2021.05.18 Work Session Packet
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: May 14, 2021
City Council Work Session Agenda
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 6:15 p.m.
Council Chambers/Zoom
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City
Charter, the work session of the Crystal City Council was held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at
_____ p.m. electronically via Zoom and in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Drive
North, Crystal, Minnesota. If the agenda items are not completed in time for the regular City
Council meeting at 7 p.m., the meeting will be continued and resumed immediately following
the Economic Development Authority meeting which follows the City Council regular meeting.
I. Attendance
Council members Staff
____ Budziszewski ____ Norris
____ Cummings ____ Therres
____ Kiser ____ Gilchrist
____ LaRoche ____ Elholm
____ Parsons ____ Larson
____ Adams ____ Ray
____ Banks ____ Revering
____ Sutter
____ Serres
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda items:
1. Potential development by Sand Companies at 5240 West Broadway.
2. Blue Line Extension update. *
3. City manager monthly check-in.
4. New business. *
5. Announcements. *
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
* Denotes no supporting information included in the packet.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763)
531-1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
___________________________________________________________________________________
FROM: John Sutter, Community Development Director
DATE: May 13, 2021
TO: Anne Norris, City Manager (for May 18 City Council work session)
SUBJECT: Potential Development at 5240 West Broadway (information item)
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Former Dumark’s Auto site (buildings were demolished by owner in 2007)
Comprised of four parcels totaling 1.75 acres
Located in the Town Center redevelopment area
POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
A Twin Cities-based multifamily residential developer, Sand Companies, is planning to
purchase the site and develop a four story, 58-unit apartment building
This would require rezoning from Industrial to TC-PD along with site & building plan review
Units would have 1-4 bedrooms (approx. 70% of the units would have 2-3 bedrooms)
Preliminary affordability information: 46 units affordable at 60% AMI ($62,950 for a family of
four) and 12 units affordable at 30% AMI ($31,450 for a family of four)
Sand Companies will be applying to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) for
Low Income Housing Tax Credits and they may ask the city to be a conduit for financial
assistance from other agencies (Hennepin County, Metropolitan Council, etc.)
At this time it is unknown whether they will seek financial assistance from the city or EDA
PURPOSE OF MAY 18 WORK SESSION
Sand Companies will be present (either remotely or in-person) to hear comments and answer
questions from the City Council. This feedback will help guide the developer and city staff as
we work together to sort out details over the next several months before the developer makes
their formal submittal to the city.
ANTICIPATED NEXT STEPS
May 21, 2021 - informational mailing to property owners within 1,000 foot radius
July 2021 - Low Income Housing Tax Credits application due to MHFA
November 2021 - Low Income Housing Tax Credits award announcement
Winter 2021-2022 - Developer submits rezoning application, including detailed site and
building plans for Planning Commission public hearing and City Council consideration
(Note: Developer may decide to do this in fall 2021 before tax credits are awarded)
2022 - Construction
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Proposed Apartment Building at
5240 West Broadway (Sand Companies)
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
CITY MANAGER WORK PLAN
MONTHLY CHECK IN – MAY 2021
Objective 1 – Policy Facilitation – strategic planning for continued
implementation of Council priorities:
o Thriving Business Climate
▪ Open To Business assistance available
▪ Information on various business assistance programs provided
to CBA and other Crystal businesses
▪ Crystal now participating in MCES SAC deferral program
o Applying for Hennepin County façade improvement grant Create
Strong Neighborhoods
▪ Code enforcement – on-going
▪ Implementation of Master Parks System Plan improvements –
new play areas in progress for Yunkers and Valley Place;
Becker Park celebration May 22
▪ Home improvement loans/rebates available through CEE- on-
going
o Fiscally sound and stable policies and practices
▪ Long term financial planning on-going
o Build inclusive community so all feel welcome
▪ Just Deeds initiative being used to remove discriminatory
covenants from property titles
Objective 2 - Continue to invest in long term plan/saving for capital projects
o Monitoring fiscal impact of pandemic on budget and planning for use of
CARES and ARP funds
o Police station project – bids awarded 5/4/21
Objective 3 - Coordinate community conversations regarding equity and
inclusion
o Summary IDI presentation at 5/4
o Moving forward with first community conversation 6/23/21
Objective 4 - Evaluate operational expectations in light of lessons learned from
pandemic adjustments
o Staff adapting to hybrid – in office and remote work where appropriate
o Elected officials and public adjusted to virtual meetings and various
options for public comment and participation