09-13-2005 PC MIN - JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Special Joint Meeting 5 September 13, 2005 Page move forward with adoption of the plan. HRA Commissioner Motin stated that the Council asked that the HRA move forward on the market feasibility. HPC Commissioner Kragness stated that he has some concerns for redeveloping the east side of Jackson with mixed use. He felt some of the housing stock is part of the early platted edition of Elk River, and they need to look at the policy of preserving these areas before deciding to demolish it. He stated that he supports re-using some of the existing buildings along Jackson. He felt money and programs could be implemented to revitalize the neighborhood for different uses, whether commercial or residential. He supported the idea of this area as a buffer, and also for integrating the uses. He stated he stated he has some concerns regarding the mixed use areas, and he supports the form based zoning idea. Planning Commissioner Offerman stated that it appears more information is desired regarding the form based zoning, and suggested the next step could be designating the areas for this area. Mr. Harlicker stated that he will research information on the form based zoning, but that they could still move forward in looking at what they want to see for this area. Planning Chair Anderson suggested that a subcommittee of the Planning Commission and HRA be formed to look at the mixed use areas, similar to the Natural Resource Inventory Task Force. HPC Commissioner Kragness felt that the HPC should be included. HRA Chair Wilson responded to HPC Commissioner Kragness’s earlier question of the HRA’s role and asked about the role of the HPC. Commissioner Kragness stated that the HPC’s mission is to protect and preserve the heritage of Elk River and to designate historic neighborhoods and site, and to educate the public about the history. He stated that what the HPC does should be the fundamental basis of planning, so that an informed decision can be made. He stated there is a very strong link between economic development and heritage preservation. Ms. Steinmetz noted that in the beginning stages of the HRA’s discussions for this area back in June 2004, the HRA did direct staff in September to present the study area to the HPC for input. At that time, the HPC was asked if they were willing to provide updates or assistance with the study. HPC Commissioner Lindberg asked if the concept would be adopted by the City Council. Mr. Clark stated that traditionally, an HRA will put together a formal redevelopment plan based on a concept plan. The Planning Commission ultimately reviews the formal plan from a land use perspective, and the plan passes from the HRA to the City Council for final approval. Planning Chair Anderson stated that at this stage, this is still a concept plan. HRA Commissioner Motin stated he was concerned with involving three groups to form a consensus as to what this project would look like, since the redevelopment proposal is really the HRA’s project. It is the HPC’s responsibility to provide information regarding the historical perspective and the importance of it. The language for the form based zoning is the charge of the Planning Commission. He stated that a task force could come up with a plan that they could agree on, but it may not end up being what is best as a whole. He did not feel the Council would abdicate the responsibility in this way. Commissioner Motin stated he felt it was a good idea for the group to discuss how form based zoning could help, but did not want to see them making a final decision on what buildings would look like or where specific uses should go. Planning Chair Anderson suggested that a couple representatives from each group could get together to discuss form based zoning.