Minutes - Planning Commission - 05/23/2018 - Jt CC Planning EDA Work Session

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Mr. Pankratz stated that it is a wrought iron fence with landscaping. Planning Commissioner Van Scoy stated that the walls are a direct conflict with the idea of being open to pedestrians and therefore he would not support that component. Planning Commissioner Anderson referenced the parkway concept, which is flexible. He stated that while he does not favor gated communities within The COR, he could support that if the bike system is connected. Planning Commissioner Surma referenced a concept that gained consensus in the past. He noted that if this is followed, a restaurant will come into the site that Aldi wants. City Administrator Ulrich asked if there are comments to expanding the residential area as opposed to keeping that retail, specifically the northern 20 acres north of Ramsey Parkway. Councilmember Riley stated that residents were sold the idea that they were getting places to eat, and shop and the City has been slow to keep that promise. Planning Commissioner Surma noted that this is one of the two concepts that was agreed upon and that space that Aldi wants is reserved and could be promoted as an ideal space for a restaurant. Planning Commissioner Anderson stated that this is a concept but believed that the previous concept is more of what was agreed upon with retail in the northwest corner that would have road access. He stated that would open up residential as well in the area that is not high visibility from the road. Councilmember Riley stressed flexibility with what the market is asking for. He stated that the concept referenced by Planning Commissioner Anderson would be half and half between retail and residential. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that staff has enough to continue discussions. He confirmed the consensus that the group would be open to allowing additional residential in that area. EDA Member Steffen stated that although the concept is great, there is not a developer proposing that use. He stated that he is surprised that people would want to push a developer to purchase land from another land owner. Mr. Pankratz stated that this land is not zoned residential and there are a lot of developer groups that do not want to go through rezoning and Comprehensive Plan amendment processes. He stated that knowing that the City would be open to residential would open up additional interest. 2.04: Concept Proposal: 6,100 Square Foot Automotive Repair Center Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama reviewed the staff report. City Council Work Session/May 23, 2018 Page 11 of 14