Minutes - Council - 06/10/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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He stated he will continue to organize the residents in opposition to this data center and proceed with every legal means possible to stall this project. William Romo, 5758 152 Way NW, stated he is a Ramsey resident of 16 months. He said he is retired after 30 years in hospital administration. He explained he primarily built hospitals and was charged with creating sound deadening around the hospital, and he never succeeded. The sound could be heard two blocks away. He said he used cooling towers and fans, and that did not quiet it down. Councilmember Backous stated he will oppose the data center due to the unknown of the future. He said he did not want to make a shortsighted decision on having an empty building. He mentioned he would not have an issue living next to a data center, if he knew it would stay a data center. He drove to the data center in Elk River, and spent time around the building. He said he did not hear noise from the data center. Councilmember Tossey indicated he would oppose a data center. He explained he could not support it due to the subsidies. Councilmember Riley noted he would vote against a data center. He cited reasons of property values and that they cannot be mitigated by the City. He expressed concern with obsolescence as well. He said if he would not consider putting a warehouse there today, there should not be one in the future. Lastly, he said he is against subsidies. Councilmember Kuzma said many people think this is a bad idea. He said he is concerned with putting another 47 single - family homes in there in terms of traffic. He explained in consideration of taxes, the data center would do better. However, he hears the residents' plea and will oppose as well. Councilmember Johns said she came into this with a completely open mind. She noted she would support residential land use. She heard from some residents that opposed the traffic that comes with residential building. She noted the "gut check" weighs on her shoulders, and she would not want the data center in her neighborhood, so she will oppose it. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he is trying to stay open minded. He said he does not want to decide now. He pointed out businesses cycle in and out and as a city, we work through those things. He said subsidizing and infrastructure are real concerns. Mayor Strommen expressed concern with the issue of obsolescence. The future and unintended consequences cannot be controlled. A future Council could be under enormous pressure to tear it down. She said she does not support moving forward with a data center. Residential use is a better fit, however it brings traffic issues. She pointed out when that was originally platted, the Park and Recreation Commission had requested a park dedication be made if the land was changed from quasi - public use. She suggested the Council review that possibility. City Council / June 10, 2014 Page 10 of 13