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2002-06-26 CC Packet
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2002-06-26 CC Packet
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<br />Scenario for Youth Session on Develooment ProDosal <br /> <br />Prairie Ridge is located about 35 miles north of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, just off <br />Interstate 1-35. The original settlement dates back to the late 19th century, when Prairie Ridge <br />was a farm community. The oldest part of the town has houses dating from the late 1914 and <br />early 20th centuries. Because of the relatively easy access to jobs in the Twin Cities coupled with <br />affordable housing prices, however, commuters have started to move in. The 2000 census <br />showed the population of the town to be 12,000, almost double its size only 10 years earlier. The <br />established residents that have been around for a while have mixed feelings. They like the <br />prosperity and new business coming to town, but also' worry that they are losing their small town <br />feel and way of life. <br /> <br />The historic downtown of Prairie Ridge has a beautiful location next to the shores of <br />Lake Wananosa. From 1946 until 1979, one of the biggest downtown businesses was Wild <br />Bill's Farm and Feed Store, located just half a block: from the lake. Wild Bill's sold and repaired <br />heavy farm equipment like tractors and combines. They also sold a wide variety of farm <br />chemicals like fertilizer, weed control, and so forth. Wild Bill's old store sat empty between <br />1979 until 1990, when a potential buyer, wanting to set up an antique shop, took a hard look at <br />the property. Much to the town's alarm, it was learned that Wild Bill had not been a very <br />responsible businessman. He had poured 1000' s of gallons of used motor oil into a hole in the <br />backyard. He had also left bags of chemicals exposed to the rain, and they had leached off into <br />the streets. Both the oil and the chemicals made their way into Lake Wananosa, leaving this <br />community resource polluted. The State Department of Natural Resources has issued an <br />advisory against swimming, fishing. or any other recreational use of the lake since 1991. <br /> <br />In the meantime, with the growing population of the area, Wally World and other large <br />box chain retailers have located just outside of town, near 1-35, while the historic downtown has <br />suffered a significant loss of business. There are numerous empty storefronts. . But help might be <br />on the way. <br /> <br />Preniier Properties, an upscale developer located in Bloomington, wants to develop a <br />classy housing and retail development in a picturesque setting within 50 miles of the Twin Cities. <br />. They are convinced that downtown Prairie Ridge, right next to the lake, is just the type of <br />location they need. The company has submitted a proposal to the City of Prairie Ridge. The <br />concept includes 275 single-family homes and townhouses, along with a limited amount of retail <br />that can serve the immediate needs of the residents. Their development will include buying the <br />old Will Bill's store, demolishing the building, and working with the City to clean up the <br />pollution, both in the ground and in the lake. <br /> <br />The project is appealing to the City and to most local residents, but has not been without <br />some controversy. The public hearing before the Plarming Commission went on over two nights, <br />each lasting 3 )I;, hours. After listening to all the opinions, and considering all the relevant <br />issues, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval to the City CounciL The <br />Commission vote, however, was not unanimous; two of the seven commissioners voted no. <br />Now the matter is scheduled for a hearing and decision before the City Council on Thursday <br />afternoon of this week. The Council has basically three choices: <br /> <br />. Approve the project as requested by Premier Properties <br />. Reject the project as requested <br />. Approve the project, but with modifications <br />
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