1984-08-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Cou nc i1 Mi nu tes Augus t 28, 1984 has had to overcome a reputation that has been there that this city is a hard place to get any kind of development approved. The Planning Commission, the business community, and a lot of people are interested in seeing quality development occur and we see a project here that does present those qualifications. A project has an impact on the surrounding areas. Noise and traffic seem to be the major concerns on this particular pro- ject. I believe the staff on the city level and the county level are competent and experienced and that the information they have provided us is reliable. With regard to condemna- tion, we've seen a lot of changes in what the government has the right to do (tax increment financing, industrial revenue bonds, etc.) -- this is the kind of area where all of those tools should be used and need to be used. This proposal will help the redevelopment of a blighted area. Doesn't believe the condemnation power should be used without consideration of all of the factors, and doesn't believe using the power in this instance would not be an abuse of that power. Condemna- tion is a difficult decision to make, but politicians can be criticized for not making decisions that need to be made. We must make a decision as a business decision as a business would make. We also have to take into consideration the emotions of the people living there and the impact on their lives. Glad to see project integrates residential and commercial; finds no fault with project; impressed with it; likes single family homes and some apartments (a benefit not often seen in a project, giving current citizens a chance to relocate in their same neighborhood). This project is more than what was anticipated eight years ago when he was on the Planning Commission. Janacek stated the power of condemnation is not a power that the council takes lightly. This project is a very appropriate use for the land; provides a gateway to the downtown area; not concerned about traffic; 10th Street was built to handle as much traffic as Silver Lake Road; in favor of the project. Harcus stated the concern of the council has been the impact on residents and the relocation. Many to be relocated are strongly for the project; not a big fan of apartments, but likes the layout of these; traffic is not a major concern; apartments bring aesthetics and tax base; the willingness of the developer to complete the project in one phase takes some of the uncer- tainty away; in support of this project. Blomquist indicated this project has received long and very thoughtful consideration. This council has looked over this land use and spent time evaluating it. This project will facilitate an improved development of the area; the changes in the agreement with the developer to modify the Development Agreement reflects the compromises and concessions that have been done throughout this project and its consideration. Believes this is a quality project; mixed uses; provides excell~ ent entrance to the city to compliment some of the other improvements that have taken place; doesn't feel we have over- looked traffic (opinions of county and city engineer); this is a good opportunity for the city to move ahead. Page Nine