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City Council Minutes <br />February 22, 2021 <br />Page 2 <br />Mississippi River Connections and Comprehensive plans and their guidance for the <br />downtown core area. <br />Commissioner Blesener led the public forum. <br />Mr. Portner read submitted statements as shown in the official record. <br />Aaron Smith, 212 Northfolk Avenue, questioned the future of Highway 10 and its <br />effect on the downtown. <br />Mr. Carlton stated it is not in MNDOT's plan to make any changes in the near <br />future. He said the initial plans were developed years ago by the city and noted minor <br />improvements are scheduled this summer. <br />Debra Wieland, 19601 Hudson Circle, stated she has lived in Elk River for a year and <br />is a transplant from the City of Victoria. She stated she would like more business <br />options and to see the river better utilized. <br />Jeff Anderson, 1227 Main Street, stated he has lived in Elk River for a year and is <br />located a few blocks north of downtown. He would like to see the waterfront <br />utilized, enhanced public access, extension of the park, and pedestrian accessibility <br />from downtown to Lion John Weicht Park. <br />Marty Flanagan 13793 212`' Court, stated he has offices all over the world including <br />London and it costs more to rent downtown Elk River than in London. He stated he <br />tried hard to get an office downtown, but space is very expensive and high compared <br />to other areas. He suggested economic development assistance. He checked rents <br />before the meeting today and it costs double to be downtown versus Highway 169. <br />Lance Lindberg, 18621 Simonet Drive, stated his family has been here since the <br />1950s. He stated he worked in downtown for many years and still patronizes the <br />many events and businesses. He has talked to a lot of people and doesn't hear <br />anyone saying we need to do anything. He said don't do something just for the sake <br />of doing it but to have reason behind it. He expressed having enough parking with <br />large scale redevelopment. He also expressed concern for how long development <br />would take and still maintaining access to the current businesses, noting Granite <br />Shores and Jackson Place were very disruptive and places went out of business. He <br />said there is not a push from locals to change the downtown. <br />Mayor Dietz started he heard from many businesses about parking being a concern <br />and asked the public in attendance what they thought. <br />Deborah Leedahl 323 Jackson Avenue, representing the Downtown Elk River <br />Business Association (DERBA) expressed group comments as follows: <br />■ There is enough parking, but more education is needed about parking. <br />Perception is there is a lack of parking. The lot behind Kemper Drug is <br />P 0 1 E A E 6 e r <br />NATURE <br />