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V 24-11 Narrative <br />Medical on Main is a prospective 6,000 initial phase I project for the "Main & Gates" redevelopment area. <br />This phase will contain a medical type user, (currently existing in the community), and ensure that the user <br />remains an integral part of the Elk River community. The variance request simply moves the building <br />forward toward the street and anticipated future pedestrian amenities and the side yard setback property lines <br />in order to maximize the urbanscape nature of the area into the future. Additionally, it aligns with what is <br />anticipated for the future continuation of the redevelopment throughout the balance of the area as the steady <br />measured process of redevelopment continues and works its way forward. <br />A variance may be granted by the board only if it finds that: <br />The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the ordinance <br />The ordinance intent is to foster the steady and opportunistic highest and best use of the area for a <br />commercial corridor AND influenced by the desire to extend the urbanscape feel and usability of the area <br />from downtown Elk River to the, about to be finished Highway 169 infrastructure. Maximizing and <br />balancing the use, potential, and community service & support goal of attracting community centric users in <br />the corridor. <br />The variance is consistent with the City of Elk River Comprehensive Plan (discuss with city staff in needed) <br />City is currently in the process of establishing and defining an urbanscape identity and updated plan for the <br />Main St. corridor. This variance aligns with the early high level perceived parameters and scope of the yet to <br />be investigated and refined plan in the future. <br />Variances may be granted when the petitioner establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning <br />ordinance. Practical difficulties means that: <br />The petitioner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by the zoning ordinance <br />This will help maximize the redevelopment potential of the Main and Gates area consistent with the HRA's <br />previously articulated vison for the area. The prior use as aged and deteriorated residential stock set back <br />from the street and the remnants of same is not consistent with the main street corridor desire of the area. <br />The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property not a consequence of the petition's own action or <br />inaction; and <br />The scope of the redevelopment area that the HRA was able to gather together with the current resources <br />and acquisition opportunity is unique and challenging due to the desire to retain the surrounding uses and <br />property owners in a meaningful, coexistent, and cooperative environment. The fostering and provision for <br />redevelopment, while still retaining the characteristics and opportunities historically enjoyed by the areas <br />neighboring ongoing concerns and property owners, is a critical as well as fiduciary responsibility for <br />stakeholders involved. <br />The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality <br />The main street "flavor and character" is enhanced by standardizing the corridor with a more urbanscape, <br />people and property centric, as opposed to front facing parking lots suburban traditions, style. This will <br />foster the actual usability of the extended downtown commercial corridor all the way to Highway 169. <br />Page 21 of 22