2012-08-27 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jim Carr, 7901 Gannon Mr. Carr was present as an individual citizen and not as a member on the Pension Board. He presented a summary on how to read the actuarial report that was prepared by Mr. Siepman, the City’s Actuary, based on the July 23, 2012, City Council Session on pension funds. The summary also included a request from Councilman Kraft regarding funding status of the pension funds. All notes were given to Council. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS Blight Analysis and Redevelopment Plan. Mr. Walker asked the City staff to provide an overview and then Mr. Robert Droney the project developer would speak briefly on the plan. Andrea Riganti, Director of Community Development, provided background for the public hearing on Blighting 8390 Delmar Boulevard, a three-acre site at Delcrest Dr. and Delmar Blvd. The developer, Delcrest Development intends to construct a new 15,000 sq. ft. building with retail on the site with a drive-thru facility for a Walgreens, a three- story office building and a new traffic light. The overall project will be around $7,000,000. The Plan Commission and the City Council approved the project. The existing office building has one tenant with a long-term lease. Ms. Riganti noted that the developer has made multiple attempts to voluntarily assist the tenant in relocating to an offsite property but the tenant has not committed to relocating and the project cannot proceed until the property is completely vacant. As a last resort, the developers have initiated the process to condemn the lease in accordance with Chapter 99 of the State Statutes. The first step in this process would be to declare the property blighted and approve a redevelopment plan. The blight analysis and redevelopment plan would go to City Council for final approval. A resolution will be presented to City Council at Council’s next session. Mr. Robert Droney, Delcrest Development’s Attorney, of Polsinelli Shughar Mr. Droney reiterated Ms. Riganti’s statement concerning the project. The conditions that met blighting were: the deterioration of the site; improvements in sanitary and/or unsafe conditions that endanger life or property. He said this contributes to an economic, social liability, and things that are menaces to public health safety and welfare. Mr. Droney said, based on the age of the building there is most likely asbestos within the floor tiles, ceiling tiles and lead paint, all of which are unsanitary conditions and contribute to endanger life or property. He said it is a large vacant building which attracts vandalism and the homeless population and is unsafe for all. The only outstanding issue that needed to be solved in order to move the project forward was the relocation of one tenant. Mr. Droney said the offers to the tenant consisted of complete relocation cost included built-out space, differential in rent, cost of printing new brochures, and moving the equipment. A buyout of the practice in the amount of $250,000 was also offered as was the construction of a new building on the lot. He said there has been a general unresponsiveness from the tenant so they are before the Council in order to move the project forward. The only way left was to request eminent domain at the authority from the City Council. Mr. Glickert asked if there had been any communication with the tenant and if they received a response. Mr. Droney said the responses have been either negative or none at all. 3