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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 30, 1998 " 0 U CITY of ANDOVER r \ \_/ Special Economic Development Authority Meeting - Thursday, April30, 1998 Call to Order - Following Board of Review and Special City Council Meetings held at 7:00 PM Approval of Minutes Discussion Items 1. Commercial Park Covenants 2. WDE Tax Forfeit Site 3. Other Business Adjournment ~~J -" "-~ 0 u 0 CITY of ANDOVER ANDOVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING APRIL 30, 1998 - MINUTES A Meeting of the Andover Economic Development Authority was called to order by Mayor Jack McKelvey on April 30, 1998, 7:58 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, I68S Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Present: Councilmembers Mike Knight, Ken Orttel Resident member Bill Hupp Absent: Councilmembers Bonnie Dehn and John Kunza, Resident member Robert Nowak Also present: City Engineer, Scott Erickson Planner, John Hinzman Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg City Administrator, Richard Fursman Others 0 COMMERCIAL PARK COVENANTS Mr. Hinzman stated he toured the metropolitan area looking at architectural themes of other commercial parks. A suggestion is that the EDA establish an Architectural Review Board to review proposals for development in the Commercial Park. He then showed a video and pictures of the various types of commercial parks including offices with the truck ports hidden in the back, theaters, retail areas, the use oflandscaping, walkways and sidewalks, etc. Mr. Hinzman noted the proposed development plan for the Commercial Park calls for a retail area in the northwest quadrant, an office area in the center, an entertainment area in the northeast quadrant and a office warehouse area to the southeast. There is an area to the southwest that is south of Commercial Boulevard that could either be for a commercial area or for multiple housing. It is about 10 acres in size. He asked the EDA's preference for development of that site. Councilmember-Orttel didn't know ifthere would be a market for the upscale multiple housing; but he was concerned about using it for residential with the limited amount of commercial space in the City. Jerry Windschitl - stated just a structure without amenities surrounding it may be a mistake. He thought that a residential area next to the commercial can be very attractive. Possibly a small scale retail area might also be attractive there. Also, there are a very limited number of restaurant sites in /-" this City, and this area may be a possible site. Councilmember Orttel agreed there is a demand for ) more than two or three restaurants in the City.Councilmember Knight also envisioned the complex \.J as being attractive for the working public, to use the walkways and trails, retail area and restaurants. Councilmember Orttel didn't think the area was large enough or located in the right area to attractive large corporate offices. r \ LJ . ) ~- " Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting " ) Minutes -April 30, 1998 Page 2 (Commercial Park Covenants, Continued) After further discussion, the EDA did not want to commit the development of the southwestern area to any particular use at this time, wanting instead to keep that in a fluid status until more is known about the demands. Councilmember Knight noted there are big developers that will put in complexes and then resell them back to businesses to bring them to the Park. Councilmember Orttel noted if one person does the entire development, they will maintain equal quality and standards which would result in a much better product. Mr. Hupp hoped the architectural style would be unique to the City. Mr. Carlberg stated Staff needs to explore the option of working with one developer. A similar arrangement was done for Tamarack development in Woodbury. They are looking for architectural firms. Mr. Hinzman showed pictures of various architectural styles, noting the use of a theme throughout the complex such as a particular type of brick, block windows and color. The desire would also to have something that would not go out of style. Councilmember Orttel asked if there would be an area for a financial complex. \ , Mr. Windschitl - stated he was involved with the first industrial park in Blaine. The secret is for the ',j City to set the restrictive standards, but not so restrictive that businesses aren't attracted to the area. Secondly, make the first structure the show case that everybody has to follow. The EDA noted it appears that will be the theater and restaurant on the northeast corner. The EDA then reviewed portions of the proposed covenants for the Commercial Park. It was suggested a liquor or wine store may be a possible use. Cafes and coffee houses are also a draw for the area. Hopefully there will also be a bank. A concern was a high turn over rate in tenants and having empty stores. It was thought there aren't enough ancillary businesses for a convention center, as hotels, restaurants, golf courses, etc. are accessory amenities that draw that use. The EDA wanted to be flexible in the uses as long as they are in control through the Special Use Permit process Mr. Hinzman showed pictures of office areas around the metropolitan area, and office warehouses with loading docks behind and retail in the rront. Architectural themes were noted. The EDA stated they would not want buildings taller than three or four stories. They were in favor of a consistent theme in the architecture throughout the Park, preferring the look of mixed masonry in more subtle colors and something that will stand the test of time. It was also suggested that the landscaping and trailways be designed with a warm feeling through the use of water, wood, benches, evergreens, canopies and/or gazebos. Mr. Erickson asked if the EDA is interested in a private lighting system to install unique street lights throughout the Park. The EDA ) generally agreed the lighting must be different than those used in residential areas. They also felt that , the ED A would have some controls over the architecture when approving the purchase agreement, so an Architectural Review Board would not be needed at this time. Technical items would be reviewed by the Andover Review Committee as they currently do on development items. r ì U \_j " Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting . , J Minutes -April 30, 1998 Page 3 (Commercial Park Covenants, Continued) Mr. Windschitl - asked if the EDA will establish a master association for the Park to oversee maintenance, etc. He felt the key is minimum mandatory requirements throughout the Park for decorative lighting, architecture, landscaping and signage. The EDA discussed the possibility, thinking then someone rrom the association could be included in architectural review decisions. The City may have to be a part of the association initially, but hopefully it will be run by the residënts of the Park as soon as possible. It was not decided at this time just what would be owned by the individual businesses and what would be in common ownership. It was thought that parking lots would be shared, so each building would not construct a separate parking lot. Mr. Carlberg stated the key is the make up of the association and how it will be set up. Staff needs to do further research on that item. The EDA noted some urgency in the item regarding an association because the proposed theater development hopes to begin construction the middle of June. It will have to be determined whether or not the theater complex will be a part of the association. \ Mr. Carlberg stated he will ask the City Attorney to review the effects of the proposed covenants on ! the property after a period of time. Would it be beneficial for the Park to record covenants with each / parcel or would it be better to put those details in the purchase agreement? He will also research the common areas and associations. Councilmember Orttel was concerned with the minimum building size of2S,000 square feet. Mr. Hinzman felt that provision could be eliminated if the City has strong architectural controls. Mr. Carlberg felt the requirements on exterior storage may need to be strengthened. The intent .is that there would be no exterior storage. The EDA generally agreed. WDE TAX FORFEIT SITE Mr. Fursman noted the deed restrictions agreement with the State of Minnesota regarding the. WDE tax forfeit site. The UP A electric line route is proposed to go through in back of the Anoka Auto Wrecking and might be in the middle of a commercial park some day. Staff has asked UP A to route the line up Hanson Boulevard to the south side of the landfill site. The City Attorney has reviewed this agreement. Councilmember Orttel felt this location would provide a good opportunity for retail commercial along Hanson Boulevard. There would even be room for a good sized shopping center. Because plans for buildings can proceed if not approved by the State within 30 days, he was i~ favor of the agreement. Mayor McKelvey stated if the UP A installs utility poles along the landfill, possibly they could be used to install lights for the ball fields. . ) - : \ l) '-j \ Andover Economic Development Authority Meeting ) Minutes - April 30, 1998 Page 4 (WDE Tax Forfeit Site, Continued) Motion by Orttel, Seconded by Hupp, to approve the deed restrictions for the WDE site which were prepared by the City Attorney. Motion carried on a 4- Yes, 3-Absent (Dehn, Kunza, Nowak) vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m. ~~~L Marcella A. Peach Recording Secretary " , , '\ \- j