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EDC Minutes September 6, 2017 Page 2 of 3 D. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Senior Planner Bachler noted that Minnesota State Statute requires the City update the Comprehensive Plan every ten years. The Metropolitan Council adopts a regional plan with broad goals that cover the seven county regional area, individual cities have to update their plans to be consistent with those goals. The City has until the end of 2018 to update the Comprehensive Plan. The focus has been on housing, land use and the Higher Education Study. There are two recommendations that came out of the Higher Education Study that staff would like feedback on: the Gateway Business Properties and the B-4 Retail Center Zoning District. Senior Planner Bachler stated there are approximately 35 acres of undeveloped land in the Gateway Business District at the northeast corner of I35W and I694. Staff is requesting feedback on the following questions: 1. Does the EDC support the current land use designation for these areas? 2. Would the EDC recommend any changes to the land use designations? After discussion, Commissioner Liz Johnson said she would agree with changing the land use designation to Light Industrial/Office. Commissioners Sheila Bennett Kilander and David Radziej saw no reason to change because the current designation gives more options, and Commissioner Brendan O’Meara agreed to keeping the current designation and cautioned changing specifically for the existing owner without a specific reason for doing so. Senior Planner Bachler then discussed the B-4 Retail Center Zoning District. The City created the B-4 District to attract retail but because it did not occur, staff is now considering requesting the Council to change the zoning to be more reflective of the current uses in the area. Staff would like to change the district from Mixed Business to Light Industrial/Office and possibly change the zoning to I-Flex, thereby ruling out retail in the area. Commissioner Johnson said she could envision high-density housing in the area. She also noted there are transportation issues in the area because of the large trucks. Commissioner O’Meara stated that he would be hesitant to encourage more industrial type businesses in the area due to the proximity to Lexington Avenue. 5. UPDATES A. Commission Members None B. Council Liaison None C. Staff Comments Senior Planner Bachler mentioned the Planning Commission would be looking at the Marriott Hotel redevelopment at their meeting. If the Planning Commission approves, it will be presented to the City Council on September 25. Construction could potentially start this fall.