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4. EDA BUSINESS <br />4.01: Future Business Park <br />Economic Development Manager LaFrance explained that a future business park has been <br />identified as a high priority for the EDA and staff has identified the area west of Armstrong <br />Boulevard and south of Bunker Lake Boulevard as the most appropriate location for a business <br />park. He stated that after analysis of a number of factors, including willingness of landowners to <br />sell and synergies between land uses, staff and the landowners and CBRE feel a proposed mix of <br />uses provides appropriate synergies for a successful development. He presented a Concept Map <br />for the future business park and residential development and stated the map depicts <br />approximately 90 acres for the Business Park and 100 acres for the residential development. He <br />added that Mr. Pearson recently signed an agreement to list the property denoted as Pearson 2 on <br />the Concept Map. <br />Member Skaff requested an update regarding the Hageman property. <br />Economic Development Manager LaFrance advised that Mr. Hageman has indicated they want <br />to hold onto their property for a year or two to see what happens, adding that they are open to <br />having a conversation with the City but at this point want to hold onto the property. <br />Member Riley asked if the amount of property designated as Business Park was sufficient, <br />adding that he felt it made sense to have residential included in the Concept Map. <br />Economic Development Manager LaFrance stated that according to CBRE, the absorption rate <br />for business park expansion is seven to ten years and the absorption rate for residential is three to <br />five years. He added that CBRE feels that parcels 2, 3, and 4 would have significant interest <br />from national developers. <br />Member Riley asked if staff has run the numbers and/or prepared a feasibility study to confirm <br />this area would support both residential and a business park development. <br />Economic Development Manager LaFrance stated that some scenarios were previously prepared <br />that identified other areas for a future business park and the proximity of infrastructure at Bunker <br />Lake Boulevard is a large determining factor for this location as well as the Armstrong <br />interchange. He agreed that further analysis is required in terms of tax base and tax capacity. <br />Member Riley felt that the City was at a point where it needs to make sure that this type of <br />development makes financial sense and to crunch some numbers. <br />Development Services Manager Gladhill agreed and stated that the Comprehensive Plan <br />Amendment process will be helpful in answering those questions. <br />Motion by Member Skaff, seconded by Member Hardin, to approve submitting the proposed <br />Comprehensive Plan Amendment and dedicating up to $1,000 of professional services dollars to <br />assist Community Development staff in moving the proposal forward. <br />Economic Development Authority /April 10, 2014 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />