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Planning Commission <br /> May 8,2001 <br /> Page 2 <br /> • 1 also included a market analysis for the downtown. In Phase 2, the vision and <br /> future of the downtown is to be developed. She noted that HRA, Planning <br /> Commission and River's Edge members all have a stake and an interest in what <br /> happens downtown. Ms. Mehelich stated she expects there will be a follow-up <br /> workshop to the meeting tonight. The third and final phase will include staff <br /> drafting an implementation plan based on the priority redevelopment areas and <br /> issues discussed. The final plan will then be presented to the HRA and City <br /> Council for adoption of the plan. She noted that the Planning Commission will be <br /> a part of the process if there are any ordinance changes. <br /> The agenda for this evening is: <br /> 1. Present information gathered by staff in phase 1, including market analysis. <br /> 2. Cliff Skogstad, Chief Building Official will review the criteria which was used for <br /> building conditions. <br /> 3. Steve Rohlf will discuss the criteria used for determining historical significance. <br /> Jay Thompson of Maxwell Research Group,stated that in their analysis, they <br /> looked at the market potential for retail, office and housing in the redevelopment <br /> area over the next ten years. He stated that this was done by reviewing recent <br /> development trends in the three areas, the current situation in the entire Elk River <br /> area, and the demographics and growth potential. The current mix of <br /> businesses in the downtown was assessed to determine market interest and <br /> • percentage of growth of the entire City of Elk River that the downtown could <br /> potentially capture. The downtown was divided into three areas based on the <br /> existing mix of businesses, building characteristics, and barriers such as Highway <br /> 10 and the railroad. The Three areas are the Core CBD, Western Transition Area, <br /> and Northern Area. The mix of uses, and strengths and weaknesses of each area <br /> were reviewed. Mr.Thompson then discussed the conclusions and <br /> recommendations for each of the three areas as described in their market <br /> analysis. <br /> Mr.Toth asked Mr.Thompson about other communities where they have done <br /> market studies. Mr.Thompson stated that cities include Lake City; downtown <br /> Anoka; Marshall; Otomwa, Iowa; Fargo and Moorehead. <br /> Cliff Skogstad, Chief Building Official, explained that a walk-by inspection was <br /> done of the building exterior, and based on 15 years and newer, or 15 years and <br /> older, and beyond. Building code inspection would include Energy Code, <br /> Handicap Accessibility Code, the structural aspects of building, and health-safety <br /> aspects. A good rating was given to a building 15 years or newer because of the <br /> fact that building code issues have likely been addressed. A fair rating would be <br /> a building 15 years and older, since limited codes have been met, structure load <br /> issues, energy code issues and would require some work to bring the building <br /> back into compliance. A poor rating was given to older buildings based on code <br /> issues and condition of the building itself, including lack of regular maintenance. <br /> Steve Rohlf, Building & Zoning Administrator, stated that Heritage Preservation <br /> • Commission spent a Saturday doing a quick review of the downtown buildings. <br /> He explained that the Heritage Preservation Commission strongly recommends <br />