07-16-2007 DTMIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Review & Consider Acceptance of Draft Plan Executive Summary Community Development Director Scott Clark provided a PowerPoint presentation and discussed with the Task Force the draft plan’s executive summary. Task Force member Molly Nadeau stated a concern that paragraph #3 entitled “History” does not emphasize saving Elk River’s “history” but mentions the importance of creating a “new history”. Much discussion ensued regarding whether or not the “West Bluff Block” (the two blocks extending from west of the Bluffs building) in the core downtown should be preserved. The majority of the Task Force agreed that although they would not oppose redeveloping these buildings, the buildings should be relabeled on the draft land use plan to state “no proposed changes”. In addition, the Task Force discussed the definition of “market driven” with the majority of the Task Force agreeing that “market driven” is defined by a developer submitting an unsolicited development or redevelopment proposal to a community, which may or may not include a request for public financing. Implementation Priorities Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich continued the PowerPoint presentation and discussed with the Task Force the short-term, mid-term and long-term implementation priorities of the draft plan. The Task Force particularly discussed one of the short-term implementation priorities, which states ‘work with State Historic Preservation Office to determine structural and financial feasibility to preserve the “Brick Block”.’ Staff and Ms. Kvilvang stated that the reason the “Brick Block” was specifically mentioned in this section is because the Task Force had discussed the issue at length at their last meeting and voted in favor of specifically stating in the draft plan that the “Brick Block” be preserved. Task Force member Dave Rymanowki added that tonight’s discussion is “going against what we have already said”. Ms. Nadeau suggested that a study be completed to test the structural feasibility of preserving the “West Bluff Block” buildings in addition to the “Brick Block”. Mr. Rymanowski commented that the financial feasibility of preserving buildings is also important. Ms. Kvilvang asked each Task Force member to explain his/her thoughts on this issue. The majority of the Task Force agreed to Ms. Nadeau’s suggestion with the caveat that the results of the study not preclude any property owners from redeveloping their property. Larry Toth suggested the access points for St. Andrew’s Church be reconsidered as it affects the school. Stacie Kvilvang clarified that the Task Force keep in mind this is a concept plan and not a construction plan. After much discussion the majority of the Task Force concluded that the plan be modified to include narrative allowing for the evaluation of historic and financial feasibility of the “West Bluff Block” (the two blocks extending from west of the Bluffs building). It was clarified that the feasibility study would only determine if restoration was feasible or not, and does not require that the buildings be saved or not, and that redevelopment of the two blocks is not precluded. The Task Force also concluded that majority of the narrative of the plan remain “as is” with respect to the Brick Block remaining as a priority area for preservation and restoration. 5. Final Comments A. Stacie Kvilvang summarized what staff heard as the Task Force directed modifications including: - Address access issues on Irving Avenue and Church for the Task Force