Austin native Knowles Dougherty reckons there could be a happy ending to the perceived conflict between a proposed residential development and the J.

Wednesday, March 22, 2000

Austin native Knowles Dougherty reckons there could be a happy ending to the perceived conflict between a proposed residential development and the J.C. Hormel Nature Center. His solution, presented at Monday’s Austin City Council meeting, would allow the development to proceed and still retain a wildlife corridor between the nature center and Todd Park.

However, in order to achieve that happy ending, the city of Austin will have to do some land purchasing.

Dougherty’s idea was a plan for the proposed residential development proposed for 55 acres of farmland across County Highway 61 from the nature center. The Greater Minnesota Housing firm has an option on the farmland, which is west of the nature center. The firm’s partners, Rick Kahn and David Wellstone, propose putting 134 homes on the 55-acre lot.

The conflict lies in the effects such a development would have on the nature center.

The Concerned Citizens for the Hormel Nature Center, a citizen group whose mission is to stop the nearby residential development and to expand the center, think most of those effects would be negative.

Dougherty’s solution includes pieces to make both sides happy, plus parking for picnicking and Pioneer Days just west of the nature center.

"I’m representing myself here," Dougherty said. "I couldn’t help getting involved. I was thinking about how we could take advantage of this opportunity, but make sure it didn’t cause a problem for the people and the nature center.

Dougherty’s proposed surrounding the housing development with two tracts of land – one on the south side of the development, running parallel to 12th Avenue NE; the other going at an angle from the nature center, along the north side of the development, all the way to Todd Park – which could be used as a corridor for both bike riders and wildlife. The People’s Publishing owner also suggested extending 17th Street NE to be used as both entrance and exit to the housing development, to alleviate the problem of increased traffic by the nature center.

Mayor Bonnie Rietz said she would pass the idea along to David Wellstone, partner in Greater Minnesota Housing and son of U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone.

Other actions by the council Monday included the following:

n Approval of the rezoning, purchase and preliminary plat for 3.6 acres of land north of 18th Avenue NW opposite Hy-Vee Food Store. The vote was 6-1, with Third Ward Councilman Dick Lang voting against the measure, citing his opposition to Tax Increment Finance District No. 11, of which the land is a part. The 3.6-acre site will include the extension of Eighth Street NW and part of the 2.2-acre future site of Cooperative Response Center.

OakPark Village residents Bob and Peg Clark expressed concerns about putting commercial lots so close to the residential neighborhood. "We didn’t figure on commercial development when we bought our homes," Bob Clark said. "Those are $100,000 homes there … I don’t think that land should be rezoned."

Peg Clark got a promise from Planning and Zoning Administrator Craig Hoium that an adequate buffer would be put between the residential neighborhood and any lots that were developed.

n The unanimous adoption of a general business subsidy criteria for the city. The resolution concerned subsidies of more than $25,000, and included general criteria as job creation and wage requirements, economic diversity, stabilizing the community and an examination of a project’s risk-reward ratio. Business subsidies of more than $100,000 would have to be preceded by public notice and hearing.

n The setting of public hearings for April 1 and 14 for this summer’s public works and street improvements. Affected residents will be notified by mail of the hearings. Work is planned on the following: South Main Street from Third Avenue to Ninth Place, First Street SW from Third Avenue to Ninth Place SW, Ninth Street NE from First Avenue NE to Fourth Avenue NE and 12th Street NE from Oakland Avenue to Eighth Avenue NE and Oakland Avenue to Fourth Avenue SE.

n A resolution requesting the Austin Charter Commission to consider an ordinance clarifying the circumstances when the mayor can vote on an appointment to fill a vacancy on the City Council was removed from the agenda prior to the meeting.

n Approval of a motion authorizing the city administrator to gather formal proposals to be due on or before April 14 for the Wold Building and the Silver Bullet/Arcade building. People interested in acquiring one of the buildings from the city may pick up a request for proposal from City Hall. The forms ask for the bidder’s plans for renovation and restoration of the buildings, budget and business details, among other things.