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SP-S7 -2- November 12, 1974 basis, the application would be premature and would not allow the Housing and Redevelopment Authority time to complete its planning work. The proposed towers are also detrimental to surrounding properties in that they constitute an extremely low value use of the land. Projected costs of all improvements associated with the towers are put at $230,000.00. Even assuming that the northern part of the site is sold for another use, the towers will probably require about IS acres of land. Normally, on industrially zoned land of this size we could expect improvements valued at $3,000,000.00 - $10,000,000.00. As stated, the area has good visibility and also good access via a collector street to the interstate system. Potential also exists for extension of a railroad spur into the property, further adding to its value. While soil conditions are reportedly bad in this location, the additional cost of pilings if needed to support buildings, would not justify the extremely low level of improvement proposed for the site. Such a development would only tend to depress the value of property in an area which has in recent years seen some fine buildings, such as Spotts, Basic Industries and the Post Office. The proposal is also potentially dangerous because of its effect on traffic control of 1-3SW. At present the Minnesota Highway Patrol controls traffic in this area through patrol with helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. This patrolling controls speeds in this high traffic corridor and is of considerable value in preventing accidents, injuries and loss of life. Because this is a traffic route used by a large percentage of New Brighton residents, any reduction in traffic control in this area creates a potentially dangerous situation for residents of this community. We have been informed by the Highway Patrol that they object to the proposed towers and would cease to patrol this area by air if the towers are erected. The Highway Patrol has said they will have a letter to this effect to the Council by meeting time. The Highway Patrol may also request that the Federal Aviation Administration reverse its earlier preliminary finding that the towers would constitute no hazard. We have been informed that unless there is an objection, the FAA's preliminary finding will become final on November 7th. Whether the Highway Patrol's objection will cause the FAA to change their finding we do not know.