5. HRSR 10-02-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF FL.R RI\/FR rJObiJfVTOVJfv REVITAL.I A710N %r A NE4^JSL.i::TTER OC70EiER ~OC6 during construction. City staff is in constant contact with the construction managers of the projects. The City prepares and distributes new releases to downtown business and property owners on an as-needed basis to communicate issues such as downtown street closures, traffic flaw changes, parking changes and utility interruptions. Urgent news releases are distributed in person by City staff to businesses that will be affected most by the construction related issues. Less urgent news releases are mailed to all downtown business and property owners. /-~ ~ ...~,, r~ -=~-, 1~.,~ - ' ~i . fir.."-- i~ ~~~ } r~ y FOUNTAINS ~ F~ :~+ Y^, y~ ~_. .~,. i~ .. ..J ~"' Now is public parking being handfed downtown? Because of complaints of a lack of employee parking, the City is conducting a parking analys and a report will be submitted to the City Counc in 45 days. Currently the demand for employee parking exceeds the availability of designated employee parking in the King Avenue Parking Lot. The analysis is expected to result in recommendations and findings for the City Council on the parking issue. The Police Department is enforcing parking limits to ensurE that the prime spots remain open for customers. ><~ l~' r - { Tr~EATER ~ ~`~~ ~~~ ~ _ - ~: ~P~ ~~~ ~ ^ EBO ~+ ~ '~,. ~~ r~ T` ;}-~ , Rivers Edge Commons Park site plan. Q. Exactly how will The Bluffs of Elk River and Jackson Place be funded and will it impact my property taxes? A. The approximately $25 million dollar project will primarily be funded by MetroPlains. In addition, approximately $2 million of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) will be used to offset the extraordinary site costs of the project such as property acquisition, demolition, site work, and environmental clearances. Under TIF, property tax revenue equivalent to what the previous property generates continues to go to all taxing jurisdictions. Once the site costs have been paid, the newly created tax value will be enjoyed by all. Q. What is the current project schedule? A. Scheduled completion of The Bluffs of Elk River and the expansion of The Bank of Elk River is Spring, 2007. Jackson Place is scheduled to be complete in Summer, 2007. All construction is underway and reported to be on or near schedule. Q What types of businesses will be locating within the new developments and how can I find out more about the availabili#y of housing and retail units in the new developments? The developer is in discussions with businesses interested in locating in the development. Discussions are preliminary; interest is coming from service and retail businesses. It is not expected that any commitments will be made until each project is completed. Sales of condos at The Bluffs of Elk River are well underway, with less than half of the units still available. For more information on the availability of housing and retail units, call the following numbers: A. Commercial inquiries for both projects: 763-746-9400 The Bluffs of Elk River condo sales: 763-633-7010 Jackson Place apartment rental: 763-241-4004 ~,. >-~ Q. What is the status of the downtown Rivers Edge Commons Park? A. The original design for the park was put out for bid earlier in the year, and came in far over budget. Design modifications were made to keep the project within budget The City Council awarded the construction bid in early September. Construction on the park began in late September. Construction on the park began in late September with the removal of four front parking stalls. These stalls were not safe and were illegal because cars may not back into athree- wayintersection. Park construction is not expected to cause any disruption to traffic downtown. Completion is anticipated in Spring, 2007. (See site plan at left.) Q. What is the City doing to help downtown businesses during construction? A. The City is providing marketing assistance to help attract customers downtown. The HRA recently approved a marketing plan for downtown and published weekly ads in the Star News. The City has placed a banner downtown and provided $2000 to help support the August street dance. Q. Why do we have to pursue Downtown Although not originally part of the Downtown Revitalization Project, the Bank of Elk River expansion project and the Rivers Edge Commons Park project will also play a large role in revitalizing downtown. Revitalization? A. The downtown riverfront is very important to Elk River. The City has identified its long-term vitality as a community goal. For more than 30 years studies have emphasized the need to better utilize the riverfront, capitalize on the traditional character of downtown, and ensure safe pedestrian and vehicle movement. Investment in downtown has stagnated and the riverfront is underutilized. The revitalization will enhance downtown Elk River's role as a vibrant retail, commercial, and residential area by adding approximately 22,000 square feet of space for new businesses and more than 100 new residents who will patronize downtown businesses. In addition, the project will promote investment in the downtown business district. The City and MetroPlains Development have partnered to make this happen. Q. Who can I contact if I have questions about the Downtown Revitalization Project? A. You can contact the Elk River Economic Development Division at 763-635-1040. Other ways to keep informed about the Downtown Revitalization include: • Visit the City's Web site at ivww.ci.elk-river.mn.us and click on the "Downtown Revitalization Project" link found under the "News & Events" section of the City's home page. • Attend HRA and City Council meetings or watch them on ERtV Channel 12. ~ Meeting information is available on c;y ~r Elk the City Web site. •~•.•-. • Watch for articles in the Elk River Star R1VC-'r News and in the City's newsletter CITY HALL The Current, which is distributed as 13065 Orono Parkway a Star News insert every other month. Elk River, MN 55330 AMPHI IJ II ~, GAZ