05/04/2006 EDAC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 square miles dedicated to commercial use. Bruce Houle, who owns land in Lino and Columbus, suggested joint marketing with Lino Lakes to market from Cty Rd. 14 to 97.His interest is in the 80th Street interchange.Prior to awarding contract for a brochure, they would like to see if Lino Lakes was interested in targeting joint projects, such as a new intersection at 80th Street. Mr. Miller stated that their Economic Development Committee now has the opportunity to market because of available utilities. They have hired a consultant to put a marketing plan and to create a brochure and a website. They have agreed to participate with Anoka County Partners. Ms. Divine gave a summary of activity on 35E in Lino Lakes, including the AUAR, focus on the proposed Hardwood Creek Development, and funding for the 35E interchange. Mr. Miller stated his company owned the 20-acre Bernier property in Lino Lakes. They had been approached by SuperTarget and other users. Outside storage is allowed in Lino Lakes, but extremely restricted. Columbus allows outside storage in light industrial, with an advantage that is less visible from the freeway. Ms. Divine stated the community will be starting visioning this summer, which will move into the Comp Plan revisions. The AUAR is a significant step ahead in planning the 35E corridor. Mr. Miller said the Columbus freeway district has retail around 97/23, office showroom further south visible from the freeway. Away from the freeway on the frontage road is light industrial. The zoning code is pretty open for outside storage.The township’s vision is compatible with the current zoning. Ms. Mursko discussed other area road improvement plans for Columbus,on Zurich and 147th to be built this year, and future rerouting of 21.The interchange is in the 10-year plan. Columbus is not seeing a lot of retail interest, mostly office/showroom. They have one family that owns 3 out of 4 corners of the commercial. As Forest Lake continues to develop, retail should grow. The marketing brochure will be done with Marketing Source USA. They did the city of Cambridge materials. A proposal has been received, a contract is not signed.The goal is to get interested users and then put them in touch with landowners and provide demographics etc. The cost is $4500 a plan and a full-color brochure and $4500 for the website. Columbus’ annual budget is $10,000 for marketing. The goal is to complete it this year. The first target group is brokerage community. They also have a donated billboard to advertise the website. Ms. Fry also noted that there is a second joint corridor on Cty. Rd. 23, and Columbus would be interested in staying in touch with Lino Lakes regarding its development plans. Ms. Mursko said they are open to occasional joint meetings. Ms. Divine stated EDAC would discuss the proposal. It would likely require Council approval to jointly market with Columbus. EDAC discussion concluded that it may be in the township’s best interest to move ahead, although it seems likely they will wait until the incorporation is complete.EDAC concluded that