StoryPort Authority support for transit-oriented development grant applicationJuly 16, 2025

Port Authority Backs Transit Housing Grant Application

Meeting date: Jul 16, 2025
Published Aug 23, 2025

The Bloomington Port Authority voted unanimously Monday to support a Metropolitan Council grant application for a 130-unit housing development at the former dealership site on Knox and American Boulevard.

Cross Anderson's proposed transit-oriented development could receive up to $500,000 in funding if the application is successful, according to Port Authority staff member Kevin. The resolution also authorizes the Port Authority to enter into a grant agreement if funds are awarded.

The meeting featured presentations from three Bloom in Bloomington interns who shared their experiences working across various city departments. The internship program, now in its third year, places young people aged 16-24 with local employers and includes leadership development sessions covering financial literacy and career preparation.

Commissioners also discussed refinancing arrangements for the Carbon 31 property development. McGuff, the development company, is working with Fannie Mae to refinance their construction loan but faces restrictions on using tax increment financing income as collateral. Port Authority counsel Julie Eddington indicated the proposed restructuring would not harm the city's position.

The Port Authority will consider preliminary budget and levy information at their August meeting. Staff also provided updates on prevailing wage policy adjustments that were presented to the City Council, including administrative changes and policy considerations for housing developments.

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Full analysis

Areas of Interest (4)

  • Conflict between prevailing wage mandates and development feasibility at the Jewelry site project.
  • The role of City/Port Authority in authorizing state legislation through 'acceptance' procedures.
  • City attempts to streamline developer refinancing by restructuring TIF security agreements.
  • Effectiveness of the 'Bloom in Bloomington' internship program as a workforce pipeline strategy.

Votes (2)

Approval of the minutes

Passed7-0

Moved by Commissioner Lance · Seconded by Not explicitly named

Resolution authorizing application and execution of grant agreement for Transit Oriented Development funding

Passed7-0

Moved by President · Seconded by Commissioner Lutz

Notable Quotes (2)

I don't get it and I don't know what I voted for... I'm wondering if the words acknowledging or accepting are more appropriate.

— Peterson
ProcedureQuestioning wording on a resolution accepting state bonding legislation.

We want to make sure that we don't drive away development. Specifically we've got a very good example here with the Jewel site.

— Mayor Busse
Prevailing WageAddressing the economic barrier of prevailing wage laws.

People (7)

EricksonPresident

Leading the Port Authority commission meeting.

KevinStaff/Administrator

Provides administrative and project-specific briefings to the commission.

1 quote

“The action that you took was to technically to receive that legislation and to allow us to authorize us to be able to act on it in the future.”

Explaining the purpose of accepting state legislation regarding city bonding.

PetersonCommissioner

Questions procedures and legal structures of agreements.

1 quote

“There's a state law that requires that if there's special legislation that's about a particular city that the city has to accept it.”

Clarifying why the commission must formally approve/accept state legislation.

Watson AshtonProgram Facilitator

Represents the Bloom in Bloomington internship program.

1 quote

“The Bloom in Bloomington internship program matches young people between the ages of 16 and 24 with local employers.”

Explaining program demographics and goals.

Cameron McNishIntern

Intern for Bloomington Public Schools I.T. department.

Mayor BusseMayor

Participates in discussions on development and prevailing wage.

1 quote

“We want to make sure that we don't drive away development. Specifically we've got a very good example here with the Jewel site.”

Discussing the economic impact of prevailing wage requirements.

Julie EddingtonPort Authority Counsel

Provides legal opinion on refinance structures.

Places Mentioned

Bloomington, MNSouthtown (Knox and American)3901 Minnesota Drive (Enclave Project)Kennedy High School

Events & Meetings (1)

  • Commission Meeting (17:15 start time)

Ordinances & Resolutions (2)

2.2

Resolution of support for Met Council Transit Oriented Development grant application for Southtown housing development.

Prevailing Wage

Proposed adjustments to the June 2024 ordinance regarding administrative and policy exemptions.

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Minutes Approval

  • Bloom in Bloomington Internship Program Update

  • Metropolitan Council Transit Oriented Development Grant Application (Southtown)

  • McGough Construction Loan Refinance for Carbon 31

  • Prevailing Wage Ordinance Administrative and Policy Adjustments

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