01-20-1998 Planning Commission Minutes

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 20, 1998 _ Freshwater Foundation- Continued) #2328 Freshwa ) Van Zomeren reported that the Freshwater Foundation currently has a conditional use permit to be a research facility in the B-4 Zoning District. The applicants are asking for permission to sign a lease with a corporate tenant that would enable biological research to continue in the building. Mr. Brown said negotiations are underway with an unnamed tenant, who will be leasing the entire lower level of the building, which includes the "boat room". The research the tenant will be conducting is similar to that which was previously done by the University of Minnesota and Freshwater Foundation. This lease will result in the entire building being used for research. The upper level is leased by the Watershed District and two other corporate tenants, along with the Freshwater Foundation and conference center. Brown related the history behind the building and its use. It was built by the Freshwater Foundation in 1972 with private funding for the University of Minnesota in perpetuity. The University decided to discontinue operating the facility several years ago resulting in the building being taken over once again by the Freshwater Foundation, who is primarily a publisher. The 51,000 s.f. building is a first rate research facility according to Brown. The proposed lease will allow the Foundation to continue educating people regarding fresh water. Van Zomeren asked if the Planning Commissioners would allow the use to continue as a research facility and make a recommendation to the Council to amend the CUP. Smith asked what the research would involve. Brown said the major part of the research will be related to processed water. He did not wish to elaborate further on the tenant's research. There were no public comments. Schroeder asked who the tenant would be for the lower level. Brown said the prospective tenant is a major midwestern corporation involved in biological and chemical research. Smith asked if there were safety concerns to consider. Brown said the corporation was highly responsible. Smith asked how the City can verify the conditions. Van Zomeren said the inspector will review it. Brown elaborated that the research is subject to many levels of investigation and agency control. McMillan asked how the lease would affect the LMCD, who currently is leasing an office in the lower level. Brown said the LMCD is willing to move if appropriate accommodations can be found. The space available on the upper level is not large enough 411 for the LMCD use. 9