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Newspaper Clipping - Newspaper Clipping Scan - Movie Theatre Proposals -
After' many r-ovisions a . Gn11.findsC�neYn. - . home in Eagan.:. liminary subdivision and . pre- gy B1tENDA HEIUGEN liminary planned development Despite neighbors' objec- Oct. 17 that inctheludes theue 400- • tions, it looks as -if the Cinem square -foot, two-story Grill is going to find a home on : a 20,800 Cliff Road and Thomas Center office building and a 16,6400 or Drive. - square -foot, Y e -' - The Eagan _ - City' Council • See Theater, p.17A) unanimously approved the -pre- DOHC, auto., air, dual airbags, seven passenger, new easy roll out seats, rear defrost, dark tinted glass, tilt, cruise & power mirrors. #75043 3.5 Year Lease NO CASH DOWN OR BUY $i000 DOWN $15995* FOR '17,395 22995' 2.0 liter, 1 molding, A LOOK! ' 7 9 7 5 OR LESS! LOOK!$' 7o D `93 FORD 7 9 `93 PLY. TAURUS 93 PONTIA: SUNDANCE 4 dr„ Egad,. . Ct Vti, auto., atr, 4 cP7 ND. ..'sulb�' .' Mackpower w1t7CM. ws, locks, tilt, power windows, AMf wry, t dr.. r brand new Misr&merci ticks, tilt, ghfr}�,t cassette, band ric,W cruise & more. $7Q7;_.. tires & sully reconditioned t owner irad . Se APT r `90 F 4 dr.,ACCL 58>We act. miles, w Apple Valley/Rosemount, Ea, C1inic Nearly 3/4 of all seats are installer From Page 1 For Pres and Traci Colwell of Eagan that is precisely why they were among the first to have their, seats inspected. "I felt we knew enough about proper installation of the car seat .and we came here as a safety measure," Pres said. "I wanted to do this anyway and I was going to have the 'dealership check it out," Traci said. • Traci transports their 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Lili, in a,smaller vehicle, while Pres drives the larger car to work. With a second child due in January, the Col - wells will be switching vehicles. "We never had to figure out how the car seats will work in this car because we never had two in this car," Pres said. "Now I feel real confident Lili, is buck- led in correctly and my children will be safer than they were," Traci said: State officials have found that 70 per- cent of children using safety belts or child car seats are restrained incorrectly. Of the 13 car seats inspected in Apple Val- ley, all had at least one problem with in- stallation. The Colwells had a minor clip problem, while the seat used by Jim McKnight of south. Minneapolis needed to be replaced, and was, at no cost. "I never thought much about it before so I thought this would be -a good idea to • have the seat checked out," McKnight said. "You can't put a price on his life." The seat McKnight's 22-month-old grandson, Jacob, rode in was probably at least 10 years old, according to those checking. Julie Prom, child passenger safety ex- pert for the state, said seats should be re- placed every six years, especially if they are plastic because of temperature changes in Minnesota. "Some. seats can be safe up to 10 years, but after that you don't want to use them." She said many companies now stamp expiration dates on their. seats. Prom recommends people not buy used seats unless it is from someone you know because you are looking for history of the seat. "If you don't know the owner you will likely not get a good history of the seat. Even if it looks OK you do not know if it may have been in a crash. Seats are only designed to withstand a crash once." She said new seats range in price from $50-$200. "Don't let money determine what is better because all seats must meet safety standards," Prom said. "The best seat is one that fits in your vehicle, and 'fits your child when used correctly." Seats should not move more than 1 inch, safety straps should fit snugly so a parent can barely get a finger between the strap and child, and the weight and age of the child determine if the child should face front or back. If under age 1, the child should be in the back seat and face the rear of the vehicle. Another - problem Burroughs- and Prom see is children being taken out of seats too early. Children should be in booster seats starting at age 4 at least through age 8," Prom said. Burroughs said use drops dra- matically after age 4 when state law no longer requires a child be in a safety seat. "The law is a minimum standard," Prom said. "If you want what's best for your child you will keep them in a safety seat until they are adult in stature and can fit in a safety belt." Prom said recalls of child seats is fair- ly common although many times it is for minor things. "It could be as simple as something wrong with the label. There have been some where the buckles have failed or the material does not meet flam- mability standards." Because of possible recalls, Prom said labels should not be removed from car seats, and parents should send in regis- tration cards. "Only 15 percent of seats affected by a recall are fixed. Twenty-five percent of owners do not send in their registration card so they don't even know if there has been a recall," she said. Theater: Advance ticket purchase feature proposed From Page 1 - "We look for a dense community that is growing, .which is what Eagan is," Birkeland said. Other developers have looked at the same site but never carried through with their plans, such as TCF Bank. Centres Group brought that site back into the fold . to encompass nearly 10 acres of theater and parking. Eagan's Cliff Lake Center and Rahncliff retail shopping is nearby. Birkeland said theaters and retail cen- rs complement each other nicely. "We bring people to the area. We are a t for restaurants," he said. cilmember Pat Awada agreed ish I owned the Taco Bell." nt objected to the plan for • - will require a variance to stead of one parking theater seats; Cen- ne spot for every objected to -- he project is too big. He suggested the developer build fewer screens, consequently meet- ing parking density requirements. "It's not in the interest of those who live and work nearby," Supina said. . However, the council, property owner "and developer disagreed. . "I think it's a perfect fit for our citi- zens. I think it would revitalize that area, not in a competitive way, but as an en- hancement," said Martin Colon, the land owner. Mayor Tom Egan said the Regal Cine- mas could create a "synergy" among Ea- gan's southern shopping district: "I think this would be a real catalyst," he said before the council voted unani- mously to approve the subdivision. • Only 80 percent of the seats are sold at any given time, Birkeland said, to allow families to sit together during the movie. Also, movie stop times will be staggered - to deter traffic and parking problems, Birkeland added. Customers also will be able to pur- chase tickets up to three days in advance using an automated ticketing machine. Ground will be broken next spring with the opening date set for the Satur- day before Thanksgiving 1998, Birkeland said. Regal Cinemas will employ 25 to 30 people. Ticket prices have not been de- termined. This Gift Is "Sew' Hurry In Nov �4� $�$�$onal Creative Sewing Center is the #1 R celebrating by offering their Io“. Bernina Active 130 Bernina Active 140 • Patented Hook S stem • 23 Practical and Decorati rent/Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1997 Pinetree Pass subdivision approved By Sue Hegarty • Minnesota Sun Publications Lundgren Brothers Construction was granted a preliminary subdivision for 127 lots and two parks south of Cliff Road between Thomas Lane and Cambridge Drive in Eagan. • The City Council gave its unanimous approval for Pinetree Pass after negoti- ating for an improved layout of the north- eastern -park, designed to abut and en- large the undeveloped Walden Heights Park. This park will be used as an active park, though exact amenities have not been approved. In a conceptual drawing presented to the council Dec. 16, Lundgren Brothers showed four design plans for the park. Plan four, showing a ballfield to the north, parking and playground in the middle and a soccer field further south, was the plan most council members pre- ferred. The park became the primary reason why neighbors adjacent to the develop- ment opposed the project at first. The new plan saves most trees, moves park- ing away from existing homes and was viewed as a workable compromise. I Terry Forbord, president of land de- velopment for Lundgren Brothers, called the_solution a "collaborative effort" and said he appreciated the time and sweat people put into the project. If the park is developed as proposed, home plate will be 300 feet from Cliff Road, said Parks Director Ken Vraa. A fence may be necessary to keep balls from rolling into Cliff Road or to keep children from running into the street after them, Vraa said. The playground is proposed to be par- tially in the shade. The knoll may be planted with a mix of wildflower seeds, as recommended by Vraa. nds of deaths and ach year. What's worse, takes with your car eeps drunk drivers Twenty-two parking stalls will be ac- cessible from Pinetree Curve, rather than Thomas Lane, as earlier proposed. Lots will have single-family homes, many that will surround a 10-acre wet- land, passive park area. A trail will in- tersect the pond and be open to the pub- lic. When proposed, this park was going to be privately owned by a homeowners' Cure The Winter Dryness In Your Home! $ • association. After several meetings with neighboring homeowners and the city, Lundgren Brothers conceded to make it a public park. The only other major change to the subdivision was the relocation of the pro- posed well site. Previously on the west- ern edge of the development, it is now within the 10-acre passive park. Serves outdoor lemeerelme for optimum Indoor r lelhe humidify Solid stele elec. Humidifier Sale Ironic, aIble000p;pt,on • Installed • Model #550A technology instant. Install an Aprilaire radjusts nemdn, Whole House Humidifier :Lome eee,a„ ssry. 24 The Best Cure For Dryness.® DAN WOHLERS) OUTH IDE EATING 6 AIR CONDITIONING OF PLE VALLEY INC. e7 M eY Cal N 2/2 mG (1s p) oD A� `< G w o m U4 ce •W c- rj G y G v m co G .10 < . . b o� o 0 ° ° : 4,,0 4 1 0, It Ivo; ° to 6 s • , . - ' • ',,, - ..; ' . . . . - • • - .. ; • , :.:. t--... , : '• .- , ' ,....• f',11,..:-. r.C7a4.:.1'.dfkW;-,',-!.::,:,,S,.',,,h'1,f,14-.' ,ioti. .f:W.."4,....,..,-,..,74;,.., ..• ,. . ....AZNi7,1-4,1F.,,-,,, ..4.,...tr,...,,,,,,,.1.0,:k`.,./..J.,. . t ph-4111.4', • -, ,•.--,-. ,.. ../.....4. - ‘,.•:•.1„,..,..,,,,,,, . ••••,......et-;-......; . 4' , - ,44 r , ,.,., ...,.....,,:42,,,..,„to., , .4 • -,,,,,,',' 1- .r., , . .g... • •,-..." • •.. • . 1.- 4 , ‘.:1".',.. ' ' . • • ... ..., ..,. ...... 3, .., , U . , • ' ' ' '.. . ' • .; • By Harlandaienmitra • . cerris, Watschke modified his . Gaty Kineger, a ineinbei Of Staff Writer41-1eg.x...•egO,X- ...-; plans four times before gaining the neighborhood group that 60- .1 .Y:,%t•-.,.;6-,,-:::q:O.,.4Yar,t . . . . .,t . - - • city approsial. He eliminated the posed the project, later said 014'1 t . A -combined movie theater ' restaurant downsizedd: %Ite•Ilinz, . much of their concern arose from and restaurant at,thinriithake''''',. ater:•.,..,ancl1hoye, it further southi problems with the health and fit-, , , war :liffHond; away tiont'the'; nese club that had previously .4.Center•fiiiitliy,'viiiiaifsaiiiciii-viti tO d C 4last week,despitev,4• continued-'1" ''.4';''residentiatitiet1; ' -;- v;•••'''-- '&,,'''''3.-•;••'° been developed on the :site. . f con ceins,:,' fro ii0Ail e i gh biiiiii1VMPktaigailW„ 030 agreed to fai6:Neighbors continue to be- '• upset homeoWnerii.1•4-AfeePAV,V•31.'1':•v9delfiriiiiieitilliiiifanteen to as because the eiiii5'o' owner hasn't ,,,.. Tho,deireltiPine•ht:Iiif.Tiiiiiiiiio7,:,,:'.:.;.‘,!4. hiC that JandabitPingAid:lightzi:M followed through on promises to° 'r•-• Lake Dnve ofitf,biift fbiiai'vvill',_=:Ing*Plans would be followed; .A14,:„. correct lighting and • •— ••' •••,..,;,•::: .:: ,, landscaping .:?.featute'•*:;•iiiiiiaT'iii<iicIiiii.:4Pli""---. ' • . . - ,..,,. o. pmp000d.,:ce.da06111 it'ithree?Otiprobleihiifv i*".r.:•-rfiel'1,•-';3:•"-i---*•?.•.-,',••,- seat, threeiereen:iiiniriellieatetW;pnisonconatitietion'oireiiiightW',1Wiille7iihil'eeiriPleteiy al'i.'''' .whete food, beer andWine Will be .1,.., committee, with -oneMeiriber.'-: • flit" With,wotoeh ko'o proposal, • ,served .0:Ing4ithi:ekdridriun.liIlfdtiviirtfrOti; the local.iie lib T, Ki"tfl'.icger!.aCkift4letiged• that the i: cinematic fare. r.t*OIWO-sthiY:Of-ii''fl, Jheiid association •-..'• ' ••?..-.1 i!'•';',:.i'.dCr61Opiefi'4.• CO-rieaSafiiii4 iii:Tetitii -.: lice6oildingii!:-OrtilOo:plititirieek'%P -`'l -think We corriPthiniaed VerY, ' long way toward iiddieggift -.1 for the site. "''''' !' '.:;!''''''.:'.:.'...'.''''''..:'''' - .',.'' well on noise and • lighte,''. neighbors' concerns • Iv/ For . :, developer Byron Watschke said. They're"not . • .!,, - • -, - • • • • . ' l• Watschke;the,Eagan WCOun‘4;,...geing'te1U.d.re•.:phY Of. thit.,,ag:'e! :,''' iillIfilVV11077013:46jiA 'IP9t6el?ttri6thtiii6' total cil's apprOval:dtlhe:iiibjeCt.Was-Y1-' problem" : , . : "! . ' . ' pared to what. we had 'With the the'CalinipatiOn.iif..repeated -at ..--.- 'i-'3' Watschkestcofncessioria didift health Otilj," Ktifek0 said .; tempts to address concerns froiii"=":;;75coiirninpilei.3,te'aua hiS At nearby hoine.'.: -. It's a done deal Now what ?; neighboting. hOnieoWneteWho'g - continued WE have do ig keep a handle on , objected to th‘IJOientiiiIIiiiiSei:-:f;; to urge the° though 'iorniietiditoirotO -.: holitr the' project Oiiiiiel iiikethei' -, ... bright 'lig:W.,4,1nereiiifece:traffia r.1"':•the proposal becauseiyhtsofconcerns Construction of the cinema .';. and unsuitabilitY:nf an estab& about noise fg and inebria'•- • . &iie. is expected to begin later lishinent SettiinenlChhol•ClOse to ''',•:'tion-telfitedttil the..ciileind Cafe ! _ili:ig fall bi;eatlY'' in the -SPiiii, .'• a residential area ,'"..,.;:.:.d'; Coarieil' members,: however, -, Wiftibtieiiihi scheduled for th' OtigioarProPoSal:':CAe'd.'fol• at commended ebiiihieridedWatachke'for'hi 'i. oo'...ii6tiiiiO'li-i 'the summer of 1,500-seat aitietikaiife'phia'afi.--T:'',';'eiitta efforts in addressing neigh.' 19)6, Watschke Said. One of the `-v,: .. ,. : other restaarant'''':7'.•''):,,':',.'.'1;.':':':;'',..-';`,::•.V4-'-7,'.-'6thObiktcOrieflia:''fliey linam; ./ two o Ls uildiagsp,likalyto be.,..,; To addfeiii'ilefghboie'enivz i ininisliapPtOVed theliiiiiiiigal:''':':.. bah at the same time: ' - ',-• , _(' • .., • . c, .. y. 'i:' A,:s.`-'.!•E.1-:'a:.". .•1-:•.':•••••:' :;;:. . kl,'—: '. , : • '' .' .... , . • ' ,i ' ' 'E : .,. • ' • ':;:i i .. . ,; Eagan reels in 16-screen cinema By Sue Hegarty Minnesota Sun Publications "Would you care fora cappuc- cino or a deli sandwich with your movie ticket?" Dakota County residents are "ready for a theater evolution," said Kaare Birkeland, the devel- oper for 16 Regal Cinema screens coming to Eagan. On Dec. 16, the Eagan City Council authorized a 10-acre preliminary subdivision and a planned development for the cinemas behind Taco Bell at Cliff 'and Cliff Lake roads. Birkeland said the the- aters will have 3,212 seats, in- cluding . two styles of "love seats." One style • allows viewers to raise the arm rest for more seat room. The other style is a double -width seat. The neon in- terior will have a traditional concessions stand; as well as a deli and cappaccino bar.. Regal Cinemas expects 25 percent of its profits to come from conces- sions, Birkeland said. Besides the screens approved in Eagan, 49 other -movie screens are under construction in Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville. The surge in theater con- struction, Birkeland said, is be- cause the movie industry re- laxed distribution guidelines from a 10-mile• radius to every five miles. Due to this new poli- cy, Milwaukee -based Centres Group plans to build theaters in Eagan, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. THEATER: To Page 5 of bagels and cream c eeses that are :RY DAY. Plus, delicious Brewster'? Coffee, :.you name it, you can get fresh with us. �• :::: C ..• • •. • • • �-- r r •.• will come fron Leann anu-areiy Levy civaes to be assessed to taxpayers in 1998. • lion),-C Director Steve Anderson stood by his and De SUN PLeucAnoNS EAGAN ©1997,.Published Weekly By MINNESOTA SUN PUBLICATIONS 7831 East Bush Lake Road Bloomington, MN 55439 896-4700 QUALITY AUDITING MARK OF P TEGRrTY Printed on 50% Recycled Paper YVONNE KLINNERT Managing Editor 896-4732 SUE HEGARTY Community Editor 882-2462 TOM SCHA Sports Ed 882-24( presents theater proposal Rotaryapr(qt 13Ls 3> City,corporate pact could reduce costs By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer Conceptual plans for an out- door amphitheater were pre- sented to the City : Council last week by members of the Eagan Rotary Club. , Rotarians are willing to con- tribute "significant money and labor"• to the construction of an amphitheater, said Tom Wilson, a Rotarian and principal of Eagan High School, if thecity agrees it's a worthwhile project. "It- seems like an amphithe- ater might be a nice addition to the quality of life here. Either.we define it or someone else does in a way we .don't want them to," Wilson said. Ideally, the project would be a partnership with the city arid corporate sponsorship. , "We will succeed if we are a team," said Mayor Tom Egan, who also is a Rotary -Club mem- ber. Council members said they would support an amphitheater if it was built in the proper place.. Egan said the council was of- fered 14 acres of land near the Promenade shopping center but -the site was not conducive to noise created from a band shell. Councilmember , Sandra Masin wants it built on whatev- er land becomes the "central area park" where hundreds of residents could gather for city functions. - Rotarians have three to four sites picked out but are reluctant to . say where because the landowners have not been con- tacted. Wilson also said the $1.8 million project cost could be re- duced to $300,000 if the city would donate park land and waive building fees and if corpo- rate parking for 1,000 vehicles could be used. - Approximately eight acres are needed for an amphitheater. . Council members looked at a drawing of how the theater might fit into the municipal. cen- ter campus, along with the wad- ing pool; ice arena, Wescott Li- . brary'and City Hall .buildings. :.1..A Major. drawback to that site is the amount of parking avail- able. Currently there are 294 -.stalls available from City. Hall and the ice arena lots. If a second -level parking ramp could be built AMPHITHEATER: To Page 15A '. laSS I I I IieGelVeIstan at r • Most Class I, II, III & IV in s • Hitches installed while you • We installequalizers and el • We install Rigid Hitch, Dram • We wire fortrailer lights BURNSVILI NEW LOCATION_ ! 3550 V BURNSVILLE (2 blocks W. of Men. Buy Excellent quality � •'"'` • Immediate availability • Delivery available • Go on a factory tour — See how we make mattresses • We specialize in odd sizes • 13 Models priced right RIGIN, MATTR. FACTO 451 Lexington Parkway North, 5. Apple Valley Square, Apple Valll 6530 Penn Avenue, Richfield • 8, Hours: Mon- Fri 10:8, Sat: 10- • Golf . G ▪ 4-some walking 4-somewith 2 c -(Monday-Thurs Tee-tirn Golf._ _: ,- G Sin 84,rfe,nt �.Z/97 Amphitheater From Page 1A in the upper parking lot, that number could total 576 spaces, according to an architect's conceptual plans. A tiered parking ramp also would add to the project's cost. Councilmember Ted _Wachter said the municipal campus would have natural barriers for noise, Patrick Eagan Park to the south, City Hall to the north and trees and landscaping to the west. "I think this is a natural," Wachter said. , . Other site possibilities include land next to Unisys off Yankee Doodle Road; Sky Hill Park, south of Blue Cross and Blue Shield on Highway 13; and the McCarthy property adjacent to Patrick Eagan Park. Councilmember Bea Blomquist said she supports an amphitheater, but she wants the council to review all the .recreation needs of the city before ded- icating any land or money to a theater: "There are so many people vying for the Parks Department money. It's burning a hole in their pockets," Blomquist said.•"I don't want to see us spend it all." `There are so many people vying for -the Parks Department money. It's burning a, hole in their pockets. I don't want to see us spend it all.' — Bea Blomquist City Council member "This thing is going to boil down to money. We all know that," said Coun cilmember Pat Awada. This spring, council members plan to take a walking tour of the .sites identified as possible amphitheater locations. Rotary Club members .have already walked several properties and visited other amphitheaters' in the Twin Cities. The Eagan Rotary Club will cele- brate its loth anniversary this June. Each year, it has raised about $20,000_ through its annual Art Gala. Other community projects funded by theRo- tary Club include college scholar- ships, playground equipment, Scout- ing programs and a business ethics' exercise at Eagan High School. 1`;0 Eagan Municipal Center. John Dudycha will provide the tape. Celebrations of birthdays' and bingo will meet at 9 a.m. May 20 and June "3 at McDonald's of Eagan, corner of Diffley Road and Lexington Avenue. A salad lunch is planned at noon May 27 at Oak Woods of Eagan, 2065 Park Center Drive: Interested parties are asked to bring any type of salad. - Apple' Valley High School invites se- niors to concerts at 7:30 p.m. May 28 (Pot- pourri) and at 6:30 p.m. May 29 (Spring Pops Choir Concert) at 14450 Hayes Road. The 14th annual June picnic is set for 11 a.m. June 11 at Thomas Lake Park Pavil- ion, west off Pilot Knob Road, 3/4 mile south of Diffley. Parks and Recreation will provide the beverages, plates, napkins, hot dogs and bratwurst. Those coming are asked to bring a dish of their choice. Parks and Recreation will provide the beverages for the activity at 1 p.m. June 24 at Oak Woods of Eagan. Each household is asked to bring a plate of cookies or bars. Information: 681-4660: . Senior Calendar Apple Valley Senior Center:'14601 Hayes Road. Information: 423=7663. Rosemount Senior Center: 13885 S. Robert Trail. Information: 423-7663. Apple Valley Thursday Lunch Bunch dines at Levy's in Hastings, registration required. Friday - Drop -in bowling at. 1 p.m. at Apple Place Bowl, 14917 Garrett Ave.; crafters club meets at 1 p.m. at AVSC. Monday - Coffee Klatch, 9 a.m: Ar- by's, 7525 W. 153rd St. W.; call 953-2300 for information about aerobics 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday - Cards 1 p.m. at AVSC. May 14 - Velvet Tones singing group meet at AVSC at 10 a.m.; 500 cards at 1 p.m. at AVSC; aerobics continues 1 to 2. p.m. " " Rosemount Thursday - Breakfast out at 9 a.m. at Big Daddy's Diner. Friday - Euchre at 9:30 a.m. at RCC. Monday - Bridge 9 a.m.and 500 card games, 1 p.m. at RCC; bingo 7 p.m. at Rosemount Plaza Apartments, 2900 W. 145th St:' •" Tuesday - Health seminar on "Arthri- tis - What's New?" at 9:30 a.m. at RCC; jazz band- concert -at 7:30 p.m. at Rose- mount High School, 3335 142nd St. W. May 14 Drop -in bowling, 1 p.m. at, City Limits Lanes, 15400 S. Robert Trail. Theater (Continued from front page) building. The development has been revised several times since the first public hearing on the issue was held last February. Ac- cording to Community Devel- opment Director Peggy Reichert, the original proposal included Life Time Fitness, which was approved and al- ready is operating, as well as a movie theater and a restaurant. Reichert said the plan has been revised several times since then in an effort to meet the needs of the developer as well as those of the surround- ing neighborhood. Neighbors have raised sev- eral concerns including noise, lighting, traffic and odors from the Cinema Grill. They have said they are concerned about alcohol being served there as well. "We are unanimously op- posed to (the proposal)," said Gary Krueger, representing the neighborhood. Reichert said she had been alerted to the neighbors' stand earlier in the day and was rather surprised. "I thought I was bringing you something that would be ac- ceptable to all sides," Reichert told the council. "This is clearly a compromise." Reichert pointed out that the Cinema Grill was moved up to abut Cliff Road, and the de- velopment also includes two office buildings, and no stand- alone restaurant, as was pro- posed at one point. "We've bent over backward to satisfy the city ... as well as the neighbors," said Byron Watschke, president of Fortune Reality, the project's devel- oper. Council Member Pat Awada pointed out that having the of- fice buildings next to the Life Time Fitness should help alle- viate the parking problems there. She added the proposed development is a great im- provement over past sugges- tions and is a less intense use. Council Member Sandra Masin said she believes many of the neighbors' concerns stem from the health club not meeting the standards that were agreed to, including park- ing problems, lack of landscap- ing and lighting that doesn't meet the original plans. Council Member Shawn Hunter agreed saying Life Time Fitness' lightning "is a nightmare to all of us." He added that financial securities held by the city will help en- sure that the same problems don't crop up in the new de- velopment. "Life Time is built. We have nothing to hold over their heads," he said. "We're trying to beef up the conditions (on the new proposal)." Hunter added that he be- lieves the theater's location was a stumbling block to ap- proval by the council in the past, but the new location is better. "I think this is a significantly different proposal," he said. Krueger said the neighbors still believe the Cinema Grill isn't compatible with the area. Teresa Wilson, who will live across the street from Cinema Grill, agreed. She said that not only does she not want to look at or smell the Cinema Grill, she doesn't was people drink- ing and driving around her neighborhood. "I am totally opposed to this," she said. Wilson suggested putting a family -oriented business in the theater's place. "There are better uses for this," she said. She added that if she knew this type of development was going to happen in her back- yard, she wouldn't have chosen to live there. Mayor Tom Egan said residents have "a reason- able obligation" to look into what the possibilities for de- velopment in their neighbor- hoods are. Wilson said she didn't have time before she moved to her home. Reichert added that it's not unusual for neighborhood busi- nesses to sell beer or wine. '- ` Your Gui DINING & ENTI MONDAY THRU THURSDAY NIGHTS 5-9 PM FEATURING "3" SMOKED ENTREES AND SOUP & SALAD BAR ADULTS $6.99 KIDS (12 & Under) $3.99 Kids 2 & under eat FREE Regular Menu Also Available SUNDAY BREAKFAST BUFFET 10 am - 1 •m 0A. Halloween Extra The Dodge Nature Center is presenting its annual Hallow- een Extravaganza Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28. On these two nights, the Na- ture Center's woodland, marsh and prairie habitats are the backdrop for a fun and spooky tale of enchantment that un- folds during a Halloween visi to the center. With wizard guides, group journey over hill and dale an meet dwarves, elves, dragons goblins and other characters Survivors receive troll treat and witches brew. Niko,.....i.... '4141.11k 1 r IISWEEK Schedule runs Friday thru Thursday G APPLE VALLEY THEATRE ONE BLOCK EAST OF CEDAR ON 147TH ST. HOTLINE 432-1199 ALL SEATS $2:00 TUESDAYS ALL SEATS $1.00!! CO NINE MONTHS 9:00 • PG-13 DESPERADO 9:15•R INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD 12:40 3:00 5:00 7:10 9:05 • PG THE NET 12:35 2:45 5:00 7:15 9:30 • PG-13 FREE WILLY 2 12:55 3:05 4:50 7:05 • PG A WALK IN THE CLOUDS 12:353:005:057:109:10•PG-13 POCAHONTAS 1:00 2:50 4:45 7:00 • G APOLLO 13 12:30 3:30 6:50 9:35 • PG ROSEMOUNT THEATRE 15280 CARROUSEL WAY HOTLINE 322-4600 0.rt, ADULTS $5.50, CHILDREN $3.00 mC DAILY MATINEES 53.00 ON ALL SEATS BEFORE 6 P.M JADE 12:55 2:55 5:00 7:05 9:00 • R STRANGE DAYS 6:50 9:15 • R NOW AND THEN 12:45 2:45 4:45 7:15 9:20 • PG-13 THE SCARLET LETTER 12:50 3:15 6:55 9:15 • R NEVER TALK TO STRANGERS 1003:005:007:059:05•6 SEVEN 1:00 3:30 6:55 9:15 • R HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT 12:40 2:50 5:00 7:10 9:20 • P0-13 ASSASSINS 12:45 3:15 6:50 9:15 • R THE BIG GREEN 1:002:50 4:50 • PG ■ 14521 Developer, -'-'5 city work on plans_ for theater Both study options of law- suit and rezoning issues for The Cinema Cafe. By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer 'Eagan city officials and a de- veloper continue to negotiate plans to build a controversial dinner theater on about eight re- maining acres at the Thomas Lake shopping center. Byron Watschke of Fortune Realty wants to build a- restau- rant with three movie screens for second -run films at the cen- ter on Cliff and. Thomas Lake roads. The Cinema Cafe would serve beer and wine and have a seating capacity of 420. It's a plan that has been scaled down from its original proposal (a six - screen theater and 1,500 seat ca- pacity restaurant). Watschke says the dinner the- ater is a permitted use because the site is guided as a commer- cial shopping center. When he purchased the land in-the.1970s, there were few, if any, homes in, the area. Now all that has changed. Although the site has taken on more of a neighborhood shopping center flavor, the des.- ignation is still as a larger com- mercial center. • Neighbors to the site have publicly opposed the project, say- ing it's not a compatible use with the residential area. - The City Council has several options. It can terminate the planned development agree- ment, which already has ex- pired, between Watschke and the city. It . can request .an amendment to the comprehen- sive land use guide plan. It may THEATER: To Page 10A .5armineton Ckape1 463-7374 Pre -need • Cremation • Laevil Hwy. 50. near `. 2' miles !Sim 3rd Annual Fairview Ridges Co*rmlunity Golf Benefit Building Partnerships fora ' Healthy Community Proceeds to Benefit Tuesday, September 12,1995 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Brackett's Crossing Country Club Lakeville Domestic. in AV mur{ By Melissa Bergquist Staff Writer Death threats are common in abusive relationships as Julie Richardson of Apple Valley -and thousands of other women know. However, what puts Richard- son into a small category is her estranged husband followed through with his death threats. Mark Richardson, a 44-year- old Burnsville resident, fatall shot Richardson's boyfriend, 31 year -old Jonathon Town, Aug. before turning the gun on himself If he had found Julie, who wa hiding, she would have, died tha .night as well, said Maggi Clements, coordinator of inter- vention and out -reach programs for the B. Robert Lewis House in Eagan. The house serves bat- tered women and their children. Clements said deaththreats and abuse go together and 50 per- cent of the women she sees at the shelter have been threatened. However, only a small percentage of the threats are carried -out. "We've worked with women who are at risk of losing their lives," she said.. The B. Robert Lewis House is a place where women can turn to for counseling, a place to stay or Theater From Front Page also choose to rezone the land from commercial use to neigh- borhood or light business use. However; movie theaters cur- rently are permitted uses in these .alternative designations: But for now, the city has chosen its fourth option — to continue negotiating with the developer. So far, a compromise seems to be working. Watschke said he has agreed to place the Cinema Cafe on the lot closest to Cliff Road, leaving two northerly lots for two office buildings. He hopes that will ap- pease neighbors who don't want their property to back up to the. restaurant. A sports medicine group or real estate firm would be potential occupants of the two office buildings, he said. Neighbors have complained about excessive lighting in the parking lot at LifeTime Fitness. Watschke said there are plans to lower the height of the lights which should alleviate that problem. He said he is willing to con- tinue negotiations "until we can exhaust where we're going." Time will run out at the end of the month. After that, the mat- ter can be settled in court, he said. i (business Eagan businesses to present views Members of the Eagan busi- ness`community will soon have the opportunity to take part in an ambitious and novel pro- gram ,'designed to solicit their views.`on key civic .and .devel- opment issues. The city of Eagan. and the Eagan::Chamber of Commerce are jointly. sponsoring a series —of four meetings, the first of which 'will be held Oct. 23 at various locations in the city. "(These) unique meetings will give business 'owners a chance to voice their opinions ' on key issues of concern to business," said Don Chapde- laine, past chair of the North- ern Dakota County Chambers of Commerce. "At the same time they will get up-to-date information .on the status of various programs." Eagan City Administrator Tom. Hedges said that he and other members of city govern- ment are "most interested in hearing- what people in the business community Think about the city's: ,current -direc- tion and plans fol.-the' future." . Hedges ,said that officials in- teract .most with those who are building new facilities and ad- ditions and those who require DON CHAPDEIAINE, left, and Tom Hedges approvals or permits from the city. "These people may not al- ways represent the views of all, or even a majority, of Ea- gan business people," he -said. 'Mee late -afternoon sessions and one morning meeting are planned. The first meeting,. meant primarily for those busi- nesses in the Highway 149 and. Highway 55 area, will be held at the offices of DART Transit, 800 Lone Oak Road. It will run from 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 23: Eagan Mayor Tom Egan will welcome the group and intro- duce Chapdelaine and Hedges. Chapdelaine will facilitate the meeting and Hedges and other city officials will respond to _no .. _ �t tie uo►sstur of luaiIIl?iuiuoo g q suq qo nq3 lueuano0 ue2g 'n •uaipugo ia2unok( rag paloogosawog kslage rshiP•service Oct. 29 at Ea-- "Leiiington. The folk band ay Twin Cities. Ledby Ron in emphasis on strong, har- rolls, coffee and conversa- more information, call the s ,"- Za4e, experience 6q1 and ,1Betsy. Norby Will speak and 'show visuals of a year,itiairc.,.atfiip.m. Oct. 22 at Eagan. Ccivenant, Church. Column..•.• e-e.' o eee 1;20 • • '111. 1;'41; 6 • • ‘4. • • (Continued)' pretending to be marriedto, loving and terrific gny.: I I mean, he's O.J. — a suc- cessful football player, movie star, and•all around Aniericari hero whose rage just happened to be vented brbouts of beat- ing his wife. But no one need's to know that now do they? He's 'got an image to protect. And so did she. He may have gotten down on his knees and begged for her forgiveness, vowing never to do it again. And. because she loved him and.de§perately wanted her marriage to sur- vive, she took him back. But the promises were short-lived. ' She may have charged him with domestic abuse, and he may have admitted to an inci- dent where he lost control. But doing community service is not going to curb the history of abuse. And it didn't. On the -home front, more than 800 orders of protection and 565 harassment - orders were • . filed last year in Dakota County: In addition, nearly. 3.00 • women entered a shelter. Nicole evengot out of the• , situation -altogether. But O.J.'s - stalking keptlim aware of,her- evefy move. • _She thought she,hacl.finally made..it; that she had•bioken 'free from his.wrath,JShe had startedfa,new life for herself • . • Not all domestic abusers kill their spouse or loved one. But ° "*glance in the paper and read - about how many actually do. According to the FBI, 38 percent of all female homi- cides are committed by the victims' spouse. True, the media may be high- lighting these tragic events. • But then again, these tragedies have happened. • What's frightening is that studies indicate that an abused wife who kills her batterer is more likely to be convicted than is the husband -who beats his wife to death. • Abuse is learned and fostered in the home. A child picks up on all sorts of behaviors and, in turn, mirrors conduct. Children carry on many traits of their parents, and abuse just might be one•of them. According to NOW, growing up in a violent home has been correlated with -substantially higher levels of serious crime convictions later in life. It is up to society to educate not only children, but the abusers themselves. If they are willing, a change in their, beL laviOr is possible possible', L-1 not prorinsed. ...lit is deter- Ali4se:-.84/htiiei:thit be passing laws with harsher con= . sequences -or somehow giih• victims more confidence to sieak • ' • /G -.zG- s5 Combined theater, restaurant. OK'd. by Eagan City Council By Harland Hiemstra Staff Writer A combined movie theater and restaurant at Thomas Lake Center finally won city approval last week, despite continued concerns from neighboring homeowners: The development, at Thomas Lake Drive arid .Cliff Road, will feature a cinema cafe, a 400- seat, three -screen movie theater where food, beer and wine will be served along with 'second -run cinematic fare. Two two-story of- fice buildings are also planned for the site. For developer 'Byron Watschke, the Eagan City Coun- • cil's approval of the project was the culmination of repeated at tempts to address concerns from neighboring homeowners who objected to the potential noise, bright lights, increased traffic and unsuitability of an estab- lishment serving alcohol close to a residential area. Watschke's original proposal called for a 1,500-seat cinema cafe plus an- other restaurant. To address neighbors' con- cerns,,Watschke modified his plans four times before gaining city approval. He eliminated the restaurant, downsized the the- ater and moved it further south toward Cliff Road, away from the residential area. Watschke.also agreed to pro- vide financial guarantees to as- sure that landscaping and light- ing plans would be followed. And he proposed creation of a three - person construction oversight committee, with one member drawn from the local neighbor- hood association. "I think we compromised very well on noise and lights,". Watschke said. "They're not going to have any of this ' as_ a problem." Watschke's concessions didn't completely satisfy nearby home- owners, though. Some continued to urge the City Council to veto the proposal because of concerns about noise, lights and inebria- tion related to the cinema cafe. Council members, however, commended Watschke for his extra efforts in addressing neigh- borhood concerns. They unani- mously approved the proposal. Gary Krueger, a member of the neighborhood group that op- posed the project, later said that; much of their concern arose from problems with the health and fit -a' ness club that had previously been developed on the site. Neighbors continue to be upset because the club's owner hasn't'•p' followed through on promises tol` correct lighting and landscaping problems. While not completely satis- fied o` with Watschke's proposal, I'. Krueger acknowledged that the `'• developer's concessions went a #,: long way toward addressing." neighbors' concerns. "When you look at the total', picture, that's pretty good com- r` pared to what we had with the s, health club," Krueger said. "It's a done deal..Now what r we have to do is keep a handle on how the project comes together." Construction of the cinema cafe • is expected to begin later '! this fall or early in the spring, with opening scheduled for` '- sometime in the summer of'E 1996, Watschke said. One of the two office buildings is likely to be `== built at the same time. 1V City Council OKs Eagan boys ousted theater/restaurant from soccer playoffs Newsstand Price )istricts prepare for excess District 197 voters to decide levy renewal or $4.5 million in cuts. By Sue Hegarty Staff Writer School District 197 is asking voters to renew a $4.5 million excess levy for another six years. District 197 includes the com- munities of West St. Paul, Men- dota Heights, northern Eagan, Mendota, Sunfish Lake and Lilydale and portions of Inver Grove Heights. It is one of about 60 districts in the state that will put the question on a Nov. 7 referendum , ballot. Although the renewal is for the same 'amount as one ap- proved in 1988, some homeown- ers can expect to pay increases due to higher property valua- tions and changes in the taxing "iC'95 For Districts 197 and 196 referendum election results, call (no charge) Sun•Current 882.2474 (Open from 11 p.m Tuesday, Nov.7 to 11 p.m Thursday, Nov.9) formula for excess levies. 197: To Page 10A Council may reconsider dinner theater proposal By BRENDA HAUGEN Saying the city came up with . "no legally sufficient reason for denying the preliminary, planned development and pre ' liminary subdivision" known as Safari-at-Eagan, Third Addi- tion, the attorney for the proj- ect's developer, Fortune Re- alty, asked that the City Coun- cil reconsider its earlier denial of the project. According to Council Mem- ber Shawn , Hunter, attorney Gary Van Cleve makes several good points in his' letter to the city, but asked that the coun- tr cil's decision on whether to c reconsider the ' controversial th development be ;pushed back o to the council's Aug. 1 meet- ing. Mayor Tom Egan said the additional time will allow the council to get input on the let- ter from city staff and be "armed with additional infor- mation." At issue is a 7.7-acre site at the corner of Thomas Center Drive and Cliff Road. The lat- est proposal for the area in- cluded a 420-seat dinner thea- ter • in the center of the site with a flee -standing restaurant on the southern portion and a the movie theater. Residents have said the theater will in- crease noise as well as create more traffic and aggravate cur- rent parking problems in the area. But in his letter, Van Cleve pointed out that the city plan- ner and city attorney have said on the record that all zoning code standards and city stan dards are met by Fortune Re- alty's proposal, and that "any justification given by the city for denying the proposal would be legally insufficient." According to City Adminis- ator Tom Hedges, the appli- ant does have the right to ask ecouncil ,for reconsideration f the proposal. ch Hu C Ma kno app two-story office building on the was northern part. loo The area's neighbors have Van watched the proposed devel- dir closely, citing several can reasons they don't. agree with dev the development, especially rezo Ct • My heart says we should leave this lay," Hunter said. But, Hunter added, the points brought up by Van Cleve do warrant a reconsideration of the issue, though that doesn't mean the outcome.will be any different. I'm not convinced we'll ange • our . mind at all," nter said. ouncil Member Sandy sin said she would like to w what use would be most ropriate for the property if it to be rezoned. Along with king -at the issues raised in Cleve's letter, staff was rected to begin the process of celing the site's planned elopment and to •look at ning the area. - CC Eagan residents asked to follow city's watering restrictions With the arrival of hot weather, it's especially impor- tant to remember the city of Eagan has implemented a permanent 'water conservation program restricting outside wa- ter usage for all residents and businesses. If your address ends in an )n odd -number digit, you may re only, use outdoor water systems o- on the odd -numbered days of id each month. If your address ends in an even .number, you 7- may only use outdoor water it systems on the even -numbers r- days of each month. • Eagan has established this permanent restriction system to help conserve water throughout the year so the city will be less likely to experience water shortages and to respect the limited resources within our shared underground water ta- ble. ' _ The restriction applies to all property within the city of Ea- gan, and the only exceptions allowed are for new sod, seed or landscaping for the first three weeks after planting. For . more information, call the city of Eagan maintenance facility at 681-4300 or TDD for the hearing impaired at 454- 8535 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For a recorded status re- port, call 681-4350. Summer art classes offered Burnsville Area Society for eludes all materials. Weird the Arts (BASA) has openings Places Chid in several summer classes at and Wacky l- Lake Alimagnet Center for the dren's Stories Co eOFchi l- way, ," Arts on Lake Alimagnet Park- withh's author,yD whose lchil- atest way, Burnsville. "Watercolor Camp," with book is of "Annabelle's Awful Hillary de Parde, ages 7-12, Waffles." The class will be July 17-21 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 offered July 26 from 7-9 p.m. p.m. Fee: $70 for BASA mem- Fee: $20 for members, $25 for bers, $75 for non-members. All no membeiWatercolor," with levels.s. C"Adults: "Creating With Pastels," Ginny Adams, ongoing Mon - with Betty Utne, ages 8-14, days from 9:30 a.m.-noon, all July 10-24, 10 a.m.-noon. Fee: levels. vet for e em 40rsf $45or ou for non- r cou- $25 for members, $30 for non- pons members. Create a work each members; can be One used coupon: eight weeks. s session. $12.50 for members, $14 for "Workshops With Grace," non-members. with Grace Ann Kind, kinder- no«Oil and Acrylic Painting," garten through sixth grade. "Basic Drawing" is July 24 (K- with Laurie Toth, Thursdays, 1), July 25 (2-3) and July 26 June 22 through Aug. 3 from 7- (4-6). Sessions are from 9 a.m.- 9:30 for Classes may beee: pro - noon. Fee: $12 for members, latecomers. for 65 $17 for non-members. "Fun for members, non - With Colored Tissue Paper," members. grades 3-6, is July 27 from 9 "Photography: Building a.m.-noon. Fee: $15 for mem- Your Skills," with Maurice bers, $20 for non-members. Northrup, July 15 from 10 "Fun With Markers" is July 31 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fee: $25 for (K-1) and Aug. 1 (grades 2-3). members, $30 for non - "Realistic Animals" is Aug. 2 members. with Jean (grades 3-6). "Lots of Crea- tures" is Aug. 3 (K-1). All ses- Fournier, ce beginning ents, July land9 am - sions meet from 9 a.m.-noon. 9 "Create With lzzy," with a.m.-5 p.m. Fee: $30 for mem- Izobel Vizzard, ages 8-13, July bers, $35 for non-members. 13 through Aug. 4. All levels, For more information, call using colored, black and white the Lake Alimagnet Center for and two- and three -dimension the Arts, 1200 Lake Alimagnet projects. Fee: $32 for mem- parkway, at 431-4155. bers, $37 for non-members; in - Feel Like T S Route 77G: Throughout Eagan, Blue Cross Pilot Knob & Yankee Doodle F Route 77J: Throughout Eagan, Oakwood I Mall of America. Blackhawk Rc Minnesota snr :" g • • • -•Ir?‘ • •• AI.... " unciumay reconsitater4,! innerAheater proposal'N 4: ., • 13PBNDik HAUOEN • the Movie theatet:'• • Residents '"•-!...V.••••••'? have said the theater Will in thetity:daineup' with crease* noise as well as ,createLi "no I legally,,•atifficietif :reason more traffic and agginvate cttiN;r. for -denying rent parkirig:Ior9blenia the', planned development andfpre area: *,itt.,-•:!,..fi•.•;!1•• •'",,f'•••% • .r; ; But. in his letter, Van CleVe, SafatilatEagan.:•:Third Addi pointed out that the city • plan ;•!tion4tho-trittoriley'let the prop net and city attorney have Said„ ect'S '•'dVelopet;•Forttine • .Re,: on the record thatn • zoningi alty,-; asked • that the • City Conn-. code -standards , and city • •• cil reconsider,‘ita' earlier denial dards are Met by -FM -tune, of thiProjeCO. • • ::•-• • alty's proposal; and. that iir According- to -Council Mein= justification '-!giVeli.13Y the.- City ber • ShaWn. Hunter;'-i-attothey for denying the prOpoSal,*iiildr • GarOiln' Cleve t makes several be legally inatiffibieni 1• good' points in his letter to the According to ::cityobtit' asked :that. the • COUn•L trator Toni tiedgei; , the apPii4 cil'e'''dieisiOnFonqWhetheri,' to cant does have the light to ask 1.• retionsidthe•CoritrOVersial the Council .tor reCOn§ideration: deVelOPthent. be 4111016de:back of the prOpoSal, . . to • the. council's Meet; heart 'says .-We thanid; ing :Maytat TomEgan- Said; the leaVe- this tail! Hunter said. additional time *Walla* •ithe • But; Hunter added, .the points Council tb get input on the let= brought up , by Van Cleve da ter'. fibril city. staff '!arid •• be warrant -!a reconsideration of "annedwith additional infor= the iSatie; 1though , that doesn't Million." mean the outcome Will ;be any '•:At issue is a 7:IL-acre site at different. • • • - - • the- corner of,•ThOiiiiis 'Center • •"I'm • not:. convinced Driveand Cliff ROad..iThe lat- ' change --Mir ,1 mind ft at est,propeotal,for-the- area •in- • • Hunter said••• ••• elude& i420=seat dinnei4thead Council f.• I•Meinber: terAilAtoe;cefitee':Ot,the site Masiri Said she w�utd like td. •„ with 'illifree-atiindingf restaurant know,Whit use Weitild be most olio,the,SoutheiirpOrtieleand a -7 appropriate for -the property if ii two-StOry officebiiilding on •the was to be ;rettoned. Along with northern part: looking •itt the iSatieli; raised : • Thearea's neighbOrt. have Van Cleve's letterl•:: Staff was Watched the proposed devel, directed to begin the process of loopinenfielotelye.•biting several .•canceling ' :the site's phitiried • reasons.,therdon t !agree - with • development. and, to look t, the - development, •'''• especially rezoning the area. ,-• • ; SEag• • • •• • • an. residents asked .:$ wateringrestrictions • . . . With .7 the 'arrival of hot the year so the city will be less weather, ' it's especially likely to experier*d water .'''''':;•tlant'.to?f,iiertiernber'' the clty' Of. shortages and to re ipect the Eagan has' ' implemented'a limited .,•ieS,ourbe,§ W,ithin ir r• On 'water diniServatiort Shared„.underground, 5, water ta- program restricting outside wa- . ble. 4. , ter .usage for all ,-residents and The restriction applies tofalt husineaSeS: • property within the c]ty oEa-. q.b;'yotif iaddies§-2,0da in jc.san gan( and the:T Only exceptions odd -number .fdigit, • you may allowed are for new ti .d,seed ire only ise,.34tdb6i:iliatet.1§3iteihs?, or '-landscaping for the first 1 odd numbered ,dayi, of three weeks after Plaritiiik: d each MOnth, :If1your:: address more information, call ends inlan evn number, you the CRY of Eagan maintenance 7-' may onty use outdoor water facility at 681-4300 01 TDD for • .. the. hearing impaired at 454 4.1 days of each Month: '• 8535 between 8 a.tii, and 4:30. s Eaganhas established this P.in: For recorded status re- • / permanent restriction SyStein ; port, call 6817430. .,helpiConSerVeWater,:iltiiitighOut .• ..4•• g, : • 'heater y , z �.v "` > 1 , r neighbwrhood t _! up in the new de (Continued from• front page) -.don't crop; �, "I n tin "totally opposed•`' to ,•:building +- �k, s 1 s, VelO meat !, „ 2 tt ?t e �,g { The • development has; -;-,been` "Life Time. is built: We , have , thi gone suggested r putting a . =+: revised several time since=Fthe; nothing,° to w-hold - over •' theirs, a F` famil ` oriented`business in the. ,,� first public hearing on•the issue• ' heads," he 'said. "We're trying ✓ the .conditions . (on theatE r*s place . "f ; `3�~tr -.-• was -held =•last -February -Ac .,to beef „Up "There are better uses tor cording to Community Devel the new proposal)." y i b ror uses yt ' .. Y, �:Pe Peggy :4+Hunter added that- he ,ben this; kshe said :, Reichert; t: the origin l5 .j, g 1+ , Reichert, , original proposal . iteve a�st m6ling block�to t a n ' th�s Eiypea f„ developmeritthat if' She. kwas included=Life'�•Time S.�Fitness, was � ,. p 6 w, a b .. y gaidl�she;wouldn',t have chosen ' which was"='approved it and'=fal "•; provalhb the council to the,,, otn r to happen . in her back- x, , �_ g; � p 3 � <z � ; � • to• L� a there Mayor Tom Egan ready ' add ' t- well'as a ett, but the new location . is y movie theater d th restaurana ' better J Reici'revit aaid 'then plan= has s�a I think this is asig,,laid t�lY�4ab a robdeahonavto"lookainto been 'revised r: several acmes ':.different proposal, he said ivha the''!..JP"''"W' litie1 for 'de since then `in an' effort' to `Meet Krueger. ^'said •the netghbof , p-- g the •needs of- '.the'., developer as � still:�believ' fi6le •with the' a eat hoo IS :!..are:. are i Wilson saidh she well as those. `the surround.:-isn t compa '• ing neighborhood -' A -f• . `r - Teresa Wilson, who will • live , didr't have time before s•• e • ' Neighbors have.:'raised �� sev= across the street •from m Cinea Mop ed to her home ' eral'concerr►s: including?noise, Grill, agreed. She,said that, not' Richert added that it's not rinses to sell beer i wine li htmg, i'ttaffic�"and odors from '' only does She he Ciwant to iook nema Grill; _ unusual for neighborhood bust' ; g the'' Cinema :,Grill li They; have _, at or smel , ' said they are `concerned'=about sne ti and n dr v people d ri k ,,z . alcohol r beings served there as , t g e well. • • r . '-, , "We ' are unanimously o posed to (the proposal);". said . Gary Krueger, representing the .: •j neighborho, od �4>' v • r. , ,Retchertsatdshe� had een :alerted to ;the:neighbors'stand '" earlier,, iti the da , and , was , rather surprised:,,,, -• ¶'""l thought44was,cbrtnging,you I !'something Lthat : would•_ -be : tic- ceptable' to; all sides,' Reichert 4.told'''the council-"`Thisr is ,k a •'clearly : a 'comprom}ise •'. , Reichert pointed'outthat`the Cinema Grill was. moved up:.to. • abut :!' Cliff Road and -` the. de Fwelopment - also includest'two • r;officeluid. trigs, and'z,noZ stand , alone restaurant,{ asp w...AitiI? ' posedsat one point , ra• "We've, benti,over backwar to satisfy the cityg. °as well as the : yneighbois;" h�: said'.;. Byron - •i s:Watschke,': president;of Fortune Reality, the - project' ,devel • opera 5' ;,,;. _ °mineid `Member:''PaCAwada ; pointed'out<`that=having:the :of fice buildings; next; to: ti a•..Life .. s Time •Fitness; should;help alle ` i ,vlate ther'parlung;E problems • •:1 there: She; addedthe proposed developmentw its ,I a. great imi , p:rovement over pastr'sugges 1 tions and, is �a' less intense..use�:',, ',/ Council ;.Member �� Sandra'` Masin saidf'she'believes;1many :?' of the >neighbors'q 4 ,concerns ;r. stem from the health club;, not "meeting 4. the„, standards ',;.that" ';were agreed: to -,including.park--. wing problems, lack oflandscap mg`"and lighting that doesn t meet the original 'Plana.,,- Council i "`. Member ;Shawn Hunter sagrreed;'saying,4L►fe..!, Time Fitnesslightning `,`-is a nightmare toal1;nof_ yus ailHe 1. added that '.financial securities ^ a. , held by the.. city: will help'en''' sure 'that:�Athez;.same problems' 6A Apple Valley/Rosemount, Erman Sun•Current/Wednesday, Dec. 3, 1997 Proposed Regal 16-plex Cinemas PARK CENTER DR CLIFF ROAD TACO HELL The proposed site plan for Regal Cine- mas includes 3,210 seats, 16 screens and 726 parking spaces at Cliff Road and Cliff Lake Road in Eagan. 16-screen theater proposed By Sue Hegarty Minnesota Sun Publications A proposal to build a 16-screen theater behind the Taco Bell restaurant on the corner of Cliff and Cliff Lake roads will be addressed at the Eagan City Council meeting Dec. 16. Officials from Centres Group in Mil- waukee, Wis., said they plan to include up to 3,210 seats for first -run movie view- ing at "Regal Cinemas." Centres Group has similar proposals before the cities of Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. Eagan's Advisory Planning Commis- sion unanimously recommended Nov. 25 that the council approve the planned de- velopment amendment and a prelimi- nary subdivision for the 10-acre property. City Planner Shannon Tyree said cities are seeing an influx of movie the- ater proposals because the motion pic- ture industry recently decreased the square mile radius that allows theaters to show their movies. The previous ra- dius, 10 miles, has been reduced to five miles. That opens up the door to develop- ers and several have jumped at the op- portunity. Apple Valley has approved plans for a 15-screen theater at 157th and Cedar. Muller Family Theatres is about to open an 18-screen complex with room to ex- pand to 30 screens in Lakeville. Kera- sotes Theatres is constructing a 16-plex cinema in Inver Grove Heights. If approved, Regal Cinemas would be the second movie theater complex in Eagan. Mann Theatres is in the Town Centre shopping district near Yankee Doodle Road and Centre Drive. Kaare Birkeland of the Centre Group said Regal Cinemas theaters would vary in size and movies would end in 15- minute intervals to provide a smooth transition in pedestrian and traffic flow. The plan presented last week did not provide adequate parking as required by city code. Birkeland said the audiences' staggered release times lessen the need for parking spaces. Additional parking may be considered on adjacent land owned by the Dakota County Housing and Rede- velopment Authority (HRA). The HRA owns a senior housing center to the west of the proposed site and has vacant land reserved for future senior housing expan- sion. The developer has proposed that a sidewalk extend from the senior housing area, across the theater property, leading to the retail stores of Cliff Lake Center. The cinemas parking lot also would have two accesses from Park Center Drive. Inside the theater, plans call for 10 ticket windows. Tickets may be pur- chased u• . • • • s in advance by MONUAY, MARCH 9 ' 1998 STAR TRIBUNE • PACE D7 Edina exec plans to build Eagan feature film complex Polestar Studios plans late 1999 completion date After several attempts to reno- vate the Minneapolis Armory, the old Grain Belt Brewery complex and the old Vincent Metals build. logs into sound stage/film pro- duction office centers, an Edina film executive Is planning to build a $34 million feature filtn complex In Eagan. Called Polestar Studios, the 268,000-square-foot complex is planned for one of four 38-acre sites in Eagan, After its scheduled completion in late 1999, it is ex- pected to provide as many as six shooting venues including a 45,000-square-foot sound stage with a 75-foot ceiling. Though adaptable for TV ad production, Polestar Studios is intended primarily for feature filets. Robert Ewald 111, president of Edina -based Polestar Studios Inc., said theft are no suitable Twin Cities area sites for shooting certain movies because ceiling heights do not allow for finning action scenes such as those in the movie "Batman." "Build it and they will come," said . Ewald, referring to the Screen Gems Studios complex In Raleigh, N.C. Built In 1983, Screen Gems Is the heart of North Caroli- na's feature film Industry. In 1996, the most recent fig- ures available, filmmakers, ad' agencies and other video produc- tion concerns spent $391 million in North Carolina, which has 204,500 square feet of sound stages from which to choose. That same year, film production in Minnesota generated $274 mil- lion with just 39,125 square feet of sound -stage space. Ewald sald he sces potential in Minnesota because those 1996 mastics show that the stale gar- nered 70 permit as much pro- duction revenue as North Caroli- na despite having less than one - fifth the sound stage space from x-9S9 Plans for the complex include wardrobe shops adjacent to each of the three main sound stages. nine two -stony townhouses for celebrities and a 5-foot-deep pond adjoining a turn -of -the - century, French Colonial -style campus. which could double as an on -site shooting venue. The main question. as it has been for other production pro- jects, is whether the film produc- tion industry. ad agencies that have been leaving town to shoot most of their ads and project in- vestors will get behind the project. Legislators answered at least one pan of the question last week when a bill to eliminate Minneso- ta's 6.5 percent sales tax on TV ad production services was passed hr the House Tax Committee. — Bob Geiger is editor and pub: Usher of the Geiger Report, Box 24248, FMina, MN 55424, 825- 5217. Gtir Th oU n-c} V o ieI wou puod eip punoins seayju,siopazip pus uogonpoid em#eej pue satoa egommR'mews ennanwpopy -yeas ;Op pue iai en; w sa e}.s punos }sew OM} %wow:lop:map a smogs 'pod peiansisuns e ssoise isee 2uppof'uu# seispossy dogma 4sEeM dq Rupepueu e uE omens 'swam RIGGIod posodoid eta. oS,