9.1. SR 12-19-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

EOty1� ,.,�� Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session December 19, 2016 Zack Carlton,Planning Manager Item Description Reviewed by Spectrum High School Expansion Cal Portner, Ci Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Discuss the possibility of using EDA-owned land for expansion of Spectrum High School. Background/Discussion Spectrum's recent expansion met significant concern from the commission and business owners at the November 29, 2016, Planning Commission meeting. Concerns included existing business displacement with an institutional use, the presence of a school in an industrial park (which is currently legal), school- related traffic around existing businesses, the impacts of leasing vacant buildings adjacent to the school, and reducing taxes collected in an industrial park intended to increase tax capacity. The Commission unanimously recommended denial of the Conditional Use Permit and Spectrum withdrew the application on December 6. Staff has sought a solution for Spectrum including alternative sites,but a large enough parcel close enough to their location has proven challenging. Spectrum's ability to relocate is limited as their funding source ties them to a location for 30 years. An option is the 12.13 acre EDA-owned parcel generally southeast of the school. It was platted in 2005 as part of Northstar Business Park but numerous encumbrances have made it difficult to sell as a developable parcel. The unique shape and presence of a gas easement leave a small buildable area when comparing the lot to other 12+ acre parcels. However, these issues are not as much of a concern for a school that doesn't require a significant building footprint and has a need for open space. The parcel would provide expansion opportunities; allow the city to address past concerns as well as those mentioned during the Planning Commission Public Hearing. The site would not displace existing businesses,would not direct traffic around an existing building,would not share access with developable parcels, and would not impact collected taxes as it is currently city-owned and not paying. The property would be zoned Planned Unit Development to allow school expansion, and institutional uses would be removed from Business Parks. Spectrum would be a permitted use on the new site but a legal non-conforming use in the Business Park and not permitted to expand there,rather directing growth to the new site. Attachments ■ Location Map ■ Aerial Image ■ Final Plat of Northstar Business Park POWERED 6T A IR