02-22-2021 CCM EDA HRA JOINT SPECIAL

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City Council Minutes February 22, 2021 Page 3 empty most of the time except for Farmer's Market event days. Better signage for accessibility is needed. ■ Some development/redevelopment to keep downtown thriving. ■ Not a need for high density housing and suggest having it located outside the core downtown area (the few blocks where the businesses are mostly located, not what the city considers downtown). ■ Additional amenities for park users such as public restrooms and water fountains, so they are not using nearby businesses unless they are customers. • More community events such as a Thanksgiving parade, 5k races, and winter fireworks. ■ A traffic study to consider changing Jackson Avenue to a one-way to provide more convenience to businesses. ■ Would like downtown to be a destination and not a cut -through for traffic. ■ Marquee signage listing the businesses. ■ Better accessibility over Highway 10 such as a pedestrian bridge. ■ Destination businesses and for businesses to be able to take advantage of the river, such as canoe/kayak rentals. ■ Boutique hotel or use of old houses (bed & breakfast). ■ Use of what is currently downtown for infrastructure and not necessarily adding new buildings. • Maintaining the current charm. Ms. Leedahl, speaking personally and not for DERBA, said she would like to see everyone work together and to have building consistency, such as historical information or a placard about the building or business. Councilmember Beyer asked Ms. Leedahl to explain DEBBA because many don't know about it. Ms. Leedahl explained DERBA noting there are about 100 members with 10-20 active businesses. Leo Dombrovski, 834 Xenia Avenue, stated downtown is a diamond in the rough, noting it is currently very vintage and people like it. He expressed concern with accessibility for walking and biking, noting it is dangerous to cross the highway. He stated a parking ramp and hotel are not a good fit. He suggested more events. He said the City of St. Cloud installed a ring road to attract more people, but it killed their downtown. Michele Cole, 515 3' Street, expressed the need for more accessibility from the north side of the highway. She stated more walking friendly and no hotel. Vicky Stevenson, 19850 Watson Circle, stated more parking is needed for the summer activities. She stated it's a nightmare to safely navigate the area and would like a spot to grab a takeout order quickly. She stated there is a need to get people who park on the north side of the highway to the south side. She stated you can't stop development and growth but can protect it and make it beautiful. P0WEOEO 01 NAYUREI