04-03-2003 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO NAVARRE TOWN MEETING Thursday, March 13,2003 7:00 o ’clock p.m. this community is a dream come true for he and his family and recognized what great neighbors and shop keepers reside in the area. Dr. Flachecki stated that, as semi-retired, he was eager to contribute to the community and had the energy they were looking for to accomplish great things. White pointed out that Orono collects the lowest amount of tax dollars in Hennepin County and will continue to tighten up its belt in this sluggish economy. He complimented the City staff and the Police Chief for their high quality and well managed departments. Miles Shaw, a Navarre resident, maintained that, while so many communities lack character, Navarre is in a position to define itself. Sansevere asked the public if they would be happy with the same Navarre in 10 years as they saw now. Suzy Swanson indicated that, although in need of a facelift and landscaping with trees. Navarre is a great community. She suggested creating a cityscape to define and unify the town. Dr. Plachccki stated that in the case of Lauderdale, his previous hometown off of Carpenter, the residents chose colored street lamps and trees lining the roadway to define itself. He indicated that now, there is no mistake visitors are passing through a special place. Suzy Swanson praised Rick’s supermarket for its flower beds. Candace Nadler staled that, in her recollection, there was much more green space in Navarre ten years ago. and she asked what happened. She noted how residential homeowners are required to meet strict hardcover standards and questioned why it seems that business are not held to that same high standard. John O’Sullivan, owner of O’Sullivans and Culvers, agreed that he too would like to see more green; however, the County chose to take away the green boulevard he had once provided, in order to replace it with a turning lane. He indicated that the current physical limitations of the commercial area make it difficult to find additional grccnspace. He cautioned the City about writing a master plan w ithout limitations to tremendous grow th and change. He stated that, as a Maple Grove resident, he has seen huge growth and lots of recent vacancies and turnover. Mr. O’Sullivan pointed out tliat the small family owned businesses in Navarre risk being costed out if the same happens here. While he agreed that traffic is a big concern, he reminded the residents that to divert it entirely w ould eliminate some of their customer base. After numerous conversations with the County himself, Mr. O’Sullivan stated that he had been told the Navarre intersection is a skewed intersection that the community would have to live with. White concurred that Navane provides its own economic engine. Tamara Homar, of Westonka Psychological at 3701 Shoreline Drive. Ms. Bomar stated that, as a business person in Navarre the past 4 years, she has observed that more options for people to stroll the road safely with better w alkw ays need to be provided. While she felt it would be nice to beautify the commercial area, she urged the City to construct sidewalks'walkways to better access the park behind the hardware store via C’ounty Road 19-Shadywood PAGE 4 of 10