04-05-1982 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes April 5, 1982 Page Seven Mr. Gill Scribner asked if the plan was to increase business in the downtown area rather than the proposed shopping area on Highway #169. Mr. Scribner further in- dicated that he felt condominiums should be built along the river in the downtown area. Mr. Cliff Lundberg indicated that he felt there was a definite need for a re- vitalization of the downtown area and that the redevelopment plan is the first step in the improvement of the downtown. Mr. Lundberg indicated that other communities are competing with the City of Elk River and the downtown redevelopment would help increase the desire of people to stay in Elk River and as such, would benefit the whole community. Mr. Lundberg indicated that he felt the City and the community should move ahead as quickly as possible in the adoption of the plan and the re- development of the downtown community. Mr. Wally Fox indicated that he felt the plan submitted was basically the same plan presented to the Chamber of Commerce three years ago and why now, $8,000 later, it is presented for approval by the City Council. Mr. Schumacher indicated that the first study had a much broader base and that this redevelopment plan is specifically for the downtown area and much more complex in detail. Mr. Zack Johnson indicated that the concepts and the land use are basically the same but this redevelopment plan has gone two steps further and addressed specific uses for the specific areas. Mr. Rick Breezee indicated that he felt the majority of the people want something done as long as it is the next guy. Mr. Breezee indicated that it is a long range plan and that many things could change in the next ten years as the plan develops. Councilman Engstrom indicated that it is not the Council's intent to buy up businesses for the redevelopment plan. Councilman Engstrom indicated that he felt it is a good plan for the future and expressed his support of the plan. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he felt the City Council should adopt the redevelop- ment plan and proceed. Councilman Schuldt indicated that he is aware of the fact that parking is a problem in the downtown area and that buildings may have to be moved but the redevelopment plan is a guide and will be flexible to changing times. Councilman Schuldt further indicated that the redevelopment plan is a starting place. Councilman Duitsman indicated his support of the redevelopment plan and further in- dicated that the redevelopment plan is a guide and that the private sector will make the decision as to the implementation of the plan. Councilman Toth indicated that as a member of the City Council and a member of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, he is fully aware of the amount of work that has gone into the development plan by the downtown people and the HRA committee. Councilman Toth indicated that is is an outline for the orderly growth of the downtown community. Councilman Toth further expressed his support of the redevelopment plan. Councilman Engstrom indicated that the plan has come through the "grass roots," the downtown businessmen, the task force, the Chamber of Commerce, and the members of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and further expressed the fact that the redevelopment plan is a guide for the redevelopment of the downtown community.