Title
Approval of the transfer and use of TIF funds for pedestrian safety and public realm improvements along North Snelling Avenue, District 11, Ward 4
Body
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota (the "HRA") is a public body corporate and politic established pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.001, et seq. (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the HRA has the power to engage in development or redevelopment activities under Minnesota law and the HRA is authorized to engage in activities relating to (a) housing projects and development, (b) removal and prevention of the spread of conditions of blight or deterioration, (c) bringing substandard buildings and improvements into compliance with public standards, (d) disposition of land for private redevelopment, and (e) improving the tax base and the financial stability of the community, and to engage in the aforementioned activities when these needs cannot be met through reliance solely upon private initiative and which can also be undertaken in targeted neighborhoods; and is authorized to create redevelopment projects as defined in MN Statutes Section 469.002, Subd. 14; and
WHEREAS, the HRA previously approved funding for the Neighborhood Commercial Parking Pilot Program and allocated funding to projects in Ward 4 and Ward 1; and
WHEREAS, the primary funding source was tax increments from the Snelling University TIF district (the “TIF District”); and
WHEREAS, the HRA desires to redirect remaining TIF District funds allocated to Ward 4 in the amount of $200,000 to complete pedestrian safety and public realm improvements along Snelling Avenue between University Avenue and Englewood Avenue, all within the public right of way and within the Saint Paul Neighborhood Redevelopment Project Area (the “Project Area”); and
WHEREAS, the Snelling and Englewood improvements will enhance pedestrian safety and pedestrian access to the adjacent businesses for Hamline Elementary and Hamline University community members, as well as Hamline Midway neighbors; and
WHEREAS, the improvements may include median extensions, enhanced signage, and/or a rapid rectangular flashing beacon (RRFB); and
WHEREAS, the HRA will consider additional pedestrian safety and public realm improvements along Snelling Avenue as funding allows;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, that:
1. The HRA approves the use of TIF District funds for pedestrian safety and public realm improvements along Snelling Avenue between University and Englewood, all within the public right of way and within the Project Area.
2. The HRA Executive Director, staff and legal counsel are hereby directed and authorized to take all actions necessary to implement this Resolution. The HRA Executive Director is further authorized and directed to execute and deliver all documents, agreements and instruments necessary to implement this Resolution.