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City staff report progress on Trader Joe's, Kia dealership and other development projects
Summary
Community development staff reported a certificate of occupancy for a Kia dealership, progress at a Honda site and a ready-to-file permit for Trader Joe's. Staff also noted ongoing work on Panera, Riverdale Townhomes and efforts to restart Riverside Flats; the fire chief's recent injury and two firefighter hires were also mentioned.
City community development staff updated the Riverdale City Council on a slate of commercial and housing projects, reporting a certificate of occupancy for a Kia dealership, construction milestones at a Honda site and a ready-to-file permit for a Trader Joe's tenant fit-out.
"The Kia is complete. That's been wrapped up and received their certificate of occupancy," said Brandon, a community development staffer. He told councilors a large crane on a nearby hillside is driving piles and that pile-driving work may run a couple of weeks later than the contractor originally anticipated: "I expect that to go a couple of weeks, later than the eighth," Brandon said.
Brandon described the Trader Joe's work as a two-step permitting process: the building owner will complete the shell (façade, storefront and some interior work) and Trader Joe's will pull separate permits for their tenant improvements and fixtures. "Hopefully, they stay on track, and we see them open sometime in June," Brandon said. Staff also reported progress on a redevelopment where Aaron's used to be (signage and inspections are underway), ongoing work at Panera and Riverdale Townhomes, and continued outreach to the owners of Riverside Flats (the site previously occupied by Leslie's) to restart that project.
City Administrator Brooks briefed the council on city finances and staffing trends: sales and use tax collections included a relatively high December report compared with the last four years, and year-to-date combined sales tax was slightly below last year but still healthy. Brooks also noted the city will bring staffing authorization updates and reported the fire chief sustained an on-duty injury and is expected to be out for some period while two additional firefighters were recently hired.
Councilor Haas asked why a recently opened business, Smoke Tacos, had been omitted from the "open for business" list in the meeting packet; Brandon said staff would add it for the next packet. A councilor also asked whether Smoke Tacos has a timeline to reopen; Brandon said the project is delayed but staff would follow up.
What was not decided
No formal council actions or votes were recorded on the development items; the portion of the meeting consisted of staff reports and council questions. Staff indicated follow-ups will be provided to council as permitting and construction milestones proceed.
