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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes June 15, 1999 • Page 3 1 Bergstom asked what assumptions are inherent in either concept plan with regard to demolition 2 of existing structures. Mr. Krier stated that, within the concept plans presented, the primary 3 retail areas would be retained as they exist with some possible expansion. He added that the 4 southernmost buildings would be eliminated in Concept 1, and the liquor store would be 5 eliminated in Concept 2. 6 7 Mr. Krier stated the basic concept is to attempt to create a retail core around a central node which 8 _ would draw residents and customers. He added there are a variety of options to achieve this, and 9 add more value than currently exists in the area. 10 11 Bergstrom asked where the fire station would be located. Mr. Krier stated it could stay where it 12 is or be moved, as well as the liquor store which should be part of the retail fabric of the area 13 rather than isolated. 14 15 Bergstrom stated he would support a village green area as large as possible, noting that green 16 space is limited within the City. He added this would generate recognition by residents that the 17 area is unique and special. iHorst stated he would favor a plan which would incorporate the Town& Country properly and 20 green space. He questioned whether the area will need so many parking spaces. Mr. Krier stated 21 the standard ratio is 4.5-5 spaces per 1,000 square feet of retail. Horst expressed concern that 22 green space will be sacrificed for parking. Mr. Krier stressed the importance of ensuring that 23 obstacles to success are not created. 24 25 Horst stated the center is currently used as a park& ride by many residents, and this issue should 26 be reviewed. He added the new owners of the Town& Country will be spending a lot of money 27 on renovation and remodeling. He asked whether they had requested City funding. Ms. Moore- 28 Sykes stated there had been some discussion with regard to funding for landscaping. 29 30 Hanson questioned whether the City could support extensive new office space. Mr. Krier stated 31 that communities with office space and residences with quick easy access to downtown areas are 32 desirable to commuters. Mr. Krier stated that townhomes create additional value in the area in 33 terms of strategy. 34 35 Bergstrom asked for clarification with regard to new developments of which the Commission 36 was unaware. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated she was using Northgate as an example, and that if the 37 site were demolished as part of the City's redevelopment plan for the shopping center, alternative 38 office space should ideally be made available. Ms. Moore-Sykes stated, however, that if 39 Northgate were demolished or redeveloped in the future, its tenants would need new space.