5. HRSR 11-05-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Executive Summary Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework Plan The Plan was prepared by a City Council appointed task force ..."To develop a comprehensive plan that will comprised of 18 members representing a variety of community redefine the "greater downtown area"to preserve interests. Deliberations took place over a period of eleven its historical character while promoting the future meetings which covered a one year time period in 2006 and 2007. viability of the community"... (Excerpt from the Task Force Mission Statement) The task force adopted the following vision statement to guide the formation of the plan: "The Mississippi Connections Study Area is the cornerstone of the community. The Redevelopment The downtown area of Elk River is the oldest part of the City and Framework provides the blueprint for creating an has long been considered the heart of the city. This area, the environment and culture that encourages private businesses in particular,have seen shopping patterns change, reinvestment. This environment will be characterized by a impacting the success of their businesses. Further, the robust business climate, strong affordable residential downtown businesses, and the residential neighborhoods neighborhoods, diverse recreational opportunities, an agreed surrounding it,will be impacted by expected changes to Highway upon transportation framework,recognition of its historical 10 in the next 2 decades. Highway 10 will evolve to an urban place,and enhancing opportunities for connections with the freeway in the future. It is not known when this will occur,but community." we know that it will further alter traffic patterns and impact businesses and homes in the area. Unaddressed, these changes It soon became evident that expected changes to Highway 10 can be devastating to fragile neighborhoods and businesses that (originally identified during as part of the 2002 Inter Regional are important to the Community of Elk River. Corridor Plan) would have a far greater impact to the downtown core than originally thought. To gain a better understanding of This document is intended to provide guidance to property these changes, the City Council tabled the Task Force in 2007, owners, stakeholders, and community leadership to position the and worked with MnDOT on a more defined Highway 10 plan area in such a way that strengthens the area to survive the impacts through the City. That plan was approved in late 2008. of time and change;methods to reestablish the downtown area as a destination;a desirable address to do business,live, and enjoy The task force was reconvened in 2011, adding more resident and the diversity of uses in a character rich downtown amid the hustle business representatives. Over 10 months starting in 2011, the Task Force reviewed the plan,updating it to address new and bustle of a growing community. information and goals. This Plan represents both the approved Draft as of November 5,2012 - Part I Executive Summary,page 1 -