July 14, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes Paae 7 July 14, 1994 � IBM Chairman Minton asked for a consensus of the Steering Committee to continue this discussion at a meeting with the downtown group. Chairman Minton feels that people move to the Elk River area because of the semi -rural atmosphere, "where city and country flow together". He also discussed negative comments from local residents made at Planning Commission meetings regarding the large scale development that is occurring in Elk River. Gary Santwire asked whether or not it would be in the best interest of the City to force existing commercial areas to be absorbed, rather than create another spot of commercial north on Highway 169. Mr. Santwire suggested the Committee consider deleting some of the commercial zoning in the Comprehensive Plan and adjust/fine tune what we have. Hank Duitsman stated that it is the intention of the Committee to first inventory the land uses and then identify areas where zoning may be inappropriate and to adjust it accordingly. Another area of concern is to identify arterial roads, and where they should be since there is a close relationship between transportation and land use decisions. Chairman Minton noted that design standards in commercial areas can be used to keep the semi -rural atmosphere. The PUD (Planned Unit Development) concept was discussed. Steve Ach explained that a similar result can be accomplished by setting a high level of development standards in the City's existing zoning ordinance. Steve Ach and Bill Rubin agreed that PUD's can become administratively cumbersome, citing the Elk River Mall as an example. Marlon Glines stated that PUD's can offer special amenities that make it unique when use correctly. The neighborhood commercial zoning district concept was discussed. A resident expressed his opinion that the City should use extreme caution in proposing such a district; there are areas where it would be strongly opposed. Steve Ach explained the value of small convenience center in a residential district, providing such services as gas and groceries, dry-cleaning, hair styling, etc. Marlon Glines suggested the Committee provide more categories limiting the types of uses within a specific commercial zoning district. Chairman Minton reported that Don Strei had contacted him regarding the idea of a business/office district near the Courthouse. Steve Ach replied the proposed business park zoning would provide opportunities around the Courthouse for clean industrial, office and limited retail; all of which comprise the business/office district. Chairman Minton stated that a letter was received from Franklin Outdoor Advertising which offered ideas for a uniform sign ordinance for commercial and industrial zones. He also noted that each member of the Committee has been given a copy of the Surface Water Management Plan and Comprehensive Transportation Plan.