09/24/2019 - Minutes MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
The Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) of Salt Lake
City, Utah, met on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 in Room 326, Committee
Room, City County Building, 451 South State.
In Attendance: Directors Amy Fowler, Erin Mendenhall, Charlie Luke, Chris
Wharton, Analia Valdemoros, Andrew Johnston, and James Rogers .
Staff in Attendance: Cindy Gust-Jenson, Council Executive Director;
Jennifer Bruno, Council Executive Deputy Director; David Litvack,
Mayor' s Deputy Chief of Staff; Danny Walz, RDA Chief Operating Officer;
Lynn Pace, Acting City Attorney; Mary Beth Thompson, Chief Financial
Officer; Jennifer McGrath, Acting Community & Neighborhoods Director;
Jill Wilkerson-Smith, RDA Deputy Chief Operating Officer; Katherine
Lewis, Senior City Attorney; Kort Utley, RDA Senior Project Manager;
Cara Lindsley, RDA Project Manager; Tammy Hunsaker, RDA Project Manager;
Corinne Piazza, RDA Project Coordinator; Susan Lundmark, RDA Project
Coordinator; Tracy Tran, RDA Project Coordinator; Marina Scott, City
Treasurer; Steven Bagley, Deputy Treasurer; Kira Luke, Council Public
Policy Analyst; Allison Rowland, Council Public Policy Analyst; Benjamin
Luedtke, Council Policy Analyst; and Cindi Mansell, City Recorder.
Others Present: Josh Green, CW Urban Finance Director; Darlene Carter,
CW Urban Division President; Daniel Stevens, Hines Development; Dusty
Harris, Hines Development; and Joe LaSalle, LaSalle Restaurant Group.
Director Wharton presided at and conducted the meeting until the
arrival of Director Fowler (2 : 43 p.m. ) .
The meeting was called to order at 2 : 11 p .m.
A. 2:11:46 PM GENERAL COMMENTS TO THE BOARD
Pete Ashdown said he had been a downtown business owner (X-Mission)
and resident for the past 25 years . He said he had a front row seat to
the Utah Theater and its many broken promises, and he was present today
to advocate to preserve it . He said he was stunned to hear the RDA state
$60, 000, 000 was too expensive when the Eccles Theater cost $160, 000, 000,
did not go to vote, and destroyed a contributing building to downtown
Salt Lake City. He said demolishing this building would destroy any
chance for a grand movie theater in Salt Lake and one would have to go
to Boise to see any 70mm films . He said the public should have a say
about the fate and preservation of the Utah Theater.
Joe Post discussed the recent Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
application process . He said his group applied for $3, 000, 000 for the
City Plaza/High Rise Project being done in combination with Housing
Connect (formerly Salt Lake County Housing Authority) . He said of the
19 - 1
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
$10, 700, 000 posted, only $6, 200, 000 was awarded; the other $4, 500, 000
was set aside for areas of high opportunity; and no one applied for those
funds . He said four projects were awarded funding, this project was
number five, and he was hoping there would be opportunity for funds for
use by the City Plaza Project.
Daniel Nackerman discussed projects prior and current, working with
neighborhoods, partnership projects with City and County Housing
Authority (9th Street Lofts, Denver Street, Pamela' s Place, Capital
Homes, Brinshore Partners, Book Cliffs Lodge, and the recent City
Plaza/High Rise Project) . He said Housing Connect came close to gaining
NOFA funding for their project and wanted additional consideration.
Troy Hart discussed specifics regarding the City Plaza/High Rise
Project, including affordable housing (High Rise typical average income
$11, 648/average rent $291/74 . 5% disabled/65 . 10% elderly) and the City
Plaza being 100% disabled. He said obviously, the rents were heavily
subsidized, and it was hard to keep accruing additional debt. He said
this was the reason the group was requesting $3, 000, 000 from NOFA
funding; he requested additional funding consideration by the Board.
B. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
C. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUSINESS
#1 . 2:19:50 PM Approval of Minutes . Director Luke moved and Director
Johnston seconded to approve the minutes of RDA Board meetings held
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 and Tuesday, August 27 , 2019, which motion
carried, all directors voted aye, except Director Fowler, who was absent
for the vote . View Minutes
(M 19-6)
#2 . 3:01:22 PM Utah Theater Redevelopment Update. The Board will be
briefed about the potential redevelopment of the Utah Theater, located
at 144 South Main Street, and adjacent retail property. View Attachments
Benjamin Luedtke, Danny Walz, and Tammy Hunsaker briefed the Board
with attachments . Mr. Walz said the last Board update was September of
2018 with the primary discussion including focus on the option to
preserve theater elements, seismic upgrades, funding strategy to
demonstrate significant amount of public investment it would take to
preserve the theater, and additional challenges without an identified
user. He said the overall sentiment was the amount of public investment
needed to save the theater made this arguably cost prohibitive. He said
Staff was present to discuss a proposal for demolition of the structure
19 - 2
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
while preserving elements within the new project coming from the theater.
Ms . Hunsaker provided an overview and background on the property.
She said the RDA acquired the property in 2010 and spent about six years
exploring various re-use and redevelopment scenarios in collaboration
with special interest groups and consultants . She said during that time,
Staff learned more about specific site constraints that provided limited
potential for redevelopment. She said Staff began to engage the adjacent
property groups in potential collaboration.
Director Mendenhall discussed the narrative of broken promises and
inquired if during the acquisition process, were there promises made or
something along those lines to use types or building preservation. She
inquired about the commitment of the City or RDA during the path of
acquisition until now. Mr. Walz said he was not in his current position
during that timeframe and could not speak to specifics, other than to
say the RDA purchased the building with the intent to explore feasibility
of preserving the theater. He said that was the previous intention of
the previous owner, but he did not know of specific promises or
restrictions that would save this for theater use.
Inquiry was raised relevant to the decision not to put the Eccles
Art Theater at this site and how that discussion went. Mr. Walz explained
that site was eliminated early on for the same reason as Capitol Theater
elimination (access, stage access, unloading, loading, landlocked) .
Inquiry was raised as to potential rehabilitation and use as a movie
theater along with efforts made by RDA Staff to find a theater company
that would invest in this project. Mr. Walz said that was the basis for
the 2014 study with Salt Lake County for a film center. He said just for
preservation and seismic improvements (before any improvements for end
user) , there were significant costs associated. He said it was difficult
to find an end user who could support the amount of costs involved. He
said there was a great deal of sentiment to try and save the building.
Director Luke said Staff worked tirelessly with The Utah Film
Society and Utah Film Center to work out some sort of partnership. He
said that was the original site of the Eccles Theater (in that building) .
He said the previous Administration wanted to move forward with something
across the street which took down two historic buildings (one in pristine
condition/demolished legitimately historic building that did not need
any work) over doing something on this site across the street.
Director Wharton said he wanted to have a premier movie venue
downtown and inquired what it would take other than $60, 000, 000
investment to make this a workable site for a movie theater (and inside) .
Mr. Walz said this building would need a partner with $50-80 million,
and an end user who was willing and able to market something. He said it
19 - 3
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
was easy to speak nostalgically about movie theaters, but there was no
demand for single screen movie theaters . He said they could look at an
operator who could do that as part of a larger operation, but typically
found they did not have capacity to carry $60 million in debt service.
He said in doing Eccles, they were already cannibalizing entertainment
venues . He said one would have to locate and operate the capacity to
come in and save the structure and be able to make it work financially
without parking and in a way not to cannibalize other City or County
investments .
Director Rogers discussed estimates in regards to seismic
improvements as being anywhere between $13-$22 million. Mr. Walz said
that was admittedly a huge range and Staff had two contractors try to
provide clarity on that range . He said without getting in there and
taking a deep dive to what there was, it was very difficult to try and
specify more than broad range . Mr. Luedtke added the cost ranges from
$43-$70 million do not currently reflect the construction inflation in
the market nor the 25% tariff increase on steel (that range was probably
low) .
Director Valdemoros questioned Staff pursuit of a local
philanthropist or donor who might want to acquire the building for
personal purposes . Mr. Walz said they had not reached out specifically
to any donors (just finished up Eccles, trying to fulfill obligations,
and difficult to obtain interest in an unknown project) . He said as part
of the Staff analysis, they took what had been done with Eccles (level
of success/largest dollar efforts to date) , and even if they had same
luck - there would be a significant funding gap. Director Mendenhall
encouraged additional conversation with Preservation Utah to extend
those philanthropic conversations .
Ms . Hunsaker said the RDA and adjacent property owners did discuss
preservation options and scenarios as to what a new project could look
like on the site . She said redevelopment consideration included historic
integrity, structural modifications/rehabilitation limiting ability for
historic designations, seismic costs, access and parking, and lack of an
end user. She said everyone recognized it would be a loss to lose the
theater. She said the discussion turned to what other public benefits
could be created with a new project . She said Staff turned to adjacent
property owners (Hines and LaSalle Group) to discuss affordable housing
(100) , affordable (between 60-70o AMI) , public easement thru mid-block
walkway, additional public space added on site, historic repurposing in
theater element, and Main Street activation. She said Staff could move
forward in identifying a final purchase price for the developer. She
said developer representatives were present and could provide some
renderings .
19 - 4
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
Daniel Stevens, Dusty Harris, and Joe LaSalle discussed their
company backgrounds and the intended partner project . Mr. LaSalle said
sustainability and restoration were both priority. He said he was
involved in the theater industry and had major ideas of what could be
done with the building, but continually ran into roadblocks that came
down to finances . Mr. Harris said they did everything possible to
preserve the theater; then they turned to Main Street activation. The
Board reviewed various renderings of the proposed development.
Director Mendenhall suggested more second-story balcony activation.
Director Luke said he wanted to see the developer tackle some of the
issues associated with the mix of successful and affordable housing. He
suggested considering incentives to ensure ability to demonstrate
affordability and market rate work together; he discussed the skyline
view and the desire to see the entire building viewed as "art" . Director
Wharton said he wanted to incorporate more historic elements and utilize
anything reusable . Director Rogers inquired about parking. Mr. Harris
explained in this proposal, the open space sat on top of the parking
structure (just under 500 stalls/have not considered any other public
use) . He said the idea was to create space that would highlight history.
Director Fowler said it was important to the Board and the public
to try and preserve as much as possible . She said the contract should
say "will" as opposed to "may" . Mr. Walz said it was important to
distinguish between what the RDA was trying to do, what they were
requiring the developer to do, versus what they would continue to work
with for project design as far as potential additional public benefits .
He said Staff was negotiating the purchase and sales agreement that would
anticipate the recording of a land use agreement to specifically call
out the top three public benefits : affordable housing, mid-block walkway,
and preserving and incorporating elements of the theater.
Director Johnston said he wanted to flush out the term and meaning
of "affordability" . He said he struggled with losing the theater as well
as with the streetscape level renderings (did not tell him much about
the history) . He said it did not stand out from Main Street activation
or historical aspect standpoint and he was also struggling with the
placemaking. Mr. Harris said they appreciated the candid feedback and
the idea was to create a place to highlight the theater history that
would be visible through the glass . Director Johnston requested a context
in the neighborhood regarding affordable housing to help him understand
the offset (not all one building) .
Director Valdemoros said this was in her district and she struggled
with the project . She said she wanted to find a philanthropist and see
more to seal the deal .
19 - 5
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
Director Mendenhall said the Council had been through two
Administrations holding this property and a lot of conversations with
organizations and companies . She said she did not want to see a third
Administration sit on this property, it was no longer a theater, and she
wanted to see history in the structure on the exterior of the building.
She said the Board needed some acknowledgement that would not turn over.
The Board determined they were generally supportive but would
challenge the RDA Staff and developers to come back and incorporate
additional design elements . Mr. Walz said next steps would provide for
execution of the sales agreement.
#3. 4:10:28 PM RDA Guiding Framework, including RDA Mission and
Values. The Board will be briefed about RDA staff's proposed guiding
framework and evaluation process for prioritizing various redevelopment
projects. The intent of the framework would be to clarify the
organization's purpose and outline a methodology for prioritizing
projects that align most closely with the RDA's goals. In addition, staff
is seeking input on a project evaluation process that would help
determine a project's priority level based on the public benefits it
creates. View Attachments
Benjamin Luedtke, Danny Walz and Kort Utley briefed the Board with
attachments . Mr. Utley said this strategic operational document included
a new mission statement, some value statements that addressed economic,
neighborhood and social impacts, and a process to evaluate projects based
on the number of public benefits they created.
Director Wharton moved and Director Valdemoros seconded to adopt a
resolution adopting the Agency' s Guiding Framework for Mission and
Values, which motion carried 5-1, all directors voted aye except Director
Rogers who voted nay and Director Mendenhall who was absent when the
vote was taken.
Directors discussed their support. Director Johnston inquired how
this played into creation of a new project area (not just existing) . He
suggested future discussion including working with other taxing
entities, how to align improved communications with them, and to help
them understand why a certain area was selected.
Director Luke moved and Director Wharton seconded to reconsider
action on the resolution and RDA Guiding Framework, and to include the
RDA Mission and Values, which motion carried, all directors voted aye,
except Director Mendenhall who was not present when the original vote
was taken.
19 - 6
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
Director Mendenhall proposed insertion of environmental
sustainability into the RDA Mission Statement . She addressed the
financing tools, particularly through the RDA acknowledging that
buildings were about to outpace vehicles in terms of emissions . She said
the building future should at least consider environmental buildings .
She referenced the three core values and asked to insert environmental
sustainability into the community impact values .
Further discussion followed regarding process, with Mr. Walz
stating wordsmithing on the fly was difficult. He said from Staff
perspective, there was no problem adding the language - but did it make
sense (other than being repetitive) in having it in both spaces (mission
statement as well as value and goals) . He said Staff could review.
Mr. Utley said the notion of sustainability came in under the
neighborhood vibrancy category. He said one benchmark would be
sustainability when evaluating neighborhood vibrancy and suggested that
location and to replace the word sustainable . Director Rogers inquired
if sustainability components were being considered within loan programs .
Mr. Walz said this was an item of prioritization. Director Rogers
questioned having it within the document itself and asked the RDA what
they were looking for to promote sustainability - what that meant (i .e.
require solar) . He asked if they were going to require something beyond
the International Building Code . Mr. Walz said the separation of powers
was a key component (administrative versus elected) . He said hearing the
Board prioritization, both to be called out in the Mission Statement and
the Values, allowed Staff to point to both in conversations with
developers . He discussed the need for project evaluation balance to what
was being required in the Building Code, the City priorities within its
own Sustainability Department, and how to apply that equally across the
City, projects, and incentives .
Director Mendenhall moved and Director Valdemoros seconded to adopt
the resolution with the insertion of environmental sustainability in the
mission statement, which motion failed.
Directors expressed concern with postponing this item any longer
than necessary.
Director Johnston moved and Director Mendenhall seconded to adopt
the resolution in its final form at the next available meeting, to
include definition consideration of the three core values and building
benchmark descriptions to flush out "environmental sustainability" to
ensure the areas were coherent with each other, which motion carried,
all directors voted aye .
19 - 7
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
#4 . 4:16:27 PM Station Center Infrastructure Improvements and
Maintenance Funding Update. The Board will receive an update on the
Station Center infrastructure projects that would create three new City
streets, reconstruct an existing street, upgrade utilities for
anticipated development and provide other public improvements. The
update includes possible ways to fund maintenance of the improvements
and next steps. View Attachments
Danny Walz, Benjamin Luedtke, and Cara Lindsley briefed the Board
with attachments . Mr. Luedtke discussed the project as envisioned to
create three new public streets : Pierpont Avenue, Woodbine Court, and
Market Street. He said this project would include other improvements
(underground power lines, trees, sidewalks) and was located within the
Depot District Project Area expiring in 2023 . He referenced a summary
table which included all Board approved funding for this project
(including a mix of direct investment and development incentives) . He
said this was the maximum amount authorized by the Board and the actual
amount would be based on final public benefit costs . He said there could
be additional requests for funding relative to the Station Center. He
discussed maintenance for large infrastructure projects (particularly
those with enhanced amenities) . He said there was a breakdown of costs
included for these enhanced amenities (approximately $320, 000
ongoing/$95, 000 one-time for equipment) . He said the Administration was
recommending a Business Improvement District (BID) however, the existing
Central Business Improvement Assessment (CBIA) Area, which funds the
Downtown Alliance, currently included both blocks of Station Center and
had provided promotion, marketing and advocacy since 1991 . A new BID
would be on top of that Downtown Alliance assessment.
Ms . Lindsley provided a brief background on the objectives
established for the project and neighborhood through ten years of
community engagement, RDA Board direction, and Master Plan. She said
those objectives were to create mid-block streets, reinforce the historic
character of the area, maximize transit and pedestrian orientation,
design high quality and functional public spaces, and reduce parking
ratios when possible . She said Staff had worked on developing the design
for the neighborhood infrastructure improvements .
Director Luke said he wanted to see this type of design feature
incorporated into future projects . He expressed concern as to the
incredible amount of future maintenance the features would require and
inquired if there was a plan for long-term maintenance. Ms . Lindsley
said the establishment of a BID would provide for maintenance funding.
Director Fowler inquired if conversations had been started with
those property owners about having a second assessment (if a BID were
implemented) . Ms . Lindsley said it was discussed in 2014, and Mr. Walz
19 - 8
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
said approximately 500 of the property within those two blocks was owned
by the RDA. He said the intent of this discussion was to determine
whether there was Board support for the BID as proposed to have it in
place before any property sales .
Director Johnston inquired why there were no dedicated bike lanes
included in the renderings . Ms . Lindsley said that was proposed as the
festival (curb less) street (imagine the feel of a plaza/slow moving
traffic) . Director Johnston inquired how to co-exist in small multi-use
areas without using the curb and how to address safety issues for
everyone involved (bicycles and scooters) . He said he wanted to discuss
that further during the design phase. Ms . Lindsley discussed envisioned
areas of thoroughfare/alternative routes and said there was room for
further discussion.
Director Wharton expressed concern regarding another area with BID
or Special Assessment Area (SAA) and inquired what process differences
and commitments were being done now as opposed to the Central 9th South
area. Mr. Walz said the difference would be implementing the BID first
before selling the property. Director Wharton inquired how a public
market would fit into the area, with Mr. Walz stating Staff had not
considered alternative solutions as that was identified in the RDA and
Master Plan many times .
Director Rogers inquired how much funding was identified for
infrastructure to build out the public market. Mr. Walz said development
of the streets and utilities would receive assistance but there was
nothing in these funds to directly provide for the construction of a
public market building. Mr. Walz said these funds were strictly for the
infrastructure and upgrading of the utilities to provide for the
development of these two blocks .
Ms . Lindsley said Staff was searching for direction on the
maintenance funding strategy. She said if the BID approach was
acceptable, the next steps would be working with a consultant to evaluate
assessment methods and obtain additional cost assessments for
maintenance .
A unanimous Straw Poll was conducted in favor of exploring
maintenance through the Special Area Assessment (SAA) or BID method.
Ms . Bruno said there was no one department suited to manage the SAA
process in terms of noticing, public hearings and information sharing,
etc. She said the thought was for a separate consultant to be tasked to
manage that process . She said Staff proposed using a consultant to come
up with initial analysis .
19 - 9
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
A unanimous Straw Poll was conducted in favor of having Staff return
for Board consideration of hiring a consultant to manage the SAA or BID
public process (as opposed to Staff) .
#5 . 2:20:23 PM Resolutions : Refunding of Redevelopment Agency Bonds,
Series 2013, and Salt Lake City Sales and Excise Tax Revenue Bonds,
Series 2007A. The Board will be briefed about, and will consider
adopting, two related resolutions regarding RDA bonds:
1 . A resolution that would authorize the issuance and sale of not more
than $46, 000, 000 aggregate principal amount of its tax increment
revenue refunding bonds, and related matters; and,
2 . A resolution that would approve an updated debt service schedule in
an interlocal agreement between the City and RDA related to the RDA's
contribution to debt service payments for 2007A bonds issued by Salt
Lake City for the construction of the Westside Railroad Realignment
Project (Grant Tower) View Attachments
Danny Walz , Marina Scott, and Mary Beth Thompson briefed the Board
with attachments . Ms . Scott discussed the proposed refunding of two bonds
and two resolutions being presented for consideration. She said, if
adopted, the Series 2013 Tax Increment Revenue Bonds (Performing Arts
Center Project) would yield $2, 200, 000 in savings over the next 12 years .
She discussed steps to bring forward an interlocal agreement to be
amended to reflect the new debt service schedule . Ms . Scott discussed
the second proposal to refund Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2007A
(Grant Tower) , and said the RDA contributed a portion of debt service
that originally was calculated based on the RDA' s $3, 100, 000 portion of
the project cost. She said if refunding was successful, the RDA would
save approximately $18, 139 over the next three years . Ms . Scott said
this refunding would also include an amended interlocal agreement to
reflect the new debt service schedule . She said the savings were
estimated based on current market conditions .
Director Mendenhall said in the past when considering bond
refinancing (during that exploration) , Staff found the capacity to fund
additional projects within that bond description (example McClelland
Trail) . She inquired about other capacity considerations with the
proposed scenario . Ms . Thompson said this refund would help eliminate
RDA budget tightness or the General Fund having to subsidize the RDA.
Discussion followed regarding long-term funding and providing security
for the future .
Further discussion followed regarding necessary action at this
time, with Ms . Thompson stating the request was for Board adoption on
October 8, 2019 .
#6. Tentative Break
19 - 10
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
#7 . 2:26:29 PM Resolution: Loan to CW Urban for Project Located at
378 West 300 South. The Board will be briefed about, and will consider
adopting, a resolution that would authorize a loan of up to $3. 3 million
to CW Urban for a project located at 378 West 300 South. If approved,
the loan would assist with the construction of The Olive, a multifamily
residential development that would include 120 condominium units ranging
in size from studios to two-bedroom units and penthouses. View
Attachments
Danny Walz, Allison Rowland, Susan Lundmark, Josh Green, and Darlene
Carter briefed the Board with attachments . Ms . Rowland said this was a
more traditional RDA supported project in the sense the gap loan proposed
was to further the goal of increased home ownership, economic development
for the neighborhood in which it was located, there was no explicit and
deed restrictive affordable housing component, and the public benefit
interest rate reduction was relatively small adjustment on a short loan.
She said this was justified under the goal of area economic development .
Ms . Lundmark discussed the loan terms and project . Mr. Walz
clarified project specifics and said the project was not by nature
classified as affordable housing as much as addressing priority to bring
home ownership to downtown. Director Mendenhall said she wanted to see
more of these types of projects .
Director Rogers inquired who would enforce percentages on the rents .
Mr. Walz said he anticipated these would be built into the Homeowner' s
Association (HOA) documents that were set up prior to units being sold.
Discussion followed regarding how HOA fees were assessed, whether that
be per unit or via square footage, etc.
Ms . Carter said CW Urban felt strongly about wanting the project to
be Federal Housing Authority (FHA) approved so the homeowner would have
those financing opportunities . She said in addition, because of the
actual type of project ownership, the plat was a condo. She said there
were two different restrictions with what FHA required as far as investor
(up to 50% of the building being investors) . She said because the project
was a condo plat, there were additional restrictions and they had to
adhere to the highest level of condo restrictions to receive Fannie and
Freddie financing, so no more than 300 of the units at any time could be
non-owner occupied as well as not more than one person being able to own
more than 10% of the building. She said these would be mandated through
the loan officer and the HOA. She said in terms of HOA, the larger the
unit, the more one would pay in terms of fee (pro-rata) . She said that
only included a portion of the HOA because there were certain amenities
that everyone in the building could enjoy (fees spread throughout) , and
the service of the building was being done on a square footage basis .
19 - 11
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
Director Mendenhall inquired about façade materials . Ms . Carter
said if the rendering did not depict, it was largely a white brick
building. She said CW Urban felt strongly about tying into what Gateway
District was about, the rendering included 70% white brick, and the only
stucco façade was primarily on the towers . Inquiry was raised as to
whether the development included any solar installations, with Ms . Carter
stating not at this time . She said one amenity to the space was
approximately 1/3 of the roof was envisioned to be a rooftop patio. She
said they did not explore solar panels because it was a for-sale project
that might be difficult to divide costs between home owners and the HOA.
Director Valdemoros inquired what was envisioned for the commercial
space . Ms . Carter discussed the desire to include some type of food
service or amenity to residents and to bring vibrancy and walkability to
the project . She said there was no specific tenant in mind as commercial
brokers generally wanted to see projects mobilized first. Director
Valdemoros inquired as to whether there were plans to shut down portions
of the street. Ms . Carter said the commitment was to build the property
on site . She said there might be times for periodic shutdown for
utilities, but they were not planning on using any neighboring streets
for staging during the project (they were planning on using the actual
site) .
Director Wharton said this area had already transitioned and
inquired why the RDA should invest in this specific area. Mr. Walz said
providing for home ownership in downtown was the goal (public
benefit/continuing to activate downtown) . He discussed surrounding area
investments and the ability to provide the full range of housing
opportunities . Ms . Carter said the company felt strongly about providing
for-sale housing downtown.
Director Johnston discussed the home ownership component and
enforcement. Ms . Carter said most residents were people who lived in the
units and were primary occupants . She said there was no advertisement
calling for investors to come to their projects, rather for people who
want to live downtown and be a part of the City. She said that was not
the company goal nor how they market (benefit to the residents who live
there) . She said the way to enforce was through the take-out financing
lender. Further discussion followed regarding sustainability (demolition
of the current site/construction of the new site) . Ms . Carter said that
was in the hands of the third-party contractor and taking advantage of
reusing the interior of the building. She said in terms of sustainability
there would be efficiencies in insulation, heating and cooling systems,
appliances, but would not meet a high-end certification.
Director Mendenhall said because buildings were the next big hurdle
for air quality, they should be aggressive when providing interest rate
19 - 12
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
reductions for sustainability. Mr. Walz said these comments were valid;
however, this project did not seek the sustainability interest write-
down. He said this would be a great segway into the next agenda item as
both the Administration and Council would start defining the strategic
framework, metrics, policies, and priorities for RDA funding. Inquiry
was raised as to whether buyers could incorporate sustainability items
down the road. Ms . Carter said there had been other projects in which
the Covenants and Conditions allowed for solar and that individual
decision had been done retroactively.
Director Valdemoros said this project should want to be the standard
for green alternatives or additions to revise. She inquired if CW would
be interested in spearheading new policy for buildings . Ms . Carter said
she did not want to commit to something in this moment, but CW Urban was
100% committed to downtown residents . She said if directives were given
by the RDA, they could consider how to incorporate . She said because the
project was set to mobilize in 30 days it would be hard to commit but
she would be open to consideration. Mr. Walz said given that the project
was ready to mobilize, had been thru the design and permitting process,
it would be arguably difficult to do anything of significance as it
related to sustainability at this time . He said that would be a policy
discussion that should occur long before a project would reach this
stage .
Director Wharton moved and Director Rogers seconded to adopt
Resolution R-13-2019 approving the term sheet for a loan to CW Urban for
a residential condominium development project located at 378 West 300
South, which motion carried, all directors voted aye.
#8 . 4:44:04 PM Resolution: Notice of Funding Availability for
Affordable Housing Funding Allocations . The Board will be briefed about,
and will consider adopting, a resolution that would approve citywide
affordable housing project funding allocations as selected through a
$10. 4 million Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) . If approved,
approximately $6. 1 million in loans and other incentives would be
available for four affordable housing developments. The Board may also
discuss the remaining $4. 5 million for affordable housing options in the
City's "high-opportunity areas. " These are usually areas where residents
have better access to factors affecting their potential economic mobility
such as jobs, schools and public transit. View Attachments
Danny Walz , Tracy Tran, Tammy Hunsaker, and Allison Rowland briefed
the Board with attachments . Ms . Rowland explained the RDA Finance
Committee evaluated the 12 applications submitted for these funds and
recommended the ranking presented. She said should the Board choose to
follow those funding recommendations, virtually all of the Citywide funds
($6, 106, 000) would be allocated to four Tier 1 projects . She said three
19 - 13
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
other projects were listed in Tier 2, in case additional funds became
available or one of the Tier 1 projects did not go a planned. She
clarified the Board would need to approve the Tier 1 funding during
today' s meeting to allow these projects to list this support as part of
their Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) applications due in October
of this year. Ms . Rowland said additional discussion could be conducted
on items such as : expanding locations allowable for NOFA-funded projects;
the RDA could take a more active and direct approach; there could be
other points at which the RDA could engage developers in these areas;
and the Board could ask RDA Staff to work with developers to ascertain
any barriers .
Ms . Tran said over $24, 000, 000 funding requests were received;
unfortunately, more funds were not available. She said none of the
projects submitted for the 2019 NOFA were located in "high-opportunity
census tracts", a pattern repeated from the 2018 NOFA. She said Staff
would continue to accept applications for projects that could qualify
for these funds .
Ms . Hunsaker discussed the four Tier 1 projects and provided details
on each. She discussed consideration of project readiness, completeness
of applications, etc. She said Staff continued to rank Tier 2
applications in case additional funding became available . The Board
discussed the projects, number of units and low-income housing units,
and other specifics .
Director Rogers moved and Director Luke seconded to adopt Resolution
R-14-2019 to approve the Citywide affordable housing project funding
allocations as recommended by the RDA Finance Committee and RDA Staff;
and if additional funding became available, either through the
identification of additional funds or if one of the Tier 1 projects did
not result in a viable loan, the Committee recommended funding be
allocated to the Tier 2 projects in order of Priority Ranking, which
motion carried, all directors present voted aye .
The Board expressed the need for policy discussion on what was
deemed as Tier 2 and the $4 . 5 million set-aside for high opportunity
areas . Ms . Hunsaker said Staff recently received an application for a
high opportunity site acquisition loan ($1, 800, 000) . She said that
process was left open-ended until further notice and Staff would continue
to actively solicit applications that would be vetted through the typical
process .
Director Mendenhall suggested the RDA take a more active and direct
approach/role in promotion on/in conjunction with City-owned properties;
and engage developers in that area by working with Building Services to
consider projects not quite ready (but in the pipeline) .
19 - 14
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
Director Luke said there were not many affordable development
opportunities on the East side from 7th East and further east, and there
should be opportunities for affordable housing City-wide . He suggested
Board consideration of broader distribution of housing City-wide versus
rushing to construct housing where there may be opportunities .
Director Johnston expressed concern about removing the first option
because of one City-owned location in Sugarhouse (surrounded by modern
opportunity areas) .
A unanimous Straw Poll was conducted in favor of directing Staff to
incorporate (listed under policy direction question 2) recommendations
B (RDA take a more active and direct approach to promoting affordable
housing in high-opportunity areas) ; & C (there may be other points at
which the RDA could engage developers) .
#9. Report and Announcements from the Executive Director. Report
of the Executive Director, including a review of information items,
announcements, and scheduling items. The Board of Directors may give
feedback or policy input.
None.
#10. 5:24:46 PM Report and Announcements from RDA Staff. The Board
may review Board information and announcements. The Board may give
feedback on any item related to City business, including but not limited
to:
• North Temple Event Walking Tour Recap (coordination with Arts) ;
• New Request for Proposal (RFP) Update;
• Public Art Project Update;
• RDA Staff Expertise; and
• Scheduling Items .
Mr. Walz updated the Board on the topics listed.
#11 . 5:26:29 PM Report of the Chair and Vice Chair.
Director Fowler reminded the Board of the RDA Special Meeting being
held later that evening.
D. WRITTEN BRIEFINGS
None .
E . CONSENT
19 - 15
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
None.
F. (TENTATIVE) CLOSED SESSION. The Board will consider a motion to
enter into Closed Session, in keeping with Utah Code §52-4-205 for any
allowed purpose .
Item not held.
This portion of the meeting recessed at 5 : 27 p .m.
A Special Limited meeting was reconvened in Room 326, Committee
Room, at 6 : 28 p.m. to conduct additional business .
The following Board Directors were present:
Andrew Johnston James Rogers Charlie Luke
Amy Fowler Erin Mendenhall Chris Wharton
Analia Valdemoros
Jennifer Bruno, Council Executive Deputy Director; David Litvack,
Mayor' s Deputy Chief of Staff; Lynn Pace, Acting City Attorney; and Scott
Crandall, Deputy City Recorder; were present.
6:28:50 PM Director Fowler presided at and conducted the meeting.
C. REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUSINESS
#1 . 6:29:13 PM Diversion of Property Tax for a Community
Reinvestment Project Area: Block 67 North Community Reinvestment Area
(CRA) Interlocal Agreement with Salt Lake City. The Board will consider
approving a resolution that would authorize an interlocal agreement with
Salt Lake City, as part of the proposed development on the Block 67 North
Community Reinvestment Area . Block 67 is a City block bounded by 100
South, 200 South, 200 West and 300 West. The development would contain
a residential, commercial and hotel complex, and an underground parking
structure. The notice of diversion of property tax for a Community
Reinvestment Project Area also applies to the interlocal agreement with
the County that the RDA adopted on August 27, 2019, for the same CRA.
View Attachments
Director Rogers moved and Director Luke seconded to adopt Resolution
R-15-2019 authorizing execution of an interlocal agreement with Salt
Lake City for a portion of tax increment for the Block 67 North Community
Reinvestment Project Area, which motion carried, all directors voted
aye .
19 - 16
MINUTES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY SPECIAL MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 , 2019
The meeting adjourned at 6 : 29 p .m.
Redevelopment Agency Chair
Secretary
This document is not intended to serve as a full transcript as
additional discussion may have been held; please refer to the audio or
video for entire content pursuant to Utah Code §52-4-203 (2) (b) .
This document along with the digital recording constitute the
official minutes of the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency meetings
(afternoon and evening) held September 24, 2019 .
clm
19 - 17