HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing & Redevelopment Authority Minutes 02-27-2020APPROVED MINUTES
PLYMOUTH HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
February 27, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Michelle Soderberg, Commissioners Robert Huddleston, Jeff
Kulaszewicz, and Aqueelah Whitfield
ABSENT: Commissioner Matthew Plec
STAFF PRESENT: HRA Manager Jim Barnes, Community Development Coordinator
Matt Lupini, and Permit Technician Tina Beckfeld
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Soderberg called the Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at
7:03 p.m.
2. PUBLIC FORUM
Chair Soderberg opened the Public Forum.
Clinton Asche, City of Plymouth resident and representative of Many Hands, a volunteer group
that works with Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners for affordable housing, is a proponent
of affordable housing and would like to see more done in the City of Plymouth. Mr. Asche gave
the example of Richfield improving homes and reaping the benefit of the neighboring properties
following suit. The overall result was improvement to a pocket of the community. Richfield has
done some tear-downs and rebuilds conforming to the surrounding properties but also improving
the dwelling by 20% additional square feet and 20% additional height. He stated Plymouth could
not do tear-downs because the property values are too high. He proposes the City of Plymouth
approve more lot splits allowing 75% land use, 20% additional square feet, and 20% additional
height without needing a variance. He is asking the HRA to help get this done.
HRA Manager Barnes stated the HRA has no authority in approving or implementing parameters
for lot splits; the approval process goes through the Planning department and the City Council.
Mr. Asche recommends working with the West Suburban Land Trust as an option. The land would
remain the property of the city, and the dwelling could be rented or owned.
HRA Manager Barnes stated the HRA is considering Federal Funding allocations for the next
budget to collaborate with the land trust.
Chair Soderberg thanked Mr. Asche for his interest in affordable housing and bringing his
suggestions to the HRA. She asked Mr. Asche what he was looking for from the HRA.
Mr Asche replied that he would like the HRA to help facilitate additional lot splits.
Approved Minutes
Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
February 27, 2020
Page 2
Chair Soderberg reiterated the HRA has no control in this process.
Chair Soderberg closed the public forum.
3. APPROVE AGENDA
MOTION by Commissioner Huddleston, seconded by Commissioner Whitfield, to approve
the Agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
4. CONSENT AGENDA
4A. Approve proposed January 23, 2020 minutes.
4B. Plymouth Towne Square. Accept monthly housing reports.
4C. Vicksburg Crossing. Accept monthly housing Reports.
MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston, to
approve the Consent Agenda. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
5. NEW BUSINESS
5A. HRA New Development Opportunity
Community Development Coordinator Lupini gave an overview of the staff report.
Chair Soderberg is strongly in favor of the new development opportunity.
Commissioner Kulaszewicz asked why adding additional lot width would be considered.
HRA Manager Barnes stated additional lot width would make the driveway width requirements
off the cul-de-sac and setback requirements for the odd shaped lot feasible.
Commissioner Huddleston added that the driveway must be accessed off of the cul-de-sac.
Commissioner Kulaszewicz inquired if Century Link has been contacted to inquire if they are
interested in selling a portion of their parcel.
HRA Manager Barnes answered no.
Commissioner Kulaszewicz stated he is also in favor of this opportunity.
Approved Minutes
Plymouth Housing and Redevelopment Authority
February 27, 2020
Page 3
MOTION by Commissioner Plec, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston, to provide staff
with the authority to engage with an appraiser and the current property owner. Vote. 4
Ayes. MOTION passed unanimously.
5B. Election of Officers. Chari, Vice-chair, Secretary.
MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston, nominating
Chair Soderberg as HRA Chair. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Commissioner Huddleston, nominating
Commissioner Plec as HRA Vice-chair. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
MOTION by Commissioner Kulaszewicz, seconded by Chair Soderberg, nominating
Commissioner Huddleston as HRA Secretary. Vote. 4 Ayes. MOTION approved unanimously.
6. UPDATES
HRA Manager Barnes provided an update to the Board on the following items.
Vicksburg Crossing windows
Beacon
Four Seasons Mall
Element
7. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Chair Soderberg, with no objection, to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.