With that, we'll go ahead and get started. Um, those online, I'll just ask you to hold any questions or feel free to put any of questions that you have after we give our presentation in the chat. Um, we'll kind of bring give the microphone to the people in the room here first and see if that answers any of the questions and then kind of tag in with the people online. Um, just to start out with introductions. My name is Mitch Forny. I'm the community development director for the city of Columbia Heights. >> My name is Ursula Brandt and I am the city planner for Columbia Heights. >> And I'm Rita Trap. I work for HKGI and we're hired uh by the city to help them through with this comprehensive plan amendment process. So, I'll be giving the presentation this evening. So, you all know why you're here, but we are going to talk about the comprehensive plan amendment for 4300 Central Avenue Northeast. Uh the site location, I'm sure you all know, but just to kind of orient everybody, um sometimes you're not used to looking at an aerial. Um you're used to seeing it on site. So, we are talking about the property that's on Central Avenue. Um as you drive up between 43rd and 44th and looking towards the west, towards Quincy. And right now, you can see an empty parking lot down the hill and the storm water pond in the back. Um and so, uh the property, we can go to the next one. Um it's a 13acre site. As you all know, it's currently vacant. There is the storm water pond that's been there for a number of years. Um, previously it was a shopping center and we have some pictures on the next slide. Um, the parking lot is located adjacent to the street with the topography. Um, and then on the picture on the next we have the history of the site. Um, so I actually grew up in Columbia Heights and that shopping center has been there since I was a kid. So a really long time. Um, the rainbow was there forever. Um, and then at different times there was different types of uses. Uh the last uses in there were the Slumberland, the Ace Hardware, the Dollar Tree, and the Minne Care Center. Um so in the late 20 2000s, early 2010s um there's these are the businesses that were there. Um and then the property on the next slide, you can kind of see as it um started to close down and it was purchased by HY um and it was in a lot of disrepair. So between 2016 and 2021, it was purchased by HY uh and the city worked with HY to work on a tax increment financing district, which is a way that the city can fund um other improvements in the area based on the fact that a site is redeveloped. So that's a financing tool that the city can use. Um but no project materialized at that time. There was a lot of discussion. Uh things changed over time and the market um changed and so HY never did construct the store. Uh on the next slide it talks about uh 2021 2022 the city had a partnership with Aladdis. Uh Alatis is one of the developers here in the Twin Cities. Uh they helped with acquiring the property. Uh and they facilitated facilitated the acquisition and cleanup of the property. So there's a nice photo of that transition to the site that we have today. Uh they were thinking um and are currently still thinking about mixeduse development which means a combination of residential and commercial. Um probably some apartments in that site as we move to the next. Uh so the concepts are still being explored. Um you can come and sit down too. Uh concepts for the site are still being explored. I I know nothing has happened um lately. There have been multiple tax increment bonds that have been extended. So that's a financing mechanism um with the intention of having development happen. One barrier to development uh is the comprehensive plan. Uh the plan has been and the discussions and all of the concepts as we explore on the next slide have talked about commercial and residential. Um and so we the city is initiating this comprehensive plan amendment process to take one part of the process um and take care of that so that it's easier for the development that's being talked about both um in the city and with the developer to occur. So this is just a drawing to illustrate some of the uh concepts that have been explored. Uh there aren't specific drawings. There is no project that has been approved and that we're waiting to see construction. Uh the concepts being explored that the city have seen have some combination of residential and commercial. Generally um the apartments mixeduse which is apartments with commercial some type of single family uh and some type of residential amenities. uh we have this kind of broken down. We wanted to show some examples. So on the next slide, uh when we're talking about apartments or commercial, generally we anticipate that they might be located closer to Central Avenue just because that is the commercial corridor. And then on 44th Avenue, that is also another primary street. So there may be some commercial along 44th. Those buildings would probably be multi-story in height. You can see just some examples um from in the Twin Cities. uh they and this is just to give you an idea of what we've been seeing as potential uh ideas for that site. When we look at the west side of the site, um it's possible that there'll be either some single family, some town houses, or some row houses. Uh these will generally be shorter, so two to three stories. They'll be more residential in character. They may be attached, they may be detached. We just don't know. Um, the biggest thing to identify out on the site. So, it could be that the storm water pond is still along Quincy or it could be that it's more interior to the site and those are things that the developer has to plan for and identify. It is anticipated that interior of the site hopefully would be parking, storm water, residential amenities like maybe a playground or some walking paths around the storm water. None of that's been decided, but those are the types of elements um that you typically see in a block development like this. And then the hope would be to continue sidewalks all the way around the block as well as have sidewalks that go to the interior of the site. Um so these are ideas. Uh one element uh to note with the tax increment financing that I had mentioned before, the development will allow or enable the city to do some other improvements in the neighborhood. We know that there are road improvements needed, sewer improvements needed, and storm water improvements needed. So the project will help the city accomplish those elements that have been a concern for the neighborhood for a number of years. In addition, the storm water will be done in com combination with the Mississippi Water Management Organization. they are already part of the conversation um and so they already at the table and storm water has already been discussed at the city with them and with the developers. So we know that there are storm water issues that need to be addressed in the neighborhood and this project um is intended to help address some of those issues that have been happening. Again these are just idea uh examples of things. So when we talk about uh kind of what the design might be Columbia Heights has had a number of developments over the last few years. Hopefully, you've seen some of them just down the street um across from Immaculate Conception Church. In those areas, generally, the city has been supporting elements like having buildings nearer to the street, sidewalks, uh parking behind and under the buildings, storm waters that aren't just ponds, um that are more integrated, kind of like the bottom right picture where they're a little bit more they're serving that purpose, but they're also providing a nice amenity for the neighbors as well as for those that are living in the site. So again, these are just examples. Uh we uh as the development happens, uh the city will be working with the developer and there'll be more conversations about what could happen on the site. We also want to take an opportunity to note uh that MDOT is uh continuing to design the upgrades and improvements to Central Avenue. This is a separate project, but we know that is something that people are conversing about and there are preliminary designs uh that are going to be available are currently available in March. Um and this is an example. If you have questions about that, staff could provide a little bit more detail. These are still in the works, but the requ the reconstruction is slated for 2028. Um it will reduce Central Avenue from four to two lanes and include intersection and access improvements. um and also the ability for the bus rapid transit fine uh to extend across central avenue. So this is something that we want to acknowledge. It's not tied specifically to the project, but the timing may come together uh for both the development and the improvements on Central Avenue. So I gave a lot of background. I do want to cover why we're here. So, just to kind of come back to the beginning, um the city the city's current 2040 comprehensive plan shows this site for commercial and it only talks about commercial. It doesn't talk about having residential, apartments, town houses, and so the amendment that we're proposing would allow that flexibility for a mix of residential and commercial. Um, and the city is soliciting input from you if there's concerns about either the comprehensive plan amendment or things that they can continue to communicate with the developer as concepts are being explored about what the community is concerned about. The change will go on the next slide. It talks about commercial to what's called transit oriented development. Uh, this is a land use category that exists currently in the plan. Um it is one that is all along Central Avenue in certain sections uh to support things like the Fline that I mentioned. Uh and so the intention is that we would have a mix of commercial and residential. Uh the market's changed a lot. Uh and so it's difficult to have a long corridor of only commercial. Uh and so that's why having this mixture provides more flexibility and hopefully the ability for something to happen on this site because it has been vacant for a number of years and something that the city has been um investing in and supporting and partnering on. >> I believe Aladdis still owns the property. >> They're still in conversations with the city on the project. So yes. >> Yeah. Sometimes it's difficult when they're doing it when they're not there all the time to those are things that we hear right those are sometimes what we hear when we have developments the question yes so the first question was who the developer is and whether they are still going to be involved in the project um and who owns the property so Aladdis owns the property currently they're the ones that have been involved for a few years and they will continue and they are the ones that are supposed to be keeping the site up just double checking that Mitch actually will answer more you still have to Repeat the second. >> Yes. The second question was about clogged storm drains and what I know a lot of people in town like to refer as Lake Rainbow. Um so the idea is and in the past we've worked with the lattice so anytime this pops up we reach out. >> Mhm. >> How do I note whatever? Well, they have flushed the the storm drains on the parcel, but obviously there it needs to be constant maintenance and so yeah, and they are very responsive and so as that stuff you let us know, then we can have them take a look at it. So, this project will fix that. Um, and I can definitely talk to you a little more offline on that stuff, but that's further down the road. Okay, I'll hand it back off to Rita here. >> All right. Um there's just a couple more slides when we want to talk about the process. Um and then we can have answer any questions. We can go back and have more conversation. Uh so where we are in the process, the city identified this as a need of adjusting the comprehensive plan to make uh it easier for development to happen. As you can see, this is actually the first step in the process is to notify the neighborhood and to understand if there are concerns or questions or the information that you all need and the information the planning commission, the council will need to consider this amendment. So, we're at the beginning on the left. Uh there will be a a public hearing at the planning commission to consider this on March 3rd and you probably will be receiving a notice. If you received a notice for this meeting, you'll be receiving a notice that says the planning commission will be considering the comprehensive plan amendment. That's a required part of the process. Um the neighborhood meeting is optional. It's just something the city wanted to do to make sure to hear of your concerns before we get to the planning commission. So the planning commission will be considering it and making a recommendation to the city council. Um and so the next step will be uh making a recommendation to the city council. if they would approve it in in the metropolitan area, you also have to have the metropolitan council approve that. So, that's kind of the technical process. Um, the biggest message is we want to hear your comments and thoughts and concerns tonight. If you want to share them with the planning commission and the council, um, you'll have an opportunity to share them directly with those individuals as well. We are collecting comments other than I will have well, we have a transcript going. I was like that there was a lot of comments, but we have the email um that kind of covers those comments, but we'll be collecting comments that folks have and sharing them in a summary format with the planning commission and the council along the way. Next slide. So, I almost got to the last slide um before what we wanted to do this evening is answer any questions that you may have. This may be the first time that you're involved in this kind of a process. Um this is very early stages meaning there will be an opportunity once an actual concept is proposed for folks to hear about the concept and provide feedback. Um but we are at the point where because of this change we'll be able to um allow and enable a mix of residential and commercial to occur on the site. So that's really what we're focused on this evening is to understand if there are concerns. If you liked something that you saw in terms of um kind of what things look like as examples, we can certainly pass those along. Um and we can certainly answer um any questions that you have. So with that, it sounds like when there's questions here um that having you speak into the mic or I'll repeat it. Um and either Mitch or myself or Ursula will answer those questions. Oh yes, thank you. Um if you want to come up. This is Kendra. She works with me. Um, we have comment cards, too. So, if you would feel more comfortable, um, we have pens and comment cards that you can fill out. There's also a QR code. Um, and there is, uh, two survey questions that just ask, you know, do you have any concerns? Do you have any things that you think we should be considering when we, um, when the city goes through and looks at developing this site. So, that's another option. We're trying to give you different options about whatever you're comfortable with, uh, to provide feedback and to ask questions. So with that, anybody here that wants to ask a question or make a comment? >> Yes. >> And I I know I was debating that >> there that way that people online. >> Sure. To this gentleman's point, um I he's lived in the neighborhood longer than I have, I think, but we live on Quincy now. And uh I've lived in Columbia Heights for over 20 years, and I know the history a little bit. There used to be houses on the other side of Quincy back in the 60s and uh they all flooded every year and so the city had to raise them all and now we have what we have. And so to this gentleman's point, um I have been planning since ever since the rainbow came down, the old rainbow came down, waiting to see what was going to happen and planning to my mind is changing, but originally I thought I don't want to see houses on that side of the street again, but I know it's not as simple as that and modern underwater storage and all kinds of ideas could happen to rectify uh what nature wants this area to which if it's not the lowest point in Columbia height is damn close. Um and the flood zone thing I was aware of as well. I've seen those maps which is a little spooky when you see your house across the street from a FEMA flood zone. >> Okay. But to his to his to his point and to our main concern living across the street and seeing what happened when the pumps did clog up here recently and our neighbor was bailing water of the house he just bought a week earlier and things like this. Um it sounds like uh a broader area than just the footprint here would need to be addressed as part of this project to keep the water moving. And do we know if in fact Aladdis and the city are conscious of this history that he and I are bringing? >> Yeah, I can speak to that a little bit. So yes, the not only the city is well aware of the problem as you'd say, we' talked to multiple council members in the past. Um the developer is well aware of it and the wershed is well aware of it. So Mississippi watershed organization has actually pledged money to help solve the problem alongside what the infrastructure improvements the city is going to be making and the developer has actually is working inand with the Mississippi wershed to identify ways that they can integrate storm water um retention and treatment throughout the entire site. So it's not just a single pond that, you know, may or may not do its job where they can actually use tree trenches and other things in the site to help you know reduce the use of that storm water amenity and then also improve that storm water amenity so it's not just a hole with a fence around it and it can actually be brought into the site as an amenity like a pond that you can walk around or something like that. Yep. Exactly. while also from the wersheds standpoint ensuring that that water is being treated so that as it gets to the Mississippi not only the flow is not affecting the neighborhood but also all of the contaminants are to the level that they can remove the contaminants from that water as it d flows directly to the Mississippi is handled. So there is already research being done by a um an engineering firm that has been hired by the watershed district to analysize the entire site and what storm water is needed for that but also the storm water that flows into the site from the rest of the city kind of east of central avenue. There's still a large watershed where the neighborhoods to the east and the central avenue redevelopment flow into the site before flowing down river. So it's how do you not only solve this site but also solve for that water that comes from the rest of the city as well. So it is a big part of the project and having this project is helps the city pay for those improvements and everything like that. One sec let me give you the microphone here. Part of the main problem over the years, my house has never had one drop because the day I moved in, I paid 375 and the city reimbursed. [clears throat] It was 800, but 375 of it to put a plastic manual or automatic shut off. That has always worked at my house. And I have a ball valve that you're supposed to have on the sewer thing by your washing machine. So, I pour hot water in there once a week when I do laundry. The point is all the other houses that flood took four floods of four to six feet deep before they got that shut off valve. As soon as they got the shut off valve, they didn't have the how do you say unclean storm uh unclean sewage water backing up to their house that was pressurized from the storm sewer drains. So there is a cross either under rainbow up above at Label Park wherever the cross is or the head effect pressure of the water there. There's a cross between the sanitary sewer and the storm sewer which we all pay for separately on our water bill. So that's what Gary Peterson and all these people for 40 years have tried to negate. But now that simple solar panel with the light that I did this for a living, you can get a$100 or $200 sensor to put there when the water comes up and mounted on the pole and it will call the cell phone of the person who works at the city. I have to look out and wait every time it rains that much to see when the light goes off and then I have to call. Now it's the police non-emergency number and it used to call the city employee for 15 years. So the short term is we need to mount a cheap sensor on there that calls through the cell phone to whoever is responsible so they can come out and as he said clean the debris out of the pump but typically it's just a matter of that drain I'm talking about on 44th on the middle of parking lot. >> Yep. And I can definitely talk to our public works department because like you're saying that unfortunately I'm not the city Yep. Nope. Yep. I I understand what you're saying. Unfortunately, I'm not the city engineer, so I can't tell you. Yep. Yeah. And Yep. And that's the key is we really want to solve this issue. Yep. Yep. Sounds good. I appreciate the input and it's definitely something that our engineers will be taking into consideration. Yep. I I appreciate that. With that, do we have any other questions this evening and in the room before we go to the online? Nothing at this point. All right. With that, I'll hand over to the city planner to read off the questions from online. >> We do have one question online that was posed in the chat and it is, are there plans for the surrounding streets like Quincy, 43rd, etc. Uh considerations for increased traffic, closures during constructions, etc. So at the moment um we do not have uh plans for the actual development of the site but those are things that we will require once a development is proposed like a traffic study um and then working with the construction to make sure that nobody is cut off from their house or transportation >> and with that also with the redevelopment of Central Avenue there are considerations at the intersections of 44th and 43rd being implemented with that redevelopment plan to ensure that traffic from the site and the proper like signals and everything like that getting on to central is going to be put into place for that to happen. So specifically, um, Mandot did not have a a signal planned at 43rd and Central for the update, but with this development going in place, they are going to have the developer pay for a signal for that to make sure that there's enough traffic or that the ability to get on and off of Central at 43rd is maintained by the developer. So, this stuff does kind of go forward into the actual planning and as the developer brings forth, you know, designs and everything like that. We'll be doing similar items like this neighborhood meeting and public hearings and everything like that. So, I strongly suggest everyone kind of keep an eye on this as we move forward. They will have an environmental assessment worksheet that'll be going out to the community as well this year. So, there's going to be a lot of areas to kind of get involved with this project as we move forward, but this is kind of just the comprehensive. This is the start of the process. So with that, are any other questions? Yep. Oh, nope. You're good. Let me let me just hand this off to you. I >> I came in late, so I didn't understand. So the one on the left says proposed and it says uh transit oriented development, and you can explain that in a second. And then on the one on the right, is is that no longer in play or >> Yeah. >> No, thank you. Great question. And it it like you said, it's when you come in a little bit late. Um, Ursa, would you be able to go up to the proposed and the current zoning or comprehensive plan? So, currently the property is designated in our comprehensive plan as just commercial, which would only allow for commercial uses to be on the site. And so, this comprehensive plan amendment is amending it so that it is shifted to transit oriented development, which allows for commercial and residential to be posted on that site. And then Ursula, if you could go down to the bottom, then that is just a general idea of what a transit oriented development site looks like without kind of getting into the plans and everything. showing a mix of apartments and commercial or you know whatever mix of stuff kind of to the towards Central Avenue reducing density as you get towards the neighborhood and the form of single family homes, town houses and then kind of the central being parking storm water amenities with the you know possibility that as the gentleman up front had stated you know if that if the soils aren't great where the pond is currently maybe the pond is kind of shifted further to the to the western portion of the site. Yeah. All right. No other questions online. All right. So, like Rita had said, we have our comment cards. Um otherwise, make sure you scan the QR code. Make sure you keep an eye on the city website and um Facebook. We'll kind of end the co question period, but city staff will be hanging out around here to answer individual questions. And then if you have other items that you want us to know about, make sure you submit those. Otherwise, um Ursula and myself, our emails are on the city website, the community development director and the planner. We are always available Monday through Friday, 8 to 4:30. So feel free to stop by or give us a call at city hall. So with that, I'll kind of end the session here and um kind of hang around for questions.