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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes RDA Minutes 1 May 16, 2007 REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH MINUTES MAY 16, 2007 PRESENT: Thomas Belter, John Bermingham, Archie Stam, Frank Tower EXCUSED: Steve Hintz, Sheldon Lasky, Robert Pung STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary OTHERS: Council members: Dennis McHugh, Burk Tower, Jessica King, Tony Palmeri, Paul Essinlinger, Bryan Bain The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Tom Belter at 6:05 pm. PROGRESS REPORT BY AKCESS ACQUISITION GROUP Akcess Acquisition Group: Tim Rikkers, Fred Rikkers, Mike Krolczyk Dennis Schwab and Grant Schwab were hired to lease the property Tim Rikkers stated last October the City gave Akcess the opportunity to proceed with developing in Oshkosh along the riverfront. He noted they have tried, and continue to try, to bring in a grocery store to the downtown. Some of the issues with a grocery store chain have been lack of traffic, and location, as well as size. The proposed office development will be a class A 3-story 50,000 sq. ft. to 60,000 sq. ft. building. Mr. T. Rikkers stated several attorney's, engineers, and the Chamber of Commerce have expressed interest in leasing space. If at all possible, they would like to break ground by the end of October and have tenants occupying by June 1, 2008. But this depends on having at least 70% of the building leased. Mr. T. Rikkers continued they have been working with UW-Oshkosh on a life long learning concept. This is a life long vision of UW-O Chancellor Wells. UW-O will be mailing 30,000 surveys this week to alumni, and northern Illinois residents regarding this proposed joint concept effort. If the concept does not evolve, condos constructed in phases fit nicely with the balance of the overall project. Should have some idea on where this is heading by mid to end of July. Mr. T. Rikkers stated they will be working with Consolidated Construction in the development of a hotel, restaurant and bar. Consolidated will be conducting a feasibility study because Akcess is not familiar with this type of development. The retail part has been harder. Open Pantry is interested in space, but Akcess does not feel it is an appropriate fit for the site. Mr. T. Rikkers noted Akcess is doing a lot of geotechnology reports and working with the RDA’s/City’s consultant, STS Consultants, and their own consultant, BT2 Square. Mr. Krolczyk stated this will be a lead certified project; also known as green certified construction. It is anticipated to use a lot of recycled products in the lighting, roofing, etc. Mr. T. Rikkers noted the up front costs may be higher using recycled products, but the long term return is better. Akcess is also working with City staff on having boat slips along the riverfront. Mr. F. Rikkers stated they have met with perspective tenants and identified needs. He did not feel the site would support a stand alone restaurant, but with a hotel it will draw more traffic. RDA Minutes 2 May 16, 2007 Mr. McHugh inquired about the water tower and Lamico property? Mr. Kinney stated the Public Works Department will be reviewing the water tower and see how this affects the community, and the redevelopment site. The Lamico property is not part of the redevelopment area but it is hoped to include it some time in the future. Mr. McHugh stated when he reviewed the life long learning concept, it was not condos but smaller living units together. Mr. T. Rikkers stated Akcess has never considered anything but a multi-story structure. Mr. McHigh inquired who would build the marina? Mr. F. Rikkers stated it will not be a marina, it will be a docking facility. Mr. Kinney noted staff is working with the RDA’s/City’s consultant in creating a public riverwalk in this area. Mr. Esslinger inquired why not a marina? Mr. T. Rikkers stated Akcess’ original plan had looked at a marina, but marinas have a lot of bigger needs and it didn’t seem to fit with the rest of the development. Mr. F. Rikkers stated they need to establish a higher tax base for this area and it was felt a “skipper buds” would not be appropriate next to condos. It has been made clear to all potential tenants, that Akcess as the master developer will have control over the redevelopment project. Mr. Palmeri inquired if there was a developer interested in the site, the City could not consider them? Mr. Kinney replied we could ask them to contact Akcess. Mr. Palmeri inquired why should the City say yes to an office complex on the river? Mr. T. Rikkers stated the contacts they have made have expressed an interest in Class A office space on the river. If you look at the market place, the condo market is shakey and speculative. There is more interest in retail and office. (Mr. Bain left at this time) Mr. F. Rikkers stated this is a competitive society. These businesses will probably create new jobs. Unfortunately, it may also create vacant sites elsewhere. But the project will enhance the downtown and add to the tax base. Mr. Palmeri stated stated there is talk about razing the Chamber building to realign the street. What is Akcess' thoughts on this? Mr. T. Rikkers stated that is the Chamber’s decision and a City street issue. Mr. Palmeri inquired where has Akcess built before? Mr. T. Rikkers replied California, mostly with Cherokee. Mr. Rikkers stated they are also looking at Madison and Puerto Rico. Mr. F. Rikkers inquired of the RDA if they were comfortable with where Akcess is going? It was the consensus to have Akcess proceed. RDA Minutes 3 May 16, 2007 There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 7:16 pm. Respectfully submitted, Jackson R. Kinney Executive Director/Director of Community Development