08-09-2005 PC MIN - SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2005 Members Present: Chair Anderson, Lemke, Offerman, Ropp, Scott, and Westgaard Members Absent: Commissioner Stevens Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner; Chris Leeseberg, Planner; Debbie Huebner, Recording Secretary 1. Call Meeting To Order Chair Anderson opened the workshop portion of the meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Town Conference Room. 2. Gateway Business Center Neighborhood Meeting Property owners present: John Weicht, Rick Morrell, Ronald Ebner, Penny LaPlante and Dean Jacobs, representing Cargill. Director of Planning Michele McPherson provided background information regarding the City-owned property proposed to be developed as Gateway Business Park. She identified the owners of the properties surrounding the site. Ms. McPherson explained that the zoning of the property is split, with part being zoned Highway Commercial and part Light Industrial. The City Council and EDA have indicated that they would like to see the City maintain as much commercial zoning as possible. The site has been offered to Great River Energy for their campus, but a decision has not been made at this time. It is the City’s intent to move forward with a development plan for the site while waiting for GRE’s decision. Ms. McPherson reviewed the two layout concepts, noting that they are very similar due to the location of the wetlands. Also, she noted that the street must line up with Ulysses Street to the north. The property to the west and south is currently zoned C3 Highway Commercial, and the property to the east and north is zoned I1 Light Industrial, which would allow light manufacturing uses with limited outdoor storage. Ms. McPherson stated that the Cargill property will remain Agricultural Research. She noted that the difference between Option A and Option B is the small cul-de-sac, which would allow access to Powell’s property, and differences in the lot layout. She explained that construction of the roads as shown would depend on whether or not the neighboring property owners show interest in development. Ms. McPherson stated that the City Council has also discussed the possibility of selling off the commercial piece to a developer. John Weicht, property owner - stated that he purchased the parcel of property located south of the Ebner Bait Shop property to develop it for Highway Commercial uses, and that he would be interested in petitioning for the street as soon as possible. Chair Anderson asked for clarification on the road shown on the drawings as a dashed line. Ms. McPherson explained that this road would provide a future connection to 165 Avenue th through the RDF property. She noted that the RDF owners have shown some concern