09-27-1983 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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o c o Planning Commission Minutes September 27, 1983 Page Five and a C-3 and PUD would allow a dry bar as a conditional use. Mr. Johnson further indicated that if the dry bar would be allowed in an I~l/Light Industrial zone, the City would have a tough time restricting other similar uses in that area. Estelle Gunkel, City Council member, was present for this item and indicated that the City Council's intent was to allow a variety of recreational uses in the area and not just a dry bar. The City Administrator indicated that the staff does not feel it is appropriate to have commercial uses in an industrial zone. However, if the Commission does want to pursue this, they would have to add eating and drinking facilities in the defi- nition. Commissioner Tralle indicated that he did not think this type of facility belongs in an industrial zone because the fact that it is getting away from the original intent of the zoning of the area. Commissioner Tralle further indicated that he felt that they would be re-writing the zone for one person and he felt that this was not a property reason for changing the zone. Chairman Tracy indicated that he agreed witb Commissioner Tralle and he also felt that it was not in the best interest of the City to change the zone to commercial. Commissioner Oster indicated that he felt that a dry bar in that particular area would be much better than some of the permitted conditional uses such as a slaughter house. It was indicated by a resident that the area would not be just a dry bar, but a recre- ational hot spot. Commissioner Tralle indicated that he fully supports the idea of a dry bar and a fun spot for people to go without alchohol- but he still feels that by changing the zone, it would jeopardize the integrity of the ordinance. Estelle Gunkel, City Council member, indicated that she felt that one reason for not changing the zone was becuase of the feelings of satisfying the needs of one person. Councilmember Gunkel further stated that zones have been changed before to satisfy the needs of people. Councilmember Gunkel further indicated that an investigation has been made with other communities and it has been found that there is mixed uses in other areas and it has helped bring businesses into the communities. Council- member Gunkel further indicated that there were no other buildings available for a dry bar type of operation in the City of Elk River. Councilmember Gunkel further indicated that the building in questions has been empty for some time and it is empty because no one can rent it because of the zoning of the area; and therefore, the zoning of the area should be looked at. Councilmember Gunkel further indicated that Monticello and Blaine have industrial areas with commercial uses and there seems to be no problems with that. Councilmember Gunkel indicated that we should look at what kind of entryway we want into our City and also what kinds of businesses we expect to attract to that particular area of the City. Councilmember Gunkel further indicated that we have tried to be sensitive to builders and developers and there is a need to recognize that we should be sensitive to other situations also.