Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />This parcel is a part of the block containing 11 parcels. This <br />parcel must be acquired to carry out proposed development plans. <br />Modifying the development at this point would result in increased <br />costs and would leave a substandard parcel surrounded by new high <br />rise development that would continue to create a blighting <br />influence in the total area. The block in question contains a <br />mixture of land uses -- commercial, retail, residential and vacant <br />parcels. The combined mixture of substandard and vacant retail <br />facilities includes sleeping rooms, vacant lots, one single family <br />house, one duplex, one seven unit apartment, thrift shops, auto <br />repair, printing and restaurant/bar. Most of which contain no off <br />street parking. The total block creates a very blighting <br />influence upon the neighborhood. <br /> <br />To the south is a multi million dollar new multi-family <br />residential complex. To the north, another multi million dollar <br />public investment in the Civic Center. The living conditions for <br />the residents of the block are or were extremely substandard and <br />detrimental to health and safety. The commercial buildings have <br />been in a state of economic and structural deterioration over the <br />past years. This condition was caused by the shift of primary <br />retailing out of the area, which allowed secondary retail use to <br />occupy the space, or caused the space to remain vacant. <br /> <br />The creation of the multi story office commercial complex will <br />produce both short term and long term employment in the area, add <br />needed tax revenue to the City and contribute to the economic <br />growth of the immediate area by providing jobs and additional <br />customers for the adjacent retail merchants. The elimination of <br />blight, the removal of hazardous living quarters, the generation <br />of tax dollars and the increased employment all serve the public <br />interest. <br /> <br />The project is located to provide office space complimentary to <br />the Civic Center as well as retail services to the employees and <br />visitors of Civic Center, and to provide commercial and <br />professional services to the 398 apartment units adjoining and <br />southerly thereof. An additional 315 units of one, two, and three <br />bedroom units are in the process of development in the area <br />immediately southerly and westerly of this location and will have <br />convenient access to this site. <br /> <br />This site represents a location compatible with the neighborhood <br />and overall economic rehabilitation of the downtown, and serves <br />the greatest public good with the least private injury. <br /> <br />The property, because of its location, is suitable and desirable <br />for the contemplated use. Because of its location, size and <br />adaptability for the proposed improvement, the acquisition of the <br />property is an integral part of the entire plan and therefore <br />necessary. <br /> <br />The Chairman then requested comments from the public. Mr. Robert <br />Waldron, representing Mr. & Mrs. Leo Friis, and James Friis, <br />requested that the public hearing be continued due to the fact <br />that James Friis is in the hospital, and feels it important that <br />Mr. Friis be able to attend the public hearing. <br /> <br />Discussion was held between several of the Agency members and Mr. <br />Waldron regarding Mr. Waldron being able to represent his clients <br />in their absence. After lengthy discussion, a motion was made by <br />Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Garthe and carried unanimously to <br />continue the public hearing to November 6, 1978 at 2:00 P.M. <br /> <br />-3- <br />