By Teri Knight
The other lengthy discussion was centered around the development of 303/305 Water Street. This item has come before council several times over the last year with 4 or 5 options on development presented by David Hvistendahl. Acting Community Development Director, Michele Merxbauer explains the most recent proposal is a rehab of the buildings, enhancement of the deck and access to the Riverwalk. The City will be responsible for removing the Cottonwood tree and for reconstruction of the inner wall of the Riverwalk wall. Public Works Director Joe Stapf said that the condition of the wall from Froggy Bottoms to the public access is different to that of the north. There’s a concrete cap on the rest of the wall which Stapf says is important because it keeps moisture from being absorbed from the top down. Pownell questioned whether that repair would affect other businesses, Stapf said no. Councilor Peterson White wanted to take more time on the matter saying that there were “reduced standards” for Hvistendahl. She made a motion to direct staff to open another round of redevelopment proposals. Nakasian agreed. Merxbauer ran down the timeline beginning with the Pitsavas family being awarded the opportunity to develop the property in 2011. It eventually didn’t work out and the Pitsavas family withdrew. The motion to start the process over failed 2 to 5. Eventually council approved the agreement with Hvistendahl 5 to 2. Hvistendahl has been working with the HPC to keep the historic look, although the building is not in the historic district. Work will begin as soon as possible. The meeting is archived online at kymnradio.net
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