05-13-98 Council Workshop Minutes

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 13, 1998 Fahey reviewed the City Administrator's letter to Mr. Wise dated May 5°i. Fahey indicated that he is tired of the delays and stated that not only is the City frustrated, but the affected business owners are as well. Chris Moarn apologized for Mr. Wise not being present this evening. Moarn reported that the redevelopment plan has gone through seven chan~es thus far, which while it is frustrating is not unusual. Moarn suggested that the Council review the plan it has before it this evening and discuss what the City can do while he will provide what Cinemark can and cannot do. Moarn pointed out that the theater being proposed consists of 14 sa•eens, 2,715 seats, 50,420 square feet. At both the northwest and southwest corners ofRice Street and Little Canada Road a combination of office and retail buildings are being proposed. ~ach building is proposed to be three- story consisting of approximately 47,000 square feet. Moarn pointed out that shared plrking is bein~ proposed for these uses. Also proposed is a 5,500 square foot restaurant building and a 35,000 square foot two-story retail building. Fahey asked which properties are part of the redevelopment proposal as put together by Cinemark. The City Administrator indicated that the entire redevelopment area is included except for the property east of Middle Street would be assembled privately. Moarn reported that Cinemark would like to have the theater site, which is the property soutli of Little Canada Road, cleared before they break ground for the theater. Cinemark anticipates it can break ground 30 days after closing on the property. Moarn was unsure that there would be anytl~ing ready for existing businesses Yo move into within that time frame. The Administrator reported that he explained to Mr. Wise that relocation of existing businesses is a major concern of the City. These businesses must be able to continue to operate. Mr. Wise indicated to him that they would hope to open the theater in May of 1999, but most likely it could be November of 1999 or May of 2000. Wise had indicated that the site needs to be cleared immediately since they would be constructing the parking lot first. The Admiuistrator reported that he sug~ested Co Wise that the parking lot go in last so thlt the existing businesses can continue to operate until they can be relocated into new space. Wise had indicated that there may be some legal issues relative to the businesses continuing to