HRA Approves Land Sale to LaMettry's

More redevelopment is planned for Richfield.

The Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority approved the sale of 301 77th St. W., commonly referred to as the Candlewood Suites hotel out-lot, to Monday night.

and rebuild its facility to make room for 's expansion. Honda plans to buy the current LaMettry's property, which is adjacent to the dealership and contingent on the HRA's approval.

While HRA commissioners were excited the businesses were able to work together and stay in Richfield, a representative said the company was concerned about parking, noise and whether hotel guests would be met with visions of wrecked vehicles.

The out-lot is adjacent to the hotel. Currently, the city and the hotel have a shared parking agreement of up to 25 stalls. The agreement was made on the basis that another tenant would eventually take up the out-lot land. Community Development Director John Stark said he didn't anticipate any parking issues since the hotel's main needs for parking are evenings while LaMettry's are during the day. He also mentioned the city hoped to make some minor changes to the agreement to suit both parties interests.

As far as noise and wrecked cars go, shop owner Richard LaMettry said all the work would be done inside the facility and a screened lot at the back of the building would conceal the damaged vehicles. He also said canopy trees were planned for the back lot to shield those guests on the upper floors.

HRA Chair Sue Sandahl said city commissions would continue to take the concerns into consideration as the projects moved forward.

An exact start date for the LaMettry's project is unknown. , managing owner of Richfield Bloomington Honda, said the company hoped to begin its project in the spring of 2013 and take a year to complete. Exact design plans have not been finalized, and will need city approval.

Richfield Patch will update readers as more information becomes available.