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Mounds View Planning Commission January 18, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Community Development Director Ericson informed the Commission that the Premium Stop property is very visible on the County Road 10 corridor and been deteriorating significantly over the past few years. The canopy that had covered the gas pumps sustained wind damage during the Sept 21 windstorm. The City required that the damaged canopy either be fixed or taken down due to significant risk to the health and safety of people using the station. The Premium Stop business was shut down for pumping gas at that time. The contractor who performed the work told station operator that the canopy would be re-erected within a week but it has now been sitting in the parking lot for months. Director Ericson advised that the City accepted bids to dismantle and discard the canopy and to board up the car wash, which also had sustained damage in the storm. He explained that the plate glass window in the car wash blew in and the glass is still laying on the car wash floor. Director Ericson advised that the operator of the business wants to operate a good business and appeared before the Council about the nuisance and court citations. However, the Council indicated that at this point there are issues that need to be addressed. He explained that the Council took into consideration that the property is for sale and being marketed. The owner is an investment group located out of state and they desire to sell this property and the Council decided it is an opportunity to eliminate a blight in the corridor. The Council directed staff to negotiate with the owners to buy the property. Director Ericson explained that the Council does not take this lightly but did agree that it is a blight and that something needed to be done. The Council directed staff to more forward with acquisition so the Planning Commission needs to review the possible acquisition for consistency with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as dictated by State Statutes. Director Ericson pointed out that the Comprehensive Plan future land use map designation for this parcel, as well as the former Donut Connection parcel, is HC, Highway Convenience and the zoning is B-3, Highway Business. Last year, the Planning Commission recommended the former Donut Connection property be acquired but the Council decided to not more forward with that action. Director Ericson reported that one issue raised at the Council meeting was that the City does not necessarily have a plan for redevelopment. Councilmember Stigney had indicated he felt that maybe it was too soon to consider acquisition but the rest of the Council felt the plan takes a back seat when looking at blighted property such as this. Director Ericson reviewed the types of improvements the City will be making to the County Road 10 corridor, which will be a significant investment. Director Ericson stated there is no reuse plan at this point but the Council feels that clearing the building and blight is a better situation than what exists today. This issue is now before the Planning Commission at the request of the Council. If it is recommended for approval, staff will talk with the selling agents. Chair Stevenson asked if there would be incentive for anyone to clean this property without acquisition. Director Ericson stated there is always that possibility in terms of someone stepping in and buying the property, besides the City. However, the real estate agents have indicated that