04-14-2003 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Economic Development Authority Minutes April 14, 2003 Page 3 increment financing and one by purchasing the property for one dollar. He spoke about providing lease space for industrial tenants. He indicated that there are a few in-house tenants who have expressed interest in leasing and there are also tenants who have expressed interest in purchasing land. Mr. Santwire stated that currently there is no way to do business with these tenants in Elk River. He encouraged the EDA to find a way to service up to 5-8 tenants within the next 12 to 14 months. He noted that the only property available in Elk River is the Elk Path property, which has a 3-5 month time period to receive a building permit due to the platting timeframe. Mr. Santwire talked about the deficiencies of other properties that are available. He indicated that the city owns 40 acres by the Elk River Business Park and he suggested putting improvements on the property so that the city can compete with the City of Big Lake and the City of Ramsey. He also suggested a marketing agreement to allow privately owned land to be marketed as available industrial property. Mr. Santwire noted that the cities of Ramsey, Rogers and Big Lake are willing to give land away to good companies and because the City of Elk River is not willing to do this, Elk River cannot compete in the correct market. Mr. Santwire questioned why the Comprehensive Land Use Plan shows the City's 40 acres of light industrial land as being rezoned to mixed-use. Mr. Rick Martens of Brookstone, Inc. addressed issues that relate to the reduced industrial activity in the Elk River Business Park, such as free affordable land, outdoor storage, and design standards. He stated that he has lost 2-3 deals over the last 18-24 months because he could not offer free land for the Elk River Business Park. He indicated that he has also lost a few deals due to the outdoor storage requirements. Mr. Martens indicated that design standards do not seem to be a big issue. Mr.Martens stated that it is important to have affordable land in sizes of 1.5 to 2 acres. He indicated he is looking at smaller sized parcels that are affordably priced, but not free. Commissioner Motin did not agree that the City needs to give property away or compete with surrounding areas. Commissioner Motin indicated that he wants to be more particular about which industries are in Elk River. Commissioner Dwyer indicated that the City could recoup costs through other ways if it gives the property away such as through tax abatement or tax increment financing. COMMISSIONER DWYER MOVED TO REFER THE INDUSTRIAL LAND ANALYSIS TO THE MARKETING COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW WITH THE CONDITION THAT INFORMATION BE PROVIDED BACK TO THE EDA IN ONE MONTH.