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maximum height would be 25'. He advised that revisions were made to the cost benefit analysis based on the revised site concept resulting in a decrease in value of a data center from $1.35 million to $1.275 million and a decrease in value of a residential development from $1.35 million to $650,000. He stated that a data center would be more beneficial to the City in terms of property taxes with estimated taxes of $200,000 annually versus $128,000 for a residential development. He advised that staff was recently approached by Connections Church expressing an interest in the property and stated if this property were purchased as a church it would be tax exempt and would require additional parking, adding the church has indicated it would expand the building resulting in a larger footprint. He stated Connections inquired about leasing the property, including the buildings, and staff believes this would conflict with the fire station and does not recommend leasing the property. Development Services Manager Gladhill explained that the zoning amendment is done by Ordinance and the City Charter allows a counter petition with signatures from two - thirds of registered voters. He advised the City received a comment from Anoka County that any development would have to reevaluate access on Nowthen because the County wants to close this access. Member Skaff stated he spent time with residents on this issue and his sense is that the residents will stand and oppose any effort to build a data center and residents are concerned about their property values and quality of life. He felt it would be wrong to push something through given the current level of opposition. Chairperson Steffen asked if a data center could live with a 55 decibel restriction. Management Analyst Brama replied he spoke with Chaska's City Administrator who informed him that residents still raise concerns about noise from their data center, adding that Chaska has a 300' setback requirement next to residential properties. He stated he also spoke with Elk River about their data center and learned they also get complaints from property owners. He stated he contacted Mortenson Construction and was informed that 55 decibels is not unrealistic for a data center but costs would likely go up based on that restriction. Member LeTourneau suggested including a rain garden element in order to mitigate the view and add more aesthetics to the project. He also encouraged planting larger trees, e.g., 4 -6' trees, in order to provide good coverage sooner rather than later. Member Williams stated she was still in support of the data center concept because it achieves the strategic initiatives of the City and represents a good reuse of the site and did not support using the site for a church. She indicated that a data center use for this site is well received within the real estate community adding she has heard this site mentioned several times as a potential data center. She agreed that rezoning the site now would put the City in a position to see a data center come to fruition provided the City does not price itself out of the market by having more restrictions than other communities. Chairperson Steffen asked if the site could transition back to residential if no user was found after the property is rezoned. Economic Development Authority/May 16, 2013 Page 3 of 7