4 PCSR 09-21-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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II. Background Information • A. INTRODUCTION The background information in this report provides a summary of existing conditions and trends which have an impact on the future of Elk River. This section provides a social and environmental inventory and synthesis of information which describes the opportunities and constrains for future growth in the City. A careful evaluation of this information has assisted in formulating the Comprehensive Plan for the City. B. REGIONAL SETTING The City of Elk River is located 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis (Figure 2-A). It is approximately at the midpoint of the Twin Cities-St. Cloud corridor. It is also located in the southeast corner of Sherburne County and serves as the county seat (Figure 2-B). Its geographical location allows the city to enjoy the social mix of farmers, local commercial and industrial workers, and commuters working in the Metropolitan area. The city's proximity to employment centers within the Twin Cities metropolitan area promoted a commuter trend of Elk River residents. This trend was recognized in a community survey which identified 40% of the residents commute to the Twin Cities.1 ,( r✓�' This trend of commuting is further established by the 1990 Census of Population which 4V" J1S indicates that of workers 16 years and older, ( %) worked outside Sherburne sr" County. Of this_ percent, the mean travel time to work was 26.3 minutes. Although the City of Elk River lies outside the boundaries of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area and the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council, it is inextricably tied to the social and economic influences of the Metropolitan area. Residents of Elk River frequent metropolitan centers of entertainment, retail, and employment to satisfy numerous wants and needs. The fact that the City of Elk River lies beyond the political jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council has and does influence land development. C. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT The importance of transportation in Elk River's history is reflected in its location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Elk Rivers. Here, on major water routes as well as oxcart trails, it developed as the agricultural supply and milling center for Sherburne and north Anoka Counties. During the railroad era, Elk River was again favorably located on a junction point. The main lines from the Twin Cities westward, the Great Northern and Northern Pacific, passed directly through the the community. In addition, a Great Northern line ran north to Milaca and eventually to Duluth and the Iron Range. This central location enabled Elk River to develop farm trade service functions and stimulated economic expansion in these fields. After the booms associated with the railroads, and especially during the housing growth in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, the small towns in America located away from the major 1 Community Survey by Decision Resource , Ltd. February 1990