PCMin_84Nov5_Public Hearing - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION/PUSLIC HEARING ~~~ 5, 198l~ PAGE ~ that they tried years ago to purchase the Hermes Center and to lease the old JOHN car wash for restaurant expansion but could never get cooperation from the LA.t3ALESTRA Hermes so they are applying to rezone as a last resort situatian. They would LIDO be willing to enter into an agreement stating that the Craft property will never be used for anything other than parking. He also stated that hey felt the parking density would decrease with the rezoning. The Labalestras want to fully cooperate with the City and the residents and would be happy to meet at any time. If expansion is not approved, economic problems could arise in the future for the Lido. If the facility is sold, the potential for greater use could result. Chairman Stefanson stated that he could appreciate the problem of wanting to STEFFANSON expand but could also appreciate the problems caused the St. Marys Street WALLIN neighbors. He suggested that more dialogue should take place and a citizens committee be established and action should be delayed until the citizens committee is established. Member Wallin questioned use of the alley either by outright purchase by the Lido o~ a lease arrangeanent but felt the plan as drawn is not workable without use of the alley. Rezoning is the last item to fall into place when all other facts have been .worked out. He is favor of retaining the Lido in the City of Falcon Heights within reason but feels taking an affirmative rezoning action at this time is premature. Member Trent-Sullivan asked if the Lido were working under time constraints T~~' and John Labalestra answered that they-had financial commitment until the end SULLIVAN of the year. They-have tried everything they could. to work oat an amicable . solution but the longer they wait the more it will cost the Lido. They have waited five years and are willing to wait a little longer. Member Trent- . Sullivan stated that the Planning Co~assion should .give consideration to the people on St. Marys Street when their propertg values are at stake and in vierw of the intense opposition, she felt it was an excellent idea to appoint a citizens committee which would allow the Planning Commission time to digest the problems. Jim Bykowski, 17t~5 St. Marys Street, felt that Falcon Heights is a bedroom JzM residential community and the Lido is a small oriented family business BYKOWSKI and that he as a resident is interested in promoting growth but is very 17It5 ST. concerned about the loss of control. Expanding general business rezoning MARYS into adjacent residential property makes no sense. If the Lido were to sell in the future, what would stop the use of the property as business property in the future. He wanted it :made clear what the function of a citizens committee would be. Councilme~mber Chestovich stated that the purpose of a citizens committee would be to promote discussions with the Lido that would result in the Lido developing a proposal that is acceptable to the total residential neighborhood. Dennis Smith stated that the alley problem should be first taken care of before DENNIS a citizens committee is formed. SMITH Member Trent-Sullivan felt that since the Lido is a viable business their financial committment to the end of the year should be taken into consideration. ~NT- Mike Labalestra stated he was willing to spend as much time as necessary to SULLIVAN • work out a solution. Member Black pointed out that the situation in this case was different since the situation is more limited in .scope and the complexities are less. He BLACK felt that direction from the Council was necessary. If a citizens committee is formed, a time limit should be established and that a charter be established.