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