Release of Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for the North St. Paul Community Center

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member Schwar [03:30] · Seconded by Council member Woods [03:32]

Discussion revolved around rectifying an error from a 2009 state grant where two parcels (2290 and 'zero') related to the community center property were mistakenly encumbered with restrictive covenants. This release is necessary to clear the property's title, allowing the city to replat the existing five parcels into three more logical lots and facilitate future sale or development of the community center without requiring building demolition. The action was described as 'housekeeping' with no financial repercussions.

Metropolitan Council Livability Communities Grant application

Dissent: None

Moved by Council member Norby [05:25] · Seconded by Council member Woods [05:27]

The council discussed supporting a developer's application for a $475,000 Met Council Livable Communities Grant to develop six affordable housing units on South Avenue at 7th. The project aims to provide housing for households at or below 80% of the area median income, with a target sale price of $319,000 per unit. This grant is crucial to bridge the financial gap and ensure the units remain affordable, as a previous application was denied. The city acts as the official applicant, but funds are reimbursed to the developer, and the grant requires no city financial match. Plans are close to finalization, pending grant approval before proceeding to the planning commission.