Cliff Buchan
News EditorMajor expansion and remodeling plans for the Forest Laker, 131 N. Lake St., may get underway by Oct. 1.
The chance of the early fall construction start took a step forward Monday when the city of Forest Lake Economic Development Authority board OKíd preliminary terms of a development agreement with business owner Peter Paidar.
The agreement calls for a $55,000 tax-increment financing package for Paidar that will cover eligible project expenses. The funds will be paid to Paidar at the conclusion of the expansion project and after verification.
The figure was recommended by TIF consultant Dan Wilson who estimated the value to the EDA board.
The delay in the final adoption of the development agreement came at Paidarís request. He said his attorney had yet to review the final draft of the agreement. Minor language changes could result but no change in the level of TIF support is planned.
Paidar and architect Jerry Anderson reviewed the Lakerís expansion plans. The two said a four to five month construction program is planned. Final permit plans will go before city staff this week, the two said.
ìWeíre anxious to get going,î Paidar said.
Plans for the Laker include a new three-story east-end design overlooking the lake and park. Paidar also plans to utilize the current second story of the Forest Laker building with his food and liquor business.
Other business
In other business Monday, the EDA board:
ïLearned from City Engineer Paul Hornby the feasibility report for north end parking lot improvement adjacent to Lakeside Memorial Park will be ready for review at the next regular meeting 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27.
ïLearned from city staff that a proposal to do a temporary upgrade in the municipal parking lot area behind Park Place and adjacent to the city park is yet to begin and may not take place this fall.
The EDA had agreed in July to a proposal from the Park Place developers to cover half the cost of the temporary upgrades in the surface parking area. The EDAís cost was not to exceed $8000 under the proposal heard at the July 12 meeting.
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