09-26-01 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTCS CITY COUNCIL SEPTGM6GI2 2C, 200t Schroeder pointed out that the B-W zoning of the property allows for a theater use or health club use. Schroeder felt that the Church use would have a somewhat similar impact. Schroeder pointed out the Planning Commissiods discussion that the outbuildings located on the property should be removed as soon as possible. As a result of that discussion, Schroeder indicated that the Church would demolish those buildings, clean up the parking and gravel areas and replace some of these areas with green space. Therefore, first year plans would include remodeling the inside of the large Knox building, enhancing the fagade, and removal of unusable buildings. As the development proceeds on, the parking lot would be sedate, parking would be re-oriented, ballfields would be added as well as a native prairie area. Schroeder indicated that the Church would like to create amenities that the City can use. He noted Chat in addition to the ballfields and recreation building, the long-teen plan would be to add an auditorium between the two buildings. 'T'his space would be used by the community as welt. Fahey asked the Church's current location. Schroeder reported that they are currently operating from the Shoreview Community Center. However, they do own land in White Bear Township. Schroeder reported that the Chw~ch prefers the visibility of this site to that of their White Bear Township site. Fahey noted the classroom space planned in the larger building and asked if the Church would be operating a school. Schroeder reported that there are no plans for a school at this point, but it may be a consideration in the firture. LaValle asked the zoning of the WBT property. Schroeder replied that it was zoned for townhomes under a PUD zoning. The site consists of approximately 10 acres. Given existing ponding on the site and the size buildings the Church would like to develop, there would be little green space left for recreational facilities. Fahey stated that he was concerned with the impact of taking this parcel off the tax rolls. While he agreed a Church is an asset to a community, Fahey presented a diagram showing the amount of land that is aheady untaxable in Little Canada, which includes land for churches, schools, City buildings, parks, roads, eta Fahey also pointed out that there would likely be other commercial uses interested in the Knox property given its visibility. In addition to the tax implications, Fahey noted that the Church use does not fit the current zoning of the property nor with the existing uses in the surrounding area. Scalze stated that she was concerned with caking land off the tax rolls and reported that she has received input from Little Canada residents expressing