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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />MARCH 4, 1998 <br />Fahey su~gested that The Venetian Inn may not be relocated on Rice <br />Street frontage, but can likely be accommodated within the redevelopment <br />project. Pedersen asked if Tierney's expected to own its own building on <br />Rice Street within the redevelopment area. Pedersen asked if five blocks <br />north on Rice Street was acceptable. <br />Boss replied that five blocks north was not an option as far as Tierney's <br />was concerned. Boss pointed out that Tierney's has had to compete with <br />the big stores and has only been able to do this because of their location. <br />Boss indicated that the redevelopment is a challenge, and they are ready to <br />work with the City. Boss felt it were better off if the City oversees the <br />redevelopment project than a developer who just wants to make a profit. <br />Scalze indicated that the City does not have the money to do the <br />redevelopment project on its own. <br />Lendway felt if a developer looking for a sweetheart deal is involved, <br />someone will stand to lose a lot of money. Lendway felt that would be the <br />existin~ business owners. Lendway asked if the City expected the <br />business owners to give up their businesses. <br />Boss stated that if the majority of the Council had no interest in relocating <br />the existing businesses, then Tierney's would be in opposition. <br />Fahey pointed out that the City has the ability to say no to a <br />redevelopment project that would not relocate existin~ businesses. Fahey <br />stated that he is not convinced that existing businesses could not be <br />accommodated. If relocation is not included in the development <br />agreement, then perhaps the City needs to refocus its sites, scale down the <br />project, or approach it in a different manner. Fahey stated that he was not <br />afraid of taking on property owners who want too much money for their <br />property, but he was not saying that he did not care where the businesses <br />would go. <br />Fahey asked the Council theic position on relocation of existin~ <br />businesses. LaValle felt this issue was paramount. Morelan agreed, and <br />indicated that he was willing to work with the existing businesses that <br />wanted to stay in the City. Morelan indicated that while relocation within <br />the redevelopment area may not happen, he would be willing to make the <br />effort. Pedersen agreed with Morelan, indicated that the City would work <br />hard on relocation, but it may not happen in every case. Pedersen felt the <br />businesses must understand that the City will work hard, but cannot <br />guarantee anything. <br />13 <br />