5. HRSR 11-05-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Participation Process In general,the comments heard and reviewed by the Task Force were separated into three themes. Some comments directed a Upon completion of defining the goals,policies and strategies change to the plan. These include suggestions to expand the and the creation of the Master Plan concepts for the area, the downtown area to facilitate more opportunities for Task Force opened the plan for public inspection at two open redevelopment,remove references to forming a Historic houses. One held on September 13th was lightly attended. A Preservation residential district,and add or remove trails second open house on October 22nd was more heavily attended, throughout the plan, and complete a historic context study north with approximately 30-40 people reviewing the plan and talking of Highway 10. to staff and Task Force members. The purpose of the community open houses was to receive community feedback Other comments were characterized by the Task Force as general regarding the planning process and subsequent master plan beliefs; these comments voiced a concern over the viability of concepts. This was also an opportunity to educate the public on businesses in the area, the impact Highway 10 changes will have the changes expected as part of MnDOT's improvements, and on them, and concern over the use of eminent domain. our reaction to those changes and gain public understanding for These comments were helpful in reaffirming the purpose behind the plan. the plan. Task Force did not make changes to the plan,but reiterated to the commenter the purpose behind the plan,and A public comment period was opened on September 4, 2012 and how the city intends to address these changes. Additionally, the formally closed on October 22,2012. Notices for a September Task Force received comments from property owners who would open house were posted on the city website, chamber newsletter, be impacted by the plan,but these impacts were not shown. It and Star News. Notices for an October open house were mailed was recognized that as the plans become more and more detailed, to each property owner in the study area,in addition to the impacts will be better understood. In the meantime, the user of sources above. During that 6 week period, the Planning the plan should be cognizant of these impacts as they develop Commission,Park Commission, Heritage Preservation over time. Commission, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Authority and City Council all received the plan. Lastly, the Task force reviewed comments from property owners All written comments received during the month were reviewed who voiced skepticism that the changes to Highway 10 would by the task force at their meeting on October 22,2012. These ever materialize,and that the plan is premature. Further, written comments are included in the appendix. commenters expect changes to the Highway 10 plan,which will impact the Task Forces'Mississippi Connections framework. No No significant redevelopment plan can be universally agreed to plan is final;it is common, even expected, that as more by all parties,but this plan does represent the consensus of those information is known,modifications to a plan are necessary. This participating in the process based on the information known at plan represents a solution to the impacts anticipated today. The the time. Task Force suggested that a review of the plan occur in 10 years to see how new information might improve the plan. Draft as of November 5, 2012 - Part II,page 5 -