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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – May 3, 2017 14 <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber believed that businesses attracted related businesses and the people of the <br />community then supported these businesses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones indicated the City could not make Land O’Lakes employees live in Arden <br />Hills. However, he anticipated that a large portion of the students that attend the two universities <br />in the community visit local businesses and would buy their groceries in Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber agreed with this fact but noted the differences in disposable income between <br />graduate students versus employees at Land O’Lakes. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones commented on how higher education was changing. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber understood higher education was evolving and believed that students would be in <br />the community less and less over time. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones added that office space was also changing and noted some employees were <br />now allowed to work from home. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes explained the Council wanted this study to be completed in order to <br />better understand the viability and opportunities available to the City. She thanked Mr. Zweber <br />for his efforts. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman stated the City also had to be concerned with the tax revenue that <br />would be lost if college campuses expanded into business and industrial zones. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber reported Northwestern was very interested in this manufacturing facility given the <br />fact it could be converted into a STEM facility for half the price of constructing a new building. <br />He explained this also had to be considered for new businesses that may be interested in entering <br />the community. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones thanked staff for this detailed information as it changed his thinking on the <br />matter. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber reviewed the next steps for the Higher Education Moratorium Study noting he <br />would be meeting with the Economic Development Commission and the Planning Commission <br />on Wednesday, June 7th. The City Council would then be reviewing the study in work session on <br />Monday, June 19th. It was noted the moratorium on Higher Education would end on October <br />19th. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones asked if the new Bethel property at 2 Pine Tree Drive was tax exempt. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes reported this was the case, but noted Bethel had agreed to assist the <br />City in completing a trail. <br /> <br />Mr. Zweber explained the Pine Tree property was used for both educational and office uses. <br />