03-23-1994 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MARCH 10, 1994 will be attracted to the SuperAmerica store both day and night, and Voss was concerned that the wrong type of people would be hanging out at SuperAmerica. Voss reported that he contacted a realtor who indicated that a SuperAmerica development would cause surrounding property values to go down. Voss felt the height difference between the two buildings would cause his building to depreciate in value even further. Voss was concerned that tenants would be lost, causing a decline in revenues, and an even greater decline in property values. Voss pointed out the employment that is provided at his buildings as well as the tax base to the community. Voss agreed with Crary's comments about pollution concerns raised by the SuperAmerica proposal. Whatever happens on site at SuperAmerica will flow down Country Drive and into the St. Paul Water Department property. Voss asked if the City considers what kind of businesses it needs in the community, and did not believe that another service station was needed. Knudsen asked if Voss had lost tenants because of traffic. Voss replied that both prospective and existing tenants had been lost because of traffic and access issues. Voss felt that a restaurant was needed for the area. Keis asked how a 24 -hour restaurant operation would be different than a 24 -hour gas station /convenience store. Voss replied that customers stay longer at a restaurant and the traffic in and out of the SuperAmerica site would be in and out in 2 to 4 minutes. Traffic to the SuperAmerica site would be heavier in volume. Voss also felt that a restaurant would employ more people. A resident of Fluer Royal reported that the homeowners at this site have a very difficult time getting in and out, especially if a left turn is necessary. This resident felt that property values would decrease as a result of SuperAmerica, and condos would be difficult to sell. 9