Laserfiche WebLink
Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama estimated 115 to 130 acres of <br />retail available in The COR, noting that the City owns 30-40 acres of that. <br />Councilmember Shryock stated that it appears that the majority of the people present would <br />support Aldi coming in, if there was another location chosen. She stated that the parcel that is in <br />discussion tonight would be better suited by another use and therefore the City will sell that, <br />whether it is now or later. <br />EDA Member Steffen noted that staff showed Aldi the other sites available and it appears that <br />Aldi did not have a close second for preference. <br />Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama replied that if staff tells Aldi <br />that they cannot be near that intersection he feels that Aldi will not look seriously at The COR. <br />Mr Pankratz agreed. He explained that Aldi uses analytics to make decisions on where to open <br />new stores. He stated that Ramsey is on their list, but it could easily come back off the list. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that there is a willing buyer and he would support selling. <br />Planning Commissioner Surma stated that he smells a desperation to sell that spot and noted that <br />often good things come to those that wait. <br />Mr. Pankratz asked if there would be consensus for the parcel on the north side of Sunwood. <br />Councilmember Johns stated that she is more in line with the comments from EDA Member <br />Steffen. She stated that she would prefer the site on the north side of Sunwood. She believed <br />that there would be a better purpose for the site on the south side of Sunwood. <br />Planning Commissioner Surma identified the red line parcel which he felt could be a good fit. <br />He noted that there are residential properties planned for that area and if there are too many <br />buildings with surface parking, that will not allow for that mixed -use development. <br />Planning Commissioner Anderson agreed that the red line property would be a better solution. <br />Mr. Pankratz replied that retailers will want access to Armstrong. <br />EDA Member Kanaventi stated that he used to work for home furnishings and every single home <br />furnishing store is right off the freeway. He stated that they want that visibility from the <br />highway. He stated that the City has to be very careful when offering Aldi other sites. <br />Councilmember Riley confirmed that there is not a consensus. <br />Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama stated that staff will take the <br />input back to Aldi that there could be support for a site that would not directly threaten Coborn's <br />but noted that might be a no go for Aldi. <br />City Council Work Session / May 23, 2018 <br />Page 8 of 14 <br />