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development plans they have come up with for the site. Their ideas included commercial <br /> and hospitality aspects that have integrated an event center. They have been trying to find <br /> users that will fit those categories. They have provided potential users with a brochure <br /> that features information on Hugo and concept drawings for the site. <br /> The EDA generally liked the direction of the development team and encourage them to <br /> continue to work on development concepts for the property. <br /> Staff recommended the EDA discuss and make a recommendation on the proposed one <br /> year extension of the purchase agreement with the development team. <br /> Mark Finnemann, Dick Fischer, and Mike Brass attended the EDA meeting and provided <br /> background on their marketing of the property. Mike Brass stated that restaurants are <br /> opening in existing buildings,but not building new buildings. The market is good for <br /> housing and small office buildings. <br /> Mark Finnemann showed the EDA a concept plan for the property that included <br /> commercial and 26 residential units. He stated that they continue to market the restaurant <br /> and event center concept. He stated that they want to incorporate a park like setting <br /> within the development. <br /> Arcand state that the development team should talk to Pete Sampair who is in the process <br /> of planning his property in downtown and to Xcel Energy since they are building a gas <br /> and electric training center. The training center will have up to 50 trainees per week. Mr. <br /> Brass stated that he will make contact with both parties. <br /> Denaway stated that he generally likes that plan,but the residential may be in conflict <br /> with the restaurant and event center concept for the property. He stated that this property <br /> may the best for commercial users for downtown redevelopment. He stated that the <br /> residential shown on the concept may be better suited for office or professional services. <br /> Mr. Finnemann stated that they have been trying to formulate the best mix of uses for the <br /> property and this is one concept. Residential is one sector of development that is moving <br /> right now. <br /> Puleo asked what properties were being shown in the concept. Mr. Finnemann stated that <br /> they are showing the old Carpenters in the concept because the two properties have the <br /> potential to work together. Puleo pointed out that the development team was only <br /> showing residential on the City owned property and the commercial on the Carpenters <br /> property. <br /> Bryan Bear stated that the uses in the concept could work well together at a land use <br /> standpoint,but he EDA needs to think about what they want. The priority for this <br /> property has been commercial. The east side of Highway 61 in that area is good for <br /> commercial because of road frontage and access. <br /> Denaway stated that he wants to make sure that if residential is incorporated into the plan <br /> that is not all we get. Puleo and Bever agreed and stated that what they hear from <br /> residents in Hugo is that Hugo needs a restaurant. Denaway stated that Hugo should be <br /> able to support another restaurant. <br />