5.1. PCSR 08-24-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ELK RIPER FLORAL �'` Uptown Mixed Use Improve the Pedestrian Realm Uptown Elk River includes the mixed use area north of Currently,Uptown is an area in transition.Recent improve- Highway 10 and primarily along Third Street.This area ments to the public right-of-way including the installation is currently comprised of one-to two-story commercial of a round-about and mid-crossing pedestrian islands buildings with retail,service,and office uses as well as have improved safety for Uptown pedestrians.However,a multifamily developments and under utilized off-street lack of street trees,benches,and pedestrian scaled lighting parking lots.Redevelopment and infill development of keeps the district feeling as if it prioritizes vehicles.To parking lots and undeveloped sites should be a priority remedy this,the City should consider pursuing an Uptown along Third Street in Uptown.The City should encourage Streetscape Plan. higher density uses with a primary focus on mixed use To further enhance the pedestrian realm,the City should which includes buildings that provide ground level/first require that new development or redevelopment include floor commercial uses and residential or office uses above. a greater amount of transparency at ground level through Mixed use creates opportunities for both new housing and storefront windows,horizontal and vertical facade artic- businesses and should be smaller in scale as compared ulation,parking lot screening,and outdoor dining and to mixed use development in the Downtown to transition gathering space. between the intense commercial uses in the core to the mixed residential uses at the periphery of Uptown. Enhance Facades Today,the City and EDA offer the Downtown Revitalization Financing Loan program which offers Downtown busi- nesses and property owners loans of up to$74,999 for secondary financing.The City and EDA should consider expanding this loan program to also apply to properties within Uptown. Connect to Downtown Although Uptown should be further enhanced as a distinct district from Downtown Elk River,visual and physical connections between the two areas is essential to ensuring the vibrancy of both.Visual connectivity should be enhanced through wayfinding and gateway signage while physical connectivity should be explored through the Highway 10 Study and seek to improve pedestrian infra- structure and safety at the intersections of Highway 10 and Jackson Avenue as well as Highway 10 and Main Street. Elk River Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Plan 69 DRAFT FOR REVIEW ONLY