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Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and HRA <br /> August 12, 1997 <br /> Page 2 <br /> • HRA Chair Gene Schuldt felt it was important to fully involve the downtown <br /> business owners in this process, since they have the most at stake. The City's role <br /> is to provide backup and support for the downtown. <br /> Steve Ach indicated a downtown master plan will be a long term plan which will <br /> develop over time.Steve noted staff is attempting to incorporate some of the <br /> design concepts in downtown which were generated by Hoisington Koegler for <br /> the river walk. <br /> Commissioner Kuester suggested the downtown be expanded so that an area <br /> could be created for community events. She felt landscaping could be done on <br /> the south side of the railroad tracks similar to what was done on the north side to <br /> improve the Railroad Drive area. <br /> Discussion followed regarding the riverwalk, parking and transportation issues. <br /> Paul noted that in addition to the design issues, there are economic issues as well, <br /> such as land uses and a marketing study. <br /> C. Visioning- Discuss General Issues Relating to Downtown <br /> The following issues were discussed for possible incorporation in a master plan for <br /> the downtown: <br /> 1) Keeping the downtown "pedestrian friendly" (i.e., limiting surface parking <br /> • lots, use of back entrances to businesses and shops wherever possible) <br /> 2) Improving traffic circulation (i.e., congestion at Main Street and Parrish <br /> Avenue bridge) <br /> 3) Creating a "draw" to the downtown such as Sunday band concerts <br /> 4) Tying the Handke Stadium in with the downtown flavor <br /> 5) Possibility of restoring downtown store fronts to their original design (mostly <br /> brick) <br /> 6) Establishing design standards <br /> 7) Bike paths and walking paths leading to the downtown <br /> 8) Business owners researching historical background of their buildings <br /> 9) Possibility of signage Highway 169/Highway 10 identifying how to get to <br /> downtown Elk River <br /> D. Identify Geoaraiohic Boundaries of Central Busienss District LStudv Area) <br /> Discussion followed regarding the participants' perception of where the <br /> downtown area begins and ends.Steve Ach indicated standards which are <br /> established to incorporate design elements such as landscaping, street lights, and <br /> signage could be used to identify the downtown boundaries. Banners for <br /> community events could be hung throughout the downtown to further establish <br /> those boundaries. <br /> Members of the group were asked to draw boundary lines around the area they <br /> felt represents Elk River's "downtown". <br /> • <br />