From our Conversations…Development in Ward 3

I have spent the past few weeks blogging about issues that have come up in my conversations with folks during my campaign.  Today, I wanted to spend a few minutes unpacking my thoughts about development in Ward 3.

In spite of the economic downturn, St. Louis Park has continued to be a desirable and practical community for developers to focus their resources.  The City has also put resources behind these projects in the form of Tax Increment Financing, or TIF.  Basically, TIF creates funding for a project by borrowing against the future increase in property tax revenues.  

Redevelopment is important to the continued vibrancy of St. Louis Park.  I believe this development needs to be done in the right place, with the right neighborhood values reflected, at the right time, with the right amount of public engagement and input.  In simple terms, this is what I mean by right-sized economic development.  Basically, smart redevelopment needs to ensure the values most important to our community are continually reflected in these projects.

I am committed to this right-sized development in Ward 3.  As a matter of fact, I look forward to encouraging public visioning processes for some critical redevelopment areas in our Ward.  By establishing guidelines now, we all will be able to enjoy the benefits of right-sized development when local business owners and developers seek to complete private projects in St Louis Park. 

As a Councilmember, I will make decisions that engage residents and empower the private sector to ensure the best possible outcomes in redevelopment through our community.

Stay tuned for blogs with my thoughts on the topics important to you from my conversations with many of you.  If you are interested in learning more about me, click on the Gregg for City Council link above to read my blog posts throughout the campaign.  Or, visit www.GreggLindberg.com.  Better yet, call me at 925-920-0650.