CC Minutes 03/29/2012 Workshop - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASSTLBERRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of March 29 — Workshop Page 4 of 5 of the site, provided that design standards were in place to ensure a quality, high-end product. Lodging/Hotel The consensus of the Commission was that the City needs a good hotel or motel; however, it was generally felt that it did not meet the vision for this site and a more appropriate location would be in the area of the flyover. Banks The Commission was generally in favor of considering a bank as part of the development of the site. Other Mr. Newlon encouraged the Commission to bring forward any other types of businesses which they would either like to see considered or would not want considered. After a brief discussion, the Commission noted that most everything had been covered, but added that some small boutiques and a movie theater should be considered, and would fit with the vision for a place with a little something for everyone. The Commission as a whole expressed a desire that the development should have a mix of businesses where people could go for a couple of hours or could spend an afternoon. Are attractive water features (fountains) or other amenities desired for development of the 1.5 acre site? The Commission as a whole was in favor of including water features on the site, including utilization of the areas having muck issues by converting them to an attractive element having fountains, or converting them into a drainage solution. The Commission felt the water features would make the site unique, especially if there were outdoor dining and walkable areas overlooking the water features. Shall either the CRA or the City be asked to responsibly consider any significant monetary resources to incentivize private development of the site(s)? Mr. Newlon explained that he would like to have some discussion on whether the Commission would be open to or resistant to incentivation. He explained that at this point the City has invested about $6 million dollars between purchase price and debt service on the Concord and the 15 -acre sites. He added that all that debt is satisfied now. He stated that in addition to what the City has invested, the CRA has put in about $2 million dollars. He asked for the Commission's direction as to whether or not more incentives should be offered when seeking potential developers for the site. After a brief discussion, the Commission generally felt that additional incentives should not be offered initially, but agreed the City should remain flexible in the event a development opportunity was presented which would substantially promote the City's vision for the site, and for which some sort of incentive was needed to make that happen.