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