07/31/2003 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 the community. It is also likely to spawn additional uses, including agricultural types of activities. The site would have a 5/8 mile track. A casino would expand the project from 55,000 s.f. to over 100,000 s.f., which would increase jobs, etc. They made a proposal to the Legislature last year, and estimate the facility would generate $77 million to state annually; $4 million in property taxes and sales taxes/year. They propose 1% of the gross revenues ($2.8 million) would go half to the city, half to the county. They also designate funds toward gaming awareness and addiction. Twenty-one will be the gaming age. They don’t plan to acquire the entire Rehbein site. They also have an option on a site in Columbus. The facility can be done on approximately 100 acres. They would purchase approximately 120 acres in case they could build a casino in the future. The parking would expand to 5,000 with a casino. Ms. Carlson suggested Netlawn for parking. RV parking will be available. Races will run in the evenings on Thursday and Friday, with daytime events on the weekends. Ms. Dahl expressed concern for neighboring residents. Neighborhood meetings might be useful. Ms. Carlson has a positive feeling because it doesn’t harm the environment as much. She suggested they look at the Eagle Brook Church EAW. Her concerns are jobs , environment and utilities. Ms. Schwartz questioned the amount of acres used for the project on the interchange, and what kind of spin off development would occur, to ensure highest and best use. They have been talking to contractors about retail. Their timetable is 18 months to start on the racetrack. During discussion, Mr. Juni questioned what other opportunities on the site would be missed. Ms. Divine said the interest on the site has grown. The developer of the Ramsey Town Center is interested in doing something similar. The racetrack project is possibly in the $20 million range, this other project could be in the billion dollar range. Mr. Vacha stated he liked the racetrack project. Ms. Schwartz said the highest tax base potential should be considered. Mr. Karth noted other locations in Lino Lakes could also work, that a racetrack is a destination and shouldn’t have to be near a freeway. Mr. Milbauer stated the racino is the ultimate goal of this group. Timing is critical, because commercial development is quiet. Mr. Vacha stated other development besides the racetrack is likely to occur. Ms. Divine stated this group is asking for approval to continue pursuing the project, since some cities don’t want this type of facility. Mr. Chase stated he thinks entertainment is important in this area of the metro. If the numbers are right, it seems to be a reasonable price for open land. Mr. Milbauer stated it should be viable if the group is well capitalized. Mr. Juni said there are two issues, the use itself, and the use of the site. Mr. Milbauer moved that the city continue to work with them, that EDAC is not opposed to the project coming into the city. That leaves it open to the council to decide if the use if appropriate and where it should be. Mr. Vacha seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.