FOR DISCUSSION ONLY: Receive Report from Planning Commission in Regard to Permitted Uses at the 167th Avenue Retail Node and Discuss Framework for Future Discussions

On January 31st, the Planning Commission reviewed two (2) potential users for the vacant retail building located at 6001 167th Avenue NW (former Supervalu building). Attached to this case is the Staff Report to the Planning Commission, as well as the DRAFT Planning Commission Minutes. Based on previous discussion with the EDA, Staff is forwarding this as an update item.

The City received requests from two (2) separate users for 6001 167th Avenue NW. The City received a request from Total Defense for a retail use and indoor shooting range. Total Defense currently operates in the Rivers Bend retail node, but does not include the indoor shooting range component. Total Defense desires to relocate to 6001 167th Avenue NW. The City also received a request from Wear Ever/Triangle Recycling for a warehouse and transfer operation. The recycling user states that it currently operates in Nowthen, Minnesota and collects used clothing from satellite locations. The recycling user would transfer the recycled clothing to 6001 167th Avenue NW for baling and transport to end markets. The recycling user has offered to include a small, minor retail component; however the primary use would be warehousing and transfer. Both proposals would require some sort of zoning amendment.

While no action was taken, the Planning Commission provided feedback that it generally felt the indoor shooting range maintained a retail focus and could fit within the long-term vision of the 167th Avenue Retail Node. Exact details, such as permitted or conditional use, licensing, and building code issues will continue to be studied as the process unfolds. Furthermore, it felt that the recycling warehouse and transfer, while a potential asset for the community, generally did not fit into the long-term vision of this node as presented. In either case, both users have the opportunity to submit an application for Zoning Amendment, either as initially presented, or with modifications based on Planning Commission discussion.

With a potential Zoning Amendment moving forward, Staff would like to discuss the EDA's previous discussions as it relates to continued discussions for this retail node. The EDA had previously discussed the possibility of some sort of master planning effort for the node. Staff would like to discuss potential scope, if this process were to move forward.

This case is being prepared as part of regular Staff duties.

Staff recommends that the current Zoning Amendment process, as well as recruitment of the Economic Development Manager, unfold before defining a scope of any master planning effort. This will allow the best opportunity for quality coordination with existing processes in motion. In addition, the City Council's Strategic Planning process may help further inform the appropriate scope in moving forward.

For discussion only.