3.1. PCSR 01-29-2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Page 2 December 18, 2018 ----------------------------- Commissioner Larson-Vito asked if there were any other commercial areas in the city where an institutional use isn’t allowed. Mr. Carlton stated all straight commercial zoning districts allow institutional use. He stated some PUDs may not allow institutional use. Commissioner Rydberg wondered about the applicant’s future plans of either purchasing the unit or moving out. Chair Johnson opened the public hearing. th Rich Schultz, 15894 54 Street NE, St. Michael, is the owner of Freeport Business Center, in the same zoning district as 550 Freeport Ave. NW. He stated he doesn’t oppose the function or mission statement of the applicant but he felt there were other locations that would be a better fit for a religious institution than in a strip mall plaza in a commercial setting. He noted the city revamping the mixed use Elk River Plaza District a few years back and stated he had concerns with the county assessor making tax adjustments as a result and in turn raised his taxes. He felt it unfair that this building wouldn’t see their taxes increased by adding this allowed use. He also felt this could turn into a similar development as the Spectrum High School setting, in which the school expanded in an area not suited for institutional use, not suiting the city well. Mr. Schultz expressed concerns with parking and challenges with similar congestion problems at buildings in the surrounding area. He also noted the allowed signage was more generous than what was allowed on his own building. He indicated there was the possibility that the city would lose out on taxes, stating he spoke to the county assessor’s office and they indicated institutional uses were tax exempt. He stated he didn’t feel the building should not have to pay property taxes because of the type of tenant allowed in the building. th Charles Handren, 14470 54 Street NE, St. Michael – stated he was the Pastor of Preaching for Glory of Christ Fellowship. He indicated that they are hoping for a long-term lease with future plans to acquire and develop a property at some point but no ability to do so at this time. He indicated there is no tax exemption for the building since they will be leasing the building from B & G Realty, LLC. There being no one present to speak, Chair Johnson closed the public hearing. Commissioner Jordan asked about the tax implications. Mr. Carlton stated he contacted the county assessor and posed the question about a commercial property owner leasing part of their building to a church, and would they still have to pay taxes. The assessor stated the building owner would still have to pay taxes and provided some examples of a few other similar properties in the county. Commissioner Jordan asked if there were any traffic concerns, noting there were two entrances and by estimating the number of attendees wondered the number of parking stalls and if there would be a traffic or parking issue.