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<br />Mayor Gamec stated that he feels people need to be allowed a choice of what kind of housing <br />they want, whether it be an apartment, a town home or a single family home on a small or large <br />lot. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson stated that she understands the residents concern with no more town <br />homes in the City. She stated that she agrees that town homes have been over built, but <br />reminded the residents that these are twin homes, not town homes. She stated that a twin home <br />is a much different product and are designed to cater to empty nesters which is a very desirable <br />product in this market. She urged people to take a look at the Majestic Oaks development in <br />Ham Lake where there are million dollar homes right next to some twin homes and they are all <br />part of the same development. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that although there' are 66 names on the petition opposing this <br />development, he feels that with a different development there may be 66 different names on the <br />next petition opposing that one.' He reiterated Councilmember Elvig's comments that the <br />residents may be taking a huge risk by keeping the zoning commercial because the City Council <br />cannot control what decides to move in. He stated that it could be a Tires Plus and not a nice, <br />quiet dental office. He agreed that ifthe price range was kept in the $250,000 to $300,000 range, <br />the market is probably for retirees. He stated that he wanted it to be on the record that the <br />residents have been forewarned that they will have no complaint when a commercial entity <br />moves m. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he would like to strike a compromise. He stated that either a <br />single family home or a restriction on what type of business could go in would be a reasonable <br />compromise. He suggested that perhaps the Economic Development Authority (EDA) could <br />look at some sort of assistance with the property as it does not appear to be marketable as it is. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen asked if Councilmember Elvig was suggesting that the EDA <br />purchase this property to gain control of the usage. She stated that she is unsure if the EDA <br />would have funding available for this purpose. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he feels the developer would have better restrictions on the property <br />than a government agency. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he feels a joint public/private venture would have more <br />strength. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Trudgeon stated that he cannot fully analyze Councilmember <br />Elvig's suggestion without further research, but stated that he thinks this site would have limited <br />TIF district availability. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that he does have concern that if there are others in the City having <br />trouble selling their property that they will come to the City and expect the same kind of <br />assistance being considered for this parcel. <br /> <br />City Council /October 9, 2007 <br />Page 11 of 25 <br />