12-19-01 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES C'1"I'Y COUNCIL DECEMBER 19, 2001 Scalze pointed out that the property is zoned commercial, and once developed, the City loses control over the property. While the proposal is for owner- occupied townoffces, down the line the units could become rental units or could be combined into larger spaces and occupied by businesses that generate a lot of traffic. Gorman pointed out that under the present zoning a bar or restawant development could be proposed which would generate a great deal of traffic. Gorman felt that having access via Park Street limits the potential for retail use of this site which, in turn, limits development to the type that does not generate a great deal of traffic. LaValle felt he could not support the development proposal if the access is via Park Street. He pointed out that Rice Street is a busy street and traffic is expected on that street. If there would be difficulty making left turns from the site onto Rice Street, exiting the site could be limited to right turn only. Gorman expressed concern about the willingness of the Watershed to allow pond relocation. Fahey indicated that the City should inform the Watershed that access via Rice Street is the only viable alternative, and that we would like their cooperation in facilitating that access through pond relocation. Fahey felt that the residential neighborhood needs to be protected, and unless relocating the pond is totally unfeasible. Gorman stated that they were not opposed to having the access via Rice Street, but felt it would be nearly impossible to get it done. `('he City Administrator reported that he discussed this with the Watershed and they will look at the issue as part of their review of the development proposal. It does not appear that it would be impossible to mitigate weClands and gain access via Rice Street. i'ahey asked if there was TIF assistance that could be provided to the developer to help with the cost of relocating the pond so that access can be via Rice Street. The City Adminisu~ator reported that TIF assistance would not be an option. "fhe best option may be a tax abatement of a portion of the City's share of taxes. Scalze pointed out that this parcel of land wenC tax forfeit because it is a problem parcel. Scalze felt that the price of the property was reflective of this fact, and it should be no surprise to the developer that this is a difficult piece of property to develop. Scalze agreed that commercial traffic should utilize Rice Street.