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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 3, 1987 PAGE 2 Erickson Diversified Corporation Gregory Erickson, Erickson Diversified Corporation, presented their PUD Concept Plan for an Interstate Freeway Service Center at County Road 15 and I-94. The project will include: 120 room motel, 2 story building with 3rd story in front 200+ seat restaurant 3,000-4,000 sq.ft. attached convenience store travel store to serve the travelling public extensive parking for trucks (separated from restaurant parking) Fast Food Restaurant Gas/Diesel Station Phase I will be a 12 million dollar project and will generate 300 new jobs; 150-175 part time and 75-100 jobs available for students which could be tied in with the work study program. There will be an on -site sanitary treatment plant large enough that there is the possibility of hooking up with the septic system at Oakland Jr. High School and save 201 Project money. This project is within the intent of the highway overlay distict. Mr. Erickson resented the rumors about prostitution and drug dealing in relation to the project. Development Attorney Larry Berg explained in his review of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan and 1986 amendment to that plan, a number of planning policies and goals that he found (23 hooks) that a man could hang his hat on and off so each hook is covered. This project will have no cost to the City because it is entirely self-contained. Upon completion of the 1st phase, there will be a tax gain of $511,000 and of that $65,000 will go directly to the City, $267,000 will go to the school district and more will flow over into the county at no cost to the City. There is no need for extension of any muncipal services for this project. The site is ideal with perfect soils, will have an on -site septic facility and have a positive effect on I-94. It will act as a buffer with very extensive earthen berms and landscaping. It will have no adverse affect on the Oakland Jr. High School because it will be generating an additional 30 cars or less to the North. Given the amount of acreage they have and the very limited nature of their first phase, Berg felt they are a very low density development. They satisfy the standards of protecting wetlands, lakes, etc. This project will not compete with businesses in downtown Lake Elmo. It will preserve the rural character. There will be no billboards, will eliminate the light and noise pollution from the freeway and have a rural flavor. Even though there is sufficient land in the city center, you cannot have a freeway service center within the old village and this is the appropriate interchange which has the least negative impact. John Bannigan, attorney representing the feeowners of the property in question, asked the City Council to give serious consideration of this proposal because it is the best possible proposal for the use of this site. It is consistent with the City's guidelines