08-09-95 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 15, 1995 P.M. A member of the audience asked the cost of the redevelopment project. Fifield pointed out that the plans are still conceptual at this time. Once the redevelopment plan is in its final stage, a cost will be put to it. Morelan pointed out that none of the concepts involve a dramatic change to the Market Place Shopping Center. Morelan asked how that conclusion was reached. Fifield pointed out that the Market Place has been the subject of discussion over the past couple of years. The property is in the process of being acquired. Fifield reported that it is his understanding that the new owner will leave the building in relatively the same configuration it is today with some re-orientation of how it is used. Fifield suggested that the Market Place is viable if it is rehabilitated, if the appropriate uses are brought in and if it can be integrated with the concepts being proposed in the Rice Street Study. Part of the issue is also cost. To acquire the Market Place to raze it, and then make a new facility competitive would take financial resources away from other things that the City may want to accomplish in the redevelopment process. Edith Montgomery asked if there was additional senior housing proposed. Fifield replied that there was; pointing out its location. A business owner reported that her business is located in one of the buildings that would be replaced by senior housing. She asked who would pay relocation costs for her business. Fifield replied that if the relocation is part of a City-sponsored project, relocation costs would come from the City. Schroeder pointed out that this redevelopment will not happen tomorrow. The redevelopment concept is a long- term vision which may take 15 to 20 years to complete. Fifield felt it important to distinguish between the terms displace and relocate. There will be opportunity in the concept to move businesses around in the area. 8