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November 19, 2012 - Part I Executive Summary, page 1 - Executive Summary Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework Plan The downtown area of Elk River is the oldest part of the City and has long been considered the heart of the city. This area, the businesses in particular, have seen shopping patterns change, impacting the success of their businesses. Further, the downtown businesses, and the residential neighborhoods surrounding it, will be impacted by expected changes to Highway 10 in the next 2 decades. Highway 10 will evolve to an urban freeway in the future. It is not known when this will occur, but we know that it will further alter traffic patterns and impact businesses and homes in the area. Unaddressed, these changes can be devastating to fragile neighborhoods and businesses that are important to the Community of Elk River. This document is intended to provide guidance to property owners, stakeholders, and community leadership to position the area in such a way that strengthens the area to survive the impacts of time and change; methods to reestablish the downtown area as a destination; a desirable address to do business, live, and enjoy the diversity of uses in a character rich downtown amid the hustle and bustle of a growing community. The Plan was prepared by a City Council appointed task force comprised of 18 members representing a variety of community interests. Deliberations took place over a period of eleven meetings which covered a one year time period in 2006 and 2007. The task force adopted the following vision statement to guide the formation of the plan: “The Mississippi Connections Study Area is the cornerstone of the community. The Redevelopment Framework provides the blueprint for creating an environment and culture that encourages private reinvestment. This environment will be characterized by a robust business climate, strong affordable residential neighborhoods, diverse recreational opportunities, an agreed upon transportation framework, recognition of its historical place, and enhancing opportunities for connections with the community.” It soon became evident that expected changes to Highway 10 (originally identified during as part of the 2002 Inter-Regional Corridor Plan) would have a far greater impact to the downtown core than originally thought. To gain a better understanding of these changes, the City Council tabled the Task Force in 2007, and worked with MnDOT on a more defined Highway 10 plan through the City. That plan was approved in late 2008. The task force was reconvened in 2011, adding more resident and business representatives. Over 10 months starting in 2011, the Task Force reviewed the plan, updating it to address new information and goals. This Plan represents both the approved …“To develop a comprehensive plan that will redefine the “greater downtown area” to preserve its historical character while promoting the future viability of the community”… (Excerpt from the Task Force Mission Statement)