|
On Tuesday, June 7, the GLPC met with the VHPC at the VH
<br />fire station on E at 8:00 PM. Present were Gardner, Nielsen,
<br />Leider, Titcomb, Docken, Bemis, and Emeott. VH was represented
<br />by their chair, Mr. Ed Haddon, and members Mrs. Kathy Ridlehoover
<br />and Mr. Gene Hoff.
<br />The discussion initially centered an the Fontana proposal
<br />which comprises approximately 259,000 square feet, of which
<br />Target represents 116,800. Although this area was originally
<br />proposed to be an office complex, the situation currently is
<br />"bird in hand" as the Fontana group offers a total site
<br />development project. Mr. Hoff, who voted for the proposal, feels
<br />that it is a very well conceived project, vastly superior to
<br />WalMart (they voted down WalMart three times, but were overridden
<br />by their Council) . The trade-off is the negative impact ❑f so
<br />much additional retail. VH does not have satisfactory roadways.
<br />to the west (i.e., Koehler and Centerville Rds.) to handle the
<br />projected traffic, and there is a significant, vocal opposition
<br />in the community based on safety and environmental concerns.
<br />They have already noted a significant increase in traffic on
<br />Centerville Rd., with traffic conditions occasionally in the F
<br />category near Hwy. 96.
<br />When asked to describe the motivation for this type of
<br />development, they offered two primary benefits: one, the sale of
<br />the land, and that sale being immediate and total, versus piece-
<br />meal over an indeterminate period; and, two, the significant
<br />addition to their tax base. Curiously, they did not seem fully
<br />informed on the fiscal impact, and the environmental worksheet on
<br />the project was not even submitted to them, but rather to the VH
<br />City Council (it was presented that evening, and goes to VLAWMO
<br />on June 16). They thought that revenue to the city, including
<br />permits and licenses, would total about $100,000 in 1996,
<br />although the initial contribution would be more like $20,000.
<br />Those promoting the project forecast revenues by 2004 adequate to
<br />amortize their bond issue required to build the bridge. (At 30
<br />mills, the $15 million Target store would generate about $45,000
<br />annually t❑ the City.) The owners of the property have faced
<br />escalating taxes since the property was rezoned, plus very large
<br />assessments upon which they are paying 8% interest, and are most
<br />anxious to conclude this deal.
<br />In addition to Fontana, the walMart site has outlots
<br />totalling 9,000 square feet. VH is negative toward fast food
<br />(Fontana substituted a bank in their proposal), but does want
<br />family restaurants, a hotel, an upscale grocery, etc.. There is
<br />no current proposal for the "DeCoster" site on the NW corner of
<br />LaBore and E. They are very open to ideas, and appreciated Mrs..
<br />
|