1993-01-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 11 Council Business. continued Mattila said Mr. Strobel intends to develop his property this year and would not lease the site to the Church and remains neutral. Mr. Dueck said the Church's plans would not affect Mr. Strobels' plans. Larson noted that Mr. Strobel's plan may involve a possible restaurant with liquor license. Mattila said Mr. Strobel did mention that idea, but such a use would not be permitted within 400 feet of the Church. Mattila said the City's Planning and Park Departments have been cordial to the applicant when supplying information, and is disappointed the applicant feels they have been "stiff armed" during the process. The Fire Marshal, Building Inspector and Park Director were unavailable during the holidays to review technical aspects of the proposal, but this should not be viewed as "stiff arming". Mattila met and provided Mr. Carson with requested information just a few days ago. Gunderman asked if demographics have been compiled regarding traffic levels. Mr. Dueck said the City has not brought up traffic concerns to the Church and have not been addressed specifically. Benke requested further information of possible increased traffic levels on Sundays and Wednesdays when church services are held. Greg Kraupa, Eye Care Center, has been in the center for 13 years and will be displaced by the Church. He attributes the center's deterioration by the absence of an interested owner, and believes a facelift and aggressive on- site management would revive the center and provide a tax base and services to the community. The Church plan not only reduces the potential services available, but affects surrounding businesses. He found the Church representatives to be willing to move him to another part of the center. However, they are ten other displaced tenants who will vie for the few highly visible areas. The lack of visible space will force some tenants to move into undesirable areas or move out altogether. He respects the Church, but their good intentions will not prevent an overall negative effect on New Brighton and its economy. He urged Council to deny the request. Mike Olson, New Brighton Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber advances the general welfare and prosperity of New Brighton, so that its residents and community shall prosper. Their position statement to the Planning Commission stated the Church's occupying of the center will be a detriment to the general welfare of the Center and surrounding businesses. They supports staff recommendation for the denial of the special use permit. The center can be substantially leased and there is growth potential under proper management and ownership. The Center has proven to be viable for 19 businesses currently operating, 11 have been at the center for 10 years or more. The Center is capable of functioning in a manner adequate for these tenants. With proper ownership and commitment this center has the core ingredients to develop to a point to be substantially restarted. Erickson's New Market is the highest volume New Market store in the Twin Cities and has a positive impact on the center. Council Business Church Upon the Rock Special Permit Report 93-021