07-24-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 10, 2017 7:00 o'clock p.m. 16. NAVARRE AREA PLAN — APPROVE SCOPE AND AUTHORIZE ADVERTISEMENT - Continued identification of small items that generate interest on the part of the residents as well as identification of redevelopment opportunities and private investment opportunities. Printup asked if he is talking about projects such as intersection landscaping. Barnhart stated that could be one example. Barnhart stated the plan would help identify possible land use options for different parcels. Walsh commented he is not sure the City can create the demand for reinvestment. Barnhart stated if the vitality of the neighborhood is a goal and there are some possible land uses identified for different areas, it would give developers a better idea of what is desired in the area, but that the City needs to first understand what the public would like to see. Printup asked if the City can take what they have already compiled and provide it to the consultant or whether that material is outdated. Barnhart stated that material can be reviewed to see whether it still applies. Walsh commented he would hate to spend $25,000 and then nothing happens with the plan. Walsh stated the City is limited in what they can do. Reeder stated the City Council may want to look at providing some type of incentives to business owners to reinvest. Walsh commented that can also be a slippery slope, and if there is enough demand, the owners will invest in their buildings. Dankey stated there should be a way to access the trail from the southern side of County Road 15. Dankey noted if buildings are improved, that usually means a tenant's rent will increase, which can mean those tenants will go elsewhere. Crosby stated the City should be encouraging the businesses to reinvest. Barnhart stated the City has not acted on a number of plans that were done in the past but that the Navarre area is now starting to see more investment. Barnhart noted the City's current Comprehensive Plan is eight years old and does not fit with what the residents want and that it would be better to have a plan that the residents want. Barnhart stated a couple objectives of the plan would be to encourage more investment and develop an overall vision for the area. Walsh commented the City Council can provide specific direction to an applicant and they might choose to bring forth a different plan. Barnhart stated if there is a plan that the community wants, it puts the City in a stronger position to provide direction to prospective developers. Barnhart noted Staff frequently hears concern from the Page 12 of 14