9.2. HRSR 03-06-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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November 19, 2012 - Part II, page 5 - Public Participation Process Upon completion of defining the goals, policies and strategies and the creation of the Master Plan concepts for the area, the Task Force opened the plan for public inspection at two open houses. One held on September 13th was lightly attended. A second open house on October 22nd was more heavily attended, with approximately 30-40 people reviewing the plan and talking to staff and Task Force members. The purpose of the community open houses was to receive community feedback regarding the planning process and subsequent master plan concepts. This was also an opportunity to educate the public on the changes expected as part of MnDOT’s improvements, and our reaction to those changes and gain public understanding for the plan. A public comment period was opened on September 4, 2012 and formally closed on October 22, 2012. Notices for a September open house were posted on the city website, chamber newsletter, and Star News. Notices for an October open house were mailed to each property owner in the study area, in addition to the sources above. During that 6 week period, the Planning Commission, Park Commission, Heritage Preservation Commission, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Authority and City Council all received the plan. All written comments received during the month were reviewed by the task force at their meeting on October 22, 2012. These written comments are included in the appendix. No significant redevelopment plan can be universally agreed to by all parties, but this plan does represent the consensus of those participating in the process based on the information known at the time. In general, the comments heard and reviewed by the Task Force were separated into three themes. Some comments directed a change to the plan. These include suggestions to expand the downtown area to facilitate more opportunities for redevelopment, remove references to forming a Historic Preservation residential district, and add or remove trails throughout the plan, and complete a historic context study north of Highway 10. Other comments were characterized by the Task Force as general beliefs; these comments voiced a concern over the viability of businesses in the area, the impact Highway 10 changes will have on them, and concern over the use of eminent domain. These comments were helpful in reaffirming the purpose behind the plan. Task Force did not make changes to the plan, but reiterated to the commenter the purpose behind the plan, and how the city intends to address these changes. Additionally, the Task Force received comments from property owners who would be impacted by the plan, but these impacts were not shown. It was recognized that as the plans become more and more detailed, impacts will be better understood. In the meantime, the user of the plan should be cognizant of these impacts as they develop over time. Lastly, the Task force reviewed comments from property owners who voiced skepticism that the changes to Highway 10 would ever materialize, and that the plan is premature. Further, commenters expect changes to the Highway 10 plan, which will impact the Task Forces’ Mississippi Connections framework. No plan is final; it is common, even expected, that as more information is known, modifications to a plan are necessary. This plan represents a solution to the impacts anticipated today. The Task Force suggested that a review of the plan occur in 10 years to see how new information might improve the plan.