10 Administration - General Information

Home Browse Search

Economic Development Commission Minutes November 21, 2017 Page 2 of 4 ----------------------------------------------------------- Sheila Haverkamp noted BLAEDC completed a study of the existing Business Park approximately 10 years ago; this information does need to be updated. This 80 acre site was identified as the location to expand the Business Park in a study completed by Charles Marohn who was the Planning Consultant for the City. It wasn't a viable solution at the time. Does this site make sense toda.y for Business Pazk expansion? It is highly visible, flat, open land. The City does have opportunities such as a Business/Industrial Park, a business opportunity such as a hotel,recreational ball fields, or some other recreational type of activity, or move toward a technology park creating a sense of campus. Sheila Haverkamp reviewed the email provided regarding the potential land uses. The EDC should brainstorm all of the potential land uses for this azea, determine the benefits of each use and create a matrix of pros and cons of each use. She further staxed if the City desires a Business Park expansion,they need to plan for the long term. Business Parks aze not going to net a fast return on investrnen�, When all of the information is collected a recommenda.tion can be made to the City Council. Then the City would need to determine how to market the vision. Justin Burslie asked Ms. Haverkamp what the vacancy rate is of business parks in the region. Ms. Haverkamp stated pre-2008 there was a defuute need for more to meet the demand. In the last 10 years this has come to a halt. John Babinski sta.ted a11 of their rental properties are full,but didn't know if there is a need for more industria.l. Commissioner Holley stated industrial expansion brings people in but there a.re not that many vacancies for housing for medium incomes and retirees. Commissioner Clement sta.ted she has been told nice housing, no maintenance, with homeowners associations are difficult to find. Mr. Babinski stated there really are no newer,nice areas for hausing. It would bring a lot of families to Pequot Lakes. C#�ris Monroe inquired if a community center has ever been a discussion point. She has heard this request while visiting Chamber Members. Mayor Adams sta.ted this is something�veryone wants but no one wants to pay for it. Mayor Adams further asked what type of use is going to provide the most tax base. Mr. Babinski stated it would be nice to see ball fields, housing and commercial, but do you want to put housing next to a Business Park? Is there another location for housing? Chair Jurchen stated ball fields could show qua.lity of life. A huge server farm could tie into technology. Commissioner Lindholm sta.ted the school has seen a population increase in the secondary level, over 50 families a yeaz are looking to move here. They want nice housing. He doesn't feel this location is good for housing. The parents are looking