09-13-2005 HR - JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Special Joint Meeting September 13, 2005 Page 2 area will probably be the first to be considered, after getting feedback from the other conunissions and boards. HPC Commissioner Kragness asked what is the mission or direction of the HRA for this area. Chair Wilson stated that the HRA began looking at the condition of the former Eagles, NAPA, and Standard Lumber buildings, and wanted to explore the possibility of a redevelopment plan for this area. The HRA broadened this vision beyond the west to include the east side of Jackson, taking into consideration the traffic and how this area could be better utilized. HPC Corrunissioner Lindberg asked how far east the residential area would be impacted. Chair Wilson stated that the HRA is only looking at the residential along Jackson for possible change, and that they are proposing the existing residential further east for residential rehabilitation. HRA Commissioner Toth stated that there are major utilities in the alley east of Jackson that would have to be taken into account. He felt that they need to keep an eye on this area, and that it could depreciate in value if left to deteriorate. He supported the mixed use option, with single family housing east of Irving Avenue and commercial uses west of Irving. HRA Commissioner Motin stated that both housing and commercial uses could co-exist. HPC Commissioner Lindberg stated that this type of use may not be compatible with the Comprehensive Plan. EDA Chair Gongoll asked if Jackson Avenue was wide enough for three lanes or if it is proposed to be widened. Staff felt that the roadway was wide enough to accommodate the three lane configuration. Dave Callister of Ehlers & Associates, Inc. -Reviewed the process by which the market feasibility information was obtained. He stated that it was good to do a market check while in the planning stages of this type of proposal. Mr. Canister reviewed the issues raised by the developers as common themes including: o Redevelopment must compliment, not compete with the downtown retail. o Land assembly will be biggest challenge. o Land acquisition cost would be difficult without city assistance. o Phase I is most likely the former Arrow Building Center site. o Housing near railroad has issues that would need to be addressed. o Commuter rail station would be beneficial. o Area east of Jackson and north of 5th Street should remain residential, possible increased densities (twinhomes, townhomes, row homes). o Commercial activity should be destination-based. o Redevelopment should increase housing density to support downtown area. o Redevelopment should be oriented to take advantage of Lions Park amenities. o Service-related businesses along Main Street make sense and will expand on its own. o Single family rehabilitation areas make sense - need a vehicle/program to proceed, and will enhance and stabilize overall marketability of the area. Mr. Canister stated that each area needs to be looked at, regarding the total development costs, and whether it is feasible to proceed. If there are financial gaps, city assistance maybe needed, and if not, development will be market-driven.