CCP 09-26-1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Property/Building discussion to continue From page 1 Site development process "We think it's time that we got back into streamlined into new committee the community." SHELBY NICOLAus-DUNSKI - Denny Probst Shaping the future of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant has been streamlined into a newly formed Rentilization Committee. "I'm nor impressed with this fadl- The committee was created following a meeting called last week by ity in that length of time," Council U.S. Congressman Bruce Vento for residents and organizations 10 air Member Dale Hicks said. their concerns regarding the arsenal property. The building has no air condition- The group will be charged with making recommendations for possi- ing. the phone system needs to be ble uses of the land, which takes up the northern third of Arden Hills. updated, it is not cable accessible The army is in the process of vacating the Iand,'representing 2.400 for taping meetings and city leaders acres of prime open space and potential commercial space; . are unsure how many furnishings Prior to the committee' s formation, the city andarr infonnaIgroup of will remain. resident' formed by Jobs For Peace worked parallel on the project. Hicks said the facility's upgrades Up until recently, the city and residents' group had worked on the would be a major expense. "More project without any communication between each other. than 1 would like to spend for 12 to It was a recent Focus News story regarding the lack ofrommunica-. 18 months," he said. tion in the project that broke the ice between the acting Mayor But acting Mayor Denny Probst Denny Probst said.", ' ' defended the idea; stressing the "I think we are both trying to accomplish the same goals andobjec- i importance of the city to continue tives," Probst said.;:'" " ' : its active role in the fate of the arse- A common understanding among those involved early in the proceSs I nal site. ~, Ihat the Reutilization Commillee will take over the planning respon~ "I think it's imponant for us to be sibility. , ';/ I a player out here," he said. "lllere will not be separate entities at the same time trying to I The city has been working on the plans," Probst said. 'i;/ ',., .'.' I future development of the arsenal But the city will continue 10 hvea role in the prOcess. '.' property, which comprises the "Ullimately, the city ha, planning and zoning control over (the prop-I upper third of Arden Hills, since the erty)," he said. army began phasing out it' opera- The committee is expected to develop a master plan within a year tion on the site last year. that would identify development areas on the site. And city leaders have been eying lm;Cnal property as a potential site The building "would "I guess I'm not ready to give up for a new City Hall and public on that possibility," he said. works building. Earlier tilis year, be an investment into The council agreoo to continue its city staff, burgeoning in the aging the unknown." discussion thL.;; month of moving building, moved their offices into into the building. Council members council chambers, forcing the coun- - Paul Malone requested further infonnation from cilto meet in New Brighton City stalI before that work session. Hall. For now, the council is teetering "We think it's time that we got council chambers to prepare for the on the issue. . back into the community," Probst Sept. 13 primary election, he s,lid. The building "would be an invest- said of the City Council meetings. Prohst believes the renovation ment into tJle unknown:' Council New Brighton officials "have costs for Building 105 could be off- Member Paul Malone said. been wonderful hosts, but 1 think set by the property taxes generated But Council Member Beverly they're getting tired," he said. by the old Cily HaIl property once it Aplikowski suggested the city move The council is having scheduling is vacated. lIe suggested the city in with minimal remodeling. conflicu; this month. for instance, continue to study the proposal to ... because New Blighton is using its move into the anny building. --- ------