well, Colleen. Chair Johnson here. There are 7 present 0 ab son. Item number one for discussion as resolution. 26 Dash 405. Approving the commercial corridor program guidelines, city life. I want to first just take some time to just say. Huge. Thank you to All of the plan, economic development, staff and and to Kelly and to John and city attorneys office for working with us all of the next items that you'll see you regarding the money, the many in the guidelines for several different programs. I just also want to thank commissioners as well for your work and for your conversation and for the discussion around these guidelines, I know that we have had many different versions in front of us and we've had different conversations about what to
include not include. And I just want to say, I truly appreciate that ability to be able to do that. I do that discussion is warranted, especially over programs that really do impact the entire city. So been to the very last minute. I just want to share that all of the work that. Has went into getting us to this point. I think it's going to be warning as we go through a smooth transition. So on I am going to we had a staff report on this. Had a bus discussions. So if you entertain me, I will be able to move motions to the versions that I know are up for discussion. So the first will start with this one and we're actually going version to entertain a motion from Commissioner Kim to move
version. 2, that that is in front of you as well. And just for clarity because I know a lot of things have been discussed. This is this is keeping the index wrecked score as well. So it's all the corridor inclusions in the only change in this one is that is changing the. Ray Street, a lie at rest. Alliance host organization too, the North End neighborhood organization. And so that is the difference here. But for folks that are watching diversions and trying to make sure we are moving aversion to salty, that motion from Commissioner Ken, any discussion. Commissioner Yang, thank you. Chair Johnson. First want to share that. I am supportive of the versions fuel. And I question that you shared from gratitude to the staff to the commissioners at the table hre. to our city attorneys are helping out with link, which
is all you have done. Really incredible job and just wanted to up with The information from our staff was really helpful. Me. I know you all mentioned that the uses for the vitality different from the commercial corridor program. So it's really helpful just getting that distinguish. And with that, I very comfortable with this version here. I also just really want to thank the councilmembers who at the table here for the uplifted questions about how we can use our dollars for more equitably. That is really important to do. And I remember seeing here at the table many times that it's so important for us to always start off the question or start off the process and really conversations and with equity rooted at it that way
when it, you know, when we get so far along in developing, maybe like a program or figuring out what funding is used for, we don't have to figure out like how come you press the reset button were chided like, nope, certainly I would say retrofit things. And so I would say that because of this program and we've come so far having conversations about how we want to utilize it and wanted to spread it across the city. I and support of it. And just always want to welcome more conversations for us to figure out how we can continue using these dollars more equitably. Thank you. Commissioner Yang. Any further discussion on the proposed amendment? All right. I will just simply share with you all that and this discussion. We had attitude about where we can make the best use of fire our dollars and commissioning. I appreciate your comments as
well. And I think just conversation around whether or not to and invest downtown is one that I don't think is the conversation here. I know that we've used words like include downtown or exclude downtown. And I think that there are multiple actions that will be taken today. That actually shows that we do prioritize the downtown corridor this case Tahoe, the downtown corridor remained. And I think in this version, it's it's kind of fight that way to invest across the city. I will share that. I isn't interest of ours to just continue to make sure that we can have not only to this fun but to the impact that holds. You know, it's it's hard when you're having include execution conversations, citywide because everywhere in the city needs investment right now and especially on our businesses, especially on our quarters. There isn't a cup corridor list, said so they can't talk
about the impact have had especially over the last several months for sure. For years now, this is the reason why we ultimately put this program in place in the first place and why this body was really a vocal in 2024. To commend the 2025 budget cycle. And so it's also the reason we added additional $400,000 back to the investment for 2026 this year. And so I don't think it's ever debate about whether or not we're including area of our city. That's so vital to the work that we do. But I do think that this can accomplish the will of the of the body. And that's what I'm most interested in is the chair Commissioner Baker, thanks. Chair of the perfect my So I'm really sorry speak after it. But just just wanted to say, I agree. I appreciate
that office. We put into this and also just to back up for a second and recognizes I know we've done at the table before that. Well, we've been talking about the specifics of the guidelines here for the last few weeks. The big picture, the headline is that we are for a second year in a row. Getting 1.4 million dollars out the door to our commercial corridor, citywide. And it's a program that we we tested last year. We tried and it was wildly successful in terms of those dollars moving out quickly and getting used for all kinds of wonderful things throughout our city. So I'm just really proud of us for doing it last year. Continue committing to continue with this year. And I'm excited to see all the great stuff can see this year. Thank you. And so we'll do the virtual doing the motion to version 2 with those changes and the
resolution will be adopted as amended. All those in favor. All opposed. 7 and favors or Aleutian has adopted as amended item. Number 2 is resolution r e s 26 Dash 4, 7, resolution amending the down payment Assistance program guidelines citywide. Once again, very thankful for the robust conversation we had around this. If you recall last, some have this collision was actually to go. And we talked bit Ritter, inclusion language around displacements and ways to do that. And I just want to say thank you to the housing team, the key to Rachel. Thank you, too. Director, I'm city Attorney's Office Count of Commissioner Bowie and commissioner maker if we're
really robust conversation around this again, we will come out take motion from Commissioner Ollie move version any discussion. Commissioner thank you. Sheriff Johnson has also Colts. The gratefulness for the collaboration. I know we had a lot of robust conversations of it and just want to ensure that this version 2 is and version that spurred inclusion and also historical accuracy and he's also want to highlight the advocacy that came community members wo direct descendants of Rondo and who have the live experience and brought to the forefront and how our existing program also, although in the spirit transparency and wanting to write the harms the wrongdoings, we want make sure everyone's included. So I
think this is really instrumental change actually renters and stick to our values and making sure that what our pro power programs are designed meets the moment and also including everyone who's been impacted. So thank you so much. And you also have the version in front of you. It was what I had to you as well. But is just aren't attached in that regard. Rhetoric man is or anything for that. You want to say about the version before you move to a final vote. Know that you received information previously from the department about it that notice things about the process, that it would take cetera and timely shifting and that we have folks here to answer questions. If you have any. Thank you, Director
McMahon I just wanted to. I want to not to put on the spot, but director and telling Rachel, I'd love to just have you quickly talk about that. 3 additional urban Renewal Project for just briefly about like what that actually entails from the western reconstruction area. Central Village in the college of Saint Paul, just like why we. The thought including their renewal. Thank you, and I might be staring at is a final 4 of our research team. The reason that these 3 specific sites were chosen in particular is because of research that went into them prior to prior to this question being asked of like what might be some urban renewal sites to be focused on. So we had data about them already. So that I know the latest version ear guidelines to happen mapped out as well. As you can see, the geographic
placements. Thank you. And I just want to say that we really appreciate that level of detail. I appreciate the version of the graphics. The you know, someone who's like a visual Lerner, but also like allies, what that actually entails. And also because it's such a significant part of our city. You know, I am also heavily invested east side when it comes to just really knowing the neighborhoods until that graphic and just cut the rationale behind. It was really helpful to understand. Thank you. Ay other discussion. Commissioner, we thank you. Chair Johnson. I do want to reiterate recommend man's comments particularly around the process. fully anticipate to have a follow-up meeting and include battle command land
trusts and who is the organization that does the verification mechanism. I just want to be really clear that the city does not making approvals in terms of the historical accuracy around whether someone was displaced, one Randall Avenue and also with guideline change for include other sites that been impacted by urban renewal. I also want to highlight one of the elders that we have met before elder Frank White, who's a known story in. He was instrumental and getting the permit change for the Avenue Street. He also was here providing some insight to council around the historical accuracy around we're actually exist it prior to the
construction. I-4. So he actually was someone who lived on 409, Saint Anthony, which is South Saint Anthony. That was ran parallel lives avenue. So because of his advocacy and his and put now Saint Anthony is also going to be an avenue that's included in this inheritance fun. And and that's like I said, instrumental and because we want make sure that when we're talking about the displacement of historic ground over talking about the area, not just only that street that had the homes and businesses there. Thank you. I'm just kind of looking as well to recommend. Is there anything that you want that you'll need shares of follow-up And what actually MAY be. Turner housing staff about
that inclusion of Saint Anthony. we need just one minute to like look at the map Orient myself with that. Okay. I think that might just be worth a follow up for that at commissioner. And you want to actually ensure that that that we have the latest information when it comes to that. I know for today. But the motion that has moved out, especially with the pieces that aren't codified here. I do think it represents some of the renter Priorities that you And so only forward with that and then we will I will make sure that we get the follow-up and that follow communication. And let's just clarify those things before fire. Thank you reach. I appreciated that. Thanks, chair. I I also want to thank staff and also want to thank council member, but we can for your leadership on
this because I know tat. The issue of including renters with something that you would not lose sight of and something that's important to both of our communities. And I'm grateful that we've been able to work together. But the eu in particular have continued to name and that we're getting it in the the amendment that you're proposing today. I want to know that I don't want the perfect be the enemy of the good. I want to move forward with this so that we can get the down payment assistance program opened, get those dollars out the door. But I want state for the record that we're not totally done, at least with the concerns that ivory is related to the timing of the West side flats displacement staff has a proposal for how incorporate that second wave of displacement. That's not
reflected in these guidelines today. What I'm hoping is that staff when they come back in mid-MAY to talk to us about the plan for accommodating renters can also, if not before. Introduce or let us know the language that they would support that would expand the timeframe on the West side as well. So not doing that today. But don't lose sight of that. And I said, yeah, I think that one of the things that we all are in alignment on. It's just that yet to your point, you know, when where not certain today for for that, for affection, for everything to be incorporated. But we are making step forward to, I think do some of the language around, including inclusion of renters that have been discussed now for for months under your leadership.
Commissioner Bowie. So thank you for for that. And those conversations. And I wll just call for a vote in that regard. Not seen any for their hands. All of those in favor. I All opposed. 7, a favorite 0 for resolution is adopted as amended item. Number 3 resolution, 26 Dash 4, 9 resolution approving updated guidelines for the injury of business assistance Fund. This one doesn't have a version to that, but it's from our previous discussion were expected in there. And the guidelines for the approval has is. And I'll take a motion from commissioner maker to approve any discussion. Commissioner Nick, thanks so much. MADAM Really excited that we're adopting these guidelines today. Again, sort of
high-level, 5 million dollar investment in downtown Saint Paul. 3 million for conversions of underutilized office space. 2 million for activating retail and specifically they can store fronts. And I also agree with you chair and I'm really grateful that we spent the time to get the guidelines, right? Because we want to make sure is that the moment that we threw something at this table, it is ready to go. And I think the guidelines reflects the values that we all hold here and get this really ready for ready for action. As soon as we so yesterday. So thanks to all my colleagues for sport. Absolutely, commissioner and I'm super excited about this investment. And I know that this is a really big deal and people are watching all across the city because right now is the time to be investing not only building our tax base, but in center
downtown and do so. You know, it struck me as jus was really mind boggling to see Ramsey County pesentation that shared about 49% of our downtown properties being examined and how that's a unique situation to our county and city. But like truly something that. Is something that I walked away being just like, wow, we really need to make sure that we're voting the taxable base that we have downtown with what the half that we And so I see Joe Spencer in the Thank you so much for your cntinued partnership and advocacy. As well. And, you know, it's going to be all hands on deck. And so this is the first step of many and I'm sure they'll be opportunities to learn from this first initial year of investment. But as we're
continuing to build, I I welcome, you know, off the future discussions, especially as we head into 2027 and beyond and how to continue that investment. So appreciate your leadership as Working with staff and appreciate Director Lloyd and the plan, Economic Development team as well. That have been working on. How our city is going to respond to the now. So seeing no other hands going once going twice. Wonderful. All those in favor. All opposed. In favor signify resolution. And number 4 is the staff report Sr 26 Dash 5, 4 staff of 4 Asian of Cdbg. Agree met by and between the city of Saint Paul and Jr, dm Investments, llc, 4, to Cesar Chavez Street District, 3 war, 2. Wonderful. So now that we've done the, the guideline changes, I'll be able to hand this over to the rectory man welcome, MR. Wolf. Chair Commissioners, this
is an item that Nick will be able to give you information on today in the staff report and you will be voting on your chair. A meeting for consideration. Welcome, Good afternoon. Commissioners. Project manager in pd. So. Again, we're here seeking authorization to enter into this $70,000. Cdbg loan agreement for the acquisition of Tutu says initial tests. You see 4 points or some regarding the This particular property. acquired from the appointed receiver that was assigned after the prior business. Papa led Which you can see pictured above closed in the summer of 2025 2025. I was working with us Judy Lopez on a star Grant
for La Costa. When she saw the space come up for sale. And set up a meeting asking how we could be supportive of her, expanding her business operations on the West side. Directly to a loan officer at Latino Economic Development Center. This is a lttle background. On the business. her business plan. Love to see his mission is to provide an inviting casual atmosphere for working class individuals. Late shift employees and neighbors seeking a fun and authentic bar experience. And I think with look hosted being located just 2 doors will allow both establishments to complement one another while also serving slightly different audience. Us. Here's the budget. You can sources
and uses table. Judy contributed $25,000 to the project and is requesting an additional 70,000 here. And funding to assist with the building with the purchase price of the building, which was $275,000. The project will create and maintain 3 full time jobs. Through your 5, which is consistent with cdbg requirements. The loan itself. There's a little bit on the structure Monthly interest only payments for the first year will begin in MAY. This will ensure that love scene is well capitalized in his first year and unable unable to cover all of the start-up expenses. Full p and principle and interest monthly payments will begin in MAY of 2027. And cash flow projected to be sufficient. 4, these annual loan payments. We'll be back
next week. That structure, McMahon, pension. That's about it. Commissioner maker. Thanks so much, MADAM Chair, and thank you, MR. Very excited to see a new about 5 or use going to the space, but I do want to ask him it was really discouraging when Apple Inc closed. That was obviously also a project that we had help capitalize here. The tray and I don't think it was open for a full 2 years, maybe a little bit over. But very short lived. And so I guess I'm just wondering if you can speak to not necessarily the due diligence that we do before we. Decide on financing in general. But in particular when we've had a business that we have tried to support in this exact location that has not been successful. What kinds of additional scrutiny every putting on what kind of additional conditions are impacting in before we decide to refinance another business
in in the same spot Yeah, it was quite sad to see public but close. You know, I don't think it's commissioner, I don't think the space itself and its location necessarily. You contributed, you know, per se 2. Casing operations. I think conceptually public and again died in work on that deal. And I'm I'm. I I've been there a number of times, but I'm not super familiar with it. You know, I think the concepts are quite different. I think from a market audience and customer. A customer base perspective. I just don't know. Candidly, very off the cuff speaking. Maybe it was the best fit in that specific location where, you know, in this which which
again, I I think is quite unfortunate. That was a really cool place and some great live entertainment the decor. All of you know, being specifically Bill, as as gee, you know, directly describes Mexican dive bar. I think I know prior to public vote. There was a a similar far up that operated in that space. I think, you know, her success of the you know, the employee bay. She has the customer base. She has. I again, I don't think that allows scene and will be competing with coast. I think I'll be kind of a complimentary customer as far as the scrutiny. Some of the financing. I mean, you know, we did take this through resource committee through credit committee. You know, projections. I think given especially year one that's
going to be interest-only. I think we're pretty strong cdbg in this case made a lot of sense. Given that she was purchasing the building and she was going to be doing these 3 for these particular rules, kind of right up on opening. You know, if I'm going back to the table, I think. Often time to just based we see a lot of these. Bars and restaurants close because you're not well capitalized. And I think. This funding, you know, with the additional, you know, 62,000 and in working capital, including payroll operating. I think will her start on the right foot. Senator questions yet. Appreciate Thank you, Commissioner. Thank manager will for that. I think overall explanation as well. It helps paint the picture for what we're trying to accomplish here. And the
difference between the 2 projects. Any other questions from any other commissioners. Well, thank you coming forward this to come forward next Thank. Thank Chair. And number 5, the staff report. 26 cash. Authorization to designate Route. Very Development, llc. As a tentative developer of the fox lot District. Core to us. Wonderful. I head over to director McMahon also will come up. MR. Charles, as well. Thank you. Chair commissioners. This is another one receiving. The information on will be acting on next week. It's one and I think sighting in terms of the nature property because it's fun that folks have been hoping that the surrounding properties moving piece it together. And so it feels like work for at that moment, which is great. So turn it over to
Hannah giving wonderful. Thank Thank you. Good afternoon. Chair Johnson commissions maintain a here for putting here to present a for 2 parcels Trey Lance. So developer Winter Walton and are seeking a tentative developer status to build 300 units of affordable housing vacant. A jury on land located at approximately one 37 to one. 49, Robert Street And district 3 war 2. And this land also known as the fox So the fox lot is located right across the river along Robert Street South. And it's located across from another a tree supported development called the So apartments. Lot is compromised of. Price of 2 parcels. That it. Equal. That equals approximately
one acre of land and these parcels housed 2 buildings and was owned by fox Chemicals. So fox chemicals used the site for mixing and packaging windshield wiper fluid, gasoline, antifreeze and other chemicals. They also least the buildings. 2 other companies conduct mixing and packaging various household goods garden chemicals. The H.O.A. Purchase, the site in 1994 and demolish the 2 buildings in JUNE of 1997. Due to their deteriorating conditions. So a quick overview about the developer of order was in development is a tin cities based real estate development firm. They specialize in multi-family housing, seed housing, commercial properties. It completed over 5,000 unit cell in the last 20 years within communities,
including tomorrow on University Aenue. And that brought in 243 units of affordable housing to Writer. Wilson is proposing to combine the fox lot with adjacent property to construct the Livingston. Infection. Construction will include 2 buildings with 150 units. Each the buildings will be 5 sories with surface and underground parking. The total square footage of the development will be 500 34,000 Square feet. And this includes 15,000 square feet of green space. The unit next will be 81. 2 bedrooms, 157 3 bedrooms. And 64 62 for veterans. 10% of the units, including some larger units will be affordable at 30% of area median income. The rest will be affordable at 60% of and and the estimated total total development cost is
117 Million. So you can see here. This is an aerial view all the parcels that are combined to make a living son. The fox lot is a 2 on the corner here that's founded by Fairfield Avenue and robber shoots self the other parcels are owned by another entity. That order will to has entered into a purchase agreement with. And this is a conceptual rendering. Of the site. You can see the green space in the middle that. Best book or and some amenities for residents. And overview of the site You can see the playground and how the buildings are laid out along Robert And says overview of if it
can for plan. Let me know if I'm going to passes a law. Circle back to anything. Again, this request to designate whether Walton has a tent to tent tentative developer. The fox lots for a period 24 months. And to complete the due diligence needed to begin development. So due diligence want food but not limited to the following benchmarks. The following facts, parks. Complete. architectural and construction drawings, complete site plan, review process, complete any environmental studies received building and zoning approvals finalize development budget, negotiate with the hra on final terms submit finance final financing plan. I'm also include work wth Wisco 2 on the design because they've been involved with this as
well. So this request will be back backing for the hra for a vote next week. And I'd also like to acknowledge Walton is here as well. And we're happy answer any questions thank Commissioner thanks. MADAM Thanks so Much stronger for all of your work on this. I I'm really excited to see this project moving forward. This is a great example What happens when we are able to take cntrol of property that needed a new use and then combine that this finally for sale, 7th one time on the list flats. And now to this redevelopment that will really bring affordable housing for families and the large size of those units is really impressive. We don't see that off. And that number of 3 bedrooms as well as the outside greenspace. I think some tense you know, there's sort of a a nod at play space
for young people. But it's really not sufficient rest in this case. There really is a play architecture being planned. I think that's great. I will say. And developers have heard this from me that I think we need to also look at design we're doing affordable buildings just because they're affordable definition be beautiful. And we have one example already on Robert Street very warehouse, the feel of a building, but not particularly good for uniform. I think it's gonna be important for this building and to do better at that kind of the way that the that the building flows along the street and doesn't get vaccine feel so obviously that has to be balanced with costs. The most important thing is providing the spine of housing. But I just want say for the record that I don't think the picture that we're looking at here is 100% where
we end up but get excited system Certainly in sports. I appreciate tose are my staff and I completely agree with justice. Ensuring that. You know, folks should not be able just walk down the street. Tell the difference between affordable housing units in on affordable housing units. And so I appreciate that as well. Mustang. I heard you say that the developer applicant is here and such that this time would welcome I've read a Development llc just as there bring it up by bringing up to the podium, I really would appreciate just hearing a little bit more about 60% and my 30% and I break any just kind of prompted the 300 units anything else that
you care to share with Thank you. Paul Keenan, vice PRESIDENT Development for the Wall. And I will say that we do have a ways to go design. I think this is more about massing concept that we knew. We recognize that we've got some work to do with ball you all and let's go and finding a design that works for everybody. Affordability mixes is a function trying to balance where the highest speeds are and also making a project financially feasible. So we are focusing this project on 2, 3, inning for veterans because that's where see the highest need as a developer. And what we for example, what our moral project and so. And then also trying to find a way to target like the deeper. And is it? So we've set aside 10% at 30%. Am I? It's to sort of try to balance the project out. You set the rest that 60% and I to making sure that it's something I can get killed.
Thank you, Paul. And would you care to just share a little bit with her body like your timeline for this development? Sure. I think it's going to be. I think we've got a lot of work to do on the side. It's a complicated, say. The site owned by the private developer as well as I think the fox lot have a some like to see railroad easements, for example, that go back to the early 19, 100's where we've got to kind of track down who still owns those easements get them to release them. As you all know, there's some environmental considerations on the site, too. So I think we're really realistically 12 months away from. Breaking ground on this project kind of sks. I will share with you that I know one of the things that we understand a little bit here and the jury is complex sites and we you know, commissioners do a pretty good job being able to be in
communication with developers and with folks that are going working to move that forward, especially when there's hundreds units of affordable housing there. Would just encourage, you know, continued communication, but commissioner maker and with the jury overall on on how you know how it goes up. It's awarded next week. I know. I think one of the biggest things is just a communication piece doesn't have to be formal and this way. And it can definitely be just, you periodic updates and any challenges that come up or anything that that ultimately goes well, you know, it doesn't all have to be bad news doesn't have to always be urgent. It definitely can just be more informational as well. And so welcome that communication. Do want to thank you for taking the time to come out today as well on Wednesday midday. I'm sure
there there were some planning that took place to get you here. Signed for being here today about the same PRESIDENT. So happy to here. Yes, still during the work day by, you know, come on down. I'm glad that means that will be able to. We talked to any time, MR. Saint Paul resident. Any questions for Paul always hear from anyone else? Thank you so much and thank you, MR. So that means to the end of meeting and say that went pretty well with public items that we have, something that we will continue to do moving forward. And just for viewers that are watching at home as well, we will be working to future meetings that we have to empower long in the you know, and then at least not surpassing 03:00pm. And so that is a, you they will be working towards. But today we did a pretty good job. It's to 43. And with that, we are
adjourned.