Minutes - 2021/09/27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 27, 2021 Regular Meeting Page 7 purchasing to put in a gun shop. Further discussion ensued regarding the other development proposed for this property. Council Member Bergeron questioned if the individual was interested in purchasing the building as is. Community Development Director Sevald reported this was the case, noting the individual would be interested in remodeling the site. In addition, the individual would like to purchase the adjacent land from the EDA which would be used for parking. Council Member Bergeron inquired what the value of the Simon’s ABC property was. Community Development Director Sevald stated he was uncertain, but estimated the site was worth $400,000. Council Member Bergeron asked what the proposed value of the proposed dentist and residential apartments would be for this site. Community Development Director Sevald indicated he could not say at this time. Council Member Bergeron estimated the site would be worth well over $2 million. He supported the City waiting for this development given the fact it would blend into the neighborhood better. Council Member Meehlhause indicated he supported Council Member Bergeron’s comments. Council Member Cermak stated she was more supportive of the first proposal than the gun sales in this neighborhood. Council Member Hull questioned if there was a hang up with the dentist office and apartments. Community Development Director Sevald explained the developer was working on plans, but noted staff was uncertain when these plans would be submitted. Mayor Mueller explained when Simon’s was a viable retail establishment they sold milk, bread, minnows, wax worms, night crawlers and sporting goods which included equipment for hunters and fisherman. She noted residents used to be able to go to the Mounds View Police Department to get a permit to purchase and then could go to Simon’s to buy a gun and ammunition. She questioned what the hang up was over a retail site for this property. She indicated she did not have an issue with a highly regulated retail location of a gun shop where there used to be a gun shop for over 50 years. She reported she could support this being a conditional use if this was necessary. She understood the City heard from a 115 residents that were against a mixed-use development on this property. However, she noted the City did not hear from the over 800 residents that have a permit to purchase or carry, which is a five-year permit. She explained staff was asking if the Council would support a retail gun establishment in a property that used to be a retail gun establishment. She commented the City does not own this property and if a purchaser comes to the Simon’s owners the City could not legally stop this purchase. She indicated she would not stop this purchase. Council Member Bergeron questioned how long ago Simon’s closed. Community Development Director Sevald estimated the liquor store closed in 2015 or 2016.