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Special HRA Minutes Page 3 <br /> June 5,2003 <br /> • Mr.Hanson's presentation of the redevelopment concepts included the Bluff Block, the <br /> Brick Block,and the Jackson Block. Mr.Hanson explained the proposed development for <br /> each location: <br /> Bluff Block <br /> • 10,000 SF commercial on first floor along Main St. <br /> • 52 unites of for-sale housing <br /> • 70-80 below grading parking stalls for housing and commercial residents <br /> • 3-4 stories <br /> • Connection to city's riverwalk development <br /> Brick Block <br /> • 6,000 SF of commercial <br /> • 52 units of rental housing <br /> • 66 below grade and 54 surface parking stalls <br /> • Optional 75 below grade public parking <br /> • 3 stories <br /> Jackson Block <br /> • 10,000 SF commercial on first floor along Jackson St. and at the corner of Jackson <br /> and Main <br /> • 32 units of rental housing <br /> • Up to 66 below grade parking units for housing and commercial, 18 surface units, <br /> and 9 additional on-street parking spaces <br /> • 3 stories <br /> Following the presentation, Chair Toth mentioned that prior to the presentation he had been <br /> strongly opposed to the redevelopment of the Jackson Block area but that he now <br /> understood why the area is appropriate for redevelopment. <br /> Chair Toth asked MetroPlains if they would be responsible to develop the park area next to <br /> the Cinema Building. Mr. Hanson stated that MetroPlains would develop a walking path to <br /> the rear of their redevelopment area but that the City would be responsible to extend the <br /> walking path beyond that area in addition to the park. <br /> The HRA posed several questions regarding the management of pedestrian traffic, the <br /> transition of existing businesses,parking issues,and visibility issues for the brick block if the <br /> Jackson Block area is developed. <br /> It was stated that existing business owners have expressed concerns for lost parking if the <br /> Jackson Block area is developed. It was stated that most downtown business owners do not <br /> have the luxury of a free parking lot near their stores. MetroPlains explained that all Jackson <br /> Block parking spaces would be replaced. <br /> Regarding visibility issues,it was stated that the visibility of Kemper Drug would be <br /> unaffected if the Jackson Block area is developed and that the increase of business due to the <br /> development would outweigh the visibility concerns. <br /> • <br />