02-15-95 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 15, 1995 the area from beyond where it normally would come from. The Planner felt that the mix of use presented by Collyard was pretty good. However, it appears the bank is getting closer and closer to the intersection. The Planner felt the Rice Street/Little Canada Road intersection should be wide and open so that people can see what is there and a town square area can be developed. The Planner feared that as time goes on, the development is getting further away from that idea. Collyard felt he was in constant exchange with the City. Collyard agreed there needed to be a City meeting ground with a shelter, park benches, etc. Collyard felt once all the components are in place the process will be accelerated and the components will be fit together. Fifield stated that there was nothing to keep the Council, Planning Commission, and staff from answering these questions parallel to the work that Collyard is doing. Fifield felt that the vision for the area should not stop at the boundaries for this site, and that the ramifications of the development on the rest of the community should be considered. Collyard felt that was being considered, pointing out sites on County Drive, Little Canada Road, and the Grumpy's property are also being considered. Scalze asked about the McNamara property and the possibility of that site for senior cottages. Fahey pointed out that that was considered as a site for a senior building a few years ago, and the neighborhood was opposed. Pedersen asked the Planner what he envisioned for public space. The Planner replied that his view would be a town square or large plaza area. A place the community could use in addition to pedestrian linkage internally. The Planner pointed out that White Bear Lake has some successful town square areas. Fifield pointed out Edina's Centenniel Lakes area. The Planner felt Little Canada has more of an urban 14