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Pertaining to a Temporary Construction Easement (“Easement Agreement”) with the Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul (“SPPA”) to allow for construction and maintenance of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) associated with The Heights redevelopment project.
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WHEREAS, the Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul (“SPPA”) is leading redevelopment of the former Hillcrest Golf Course, now known as The Heights, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and other stakeholders, to create a mixed-use neighborhood providing new housing, employment, and community benefits; and
WHEREAS, Outlot E, owned by the SPPA and located immediately north of the Board’s property at 2115 Hoyt Avenue East, was designated for stormwater management facilities serving The Heights, but the presence of the Board’s existing 20-inch water main along the eastern portion of Outlot E limited available space for stormwater best management practices (BMPs); and
WHEREAS, SPRWS staff have reviewed the proposal and determined that use of a portion of the Board’s property at 2115 Hoyt Avenue East for stormwater management will not interfere with current or future utility operations, provided that approximately one and one-half acre remains available for potential future construction staging if the reservoir requires reconstruction; and
WHEREAS, the former lease with the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department for use of this open space was terminated by Board action at its July 15, 2025 meeting under Resolution No. 25-1099; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Temporary Construction Easement will allow SPPA to construct stormwater improvements consistent with approved plans, with eventual ownership and maintenance of those improvements to be transferred to the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, SPPA will compensate the Board at fair market land value for the permanent easement area at a rate of $7.00 per square foot based on the final square footage as determined by the City, and will also pay a temporary easement fee for the period of construction; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Saint Paul hereby authorizes the proper officers to execute a Temporary Construction Easement Agreement with the Port Authority of the City of Saint Paul for a portion of the property located at 2115 Hoyt Avenue East, Saint Paul, Minnesota, substantially in accordance with the terms and conditions described in the attached staff report and draft agreement, subject to approval as to form by the Assistant City Attorney.