10-20-1997 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes October 20, 1997 Page 6 Ms. Ebner - 17994 Union ~ - indicated her opposition and stated that she has made a major investment in her home. She indicated that she is familiar with business parks and assured the residents that the problems they perceive are real. Diane Dusek - 18198 Oqden St - indicated her opposition. Natalie Gall - 15283 County Road 30 - indicated her opposition and stated her concern of hours of business, the increased traffic, and the proximity of the development to river. Geor.qe Zabee - 329 Morton Street - stated that he has lived in Elk River for 30+ years and has watched the city change. He indicated that the City is in need of an industrial tax base. He stated that he is in favor of the zone change. There being no one else to address the issue, Mayor Duitsman closed the public hearing. Mayor Duitsman stated that the city is in need of industrial development. He further stated that if the proposed property were developed residentially, the city would realize ,$346,000 in taxes and $1.2 million in taxes if developed as business park. He stated that the City Council must make the determination of rezoning now in order to attract businesses and in order to provide jobs for the residents. Mayor Duitsman indicated that the council is looking at the tax base and quality of life issue. He further stated that this decision impacts all Elk River citizens not just those in attendance tonight. Mayor Duitsman stated that he supports the rezoning to business park using scenario #3. Councilmember Farber questioned how industrial business would affect the aquifer. Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator indicated that he did not feel there would be any contamination issues to the residents as the waste would be routed to the wastewater treatment plant. Councilmember Holmgren stated that a mistake was made in the past by not requiring Sandpiper Estates to connect to city sewer and water. He further stated that he felt all of the property in that area should be zoned business park. Councilmember Holmgren indicated that Industrial land is scarce and that an industrial tax base is a necessity. He stated that he is in favor of the zone change to business park. Councilmember Thompson indicated that he concurred with Councilmember Holmgren. He further stated that Elk River is a fast growing community and that the tax base needs to be increased through industrial development. Councilmember Farber indicated that this will impact neighbors, however, a business park in any location would have an impact on surrounding residents. He stated that the city is in need of the industrial based property and indicated his support of the zone change with scenario #3.