Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/19/1994 - Special Meeting

Home

example, the market area is not the same for each commercial land user. Target has a different market area than Wal-Mart, who has a different market area than Cub Foods. Each commercial user will have a different set of market demands and therefore alter the need and demand for commercial land uses. Technology and societal demands also have an impact on the demand for commercial land. For example, the advances made in technology and the advances made in "corporate" America may substantially alter the need for office space, the quality of office space provided, and perhaps the demand for major retail and shopping outlets. "Video shopping" has become a popular way of purchasing everything from toothpaste to household appliances. The second approach for evaluating the need or demand for commercial land uses is the City's commitment and willingness to support this type of development with the necessary infrastructure and public services. Commercial development requires a substantial public investment in infrastructure and public services. Retail facilities, for example, require a substantial public investment in roads, sewers, water and public safety services. High technology facilities, highly coveted by most Cities, require a substantial commitment for public safety services (police, SWAT team, and fire protection), as well as critical infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer. A local government not willing to make these commitments or not having the necessary investment capital will find it difficult to attract commercial development. It is no mistake-that historical and recent surveys of commercial development show a concentration of commercial activity in areas adequately served by public sanitary sewer and transportation infrastructure. Given the above discussion, we recommend the City of Ramsey approach the "commercial" issue in the following fashion. The City of Ramsey should determine what type of"commercial" City it wants to be. Does the City want to be a bedroom community or does it want to provide a variety of commercial alternatives to its citizens, and/or the public at-large. Some Cities, for example, make a conscious decision to be bedroom communities. The Cities of Sunfish Lake and North Oaks are perhaps known best for this distinction. Other Cities make a conscious decision to provide a variety of commercial opportunities. The City of Apple Valley may be best known for this approach. The City has intentionally decided to concentrate most of its commercial activities in one area of the City. In doing so, the City has also provided a substantial amount of financial support and infrastructure improvements.