6. EDSR 09-10-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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VW V/ MI II. Summary of Existing Conditions • As retail moved out of our downtown area it has been replaced with office uses. Less retail starts The Plan grew out of information collected and considered by the chain of other retail uses not having a the Task Force over several months. This section of the Plan significant synergy to exist and in turn, seeking highlights some of the key data sources that contributed to the other market areas. planning process. The Changing Face of Downtown • The economic downturn starting in 2008 has Historically,Elk River was a"freestanding community" hampered ability of smaller businesses from (characterized by distance from the metropolitan area, self- opening or continuing businesses. It is these contained economy, and limited transportation routes).An businesses that are the primary market for a essential element of all freestanding communities was a core downtown area of our size. downtown area that served a highly agrarian economy.As is the 1.��!f ` Ti -r,-�j `�`� case with many cities that are on the edge of the metropolitan �� ¢� Q area, the form and function of our downtown has changed based \)- 1 I • on a series of factors, these being: g �� g j_ '1,11-Pli,.] . -- X • Incorporation of the City of Elk River and the Township in the late 1970's started the process of land development -- _a a..v,„ �, \through public utility extensions. =� —i - m. 4 _ iUL _ - Air _ • As part of this process, the TH 169 corridor opened to '1 :. , s1� commercial development ultimately creating competition for _�®CD[� , J1" i 7, ® � .''' - the downtown area, starting in the early 1980's. i . _ ...1 � ;. .� o 0':� : . I . ., fir-,1-'''� • Over the past thirty years, shopping habits have shifted to j� C, _ t `a ' 7-' _ _ - larger complexes of value and destination shopping. - - , . f : , ; ,if ,, , ,, , .. , • Loyalty to shopping areas has been replaced by value attached l 1 ,4 ', iii, - to location and accessibility. Market Shift Draft as of September 4, 2012 -Part I,page 11 -