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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 5 <br /> June 3,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Mr. Leighton agreed these restaurants and stores could be a tourist draw. <br /> Commission Wagner questioned why the documentation mentions Elk River as a <br /> "regional destination". <br /> Mr. Leighton clarified this is one of the largest shopping destinations in the area <br /> except for Rogers. <br /> Commission Christianson commented on the ability to see what type of stores are <br /> available when driving the highways through Elk River. He felt it was important, <br /> during the planning of Hwy 169 Redefine, to keep retail areas visible. <br /> Mr. Leighton asked the commission to answer the following questions: <br /> "The direction I'd like the EDA to move forward is .." <br /> "The Economic Development opportunity I'm most interested in for Elk River <br /> is..." <br /> Chair Tveite said the direction he would like the EDA to move forward in is <br /> consolidating and incorporating other parts of the city so that there is a <br /> comprehensive, all-inclusive plan that includes parks. The biggest opportunity is <br /> coming up with a plan or guidance for 169 Redefine. Not necessarily plotting <br /> properties and deciding what goes where,but some guidance to make a workable <br /> ecosystem combining retail and housin^wwas <br /> Commissioner Westgaard felt the oppo69 Redefine project and <br /> determining a direction for what the new Elk River may look like with this improved <br /> transportation plan. In addition,he does not want to forget about the older <br /> downtown areas,preserving a good mix of housing and retail opportunities. Elk <br /> River will take on a new look with Hwy 169 Redefine and the city will get new <br /> pressure from businesses development, and housing once that is in place. <br /> Comrrussioner Christianson'agreed the Hwy 169 Redefine project would change Elk <br /> River. He came back to the question of whether Elk River was considered rural. The <br /> 169 Redefine project will bring Elk River closer to the Twin Cities with more <br /> demand for housing and businesses. The city needs to be ready for what the new Elk <br /> River could look like while retaining the historic side. There should be a focus on <br /> tying the old and the new together. <br /> Commissioner Ovall felt the focus should be on Hwy 169 Redefine. However, <br /> COVID-19 has made this a risk as well. The city needs to be flexible in working with <br /> businesses who may be facing turnover or reinventing themselves as consumer's <br /> buying and travel patterns change,and will continue to change,with construction. <br /> Retail spaces may move to being experiential rather than consumption driven. Rather <br /> than focusing on expanding retail spaces,he would be interested in examining what <br /> we have within our existing boundaries, enhancing rather than adding parks, <br /> connecting trail systems,and making things more accessible. Instead of adding city <br /> sewer and water, focus on redeveloping areas that already have these installed. He <br /> rar <br /> IN"A" ' 'fVAE <br />