09/18/2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2002 • SPIRIT HILLS COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, MICHAEL GROCHALA • • Community Development Director Grochala stated this was discussed at the last work session. The Council had questions regarding the striping of another lane at Birch and Highway 49. The County has indicated they would not approve the striping of another lane at that intersection. Councilmember Carlson stated she would have a hard time putting commercial development on that site and backing traffic up even more than it already is. Community Development Director Grochala advised the traffic study indicated commercial development on that site will not make the traffic situation worse than it already is. There will be more congestion at peak hours. IHoted that he previously distributed a copy of Anoka County's comments and requirements for the roadway if development does occur. The Council has the option of turnig down all projects on that site until Hodgson Road is reconstructed. If the CouncilApp es to''approve the development the City will have to live with the traffic problems until reconstruction occurs. Councilmember Carlson asked if the County would allow the developer to put the turn lane in. Acting Mayor Reinert suggested the developers work together and discuss funding for the roadway and the development in the entire area. Councilmember Carlson expressed coneerntegarding two service stations in the area. She stated she does not want topiece meal the project. Councilmember Dahl stat he would also like to see the whole picture at once. It makes sense that the developers ould fund the roadway improvements if they want to develop the area. Community Development Director Grochala stated there are roadway issues and problems at the intersection. Dealing with several different property owners also causes issues. He advised the City has to take action on Spirit Hills on Monday unless the developer agrees to an extension. Chief Pecchia advised that making a bad intersection worse will impact public safety and more officers will be needed. Councilmember Carlson asked for a written statement from the Police Department regarding the public safety issue.