1995-02-23 Cohen and Omann Bros DevelopmentFEb~-23-1995 14=19 h~1C
M~'~1~i~RANDUM
TO: File
FRONT: David Licht
BA.TII: 23 February 1995
t
612 595 98.s 7 P . 02i0.s
RE: Albertville: C+mann Bros/Cowan Commercial Pz'operty
PII.B NO: 163.06 - 95.x1
On this date, Mr. Jotrn Cchzveder 1493-9395 contacted me with regard to the Cmiarm Bros. and
Cowan commercial project. Mr. Schroeder is Omann's representative coordinating their
relocation to and development in Albertville.
Mr. Schroeder relayed that the C+manns had been contacted by a Mr. Craig Anderson
representing the Cowan interest. He advised the Omanns that the Cowan project required the
Qmann site and thgt the Cowans would provide an alternative location to the rear of their
project Such was suggested as being accomplished within tbarty days and that the Omanns
should not proceed with their development. There was apparently the inference that the Cowan
project had the political clout with the City to accommodate such action on an immediate basis.
Mr. Schroeder first questioned if the Cowan project had the support of the City and whether
such a change was endorsed by the City. He also questioned if the land was appropriately
~,oned_ Y stated I would follow up with the AdministratCrr, but also questioned if the proposed
site had irnprsoved access which would be required by the Omann's trucks ar~d equipment.
Upon contacting lbfr. Hale, I was advised that he was not highly involved in the Cowan project
for various reasons and that I should foIlow up with Nir. Couri. He did state, however, that Mr.
Russ Voit of Otsego Tool had also been contacted by a Cowan represernative with an offer to
buy his property anti relocate his business. Mr. Volt is, however, in the caudal. ,stage of
remodeling and suggested he v-~as not intt~rested ixt moving. Only a substantial affar would
change his mind. Mr. Hale further indicated that the I-94 ramp revision, which is apparently
critical to the Cowan project, will be delayed until at Ieast 1997, if not 1998.
FE~23-1995 14 ~ 20 t~iAC
~~
612 595 98.s~ P.03i0~
Upon contenting Mr. Court, he stated he was unaware of Mr. Craig Anderson but suspected that
these was a problem with the Cowan project having failed to secure the Qmann and ~Toit
proQertiss. I raised a concern of relocation obligations if the City were involved in the Cowan
pmjat which Mr. Coati stated was net the case. Mr_ Couri stated that it was his position and
opinion that the possible piuchasa of the Voit and amann prc7perties was a private matter
between the respective parties and not a matter in which the City is or should be involved.
Fmm a City Perspective, Qmarms and Vcrit should proe~xd with their projects and if Crnvans
were interested in purchase, that it was a matter to be worked out between the three parties.
A phcsne call was suhsequeIItly made oo ivlr. Schroeder, conveying the Attorney's opinion and
position. The phone member oaf l1dr. Craig Anderson was requested for the purpose of follow
~~ and discussion by Ivir. Couri.
A factor carrying through all conversations on this matter was the (~maun's legal position of .
having to vacate their present location and the lack of time which they have available to them.
An aside which is generated by this situation is the evident lack of coordination and knowledge
on the pals of various City repn„sentatives on the proposals involving this portion of the City.
Had tbere been an awareness of all concerned with respect to the Cowan development proposal,
this situation might have been avoided.
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T7TAL F' . C~=~