| 4/27/2009 7:06:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Mendota Plaza construction could begin in May
Danielle Cabot
Review Staff
The Mendota Heights City Council put Mendota Plaza construction officially in business April 21. Comments by Council member Sandra Krebsbach summed it up, "Mendota Plaza's enhancements are going forward. It's a momentous night in that regard."
The strip mall at the corner of Dodd Road and Highway 110 will be getting a new look and additional shopping, in addition to a future senior housing development, childcare and office space.
City staff and developer Ken Henk of Paster Enterprises walked the council through some last-minute details of the developer's agreement, though most of the heavy-lifting has occurred over the past year.
The project's permits were approved in January dependent on a final developer's agreement. Henk said at the time he hoped the agreement would be signed in March.
The council members have been fastidious in their attention and concern about the details of the project, which will include wetland space and a trail segment, boulevard trees and upscale decorative touches.
Sticking points in the developer's agreement were ultimately worked out just in time for the projected May start. City Administrator John Mazitello said Paster needs to get building permits in order and expects a groundbreaking sometime in May.
The city will receive park dedication fees of $185,693, or 10 percent of the value of the land, which will be paid by the developers to the city. Developers had proposed credits for the area of public trail, but those were ultimately denied.
An easement to allow public use of the trail on Paster's property will be established sometime in the future, to connect the proposed Dakota County Greenway from Dodge Nature Center to the North Urban Regional Trail, and on through to Inver Grove Heights. "We're trying to connect up all the trail systems in Dakota County," Mazitello explained.
Upon the signing of the agreement, the developers will cut a check for the city's expenses and fees. That number stands at $16,500 as of the meeting, according to Assistant City Administrator Jake Sedlacek.
Groundbreaking will culminate a process that has taken over two years of negotiations and back and forth between the city and developers.
"I think everybody is glad we have an agreement in place," Mazitello said.
Danielle Cabot can be reached at southwest@lillienews.com, or 651-748-7815.
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