SUBJECT:
Title
A Resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the Town of Erie Urban Renewal Authority Approving a Lease Agreement with Bee's Thai Kitchen, Ltd., for the Property at the Northwest Corner of Briggs Street and Maxwell Avenue
Body
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Department
PRESENTER(S): Julian Jacquin, Economic Development Director
First Name Last Name, Title
POLICY ISSUES:
The key policy decision is whether to support the temporary activation of this URA-owned property with a mobile food truck, parking, and outdoor seating, while Town staff solicits and negotiates interest from private groups to purchase and develop this site.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Approve the Lease Agreement with Bee’s Thai Kitchen, Ltd.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
TOEURA purchased the vacant real property located at the Northwest Corner of Briggs Street and Maxwell Avenue, closing on Feb. 23, 2024, and has begun preparing a competitive solicitation request to seek interest from private groups to purchase and develop this well-located property for its highest and best use. Town staff envisions that the process to advertise for development interest, select (and negotiate) with a preferred developer, and complete entitlements will take 1-2 years. In the interim, the Town/TOEURA would like to activate this property with a temporary use, consisting of a mobile food truck, parking, and outdoor seating.
On March 26, Town staff will request TOEURA approve a Lease Agreement with Bee’s Thai Kitchen, Ltd., to lease a portion of this property, with an initial term of 12 months (commencing on April 1, 2024). The Lease Agreement may also be renewed for one successive 12-month term if Bee’s provides TOEURA with notice and TOEURA agrees to the renewal. This renewal will be dependent on how long it takes to advertise, negotiate, and select a new developer.
There is no rent or utility connection payments associated with the Lease. Separately, Bee’s intends to construct a permanent curb cut and driveway on Maxwell Avenue for vehicles to access the temporary parking to support this mobile food truck, at their own cost.
COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Attractive Community Amenities
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ü Effective Governance
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution #24-003
2. Lease Agreement