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complete a project on a vacant parcel of land. In the downtown, the <br /> value of land is at a premium. Often times it is purchased with an <br /> existing structure on it that is at the end of its economic life. Add in <br /> some demolition and site preparation costs and a developer is faced <br /> with a project that is not economically feasible. The role of an <br /> EDAJHRA is to absorb some of the those costs to ensure that <br /> investment or reinvestment occurs downtown rather than along a <br /> highway corridor. <br /> An emerging project that will no doubt require an infusion of public <br /> funds is the Mississippi River Pathway (see above). <br /> 6. Offer More Events Downtown - Another sign of spring is the return of <br /> the Farmer's Market. How appropriate for a community with the <br /> slogan, "Where City and Country Flow Together"! The market is still <br /> evolving, but it's in its third year and many businesses will admit it <br /> brings customers into their store. Let's encourage similar activities. <br /> On that note, there are certainly more opportunities to offer weekend <br /> or one-day events. Several of the businesses downtown have stepped <br /> forward and sponsored individual events on a Saturday morning. Still <br /> other businesses have been involved in the early morning meetings to <br /> • plan these events. The companies and individuals responsible for the <br /> promotions are to be commended. Additional activities and events <br /> have a way of attracting families, and who knows, while they are <br /> downtown, they might stop in and make a purchase somewhere. <br /> 7. Establish Off-Street Parking Standards - It has already been <br /> mentioned that the price of downtown property is at a premium. A <br /> new business that seeks to open downtown cannot be expected to <br /> achieve the off-street parking standards that are currently found in the <br /> Zoning Ordinance. Not providing any parking is a double-edged sword <br /> too. That's why public parking lots exist in the downtown. However, <br /> the Planning Commission must resolve to evaluate how much off- <br /> street parking is considered adequate. In addition, public parking lots <br /> have been upgraded by the HRA and the plan is to continue the <br /> upgrades. <br /> 8. Establish a Downtown Association Previously, the need for more <br /> events downtown was identified as an idea to keep Elk River's central <br /> business district a focal point. Sponsors have underwritten the cost of <br /> these events, and, still other businesses have contributed prizes or <br /> merchandise to help make the events successful. Perhaps this speaks <br /> to the need for a creation of a downtown association, wherein all <br /> businesses would contribute funds to these events. An association may <br /> also address the need for businesses to work closer together. There's <br />