2002-06-26 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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.. " Scenario for Y onth Session on Development Proposal Prairie Ridge is located about 35 miles north of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, just off Interstate 1-35. The original settlement dates back to the late 19th century, when Prairie Ridge was a farm community. The oldest part of the town has houses dating from the late 1911) and early 20th centuries. Because of the relatively easy access to jobs in the Twin Cities coupled with affordable housing prices, however, commuters have started to move in. The 2000 census showed the population of the town to be 12,000, almost double its size only 10 years earlier. The established residents that have been around for a while have mixed feelings. They like the prosperity and new business coming to town, but also' worry that they are losing their small town feel and way of/ife. The historic downtown of Prairie Ridge has a beautiful location next to the shores of Lake Wananosa. From 1946 until 1979, one of the biggest downtown businesses was Wild Bill's Farm and Feed Store, located just half a block from the lake. Wild Bill's sold and repaired heavy farm equipment like tractors and combines. They also sold a wide variety oHarm chemicals like fertilizer, weed control, and so forth. Wild Bill's old store sat empty between 1979 until 1990, when a potential buyer, wanting to set up an antique shop, took a hard look at the property. Much to the town's alarm, it was learned that Wild Bill had not been a very responsible businessman. He had poured 1000's of gallons of used motor oil into a hole in the backyard. He had also left bags of chemicals exposed to the rain, and they had leached off into the streets. Both the oil and the chemicals made their way into Lake Wananosa, leaving this community resource polluted. The State Department of Natural Resources has issued an advisory against swimming, fishing, or any other recreational use of the lake since 1991. In the meantime, with the growing population of the area, Wally World and other large box chain retailers have located just outside of town, near 1-35, while the historic downtown has suffered a significant loss of business. There are numemusempty storefronts. But help might be on the way. Prenller Properties, an upscale developer located in Bloomington, wants to develop a classy housing and retail development in a picturesque setting within 50 miles of the Twin Cities. . They are convinced that downtown Prairie Ridge, right next to the lake, is just the type of location they need. The company has submitted a proposal to the City of Prairie Ridge. The concept includes 275 single-family homes and townhouses, along with a limited amount of retail that can serve the immediate needs ofthe residents. Their development will include buying the old Will Bill's store, demolishing the building, and working with the City to clean up the pollution, both in the ground and in the lake. The project is appealing to the City and to most local residents, but has not been without some controversy. The public hearing before the Planning Commission went on over two nights, each lasting 3 Y, hours. After listening to all the opinions, and considering all the relevant issues, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council. The Commission vote, however, was not unanimous; two of the seven commissioners voted no. Now the matter is scheduled for a hearing and decision before the City Council on Thursday afternoon of this week The Council has basically three choices: . Approve the project as requested by Premier Properties · Reject the project as requested . Approve the project, but with modifications