Memo - U Haul Property Acquisition
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Public Works Department
Memorandum
To:
From:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Steven J. Stadler, Public Works Direclor~
Date:
May 3, 2001
Subject:
U-Haul Property Acquisition
The Hennepin County Attorney has advised that they cannot legally accelerate right of
way taking of the U-Haul property in order to facilitate developing the landscape buffer
area and fence. The County schedule calls for sending U-Haul a notice to vacate in
September of this year, followed by negotiations for purchase and condemnation
action, if necessary. The County intends to have possession of the property by
January, 2002.
If the court allowed the city to undertake quick-take condemnation action, we could
have possession of the property in mid-late September, 2001. A demolition contractor
would then be used to clear the site. Construction of the fence would occur in
October/November, 2001. Obviously, the schedule is very tight.
Staff would prefer to let Hennepin County proceed on their schedule. Frankly, there is
plenty of work for city staff just managing/overseeing the revised Medica redevelopment
project design activities and other 2001 city projects.
I've attached a copy of an April 24 Hennepin County e-mail and the May/June 2001
Hopkins Highlights front page article on the subject.
Staff would like to discuss this issue with City' Council. Jerry Steiner, City Attorney will
also be in attendance to discuss the particulars of potential city condemnation action.
~----Ociginal Message-----
From: James.Grube@co.hennepin.mn.us
[mailto:James.Grube@co.hennepin.mn.us]
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 4:09 PM
To: Steve Stadler
411fject: Re: U-Haul property acquisition
r"....'
Steve,
I'm afraid my news is not good. Our County Attorney has advised that we
cannot legally accelerate our highway right of way taking of the U-Haul
property in order to facilitate the buffer project. As you might expect
I
was advised that the city can proceed with the condemnation, a situation
I
am willing 'to bet you are not inclined to do.
I did ask the attorney about the county acting as the city's agent for
the
condemnation, but was advised she would have to research that further.
She
also noted that she is buried in condemnation hearings for the next
mo nth,
but I think she could find time to research the issue. Perhaps the more
specific message is that she has enough to do with projects that are
underway, and she is not looking for more work unless it is really
necessary. Obviously, that is my opinion, and.r would not claim she
carne
right out and said that.
So, do you want me to ask? Do you have any other thoughts?
2
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Steve Stadler
Am-
~t:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
'-
Brad. Moe@co.hennepin.mn.us
Tuesday, April 24, 2001 9:49 AM
sstadler@HOPKINSmn.com; Guy. K. Nowlan@co.hennepin.mn.us
James. Grube@co.hennepin.mn.us; . Rich. Grant@co.hennepin.mn.us
RE: U-Haul property acquisition
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Our current schedule for the entire 3-9227 project indicates that offers
will be sent in October of this year and that the condemnation will be
filed on Christmas of this year. Right of Entry is set for April 1,
2002.
For the U-Haul property specifically, Real Estate would send U-Haul a
notice to vacate in September of this year. If Real Estate were unable
to
reach agreement and are forced to file condemnation, we would intend to
have possession of the property in January of 2002.
--
(
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Brad S. Moe
HENNEPIN COUNTY
Real Estate Division Manager
417 North 5th Street, Suite 320, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1362
Phone: (612) 348-2270; Fax: (612) 348-9710;
E-mail: brad.moe@co.hennepin.mn.us
Mail Code: L608
----- Forwarded by Bradley S. Moe/Hennepin on 04/24/2001 09:38 AM -----
James Grube
Moe/Hennepin@Hennepin
04/23/2001
To: Bradley S.
cc:
04:53 PM
property acquisition
, Subj ect:
RE: U-Haul
Brad,
Can you talk to Guy and let Steve know what the timing would be?
Thanks.
----- Forwarded by James Grube/Hennepin on 04/23/2001 04:52 PM -----
Steve Stadler
<sstadler@HOPK
IIlJames.Grube@co.hennepin.mn.us'"
INSmn.com>
~ameS.GrUbe@CO.hennePin.mn.us>
04/23/2001
property acquisition
04:08 PM
To:
cc:
Subject:
RE: U-Haul
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Hopkins Center for the
Arts Inc. Fundraiser
An Evening in Paris
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Overpass Aggressive Skate
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Construction 2001
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Hopkins 2001 Water Report
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In the Back Yard
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Heritage. Celebration
'Coming to Hopkins.
City of Hopkins
1010 1st Street S
Hopldns MN 55343
952-935...847.4
~'ww.hopkinsmn.com
-
Excelsior Blvd Phase II - Delayed
Due to the introduction of some recent unexpected conditions, the City Council agreed
it was in the City's and the community's best interest to delay the reconstruction of
Excelsior Boulevard Phase II until Spring 2002.
The reason for delay is multifactorial. The decision was based upon the delay in the
, design process, the recent introduction of the SuperValu North Annex Redevelopment
project, and the benefits of delaying the project.
Delaying construction is significantly beneficial. Delaying the project means less
disruption for the community, lower reconstruction costs and a shorter construction
period. The introduction of the SuperValu North Annex Redevelopment project '
introduced a new challenge of working with multi-contracts and contractors on the
same roadway segment. Working with several contracts and contractors can get
, complicated. It poses the threat of conflicting traffic control schemes, an extended
construction schedule and higher construction costs. In delaying the construction until
Spring 2002, the reconstruction of Excelsior Blvd and the road construction for the
SuperValu North Annex Redevelopment project are canopied under one contract and
with one contractor. One contract/contractor allows for a shorter construction schedule,
Qne traffic control plan and a larger cost savings.
In the interim, Excelsior Blvd users, neighbors and businesses will still see some road
construction activity. It may be possible to complete building demolition and install a
permanent screen fence this fall along the south side of Excelsior Blvd between
Monroe and Harrison Avenues. TIus would help visually screen the residential
neighborhood from Excelsior Blvd traffic and upcoming construction. However, this is
possible only if Hennepin County determines that it is legal to use an expedited' proces
for acquiring the U-Haul property this spring/summer.
After construction, commuters and neighbors of Excelsior Blvd can expect to see:
* A four lane divided roadway with protected left tUrn lanes and raised center medians .
* A sidewalk or trail with a 6 - 10 foot boulevard area on both sides of the roadway
* A new signalized intersection just east of the Depot ,Coffee House
* Increased building setbacks, landscaping and decorative street lighting
* A shift in the roadway to the south and new landscaping
Updates of the Excelsior Blvd Phase II progress will be printed in the City wide
newsletter~ in t~e. Sun Sailor and on the City's Web Site, www.hoplcinsmn.com. If you
have questions, please contact Public Works at 952-939-1382.