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Special HRA Minutes <br />June 5, 2003 <br /> <br /> Mr. Hanson's presentation of the redevelopment concepts included the Bluff Block, <br /> Brick Block, and the Jackson Block. Mr. Hanson explained the proposed development for <br /> each location: <br /> <br />Bluff Block · 10,000 SF commercial on f~rst floor along Main St. <br /> · 52 unites of for-sale housing <br /> · 70-80 below grading parking stalls for housing and commercial residents <br /> · 3-4 stories <br /> · Connection to city's rivenvalk development <br /> <br />Brick Block · 6,000 SF of commercial <br /> · 52 units of rental housing <br /> · 66 below grade and 54 surface parking stalls <br /> · Optional 75 below grade public parking <br /> · 3 stories <br /> <br />Jackson Block · 10,000 SF commercial on first floor along Jackson St. and at the comer of Jackson <br /> and Main <br /> · 32 units of rental housing <br /> · Up to 66 below grade parking units for housing and commercial, 18 surface units, <br /> and 9 additional on-street parking spaces <br /> · 3 stories <br /> <br />Following the presentation, Chair Toth mentioned that prior to the presentation he had been <br />strongly opposed to the redevelopment of the Jackson Block area but that he now <br />understood why the area is appropriate for redevelopment. <br /> <br />Chair Toth asked MetroPlains if they would be responsible to develop the park area next to <br />the Cinema Building. Mr. Hanson stated that MetroPlains would develop a walking path to <br />the rear of their redevelopment area but that the City would be responsible to extend the <br />walking path beyond that area in addition to the park. <br /> <br />The HRA posed several questions regarding the management of pedestrian traffic, the <br />transition of existing businesses, parking issues, and visibility issues for the brick block if the <br />Jackson Block area is developed. <br /> <br />It was stated that existing business owners have expressed concerns for lost parking if the <br />Jackson Block area is developed. It was stated that most downtown business owners do not <br />have the luxury of a free parking lot near their stores. MetroPlains explained that all Jackson <br />Block parking spaces would be replaced. <br /> <br />Regarding visibility issues, it was stated that the visibility of Kemper Drug would be <br />unaffected if the Jackson Block area is developed and that the increase of business due to the <br />development would outweigh the visibility concerns. <br /> <br /> <br />