Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 05/16/2013

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library, moderate sound and a quiet house. It should be noted that the City currently has dB restrictions within the existing City Code that are fairly close to the above samples. The City could choose to establish site -specific noise regulations through a number of tools. It is important to note, generators will only be operational in situations where regular power supply is lost/threatened and during monthly testing. Generators are not run regularly. Visual/Aesthetics A number of residents raised concerns regarding the "look" and "presence" of a data center facility. Further, it has been stated a data center building would be an "eye sore." At full build out, a data center structure would be significantly sized when compared to surrounding single family residential structures. It is staff's estimation the site could sustain a maximum 195,000 square foot building. Visual/Aesthetic concerns can be mitigated through land use regulations. For example, the City could require larger building setbacks, dictate a maximum building height, require a high standard of building materials and mandate proper screening (e.g. landscaping, berming plantings, etc.). In addition, the City has the ability to establish architectural standards in addition to the above bulk standards to make the architecture more conducive of a residential surrounding. It is important to note, the City can mitigate the visual/aesthetic effect of a data center development; however, it cannot not eliminate said concern. Traffic A number of residents raised concerns regarding traffic. Some residents were concerned that busy employees would drive carelessly through surrounding neighborhoods and decrease safety. At full build out, a data center development would have significantly lower traffic impact on surrounding properties than would a residential development. It is estimated a data center development would create 48 vehicle trips per day and a residential development create 470 trips per day (at full build out). It is proposed, a data center development would attain road access exclusively from Nowthen Boulevard; and that a residential development would attain road access to Helium Street. The City did receive a response from the Anoka County Highway Department on the preliminary sketches. Anoka County's response was that they desire to eliminate the access onto Nowthen Boulevard, as the current alignment interferes with future turn lanes and restricted turn movements. Spot Zoning Several residents indicated using the Subject Property for a data center would be considered "spot zoning." NOTE: "spot zoning" is not addressed in State Statute; it is a part of case law and planning literature. Therefore, even if the City were "spot zoning" it is not explicitly illegal (based on State Statute). Staff had a chance to review the Subject Property with the League of Minnesota Cities, the City's Planning Division, and the City Attorney. Considering the follow factors, Staff does not believe the City is in violation of "Spot zoning": large size of the Subject property, the City is using the property for a rational use, there is a public purpose for developing the Subject Property, the previous/anticipated use of the subject property was for either a school/municipal center complex and the City would enforce strict land use regulations to ensure a data center use would transition/be compatible with surrounding properties. Property Values Nearly all residents indicated the establishment of a data center development would reduce the value of their homes; and therefore is undesirable. It is possible the establishment of a data center development could reduce the value of surrounding properties. However, it is also possible the establishment of a data center development could sustain or even increase the value