July 14, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes Page 5 July 14, 1994 ------------------------------- Steve Ach suggested that the Steering Committee may wish to consider the following issues in evaluating the current goals: Establish a neighborhood commercial zoning district Establish an intermediate type commercial district somewhere between the office district and highway commercial Planning and redevelopment efforts for the downtown area Chairman Minton posed the following questions for Steering Committee: • Is there enough commercial property in the City? • What characteristics should it have? • Are the current commercially zoned areas in the right place? • If not, where should they be? Jim Mulroy, representative of the Downtown Development Corporation, stated that if the people in the position to do something about the downtown are interested, something could be accomplished. Bill Rubin noted some of the challenges to the downtown area are the highway, the river, limited access to the river, and the railroad tracks. Arne Engstrom commented on the restrictions in redevelopment, including costs, working with old buildings and limited parking. Bud Houlton commented that Kraus -Anderson previously presented some very interesting plans for the downtown area, but they were found to be cost prohibitive. Further, he felt the plans for the "hole in the ground" will be helpful. Gary Sontwire stated that a redevelopment proposal for the vacant site downtown was denied by the Council. Pat Dwyer explained that was partially due to changes in the T.I.F. laws. Mary Eberley questioned the availability of funds for historical redevelopment. Pat Dwyer replied there is a very high demand and very little money available. Chairman Minton said that a historic theme has been suggested for the f, downtown, using the river and older buildings. Discussion followed regarding this 11r' concept. Opinions varied as to historic value of existing buildings. Jim Mulroy informed the Committee that he has received many positive comments on the downtown from customers since the street lights and sidewalks +� were added. Denny Gorman, resident, remarked that he was strongly in favor of using the semi - rural flavor idea in the downtown area. This idea has been successful in communities with a natural resource such as a river or lake, and Elk River has that. Stan Chase, business owner, commented that the railroad tracks were definitely a barrier in developing the downtown. He suggested building a tunnel for the