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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/31/2003 EDAC Minutes 1 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES DATE: Thursday, July 31, 2003 MEMBERS PRESENT: D.Gorowsky, K. Hansmann, F. Chase, J. Schwartz, H. Juni, H. Karth, T. Vacha, J. Milbauer, MEMBERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: M. Divine, D. Carlson, C. Dahl, M. Grochala (part) GENERAL/MINUTES Minutes from June 5, 2003 were approved, with one correction. J. Schwartz was not present at that meeting. Mr. Juni expressed the committee’s sadness over the death of Roger Jensen. He provided a great service to the committee since its inception, and his expertise as director of the Anoka County Economic Development Partnership was a great asset to the community. Ms. Carlson mentioned that the city recognizes people for their contributions. EDAC could submit his name so the award could go to the family. Members directed staff to submit his name on their behalf. NORTH METRO HARNESS INITIATIVE Members of Southwest Casino and Hotel Corp. presented to EDAC their proposal for a harness racetrack and card club on the Rehbein site on 35E. They explained the state statute that allows one more location for racing and card room. They believe the northeast side of the metro is lagging in sports/entertainment facilities. They are also looking in Columbus Township. Ultimately, they would seek legislation for a casino, but they are committed to the racetrack project even without the casino. The season is 50 days/nights in the summer. There would be a 200-seat restaurant and card room open year round, and simul-cast broadcasting of other races around the country. The grandstand seats 1,400, and parking for 1,000-1,200. The cost is $10 million for construction. The entire cost would be $22-25 million. Attendance is about 7,000/week during the racing season. The project would generate about 300 new jobs and payroll of $7.9 million. About $9 million/year would be spent on goods and services in 2 the community. It is also likely to spawn additional uses, including agricultural types of activities. The site would have a 5/8 mile track. A casino would expand the project from 55,000 s.f. to over 100,000 s.f., which would increase jobs, etc. They made a proposal to the Legislature last year, and estimate the facility would generate $77 million to state annually; $4 million in property taxes and sales taxes/year. They propose 1% of the gross revenues ($2.8 million) would go half to the city, half to the county. They also designate funds toward gaming awareness and addiction. Twenty-one will be the gaming age. They don’t plan to acquire the entire Rehbein site. They also have an option on a site in Columbus. The facility can be done on approximately 100 acres. They would purchase approximately 120 acres in case they could build a casino in the future. The parking would expand to 5,000 with a casino. Ms. Carlson suggested Netlawn for parking. RV parking will be available. Races will run in the evenings on Thursday and Friday, with daytime events on the weekends. Ms. Dahl expressed concern for neighboring residents. Neighborhood meetings might be useful. Ms. Carlson has a positive feeling because it doesn’t harm the environment as much. She suggested they look at the Eagle Brook Church EAW. Her concerns are jobs , environment and utilities. Ms. Schwartz questioned the amount of acres used for the project on the interchange, and what kind of spin off development would occur, to ensure highest and best use. They have been talking to contractors about retail. Their timetable is 18 months to start on the racetrack. During discussion, Mr. Juni questioned what other opportunities on the site would be missed. Ms. Divine said the interest on the site has grown. The developer of the Ramsey Town Center is interested in doing something similar. The racetrack project is possibly in the $20 million range, this other project could be in the billion dollar range. Mr. Vacha stated he liked the racetrack project. Ms. Schwartz said the highest tax base potential should be considered. Mr. Karth noted other locations in Lino Lakes could also work, that a racetrack is a destination and shouldn’t have to be near a freeway. Mr. Milbauer stated the racino is the ultimate goal of this group. Timing is critical, because commercial development is quiet. Mr. Vacha stated other development besides the racetrack is likely to occur. Ms. Divine stated this group is asking for approval to continue pursuing the project, since some cities don’t want this type of facility. Mr. Chase stated he thinks entertainment is important in this area of the metro. If the numbers are right, it seems to be a reasonable price for open land. Mr. Milbauer stated it should be viable if the group is well capitalized. Mr. Juni said there are two issues, the use itself, and the use of the site. Mr. Milbauer moved that the city continue to work with them, that EDAC is not opposed to the project coming into the city. That leaves it open to the council to decide if the use if appropriate and where it should be. Mr. Vacha seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 3 Mr. Chase noted that developers prefer the west side of 35E because it is one large site with one owner, but on the east side, it’s smaller parcels with multiple owners. He stated a master plan is necessary to begin work with the landowners. Staff, councils and counties have been working towards an AUAR, a comprehensive look at the issues for development of the area. UPDATES Mr. Juni handed over the chair to Ms. Schwartz. Ms. Divine updated members on progress of several projects, including: 1. The Panattoni project for 265,000 sq. ft. of distribution space in the Marshan Lake Industrial Park on 35W has applied for approvals. 2. The Sportatorium on 35E, a domed facility for athletic uses has made application. The roads would be developer improved. 3. JADT Development is asking for approval for an additional 14,000 sq. ft. Ms. Carlson questioned the architectural design. Ms. Divine said it fit within the design standards. 4. Ryan Development is proposing 14,000 sq. ft. next to Kohl’s for multi-tenant. 5. Anoka County has removed 35W bridge reconstruction from its 5-year CIP plan. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 4. Meeting adjourned.