12-02-97 Council Special Minutes (2)

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 1997 The City Administrator state this was possible and pointed out that the schematic contemplates that the City would acquire the entire block of properties on which the bowling alley is located. The Administrator reviewed the parking concept, pointing out that the schematic proposes 1,350 parking spaces, 165 of which are located on the DeLonais property, and 183 of which are on-street parking along Middle Street. Cinemark has suggested that 1,323 spaces would be necessary at peak demand. The Administrator also pointed out that additional parking could be obtained through cross-easements with The Market Place Shopping Center and/or the Vitale shopping centers located along Little Canada Road. Bob Grootwassink, Market Place, presented a diagram showing a proposal to redevelop the Klein, Anderson, and car wash properties along Rice Street south of Gas-N-Go, with a new bingo hall. The new hall would have state-of-the-art air handling systems and could be the nicest bingo hall in the State. The site plan shows 125 parking spaces contemplating a 2-to-1 ratio for customers and parking spaces. Ifthis development occurs, Grootwassink pointed out that this would free up additional parking on The Market Place Shopping Center site. Grootwassink anticipated the cost ofthe building would be between $70 and $80 per square foot. The Council has some discussion regarding adequacy of parkin~, and Pedersen pointed out that on-site parking must be adequate since there would be no over-flow area for vehicles in excess of what the parking lot would hold. Grootwassink pointed out that there is some swampland located to the south of this site, and it may be possible to obtain some additional land for parking from the south. The Council asked if Grootwassink felt the existing bingo hall site could be leased out. Grootwassink anticipated that a destination-type business such as a tile shop or auto parts store would be interested in leasing the space. Fahey asked if Cinemark felt it was essential to the theater development that Little Canada Road is closed east of Rice Street and a T-shaped layout for the street is designed. The Administrator replied that Cinemark did not indicate that this was an essential element for the theater project. Fahey suggested that the theater mi~ht want more exposure to Little Canada Road. The Administrator reported he has been informed the theater wants the parkin~ in front and only one entrance for the theater.