Laserfiche WebLink
<br />SUMMARY OF RESEARCH AND RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES <br />EDA STRATEGIC PLAN 43 <br />12. MISSISSIPPI RIVER ACCESS <br />For all of its commitment to quality of life investments, including the development of the <br />beautiful riverfront plaza space in downtown Elk River, there is opportunity for improving <br />the City’s access to its <br />riverfront. Elk River has <br />a trail plan that includes <br />extending trails along the <br />river in both directions <br />from downtown Elk River. <br />Trails along the <br />Mississippi Riverfront <br />would be highly popular, <br />and if the experience of <br />other cities is a guide <br />they will be heavily <br />utilized. <br />From a real estate <br />perspective, water <br />access and trails spur <br />development. There are <br />few amenities that are <br />more attractive than water proximity, and the availability of trail systems, and Mississippi <br />River trails connecting to downtown would extend the development value of downtown <br />Elk River to locations upstream and downstream. <br />As a specific example, a trail downstream and south from downtown Elk River would <br />enhance the value and attractiveness of the already strong Great River Energy site on <br />Highway 10. If extended further to the south of Highway 101 it would also provide <br />additional value and attractiveness to riverfront properties south of the Highway 101 <br />bridge, including the vacant automobile sales lot on Zane Street. <br />Another way to increase the relationship of Elk River to the river would be to explore <br />how some of the existing or future downtown development could be positioned to <br />improve its orientation toward the Mississippi River. <br />Strategies/Actions <br />12a. Continue building out the City's trail system along the Mississippi River, with a <br />priority on trails connecting downtown Elk River to locations upstream and <br />downstream of downtown. <br />12b. As part of an updated downtown development plan, explore ways to increase the <br />orientation of some downtown businesses and development toward the river.