3.1 HRA MIN 04-02-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment Authority Apri12, 2012 Page 2 Lindahl introduced Brady Halverson of Landform. Mr. Halverson reviewed each of the three concepts noting three important elements for discussion: 1) location of the dumpster, 2) closing of the Main Street entrance; and 3) removing the utility pole and relocating services underground. The HRA is asked to choose a layout and also which amenities they would like to incorporate into a master plan. Chair Wilson stated he questioned whether or not the Main Street access is needed. He asked why Mr. Halverson designed the lot for 2-way traffic. Mr. Halverson stated that he felt -two way traffic provides a softer, better flow. Chair Wilson questioned why the access was designed for one-way traffic in the first place. Mr. Halverson stated that likely there was no room for two-way traffic with the angled parking. Ms. Lindahl stated that the downtown business owners expressed their desire for more parking with ample room for a walkway to improve pedestrian access behind the buildings. She felt that people would learn quickly to use King Avenue, once the Main Street access is closed. Commissioner Kuester stated she felt closing the Main Street access would be a very positive improvement and would encourage pedestrian movement. Commissioner Motin stated he also would like to see more walkway space, but had a concern about cars backing out of parking stalls with two-way traffic. He stated that he did not support providing tables, since the intent was to provide more parking. Commissioner Motin stated that he was in favor of removing the utility pole. He expressed concern regarding the parking space next to the proposed trash enclosure. He felt it would be a visibility issue for a driver backing out and suggested some type'of buffer in this location. Mr. Halverson stated the space could be removed and curb and landscaping added in its place. Commissioner Lieser stated that she liked the idea of closing the Main Street access and the proposed sidewalk. She felt that this would also provide better setting for ArtSoup and the Farmer's Market. Commissioner Lieser stated that she was not sure the kiosk was necessary. She asked for details. on the wall fall that was mentioned. Mr. Halverson explained that someone in the downtown group mentioned the wall fall, and although it would be a nice treatment, it would likely cost more than the parking lot. Commissioner Toth stated that he felt Concept C was the least desirable. He stated he had no objection to closing the Main Street access. Commissioner Toth stated he did not want to see landscaping cover the wall on Elk River Meats, in the event they were able to have a mural on it someday. He was in favor of a smaller kiosk than the one across the street. He felt this would be helpful for the downtown businesses to advertise events. Mr. Halverson suggested that canopy trees could be used along the wall instead of flowering trees. Chair Wilson stated that he was in favor of Concept A. Commissioner Motin asked if it was possible to have one-traffic and angled parking. Mr. Halverson stated that it could be done but it would change the layout. Ms. Lindahl stated that she felt it would be confusing to drivers to have one-way traffic throughout the lot.