HomeMy WebLinkAbout[06c] Student Residency UpdateDate: January 21, 2009
Memo To: EDA Members
City Administrator Weyrens
Memo From: Cynthia Smith-Strack, MDG, Inc.
RE: Student Residency Change
UPDATE: SCSU STUDY
At a previous meeting, EDA Board Member Heinen agreed to approach CSB/SJU regarding
sharing of information and funding participation in study. The purpose of the study by St.
Cloud State University is to establish quantitatively the potential local economic impact of a
change in residency requirement. Heinen has met with and secured a verbal commitment by
CSB/SJU to share information and participate in funding the study. An update is expected at
the January meeting.
SCSU is preparing to initiate the study which will begin in earnest upon receipt of information
from CSB/SJU. Receipt of said information is expected within one month.
UPDATE: TECHNICAL INVENTORY
At the December meeting I was directed to create maps illustrating conditions and potential
conversion options for off-campus student rental units. I've created large-scale maps for
review at the January meeting. Following are comments I have after completing the mapping
exercise.
1. Appears to be an opportunity to establish a commercial corridor adjacent to College
Ave N. from Minnesota Street to Wobegon Trail Center -link Downtown to Wobegon
Trail. Meets goals of Comprehensive Plan & downtown revitalization effort.
Intersection of College and Ash may be a consideration (i.e. four way stop).
Appears to be an opportunity presented by a cluster of rental homes north of
Minnesota Street West between 2"d Avenue NW and 4"' Avenue NW. This is a
corridor that leads into downtown & could be impacted by new CSAH 2 construction
(turnback of Minnesota Street West to municipal jurisdiction). This is a prime area for
tying downtown to I-94 by street lights, sidewalks, etc. being incorporated in a
streetscape plan. Could also be a potential for partnering with Stearns Co. HRA or
MHFA to pool parcels, raze, & put up new MF housing or condos/patio homes. Could
include design for senior living. Increase density in close proximity to downtown,
provide an opportunity to establish a nice entry corridor to downtown, both which meet
goals of Comp Plan and downtown revitalization effort.
3. Appears to be an opportunity to purchase cluster of lots just east of current city hall for
a public park, library, or parking or a combination of those. Nice anchor area in
downtown, will be centrally located if/when downtown extends north of CSAH 75.
REQUEST
Specific input is requested on the following:
1. How should we address MF rentals that were occupied by students and aren't
conducive to use by families (i.e. Old Hwy 52, former Campus Villas, the Loft
Apartments, part of Boulder Ridge, Wilshire)? Is/should age of structure (i.e. Wilshire,
Cloverdale, Meadowlark) be a consideration?
2. Student rentals adjacent. to CSAH 75, what is potential to rent to families? Is
conversion to commercial a better option?
3. What is the likelihood of foreclosures on properties not converted from student rental
units? Where are existing foreclosed/bank owned homes? Is there a correlation. Will
non-local student rental owners be more likely to seek short sale or let foreclosure
occur?
4. Strategy for approaching property owners?
5. When to bring Planning Commission and City Council into discussion?