2008-02-25 Regular Council Session Agenda

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MINUTES OF UNIVERSITY CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION February 12, 2008 The Council Study Session, held in the Chambers of the City Hall, on Monday, February 12, 2008, was called to order by Mayor Adams at 5:30 p.m. In addition to Mayor Adams, the following members of the Council were present: Mr. Arthur Sharpe, Jr. Mr. Michael Glickert Mr. RobertWagner Ms. Stefany Brot Ms. Lynn Ricci Mr. ByronPrice Also present were City Manager Julie Feier, the Assistant to the City Manager Petree Eastman, the City Attorney John Mulligan and the Director of Economic Development Lehman Walker. The Study Session agenda was for the purpose of discussion of the development of a test block on the odd numbered side of 6600 Bartmer and the even numbered side of 6600 Crest. Ms. Eastman explained the goal was to see how properties in the Northeast quadrant could be acquired in setting up a test block of redevelopment in fitting with the long range neighborhood plan. Municipal Economic Development and Real Estate Consultant Cathy Hamilton performed an analysis equivalent to a blighting analysis to determine which of the 38 parcels of land might be available for redevelopment. In her analysis it was discovered that five parcels were owned by St. Louis County. These five parcels could be purchased from St. Louis County for the Recorder’s fee of $27.50.At a minimum, once the properties have been purchased from the County, the City would have to pay off or waive existing liens to get a clear title. The staff proposed to purchase the five parcels from St. Louis County to ultimately package them together at no cost to an affordable or market rate housing developer for building demonstration homes to revitalize the block and greater area. The envisioned Request for Proposal (RFP) would request the developer to: Build Single Family homes within zoning requirements for lots Use innovative design to transform the block Use Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards Incorporate elements of design that encourages interaction between the owner(s)/occupants(s) and their neighbors and pedestrians Keep overall pricing near or under $200,000 Work with City officials to explore and bring additional resources to the development process. Prepare a highly visible marketing plan to encourage first time homebuyers to buy in the Northeast Quadrant of University City.