11-22-1982 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Minutes November 22, 1982 Page Five Please note the difference in the wording of the phasing plan you are presented with now as opposed to the one agreed on in August. The August plan specified 75,000 sq. ft. Prior to our October Planning Commission meeting, I asked City staff to clarify the wording of the phasing plan that would accompany this latest size proposal of 105,000 (should this size be approved). I am very skeptical of the phasing plan. With the ownership and options involved here, things will have to be very well defined and agreed to by all involved. Even with that, there is potential for manipulation. I hope that the eventual Developer's Agreement will be very specific and inclusive. I urge you not to ignore the potential of other commercial areas, the 1982 market study, the recommendations of our City Planner, common sense, the economy, and the months of work to arrive at agreement on 75,000 square feet." Ms. Doris Anderson, a local retailer in the City of Elk River, expressed her opposition to the City Council's approval of the conditional use request by Barthel. Ms. Anderson indicated that with the state of the economy and the busi- ness slow-down in the City of Elk River, she felt the area could not support another shopping facility. Ms. Anderson indicated that the retailers in the City of Elk River have all experienced decreased sales and further indicated that she felt the timing was not right for an additional commercial shopping center in the City of Elk River. Ms. Anderson indicated that she felt the City of Elk River should have a good shopping center, nota second best strip mall, and that it should be built at the right time to promote a healthy business community in which all retailers could prosper. Ms. Anderson suggested that the City Council shelf the conditional use request for the Barthel Planned Unit Development at this time. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt the shopping center would not be built at this time and that it may not be built in 1983 or 1984, as the City must look at the water system first. Councilman Schuldt indicated that the City's current water system could not provide the necessary safety service for a shopping center and that the water system must be addressed first. Mr. Gary Santwire questioned the effect of the City's water system on his pro- posed Planned Unit Development. Mayor Hinkle indicated that a land use question was presented before the Council at this time and that the City Council cannot keep the developer from planning. Mayor Hinkle further indicated that with the current economic conditions, two shopping centers. could not be developed si- multaneously, but further indicated that the City Council is not in the position to decide which one can and which one cannot. Mayor Hinkle further indicated that the question before the City Council is a conditional use permit for the Barthel Planned Unit Development and further indicated that Mr. Barthel will determine when it is economically feasible to build the proposed shopping facility. General discussion was carried on regarding the size of the proposed facility and whether a mall could be built in the first phase of the commercial facility.