Redevelopment Authority 11/20/2024

The City of Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority met on November 20, 2024. Members approved the RDA budget and actual reports through October 31; the transcript identifies bond and auditing costs and $238.94 in utility costs for RDA-owned properties, but the reported bond-cost total is garbled. The board also approved a 90-day extension for negotiations with the Riverside site developer, Moing Partners, to continue working on the project’s configuration and financial feasibility. A possible Hiker’s Coffee roastery, café, and coworking concept was mentioned as an early-stage alternative, not an approved project.

The RDA discussed potential new or expanded redevelopment districts, including the southwest quadrant, North Barstow, Canary District, and areas south of Lake Street, but did not select a district; staff described further analysis and mapping as possible next steps. Staff also reported ongoing EPA-funded brownfield investigation work, including completed work on Malden Avenue and phase-one work at Walters Brewery. The Heights location may be resubmitted to developers, and Kesler Park is expected to be promoted to developers, including LIHTC developers; any Kesler Park proposal would return to the RDA for review and would need to demonstrate 75% of its financing secured. No contract award or formal procurement was identified.