06-03-2020 EDA MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 5 June 3, 2020 ----------------------------- -,—*N Mr. Leighton agreed these restaurants and stores could be a tourist draw. Commission Wagner questioned why the documentation mentions Elk River as a "regional destination". Mr. Leighton clarified this is one of the largest shopping destinations in the area except for Rogers. Commission Christianson commented on the ability to see what type of stores are available when driving the highways through Elk River. He felt it was important, during the planning of Hwy 169 Redefine, to keep retail areas visible. Mr. Leighton asked the commission to answer the following questions: "The direction I'd like the EDA to move forward is..." "The Economic Development opportunity I'm most interested in for Elk River is..." Chair Tveite said the direction he would like the EDA to move forward in is consolidating and incorporating other parts of the city so that there is a comprehensive, all-inclusive plan that includes parks. The biggest opportunity is coming up with a plan or guidance for 169 Redefine. Not necessarily plotting properties and deciding what goes where, but some guidance to make a workable ecosystem combining retail and housing. Commissioner Westgaard felt the opportunity was the 169 Redefine project and determining a direction for what the new Elk River may look like with this improved transportation plan. In addition, he does not want to forget about the older downtown areas, preserving a good mix of housing and retail opportunities. Elk River will take on a new look with Hwy 169 Redefine and the city will get new pressure from businesses, development, and housing once that is in place. Commissioner Christianson agreed the Hwy 169 Redefine project would change Elk River. He came back to the question of whether Elk River was considered rural. The 169 Redefine project will bring Elk River closer to the Twin Cities with more demand for housing and businesses. The city needs to be ready for what the new Elk River could look like while retaining the historic side. There should be a focus on tying the old and the new together. Commissioner Ovall felt the focus should be on Hwy 169 Redefine. However, COVID-19 has made this a risk as well. The city needs to be flexible in working with businesses who may be facing turnover or reinventing themselves as consumer's buying and travel patterns change, and will continue to change, with construction. Retail spaces may move to being experiential rather than consumption driven. Rather than focusing on expanding retail spaces, he would be interested in examining what we have within our existing boundaries, enhancing rather than adding parks, connecting trail systems, and making things more accessible. Instead of adding city sewer and water, focus on redeveloping areas that already have these installed. He rIN4;A�WREJ 11