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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, February 25, 2008 Page 23 Roe moved, Pust seconded, approved the Rezoning and General Concept Planned Unit Development (PUD) submitted by Roundy's, for 1201 - 1211, and 1215 Larpenteur Avenue, based on comments and conditions of Section 6 of the project report dated February 25, 2008. Councilmember Roe noted the need for inexpensive entertainment options, but noted the need to understand the economic point, with the reason the theater was able to operate inexpensively was because of the inexpensive property it was op- erating within. Councilmember Roe addressed the challenges for lower-cost al- ternatives in making businesses successful in today's economic realities. Coun- cilmember Roe hoped there would be a way to solve the situation for the theater; however, opined that it would not be fair for the City Council to condenm the pro- ject because it eliminated the theater; further opining that the positives out- weighed the negatives of the proposal, and offered his support. Councilmember Ihlan concurred that the City Council had no right to tell Roundy's or the property owners what to do with their property; however, from a policy perspective, opined that the City Council needed to pay attention to the loss of the theater as a valuable community resource for students and those unable to afford first-run theater prices. Councilmember Ihlan expressed disappoinhnent in the notice to the public of the closure of the theater; as well as expressing concern with another drive-thru concept in Roseville, and the need to move away from de- pendence on vehicles, by redesigning for pedestrians. Councilmember Ihlan opined that she was inclined to vote against the Concept Plan, based on inclusion of the drive-thru; and noted that if the drive-thru were eliminated and the site re- designed for pedestrians, she may consider approval of the final designs. Councilmember Pust expressed appreciation for the work done by the applicant to-date in creating a more new urban look rather than a remake of the 1961 build- ing. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of the drive-thru pharmacy; and en- couraged the applicant to continue working with staff to further soften the street- scape on Larpenteur Avenue. Councilmember Pust opined that the City Council shouldn't be asking a business owner not to improve a 1961 building when the market was demanding the improvements; or to offer incentives to the applicant to bring the building up to 2008 standards, while continuing to rent at 1961 stan- dards; further opining that this was not the current market and not the role of gov- ernment. Councilmember Pust hoped that the theater could find vacant theater space at an affordable rent to continue to operate. Councilmember Pust thanked the applicant for their commitment to trees on the site, and spoke in support of the Concept Plan at this time. Roll Call Ayes: Pust; Roe; and Klausing. Nays: Ihlan. Motion carried.