04-03-2007 HPC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Heritage Preservation Commission Page 2 April 3,2007 • tie-in now with the newest construction.Discussion followed regarding the height of the buildings being constructed. Councilman Farber commented on his opinion that the Bluff Block is "high quality"but that Jackson Place is less so due to wood construction. Commissioner Rohlf stated that the land under Jackson Place was donated to the City of Elk River in the 1800's for open space (forever).He mentioned a loophole that the City used to approve the project. Councilman Farber stated that the Council and Mayor speak of three more buildings"going next".Commissioner Rohlf commented that the projects weren't market driven because he doesn't feel that they would have happened without city incentives,, Councilman Farber stated that he liked downtown,but unfortunately there were some bad facades put on in the 1980's.He asked a question"where" draw the line".The Sunshine Depot was discussed. Chair Lindberg commented that the Task Force}/s• orce s,,to decide what is d downtown and referenced the Maxfield study.He discussed the developers that spoke tot,„Task Force and added that he called Dunbar(one of the contraicrors) aftet‘he meeting. Chair�dberg m stated that Dunbar felt the old buildings shouldt maintained,on the Bluff Block.He added that Dunbar stated he had never seen a community rte ,wanted to tear down their old buildings. r Councilman Farber questioned wh'_® as a matter of �,-.. o.mmissioner Rohlf stated that the City found money to d � buildings. ssioner Nadeau- tY Y "�� $ Co�', • Peterson stated that there are grants to help rehabilitate old buildings. Councilman Farber .. s r. t he feels downtown has ”"=en studied to death.He added that money would ave to be . _ into the buildings in order to keep them. Rebecca discussed ., ric , R. is and design guidelines. vfik Cass . A•hlf e emphasis be given for reuse and rehabilitation of buildings. w added that� e are generally against the projects.Commissioners Harris and Lindberg reed. Rebecca Rebeiktvdescribed ho khe policy recommendations were developed for Councilman Farber. •5. Review H136-• et %/Policy Recommendations Chair LindbergF uestioned whether there were any comments or questions on the policy recommendations.A question was raised on the first page as to who is going to conduct the economic development feasibility study and whether the HPC can be involved. Commissioner Nadeau-Peterson questioned whether the grants could be referenced. Rebecca answered the first question by stating that she expects the City would conduct the study.Commissioner Christiaansen stated that it should be an independent contractor as an un-affiliated third party. •