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Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 4 <br /> November 9,2020 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> walkable. <br /> President Tveite disagreed on it being the heart of the city but felt it meant a quaint,intimate,niche <br /> type space. <br /> Commissioner Ovall stated he struggles with the location of downtown as it is shoehorned between <br /> Highway 10, the railroad, and the river. Why can't western Elk River improve and be included. He <br /> noted Main Street on the north side of the railroad tracks is ripe for redevelopment and will be <br /> challenged to have the downtown connection because of the tracks. <br /> Mr. Leighton feels adding more housing adds more vibrancy and use to the area. He stated this <br /> location may always be a struggle for Elk River. <br /> Commissioner Wagner stated a plan for downtown will be complicated and require a lot of <br /> feedback. She noted there is currently a developer who wants to move forward quickly. She stated <br /> it should be broken into short- and long-term plans. She stated in the short term the city should <br /> review Jackson Avenue as a one-way or permanent closure,which would add more parking and <br /> help businesses on the east side of the street. <br /> The Authority concurred with Commissioner Wagner's statement. <br /> Commissioner Blesener further noted there are some policy changes that could happen <br /> ..... <br /> concurrently. <br /> Land Availability <br /> Mr. Leighton outlined four action steps in the"p an <br /> Mr. Shardlow stated his son,who works for government relations in Cargill, reached out to others <br /> in the company who said they would be eager to meet with the city. He stated his daughter also <br /> works for Cargill and they have several significant initiatives which may have some synergies to Elk <br /> River programs, and he would be willing to set up a meeting. <br /> Mr. Leighton stated the discussion Cargill can go beyond land acquisition noting there could <br /> be partnership opportunities for other initiatives. <br /> Commissioner Blesener stated it would be an exciting opportunity to explore. <br /> Commissioner Christianson feels development of the mining area is quite a few years down the <br /> road and it may be too early to update the mining plan because there are a number of other items <br /> to vet out,noting it can be expensive to expand city services. He stated the needs of the city can <br /> change quite a bit in 8-10 years. <br /> Mr. Leighton noted the first gravel plan was completed in 2015 and it stated the first phase would <br /> be completed in 2020. This did not occur but could be needed as early as 2022 and the city should <br /> plan for it. <br /> Mr. Shardlow stated it is never too soon to create a long-range use plan. He stated basic <br /> P 0 W I R I U 9 Y <br /> otmaA UREI <br />