6. HPSR 08-18-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment 1luthonty June 6, 2011 business. He also felt the integrity of the meat market would change if the buildings were removed. Mx. 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 by the HRA for future parking. Mr. Lindberg stated he personally did not see a pazking issue in the downtown now. He asked if the HRA really foresees a need for more pazking, since no one knows when the downtown will fill with businesses. Chair Wilson sated that business owners in the downtown do have a concern there will not be adequate pazking 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 pazking. He stated that the costs of rehab aze not less than demolition, but aze 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 wMch determined the buildings have not historical significance. He stated that the property will 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 pazking. Commissioner Moon stated yes. Commissioner Toth stated that the main concern of the businesses is pazking 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 pazking is an important issue fox potential businesses looking at locating in the downtown. Mx. Lindberg stated that people perceive there is a pazking problem in the downtown if they can't pazk in a spot right in front of the building they wish 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 Elli River. She stated that Ell: River's downtown is very small and there aze 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 only time she has had trouble finding a pazking space in the downtown is during the Thursday night concerts in the park. She felt it does not make sense to teaz down a building that could be a potential business, since a pazking lot does not generate income. She stated that the city needs to evaluate its spending, since her taxes go up every yeaz. Page 2 Cotmnissioner Toth stated that the city portion of her taxes do not go up every year. Commissioner Liesex concurred, stating that increases in taxes axe generally school district issues.