06-06-2011 HRA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment Authority June 6, 2011 ----------------------------- Page 2 Lance Lindberg, HPC Chair, stated that the HPC is concerned with the future removal of these building, as theyfeel theyhave historic value. He stated that the buildings add to the character of the downtown and could add to economy byproviding alocation for astart-up business. He also felt the integrity of the meat market would change if the buildings were removed. Mr. Lindberg reviewed reasons for preserving and restoring historic buildings, as provided in a presentation to the HPC by Bonnie McDonald of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota on Apri121, 2011. Mr. Lindberg stated that even though there are buildings older than these in the downtown, these buildings add to the feel of a historic downtown. Chair Wilson stated that the status of the buildings was well-known when purchased bythe HRA for future parking. Mr. Lindberg stated he personally did not see a parking issue in the downtown now He asked if the HRA reallyforesees a need for more parking, since no one knows when the downtown will fill with businesses. Ckrair Wilson sated that business owners in the downtown do have a concern there will not be adequate parking when business space begins to fill in. He stated that the HRA's intent for these properties was to plan for future parking. Commissioner Motin stated that he realizes the property is not needed for parking now, but as buildings fill up, there will be a need for more parking. He stated that the costs of rehab are not less than demolition, but are more. He noted that just to re-roof the buildings would cost $45,000. Also, there would be significant costs to abate the asbestos in the buildings. Commissioner Motin noted that a historical context study was previous completed which determined the buildings have not historical significance. He stated that the propertywill • eventually be needed for parking, in order to preserve the viability of the businesses in the downtown.. Mr. Lindberg asked if the businesses feel they need more parking. Commissioner Motin stated yes. Commissioner Toth stated that the main concern of the businesses is parking for their clientele. He stated that he believes there is no common wall between the 720 Main Street building and Elk River Meats. He felt that parking is an important issue for potential businesses looking at locating in the downtown. Mr. Lindberg stated that people perceive there is a parking problem in the downtown if they can't park in a spot right in front of the building theywish to go to. Ms. Deckert stated that a wall agreement with Elk River Meats was found when doing the title work for the property purchase. Debra Mortenson, Heritage Preservation Commissioner -stated she was also a taxpayer and resident of Elk River. She stated that Elk River's downtown is very small and there are not a lot of historical buildings left. She felt that parking wasn't an issue and she agreed with Mr. Lindberg that business owners perceive a parking problem if clients can't park right next to their businesses. She stated that the onlytime she has had trouble finding a parking space in the downtown is during the Thursday night concerts in the park She felt it does not make sense to tear down a building that could be a potential business, since a parking lot does not generate income. She stated that the city needs to evaluate its spending, since her taxes go up every year. •