10-08-2001 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 2 October 8, 2001 River Country Club with presentation by Rick Speckmann about finding business- oppoxtunities during uncertain times. • MN Real Estate Journal Economic Development & Site Selection Conference - Staff will be participating in the October 16 conference. As a cosponsor, the City will be part of a panel discussion about muniupal and business park marketing plans and incentives. Prospect Update -Staff is working with a light manufacturer to relocate its expanding company to Elk River. The prospect requires a minitnum 1S-acre lot For construction of up to 20,000-square feet in spring 2002. l~'ith the exception of the Bxookstone East Business Paxk, the City is at a shortage of 1.5+ acre lots for smaller, growing companies that wish to be in the business park areas. Staff suggested the EDA discuss options for filling this shortage. • Industrial Park Property - Review of preliminary plat fox Cascade Industrial Paxk located in the southeast coiner of Elk River along Jarvis Street 6. Update -Economic Development Assistant Position Catheruie Mehelich updated the EDA on the position description and the hiring process/ tunetable for the Economic Development Assistant position. She stated that an anticipated start date for the position is January 2, 2002. Update -Redevelopment of NE Corner Hwy 169 & Main Street Catherine Mehelich indicated that staff is continuing to wank with developer Kxaus- Anderson on a redevelopment proposal fox the northeast comer of Highway 169 and Main Street. The properties currently under consideration for the project include the former Ron's Foods, City Emporium, and two adjacent apartment buildings along Third Street. Commissioner Morin indicated his concern whether this sized development would utilize the area to the maximum extent. He noted that he has been contacted by some of the residents in the area who axe interested in having their property included in the development because of concerns with being stuck in the middle of a commercial development. Commissioner Klinzing concurred with Commissioner Morin. She indicated that she would prefer to see a larger development project that would include the surrounding residential homes. It was the consensus of the EDA to request the Director of Economic Development to inform the developer of the EDA's comments and their desire to see a larger area included in the redevelopment project. S. Review Business Park District Warehouse Amendment Catherine Mehelich explained that staff has' been working on an ordinance amendment to allow uses more typical of the current industrial market within the Business Park District. She stated that there is a need to maintain the overall purpose of the district, which is to encourage businesses that generate a high number of jobs per square foot, rather than predominantly warehouse-type uses. Catherine reviewed the proposed changes which include the following issues: