July 1, 2013 Regular Mtg - City of Anoka

May 28, 2013 (Worksession)Page 12 of 18Mayor Rice said the building could be demolished whenever they chose but thatthey don’t want to sell it until the ordinance is in place.Mr. Thorvig said staff will research beam pricing for resale.Representative Abeler complimented the Council on their great discussionprocess, adding he would like to invite the new Traffic Commissioner to a futurework session.3.5 Discussion; 1632 South Ferry Street.Ms. Braun stated the City acquired the property at 1632 South Ferry Street inearly April. As part of the planning process for the South Ferry Street corridor,staff is now seeking your input on several items related to this property.Use of the PropertyStaff was planning to market this property for single family use, consistent withits long-term us. Over the past month or so, however, staff has been approachedby individuals interested in using the property for other uses. As you may recall,staff provided you with a request to consider the site as a base of operations for atrolley service. We have also been approached about the potential for leasing thesite for use as a tearoom/restaurant.At this point, staff needs input from the Council about your desires for use of theproperty. The Planning Commission has been working on a draft for a new zoningdistrict for the east side of the South Ferry Street Corridor, from Main Street southto the Mississippi River. (See attached) If the Council prefers a single family use,staff would (1) put the property on the market and (2) revise the proposed zoningordinance accordingly. If the Council is interested in alternative uses, staff wouldsuggest that we prepare and advertise a Request for Proposals for use of theproperty.Technical IssuesPrior to a sale or lease of the property, there are a number of technical issues thatneed to be addressed. The Woodbury House currently has access by way of aneasement across the property to the south owned by the Weaver Brothers. Theowners of the neighboring property are willing to donate a portion of theirproperty to provide a dedicated access to the 1632 property. Through the planningprocess for South Ferry Street, it has been suggested that most of the twonortherly parcels on the 1632 site be separated from the house site. The northerlylots are restricted from development by a viewshed easement. It is intended thatthis area remain public and serve as green space.In response to the land division issues, the City hired Hakanson Anderson toprepare a draft plat. The proposed plat creates 3 new separate parcels. Lot 3 is theprivate property to be retained by the Weaver Brothers. Lot 2 is land 1,447 square15 of 360