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Economic Development Advisory Committee January 8, 2026 Page 2 Mr. Bennett worries that we would be wasting the acreage on industrial. Mr. Grochala clarified that industrial buildings pay higher taxes. Ms. Guthmueller stated that this area most likely wouldn’t be used for offices since more businesses are opting not to go into the office anymore. Ms. Guthmueller also had questions about whether data centers have been inquiring about the area. Mr. Grochala stated that the area in question has been considered a technological corridor but lacks the water and power to allow that intended use. Mr. Wagner had questions about the environmental impacts of data centers and why certain cities are against them coming in. Mr. Grochala stated that the biggest impact would be water use. Mr. LaCroix mentioned keeping in mind industries that will be outdated in the future and whether this is something that is being considered. Mr. Kohler likes the Brooklyn Park layout and thinks we should pursue a P.U.D. Mr. LaCroix has concerns about aesthetics no matter where it’s built. Mr. Vojtech stated that we should update the City Code to ensure that the screening is more aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Bennett mentioned setbacks and wondered if within the P.U.D. there was a way to increase the setbacks. Ms. Guthmueller had questions about whether there have been any serious inquiries about the area. Ms. Guthmueller would like to see there be accommodations made to entice industrial to the area to benefit the residential taxpayers in the city. The committee was generally in favor of allowing more use for industrial areas with some parameters. B.Project Updates Mr. Grochala provided project updates to the committee. 4.ADJOURNMENT Mr. Cravero made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 a.m. Motion was supported by Mr. Kohler. Motion was carried 7 – 0. DRAFT MINUTES