6.4. & 6.5. SR 04-16-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to Mayor & City Council/LU 01-01 & ZC 01-01 March 19, 2001 Page 4 uses, including manufacturing and an expansion of the government offices, including the jail at some point in the future. Minnesota Statute does not require future plans or site plans for consideration of a rezoning request. If the land were to be guided industrial and zoned for business park uses, the County could elect to sell the property for industrial uses in the future, if it determines that the land is unnecessary. While the adjacent residents may fear that the County is purchasing this property for additional jail expansions, the jail as a use has fewer impacts than a manufacturing facility, which may have delivery trucks or run third shifts creating noise or other impacts. At this time, it is unknown what the County may build on the property. Planning Commission Recommendation The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing regarding this request on January 23, 2001 (minutes attached). At that hearing, representatives from Hoyt Partners and the County spoke regarding the request. A number of property owners from Sandpiper Estates also testified as to the impact of the County's jail facility on their property. Brian Benson, County Administrator testified that the County does not intend to expand the jail and that the purpose of the land purchase is to ensure future expansion space for unknown needs. The Planning Commission expressed concern with the use of the land for a jail expansion. However, they agreed that County administrative offices would provide a good buffer between the existing single-family residences and future business park activities to the west. They unanimously recommended denial of the request but directed staff to revise the ordinance to allow County offices in the single-family districts. Recommendation The City Council is being asked to consider a request that may have unknown future impacts. The recommendation to change the land use and zoning designations of the property are consistent with the City's stated goals since 1988. The County, however, could operate a "park-like" setting under the current zoning designation and request a land use and zone change when it decides the exact use for this property. If the City Council finds that amending the land use plan to light industrial and the zoning to Business Park is consistent with the City's goals of increasing job creation opportunities, strengthening its industrial base, and that this zoning is compatible with the adjacent residential zoning, then a motion to approve the attached resolution is appropriate. S:\PLANNING~'VllCHMC\CCREPRTS\LU01-01 .DOC