01-10-2005 HPC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Economic Development Authority Minutes January 10, 2005 Page 3 Commissioner Tveite (EDA) stated that he supports the concept of the overlay. He felt that the key to its success would be to have very specific goals and objectives when an area comes up for review, and that the definitions should be very clear. IVIr. Rohlf stated that this would need to be done before approaching the property owners. Mr. Klaers stated that the Old Town design standards would be in place until a new overlay district was established. He stated that they would need to determine what was best for the long term goals of the entire city. Corrunissioner Kluizing (EDA) stated that she did not want the downtown business owners to have the impression that they were "picking on them", and was not sure if this was the time to approach them, given the impact of the Downtown Rivitalization Project. She suggested that they may need time to heal. She noted that the downtown is going to change a great deal in the next 2 years and they should proceed with caution. President Gongoll (EDA) suggested that the HPC talk with the Rivers Edge group to see what their level of interest was, and determine how to approach a project. He suggested that the language of the ordinance be refined, and to review the financial aspect - how to make the financial incentives attractive, and to refine policies for tools such as the Micro Loan Program. Ms. Mehelich noted that the Rivers Edge group is made up of a number of tenants, and the property owners may not necessarily be represented in this organization. Commissioner Kragness stated that the City of Anoka is well ahead in its historic preservation program, and that the City of Elk River needs to do more research. Mr. Rohlf stated that by meeting with the Rivers Edge group, they would be able to detemune if there is interest in financial incentives, or if the whole issue is just too sensitive at this time. Commissioner Wilson (HIZA) stated that they may also see an opportunity. He stated that he felt the incentives that were mentioned ($50,000 Micro Loan) maybe too small, given the cost of relatively minor improvements, such as removing and replacing windows, and that more financial participation will be required. Commissioner Toth stated that he would caution restoration of facades on all of the downtown buildings, since some of them are very plain underneath. It was of HRA, EDA and HPC's consensus that another meeting could be held following more research on the issue. 2. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Submitted by, ~Q~e ~~~~ Debbie Huebner Recording Secretary