080904 EDA CITY OF NEW HOPE
EDA MEETING
City Hall, 4401 Xylon Avenue North
August 9, 2004
President Don Collier
Commissioner Doug Andersen
Commissioner Sharon Cassen
Commissioner Mary Gwin-Lenth
Commissioner Steve Sommer
2.
3.
4.
Call to order
Roll call
Approval of regular meeting minutes of July 26, 2004
Motion authorizing staff to proceed with the burial of overhead utilities on the east
side of Winnetka Avenue between 53rd Avenue North and the north side of Bass
Lake Road (improvement project no. 770)
Update on Winnetka Green phase III expansion and motion authorizing staff to
proceed with appraisals and relocation estimates on eight properties located within
the phase III expansion area (improvement project no. 751)
Discussion regarding concept development proposal by Ryland Homes for city-
owned property north of C.P. Railroad; motion authorizing appraisal of property
Adjournment
CITY OF NEW HOPE
4401 XYLON AVENUE NORTH
NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA 55428
EDA Minutes
Regular Meeting
July 26, 2004
City Hall
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVE MINUTES
IMP. PROJECT 764
Item 4
EDA RESOLUTION
04-25
Item 4
IMP. PROJECT 762
Item 5
EDA Meeting
Page I
President Collier called the meeting of the Economic Development
Authority to order at 10:43 p.m.
Present: Don Collier, President
Doug Andersen, Commissioner
Sharon Cassen, Commissioner
Mary Gwin-Lenth, Commissioner
Steve Sommer, Commissioner
Motion was made by Commissioner Sommer, seconded by Commissioner
Andersen, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 28, 2004. All
present voted in favor. Motion carried.
President Collier introduced for discussion Item 4, Resolution approving
purchase agreement and relocation benefits for 5537 Sumter Avenue North
(improvement project no. 764).
Mr. Kirk McDonald, director of community development, stated staff is
recommending a purchase price of $180,000. The property is located in the
Winnetka Green development area. TIF funds would be used for property
acquisition, relocation, and associated holding costs.
Commissioner Cassen introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption "RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND
RELOCATION BENEFITS FOR 5537 SUMTER AVENUE NORTH
(IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 764)." The motion for the adoption of
the foregoing resolution was seconded by Commissioner Gwin-Lenth, and
upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Collier,
Andersen, Cassen, Gwin-Lenth, Sommer, and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution
was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the president which was
attested to by the executive director.
President Collier introduced for discussion Item 5, Resolution approving
purchase agreement and relocation benefits for 5540 Winnetka Avenue
North (improvement project no. 762).
Mr. Steve Sondrall, city attorney, recommended approving the purchase
price of $225,000. In addition, the city will be paying a differential payment
of $54,000 plus business relocation costs of $20,000. -.
July 26, 2004
EDA RESOLUTION
04-26
Item 5
IMP. PROJECT 733
Item 6
EDA RESOLUTION
04-27
Item 6
IMP. PROJECT 751
Item 7
-EDA Meeting
Page 2
Commissioner Sommer introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption "RESOLUTION APPROVING PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND
RELOCATION BENEFITS FOR 5540 WINNETKA AVENUE NORTH
(IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 762)." The motion for the adoption of
the foregoing resolution was seconded by Commissioner Andersen, and
upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Collier,
Andersen, Cassen, Gwin-Lenth, Sommer, and the following voted against
the same: None; Abstained: None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution
was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the president which was
attested to by the executive director.
President Collier introduced Item 6, Resolution authorizing execution and
delivery of a contract for private redevelopment by and between the New
Hope Economic Development Authority and Foundation Land
Development, LLC for the redevelopment of the former Frank's Nursery
property at 5620 Winnetka (improvement project no. 733).
Mr. Kirk McDonald, director of community development, stated Armory
Development is requesting to transfer the redevelopment contract to a new
developer who will construct the same project as previously approved. The
new developer is Foundation Land Development, LLC. All previous terms
of the agreement remain unchanged.
Commissioner Gwin-Lenth introduced the following resolution and moved
its adoption "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION AND
DELIVERY OF A CONTRACT FOR PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT BY
AND BETWEEN THE NEW HOPE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY AND FOUNDATION LAND DEVELOPMENT, LLC FOR
THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER FRANK'S NURSERY
PROPERTY AT 5620 WINNETKA (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO.
733)." The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
seconded by Commissioner Sommer, and upon vote being taken thereon,
the following voted in favor thereof: Collier, Andersen, Gwin-Lenth,
Sommer, and the following voted against the same: None; Abstained: None;
Absent: Cassen; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed and
adopted, signed by the president which was attested to by the executive
director.
President Collier introduced for discussion Item 7, Resolution authorizing
approval of a term sheet between the New Hope Economic Development
Authority and Ryland Homes for Phase III of the Winnetka Green
Redevelopment (improvement project no. 751).
Mr. Kirk McDonald, director of community development, stated Ryland
Homes presented a proposal for a Phase III expansion of the Winnetka
Green project to the city council at its June 21 work session. On June 28, the
council authorized staff to coordinate with Ryland Homes on the proposed
Phase III of the Winnetka Green redevelopment project.
July 26, 2004
EDA RESOLUTION
04-28
Item 7
EDA Meeting
Page 3
He stated over the past month staff and consultants have been working with
Ryland Homes to develop a term sheet. The term sheet includes conveying
the six parcels east of Sumter Avenue to the developer by May 1, 2005, and
conveys the two parcels west of Sumter Avenue by July 1, 2005. If a
voluntary purchase agreement for a parcel can not be obtained, eminent
domain will be used for acquisition. The term sheet also indicates that
approximately 42 units of the same product type as approved in the original
plan be constructed in Phase III, with the exact number and type of units to
be determined upon completion of a stormwater analysis, survey, and
planning commission and council approval.
Mr. Jim Casserly and Ms. Gay Greiter of Krass Monroe were recognized.
Ms. Greiter explained that a term sheet is non binding for either party, and
it is used to draft a development agreement. She stated the term sheet helps
determine if the project is economically and financially feasible.
Discussion ensued whether a neighborhood meeting should have taken
place prior to preparation of a term sheet. The EDA also questioned the
feasibility of the project if there are more heritage condominiums and less
carriage townhomes.
Mr. Casserly pointed out that the term sheet is based on averages and there
is room for deviation. Mr. Casserly also noted that the financing of Phase III
would be different than Phases I and II in that all city costs would be
advanced by Ryland.
Mr. Donahue, city manager, stated in June a number of interested property
owners requested a prompt decision by the city. He also noted Phase II is
predicated upon Phase III and Ryland would like a decision from the city by
September.
The following persons addressed the EDA regarding various aspects of the
proposed Phase III development: John Eiden, 5427 Rhode Island (suggested
leaving houses on 55t~ Avenue to act as a buffer to the Ryland
development); Juanita Hoffe, 4632 Flag Avenue North (questioned the use
of tax increment financing); John Westphall, 5437 Quebec Avenue North
(inquired of the timing of the neighborhood meeting); Barb Drenth, 7616 55th
Avenue North (expressed support for Phase III and offered her perception
of which neighbors may also be interested); and Anita Faue, 5307 Sumter
Avenue North (does not want to be forced to sell her property).
Mr. Sondrall recommended approval of the term sheet in order to start the
process even though the council may not be ready to approve Phase III. He
reiterated that the term sheet is a non-binding document.
Commissioner Cassen introduced the following resolution and moved its
adoption "RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF A TERM
SHEET BETWEEN THE NEW HOPE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY AND RYLAND HOMES FOR PHASE III OF THE
WINNETKA GREEN REDEVELOPMENT (IMPROVEMENT-PROJECT
July 26, 2004
RYLAND
DEVELOPMENT
PROPOSAL
Item 8
MOTION
Item 8
ADJOURNMENT
NO. 751)." The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was
seconded by Commissioner Gwin-Lenth, and upon vote being taken
thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Collier, Cassen, Gwin-Lenth,
and the following voted against the same: Andersen, Sommer; Abstained:
None; Absent: None; whereupon the resolution was declared duly passed
and adopted, signed by the president which was attested to by the executive
director.
President Collier introduced for discussion Item 8, Discussion regarding
concept development proposal by Ryland Homes for city-owned property
north of C.P. Railroad; motion authorizing appraisal of property.
Due to the late hour, the EDA unanimously agreed to postpone discussion
of EDA Item 8 to the EDA meeting of August 9, 2004.
Motion was made by Commissioner Cassen, seconded by Commissioner
Sommer, to postpone discussion regarding the concept development
proposal by Ryland Homes for city-owned property north of C.P. Railroad
to the EDA meeting of August 9, 2004. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried.
Motion was made by Commissioner Sommer, seconded by Commissioner
Andersen, to adjourn the meeting. All present voted in favor. Motion
carried. The New Hope EDA adjourned at 11:42 p.m.
Respectfully submikted,
Valerie Leone
City Clerk
-EDA Meeting
Page 4
July 26, 2004
EDA
. REQUEST FOR ACTION
Originating Department Approved for Agenda Agenda Section
Community Development k-"'~ ~, 08-09-04 EDA
Item No.
By: Kirk McDonald By 4
MOTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PROCEED WITH THE BURIAL OF OVERHEAD UTILITIES ON THE
EAST SIDE OF WINNETKA AVENUE BETWEEN 53Ra AVENUE NORTH AND THE NORTH SIDE OF BASS
LAKE ROAD (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 770)
REQUESTED ACTION
Staff is requesting that the EDA approve a motion authorizing staff to proceed with the burial of overhead
utility lines on the east side of Winnetka Avenue between 53rd Avenue North and the north side of Bass Lake
Road, based on the attached engineering estimate received from Xcel Energy.
POLICY/PAST PRACTICE
The EDA routinely takes action on redevelopment projects that meet the goals of both the Comprehensive
Plan and the City Plan.
BACKGROUND
As discussed at the June 21, 2004, City Council work session, staff has been coordinating with Xcel Energy
on the burial of overhead utilities along the east side of Winnetka between 53~d Avenue and the north side of
Bass Lake Road, as part of the Winnetka Green redevelopment project.
The final engineering estimate for the project has been completed by Xcel Energy and submitted to the city for
approval to proceed. The estimate is calculated $100,624, which is nearly $50,000 less than the initial scoping
estimate of $150,000. The burial project will be completed in conjunction with the installation of the new
sidewalk around the perimeter of the Winnetka Green project.
Staff recommends approval.
FUNDING
The project is where located in an area where TIF funds can be expended and will be funded by East
Winnetka TIF District 03-1 (Special Law).
Attachments
· Xcel Energy Engineering Estimate
° Location Map
TO: ~.~
//
I:\RFA\PLANNING\Livable Communities\Q-Burial of overhead lines on Wtka.doc
XcelEnergy
july 30, 2004
IGrk McDonald, Director of Community Development
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, MN 55428
Re: Engineeting Estimate to City for Special Facilities Project
The city of New Hope has requested information from Northern States Power d/b/a Xcel
Energy (' ~'Xcel Energy"). regarding the burial of electric distribution facilities along the east side of
Winnetka Avenue, from 53e Avenue to the north side of County Road 10. We have completed
an Engineering Estimate of the cost of this project, which we have determined is a "special
facilities" project Section 5.3 of the rules and regulations in our Minnesota Electric Rate Book
(tariff) contains the definition of standard and special facilities; the relevant tariff sections are
provided in Attachment B to this letter.
Attachment A to this letter is an Engineering Estimate form, which provides the project scope,
assumptions and estimated excess expenditures (i.e., the incremental costs above those for
standard facilities) for this project The estimated excess expenditure associated with this "special
facilities" project is $100,624. Xcel Energy can commence construction based on this engineering
design; however, scope changes, field conditions, winter construction charges and other variables
may impact the final "special facilities" project cost, and hence, the excess expenditures.
The Xcel Energy tariff allows Xcel Energy to recover or seek recovery of any excess expenditure
associated with special facilities. The available methods of cost recovery depend on several factors.
For example, if the project is distribution facility undergrounding ordered by a city, the cost
recovery procedures in our City Requested Facilities Surcharge (CRFS) Rider may apply (see
Attachment B). The CRFS Rider may also apply if a City requests undergrounding and agrees to
use the CRFS. This is a Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved surcharge on
customers within your city only. If the "special facility" does not involve the undergrounding of a
distribution facility pursuant to a city's police powers, or if the city and Xcel energy do not
mutually agree to use the CRFS to recover the excess expenditures, there is no automatic
surcharge and Xcel Energy must propose a surcharge for approval by the Minnesota Public
Utilities Commission.
Or, the city can choose to prepay or to otherwise arrange for payment of the excess expenditures.
If this project were to proceed and cost recovery were to occur under the CRFS Rider or similar
surcharge, the following information is useful. Based on the projected excess expenditures
associated with this Engineering Estimate and assuming the CRFS Rider is used to recover the
costs, the estimated term of the surcharge is 11 months, and the estimated monthly surcharge
amount per customer class is as shown below. However, the surcharge would reflect Xcel
Energy's actual expenditures related to this project, so the term and/or total excess expenditures
may be different than shown here.
Customer Class
Monthly Surcharge
Residential
Residential Low Income
Small C&I Non-demand Billed
Small C&I Demand
Large C&I Demand
$1.00
$1.00
$1.00
$3.00
$4.00
Please note that your City will have the opportunity to challenge: (1) Xcel Energy's determination
that a surcharge is necessary; (2) the amount of the surcharge; and (3) how the surcharge is
distributed among Xcel Energy's customers in your City.
Next Steps
Please let us know if the City wishes to proceed with this project If the project is to proceed,
Xcel Energy will confin-n that understanding in writing to the City.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 763493-1631
Sincerely, ,
Darrin Lahr -
Community Relations Manager
Cc: Dan Donahue, New Hope City Manager
Attachment A: Project Engineering Estimate Form
Attachment B: Xcel Energy MN Electric Rate Book, Rules and Regulations, Section 5.3
NewHope 3_Engineering Estimate.doc
'Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT A
SPECIAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING ESTIMATE
This "Engineering Estimate" provides estimated Excess Expenditures based on an engineered
design for a requested or ordered non-standard installation (Special Facility). This estimate is only
yard for the specific project information and assumptions as detailed in this form.
This Engineering Estimate is Xcel Energy's best evaluation of the Excess Expenditures associated
with this Special Facility. However, there will be many factors that influence actual costs, such as:
those associated with permitting; inciement weather; winter consr_mcdon costs; unexpected increases
in material costs; unexpected increases or changes in labor charges; scheduling, availability, and/or
mobilization; ability to schedule outages on the existing electric facilities of Xcel Energy or other
electric companies; emergencies occurring on the electric systems of Xcel Energy or electric
companies; and other factors not spedfically identified herein but allowed as an incremental cost for
recovery. The actual Excess Expenditures will be calculated using Xcel Energy's actual costs,
including all allowed overheads.
REQUESTOR INFORMATION
Requestor Name Kirk McDonald, City of New Hope Phone
Address 4401 Xylon Ave.
New Hope, MN 55428
763-531-5119
PROJECT, PERMITTING AND SITING INFORMATION
Xcel Energy has relied on the Project Information, Project Assumptions and Permitting
Requirements detailed below to produce this engineering estimate:
Project Information
City requested undergrounding of the electric distribution facilities located along the east side of
Winnetka Avenue, from 53rd Avenue to the north side of County Road 10. This request is made in
conjunction with the redevelopment activity in the area.
Project Assumptions
o Adequate right of way will be available subject to permit
o The City will provide all easements necessary at no cost to Xcel Energy
o Survey of right of way will be the responsibility of the city at no cost to Xcel Energy
o Summer construction
o Restoration will be the cost and responsibility of the City
o Directional boring construction methods will be used -.
o Any rewiring of private services will be the responsibility of the City
o Site is at final grade
Page 1 of 2
Permitting Requirements/Siting Issues
Xcel Energy has reviewed the permitting requirements and siting issues that may be a factor for this
project. These requirements must generally be satisfactorily resolved prior to starting any field
construction.
o County permits required
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Because costs increase over time, this Engineering Estimate may be considered valid for sixty (60)
days from the date below. Unless otherwise agreed, the Requestor may be asked to prepay for Xcel
Energy's costs to prepare any additional or revised Engineering Estimate necessary because of
project scope changes, delays, or other factors beyond the control of Xcel Energy.
COST ESTIMATES FOR SPECIAL FACILITIES
Engineering Estimate: $100,624
This estimate expires in 60 days.
Estimate Prepared by: C~ ~.(~ ~"~'~'~.~k"~%. Date (print name)
(si~ature)
Page 2 of 2
'"~ l? 7910
5620
Area where overhead
utility lines to be buried.
5201
5437
5436 54-57
5430 5431
5420 542t
541"~' 5417
54.06 54O7
:i
5559 5546
55401 t ~ 5538
553:2 l~I 5530
5524 5520
5512 5501
5506
5500
5446
5440
5434
5422:
.,5412 { 5410
5406
540O
:'. 5601
m 7.600
.- 7610
~ 56TH AVE
534(3
5313
55TH
5444 5437
5438 54-33
5428 5429
5426 5427
7621
7615
AVE N
5438 5437
5434 5433
543O 5429
7606 5425
ST RAPHAEL
5312
5306
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5420 ~ 5425
[ 5414 5413
t 5406 5409
!'
5330 5337
5324 5331
5318 5325
5312 5319
· 7301
ELM ST. R/
-- GROV CATHO
5500 CHUR(
PARK
DR.
EDA
REQUEST FOR ACTION
Originating Department Approved for Agenda Agenda Section
Community Development _ L_ 08-09-04 EDA
Item No.
By: Kirk McDonald By: 5
UPDATE ON WINNETKA GREEN PHASE II! EXPANSION AND MOTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO
PROCEED WITH APPRAISALS AND RELOCATION ESTIMATES ON EIGHT PROPERTIES LOCATED
WITHIN THE PHASE III EXPANSION AREA (IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 751)
REQUESTED ACTION
Staff is requesting that the EDA approve a motion authorizing staff to proceed with appraisals and relocation
estimates for the eight properties/within the proposed phase III expansion of Winnetka Green.
POLICY/PAST PRACTICE
The EDA routinely takes action on redevelopment projects that meet the goals of both the Comprehensive
Plan and the City Plan.
BACKGROUND
As directed by the EDA, staff coordinated individual meeting with the property owners directed imPacted by the
3hase III expansion. On Tuesday, August 3, staff and consultants met with six of the eight property owners
and discussed the proposed expansion and their position regarding begin included in the project. Five of the
six property owners indicated they would voluntarily sell their property to allow for the expansion of Winnetka
Green. The sixth also indicated they would voluntarily sell to the city, though reluctantly. Staff is continuing to
coordinate meetings with the remaining two property owners.
Staff is requesting authorization to proceed in coordinating appraisals of the eight properties by Forsythe
Appraisals, who has completed other appraisals in the project area. Staff is also requesting, authorization to
have relocation estimates completed on the properties by Evergreen Land Services, the city's relocation
consultant.
With the approval of this motion authorizing staff to coordinate appraisals and relocation estimates, staff would
continue working on the following tasks:
· Coordinate with Ryland on revised plans.
· Conduct a neighborhood meeting about the expansion of the project.
· Coordinate with Krass Monroe and Ryland on amended redevelopment contract and the TIF District
modification.
· Coordinate on planning steps necessary to amend PUD and plat.
MOTION BY SECOND BY
h\RFA\PLANNING\Housin~i\East Winnetka Redevelopment\Q-phase 3 update and auth apF~raisals.doc
Request for Action
Page 2 08-09-04
The goal would be to return to the EDA in September with an update on these issues and to present an
amendment to the redevelopment contract.
Staff recommends approval of the motion.
FUNDING
As per the term sheet approved at the July 26, 2004, EDA meeting, Ryland Homes deposited $25,000 with the
city to cover initial expenses related to the phase III expansion. The costs associated with the appraisals and
relocation estimates will be funded with these dollars.
REi UEST FOR ACTION
Originating Department Approved for Agenda Agenda Section
Community Development 08-09-04 EDA
y~~ Item No.
By: Kirk McDonald B 6
DISCUSSION REGARDING CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL BY RYLAND HOMES FOR CITY-
OWNED PROPERTY NORTH OF C.P. RAILROAD; MOTION AUTHORIZING APPRAISAL OF PROPERTY
REQUESTED ACTION
This matter was tabled by the EDA at the July 26, 2004, EDA meeting without discussion due to the length of
the meeting, and staff was directed to place the item on this EDA agenda. Staff requests that the EDA discuss
the concept development proposal by Ryland Homes for the city-owned property north of the C.P. Railroad.
Chris Enger from Ryland Homes will be present to discuss this matter. If the EDA is interested in pursuing the
potential sale of this property for future development, staff recommends approval of a motion authorizing an
appraisal of the property or other appropriate action.
POLICY/PAST PRACTICE
The EDA considers concept development proposals from developers for city-owned properties on a case-by-
case basis, and the first step is usually the completion of an appraisal to determine the value of the property.
BACKGROUND
In discussions with Ryland regarding the proposed Phase 3 expansion for the Winnetka Green project, staff
and Council both have raised the issue of providing more "single level" new construction options in the city.
While this may not be financially feasible with the Winnetka Green Phase 3 expansion, Ryland has inquired
about other potential development sites in the city. Staff made Ryland aware of the vacant city-owned
property north of the C.P. Railroad, and Ryland has responded with the attached concept development
proposal for a mixture of 33 to 35 urban single-family homes and single-level twinhomes. The proposal from
staff would be to sell the property to Ryland for the market rate price.
Staff indicated to Ryland that the last time the EDA or City Council discussed this property was in 1996-1998,
and at that time a majority of the Council did not want the eight-plus acre parcel developed. Over the years
this property has been a concern for both the Police and Public Works departments, and staff is inquiring if the
MOTION BY SECOND BY
hRFNPlannin?lHousin~lRailroad propert~/O-NorthCPRailroad.doc
Request for Action Page 2 08-09-04
EDA wants to reconsider the development of this property. The city attorney is conducting research on the
title of this property, but it is not park property and it is believed that there are no development restrictions on
the parcel, which is zoned R-l, single-family residential.
Staff supports providing a variety of new housing options in New Hope and expanding the tax base, and if the
EDA is interested in this proposal recommends that an appraisal be completed on the property, and the
matter then brought back to the EDA for further discussion. Please bring the colored concept plans and
renderings to this meeting that were provided in the July 26 EDA packet.
FUNDING
If the appraisal is funded by the city, EDA funds would be utilized. The property is not located in a tax
increment financing district.
ATTACHMENTS · Location map
· Ryland correspondence
OPER
SCHOOL
R-Zl
R-5
R-C
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July 20 2004
[ Y[AND
Mayor and City Council
City of New Hope
4401 Xylon Avenue North
New Hope, MN 55428
The t~¥mnd Group. inc.
.-~. : ,..,,
. ---.,::. r
Honorable Mayor and City Council:
At your Council meeting of July 26. 2004, the City staff is reco_mmending approval of a
Term Sheet for the acquisition and development o}'Phase III of Winnetka Greens. We
have all been brought to this point because of the planning you have all done, the vision
you have had, and the hard work and partnership of the City of New Hope and Ryland
Homes. The City of New Hope can be very proud of the success that Winnetka Greens is
experiencing. '
We have continued to work hard with the City staff and consultants to determine the
feasibility of expanding into Phase III of winnetl~ Greens. After meeting with the City.
Coug. c. il se. veral we.eks ago and taking your direction, along with existin~ site
consmeranons, we have arrived at a plan that supports the TIF, solves the drainage and
storm water issues that have been plaguing the neighborhood, results in the most high
value homes, and provides a wonderful open space buffer to the existing neighborhood
along 55th Avenue.
We request that the City Council approve the term sheet and the concept site plans
attached to this letter, so that we may begin the City review process and be ready for
building construction in this Phase next Spring.
As part of the dialog with the Ciw Council, we have been sensitive to the Council's
desire for a variety of homes, and'to add housing sty. les as our presents increases in New
Hope. We have heard about the need for maintenance free single-family detached
homes, the desire for basements in homes, and the need for single level homes with
basements. A/though this could not all be provided in Winnetka Greens, your staffhas
suggested that we look at the possible development of the City's excess parkland on the
eastern border, adjacent to the railroad, north of the New Hope Ice Center. We have
studied this property and feel that we can compliment Winnetka Greens. the existing
hom~ near the park, and be responsive to the City Council desire for additional housing
styles. .
We have included a concept r~lan of '
.... . ~ theC~tv roe
of-~-~--~UrbanSlneleFo..,,~,..T,_ ._- P P ny that would allow the de,,~
~ ,-~,v aomes and Urban Sin~- r .... v~,uprnent
these homes provide maintenance free living, each appealing to a d/fferent life-style and
' ~,~ ~.,evel lwm aomes. Both of
need. We feel confident, at this point,-that the two-story-Urban Single Family home
would do well, and we would also be willing to offer the Twin Home for sale in th/s
market. Both of these srvles work on the lot sizes designed, and the styles are
complimentary, and are desi~maed to work in the same neighborhood. Both homes have
two car garages and full basements. Pricing for these homes would be in the mid to high
two hundreds. Both of these homes are modeled in our Eden Prairie Communitv of
Hermepin Village. We would be happy to arrange for a tour at your earliest convenience.
If the City Council supports this concept, we would like to move forward wSth the
process of acquisition and review. Because the property is within three blocks of
Winnetka Greens, and we have established a market rate purchase price with the City. we
would like to proceed with the City. on the same price Per lot ($20,000) for the raw l~nd
as Phase III of Winnetka Greens. There would be no City TIF involved in th/s sale.
We respectfully request the City. Council to direct the City Staff to work with Rvtand to
prepare a purchase agreement for the sale of the excess City land to Ryland Ho~aes.
I appreciate your thoughtful consideration in this matter.
f.-.-gmcerely,
Chris Enger
Land Resources Manager
Ryland Homes Twin Cities Division