Commentary; Posted: 8/11/04

Track will bring new burdens

Pat Gabriel
Guest Columnist

Lately, when I speak about my opposition to the proposed North Metro race track and gaming facility, people ask: ìWhatís in it for you?î Itís a fair question, since I donít live in Columbus Township.

My answer is simple: When I wake up in the morning 20 years from today, I want to have the same quality of life as I have now.

In other words, communities in this area form the hub of the outer Northeast Metro. What we do, today, determines what we shall become, tomorrow. Therefore, I want our economic development opportunities to unlock our greatest potential, not saddle us with burdens.

Yes, the Harness Track Initiative will bring jobs and growth. But, not the types of jobs or growth we need. Our area already has a healthy service economy: We have every major fast-food chain, numerous franchise restaurants, various affordable hotels, Cub Foods, Rainbow, The Home Depot, Menards, Target and Wal-Mart.

Please note that Iím ìnotî being judgmental of these employers. After all, Iím a grocery employee. I ìamî pointing out that low-wage jobs makes it difficult for families to afford starter homes, new cars, major appliances and recreational gear. Also, additional low-wage jobs could easily increase participation in the free and reduced school lunch program, where over 14 percent already qualify, which means even more area families will be ìat-risk.î

So, when North Metro states their facility will create 300 (primarily service) jobs, as well as encourage more hotels and restaurants, I have to say ìNo, thank you.î

I want a local economy thatís a ladder, not a pyramid. Our big-city neighbors to the south have pyramids, and all the problems associated with them. Why import those burdens when we have the opportunity to create ladders, and benefit from what we create? I want new waves of employers that provide our residents with the opportunities to climb up, not just move sideways.

At public meetings, Iíve said the proposed North Metro location, with its high-visibility and easy access to both Minneapolis and St. Paul, would be valuable to companies that will be the next General Mills, Medtronic or 3M. In response,

Iíve been told that ìno one else has expressed an interestî in that property, that a commercial Realtor has been ìtryingî and, besides, the zoning ìdoesnít permitî a several-story building.

As far as the first two arguments, Iíve learned that weíre doing almost nothing to ensure weíre at the table when next-generation companies meet with prospective communities.

Iíve been told our local municipalities havenít cultivated relationships with governmental organizations such as the Minnesota Department of Trade or the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Nor do we have ongoing relationships with private organizations such as the Minnesota High Tech Council or Minnesota Technology, Inc. In addition, maybe we need multiple commercial real estate specialists working on our team.

As for the height issue, Columbus Township is considering a significant zoning exception for North Metro, as well as requiring all of the environmental concerns to be addressed. If an employer with next-tier jobs comes calling, couldnít a zoning exception be made for them, too?

Iíve also been told that my expectations are ìtoo high.î But, through my experiences, I know appropriate opportunities are out there. Communities that benefit are pro-active in pursuing opportunities with every available resource. On the other hand, reactive communities just get left behind.

Usually, the final argument is ìweíll give up too much in tax incentivesî to attract well-paying jobs. This argument is short-sighted and, in many cases, totally false.

With some types of businesses, the long-term impact is to lay the foundation for developing the healthy tax base we need for high quality of life. In addition, many next-tier companies are small or mid-sized and do not require any tax incentives, at all.

So now itís my turn to ask: What kind of communities do you want? Do you want our area to be the low-wage ghetto of the Northeast Metro? Why not do what Minnesotans have always done: Set the bar high, so weíll continue to enjoy the quality of life we deserve and reach our greatest potential.

Thatís where I want to live 20 years. How about you?

Writer Pat Gabriel lives in Forest Lake and works as a manager at a grocery store in Eagan. He has joined the Columbus Concerned Citizens in opposing the North Metro Harness Initiative.

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