05/10/2012 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

2 DISCUSSION OF ULI WORKSHOP “NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL” Members stated they thought it was a worthwhile workshop. EDAC’s task is to see if there is consensus about what they heard at the workshop, do members accept the assertions the panel made, and what can EDAC do based on the information. Ms. Divine asked, if these demographics are true, are they true for Lino Lakes. Ms. Schwartz said no, Lino Lakes residents want big lots, space and don’t mind driving. These statistics are for the inner rings. Mr. Kassner said other cities will surpass Lino Lakes. There will be a point where the city will lose business. Ms. Schwartz said Lino Lakes will fare better because of its past anti-growth stance, so it doesn’t have as many of the large, expensive homes. Doing nothing is an option. Mr. Stranik said the demographics don’t all apply to Lino Lakes. Mr. Salzman agreed, but said that Lino Lakes can be costly to business developers because of the length of time it takes to get approved or rejected. “a fast no is better than a long maybe” was a key take-away from the night. Ms. Divine said the Comp Plan has been adopted, it needs to be recognized the city has places where higher density is allowed, so why is the argument still there. Mr. Grochala said changing demographics doesn’t mean a wholesale change in the city. Are we providing opportunities to capture some of that market? The city is still planned for predominately single family residential, with some flexibility for higher density in certain hubs. The issue is coming to grips with the kind of high density in those places. Ms. Schwartz asked if the “new normal” want to land in Lino Lakes. Mr. Stranik thinks higher density/rental is okay, and will help build retail base. Is the message to the council that it’s different today, and people want to stay in apartments longer? Apartments generate more taxes per acre, and it’s questionable if they use more services. Ms. Divine noted that school districts are losing enrollment, and higher density can generate more children. If the infrastructure is in place, it hurts school districts to lose students. Mr. Stranik summarized members saying to be open to more high density/rental/townhomes, be flexible and more empathetic to developers, and don’t be afraid of interim development, and have some flexibility in land use. Interim could be 15 years, but if it’s something that provides tax base until quality development come. Ms. Schwartz doesn’t agree with interim zoning, those areas tend to be discounted in market value, since expansion isn’t allowed. New development is less likely to move to these areas. Mr. Combs agrees it complicates future better development. Mr. Grochala said if a property is served by utilities, the assessments would have to be paid. He agrees there really aren’t “interim” uses; they can stay for many years. Interim could be permanent uses that can be easily redeveloped, but they are TIF Districts waiting to happen. Unless the market value skyrockets, it’s expensive to redevelop. Property values will not go up like they used to. Mr. Grochala said a large issue with demographics is fewer people to buy the single family homes, and people don’t have the equity they once had. How does the city attract this shrinking market? How do we put more customers in the market for housing and retail? Ms. Schwartz said small start-up business used to depend on home equity as well. There is also little spec building anymore, so you have to attract the tenants, not just the developers. Ms. Schwartz said medical office is moving into strip centers, and the rent rates are lower than professional buildings. Mr. Kassner noted that big boxes are shrinking, and other companies are actually renting out space within the big box stores.