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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/13/2004 MINUTES OF WHEAT RIDGE URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY January 13, 2004 ORIGINAL 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority meeting was called to order by Mary Hashem, Chair, at 5:35 p.m. The meeting was held in the second floor conference room of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Commissioners present: Norm Burkpile Mary Hashem Elwyn Kiplinger Janet Leo Commissioners absent: Terrell Williams (excused) Tom Mallinson (excused) Also attending: Alan White, WRURA Executive Director Jim Windholz, WRURA attorney Gretchen Cerveny, Mayor Jeff Bailey, Cornerstone Group Joe Drew, Citizen Chuck Mandril, Casman's Automotive Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There being no additions or corrections to the minutes of December 17,2003 they stood approved as presented. 4. PUBLIC FORUM Joe Drew 6660 West 29th Avenue Mr. Drew expressed his opposition to the 38th and Sheridan project and asked the Authority to reconsider and halt progress on the project. (Mr. Drew also submitted copies of his written comments concerning this matter.) Based upon his previous experience on the Authority with the Times Square redevelopment project, he cited several differences between the two projects. (I) The 38th and Wadsworth project exhibited obvious blight. (2) There were 34 ownerships (including leases, subleases, etc.) that could not have been resolved without the WRURA Minutes 01-13-04 Page 1 use of eminent domain. These people were relocated and fairly compensated; however, he expressed regret that the owner of Falcon Car Wash was put out of business. There are only five landowners in the 38th and Sheridan who did not indicate a willingness to sell when approached by developers. (3) Since the legislature is considering redefining "blight" when associated with urban renewal, he asked the Authority to postpone any action until a decision has been reached. (4) The proposed sales tax revenues from Walgreens should be more carefully considered since there are several other Walgreens in the area and a King Soopers directly across the street. The loyalty of a multi-billion corporation to the city should be taken into consideration. (5) There are moral and ethical issues involved when the Authority decides the best use for the land is to replace five long-standing businesses with a large corporation. (6) Consideration should be given to the amount of public support for this project. He asked the Authority to poll City Council to see if they support the project. Mary Hashem commented that revitalization of 38th Avenue is necessary for the vitality of the city. Janet Leo commented that ground contamination is an important blight issue to be considered. Chuck Mandril commented that 38th Avenue from Harlan to Sheridan is contaminated from former gas stations and that serious problems were encountered when the city installed new pipe along 38th A venue. He also expressed disappointment with the amount of money offered to him by the Authority. Mary Hashem informed Mr. Mandril that the Authority is working to find another suitable location for Mr. Mandril's business. Mr. Mandril indicated that he would like to work with the city to reach a settlement that is agreeable to both parties. Mayor Cerveny expressed appreciation to members for serving on the Urban Renewal Authority. She also invited Authority members to attend the City Council study session on January 20th. State Senator Keller and State Representative Jahn have requested to be on the agenda to discuss urban renewal. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Authorization for Contribution to CCRA (Colorado Community Revitalization Association) CCRA has requested contributions from its members to hire a consultant to prepare analyses of the beneficial public impacts of using condemnation for urban renewal projects. WRURA Minutes 01-13-04 Page 2 It was moved by Elwyn Kiplinger aud seconded by Janet Leo to authorize WRURA to make a $500 contribution to CCRA. The motion passed unanimously. B. Uudate on Perrins Row Jim Windholz informed the Authority that an agreement has been prepared with the developer ofPerrins Rowand should be ready for the Authority's consideration at the next meeting. C. Jeff Bailev Mr. Bailey questioned a memo he received from Jim Windholz regarding financing. Jim Windholz explained that Tim Sullivan had requested copies of all ofthe contracts because he needed to supply the information to his lender. This request caused concern that the financing was not in place and therefore prompted the memo. Mr. Bailey stated the financing is in place but the lender needs to know about relocation, etc. Mr. Windholz assured Mr. Bailey that he would be kept up to date on all progress. 6. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Janet Leo and seconded by Norm Burkpile to adjourn to executive session under C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)( e) for the purpose of determining matters that may be subject to negotiations, developing strategy for negotiations and/or instructing negotiators regarding acquisition of properties for the 38th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard redevelopment project. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned to executive session at 6:37 p.m. Those present for the executive session were Norm Burkpile, Elwyn Kiplinger, Janet Leo, Mary Hashem, Alan White, Jim Windholz and Ann Lazzeri. The executive session was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. 7. WHEAT RIDGE TOWN CENTER Alan White provided yearend sales tax figures for the Wheat Ridge Town Center for the Authority's information. 7. ADJOURNMENT The regular meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m. 1fau;.8. ~ Mary Hashem, Chair tL,,- /~~~~ Ann Lazzeri, Secretary . WRURA Minutes 01-13-04 Page 3