06/23/1965 - 00027259FRIDLEf HOUSING AND REDk'VELOR4ENT AffIX)nTrRY HEf''T0101 JITNE 23, 1965
The meeting was called to order at 'j.-hO P44o, by Chairman Herder,
ROLL CALL:
Present: Chairman Herder, Commissioners Lois Mullin, Reverend
Robert Kendall, Paul Barrow and John Meyer
Richard Larson and Leonard Dage, representing Red Owl,
Art Swanson and Cliff Wel% Attorney, representing Them
sen +s, City Manager Earl Wagner, tlayor William Nee,
Planning Commission Chairman Kenneth Kravik, City AtT
torney Wyman Smith and City Planner Tom Hodne
Absents None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MEETING OF JUNE 21, 1955:
This matter was deferred until the next meeting,
PROPOSED SUPERMARKET FOR RED OWL o N.E. CORNER AT UNIVERSITY AVENUE
AND MISSISSIPPI STREET:
Mr. Herder explained that the matter of building a proposed Red
Owl supermarket, 131 feet by 110 feet in size on the N.E. corner of
University Avenue and Mississippi Street (Theisen property), had been
referred to the Authority by the City Council. The present zoning of
this property is C@1, Local Business Districts and it is approximate-
ly 200 feet by 298.3 feet in sized
Mr. Welm, Attorney for Theisen's, explained that his purpose in
being present at this meeting was to acquiesce in this proposed Red
Owl enterprise and try the ethicaey of extending the portion imme-
diately north, which is now zoned residential, to provide a complex,
which would iticlude a number of other businesses or shops.
Chairman Herder explained that This corner was not included in
the area designated for renewals but that the Authority is definitely
concerned with the areas surrounding said renewal area (south of
Mississippi and a portion west of University). M<o Barrow explained
that in order to warrant a Federal grant, it was necessary to havo
51% damaged property, and he was not sure that this undeveloped sec-
tion under question could be added to the area and still stay within
the said percentage needed. Also, that the proposal might best be
referred to the Planning Commission. K?. Swanson inquired whether
or not their proposal would fit i1g, if the renewal plan were to go
through. Mr. Hodne explained that, as yet, there had been no deci.
sign made on a definite plan for this renewal area3 but that special
efforts are being made to evolve then- plans as quickly as possible,
by all concerned. Mr. Hodne explained a memorandum that he had pre.
pared to the City of Fridley, the 7ridley Housing and Redevelopment
Authority and the Planning Commission, concerning this Red Owl pro-
posal. He stated that he felt this proposal should be weighed by
both the owner and developer for the beat possible plan.
PROPOSED SUPEM4ARKET FOR RED OWL - N.E. CORNER AT UNIVERSITY AVENUE
AND 14I3SISAPPI STREEP (continued);
It was pointed out that a Building Permit has already been ap=
plied for, for this proposed supermarket; and the prospective deve.W
lopers questioned whether or not said permit could be legally re@
fused. Also, that they wanted to start construction of this proposed
supermarket as soon as possible.
Are Kravik explained that this corner had been under discussion,
before the Planning Commission, for at least six years. His Commis@
sion has recommended that if there is sufficient demand for this type
of use, the area eastward and northward should probably be considered
for razoning. It is their feeling that a plan should be proposed so
that present residential owners can anticipate a change in zoning, to
be done in an orderly fashion, so that values will not fluctuate.
Wyman Smith stated that the City Council has talked with the
County about widening ;Sississippi Street and constructing sidewalks
along same, and they have had some assurance that this will happen.
Also, that 7th Street will become a north south access road from
Highway No. 100 to Mississippi Street.
It was pointed out that this proposal would have to be reviewed
by the Building Board and probably the Safety Committee, before a
Building Permit could be approved. After much discussion, the in-
terested parties agreed to review and consider the Authority's pro-
posed renewal plan, at a later date when it has been worked out to
a greater satisfaction to everyone.
Mr. Barrow made a motion that a resolution be drafted to the
City Council suggesting that the Authority have an extension of time
before giving Red owl a recommendation as to what to do, Said motion
was seconded by Mrs. Mullin and upon a voice vote, there being no
nays, carried unanimously.
REVIEWAL OF CITY CENTER PROJECT AREAS
The Authority agreed that Mr. Hodne should send copies of the
economic report, with new pages, to Mr. Kravik, Chairman of the Plan••
ning Commission.
Mr. Hodne explained the background of the preliminary plan, and
the research that had been done. $e stated that every businessman
concerned has been contacted, and that there are records as to what
their thoughts have been. Also, that these preliminary -plans have
not been presented to any of the public. lie pointed out the existing
elements, and how the plan had best been worked out around these.
Mr. Barrow inquired if it was the Planner's thinking that the
crossing at University and Mississippi will not be greatly a level
crossing.
Mr. Hodne replied that the thinking now is that it will be
greatly level.
-2�
&'7. Hodx`"_d,' C::yJ�r'u�Lr:.:YfA.. thy " Nt7 fL74_ T" -'11 „„jn':'r 1,'3'w
tive plans. Plan #1 would propose a major comineecial center and
possibly City Hall in the southeast renewal section of the University
. Avenue - Mississippi Street intersection„ Plan #2 would propose a
four quadrant approach, with commercial areas of various sizes on
each corner of said intersection. Plan #3 would propose a two -quad-
rant approach, with commercial areas on the northwest and southwest
renewal sections of the intersection and the City Center in the
southeast renewal section of same,
The Authority discussed, in detail the different possibilities
for each of these alternative plans, accesses, service roads, exist-
ing elements, square footage requirements and the possibility of
moving the Civic Center across to the west side of University Avenue.
Chairman Herder asked for an opinion on which of these plans
each Commissioner might favor. The following replies were made:
Mr* Meyer stated that he liked Plan #3, but felt that the
Authority should try to work with the Red Owl proposal as much as
possible*
Mr. Harrow stated that he also preferred Plan #3, with the Red
Owl proposal being permitted in the northeast corner.
Mrs. Mullin explained that she would prefer Plan #1, because all
shopping could be concentrated in one area.
Mr. Kendall preferred Plan #1, because he felt the traffic pat.
41 tern would be to an advantage and could be controlled far better*
Mr. Herder favored Plan #3, and felt that the Red Owl store could
possibly relocate in a different section of the plan.
Some other reasons for favoring !Tans #1 and #3 were as follows:
Plan #ls This plan might allow for more expansion, bringing in more
development and new business, which Lught prevent degeneration of the
present existing shopping areas*
Plan #3s This plan might be favored because of possible control in
the southwest quadrant.
Mr. Hodne stated that he felt enough interest had been shown
in Plan #1 to warrant drawing up a preliminary design plan for same.
Then, both plans could be studied and discussed. The Authority agreed
to this.
ADJOURNMENTs
As there was no further busi as, Chairman Herder declared the
meeting adjourned at l2t4O A *M.
The next meeting of this Authority will be held at 8soo P.M.,
on Wednesday, June 30, 1965,
Respectfully submitted,
Lois 91111in
Secretary
Fridley Housing & Redevelopment Authority
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