Agenda - Planning Commission - 03/05/2020

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becoming signville. He stated that he has spoken with the adjacent property owner about buying his land to continue retail use and this sign would fall directly in the center. He stated that PSD is a business of the community that has invested in the community and does not feel that approving this for future retailers would be the right move. Mr. Hardy agreed that he does not have anything invested in the community as of yet but does have a Purchase Agreement with the City. He stated that he has the financial wherewithal to complete this project. He stated that if there is available land, he is unsure why there are not buildings going up on those properties. He stated that in his discussions with staff, the proposed Highway 10 improvements show tremendous impacts to the properties along Highway 10, with most of those properties no longer having access. He stated that if he goes away, the next developer will come in and want the same thing, exposure from Highway 10. He stated that this issue will need to be addressed. Motion by Commissioner Woestehoff, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to close the public hearing. Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bauer, Commissioners Woestehoff, Johnson, Anderson, Gengler, Peters, and VanScoy. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Chairperson Bauer closed the public hearing closed at 8:56 p.m. Commission Business Chairperson Bauer stated that it seems the developer is willing to delay this to March to allow time to review additional options. Commissioner Woestehoff stated that he would suggest determining the square footage of a billboard. He stated that he would much rather see another sign of 330 square feet at 75 feet. He stated that he likes the idea of having combined signs for multiple tenants. Commissioner VanScoy stated that if this is going to be delayed to March, there could be the same discussion if nothing is done between now and then. Commissioner Woestehoff stated that he would like to see the sign on land owned by the applicant and not City owned land. Commissioner VanScoy recognized that the visibility issue is a huge policy issue that needs to be dealt with. Chairperson Bauer agreed that the sign ordinance needs to be reviewed, as visibility will continue to be a huge issue for The COR. City Planner Anderson provided additional details on the different types of signage allowed. He stated that the Council has talked about going away from The COR branding and focusing on the City of Ramsey.