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Economic Development Advisory Committee <br />January 6, 2022 <br />Page 2 <br /> <br /> <br />DRAFT MINUTES <br />Mr. Grochala explained there is ten acres of commercial land available north of 35W <br />near Casey’s gas station. He also stated the land between Apollo Dr. and 77th Street is <br />guided commercial. <br /> <br />Mr. Vojtech asked Mr. Grochala what he thought would be the best plan for the vacant <br />acreage near City Hall. <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala explained the original plan was to create a town center with higher <br />density residential and commercial similar to Maple Grove’s Main Street. He said it <br />may be in the City’s best interest to retain the vacant land for a few years. <br /> <br />Mr. Vojtech asked if there is a plan for the empty Fairview Medical Clinic. <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala said Fairview is trying to either lease or sell the building. He stated the <br />building will likely continue to be used for medical purposes because the building is set <br />up to accommodate such use. <br /> <br />Mr. Kohler questioned, once the Rookery is open to the public, if there will be enough <br />parking space. <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala said the City owns two acres of empty land in front of the rec center and <br />parking lot expansion will be considered. Regarding the remaining 7 acres, he said the <br />City ultimately wants to construct something that will complement the Rookery and <br />give residents a reason to come to this location. <br /> <br />Regarding the Business Retention and Expansion Program, Mr. Grochala said he would <br />like to begin identifying businesses to visit and then establish a schedule to visit two <br />businesses per month. <br /> <br />Concerning the Workforce Development Plan, Mr. Grochala stated he would like to <br />invite a representative from Anoka County CareerForce to present to the committee and <br />detail what services they can provide to businesses in the City and what they are <br />currently doing. He said there are a number of programs available for businesses to <br />utilize. <br />Regarding potential redevelopment areas and strategic acquisitions, Mr. Grochala said <br />the first step would be to identify areas for redevelopment and infrastructure expansion. <br />Then, the second step would be to develop a strategy for land acquisition and determine <br />the funding source. <br />Mr. Kohler recommended the commission determine the funding source before <br />identifying redevelopment areas.