5. HRSR 05-02-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Revitalization Project Update May 2, 2005 HRA Meeting Page2of2 Project Construction Following the substantial completion of the parking lot improvement and a number of contingencies outlined in the development agreement, the Jackson Block property will be transferred to the developer. One of the conditions of the sale is the City Council review and approval of the project construction plans. The construction plans will include the parking plans for the construction staging period and post construction period. The plans will be reviewed and approved primarily for consistency with the goals and objectives of the city's tax increment financing development program. The review and approval of the construction plans is only a requirement as it relates to the development agreement and does not constitute review and approvals normally required of the city's planning and zoning process. Staff anticipates the Council's consideration of the construction plans at its May 16`h meeting. Communications Over the next month the City Engineer will be distributing information related to the upcoming parking lot construction by visiting businesses door to door in the downtown area. Staff is preparing the next edition of the Downtown Revitalization Q&A Newsletter for distribution in June prior to the project construction. MetroPlains has erected a sign at each project site that includes an image and brief description of the project and contact phone numbers for sale or lease of the housing and retail/office units. The signs have generated several calls for the condo units. The items above are highlights in activity from the past month. Staff is open to addressing any other specific questions that Commissioners may have with regard to any aspect of the ongoing project. Related Articles The attached articles describe the redevelopment process taking place in Hastings, another downtown area along the Mississippi riverfront. Over the past month the Hastings City Council has gone through the process to select a developer for the first phase of the project to include condo units and retail. The City of Hastings is dealing with similar project issues as Elk River, including parking and blending the design with the traditional/historic character of downtown.