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Mounds View Planning Commission June 7, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 9 enjoying the use of his property, it is private property. He noted that no one from the neighborhood has ever approached Mr. Videen to purchase the property, and he would now like to sell. Mr. Moses stated that after very close examination, they have determined that this is the only site along Highway 10 in Mounds View that could be developed for Commercial use, and is not in some way, adjacent to residential property. He added that they are aware that Mounds View needs and desires more commercial development. Chairperson Peterson stated that Mr. Moses was correct with regard to the number of properties available for commercial development, with the exception of the property at the corner of Long Lake Road and Highway 10, which is a restaurant site that is not immediately adjacent to residential property. Commissioner Kaden asked what would be involved in terms of eliminating the billboard site on the property. Mr. Moses stated that one means to accomplish this would be to purchase the sign easement from the existing owners, and another, as he had suggested in the past, would be a possible swap. He explained that since the City has amended the Code to allow billboards on new Highway 10, it is in the position to grant billboard locations along the new Highway 10. He indicated this area is much more desirable in terms of billboard sites, and he did not believe it would be difficult to negotiate with the owner of the easement to swap the site on the property for the right to install a billboard on the new Highway 10, if the billboards were to be approved by MnDOT. He pointed out that the City might even obtain some compensation in such a transaction. Mr. Moses stated that he was familiar with the previous owner of the Bel Rae Ballroom property, and he did not believe it would be difficult to come to some agreement with him with regard to the second sign easement on this property, however, there was a fairly good chance that this has already been taken care of in the City’s purchase agreement of the Community Center property. He advised that another means to eliminate the signs would be by City condemnation. Mr. Cunningham clarified that Mr. Videen owns the land underneath the billboard, however, the sign company has a perpetual easement, which allows the billboard, and this was not a lease or fee ownership situation, but rather an easement. Commissioner Thomas inquired how long Mr. Videen’s property has been on the market. Mr. Moses stated that he began marketing the property in 1992. Commissioner Thomas inquired if Mr. Videen has received any firm offers on the property. Mr. Moses stated that at one time, there was an offer from a residential developer for single-level senior housing, however, something behind the scenes occurred which scared that buyer off. He indicated that through the years, other proposals have been brought forward, however, they were never in synchronization with what the City desired. He indicated the City has rezoned the