04-27-1987 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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we are puzzled as to your present desire to intensify the commercial and residential use of the corridor study area. Since we have expended the tine and resources to develop our riunicipal services, and our development, we believe that concurrent detachment and annexation of the above -stated portion of the study area would help Orono to perpetuate its differing philosophy and assist us in supporting our tax base. Another important factor in our consideration is our own Downtown Redevelop- ment Project. As you may also know, Long Lake has been working very hard since 1980 to acquire our redevelopment site. We have invested nearly two million dollars into the site. Our experts tell us that the 7,000 person trade area is about all the business there is to go around. We are also informed that there are areab within the corridor study area which have some natural and practical advantages over our site. We feel a strong obligation toward ourselve and our business district. We are currently undergoing the developer selection process. We have been careful to screen the applicants in order to r-Isure (to the extent possible) that existing businesses will be complemented r: .!- than competed against when our redevelopment activities are complete. L— ess we control development of that area along Highway 12 which constitutes the greatest threat to our project and our businesses, we find ourselves at great economic risk. Tire area of greatest risk to us is the area vie are proposing for detachment and annexation. Since we developed the services necessary to develop this area, we believe that it should be ours to develop. 2. Sewer Plant Property. This property is also: seen as vitally important to us. Long Lake ownns —Me—property and it is tax exempt. Thus, it produces nothing in tax revenue to the City of Orono. Its annexation into Long Lake would allow us to develop it residentially and i keeping with the development on the west side of Orono Orchard Road. These hories would support our business community a.,d our redevelopment project. They would also increase our tax base and help support the school district. While there have peen certain nearby Orono residents who have opposed our annexation of this lan.i we do not perceive the present development in the neighborhood as in any way substandard or detrimental to property values. We ask that you consider our position carefully and with open minds. We plan to attend your neeting of April 27th to discuss these issues if you so desire. We understand, however, that the subject is sensitive for both cities and we have no desire to have a public confrontation at City Hall. It is obvious to everyone concerned that there have been some high eriotions in the past dealing with your corridor study and we want to make it clear that we do not want to cause emtarrass- ment. If you would prefer to Greet separately in order to continue discussions we would be happy to obl i,l( . Thank you for your consideration and on behalf of myself, our Mayor and City Council I extend our best personal regards. Very truly yours. 14 o H. Mande Yegte , AY�llong lake City Attorney '�h