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<br />MINUTES OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE <br />SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 <br />AUDITORIUM <br />Present: Councilmembers Baker, Bullock, Kepple, Litten, Marx, Rader, Shachner <br />Also Present: Planning Director Leininger, Mayor George, Law Director Vargo, Council staff, <br />Brett Sobczak of CASTO, representative fromNorth Pointe Realty <br />Call to Order: 6:35 p.m. <br /> <br />Approval of the minutes of the July 3, 2023 Committee of the Whole <br /> <br />Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 3, 2023 Committee of the <br />Whole. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Minutes approved. <br /> <br />Update from the Planning Department regarding the proposed downtown development <br />Director Leininger provided an overview of the downtown development project and the potential <br />path forward. He reviewed that in June 2023, Council was given notice that Casto and North <br />Pointe were requesting additional time to assess the project and analyze the market. He outlined <br />some lessons learned during that period, including: <br /> There continues to be strong demand in the multi-family residential market. <br /> It’s become more challenging for large projects to get equity. <br /> The project’s estimated costs are higher than originally expected. <br />After identifying challenges, the city and its partners discussed potential solutions to move the <br />project forward, such as flexibility working with the Building & Trades Council and constructing <br />the project in phases. These solutions will continue to be examined. <br />Mr. Sobczak elaborated on the lessons learned, anticipated challenges and potential solutions in <br />the existing marketplace. He concluded that the lending environment will likely get worse before <br />it improves. He elaborated on the idea of a phasing or sequencing plan for the project. He asked <br />for another 30-60 days to work out the details of a phased project before re-engaging in a public <br />process. <br />In response to a question, Mr. Sobczak explained that a phased approach would include starting <br />the project on the south end and working north. He hopes to get funding to complete the project <br />in three phases if possible. He mentioned additional details about parking, utilities, and the <br />overall site plan. <br /> <br />Director Leininger mentioned that a phased approach is the only way to move forward with the <br />project at this time. <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br /> <br />