Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny says the city’s recent decision to seek a developer to shape its downtown is a sign that the old Target site the city purchased for $8 million in 2008 isn’t the only site being considered for a new city hall.
In an email to constituents sent on Jan. 6, McEnerny said the council also wants the new city hall to be more of a mixed-use development, which includes residential developments and retail.
“There are some on the council that want alternatives to the old target site to be obtained by interested parties submitting potential sites,” McEnerny said. “We are also issuing a request for quote (RFQ) for a company to master plan our downtown and recommend the best sites to link the community’s resources. This is the process that ultimately will involve all stakeholders like the business community and our citizens.”
The development of the area around the old Target building also drew criticism from businesses around the complex that would be acquired through the city’s eminent domain powers.
City spokeswoman Sharon Kraun said the city still considers the Target site to be an important component of downtown development.
“The request for information (RFI) is to gain additional information,” Kraun said. “It’s been three years since they bought that site. It’s to gain information about any opportunities in the downtown area.”
Councilman Gabriel Sterling echoed McEnerny’s assessment of the situation, saying he wanted to examine other options when he joined the council last year.
“It’s not that we’re against the target site, it’s that we want to examine everything,” Sterling said.
