7.2. HRSR 07-28-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to HRA July 28,2003 Page 5 Communications • The City has been active in attempting to provide information to the public regarding the Downtown Revitalization Project. Methods of communication have included information on the City's website,Q&A newsletters (4),public open houses (3), articles in the Elk Riser Star News, articles in the City's newsletter- The Curry,monthly River's Edge Downtown Business Association meeting updates, and direct mail. This last activity was a result of the July 14th City Council direction. Staff will continue to send meeting notices to a list of approximately 200 people including property owners,tenants, and interested Elk River citizens. Concern has been expressed regarding the inclusion of Jackson Square portion of the project. Early direction from the HRA had the developer analyzing both the Brick Block and the Bluff Block for possible projects. During the financial feasibility analysis,it was determined that the Brick Block would not be feasible due to the relocation of certain businesses within the Block. As stated earlier,the Gazebo Block(Jackson Square)was in the original proposal submitted by the developer. In April 2003,the concept of utilizing Jackson Square was resurrected for discussion and was discussed at the Downtown River's Edge Business Association meeting. Next Steps At this time the project is currently within the preliminary development agreement phase. As issues continue to be discussed and solutions identified,the HRA and Metro Plains are coming closer to entering into the final development agreement phase. It is anticipated that within the next 30- 90 days, a development agreement will be signed between the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Metro Plains. At the July 28, 2003 meeting,the HRA will have heard a number of issues raised from the downtown owners and tenants. Staff recommends that the HRA direct staff to complete the following tasks: 1. Research the issues raised by the downtown owners and tenants and provide a response to those concerned as well as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. 2. Begin work to provide additional public parking in the area of the Municipal Utilities building and King Avenue. Specific steps include: a. working with MNDot on the closure of King Avenue; b. scheduling a meeting with the Heritage Preservation Commission and the HRA to discuss the historic significance of the Utilities building, c. developing a parking lot design and preparing a cost estimate for the redesigned parking lot, and d. identify potential funding sources for the completion of the parking lot. The I-RA may determine that there are additional tasks,which staff should complete prior to entering into the final development agreement. The HRA should be specific in the issues that it desires staff and the developer to address. • S:\PLANNING\Michele McPherson\MEMOS\7-28 DT memo HRA.doc