Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JUNE 23, 2004 <br />a more global approach to the issue and consider where open space <br />provides the most value to the community. Anderson indicated that the <br />City has not established a criteria for measuring the value of one parcel <br />versus another, but he would support that exercise so there is a way to <br />address these issues. <br />Fahey used the Ilidden Acres development as an example of where a <br />neighborhood opposed development at the expense of the property owner <br />who owned the undeveloped land. <br />Anderson stated that he believes the Watershed would be a first-class <br />operation and he is excited about the opportunity to work with them. <br />Anderson noted that the Watershed is interested in the Noel Drive site <br />because of its proximity to Geivais Mill Park. Anderson stated that if the <br />Noel Drive property is not developed by the Watershed, he was not sure <br />what he would support as the future use of that property. Anderson <br />indicated at that point retention of the property as open space would be a~i <br />open question for him, and he is not sure how he would come down on <br />that issue. Anderson stated that he could not see the property utilized as <br />an office building, but could envision it developed as a hospice facility, <br />senior housing, or some type ofquasi-residential. <br />Davis stated that she was not opposed to development in the Twin Cities <br />area including Little Canada, and preferred to see Metro development <br />rather than outlying development. Davis asked what the process would be <br />to retain this property as open space. <br />Fahey felt the discussion awkward to the extent that the neighborhood had <br />the impression that the issue of retaining this property as open space was <br />still open. Fahey stated that if the Watershed can develop the site, the City <br />and the Watershed would seek input from the neighborhood on the design <br />elements of the building. Fahey stated, however, that the course would <br />not be reversed and the decision has been made to sell the property to the <br />Watershed. <br />Anderson indicated that the City has agreed to work in good faith with the <br />Watershed in their pursuit to purchase and develop the Noel Drive <br />property. The Watershed has not yet completely committed to the project <br />because it does not yet know the cost of the land and has not completely <br />analyzed site conditions. Anderson pointed out, however, that the City <br />was initially told that the size of the building would be 3,000 to 4,000 <br />square feet. Anderson suggested that there could be a point where the City <br />is no longer committed to sell to the Watershed. <br />Fahey noted that a project that requires variances is not something that any <br />of the Council Members want. Fahey stated that he did not want to see the <br />site overbuilt to the detriment of the neighborhood. Fahey stated that the <br />10 <br />