5.2. HRSR 03-01-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 1 of 3 EHLERS & ASSOCIATES INC 0 To: Cathy Mehelich, City of Elk River From: Jim Prosser, Ehlers Associates Subject: Downtown Property and Business Owner Feedback P WDate: January 27, 2004 Ehlers & Associates and City staff member Chris Leeseberg have conducted a series of thirteen interviews with downtown business and property owners. The purpose of these meeting was to seek feedback on parking issues, including reaction to several options to address the removal of the public parking in the Jackson Block. In addition feedback and IIquestions were solicited on general issues related to the proposed development. In total, fifteen meetings including about thirty people were conducted. Those interviewed were advised that their comments would be shared with the HRA and the City Council on a non-attribution basis. A summary of the findings is as follows: FINDINGS 1. All of those were generally well informed and cooperative. It was clear that they were concerned about assuring the long-term viability of the downtown area Most recognized the need to stimulate a positive change to achieve long-term viability. There was some misinformation about project details (i.e. the type of proposed housing and the underground parking for retail and housing tenants) that was corrected, however it is likely that those not interviewed may still have misconceptions about some project details. 2. Several of the businesses along Main Street currently provide off-street parking for employees or rent space from adjoining property owners. 3. Most agreed(including Cinema tenants) that the Jackson parking lot was primarily in daytime hours used by Cinema Building employees and clients. Observations during the days interviewed appeared to confirm this • N Jim Prosser,CIPFA (651)697-8503 Fax:(651)697-8555 Executive Vice President/Director jim @ehlers-inc.com 3060 Centre Pointe Drive http://www.ehlers-inc.com Roseville,MN 55113-1105