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I am writing this letter in support of the proposed Hwy 169 mall . development project . At stake is the present and future economic security of the City of Elk River and it 's citizens. Both sides of this issue must be addressed calmly, intelligently, unselfishly, and most importantly, it must be addressed without delay. A growing economy is vital to the social and educational development of this city. Our children deserve to grow up in an environment which promotes and offers only the best in economic, educational , and social opportunities. A strong economy comes from a strong tax base. Our city, like many other cities our size, has many needs and limited resources. In the recent past we have seen the need to build a new elementary school , a new government center, and a new police station to name a few examples. The money for these and other programs must come from somewhere. Without the help from stores such as Cub Foods, Walmart , and Menards, the money will have to come from increased property taxes. I 'm sure that I am not alone when I say the property taxes in Elk River are already too high. I think the choice is clear. The most effective way to infuse a large amount of money into the tax base is to encourage retail stores to build here and thus pay taxes here. My friends, family, and co-workers who live or work in Elk River and surrounding communities, tell me they do not shop much locally. What an inconvenience to have to drive to Coon Rapids for shopping when that money could easily be spent in Elk River. With the addition of Cub, Walmart, and Menards, Elk River would not only keep its citizens shopping locally, but would also benefit from shoppers from surrounding cities and townships. In the future, Elk River will see much growth as the Twin City area expands north, especially after the Hwy 101 upgrade. It makes good economic sense to • prepare for this growth by providing good shopping opportunities. The monetary gain is only part of the benefit. Each new business provides employment opportunities for both adults and teenagers. In closing, a strong and growing economy in Elk River is essential for everyone. The city council and city planners cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away. The proposed mall project can be a major step toward a brighter future for Elk River. The time to act is now! Let 's all work together for the benefit of the city, reach a consensus, and allow Elk River to grow in a way that benefits everyone. Thank You rikleC/Lt -1 I