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,w <br />a. _..i r... •`�•� F "mow.+ <br />KeyThemes <br />Through community outreach a number of issues and <br />opportunities were identified by participants. The following <br />is a summary of key themes and topics that were taken <br />into consideration in the preparation of the plan. <br />Housing <br />Participants identified housing as a major strength of the <br />community citing the high -quality and range of options <br />already available in Elk River. However, housing afford- <br />ability was identified as a top concern. In addition, main- <br />taining existing housing in the city especially in the older <br />neighborhoods was highlighted throughout engagement <br />as well. <br />Tra f fic <br />Transportation connectivity was identified as a top concern <br />across all forms of outreach. Participants raised specific <br />concerns related to east -west travel across the city, the <br />potential impacts of MnDOT's 169 Redefine project, and <br />the future of Highway 10. In addition, the railroad, timing at <br />lights, and lack of bike lanes and other barriers to accessing <br />the downtown and key destinations in the city were also <br />highlighted as issues. <br />Downtown <br />More than half of respondents to the community ques- <br />tionnaire saw the character of the downtown as a strength. <br />Many participants identified opportunities for improve- <br />ment to the downtown such as landscaping and general <br />beautification, more shops and dining options, and <br />expanding access to the waterfront. Many participants <br />identified parking as a major concern, especially for events <br />held at Rivers Edge Commons Park. In addition, traffic at <br />Main and Jackson was also mentioned. <br />Economic Development <br />Legend <br />v... <br />p*cm" xr <br />Aun <br />� � cvxtpmum Poritv�re <br />+ <br />0 urlewraee ur <br />B � Key hansrt QenmT�n <br />� � [»vrw ytylp.N.gxmnt <br />p <br />rtypwruxt <br />®� <br />Many participants identified a need for additional dining <br />options and access to more shopping closer to neighbor- <br />hoods to reduce the need to drive across town for basic <br />groceries and services. Roughly 800/6 of respondents to the <br />Community Questionnaire said more retail stores would <br />have a positive impact on the community. While 839/6 of <br />respondents said new entertainment options would also <br />have a positive impact on the community. Outreach also <br />highlighted a concern for the future of aging shopping <br />centers in the city. <br />Active Transportation <br />Active transportation options, meaning pedestrian and <br />bicycle routes, are seen to be lacking in the community. <br />Expanding trail connections was seen as an important <br />improvement needed, especially to provide safe routes to <br />school for students. In addition, better pedestrian and bike <br />access across Highway 169 was identified. <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan • Community Context <br />07CL\arri]C1C11: UV IXWONIwo <br />23 <br />