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I I I Council Meeting Minutes June 24, 1997 Page 3 Council Business. continued Paul Paige, HKG, explained that Option 4 focuses on five critical corridor sites where development will create a lasting impression; North Gateway, Northwest Quadrant, aspects of Corporate Park III, and Jones Lake. The streets within the corridor are a vital component of the overall plan, and reinforce the corridor's character for pedestrian comfort. One significant element addresses the accessibility and construction of a railroad wye to curtail traffic delays in the downtown area. It is proposed that the North Gateway will need to be rezoned from industrial to mixed use or urban design to provide elements of the plan. Removal of redevelopment obstacles such as remediation of site contamination will be needed in the Northwest Quadrant, and remediation of the MacGillis and Gibbs site has begun. The Old Hwy 8 retail district is struggling and could be reduced to provide expansion of Corporate Park III. Jones Lake is a wonderful wetland, and should be used to provide a link to other recreation spaces. Gunderman requested an update on the Clinch-On (COC) expansion project. Community Development Director Kevin Locke explained the vision involves mixed/commercial/office or residential usage, and industrial may not be the best long term use for this parcel. Gunderman asked if this determination rules out any expansion plans. Locke said this plan would become the legal vehicle to determine zoning, usage, and comprehensive plan. The moratorium is still in effect until the end of September, and the visioning plan will be completed before that time. Hoisington said the vision entails application of a mixed use district for the Northwest Quadrant and North Gateway. An urban design overlay district would be applied to areas along the main street expansion. Council will need to determine and initiate guidelines and rezoning issues, and decisions should be made quickly so that property owners are informed. There is a need for a consistent name for this roadway, and negotiations with Ramsey County should occur to address changes to a slower roadway. Samuelson complimented the task force and HKG for their work. She was contacted by COC regarding the rezoning, and feels the City should attempt to retain some businesses for a period of time while the plan is being implemented. Hoisington said the Northwest Quadrant is a very complicated district with many barriers to redevelopment, the most significant being the Midwest Asphalt plant. He feels the Midwest Asphalt site will receive much interest from developers, but noted concerns relating to the COC expansion. Benke feels the issues addressed in the vision cannot be implemented overnight and continued communication with all involved parties is important. Larson thanked the task force and Gregori's leadership, and feels negotiations with the owners of Midwest Asphalt should begin immediately. Housington believes the final recommendations should be available in three weeks. Mark Solstad, COC legal representative, said COC owns a parcel in the affected moratorium area and it appears they are prohibited from expansion. He further stated that COC is an asset to the community, and objects to that portion of the plan relating to their parcel's usage. COC requests Council to consider permitting companies in currently industrial zoned areas to continue their use and flourish. Council Business Hwy 8 Vision Plan Report 97-143