11-06-2006 HRA - Laserfiche WebLink

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Housing & Redevelopment Authority Page 2 November 6, 2006 ----------------------------- Ms. Mehelich provided an update on the downtown projects as follows: Bluffs of Elk River - 35 of the 67 condominium units have been sold and the developer is negotiating commercial leases for both the Bluffs and Jackson Place. Jackson Place - Contractors are pouring the footings and laying block. There will no longer be a need to reconfigure Jackson, unless the crane will not work from inside the pit. The Bank of Elk River - The fence around the site is proposed to be removed December 1st and they may be able to open six parallel parking spaces in front of the bank. River's Edge Commons City Park - The sidewalk pavers will be installed within the next two weeks. Once the project is closed down for the winter, the alley will be reopened. Ms. Mehelich noted that a 4-color "vision" mailing piece will be disributed during the holiday season. Commissioner Kuester asked if a Christmas promotion is planned for the downtown. Ms. Mehelich stated that December 2nd is proposed by the Rivers Edge Downtown Business Association for some type of promotion. Commissioner Kuester asked if the sidewalk paver project will be cleaned up by then. Community Development Director Scott Clark stated that the pavers are currently being laid, so there should be no problem. Commissioner Kuester asked if any parking stalls will be added. Ms. Mehelich stated that a few more spaces potentially may be available if the bank's contractor removes their staging area on Main Street. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER TOTH AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO CALL A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HRA FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2006 FOR EHT PURPOSE OF A JOINT MEETING WITH THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING DOWNTOWN PARKING. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Commissioner Toth asked for clarification on the process for the purchase of the Houlton buildings. Ms. Mehelich stated that a public hearing by the Planning Commission has been set for November 14th and then by the City Council on November 20dh. She noted that final details should be available for the December 2nd HRA meeting. 6. Consider Approval of HRA Redevelopment Plan for Downtown Elk River Redevelopment Project Mr. Clark explained that the HRA must adopt a redevelopment plan prior to land acquisition or other types of redevelopment. He stated that the plan being presented to the HRA meets all State Statutes. He reviewed the three phases of the proposed plan, noting that the boundaries of the area under consideration are consistent with those found in the 2001 Maxfield Market Study. Mr. Clark stated that it is anticipated the plan will be replaced when a more comprehensive redevelopment plan is completed by the recently approved task force. Mr. Clark explained that by approving the redevelopment finding, the HRA is making the following declarations: