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MINiTTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />AUGUST 15, 1995 <br />City's tax base increased which will ultimately lower <br />property taxes over the long run. The gentleman stated <br />that he has not heard how this will happen other than <br />to be shown plans that will make the area look nicer. <br />The gentleman pointed out that there have been <br />development opportunities on Rice Street and Little <br />Canada Road which the City Council has denied. Certain <br />types of zoning that are natural for the area have been <br />eliminated. The gentleman felt that what is being <br />considered is to build a certain type of development <br />and expect businesses to show up. No interest from <br />potential tenants has been demonstrated. This should <br />be done prior to spending any government dollars. The <br />gentleman felt a vision was being presented rather than <br />the City facilitating the normal market process. He <br />stated that he was not opposed to the use of government <br />dollars for bonds, but when SA wants to develop in a <br />logical place and the City Council denies it, he has to <br />ask why. The gentleman stated that Rice Street is no <br />longer the roadway into this town, but rather the back <br />door or service entrance. The area around 35E is where <br />commercial development should occur. The gentleman <br />stated that the consultants may have an impossible <br />task. It appears the Council has a solution, and has <br />asked the consultants to implement that solution. He <br />felt that Rice Street will develop itself it the City <br />lets it. Nothing will change the fact that Rice Street <br />is no longer the north/south drag. <br />Fifield stated that he did not think the consultants <br />have an impossible task. Fifield stated that the <br />Council has stated that they would like to aspire to <br />more than just allowing the market to develop Rice <br />Street. The redevelopment plan is proposed to happen <br />over a period of time. The question is having visions <br />in place that reflects what the community would like to <br />see happen in the Rice Street/Little Canada Road area, <br />determining what the community can afford, and <br />developing a strateqy to get as close to the goal as we <br />can. The consultants have tried to make a <br />conscientious effort to understand the market forces at <br />work that have caused Rice Street and Little Canada <br />Road to be what it is and what it will be in the <br />future. <br />Mr. Guerin stated that everyone is concerned about <br />taxes. His family has a business that wants to <br />building a 4,000 square foot facility at Rice Street <br />and Little Canada Road with no financial assistance <br />from the City. However, the City has changed the <br />zoning to not allow gas station/convenience stores <br />10 <br />