April 22, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes April 20, 1995 Page 7 A resident stated that the Focus Area Study refers to the area in the northeast corner of 193rd and Highway 169 as one of Elk River's natural treasures. He noted that some of this area has already been taken by Sax Foods. He stated that he would like to see that area and the area north of there preserved and not allow clear cutting. Discussion followed regarding commercial opportunities on the Highway 10 corridor. Steve stated that it appears there may not be enough industrial and some shifting of land uses may need to be done. A resident questioned whether or not the Steering Committee could request the Planning Commission to table the Outlot A issue. Chair Minton stated that the Steering Committee did not have that authority. Arne Engstrom questioned what the nature of Mr. Anderson's request. He stated that although he understood that use of Outlot A would be something other than residential, he did not feel he could support such a large project. Dick Hinkle stated that what was intended in 1981 has no bearing on the Planning Commission's decision today, since times and conditions have changed. He also stated that Mn/DOT has informed them there will be no more accesses onto Highway 169 north until 197th Avenue, and questioned how the property will be accessed. Arne Engstrom stated that the residents may be more receptive to a smaller project in the future. Discussion followed regarding the absorption rate. Mary Eberley stated that she felt the 14 acres per year was too low, and that 30 acres would be more appropriate. Arne Engstrom stated that he feels the developer demand is shaping the community, not the people who live here. Hank Duitsman stated that the commercial developers want to be on Highway 169 because marketing studies indicate that is where they should be. He explained that it is more important to determine where the industrial areas should be and then decide the location of commercial. Steve Ach reviewed the inventory of industrial -zoned property. He noted that the majority of this property is not accessible to water and sewer. Also, the 140 acres of gravel mining property is not included in the inventory since it is outside the urban service district. Hank Duitsman stated that the Committee needs to consider the zoning of the Northern Con-Agg property, since it will likely be mined out in 7 -8 years. Chris Kreger stated that he felt all the gravel districts should be changed to industrial, since it would be easier to turn it back to residential later than attempt to zone it industrial later. Dick Hinkle stated that it would be difficult to down -zone. Hank Duitsman stated he would like to review the Highway 10 area first and then determine if more industrial is needed.