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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/16/2008MINUTES WHEAT RIDGE URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY September 16, 2008 1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER The meeting of the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority was called to order by Chairman Williams at 6:07 p.m. in the council chambers of the Municipal Building, 7500 West 29`h Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado. 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Authority Members Present: Rick Adams James Bahrenburg Tom Radigan Larry Schulz Terrell Williams Authority Members Absent: Janet Leo Walt Pettit Also attending: Patrick Goff, Deputy City Manager Corey Hoffmann, WRURA Attorney Rob Osborn, WR2020 Kevin Hood, WR2020 Denise Waddell, WR2020 Don Seyfer, WR2020 Denise Balkas, WR2020 Mary Hashem, Brownfield Partners Doug Elenowitz, Brownfield Partners Stuart Miner, Brownfield Partners Morgan Landers, Brownfield Partners Ann Lazzeri, Recording Secretary 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 19, 2008 The minutes of August 19, 2008 were approved by acclamation. 4. PUBLIC FORUM In response to a question from the audience, Chairman Williams stated that the Cornerstone trial date is still scheduled for October 20. WRURA Minutes - I - September 16, 2008 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation by Brownfield Partners (Authority members were provided copies of the presentation.) Mary Hashem, managing principal with Brownfield Partners, presented background information on her firm which specializes in acquisition, planning, entitlement and redevelopment of urban infrll with an emphasis on environmentally impaired real estate. She reviewed development projects done by Brownfield. Ms. Hashem referred to the fact that Brownfield Partners submitted the only proposal for this project. One of the reasons for the company's interest is the desire to be more involved locally. She also cited her personal involvement with the City Wheat Ridge, as a former resident and former chairman of the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority. Douglas Elenowitz presented the overall goals for the project. • Catalyst for corridor redevelopment • Signature identity for the front door of Wheat Ridge • Place of vibrancy driven by complementary mix of uses • Create framework for future development • Economically viable project area Challenges of the project • Need for "out-parcel" acquisition • Accessibility and visibility • Present zoning • Density and parking balance • Reality of market conditions Redevelopment Concept • Zone A - Mixed use library and residential with small coffee shop/cafe and 55-60 residential units. • Zone B - Office building with 60,000 square feet of office space (possible municipal building and medical offices) • Zone C - Single story retail multi-tenant buildings with surface parking. • Zone D - Public parking garage with 218 spaces to serve office, library and retail. • Zone E - Mixed use office and retail (along Wadsworth) - ground floor retail with 3 floors of office above - 43,200 GSF WRURA Minutes -2- September 16, 2008 Key requirements for success • Charter amendment regarding density and height • Land contribution and public finance • Frontage along Wadsworth and West 44th Ave. • Interior anchor Next steps • Working session with WR2020 • Formal planning period • Land assembly • Land development • Vertical development Terrell Williams commented that it was his assumption the Chinese restaurant would be part of the redevelopment. Mr. Elenowitz replied that it is not necessary to build it into the project, however, facade improvements would be desirable. Rick Adams asked who would be responsible for assemblage of outlying pieces. Mr. Elenowitz replied that they are thinking of a joint effort and would look to the city for some funding mechanism such as bonding or tax increment financing. This would need further study. James Bahrenberg suggested completing development in phases. Mr. Elenowitz agreed that it would probably happen in phases. Tom Radigan estimated the cost of the entire project would be around $55 million. Mr. Elenowitz commented that this figure was probably close. In response to a question regarding the feasibility of the project if the charter amendments do not pass, Mr. Elenowitz stated that residential units over a library would not happen. There was discussion about locating a new city hall within the development. Larry Schulz commented that, while the city needs a new center, it would take some time and study to find the right location. Perhaps the city could lease space in the meantime. In response to questions about the location of the development in relation to Wadsworth, Ms. Landers explained that the preliminary plans show Wadsworth in its present location. The plan could easily be changed to accommodate the widening of Wadsworth. There was discussion about density issues. Mr. Miner commented that perception versus the actuality of density is very different. There was a consensus of the Authority to continue with Brownfield Partners. WRURA Minutes -3 - September 16, 2008 (The meeting was recessed from 7:31 to 7:43 p.m.) B. Update on Kipling Corridor Blight Study RFP Patrick Goff stated that the city manager has requested the scope for the Kipling Corridor Blight Study be expanded to include the Highway 58 - I- 70 area in order to utilize tax increment financing for the area. 5. EXECUTIVE SESSION It was moved by Larry Schulz and seconded by James Bahrenburg to enter into executive session for the purpose of receiving legal advice concerning pending litigation regarding the terminated 38th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard redevelopment project pursuant to C.R.S. Section 24-6-402(4)(b) The motion passed unanimously. The regular meeting was adjourned to executive session at 7:44 p.m. The executive session was convened at 7:45 p.m. Those attending the executive session were: Rick Adams James Bahrenburg Tom Radigan Larry Schulz Terrell Williams Patrick Goff Corey Hoffmann Ann Lazzeri 6. ADJOURNMENT The executive session and regular meeting were adjourned at 7:57 p.m. Terrell R. Williams, Chairman 'Y"' L-~- - Ann Lazzeri, Recordii g ecretary WRURA Minutes -4- September 16, 2008