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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 26, 2018 Page 9 Mr. Jorissen also noted for the record that the University believes it is being treated dif- ferently than other occupants of the PUD District #1177. The University has an employ- ee who is attending college at SLB University. Also, Contractor's University is teaching classes with faculty members of the University of Minnesota. To the extent is that it can- not be used for educational purposes, the City has not been interpreting this PUD agree- ment in that manner for a long time. Mr. Jorissen concluded that in short, the University of NW thinks this use is permissible under the PUD agreement language, and the use is beneficial to the community and would respectfully request that the Council reverse the determination of the department and that the building permit be issued. Mr. Johnson, Vice President of Development for University of Northwestern, stated one positive outcome of this dispute is the University has had a great opportunity to meet neighbors, get to know them well, and hear their overwhelming response in favor of the University coming to the area. He noted there are 21 business in the Centre Pointe Dis- trict, and the University has met with each one. Out of those 21, many have said they will come to the University's defense, because they cannot get enough future employees and interns. These business and organizations have indicated they are desperate for the University to come in the area, as it is an organization that will not be transient, that will be here for the long haul. The University enjoys a long and rich history in the Roseville area and is here to stay. The local businesses recognize that. Some of their businesses have seen counterparts come and go, but they would like the University to stay here for the long haul. Mr. Johnson continued that the University held an open house last week, with over 150 people in attendance. A petition was passed out which explained that half of the building will be office space and the other half to be used for educational purposes, and that the University is working with the City to get to that end. Business owners within the district and outside the district have lined up behind the University. He concluded by saying the University is so appreciative of the Council's willingness to hear the appeal. Mr. Sayer added that the University worked really hard to keep it at 45 percent, with 55 percent office. The University has been surprised at all the support for this petition. Af- ter all, a PUD is a contract between the City and other business owners. The other busi- ness owners would like the University to be here. Chair Roe recalled there was a reference in the presentation to the B-4 zoning, or some other zoning document, saying that educational purposes are permitted. He asked for the reference. Mr. Jorissen clarified the existing zoning ordinance authorizes this sort of activity. He asked for a moment to look up the reference.