EDA unanimously backs Oyate Ota Center predevelopment grant application

Roseville — The city’s Economic Development Authority voted unanimously July 14 to adopt a resolution supporting a Livable Communities Act predevelopment grant application from a partnership of three nonprofits seeking to co‑locate services in a former church building.

The EDA vote follows a staff presentation and a brief applicant presentation explaining plans to rehabilitate the church property to provide office space and consolidated services. The adoption authorizes a formal letter of support for the Met Council grant application.

The grant team told the EDA the project would centralize services for the American Indian community and others, including prenatal through elder supports plus a satellite food shelf. “We’re really excited and grateful for your consideration of our grant application,” Nathan Ratner, coordinator for the Oyate Ota Center Development Initiative, told the board. Kate Lamers, project manager with Element, said project partners have a conceptual site plan and are pursuing a Met Council predevelopment application due July 21.

Why it matters: A consolidated site would move three nonprofit operations into one location and create a publicly accessible food distribution point and other human services in the neighborhood. EDA members stressed the benefits of reusing a vacant church building while noting community interests such as retaining a community garden on site.

Details and next steps: Jeanne Kelsey, the city’s housing and economic development program manager, told the board the Montessori/American Indian Child Care Center currently leases space from the church; the church plans to relocate. EDA members asked about prior temporary shelter uses and fire‑safety upgrades; staff explained the daycare completed required sprinkling work and is operating. The EDA motion was made by Member Graf and seconded by Member Straughn and passed unanimously.

The city’s resolution of support applies to the Met Council Livable Communities predevelopment account; applicants may pursue subsequent demonstration or implementation funds if predevelopment work advances. Staff noted the predevelopment application deadline and advised the applicants and EDA that the resolution simply affirms community support for the grant application. The applicants will return to the city with further project materials if the predevelopment award advances the design.