01/06/2011 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 The issue has become more of a problem in today’s economy, if a business closes, it is likely the use will change, which means they have to do sprinklers, so the buildings may sit. The inventory shows that if the city changes the codes in any way, you are affecting every one of these buildings potentially, which could impact the entire corridor. Ms. Divine noted that the question from council is “is there something that can be done to continue using empty buildings?” Ms. Schwartz asked what would be the economic benefit to even allow a nonconforming use in one of these buildings. Ms. Divine said that currently the annual city taxes on all the properties in the inventory is $64,000. Those that are at highest risk to be closed total approximately $24,000 annually in city taxes. Ms. Schwartz said even if the city is successful in changing something to the zoning allow these buildings to limp along, how is it better to let these buildings continue to exist for an extended period of time, when the economic benefits are so much less than long term redevelopment? The inventory shows that Lake Drive north of Main Street is the largest area where utilities are a long distance from businesses. Discussion regarding the potential for putting in a tank for fire suppression. The problem is that people looking at the older buildings without utilities aren’t willing to spend what it would cost for a well and tank. Ms. Keller noted that the city should look at funds available to assist with redevelopment. Ms. Schwartz asked about the county’s neighborhood stabilization program. Lino Lakes does not qualify. Mr. Stranik said the options are let the marketplace act without city assistance; look at what sources the city has to assist with new development; and ask the planning & zoning board to keep in mind any changes that could provide more flexibility in allowing reuse of some buildings when the board looks at zoning amendments to implement the new draft comp plan. If p&z proposes changes to commercial/industrial zoning ordinances, those would come back to EDAC for review. Ms. Keller moves to pursue Action 2 and Action 3. Ms. Schwartz seconded. Motion passed unanimously. IMEDC Ms. Divine updated EDAC that no actual concept plans have been submitted. Mr. Farnum is still looking for a city council who is interested in pursuing this. The council asked for a noise study, and IMEDC does not want to do one until the council shows some support. The city council requested at the last work session to have something to look at their next work session to decide whether they would want to make any kind of statement of support for the concept of a race track. Ms. Keller noted IMEDC said the NASCAR management was willing to talk if the track were built. Members talked about whether there were enough events to make this profitable.