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Approving the use of grant funds through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program for Rondo Avenue, Inc.
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WHEREAS, in December 2013 the Neighborhood STAR Board will be reviewing a proposal for STAR grant and loan financing through the Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program to assist Rondo Avenue, Inc with redeveloping the site of the historic VFW Post at 820 Concordia Avenue; and
WHEREAS, the recently demolished structure located at 820 Concordia Avenue served for many years as a VFW post which played a central role in the civic and social life of the African American community in historic Rondo Neighborhood in the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, ownership of the property at 820 Concordia Avenue is currently held by the State of Minnesota, care of Ramsey County, as a resulting from forfeiture for default on property taxes owed; and
WHEREAS, in response to a request from Rondo Avenue, Inc for its cooperation in furthering efforts toward promoting and preserving history, Ramsey County has agreed to transfer title for the property at 820 Concordia Avenue to the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority for $7,500; and
WHEREAS, no funds are to be dispersed until the Neighborhood STAR Board has an opportunity to review and rate Rondo Avenue Inc's proposal at its December meeting in accordance with regulations regarding expenditures of STAR funds; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Saint Paul City Council, pending final recommendation from the Mayor and Neighborhood STAR Board, to participate in the financing of these activities by providing up to $25,000 in grant financing through the Ward 1 Neighborhood STAR Year-Round Program; and
WHEREAS, a waiver to the STAR Guideline in regards to the $1 for $1 matching funds requirement and all other guidelines as necessary is being recommended; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, pending the recommendation of the Mayor, the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby authorizes and directs the appropriate City officials to execute the necessary grant documents to implement this Resolution, subject to approval by the City Attorney; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, staff of the Department of Planning and Economic Development are further authorized and directed to proceed with all other actions necessary to implement this Resolution.