10-10-01 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 10, 2001 Schroeder indicated that the church recognizes that the issues of land use and lost revenue are substantial ones for the City. He pointed out that the church needs a large building and large parking lot as well as the visibility that the site affords. Schroeder felt that the church development would increase property values in the area given its increased curb appeal. The church would provide some of the same services being provided by St. John's and would like to partner with St. John's as well as the community. Schroeder stated that the church has looked at just what would be an appropriate area to locate in. Residential areas do not appear to be appropriate, nor do commercial retail areas. That would leave business and industrial park areas. Schroeder pointed out that the church is similar to a business use given that they have office space. Schroeder also indicated that it is their feeling that the church use would help alleviate traffic problems in the area as well as would be an enhancement to the property given its campus-type setting. Schroeder stated that the church realizes that the City has a Comprehensive Plan that may not indicate a church usage in this area. However, comprehensive plans should be modified at times. Schroeder felt the church use was compatible with the area as well as is a very important aspect of a community. Schroeder pointed out that Little Canada has two churches, which is not many for a community of over 9,000 people. He felt a third church would create some diversity for the community. With regard to the issue of lost taxes, the payment in lieu of taxes would address that issue. Also the potential for along-term lease for outdoor storage on the property would provide the church with revenue to make this payment. Schroeder indicated that the user that approached them would like at 10 to 20 year lease and would be a wholesale operation, utilizing the property for storage. This company may be interested in purchasing the property. Therefore, if the church use does not go forward, the City could have this as a permanent use of the property. Fahey suggested that rather than the church controlling the entire property, it could be subdivided so that the storage use was on a separate taxable parcel of property. Schroeder indicated that the church wishes to retain the larger parcel for future growth. Pastor Dick Daniels felt that the church had a place in the community and pointed out the support that Father Fitzpatrick of St. John's has expressed for Christ Community Church. Daniels felt that what happens in people's lives makes them better citizens, and suggested that Christ Community Church