The Housing and Redevelopment Authority unanimously approved its meeting agenda and consent items before moving into a closed session to review the 11 responses to a request for proposals for the 5146 Eden Avenue property. The closed session was held under Minnesota law that allows such discussions about property sales to remain private. The authority plans to hold another closed session to continue deliberating on the proposals.

After the closed session, two commissioners publicly outlined priorities for how the money from the property sale should be spent. Commissioner Jackson expressed concern about the authority's suspended second mortgage program, which helps residents purchase homes. "I would like to see some of these proceeds put towards that program," Jackson said, noting it's one way the authority could support affordable homeownership opportunities.

Commissioner Risser raised a different infrastructure concern, pointing out that Lewis Park—a community facility serving residents in affordable housing—lacks an HVAC system. "We need to take care of our infrastructure and that park does serve so many people including people who live in affordable housing," Risser said, calling it a high priority for funding.

The Executive Director also reported that the authority is monitoring housing bills being introduced at the state legislature, describing them as poorly conceived attempts to address housing production and affordability. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m. No timeline was provided for when the authority will make a final decision on which proposal to accept for the Eden Avenue property sale.