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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />JANUARY 9, 2002 <br />would involve outdoor storage, and as the Commission is aware, outdoor <br />storage has been one of the City's main enforcement issues. The Planner <br />reported that he has encouraged Mr. Balsheh to approach the City at the <br />concept level at this point to determine if there is any support for a <br />rezoning and to allow the outdoor storage use. <br />Knudsen felt that the Sinclair site was a unique piece of property noting <br />that the land behind the building is screened from almost all directions. <br />Knudsen stated that his concern would be that the property would turn in <br />to a truck storage location. Knudsen stated that the only way he would <br />support the request is there was substantial assurance that the number of <br />trucks would be limited and that these trucks would be screened at all <br />times. <br />Kees indicated that given the City's concerns with outdoor storage and the <br />fact that this is a busy corner and a key intersection for the City, he did not <br />feel the U-Haul rental and storage use was appropriate for this location. <br />Balsheh indicated that his plan would be to have two to three trucks which <br />will be rented out most of the time. <br />Roycratt indicated that while the trucks would likely be rented on <br />weekends, they would be on site during the week. He indicated that this is <br />a little different than the car rectal business on Rice Street since those cats <br />appear to be just customer cars when they are stored in the parking lot. <br />I{nudsen also pointed out that rental cars are newer, while U-Haul trucks <br />are significantly older vehicles. <br />The Planner indicated that his experience with U-Haul businesses in other <br />cities is that U-Hauls are made to be visible and these types of businesses <br />leave a tendency to grow in place. <br />Kees noted there would be a need to add U-T-Iaul signage at the Sinclair. <br />Kees felt a more appropriate location for the U-Haul business would be in <br />the industrial park and not on main street. <br />Duray asked about the clearing of the trees at the property. Balsheh <br />reported that he worked with the City and MN DOT to clear trees and <br />provide more visibility to the property. Duray felt that this was a good <br />improvement for the property and suggested that the addition of screening <br />for the U-Haul trucks would again hide the business. <br />Balsheh indicated that he can assure the City that he would limit the <br />number of trucks on the property and that these trucks would be stored <br />behind the building and screened from view. <br />-g- <br />