02/05/2009 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Divine gave the new members a brief history. In 2007 a Master Plan was completed for the area, which has been approved and adopted as part of the Comp Plan. The plan lays out accesses, utilities, etc. for the whole area. A traffic study showed how much traffic the intersection could handle even after improvements. The heavier uses were shown on the east side because of neighborhood opposition to the west side. The council has seen a plan for the west side and the project does not have super majority support. Mr. Rausch noted that the grocer could move to another site, and this opportunity would end. Mr. Alexander stated this would be a 60,000 sq. ft. store, which isn’t as large as their biggest stores. Mr. Rausch stated that almost no commercial is occurring, so it’s rare in the market that this grocer is interested. Mr. Roeser asked if any large grocers have failed. Mr. Alexander said the only one he knew of was Kowalski’s in Lakeville that closed, but it was a bad site with a lot of competition. Kraus Anderson would own this store and lease it to the grocer for 20 years. Some of the site would be sold off. Mr. Corson said through his experience the council could be worked with if the neighborhood could be supportive. Ms. Keller said if Kraus Anderson could bring in people who objected to projects but were supportive after it was built, it would help. Mr. Roeser stated that the grocer at Centerville and Hwy. 96 was controversial but now works well. Mr. Alexander stated that the problem he has are plans that show buildings drawn on them before there is a user. Councils begin to think project footprints must match the plan. Plans should stay focused on access points, traffic circulation, etc. He thinks the first step is a neighborhood meeting. Mr. Alexander noted that the cost of the three southern parcels currently make this project economically unfeasible, and is another obstacle to overcome. Mr. Roeser stated that this project makes sense and would provide improvements to deal with traffic. The corner is an eyesore and this is an opportunity. Ms. Divine said staff could notify the council that Kraus Anderson intends to have a neighborhood meeting. Mr. Alexander stated that public incentive would be needed since this project needed public improvements and redevelopment. Mr. Rausch stated that this is a time in the economy when a good project should be encouraged. Mr. Roeser asked if EDAC agrees that there are good reasons to support this—they are working with the neighbors, cleaning up the entrance to the city, providing tax base and jobs—then perhaps we could get the council to take another look at it. Ms. Keller noted that EDAC was very supportive of the Master Plan, and cleaning up 49/J is a part of EDAC’s action plan. Ms. Divine will make a list of the bullet points and send it out to EDAC. Ms. Keller added that if Kraus Anderson comes to a work session, EDAC members could come to show support. Meeting adjourned. 2