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5 <br />Economic Development Au- <br /> The HRA acquired one more property in 2019 as part <br />of a redevelopment project that would align with the <br />Mississippi Connections Plan. Five properties have <br />been purchased and developers have shown interest in <br />the project. The redevelopment project will include <br />trail connectivity and access to downtown. <br />MAIN AND GATES REDEVELOPMENT <br />PERMANENT FIXTURE POLICY <br />The HRA recognized the need for appropriate permanent fixtures available for general public use to maintain a <br />safe, clean, and accessible downtown area, to preserve the vitality of the business district and prevent the <br />emergence of blighting conditions. The HRA committed to allocating a portion of their annual budget to install <br />permanent fixtures that will improve the core of downtown Elk River. In 2019, ERMU installed new light poles <br />downtown, and the HRA approved the purchase of two dozen flower hangers for the new poles. The Downtown <br />Rivers Edge Business Association will be raising funds to purchase flowers for these hangers starting in 2020. <br />BLIGHTED PROPERTIES FORGIVABLE LOAN PROGRAM <br />In 2019, the HRA revisited the residential program <br />to discussing changes allowing for flexibility to <br />builders to acquire these types of homes with the <br />intention that the properties will be owner-occupied <br />upon completion.