In another sign that the economic development tables might be, finally, turning for St. Michael, the city’s Economic Development Authority board will hear a proposal Wednesday, Dec. 17 about a proposed land purchase and development of a coffee shop in the downtown area.
In a memo prepared for the EDA meeting, Community Development Director Marc Weigle writes to board members that Reg Plowman, a representative of the group behind the development of the current Goodyear store in downtown St. Michael, is proposing the purchase of city property along the so-called “one-way pair” in downtown, just east of the former Simonson’s Lumber site.
“They would like to finalize an (purchase) agreement within the next four to six weeks to allow the project moving forward with a spring construction start,” Weigle states in his report to the EDA.
Plowman, who represents R.J. Marco development company, is telling the city the coffee shop would be tied to a national franchise. More details on that should be made public at the EDA meeting today, set for 1 p.m. (Wednesday, Dec. 17) at Drywall Supply in St. Michael.
The plot – which would be about a half acre, is currently city-owned, and actually over seen by the development authority. A purchase agreement has been included in today’s packet, valuing the site at $30,000.
“The (city staff) does not believe it is necessary for the rest of the block to be developed at the same time, and this site could be considered [by the EDA] on its own,” Weigle writes.
Once the purchase agreement is in place, R. J. Marco would need to submit a development plan to the city’s Planning Commission, which doesn’t meet again until 2015. That panel would discuss everything from driveway access and building features to parking and utility improvements.
marlascherb says
Please oh, please!!