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Mr. Murphy stated that he feels the 30% impervious area restrictions will create a problem for <br />any type of commercial building. He stated that he would like the City Council to take a vote on <br />the issue. He stated that if the City would pick up the sewer and water fees, which are close to <br />$70,000, he feels the lot could be divided into two lots for single family homes. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he agreed that with the 30% impervious surface restrictions that <br />commercial development will not be possible. <br />Councilmember Dehen stated that the applicant bought this property as a commercial site with <br />the thought of selling it as commercial. <br />Councilmember Olson asked how long Mr. Murphy has owned the property. <br />Mr. Murphy stated that he does not own the property, but that Mr. Tim Holm has been the long <br />time owner of the property. <br />Councilmember Olson stated that she feels the rules may have changed since Mr. Holm <br />purchased the property. She stated that she is unsure when the Mississippi River Overlay <br />District restrictions began. <br />Associate Planner Geisler stated that she believes the Mississippi Overlay District was passed in <br />1985, but she would need to research this to say for sure. <br />Mr. Murphy stated that they have looked very carefully at the lots and feel the three twin home <br />units would be the most attractive possibility. He reiterated that these are not town home units. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he is convinced that this property should be used for residential <br />and feels the City Council should do something to move in that direction. <br />Councilmember Strommen stated that she agrees and doesn't think the comprehensive plan took <br />into account the feasibility of commercial development on this parcel with the Mississippi River <br />Overlay district. She stated that her fear is that the City Council will be backed into a corner and <br />have to grant variances to this property because at one time, it thought commercial usage was the <br />best. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that if the City Council stepped in to try to help out this commercial <br />property, it would set too many precedents for other properties in the City that are having <br />difficulty being sold. <br />Mayor Gamec agrees and noted that he does not like the idea of the City Council stepping into <br />this type of projects. <br />Jim Nutter, 6741 - 137' Avenue, stated that he lives just south of this development and does not <br />want commercial. He stated that residents do not want multiple -unit housing either. He stated <br />that he does not feel the lot is large enough for three town homes. He stated that the developer <br />City Council /October 9, 2007 <br />Page 12 of 25 <br />