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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 25, 2008 Page 22 tion, to be used as a gathering place for community events, or socials to tie into foot traffic on Larpenteur Avenue. Additional discussion included installation of mature trees in the landscaping; and customer preference for adrive-thru pharmacy. Councilmember Ihlan opined that the City had suftlcient drive-thrus and sug- gested that, in this day of global warming and more people walking or biking, it would be more beneficial for the City of Roseville to adopt a poiiey similar to that of neighboring Falcon Heights, allowing for no drive-thrus. Councilmember Ih- ian further opined that there appeared to be little concern for pedestrian traffic in the parking lot design and connectivity for pedestrians. Mr. Farrell advised pedestrian concerns had been addressed, with a proposed sidewalk the entire length of Fernwood and ongoing discussions for a pedestrian sidewalk through the middle of the site up to the store. Mayor Klausing asked if the applicant was seeking any financial assistance from the City for the project. Mr. Farrell advised that they were not seeking public financing, and it was com- pletely financed privately by Roundy's. Public Comment Sheryl Rushenberg, St. Paul, (border of RV/St. Paul) Ms. Rushenberg expressed concern about the great loss of the theater to Roseville High School students, as well as disabled persons in the area. Ms. Rushenberg also expressed concern about Fernwood traffic and pedestrian safety with the pro- posed location of the pharmacy drive-thru on a hill adjacent to the dense housing units on Fernwood Avenue. Ann Kingston, Roseville, (also previously provided two e-mails) Ms. Kingston concurred with the previous speaker; noting that the theater was a special place, where she found her first job; and further noted that she was a loyal Rainbow customer, appreciating its current small floor plan. Mayor Klausing recognized concerns of those speaking; however, reminded eve- ryone of the government's role in regulating private business operations in re- sponse to market forces. Mayor Klausing recognized the value of the theater to the community as a tremendous asset. Mayor Klausing spoke in support of the Concept Plan as proposed; and in defense of the drive-thru pharmacy, asked that consideration be given to customer needs and the value to senior citizens picking up medicines during the winter months and the convenience of doing so without leaving their vehicles.