5.4 PCSR 04-08-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cretex Concrete Products the shape of solutions Y+V:1J..^rf?i(3xcovc'C'f t'>mrsdldc,}5.{:on- March 31,2014 Mr.Jeremy Barnhart Deputy Director of Community Operations and Development City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River,MN 55330 Dear Mr.Barnhart, It has come to our attention that the current draft Comprehensive Plan for the City of Elk River includes a proposed future road alignment through our Cretex Concrete Products property at 1340 6th Street, Elk River. Cretex Companies has been a major employer and community supporter in this and other Elk River locations since 1917. From this production facility we not only produce and supply precast concrete pipe and box culverts for sewer and drainage products throughout the upper Midwest,but also supply most of the concrete girders used on Minnesota's highway and freeway bridges. In addition,we produce light pole bases that are used for the lighting of roadways and athletic fields across the nation,along with many other precast concrete products. A road built through this property would reduce production capacity,eliminate space needed both for production and product storage and impair traffic flow within the plant to the point where it would no longer be viable for us to continue operations in Elk River. The cost to relocate and rebuild a new facility to replace our current production capabilities would approach$50,000,000. While we understand the need for a 30 year outlook to plan for future transportation routes,we feel that it is important that those plans be both realistic and include financial impact beyond the cost of right of way acquisition and the building of roads and bridges. In addition,we are very proud of the role that Cretex Companies and this plant has played in support of many community initiatives for almost 100 years and feel our absence would be felt beyond the loss of the financial support through the taxes that we pay. Considering that Cretex Concrete Products plans to operate this facility well beyond this plan's 30 year vision for Elk River,we respectfully request that this route be eliminated from both the city's comprehensive and transportation plans. Please respond to our request at your earliest convenience. It is our hope that this matter can be taken care of without the need for us to be represented at the upcoming public hearings. Sincerely, C r Matthew McAllister President Cc: Mr.Cal Portner Mr.John Dietz 6655 Wedgwood Road,Suite 130 *Maple Grove, MN 55311 (763)545-7473 •Fax(763)416-1633