Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 04/11/2013

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5.02: For Discussion Only: Discuss Acceptable Land Uses at 167th Avenue Commercial Node and Provide Feedback on Potential Shooting Range and Recycling Warehouse/Transfer at 6001 167th Lane NW Presentation Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson explained over the past several years, the City has discussed various options to address permitted uses at the 167th Avenue/St. Francis Boulevard retail node. The node currently experiences a high vacancy rate and concerns with property maintenance on some of the buildings have been expressed. The property is zoned B-1 General Business District, which is intended to provide a commercial area for goods and services for the surrounding neighborhoods and community on a smaller scale than the B-2 Business District. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson stated the intent of this evening' s discussion was to introduce two proposed uses, both of which likely will necessitate an amendment to the Zoning Code, for the property located at 6001 167th Avenue NW (former Supervalu site) and the type of regulatory tools that would be necessary if either were to proceed. The proposed uses were: 1. Shooting range/fitness center with classroom space and a retail component. 2. Metal/clothing recycling center/warehouse with a small retail component. Associate Planner/Environmental Coordinator Anderson reviewed the first proposal for the shooting range/fitness center with classroom space and a retail component in detail. He noted the request was from an existing business in Ramsey called Total Defense. He explained Total Defense is proposing to have a retail store, gunsmithing and provide self-defense training courses. In addition, Total Defense was proposing to have an indoor shooting range. This was currently not a permitted use in the B-1 General Business District. He indicated that Staff contacted Blaine and Robbinsdale to discuss their indoor shooting ranges. The Robbinsdale range operates in a commercial district while the Blaine range is in an industrial district. Neither has any known complaints associated with them. Staff requested the Commission discuss the matter in further detail, determine the category for the suggested use and provide staff with direction on how to proceed. Commissioner Bauer commented there were not enough residential homes in the area to keep this commercial development flourishing. He indicated a long-range plan should address the potential for more residential homes in the future. Development Services Manager Gladhill indicated this commercial area was struggling at this time and the Commission needed to consider both the short-term and long-term goals for this area. Commissioner VanScoy questioned how the long-term goals of the area would be managed if this use were to proceed in the short-term.