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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 />