Minutes - Council - 09/23/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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subject to the comments contained in the Staff Review Letter dated September 12, 2003, revised September 19, 2003. He noted that the proposed TC-3 District requires buildings to be two to three stories in height. The applicant is proposing a two-story building for the school. In accordance with stated goals of the Town Center project, the applicant has submitted detailed information regarding architecture of the school building. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that in reviewing the architecture for the proposed building, Staff has used the latest draft of the Town Center Development Guidelines. Staff has included detailed comments regarding the application of the Development Guidelines to the site plan in the Staff Review Letter. After responding to initial staff comments, the Site Plan now substantially complies with the Guidelines. Assistant Community Development Director Trudgeon stated he is prepared to present the full staff report or can answer questions of the Council. It was noted that staff recommends approval of the Site Plan for the PACT Charter School contingent on the following: a) Compliance with City Staff Review Letter dated September 12, 2003, Revised September 19, 2003. b) Approval of the final plat of Town Center Addition. c) The Applicant entering into a Development Agreement with the City. d) Final approval of the Town Center Zoning District. e) Final approval of the Town Center Development Guidelines f) Approval of a Conditional Use Permit as required by the Town Center Zoning District Ordinance. Mr. Engen stated he is proud to introduce four members of their development team and, as the project is moving forward, he would like to introduce the City to what is affectionately called a Secondary Developer and major component to the RTC project. He commented on the fon~ation of a collaborative with designers who design and construct educational institutions that may not need to be in the business of owning bricks and mortar. As a result of that collaboration, he is proud to bring to the Council those who will be constructing the Charter school. Mr. Engen noted that most developments start with a shopping ceriter or discount big box and he is proud this is starting with a school. Proud that it will be part of the community through athletic events, City functions, and a wonderful addition to the City. He is also excited to have 585 students potentially cross-trained within a community, 5,000 new residents a park away to be able to volunteer at the PACT Charter School and about a joint venturing with the Charter School and wonderful post secondary training through Ramsey/Anoka Technical School. Mr. Engen then introduced Allen Lennof, President of Academic Investments; Pete Nelson, VP of Academic Investments; and David Thorsen, Vice President of Academic investments and chief designer. Allen Lennof, Academic Investments, stated he is excited to be part of the Town Center project. He explained they started the concept to develop and retain ownership of K-12 schools, college buildings, research buildings, and classroom facilities. Mr. Lennof stated they feel the need to keep education strong in this country and not necessary for school districts to always own the bricks and mortar. They are in business to provide education and can put dollars and efforts into what their charter is supposed to have them do. He explained that they are not just developing a City Council/September 23, 2003 Page 28 of 41