06-21-2007 Planning Commission Minutes - Joint Session

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enrollment may have affected the data; it could be removed. Open enrollment indicates a reason to come to Pequot Lakes. Public Comment Period#2: Harlan Johnson—A lot of information to respond from someone with no ties to area. A pro-bypass scenario has been presented. We have not heard from the business leaders and lenders. The largest private lender in Central Minnesota has put a moratorium on commercial lending. Business people don't agree with your presentation. Six businesses had their tax base reduced at the Truth in Taxation hearing. Curt Johnson—Little Falls and Milaca used as examples in a case study. We have no ease/west carrier to intersect with 371 to keep business district alive. Your school enrollment information is right on. A bypass would have a negative impact. Don Porter—2011 was a previous starting date; he recently heard 2014 was a starting date. When will this happen? If it is 2017 or further,the dynamic in economy and other factors will be different. Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber—She recently attended a Mn/DOT meeting where 2017 (MnDOT clarified 2014,fiscal 201 S) was stated as the construction date. George Johnson, Beautiful Antiques—The downtown will be moved to the corridor and the downtown will change. Brandon Andersen—Asked if Mr. Commers thought businesses were tourist driven or self-sustaining commercial. Mr. Commers stated that the tax base indicates self- sustaining. Mr. Andersen asked if he talked to business owners. Mr. Commers stated a survey was not part of the project scope. A survey would be useful, but the cost would be significant. The Chamber has discussed doing a survey. Mr. Commers stated more information is always better,but it would be difficult to know that you had an accurate cross-section of responses. Lisa Paxton—One of the questions tonight was the impact on existing businesses. A tax base analysis was used and she does not see the economic impact on existing businesses. Mr. Commers stated more data could be pulled together,but costly. How do we get it answered? Could we invite Mr. Commers to visit with business owners? Sandy Peine, Lisa Paxton and Sheila Havercamp will discuss this. Mr. Commers agreed to attend. Brad Cairns, Cairns Cabinetry—Is 2.4%the most extensive drop experienced in the project area over 6—7 years? Mr. Commers stated that 2.4 is an average. Joint Council Planning Commission Work Session 2 Minutes June 21, 2007