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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />NLY 19, 1995 <br />Schroeder reminded those present that the development <br />concept that is decided upon will be used by the City <br />over the next 20 years. Redevelopment will not occur <br />overnight. Schroeder suggested there be a short recess <br />so those present can review the concepts and then offer <br />comments. The workshop was reconvened. <br />Morelan expressed concern that the concepts did not <br />provide for a public gathering space, such as a public <br />square with a fountain. There appear to be a lot of <br />streets shown on the plans. <br />Fahey commented that White Bear Lake has a public <br />square in their downtown area. He has heard that this <br />square has become a hang-out for juveniles which has <br />been a problem for the businesses in the area. Fahey <br />stated that he likes the aesthetics idea of the public <br />square, but would like to know experiences other <br />communities are having with these squares. <br />Schroeder pointed out that streets could be closed off <br />to create public space. <br />Scalze suggested that perhaps Concept B would be better <br />without the through street. <br />Lendway pointed out that the square idea keeps coming <br />up. Lendway indicated he is working in White Bear Lake <br />right now and was told that the square is used May <br />through September. However, the rest of the year it is <br />unattractive, unused and a high maintenance area. <br />Businesses which are geared toward the square have <br />difficulty surviving during the winter months. Lendway <br />asked if a square was practical. <br />Schroeder replied that the idea was not to draw people <br />to a business via the square. The square would be an <br />amenity to businesses along it, but not something the <br />business would rely on to draw customers from. <br />Gary Collyard stated that business was based on <br />patterns. To start a new business and set up patterns <br />is a major undertaking. <br />Schroeder stated that it would not be the retailer or <br />building owner undertaking the responsibility for <br />programming events in the square and for maintaining <br />the square. The City would have to be a partner in <br />this. <br />Lendway asked if Mary Bujold could find out if the <br />square concept works in other cities. <br />5 <br />