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Mounds View Planning Commission March 19, 1997 <br /> Agenda Meeting Page 8 <br /> Sandy Simmons, 5041 Edgewood Drive, asked if the schools had been <br /> contacted regarding the project since there are two schools in close proximity to <br /> the project . Director Sheldon indicated that they have not contacted the schools <br /> but would be happy to do so. Ms. Simmons felt that this proposal may provide jobs <br /> for teenagers, although they may be working until 1:00 a.m., and she is concerned <br /> with the kids skipping school to visit the theater. Overall, she indicated that she is <br /> not happy with the project and thinks they have enough traffic already. <br /> Julie Olsen, 2663 Lake Court Circle, wanted to verify that the information <br /> contained in the traffic study was derived using only the one access point. She <br /> wondered if there was any information derived involving the projected increased <br /> traffic to Mounds View Drive. Ms. Sheldon indicated there was no specific analysis <br /> done at the Mounds View Drive/Long Lake Road intersection. Ms. Heuer briefly <br /> explained that traffic study and how it impacts the area in question. It was added <br /> that there would be no benefit to take Mounds View Drive instead of continuing on <br /> Highway 10 to gain access to the theater. Ms. Olsen also inquired about the <br /> possibility of a smaller theater with fewer screens and wondered how the <br /> demographics differed from the demographics in other areas, specifically Highway <br /> 10 and Foley Blvd. Mr. Wendell Smith restated that Carmike is the number one • <br /> builder of movie screens in the country and it comes down to their expertise and <br /> their experience in the movie business. Ms. Olsen wondered if Springbrook would <br /> be closed if the Mounds View theater was added. Mr. Smith indicated that <br /> Springbrook is a discount theater serving a different market. Therefore, it plans to <br /> remain open. She also inquired as to why Carmike is also developing office <br /> buildings and again wanted to know if they would be constructed simultaneously <br /> with the theater. Mr. Smith explained the plan shows full development and they are <br /> looking at maximizing the use of the project and explained that office buildings use <br /> parking at different times than the theaters, and therefore, joint parking could be <br /> used. Mr. Smith added that once they get a percentage of an office building pre- <br /> leased, they would get the needed financing, and then proceed with construction <br /> and at the same time, would be marketing the second building. He added that the <br /> market generates the construction. Ms. Olsen brought up the Highway 10, Area 9 <br /> Study and that the marketing study done by Towle Real Estate states that placing a <br /> movie theater in this area was not feasible. Director Sheldon indicated that it was <br /> her understanding that the Towle Report was specifically looking at the parcel sizes <br /> in Area 9 which are not as big the O'Neil property and that the size of the parcels <br /> would not allow a theater development. She added that she can confirm this <br /> information. She also noted that the study indicated that there is a lack of cultural <br /> and entertainment uses in this part of the corridor. Ms. Olsen wanted to know if tax <br /> increment financing will be used. Director Sheldon indicated that the developer has <br /> not requested tax increment financing for this project. Ms. Olsen inquired about the <br />