05-08-2001 HR MIN SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission May 8,2001 Page 4 111 Houlton building. Commissioner Baker felt that the first project should have high visibility. Ms. Mehelich felt there are developers who would be interested in Elk River, especially with the amenity of the river. She asked the group for suggestions on redevelopment areas. Commissioner Baker stated that the historical significance of an area must also be considered. Ms. Mehelich felt that the Historical Preservation Commission would be asked to review the area. Councilmember Motin asked if the representatives from Maxfield felt maintaining a 3-4 block historical area in the downtown was viable for the long term. He suggested using a theme for along the river to preserve the long term future of the City, rather than preserving of the history. Ms. Bujold stated that she felt it is a combination of both. She explained that new development has to come. She stated that the existing character makes the downtown different and that is what draws people downtown. Mr. Motin stated that his clients are telling him that is not happening. Ms. Bujold stated that is why redevelopment needs to occur. She felt that once a project is started, the momentum will begin. She felt that the downtown can be viable, long-term, but it will require that something new comes in to attract people beyond 9am-5pm or 5pm to 9pm. She felt they need to look at the diverse groups that use the downtown. Commissioner Schuster discussed the difficulty of access to downtown. He stated • that he supported the idea of a downtown event. Al Nadeau, downtown business owner, stated that he has been located downtown for 30 years. He felt the downtown will never be a retail center again and is now a service center. He stated that the group needs to envision the future. He felt that that is an opportunity to take advantage of the river view from his location. Mayor Klinzing explained that various groups have been studying the downtown for 30 years. She felt that the City has now crossed a threshold so that ideas which were discussed in the past now do not seem so crazy, such as the suggestion for a parking ramp. She felt that that we need to open ourselves up to new possibilities. Chair Pederson stated that when he first drove into downtown Elk River, he thought the downtown was dead. He stated that he feels the whole north side of Highway 10 from Boelter's down to Martin Plaza needs to be looked at. He agreed that the downtown is no longer a retail center and is more a financial and personal services center. He felt Mr. Nadeau's site would be ideal for a bed- and-breakfast or a hotel which would also draw in a restaurant. He also agreed with Commissioner Schuster that access to downtown is difficult and that the crossing at Highway 10 is a nightmare. He felt that the historical study should be done. He felt that low interest loans to help the downtown business owners improve their sites needs to be discussed. He felt that another meeting is needed. Ms. Mehelich stated that she felt that the specific ideas for • implementation need to be discussed.