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Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 16, 1998 Page 8 1 Commissioner Gondorchin asked if there were any structures on the adjoining properties located 2 in the same area as the proposed garage. 3 Mr. Jensen stated there are not. Both adjoining properties have the same layout as his property 4 currently has. 5 Commissioner Horst asked if Mr. Jensen had discussed the proposal with his neighbors. 6 Mr. Jensen stated the neighbors are aware of the proposal and seem to be comfortable with it. 7 One neighbor has offered access through his yard during the construction process. 8 Chair Bergstrom suggested that Mr. Jensen encourage his neighbors to attend the public hearing 9 or to send a letter of their opinion to the City. He stated the City is generally supportive of this 10 type of improvement as it will enhance the entire community. 11 Commissioner Gondorchin encouraged Mr. Jensen to have a current survey performed before 12 initiating construction. 13 Chair Bergstrom recessed the meeting at 8:08 P.M. and reconvened at 8:10 P.M. 0 B. Interviews of Planning Consultants. 16 Bill Weber, Director of Community Planning, BRW, Inc. noted the written proposal which was 17 submitted to the City. He stated that he, Bob Kost, and Auggie Wong have substantial 18 experience in helping clients plan the development or redevelopment of commercial properties, 19 and have conducted several projects similar to this one. He suggested that the St. Anthony 20 Shopping Center's days are numbered. The site has great possibilities and provides an 21 opportunity to do something special as it occupies a special location as a gateway to the west side 22 of the City. He noted that he and Mr. Kost provided planning assistance for an aging shopping 23 center on Bass Lake Road in Crystal, for the Linden Hills area, and the area of 50'h and France 24 Avenue in Edina. BRW advocates the urban approach to design and believes it should have a 25 civic and pedestrian orientation. He noted that he has worked with the City of St. Anthony since 26 1980, has built good trust and has a desire to retain his relationship with the City. 27 Chair Bergstrom asked Mr. Weber if most of BRW's work had been with municipalities. He 28 also asked that in a situation where neither the City nor BRW has control over the property how a 29 redevelopment is implemented. 30 Mr. Weber stated that all the locations which he had assisted with redevelopment have been 31 municipalities. He explained that redevelopment can be initiated through the land use plan, the 32 zoning ordinances, or public improvement to streets. The City can also have some type of participation in the project including the creation of a TIF District or creation of a park or a civic project. The City can become an equity partner in the project. The City can also exercise their