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downtown operation. The connection to Olson Street is important. Churches are in the downtown area. The Church went through a Conditional Use Permit to split off the parsonage. The house would fit better in the Downtown Mixed Use zone than the Commercial zone. Mr. Habein stated that the Church area is going to be a problem. The topography is not compatible for the Downtown Mixed Use zone or any type of business use because of the hole. He has seen several grocery stores over time and everyone thinks it is nice to have a new store, but in our haste to have a new one, or two, it is possible that we could end up with none. A store that size and all that it offers will probably put the smaller one out of business. Is this area and all of these people who want a store willing to support it? Do we need another gas station? He would like to see a store like'this where the current store is now. That location is more accessible for all people of the downtown area with a traffic signal for better access. Traffic will be a hazard. Mr. Derksen asked what affect this project will have on State Highway 371 with turn lanes, etc. How will traffic patterns be handled? Mr. Marohn explained that MN/DOT has expressed some concerns with the site location. They have proposed some remedies including an approach for southbound traffic, no bypass lane, and the access be moved to the south of the property as shown so there would be more spacing between accesses and coordinate with the former DNR building to combine accesses into one. MN/DOT indicated the City should be asking for a lower speed limit in that section. Mr. Barrett explained that Oppidan is offering an easement to the former DNR building that would include their entrance and allow access to their property through the project parcel Mr. Williams stated the City Council has requested MN/DOT to lower the speed down to Pillsbury. Mr. Habein stated the Church has also made a similar request. Mr. Hallan stated that MN/DOT looks at changes in use. Mr. Hallan stated that the property is currently zoned Commercial. If the developers were to buy enough property to meet the impervious coverage, they could build the store. Mr. Marohn stated that a grocery store could go on the site as it is currently zoned. Limitations would require them to purchase more property or the City to approve Variances. Chairman Woog stated that the site is too small and would need approximately 2.5 acres. The Rezone is not consistent with the Future Land Use Map. He further stated he does not recommend rezoning unless urban orientation is used. He is hearing that it is appropriate to expand the Downtown Mixed Use zoning, but what to do with the connectivity. We need property to properly connect for the rezone. The site plan fits the Minutes 9 Pequot Lakes Planning Commission August 20, 2009