Title
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE DULUTH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DEDA) REGARDING THE CONVEYANCE OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY (PROPERTY) IN THE LESTER PARK NEIGHBORHOOD AND AUTHORIZING DEDA TO EXPEND UP TO $200,000 ON A LAND USE STUDY FOR THE PROPERTY.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, the city stated its intention to sell or convey approximately 230 acres of real property owned by the city in fee, as set forth in Resolution 25-0913, which property is legally described on the attached Exhibit 1 (the “Property”);
WHEREAS, the City identified certain objectives relating to the public sale and development of the Property, including the conveyance of the Property to the Duluth Economic Development Authority, a public body, corporate and politic and political subdivision under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 469 (“DEDA”), who is appropriately equipped to facilitate development of the Property;
WHEREAS, the city has or will authorize the conveyance of the Property to DEDA under Ordinance No. 25-032; and
WHEREAS, the City and DEDA desire to enter into a development agreement to set forth and formalize the terms, conditions, and goals for the public sale and development of the Property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are hereby authorized to execute a development agreement, substantially the same as the agreement attached as Exhibit 2, with DEDA regarding the public sale and development of the Property.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to Resolution No. 25-0278, the city council hereby approves DEDA Resolution 25D-47, authorizing the reimbursement to the City for the cost of a land use study of the Property in an amount not to exceed $200,000.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: This resolution authorizes a development agreement with the Duluth Economic Development Authority, a public body, corporate and politic and political subdivision under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 469 (“DEDA”) for the public sale and development of approximately 230 acres of real property located within the former Lester Park Golf Course (the “Property”). As an economic development authority with the purpose of supporting economic opportunities and development, DEDA is appropriately equipped to facilitate development of the Property in accordance with the City’s goals and objectives for the site.
This development agreement sets forth, with specificity and clarification, the pre-conditions to closing on the conveyance of the Property from the City to DEDA, as well as the post-closing requirements governing the public sale and development of the Property.
The ordinance authorizing the conveyance of the Property to DEDA will be considered under Ordinance No. 25-032.
DEDA unanimously approved this development agreement at a special meeting on December 2, 2025.