7.1a SR 05-18-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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a Being located on the north end of Nature's Edge Business Center, the site of Morrell's proposed expansion is a perfect location for an entrance sign into the park. Discussions with the city indicated there is a concept sign (not yet designed) for the southern end of the park; Morrell Companies would like to construct a sign to complement the city's sign, and is open to working out an agreeable solution to the design, timing, placement and construction of the sign. What are the reasons /purposes for the proposed Zone Change? The property is currently zoned Business Park, and would require a zoning change to allow the Morrell's to expand their operations. Their current property is zoned PUD, and per staff's recommendation, a rezoning to PUD is required to expand their operations. What has changed to warrant the Zone Change? On March 15, 2015, the Elk River EDA and City Council approved entering into a purchase agreement contingent upon rezoning and CUP approval) with Morrell Companies. How is the request consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan? The zoning change request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan in the following ways: This project will grow in a manner that preserves the qualities of the "small town" heritage, by maintaining connectivity within the city through permitting an existing Elk River business to expand to an area adjacent t its current location, where it's been for over 15 years. The project will make Elk River a complete place through attracting employment opportunities and goods and services needed by the community and creating opportunities for people to live and work in Elk River The Comprehensive Plan indicates that three aspects of Elk River's future require particular attention: expanding the tax base, attracting jobs and encouraging redevelopment. This project will address the first two aspects, as well as develop a city owned property which has been vacant for over two years, bringing it onto the tax rolls. The Plan also indicates that property taxes remain the largest source of revenue for the City and that retaining and attracting livable wage jobs has been an ongoing objective for the city; this project will generate additional revenue, retain 123 jobs and create new jobs for the city. While not listed in the comprehensive plan, Morrell Companies should be included within the top 20 employees of Elk River; employing more than the bottom twelve employers on the list. The project fully supports the Economic Development Strategic Plan as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan: "Attract new businesses and support existing businesses to increase the city's industrial tax base, commercial base and employment base." The project supports the 1711t FAST through supporting its employment focus by leveraging key assets (Morrell Companies) that are embedded in the community to reinforce Elk River as a regional hub for small to medium size firms in the NW metro region."