Laserfiche WebLink
an identity. Capitalizing on the CBD's strengths will be a key to <br /> • ensure the long-term success of this critical area. <br /> II. EXISTING USES IN THE CBD <br /> Existing uses were identified at a previous Steering Committee <br /> meeting. Please refer to a handout on this topic in the agenda packet. <br /> In addition, a color coded map identifying the various uses in the CBD <br /> will be available at Thursday's Steering Committee meeting. <br /> The Elk River CBD is anchored by financial institutions, drug stores, <br /> automotive, professional, hospitality, medical providers, and a wide <br /> array of service providers. While the retail base of the community has <br /> clearly shifted toward Highway 169, the CBD remains an excellent <br /> area for the previously-identified uses. Preserving the CBD's existing <br /> base and expanding on it represent both challenges and opportunities <br /> in Elk River. <br /> III. PRESERVATION OF CBD'S CHARACTER <br /> 111 A fundamental role of a city is to preserve its character - be it <br /> historical, cultural, recreational, etc. Elk River's CBD stands in <br /> contrast with other CBD's relative to its historical perspectives. Given <br /> the lack of true historical buildings in the CBD, the city and the <br /> respective property owners should not overlook the other <br /> characteristics which help create a sense of place in the CBD. These <br /> characteristics include signage, lighting, sidewalks, streetscapes, <br /> landscaping, etc. <br /> IV. PARKING ISSUES <br /> Municipal lots are maintained in Jackson Square, the former railroad <br /> property running parallel with U.S. Highway 10, the lot behind <br /> Kemper Drug and Champion Auto, and the lot along Railroad Drive. <br /> Two of these lots were improved in recent years by the HRA. The lot <br /> behind Kemper Drug is scheduled for improvements this year. It is <br /> likely that the Railroad Drive lot will be improved in 1996. <br /> It is not practical to expect existing businesses at the CBD core (Main <br /> and Jackson) to provide off-street parking. However, as one moves out <br /> from the core, some minimal parking standards should be required for <br />