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�f�� � �� <br /> Jeremy Barnhart <br /> From: bill wolfson <br /> Sent: Monday, February 22, 2016 12:06 PM <br /> To: Lili McMillan; Jim Cornickjr; Lizz Levang; Aaron H. Printup; Denny Walsh <br /> Cc: Jeremy Barnhart; Mike Gaffron <br /> Subject: 2380 Shadywood - No Vote at Council <br /> Dear All, <br /> I am writing you all this email in the hopes we can open a discussion and create a solution for the 2380 Shadywood <br /> property in Navarre. We were obviously surprised and disappointed at the councils rejection of this use especially in <br /> light of the planning commissions unanimous support and the city staffs positive feedback as well. <br /> I know our ideal for the area would be retail and small shops as it appears council member Walsh has suggested. I do <br /> want that ideal for the area as well. I live walking distance to this property and my family has lived in this immediate <br /> area for 30 years and we have lived and owned property within a few miles of this property for most of the last 100 <br /> years. My point for stating this is that I have a clear understanding thru my history in the area and my history marketing <br /> this property that the are simply does not support the types of business we want in the area.The area has always had <br /> some neighborhood commercial, but has really been sustained by neighborhood services and owner occupied real <br /> estate. The density and demographics simply do not support retail in this area. I think a point that is overlooked is that <br /> the the employment, a needed service and visitor traffic to the area should be viewed as a benefit. I think the grocery <br /> and other stores will benefit from recurring business from business and guest and I think especially in the grocery stores <br /> situation every sale counts. I do not think assuming that these business are sustainable here is a forgone conclusion and <br /> we should try to look at the benefits vs. some hypothetical negatives. <br /> My business is focused on this area and I am confident that there is not another commercial realtor who knows and <br /> understands this areas dynamics better than I do. I would like to be able to help this area as I have helped property <br /> owners, city staff and their governing bodies in Excelsior, Long Lake, Wayzata and other adjacent communities <br /> understand where their opportunities and challenges lie. <br /> We have seen the recent history of two national brands, Caribou and Snyders leaving the area and ofter almost 10 <br /> years of significant efforts we have not been able to attract any regional interest in this area or the property in question. <br /> Historically, this property was not retail.The current building size, shape and operating expenses are cost prohibitive do <br /> not support most uses. Property taxes at $5 psf and operating expenses in the same range, plus the investment in <br /> restrooms, demising, tenant improvements etc, do not allow us to create sustainable retail space. These economics <br /> simply do not enable small business to survive here. In addition, this recent ruling has brought up the perception or fact <br /> that Orono is very difficult to work with and does not care about or understand what it takes to own and operate small <br /> business or commercial real estate in such a unique area. <br /> I received an out pouring of support and sympathy over the councils rejection from area residents and commercial <br /> property owners alike after the most recent article in the Lakeshore Weekly News. <br /> Additional evidence that we do not have the luxury of being overly selective here are the two small free standing <br /> buildings across from the subject property and the very deep discount that the Freshwater site has been forced to <br /> consider is evidence that we need all the help we can get to create investment and protect the tax base here. <br /> Freshwater was originally marketed at $3.9M and had to be lowered to $2.5M to generate interest. It is most likely <br /> going to sell in the $1.5M range.This is evidence that there simply isn't the population density or shopping patterns to <br /> sustain these or even get them leases. <br /> I would hope we can open up a conversation that will allow this opportunity to move forward.This use brings <br /> employment, investment and most importantly positive momentum to this corridor. I would hope a properly approved <br /> CUP could enable this opportunity while also addressing any potential concerns for fixture uses. I would like us to really <br /> 1 <br />