Laserfiche WebLink
fiver <br />MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Economic Development Authority <br />FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development <br />DATE: December 8, 2008 <br />SUBJECT: EDA Executive Director's Report <br />In an effort to keep the EDA informed of various Economic Development Division <br />activities that do not require action by the EDA, I will be providing an Executive Director's <br />report periodically throughout the year. EDA Commissioners should feel free to bring up <br />any questions or issues for discussion under the "Other Business" section of the Agenda. <br />Narthstar Rail <br />As you are aware, Community Development Director Jeff Gongoll is coordinating the 1715` <br />Ave Focused Area Study with Hoisington Koegler Group, with assistance by Planning <br />Manager Jeremy Barnhart. Attached is a copy of an article that appeared in the Star Tribune <br />Sunday, November 30, 2008 regarding developments along the Northstar Commuter Rail <br />line. Staff's conversations with employers over the years have indicated roughly 50% of <br />employees commute from the metro area. In order to maximize the benefits of the line <br />coming from the metro area to Elk River, Economic Development Division staff is drafting <br />a brief survey to gauge the ridership interest of Elk River's largest employers and assess any <br />obstacles for employees to make internal connections between the rail station and place of <br />work in Elk River. <br />Commercial/Industrial Property Inventory <br />Annie and I have been utilizing the new MetroMSP website www.metiomsp.or~ to post <br />available properties for sale or lease in Elk River. This link is available on the EDA's <br />webpage. A concern has been raised by a member of the EDA Marketing Committee <br />regarding the amount of vacant commercial/industrial lease space and a desire for a more <br />aggressive marketing campaign. We axe researching the issue and are awaiting the EDA's <br />appointment of the Marketing Committee at its Annual Business Meeting in January, as well <br />as the EDA's authorization for the committee to meet to discuss the issue. <br />