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Downtown Redevelopment Plan Taskforce Minutes Page 3 <br />February 5, 2007 <br />------------------------------------------ <br /> <br /> The natural barrier of Hwy 10 and the railroad will be a tough issue to deal with no matter <br />how the highway and railroad may change over the years. <br /> Focus on redeveloping south of Hwy 10 in the core downtown. One reason is because it’s <br />important to focus on a cluster of activity in one area. <br /> The way to maintain historical character on new projects is through design standards. <br /> Redeveloping existing buildings to new uses is expensive and can be cost prohibitive. <br /> Hwy 169 has become the core retail area in Elk River and will continue to be in the future. <br /> Purchasing single family homes for redevelopment is very difficult due to higher costs of <br />assembling enough property to make the economics of a new development work. <br /> It is not a problem for residential to be located near railroad tracks. <br /> You won’t see new market rate rental projects being built in Elk River because the location <br />is “too far out”. This is not a demand issue, it is a financial feasibility issue. Mixed income <br />projects work better in this area. <br /> Townhomes and apartments would work well along Jackson Avenue north of Hwy 10. <br /> Young families want to live close to schools, day cares and amenities. <br /> <br />5. Small Groups <br />The taskforce broke into three small groups and discussed items which “stood out” over the course <br />of the first four taskforce meetings. A summary of those items are attached, however the following <br />items were mentioned more than once: <br /> There is interest in exploring long-range redevelopment opportunities for the funeral home <br />and nursing home. <br /> MetroPlains’ 20,000 SF of retail will take time to absorb so there is limited demand for more <br />retail in the near future. <br /> Hwy 10 and the railroad is a natural barrier and the areas north and south of Hwy 10 should <br />be redeveloped separately. <br /> The taskforce did not realize the extent of the senior housing and high density market in Elk <br />River. <br /> <br />6. Next Steps <br />Ms. Kvilvang reiterated that City Engineer Terry Maurer would be attending the March meeting to <br />provide background information/discuss MnDOT’s plans for Hwy 10. She also reminded the group <br />that they would be reviewing the photos taken as part of January’s “homework” assignment. <br /> <br />7. Final Comments <br />Ms. Kvilvang asked each taskforce member to talk about his/her reactions to tonight’s presentation. <br />The comments are listed below: <br /> <br /> Dave Rymanowksi: Tonight’s meeting was a good version of reality. It was like someone <br />poured cold water on us. <br /> Louise Kuester: Tonight was the best meeting so far, however there seems to be no correct <br />answer for redevelopment in general. <br /> Larry Toth: It was good to hear from the developers and he would like to hear from more <br />developers. <br /> Keith Holme: Retail will follow residential. He is hoping to see many customers resulting <br />from the new MetroPlains’ residential. <br /> Dana Anderson: It is important to think “sectionally” (north vs. south of Hwy 10). <br />Residents drive retail success. <br /> John Anderson: Tonight was his favorite meeting so far. <br /> <br />