09-26-01 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPT,EMB:ER 26, 2001 Montanari indicated that he was led to understand that a mixed use of residential and business would be allowed in this area. The City Planner noted that the Comprehensive Plan anticipates the potential for residential use in the area. Fahey agreed, and pointed out the 6-unit townhome concept that the Council was agreeable with. Fahey noted that this would be an appropriate transitional use for the area. However, apartments and high-density residential was not. Fahey noted that an office use is another option the developer may want to consider. REZONING - Mayor Fahey opened the public hearing to consider the application for 3203 COUNTRY Rezoning from Business-Warehousing (B-W) to Public (P) to allow for the DRIVE - use of a church at 3203 Country Drive as requested by Christ Community CHRIST Church. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the Rezoning COMMUNITY by a vote of three in favor and two against. CII:URCI3 Paul Schroeder, representing Christ Community Church, appeared before the Cormcil and reported that the Church is excited about locating in Little Canada. He reviewed the campus-type setting they have proposed, and indicated that the site at 320 Country Drive provides excellent visibility for the Church. Schroeder indicated that there are many positive things that the Church would bring to the community. He noted that bringing people into the area during oi'f--peak business hours provides an additional element of safety and security for the area. He noted that traffic flow to and from the Church during these off peak hours would likely improve traff c conditions for the area. Schroeder acknowledged the concern the City likely has that the rezoning would take a piece of taxable land off the tax rolls. 1Ie noted that Knox is currently paying between $] 24,000 and $125,000 in property taxes. Given that the Church has a comparable piece of property in White Bear Township, returning that property to the tax rolls would lessen the tax implications although the City of Little Canada would lose about $18,700 iu tax revenue. Schroeder pointed out Chat the Church would bring a lot of amenities with it. Lie reviewed their site plan that proposes ballfields and a recreation center that may contain a gymnasium. The Church would have meeting and conference room space as well. Schroeder suggested that these facilities would be available as a shared use with the community. 1'he Church would have a day care and provide various ministries that the commwiity would benefit Ii~om as well. While the Church would not provide direct economic input into the City, it would provide indirect benefts. Schroeder also pointed out that bringing the congregation into the community would result in increased patronage of local businesses.