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Mounds View Planning Commission June 7, 2000 <br />Regular Meeting Page 8 <br /> <br /> <br />Mr. Cunningham stated that they were not looking to detract from the campus of the City Hall, <br />Community Center and the Theater. With regard to the comment pertaining to this area being <br />something of downtown Mounds View, this has been discussed at the Planning Commission, and <br />they had agreed, which was one of the reasons they were proposing that the architecture of the <br />Walgreens be consistent with that of the Community Center. He pointed out that they also <br />believe Walgreens, being primarily known as a drugstore, although it is much more, is an <br />important addition to what might be considered a downtown Mounds View. He stated that the <br />Culver’s Restaurant was a mid-priced restaurant that caters to both adults and children, and they <br />feel this would also be a very important and attractive addition to a downtown Mounds View. <br /> <br />Mr. Cunningham stated that they are very excited and proud of the plan they have brought <br />forward to the Planning Commission. He indicated they are being sensitive to the wetlands, and <br />sensitive to the neighbors, and are literally hundreds of feet away from the nearest home in this <br />development proposal. He stated that they believe this was an extremely responsible <br />development scheme, which adds value to the City of Mounds View. <br /> <br />Chairperson Peterson requested clarification regarding the economic factors, which determine <br />the number of drugstores within a certain area. <br /> <br />Mr. Cunningham stated that this was not a speculative venture on the part of TOLD <br />Development Company. He indicated Walgreens has approved the proposed site and are <br />committed to come to the site, provided all the City approvals are obtained. He advised that <br />Walgreens has conducted a market analysis, being aware of their new store at Northtown, and <br />also looking very closely into the competition in the entire area. He explained that their sales <br />forecasts and market demands indicate that there is a current and sustained demand. He <br />indicated that over a year ago, a demographic chart was brought forward which indicated that the <br />population of Mounds View is aging, and therefore, the need for a pharmacy, and the goods sold <br />in a pharmacy would increase over the years. He stated that Walgreens has made a commitment, <br />and they believe Walgreens to be an outstanding corporate citizen, which makes long-term <br />investments in quality buildings and quality operations in quality cities. <br /> <br />Terry Moses, representative of Midland Videen, stated that Paul Videen has owned the subject <br />property since 1950, and during that period of ownership, he has given the City of Mounds View <br />everything they have ever requested, such as road easements and storm water pipes, at no charge. <br />He indicated Mr. Videen has permitted festivals to be held on the property, and everyone who <br />has ever requested use of the property has been granted this freely, with no charge. He stated <br />that Mr. Videen allows the Boy Scouts use of the property, and when the Children’s Home <br />Society requested to erect a sign on the property, Mr. Videen not only gave his permission, but <br />also paid to have the permission drafted and charged them nothing. <br /> <br />Mr. Moses indicated that over the years, Mr. Videen has had several different development ideas <br />for the property, however, because the City’s plans have changed so many times, the timing was <br />never quite right, and none of these came to fruition. He advised that Mr. Videen is older now, <br />and in poor health, and although he would be happy to hear that the neighbor’s have been