IV.9. Approve Resolution 2014-068, Approve the Use of Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund for the Oxford Apartments Project
October 21, 2014 Council Report 2014-118
Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund Grant – Oxford Apartments
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 2014-
068 approving the use of Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund for the
Oxford Apartments Project.
Overview
Hennepin County Environmental Services offers small grants through their Minnesota
Brownfield Gap Financing program (BGFP). The BGFP provides grants to nonprofits for
environmental assessment and clean-up of property in Hennepin County through
funding from the Environmental Response Fund (ERF). This fund is intended to be
used for unexpected environmental issues, to prepare for a larger funding request in the
County funding cycle, or to identify/clarify and, in some cases, remediate suspected
environmental concerns.
The goal of the program is to fund projects that will benefit the community through the
development or clean-up of greenspace, recreation centers, affordable housing,
education centers, community centers, and neighborhood level economic development
opportunities.
Project for Pride in Living (PPL) has received City land use approvals to construct a 51-
unit affordable apartment building at the southeast corner of Oxford Avenue and Blake
Road, within ½ mile of the future Blake Station. The project would be constructed on
what is currently six parcels consisting of renter-occupied duplexes. The properties are
immediately adjacent to Cottageville Park. PPL has named their project Oxford
Apartments.
PPL is seeking grant funding from the BGFP to address soil remediation for low levels
of petroleum that was found on the site in doing their Phase 2 environmental work.
Applications are accepted and grants are made from the program on a rolling basis. As
part of the grant application to Hennepin County a resolution approving the use of
Environmental Response Fund dollars for the project from the City Council is required.
Council Report 14-118
Page 2
Supporting Information
Resolution 2014-068
___________________________
Meg Beekman
Community Development Coordinator
Financial Impact: $_________Budgeted: Y/N ___ Source: __________
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): _______________________________________
Notes:
_______________________________________________________________
Alternatives
The Council has the following alternatives:
Approve Resolution 2014-068
Approve Resolution 2014-068 with changes
Deny Resolution 2014-068 and opt not to support PPL’s application for grant
funding
Debbie Sperling
From:Meg Beekman
Sent:Tuesday, October 14, 2014 2:46 PM
To:Debbie Sperling
Subject:Consent Item for October 21st
Attachments:10-21-14 - Council Report - Henn Cty ERF Grant.docx; Res 2014-068.docx
Deb,
st
Can you add the attached item to consent for the October 21 meeting?
Meg
Meg Beekman
Community Development Coordinator
City of Hopkins
Office: 952-548-6343
Fax: 952-935-1834
1010 1st Street S
Hopkins, MN 55343
1