PL PACKET 12191995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT DATE: December 19, 1995 TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant ITEM: Solid Rock Church -- Request for Conditional Use Permit to lease space in a Commercial District BACKGROUND: Paster Bill Matthews has submitted an application requesting a conditional use permit so that he and the congregation of the Solid Rock Church may hold Saturday evening services at the Apache Plaza Shopping Center. Currently, they hold services in their church in Elk River, Minnesota. As is stated in the letter accompanying their application, there are several members who reside in the Twin City area who would benefit from having a more centrally located place of worship. The Solid Rock Church has negotiated a lease for space with Welsh Companies, Inc., pending the granting of a conditional use permit by the City. The space that the Solid Rock Church is interested in leasing is located across the corridor and to the north of the Apache Wells Sports Bar and Restaurant. This is a desirable location for the Church because it is easily accessed from the parking lot. In discussing their application with Staff, they were advised by Staff of the close proximity to Apache Wells; Paster Matthews was not concerned about the closeness to the Apache Wells. ANALYSIS Staff submitted the Church's application to the City Attorney's office for review. The attorney indicated that the Church's application does not fully meet all of the conditions as required by the Minnesota Statutes and the City Ordinances. It is a use that is specifically listed as a conditional use for the zoning district in which it is to be located. It can be assumed the proposed conditional use will not be detrimental to health, safety or the general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity. The City Attorney referred to the City Ordinance reference regarding compatible use in Section 1665.04, Subd. 3 (b), and states that the Council may specify the conditions that it deems necessary.to make the use compatible with other uses in the area. It is clearly not compatible to any of the retail businesses that are currently doing business in Apache Plaza nor is it compatible to the Apache Wells Sports Bar and Restaurant. His question is, are there any conditions that the City could impose that would make the Church's use compatible to the other uses within Apache Plaza? He is concerned that locating the Church in Apache would be injurious to property values and that it is probably not a desirable location for the Church.