7.4. SR 03-17-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Elk River Comprehensive Plan 1i Geographic Setting r �1 Elk River is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers in Sherburne County, roughly 34 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis. It is bordered by rL '- the City of Ramsey to the east, the City of Otsego to the south, Big Lake Township to the west, and Livonia Township to the north. U.S. Highways 10 and 169 and Elk River State Highway 101 are the three main arterial routes. Elk River has a station on the Jr � � Northstar Commuter Rail line to downtown Minneapolis. p Elk River Past, Present and Future A Comprehensive Plan forms a bridge between the In addition to the railroad, farming played an city's past and the city's future. The Plan as a tool important role in the development of Elk River. The for managing and directing future actions naturally original claim of the City's most famous farmer, looks forward, but building the future occurs within the Oliver Kelley, dates to 1850. By 1860, there context of Elk River's past because the city's history were 110 recorded farms in Sherburne County. and heritage are important parts of community identity. This number grew to a peak of 1,190 in 1910. Failure to recognize and build upon Elk River's heritage Agriculture in the area included grain crops, potatoes, risks losing the community's identity — making Elk and dairy cattle. River just like any other place. The current City of Elk River covers 44 square miles. As the name suggests, Elk River's roots lie in the The largest area of the city was added in 1978 by river. The first dam was built in 1851 and led to the the merging of Elk River Township. This expansion construction of mills, making the river the catalyst for of Elk River provided the capacity for recent commerce in the area. Initial development included development. a flour mill and a saw mill. The community was originally platted shortly thereafter in 1855, as the This Comprehensive Plan is about planning for the town of Orono. This original plat covered an area of future of Elk River. It's about making choices on how approximately 14 square blocks. to address significant issues that the community is currently facing or will be facing in the coming years. Then, in 1864, the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad line Issues like rising energy costs, increased traffic reached Elk River, which drew development further to congestion, and changing demographics. Moreover, the east. The town of EII< River was platted in 1865 this Plan is about guiding change in a positive way. with the development pattern of the town oriented to the rail line and the depot. Rail service spurred the development of a variety of businesses in Elk River. In 1880-1881, the town sites of Elk River and Orono were combined and incorporated. y. A- 20 / Chapter 4: Community Context