Southeast Economic Development (SEED) Committee

18 September 2002

5:00pm at MCDA

Present:

Lynn Anderson, SECIA

James Curley, MHNA

Bill Delaney, Cunningham Group

Jim Forsyth, MCDA

Katie Fourner, SECIA

Jim Hall, Wall Companies

Kim Havey, EZ

Bill Kahn, PPERRIA

Dean Lund, PPERRIA

Vera Marshall, PPERRIA

Michael McLaughlin, SEBA/SVCA

Joan Menken, SECIA

Michael Orange, Mpls Planning

Keith Sjoquist, SEBA

Brian Swanson, U of M

Paul Zerby, City Council

I. Approval of Minutes

Minutes approved with one change: Jim Jakes of TKDA was present at the July 24, 2002 meeting.

II. Status Report, Wall Innovation Center

Wall is currently finalizing marketing materials. They are also working with Product Technologies as a potential tenant. They hope to have initial tenant commitments by end of 2002 for the first phase of 300,000. sq. ft.

Q: What square footage is currently secured by leases? Approximately 25,000.

Q: Will TIF work for this proposal? A: Need to wait until formal proposal is presented.

Q: Impact from stadium plans? A: Stadium is mixed bag. If it happens soon, stadium could help with infrastructure. If it happens after project has opened, could be a detriment due to likely higher land costs.

Q: Has Wall spoken with stormwater pond engineers? Yes. Lead architect will be meeting with engineers in near future.

Q: Infrastructure timing? Public Works has hired TKDA to complete design work for Master Plan. Preliminary Public Works timing estimates:

Pond and stormwater tunnel under rail yards: 2003

Kasota Parkway: 2004

Granary Parkway (west of 25th Avenue): 2005

Granary Parkway (east of 25th Avenue): 2007

Q: Status of University Incubator? Incubator is being courted by St. Paul. Phase one of the incubator will likely be located there.

III. U of M Study of Gophers/Vikings Football Stadium

Brian Swanson provided an updated on the stadium study. University has retained consultants to assist with study. The Board of Regents recently adopted five principals to guide the study.

Comment: There was not a site selection process. Why? Vikings looked at several sites prior to engaging University. Huron lots were chosen due to it's proximity to University for a joint facility.

How many of the 35 to 37 acres would be needed for a stadium? Stadium footprint would be 15 to 20. Balance could be future University buildings, parking, plazas, etc.

University has a steering committee overseeing process. The city participates on this committee.

Infrastructure proposed in Master Plan are likely not sufficient for a stadium in Southeast.

Comment: Concern about impact on neighborhoods.

IV. Review of draft SEED Letter to the University Regarding Stadium

A draft copy of a letter was discussed and revised. Michael Orange will provide some revised language to Jim Forsyth.

The letter will be addressed to the Board of Regents. The carbon copy list was discussed. Keith will sign the letter

Motion: To support letter as revised. Seconded and passed unanimously.

V. Other Business

The MCDA is in the process of condemning the Reichold Chemical site and a Union Pacific parcel for right of way. MCDA is looking at “quick take“ eminent domain process.