12-02-97 Council Special Minutes (2)

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 17, 1997 Fahey again stated that he was not in favor of paying a premium for any property that is part of the redevelopment area. Fahey felt the concept plan bein~ reviewed this evenin~ provides the City enough flexibility to acquire properties at a reasonable price. Scalze pointed out that in reviewing any ofthe redevelopment concepts, the City has indicated that these concepts are not cast in stone and may be adjusted as plans develop. Scalze felt the concept plan before the Council this evening was street-heavy, and indicated that she would not be opposed to the elimination of some of these streets. Pedersen pointed out that the loss of many of the streets would eliminate the downtown feeling to the area. The Administrator anticipated that the City would be meeting witb Cinemark either the first or second week in January. The Administrator reported that he informed Cinemark of the need to move forward so that construction could be~in by the summer. More(an asked how Schroeder's concept fits in with the Development Guide. The Administrator reported that Schroeder was asked to draw a layout that more closely resembled the Development Guide than what Moarn has presented. Fifield pointed out that it is difficult to compare this concept with the Development Guide concept since the Development Guide never envisioned a theater. Fifield felt the theater would be a great catalyst for the rest of the redevelopment area. However, theaters require a lot of parking. Morelan stated that he would like to see more buildings with ramps and less parking. The Administrator suggested that the Council not get too wrapped up in this concept, and wait and see what Cinemark will present. The Administrator pointed out that the concept would evolve many times before development begins. Fahey suggested that the Council schedule workshop meetings at 6:30 P.M. prior to every Council Meeting in order to aggressively pursue redevelopment. The Administrator reported that he has a meetin~ set up with CSM to discuss the possibility of redevelopment of the Guerin property at Rice Street and Little Canada Road should the theater option fail. Fahey su~gested that this redevelopment effort be pursued on a parallel track with that of Cinemark.