggested one possible project would be to 10 -18 -94 -2- take Humboldt Avenue and convert it into a Victory Memorial Drive -type of roadway. He explained some difficulties exist; for example, it would initially remove housing and create an open public space. Commissioner Tuttle inquired as to who makes the decision on these projects for the Hennepin Community Works Program. Commissioner Tuttle explained the county has created a planning committee with representatives from other jurisdictions that will initially develop an evaluation tool for projects. Commissioner Tuttle then asked what the time frame was for projects. Larry Blackstad pointed out that by January it is the goal of the planning committee to have a framework and evaluation tool for projects. After that is completed, the goal is to have several projects to review by March 31, 1995. Committee Member Dennis Morrow asked whether the Humboldt project would remove houses on both blocks on either side of Humboldt. Mr. Phil Cohen, in attendance at the meeting, suggested that if the Hennepin Community Works Program proceeds and the jurisdictions move on this project, it should be done quickly so it does not affect the real estate market negatively, such as preventing people from selling their houses if the project is proposed but delayed. Mr. Cohen stated that if we keep up the way we are we will continue to lose ground in terms of housing values, but if any major project is done it should be done quickly without delay. Earle Brown Committee Chairperson Jody Brandvold expressed concern over the potential effect of the removal of so many homes on the Brooklyn Center School District. In response to a question from the Community Development Specialist regarding funding sources, Commissioner Mike Opat stated that there could be several potential funding sources. Commissioner Opat pointed out that funding sources could include lottery proceeds, noting most of the non -game wildlife proceeds spent from the lottery are currently expended in outstate Minnesota. He explained this would have to be changed legislatively. Additional funding sources includes ISTEA money (federal transportation and road funding), special initiatives worked out with the federal Congress, and tapping into capital works programs which are already planned for Hennepin County jurisdictions, including sewer and road projects, etc. Chairperson Robert Torres inquired whether the City should be submitting a project now. Mr. John McLaughlin replied that the City could submit a plan or recommendations to the staff planning group, and this group will involve the cities in the planning process. He explained the first task is to develop a tool to evaluate projects, including a means to evaluate how does a project improve the tax base, how does it. create amenities, improve housing, etc., then develop a design proposal. Housing Commission Member Vince Opat inquired how groups like the Housing Commission can work with this program. Commissioner Opat suggested that the types of activities Housing 10 -18 -94 -3- Commissions could be involved in could include a resolution from this group and the City Council to support the concept or specific projects. Discussion ensued regarding possible project areas, which included the Brookdale watershed area and possible projects which would benefit the Shingle Creek area. Housing Commission Member Kathleen Carmody inquired how big an area would be needed for the Humboldt parkway concept. Commissioner Opat replied that the project could be as large as removing houses on both sides of Humboldt and one side of Irving and Girard, which would essentially remove four rows of housing. The Housing Commission members continued to discuss the Hennepin Community Works project and concluded that they would like to begin preparing additional data maps and potential project ideas for the program. COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE Committee Member Kathleen Carmody expressed a concern over the definition of excused and unexcused absences noted in the minutes. She expressed concern that some members of the Housing Commission have been noted as absent and excused and have not actually called in or notified anyone of their intended absence. Chairperson Torres suggested that from now on commission members would be contacted after their second unexcused absence from a meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES S EPTEMB ER 20. 1994 Returning to the agenda, Chairperson Torres entertained a motion to approve the September 20, 1994, Housing Commission minutes. There was a motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Opat to approve the September 20, 1994, Housing Commission minutes with the amendment offered by Commissioner Carmody regarding the unexcused absence of Housing Commissioner Todd Cannon from that meeting. The motion passed. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Nelson and seconded by Commissioner Carmody to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Chairperson 40 10 -18 -94 -4-