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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />PAGE 4 <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br />JANAURY 21, 1986 <br /> <br />Councilmember Schuldt noted that if the property in question is a logical <br />extension of downtown, what would happen if the shopping center were to <br />fill to capacity. Would the City extend the commercial district down <br />School Street for the same reasons? Councilmember Schuldt indicated that <br />there is nothing to hold the businesses to their promise or intent once <br />the zone change is made. <br /> <br />Mayor Hinkle indicated his first opinion was in opposition to the request. <br />He indicated that since then it has been indicated there is a strong <br />possibility that three homes east of the property in question will be <br />taken down. He indicated the timing is the issue. He noted some of the <br />buildings available for rent such as Hagens are too high, and indicated he <br />would rather see an owner/occupied business in the two homes as opposed to <br />rental. He stated we must conserve some retail space downtown and that we <br />must have a mix downtown. He stated the people in the downtown area <br />should not have to move to Dodge Avenue if they don't want to. <br /> <br />Mayor Hinkle noted that he felt economics plays an important part in the <br />situation. He indicated that the thing that convinces him most to vote in <br />favor of the zone change is the fact that he has not heard much opposition <br />from the residents in the block regarding the zone change. He noted that <br />five years ago he, and a majority of the Council felt this zone change was <br />the logical way to go. He indicated he will support the zone change and <br />feels the time is right. <br /> <br />Councilmember Gunkel noted her concern was that the Council not lose sight <br />of what the issue is. She noted that time is a big element, but felt the <br />land use is the primary concern with regards to whether it is appropriate <br />to rezone two lots on the end of a residential lot to commercial zoning. <br />Councilmember Gunkel indicated she had not changed her position on this <br />matter which was opposition to the zone change. Councilmember Gunkel <br />noted that maybe the land use map should be evaluated and revised so as to <br />indicate that this area not be looked at as a commercial zone. She <br />indicated that she felt the businesses will make do with what is available <br />until there are some future changes in the downtown area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Engstrom indicated he was in favor of the zone change. He <br />indicated there was only one downtown space available which is the Ben <br />Franklin and further indicated that in a sense it was not available <br />because of the fact there is already a waiting list for. the building. He <br />noted that the two businesses do not want to rent but to own their own <br />building. Councilmember Engstrom noted that if there is any hope of the <br />downtown area expanding it will be with businesses building large <br />buildings. He further noted that the two businesses requesting the zone <br />change have no need for such a large building. <br /> <br />Councilmember Engstrom stated he would like to see the two businesses be <br />able to purchase property in the downtown area to develop their business. <br />He stated they have gone as far as they can for renting and leasing <br />