04-26-1982 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes April 26, 1982 Page Six Chairman Tracy asked if there were any further questions from the public. There being no further questions, Chairman Tracy closed the public hearing at 8:15 p.m. Re opened the discussion to the Planning Commission for their comments. Commissioner Gunkel asked why, since the concept presentation, the size of the main shopping center building itself, has increased by about 30,000 feet. Mr. Hutchinson stated that since the original concept, interest has increased in the center. Also, because of interest by major tennants, these major tennants don't pay as high a rent and in order to make the finances work more smoothly, the size of the center is increased by getting more smaller shops. He also stated that he knew that the City's basic thoughts on planning this PUD was to plan it so they could expand it to take care of all the commercial development that might occur so they wouldn't have to be putting in another shopping center somewhere else. Commissioner Gunkel indicated to Barthel that the Commission asked them to be more specific in some of the places that have expressed an interest in the center. She asked if there was a reason they could not be more specific. Laura Manske indicated that the anchors of the center are a grocery store, hardware store, a variety store and a drug store. She clarified a question she was asked earlier about how many people from do\vuto\Vll were interested. She was unsure of how the Planning Commission defined "downtown". As for the area south of the railroad tracks, the variety store has expressed an interest in the center. The smaller tennants may pull from Elk River, but some may be franchises. Commissioner Gunkel asked what kind of stores she will have access to that she doesn't have now. Ms. Manske stated that Barthel is at a point where they have just finished with the anchor tennants. She has a leasing process that has to be followed. Commissioner Gunkel asked what was estimated to exist there; things have changed considerable since the studies were done. Ms. Manske indicated she can only go on the ones that have already been given to her. Commissioner Gunkel asked the Barthel people if they have determined what the name of the street extension will be. Mr. Hutchinson stated that he assumed it would be an extension of Gates. Commissioner Gunkel stated that it was being referred to as an extension of Gates but she hoped that it would be named something else as she did not want to have to change all her papers because she presently lived on Gates Avenue that is to the west of the proposed center. Rick Breezee indicated that it would be changed; that it couldn't be Gates and that it will be up to the City to decide on the name.