April 22, 1995 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes April20, 1995 Page 2 worth of commercial property. 375 acres of commercial property are located within the current urban service area and 499 acres are outside of it. In response to Chair Minton's question, Steve estimated that approximately 100 acres of commercial were absorbed last year including Elk Park Center, although it has not been fully developed. EDA Executive Director Bill Rubin provided an overview of the Elk River Central Business District (CBD), highlighting the following topics: A. Review/define CBD boundaries - Defined the core area and extensions which include the East Main Street office corridor, Railroad Drive/3rd Street NW area, and the Jackson Avenue corridor. He identified the Mississippi River, the Otsego bridge, U.S. Highway 10 and the railroad tracks as constraints to development in the central business district, but added that they contribute to defining a central focus for the downtown. B. Existing Uses in the CBD - Bill identified existing uses including financial institutions, drug stores, automotive, professional , hospitality, medical providers, and other services providers. C. Preservation of CBD's Character- Although the CBD lacks true historical buildings, other characteristics can be implemented to create and sense of place such as signage, lighting, sidewalks, streetscapes, landscaping, etc. D. Parking Issues - Bill described the existing municipal lots. He noted that it is not practical for existing businesses in the core area to provide of -street parking, but that minimal parking standards should be required when reviewing businesses just outside the core. Further out, commercial users could be required to meet or exceed the city's standards. He suggested that the city/HRA should consider adding off-street parking in the CBD. E. Riverfront Initiatives - High priority should be placed on the river pathway project which will add to the CBD's character, reinforce the community's sense of place, create a place for activity, and establish the basis for a showpiece in the city's multi -base trail system. Redevelopment Opportunities - These sites include: -Northwest corner of King and Main -Southeast corner of Lowell and Main -Highway 10 corridor from Main Street/10 intersection to Proctor and 10 -Jackson Avenue -Railroad Drive-4th Street triangle -Railroad Drive/3rd Street towards Gates Avenue -East Main Street Bill also mentioned the Morrell site as a possible extension of the C2 district for redevelopment. Mary Eberley suggested that design standards be established for the downtown area to identify its character. Bill added that these standards could tie into the river pathway theme.