05/27/1997 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 27, 1997 where many neighbors would prefer abutting to light industrial contrasting to commercial. He explained a light industrial development can be a quality development with regard to landscaping and lighting, and it usually operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and not on weekends. He noted this type of project can be very attractive and not a deterrent but a positive "billboard" for the community. Another real issue with industry is the amount of traffic which will be generated since industrial property will have less than commercial and will not demand as much in terms of policing. He noted industry can also help to grow the City's tax base so it does not solely depend on residential activity. However, commercial development will not occur before the residential numbers are present. Mr. Licht reviewed the gross acreage within Lino Lakes which is zoned for commercial and stated this is a substantial amount of land and will yield almost five million square feet of commercial building. He stated the need is not present today based on the abundance of commercial land that is already present and undeveloped. He advised the major negative comment about industrial development from the District meetings is to not allow traffic into the potential residential neighborhood. Council Member Bergeson asked if other communities have more than two industrial zonings (light and heavy). Mr. Licht stated it is not unusual to have five to six industrial categories and explained how they differ. Mr. Wessel reviewed the negotiation with Glen Rehbein and option to include a campus type of development with limited access suited to small companies of less intensity than if used for commercial. He commented on the need for balance on the west side of Lino Lakes and noted the prime area for commercial uses. Mr. Wessel explained the east side and west side of Lino Lakes are very different and need to be self contained within their own planning district. Mayor Landers stated his understanding that a city of Lino Lakes size should be 10% commercial and inquired regarding the impact if land is taken from commercial and placed into a different zone. Mr. Wessel noted general planning guidelines indicate that a community of our size should have 10% of zoned land use for commercial and industrial combined and Lino Lakes currently has only one-half of that so there may be a concern about availability. He noted Mr. Licht has indicated there is an abundance of undeveloped commercial land. But, in the broad spectrum, the City does not have an abundance of commercially zoned land in terms of the general plan guidelines. Mr. Licht concurred and stated given the choice of development activity to pursue, there is more of a trend to go after industrial. He noted that if industry comes in and does not make it, it is only one industry in the whole perspective. But with commercial, the market area tends to change over time and when the trade area changes it causes problems. However, this does not occur with industry as long as the City has the ability to provide an employee base. PAGk O •