01-25-1982 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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January 25, 1982 Planning Commission Minutes Page Four warmth, and history of Elk River. She felt, then, that area would become sterile and modern looking - like every other town. Zack Johnson stated that the City is not going to replace buildings. It mayor may not remove buildings. Each one of those sites, A-M, are sites that HRA feels are potentially for re~development and to upgrade the do\~- to\vu area. He indicated that there was no immediate blight areas in Elk River. Commissioner Gunkel then asked Zack Johnson if developers take recommenda- tions from the HRA. Zack Johnson indicated that buildings would not be necessarily removed or de- molished. This wouldn't_harm the character of the City. Chairman Tracy felt that possibly the confusion came\vith the \vording in cer- tain areas of the plan. Zack Johnson indicated thattthe HRA \vould hlep the developers through the plan. The developers would use the plan as a guide. He also indicated the intent of the HRA \Vas to try to concentrate .on" specific areas. This '\vould be done possibly over a 10 year period; not totally immediately. Commissioner Gunkel also stated that she didn't like the fact that all the gas stations along Highway 10 and in the do'\vutown business district area south of Highway 10 being removed. She felt that they provide a very necessary and convenient service and they attract much of the business off Highway 10. Zack Johnson indicated that it was up to the Planning Commission as to the zoning of where these businesses would belong. The way for redevelopment would be through tax increments or industrial revenue bonds. The only way the City would get involved would be through the issuance of industrial rev- enue bonds. Commissioner Gunkel then questioned the fact that in the Gar-San Building there seems to always be rental space available; yet the HRA claims there is not enough office space or retail space available. Mr. Gary Santwire, owner of the Gar-San Building, responded with the fact that there is an overall 8% vacancy rate in his building. At present, when a ten- nant vacates the building, there is a short lapse of time between the time one tennant vacates and the ne\., tennant occupies the space. Commisisoner Gunkel questioned the rezoning recommendation on Page 18 of the Plan, for site A that would change it to R-4. The wording says west of Lowell. If the change was approved, will Cretex become a non-conforming use and will this later lead to a problem?