12-19-01 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MIN UTCS CITY COUNCII. DGCEMBGR 19, 2001 Center more viable. Grootwassink indicated that Snyders will not do the deal unless the structure is as he has proposed. Fahey stated that he was not going to be pressured into accept this strip mall design because there is a tenant driving the design. Fahey pointed out that the City is poised to begin redeveloping the Rice Street/Little Canada Road area, at~d felt it important to conform to the Redevelopment Guide. 1~ahey asked what about this proposal conforms to that guide. Johnson stated that nothing conforms perfectly. He noted that the City is considering moving Market Place Drive to line up with C-2 in Roseville to bring a more urban feel to the area. Johnson felt that what the City wants to do through this effort and the Redevelopment Guide is a nice idea, but indicated that we cannot get there ti'om where we presently are. Johnson again stated the need to create a critical mass in this area to bring vitality to it. Scalze pointed out that the City fists been very pro-active in its planning for the redevelopment of this area. She felt that great things are about to happen, but pointed out that she does not want to start with a strip mall development. Paul Knowlan, R. J. Marco, asked for an example of what the City is looking for that currently exists in the City. The City Planner reported that what the City is looking for does not currently exist, and the development of the lleLonais property would be the first step in that redevelopment effort The Planner pointed out that the concern is the first project proposed is totally in variance to the Redevelopment Guide and is based solely on what the tenant wants. Knowlan reported that they have looked at several scenarios. Ile indicated that the area does not have the demographics that support the type of business that will go in the development the City is looking fot'. Knowlan indicated that what Grootwassink is eying to do is develop a project that will achieve some of what the City wants. Scalze pointed out that there is a lot of traffic on Rice Street. She felt that a destination type of business would be successful on Rice Street. Johnson stated that they have to get people out of their cars, and a subw'ban strip mall works well because people can park and walk right into a store. Scalze pointed out that the City Planner's concept does not take this away, but merely directs it inward. Johnson pointed out that the building fronts are focused to an internal parking lot and away from Rice Street. He again pointed out that there is no traftc on Market Place Drive. G