IV.7. Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Development Grant Application Authorization – Artery Project; Beekman (CR2016-029)February 29, 2016 Council Report 2016-029
Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Development Program Grant Application
Authorization – Artery Project
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 2016-
025 Authorizing Application for a Grant from Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented
Development Program for the Artery Project.
Overview
The Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HCHRA) is making
approximately $2 million available to support public and private multi-jurisdictional
transit-oriented development (TOD) projects located along Hennepin County transit
corridors where transit service is frequent and high capacity. TOD Program funds are
intended to supplement existing private and public resources in support of transit-
oriented development.
Eligible uses of funds must demonstrate a public purpose, and may include installation
of public infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities that
improve pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit rider safety and ease of use.
The City would be seeking $300,000 from the program funds for the purpose of
constructing the Artery project.
Primary Issues to Consider
Does the City support the grant request to Hennepin County TOD for funds to
assist with the construction of the Artery project?
Supporting Information
Resolution 2016-025
___________________________
Meg Beekman
Community Development Coordinator
Council Report 2016-029
Page 2
Financial Impact: $_________Budgeted: Y/N ___ Source: __________
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): _______________________________________
Notes:_______________________________________________________________
Analysis of the Issues
The City would be applying for a $300,000 grant from the Hennepin County TOD fund.
Hennepin County has previously allocated nearly $700,000 to the Artery project through
both the Hennepin County TOD program and the reallocation of funds the City was
awarded through a 2012 Challenge Grant that were not used.
As the Artery project has moved into final design and engineering, continued
discussions with both Hennepin County and the Met Council have led to additional work
identified at the intersection of Excelsior Boulevard and 8th Avenue. The County has
informed the City that they would allow the reduction of a right turn lane on Excelsior
Boulevard eastbound to 8th Avenue southbound. This will allow the intersection to be
narrowed, greatly improving the pedestrian and bicyclist experience and safety. The
reduction of the lane also triggers the need for relocated stop lights at all four legs of the
intersection. This additional work will be completed by the Southwest LRT project as
part of their reconstruction of the south side of that intersection; however, the City will
be required to pay for the additional expenses. The Hennepin County TOD grant would
be used to off-set some of these additional costs.
Alternatives
The Council has the following alternatives:
Approve Resolution 2016-025
Approve Resolution 2016-025 with changes
Deny Resolution 2016-025 and opt not to support the grant request
RESOLUTION NO.2016-025
CITY OF HOPKINS,MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR A GRANT FROM
HENNEPIN COUNTY’S TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
FOR THE ARTERY CORRIDOR
WHEREAS the City of Hopkins is eligible to make application for grant funds from
Hennepin County’s Transit Oriented Development Program; and
WHEREAS the City wishes to submit an application requesting grant funds from the
Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development Program; and
WHEREAS the grant funds will be used for certain infrastructure improvements within
the Artery Corridor project; and
WHEREAS the Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development Program Guidelines
require approval by the governing body of the City for submission of a grant application
to the Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development Program; and
WHEREAS the City has the institutional, managerial and financial capability to ensure
adequate project administration for any grant funds received; and
WHEREAS the City certifies that it will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
as stated in the contract agreements;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due
consideration, the governing body of the City supports the submission of a Transit
Oriented Development Program grant application to the Hennepin County Housing and
Redevelopment Authority for the proposed Artery Corridor project and that the City
Manager is hereby authorized to apply to the Hennepin County Transit Oriented
Development Program on behalf of the City of Hopkins as well as execute such
agreements as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the City.
Adopted this 29th day of February, 2016.
By:
______________________________
Molly Cummings, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Amy Domeier, City Clerk