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Mounds View Planning Commission May 7, 2003 Regular Meeting Page 8 ________________________________________________________________________ Chair Stevenson indicated that this Commission was challenged by Council to come up with an ordinance and a location for a pawnshop. He then said that whether they want a pawnshop or not is not the issue as the task is to ensure that the Commission makes a good recommendation to Council on how to regulate pawnshops and where to locate them. He further commented that he feels the Commission has spent a lot of time and done a lot of research on the ordinances and he feels it is time to send the recommendation to Council for further discussion and public input. Commissioner Johnson asked if during all the research done with other police departments if they had all said they would rather not have a pawnshop. Chief Sommer said, generally, yes.” Commissioner Zwirn said he disagreed with Chair Stevenson with regard to how much time and effort needs to be put into this ordinance. He then said that expediency is not the answer to this problem and he is vehemently opposed to the location proposed. He further commented that Penny Pinchers is right next door to the proposed location and that is an establishment that works with kids. Commissioner Zwirn indicated that there is a liquor store only 50 feet away from the proposed pawnshop location and there have been numerous break-ins and vandalism incidents at that location. He further commented that he does not feel it would be appropriate to allow a pawnshop in that location as it would further exacerbate the vandalism and break-ins and draw a certain type of person that pawnshops attract to a family mall. Commissioner Miller indicated that she went to a couple of pawnshops and even made a purchase and she was very impressed with the operation and the way that things were displayed. She then said that the people coming and going from the pawnshops seemed to be upstanding citizens so she is not sure what is meant by the types of people that frequent pawnshops. Director Ericson indicated he would prefer not to have a pawnshop located in Mounds View but, legally, the City cannot say no to the pawnshop but can decide where it goes and how to regulate it. He then said the City is spending a lot of money to upgrade the corridor and this may not be something the City wants in the corridor but, if not in Mounds View Square in B-4 zoning, then where should it be located? Commissioner Zwirn indicated he feels the Commission needs to put more time into this and find a location that will not impact the corridor and a family run mall. He then said that he understands that the applicant has entered into a lease with the mall which is a little premature. He further commented that he feels that the City needs to create fees that are high enough so that locating in Mounds View is unattractive. He also said he is aware that the City cannot prohibit pawnshops but could make the fees so high that it is not attractive to come to Mounds View and he does not want the pawnshop in Mounds View Square. Commissioner Scotch asked where Commissioner Zwirn proposed to locate the pawnshop.