DDA Meeting August 20--Demolition Stay--see roll call vote

CITY OF CHELSEA

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

7:30 A.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009

DRAFT


Present:


Jackson, Feeney, Flintoft, Galvin, Heydlauff, Morrel-Samuels, Myles, Pierce, Schwarz, Winans, Hanifan

Absent:


Frisinger, Holman

Others Present:


Bill Harmer, Lynn Fox, Chelsea District Library; Kevin Riley, Chelsea Market; Greg Raye, Charles Shiver, Cathy Clark, Jackie Frank, Robert McLeod, Janet Bernath; Leann Smith, Jackson Citizen Patriot; Scott McElrath, Janet Ogle-Mater, Donia Dunlop-Herndon, Jane Creswell, Mark Creswell, Carey Church




Longworth\Jackson Street proposal – Mark Creswell presented a proposal to the Board to purchase the property for $100,000 and secure financing to install a small animal zoo the the buildings. He noted the educational and conservation value as well as making it a rescue, rehab and replacement facility. The Great Lakes Zoological Society will solicit funds from foundations and historical preservation organizations. Several guests spoke in favor of preserving all the buildings, citing their sources which say the” Livery building is eminently re-usable.” Attorney Flintoft noted that he would not support any plan that did not have all the financing committed. “We are asked to give up our authority over the project.” The cost of renovation and adaption is quoted to be approximately $1.1M. Zoning Administrator Drolett pointed out that there is no accommodation for a zoo in the C-5 District, and if the zoning was changed it would open up the entire district to this special use zoning. Heydlauff's concern was the abandonment of the long range plan the DDA has already voted to proceed with.
5.

Motion by Myles, second by Morrel-Samuels to delay the demolition of the two buildings for 60 days, until October 3 DDA Board meeting. Roll Call Vote: Morrel-Samuels, Galvin, Winans, Jackson voted YES; Heydlauff, Flintoft, Schwarz, Pierce voted NO. Absent Holman, Frisinger and Myles (who left before the vote was taken.)
6.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m., without completing the agenda.