2-6-2025
Housing and Redevelopment Authority
February 6, 2025
7:00 PM
Fridley City Hall, 7071 University Avenue NE
Minutes
Call to Order
Chairperson Showalter called the Housing and Redevelopment Authority meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present
Elizabeth Showalter
Gordon Backlund
Troy Brueggemeier
Rachel Schwankl
Absent
John Buyse
Others Present
Paul Bolin, HRA Assistant Executive Director
Action Items
1. Approval of Expenditures
Motion by Commissioner Backlund to approve the expenditures. Seconded by Commissioner
Brueggemeier.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Showalter declared the motion carried unanimously.
2. Approval January 9, 2025, Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Brueggemeier to approve the meeting minutes of January 9, 2025, as
presented. Seconded by Commissioner Backlund.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Showalter declared the motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of Resolution 2025-02 – Declaring Structures Substandard
Paul Bolin, HRA Assistant Executive Director, provided background information on the exclusive
agreement with Centra Homes that was approved at the last meeting for the five acres of HRA-owned
land at Central Avenue and Mississippi Street. He stated that they continue to prepare the site for
future development and would like to demolish the structures by the end of March. He noted that
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Minutes Page 2
2/6/2025
an analysis was completed that the structures were deemed substandard. He provided additional
information on the substandard structures proposed to be demolished.
Commissioner Schwankl asked if this would have any impact on the price the developer will offer
when the lots are purchased or whether this would shorten the duration of the project. Mr. Bolin
confirmed that this action would shorten the duration of the prep work the developer will need to do
and will also have an impact on the cost of the lots. He explained that tax increment financing (TIF)
is often used to prepare sites for development/redevelopment.
Commissioner Brueggemeier asked if the developer demolished the Moon Plaza strip mall. Mr. Bolin
replied that the developer torn down that building and was reimbursed through TIF. Chair Showalter
noted that was also a large-scale developer who both knocks down buildings and builds new ones
where this is a home builder.
Commissioner Schwankl asked if there would be tree removal or soil work with this action. Mr. Bolin
replied that this action would simply be to remove the structures. He stated that the City will continue
to maintain the property until it is transferred in ownership.
Commissioner Backlund asked if there is hazardous material on the site. Mr. Bolin explained the
process that would be followed to identify and properly dispose of any such materials.
Motion by Commissioner Backlund to approve HRA Resolution No. 2025-02, Declaring Structures
Substandard. Seconded by Commissioner Brueggemeier.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chair Showalter declared the motion carried unanimously.
Informational Items
4. Update on Housing Programs
Mr. Bolin provided an update on the January loan activity, as well as year-to-date information on the
loans and programs. He also noted the upcoming homeowner programs open house which will take
th
place on March 19 from 5 – 7 p.m.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Backlund to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Brueggemeier.
Upon a voice vote, all voting aye, Chairperson Showalter declared the motion carried and the meeting
adjourned at 7:11 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Bolin, Staff Liaison