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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/05/2002 EDAC Minutes 1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, December 5, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Juni, T. Vacha, K. Hansmann, D.Gorowsky, J. Milbauer MEMBERS ABSENT: B. Hicks, D. Gorowsky, F. Chase, J. Schwartz OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, D. Carlson GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes of September 5, 2002 were approved. Ms. Divine asked that Lake Business Park be added to the agenda and Tax Reform Primer be removed. 2003 APPOINTMENTS Ms. Divine stated that three members were up for appointment. Mr. Jensen is reapplying, Mr. Hicks is not. Ms. Divine will check with Ms. Schwartz to see if she is reapplying. 2003 MEETING SCHEDULE Ms. Divine questioned if members had an interest in changing to quarterly meetings. Issues will be arising that need EDAC input, but extra meetings can be easily scheduled. Mr. Juni said meeting infrequently can be a problem. Members agreed that every other month was appropriate, and would discuss it further when more members were present. Ms. Carlson thought a January meeting might be necessary to get EDAC input on the zoning ordinances. UPDATES Zoning Ordinance Update: Ms. Divine talked about the major changes proposed in the Commercial/Industrial zoning ordinances. The most significant changes include eliminating the Central Business District and Shopping Center zoning categories. More detailed architectural standards were added only for gas stations/convenience stores. She has requested the task force revisit that to include stronger standards for all commercial/industrial uses. A clause in the current Light Industrial ordinance that allows commercial uses will be removed. Retail/commercial will only be allowed in the business parks as an accessory to 2 the principal use, so office/showrooms will be allowed. Members questioned why the city wouldn't want retail uses. Mr. Vacha stated the business park has industrial type parking lots with semi traffic and warehouse loading, it's not set up for retail. Ms. Divine stated language for uses such as trucking terminals, motor freight terminals and outside storage is being clarified. Spirit Hills Commercial: Ms. Divine stated the city council approved the 30,000 sq. ft commercial center on Hodgson Road and Birch Street. To get the project approved the developer agreed to pay up to half of the cost of a stoplight. Cost sharing agreements between the city, county and a developer planning to build on the south side of Birch Street have not been made. Ms. Carlson said the maximum cost to the city would be $75,000. MarketPlace: Ms. Divine stated JADT Development is putting in a 14,000 sq. ft. strip center that will include a Caribou Coffee, a Subway and liquor store. The leasing agents for JADT and Ryan have stated the demographics, the economy and the Blaine shopping center have created a poor market for commercial development. Members discussed the potential for having two liquor stores in the MarketPlace, and whether market forces should control the number or whether the city should regulate the locations. 35E DEVELOPMENT Ms. Divine stated Anoka County has publicly stated it would like to attract a sports stadium. Columbus Township has stated it has land available at the 35E/35W confluence. Anoka County is planning to establish a task force to study the issue. Lino Lakes has at least one site that has been discussed as a potential stadium site on 35E. Mr. Jensen said this is a serious possibility and the Vikings have an interest. It could be just a ploy to get what they want in Minneapolis. This could be very good publicity for Anoka County, and people will start to realize what a good location this is. The county is working to get a coordinated voice. Ms. Divine stated it is important that the cities with potential sites should be represented on the task force. Mr. Jensen said the message is that the county is receptive to exploring it, and is willing to participate. The county is getting more involved in economic development. Mr. Juni noted the city has a new county commissioner. Ms. Divine stated the city is attempting to meet and establish a relationship with her. Ms. Divine informed the board that a development team of CSM and D.R. Horton presented a concept plan to the city council for land currently under option by Rehbein Companies. The concept is for large, mixed use commercial, business park and housing. All the uses are allowable under the comprehensive plan. CSM does major retail such as Westridge Market in Minnetonka, that include major anchors, hotels, etc. They did not ask for specific direction, but got a nod from the council that it would be willing to 3 consider possible development. A large-scale plan is necessary and funding sources are being explored. Mr. Jensen stated the county may be willing to participate in planning or acquisition of special sites like this, and general discussions with decision makers would be timely. LAKES BUSINESS PARK Ms. Divine stated a major distribution facility is interested in the 60 acres zoned light industrial. Staff has met with representatives and have asked them to consider a site plan that addressed transportation issues on Lake Drive and architectural design that would be harmonious with the elementary and middle school. This is a very visible site and improvements to Lake Drive would be necessary. Potentially, a frontage road could be built that would go behind Oasis Market that could serve the site. Mr. Milbauer stated it would be nice to see something happen there, and retail big box is unlikely for a long time. The use seems appropriate if they put up a nice looking building. Meeting adjourned.