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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 26, 1993 Page 12 Council Business. continued The Chamber questions the validity of the Church statement that they will increase commercial traffic by 107%; and increase jobs by 17%. These numbers do not factor in any loss of traffic or jobs from the displaced tenants. The Chamber recommends the Council support the Planning Commission's denial of the special use permit. Don Cable, 2036--29th Avenue, feels it is important that this parcel be retained as a viable business commercial center. Jan Rounsville, 1002 W. Co. Rd. D, submitted a survey of patrons of the Center which showed the frequency of their visits to tenants. Tom Breslin, 1246 N. Court and New Brighton Business Owner, said the Church stated they would spend $1 million to renovate the center. The application states that $850,000 would be used to convert present office and retail space to auditorium, music room, youth room, fellowship hall, and church kitchen. In otherwords, the $850,000 is to convert retail space to non-retail space. Also included is $100,000 for new facade and signs and $50,000 for landscaping. The case studies presented by the Church are located in industrial areas or on the edge of isolated commercial areas where space is leased. This type of church, called "warehouse churches" are located in warehouse districts, not prime retail areas. Marylee Boutcher, 672 Cleveland, has a child who is enrolled in a private school outside the New Brighton area. She feels the Center would be an attractive location for a private school and feels many church members would patronize the tenants. She asked that Council grant the permit. Don Patterson, 614--20th Avenue, said commercial occupancy rates are low throughout the country. He feels the empty space distracts more from retail activity and the City should let the free market dictate the outcome. lorrie Johnson, 2050 Rice Creek Road, will continue to shop at the center and feels it is best for the community to locate the church at the center. Dale Ekegren, Pizza Factory Owner, has a customer base in excess of 5,000, with 1,500 weekly customers. He has experienced 14 years of uninterrupted growth and is active in civic and community events. The loss of any businesses in the center will damage the remaining businesses. He thanked the people who supported his business over the last 14 years. Bud Byrnes, State Farm Agency, entered a letter into the record. His agency has been in the center since 1978 and serves 1,571 families, 917 reside in area suburbs, and 368 reside in New Brighton. He likes the center and wants to stay. David Ulrich, Spectacle Shoppe, has not received an offer from the Church regarding relocation of his business. He requests the Church inform Council on what will happen to these tenants. His business has been poor since the Church's plans were announced and is unhappy about the plans. Council Business Church Upon the Rock Special Permit Report 93-021