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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />FEBRUARY 23, 2005 <br />LaValle asked the likelihood ofFirst Bank redeveloping their site. <br />Sherman indicated that he pursued this, but has been unsuccessful. <br />However, he is still hopeful that once redevelopment of this northeast <br />corner begins, I=first Banl< will reconsider. <br />Blesener asked if the auto parts store and coffee shop that is interested in <br />the northern parcels have standard corporate building designs. Sherman <br />indicated that he would utilize the architectural design that was used for <br />The Lodge and The Villas, and will be used for The Village. <br />Allan asked if Sherman actively solicits for tenants. Sherman replied that <br />he utilizes realtors as well as his own staff in soliciting tenants. Sherman <br />was sure that every retail user and corporate chain has heard from his staff. <br />Sherman noted that this location would not be a 61st target spot for many <br />Chains. <br />Allan asked about a restam~ant in the first building on the north corner. <br />Sherman reported that he does not yet have a signed lease for the <br />restaurant, He noted that restaurant owners prefer having visibility to Rice <br />Street. The redevelopment plan for the area shows a restaurant pad on <br />Little Canada Road. <br />Allan noted the high density of residents living in this area and anticipated <br />there will be a lot of foot h~affic. Sherman felt that the increased <br />population in this area will change demographics by less than 5%. I3e <br />indicated that businesses will look at Che demographics for the surrounding <br />2 to 3 mile area.. Drive-by traffic, however, will be the number one <br />decision maker'. Sherman felt that stal'tiug this first office building will <br />create a sense of urgency for the local bulsinesses which will then result in <br />leases. <br />Allan stated that she hears fl~om people living in this area about the need <br />for a small grocery store. Shenman pointed out that with Cub Foods and <br />Aldi Foods nearby, a small grocer will not locate in this area. <br />Blesener asked about the possibility of a business like Trader Joe's. <br />Sherman indicated that the Trader Joe's chain is coming to the area. <br />I-Iowever, they will locate in very heavy trafficked intersections and likely <br />within large malls. <br />1<eis stated that he envisions the area as similar to downtown White Bev' <br />Lake. I<eis stated that these are the types o{'community businesses he <br />would like to see in the area. Keis felt that putting in an auto parts store <br />would only draw similar type businesses to the area. He felt that the lcey <br />foundation businesses will drive the rest of the development. <br />3 <br />