Laserfiche WebLink
1 <br />~. <br />Project We've had the opportunity to meet with city staff to review the city's preliminary <br /> goals and the outcomes anticipated from this effort. With staff, we've visited the <br /> <br />U <br />d <br />d study area to gain a sense of the potential of the site and the changes that might <br />erstan <br />n <br />ing come with the advent of commuter rail service. Based on those interactions, we <br /> understand that: <br /> • The Ciry of Elk River desires to conduct a focused area study of undeveloped <br /> lands and existing developed properties along and near 171st Avenue between <br /> TH 10 and the BNSF railroad and extending to the south to 165th Avenue, <br /> with this area being viewed by the city as an area with significant economic <br /> opportunity; <br /> • The result of this effort should be an innovative approach to the development of <br /> city-owned land that constitutes the Gateway Business Park, using sustainable <br /> approaches to development and energy use in the buildings that will ultimately <br /> occupy the land; <br /> • Transportation infrastructure, including TH 10 and the Northstar commuter <br /> rail line, make the parcel and surrounding areas potentially more attractive for <br /> certain kinds of development; <br /> • Development types that might be considered for the Gateway Business Park <br /> include retail, professional office, and light industrial uses; <br /> • The Gateway Business Park could well set the tone for the kinds of development <br /> that might be envisioned for immediately adjacent and surrounding properties <br /> as redevelopment occurs; <br /> • As use and sustainability patterns are explored, a similar level of consideration <br /> should be directed to guidelines that support those patterns-for the Gateway <br /> Business Park and for surrounding areas (including areas around the Northstar <br /> commuter rail station); <br /> • While an initial development pattern might be considered, a longer term <br /> evolution of lands within the study area might also be explored to allow the <br /> area to develop with patterns that would ultimately be viewed as highest and <br /> best use; <br /> • The process of studying alternatives will be focused on interactions with staff <br /> as patterns are explored and a preferred development direction is set, yet some <br /> degree of engagement with adjacent landowners (and possibly a limited number <br /> of key stakeholders) would be advantageous in building an understanding of <br /> local concerns and engendering a broader view of the long-term potential of <br /> the site; <br /> • This process should result in a development strategy that the city can use to <br /> initiate forward-looking, sustainably-oriented development in the Gateway <br /> Business Park, with key components of that strategy including a definition of <br /> development patterns, supporting infrastructure, relationship of development <br /> with transit and transportation amenities available within and near the study <br /> area, activity types and quantities, timing and phasing of development with <br /> a focus on sequencing of development activities and some recognition of <br />I, the current vagaries of the market, design and sustainability guidelines, and <br /> correlation of the development to the city's economic development goals related <br /> to job creation, tax base, and other economic concerns. <br /> Our proposal and work program are based on this understanding, but we will work <br />www.LHBcorp.com with the city to ensure that our efforts are best directed toward the city's goals. <br />Page 2 <br />