03/01/2001 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

3 was planned, the district wanted light industrial land. The council took action that if there was a displacement of C/I land, land of equal value must replace it. Mr. Gorowsky recalled that the school superintendent attended an EDAC meeting and it was agreed the district would acquire land other than the light industrial. Mr. Juni questioned if it is too late to make a recommendation if the school board is ready to make the decision. and why the district hasn’t asked if a rezone was possible. Mr. Chase noted they can’t build without a rezone. Mr. Powell stated the PSP site on Birch Street had poor soils, and would cause additional traffic. Mr. Chase said the city needs to look at the economic impact of taking the property off the tax rolls. Mr. Gorowsky moved that EDAC encourage the city council to consider no net loss of commercial/industrial land in accordance with the city council’s policy adopted in 1995. Mr. Juni seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Bergeson noted that the school district was also courting the YMCA to build in conjunction with the new school. The council made it clear that the city partnership with the YMCA was contingent upon the Village site. Mr. Powell discussed the Hodgson Road project as a backdrop for what is happening in the Town Center. Anoka County has a design to reconstruct it from Lake Drive to County Road J. It is currently posted at 50 mph, which restricts county’s design flexibility. The city council has requested the speed be dropped to 45 mph, which will open up options for the design. If the county cannot design a satisfactory road on Hodgson, it will reevaluate the entire project that extends to the interchange. They have already said the $13 million in funding will move to Coon Rapids, and the Lake Drive interchange would lose funding. RESIDENTIAL HOUSING LIMIT/TOWN CENTER DEVELOPMENT Mr. Wessel reminded ECAC of their recommendations regarding housing in the Town Center. Developers are expressing concerns about a cap on housing, especially with a 90- unit project in the Village. Housing in the town center is critical to the economic development initiative. Mr. Bergeson said the council had discussion of a dual track on housing units, realizing whatever goes in the Town Center will have to be built all at once. Nothing is formalized. Council will take into consideration EDAC’s recommendation. The overall goal for 20 years has not changed. Mr. Chase said he believes the Comprehensive Plan committee intended that the limit was a long term average, and it would be unfair to other developers to close the door. But the overall limit can be strived for over the duration of the 20 years. The market will dictate the timing. Mr. Wessel said it is necessary that staff knows that it can actually build what they are negotiating with the developers. Mr. Juni said he wants to hear feedback from the council. EDAC’s position is set, but they don’t know what the council’s position is. Mr. Bergeson said the recent actions can go to the council for feedback. Ms. Divine reminded the committee that the Town Center housing recommendations were a part of the 5-year plan and presented to the council.