05-28-2002 HR MIN SPECIAL - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. Consider Appointment of HRA Commissioner to Sherburne County Habitat for Humanity • Board of Directors Executive Director Catherine Mehelich stated that a Sherburne County Habitat for Humanity Chapter is in the formation process. She stated that the Chapter is establishing a board of directors and would like a member of the HRA Commission to serve on the board. Commissioner Lieser stated that the first habitat house is going to be built in Zimmerman. She said that during the first year the Habitat for Humanity Chapter is being established the main concern for the board would be the amount of hours involved to get the Chapter organized. Mayor Klinzing stated that Habitat for Humanity is needed in the community. Commissioner Lieser stated that she would be willing to serve on the Board. CHAIR TOTH MOVED TO APPOINT JEAN LIESER TO THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS. COMMISSIONER THOMPSON SECONDED THE MOTION.THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 6.1. Downtown Revitalization Project Update Catherine Mehelich stated that staff is completing an analysis of five development proposals received for the downtown revitalization project that began in March.A summary report will be presented to the HRA at their June 24 meeting. • 6.2. Historic Context Study&Phase II Inventory Report—Carole Zellie,Landscape Research. Inc. Catherine Mehelich stated that Carole Zellie, of Landscape Research Inc., completed a Historic Contexts Study of the downtown. Ms. Mehelich introduced Ms. Zellie,who presented the results of her study. Carole Zellie presented a photo slide show of downtown Elk River today and in the past. She stated that her study objectives were twofold:preservation planning and compliance with government regulation. She identified the historical themes of significance to Elk River. She stated that none of the downtown properties were eligible for the National Historic Register but two buildings, located at 641 Main Street and 313 Jackson Avenue, are important historic structures, as they have maintained much of the original integrity compared to other structures. She stated that properties developed in later years, such as the 1950's style Kemper Drug Store, should not be ignored for their significance as representative structures of the time period they were originally built. She stated that the city's priority for retaining properties needs to be determined by economic conditions of restoring versus redeveloping. Catherine Mehelich questioned if the city should create a specific historical theme for downtown Elk River or if it should stay as it is. Ms. Zellie stated that some of the new development design should incorporate the older period styles. She wouldn't recommend creating a 1900's theme because some of the newer properties have significance also of their own time period. She stated that there are false facades on the front of many of the properties and that the facades should be pulled off to see to what extent the original facade remains underneath.