CCP 02-17-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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, , Minutes Page 3 02/02/94 . Mr. McGraw indicated he felt if money isn't spent now to redevelop property in four years the price to redevelop will be four times the amount. The Lexington Business area is large enough to house a large business, for example Cub, to bring tax money in. Study after study will not solve the problems; this is evident with the Gateway Business District. The responsibilities to improve these areas has not been taken seriously, and the Arsenal property hasn't been handled effectively. A lobbyist should be hired to work on the T.C.A.A.P. property. Mr, McGraw further stated the City has money in the bank, and it should be spent to save and develop the area. If areas of the City start to rot, soon nothing will be left. Mr. McGraw wants to see a consultant come in to attract businesses and redeyelop areas rather than produce more studies on these issues. The City has many tools available to be used; ie. TIF or tax breaks. He feels the City is rapidly declining and a new look needs to be taken at improving the situation. Other cities are taking these steps and Arden Hills should to. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she agreed with Mr. McGraw, and at this time nothing was being accomplished with the . Everest group. There is nothing actively being done with the businesses at this time. If the City's businesses are viable, then the City itself will also be yiable. Councilmember Aplikowski indicated that during her run for Council she had been informed there would be no way to start an Economic Development Committee. After being elected, she was then challenged to find seyen people who would be interested in these kinds of issues to serve on a committee. Chair Winiecki asked if Shoreyiew has a consultant who helps approach possible new businesses. Mr. Fritsinger replied they have an Economic Development Commission that has been in place for seyeral years. Shoreview's staff includes a Community Deyelopment Director, a City Planner and with the help of the Economic Deyelopment Commission they are active in business retention/recruitment. Mr. McGraw stated one problem with business is many times employees are let go to help cut costs, and the business is left with a lack of staff to serve customers. These businesses then lose more prospective customers due to the lack of quality service consumers expect. He then stated there are too many conflicts of interest in politics which . can hurt a City's progress in working with businesses.