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BACKGROUND <br />important consideration for establishing the development and transportation patterns and can <br />aid in better positioning land in the project area f or development or redevelopment. <br />Gateway Business Park: The 75 acre city-owned gateway business park land is situated in the <br />south central area o f the FAST. The green field site allows f lexibility for the city in determining <br />transportation improvements and land use decisions for the broader area. <br />» Energy: The excess steam generated at Great River Energy's power plant facility could potentially <br />provide portions o f the FAST area with a district heating/ cooling opportunity. Additionally and <br />collectively with the RDFplantand the Energy City brand for Elk River could spawn economic <br />development with a green energy production and green industry focus for in the FAST area. <br />Natural Systems: The large wetland complex o f fers great amenity opportunities for residential <br />and o f Tice development. The sweeping views over wetland and the preservation or enhancement <br />o f the existing natural wetland and woodland vegetation can help emphasize some o f the <br />distinct characteristics o fElk River. Combined with an integrated trail network to connecting <br />these natural amenities with city parks and commercial nodes these broad natural systems can <br />be a tremendous asset to the FAST project area. <br />Challenges <br />» Future transportation and access changes for Highway ~o/t69: One o f the biggest challenges <br />for the i7tst Avenue FAST will be understanding how future transportation shifts will a f fect <br />access & circulation through the study area for existing uses and for any new development <br />prior to Highway ~o/i6g becoming a limited access freeway. Finding a way to make intelligent <br />investments in the near term without negatively impacting potential future investments will <br />be crucial. <br />Potential environmental issues: In the near term, the environmental issues will likely surround <br />wetland mitigation strategies in concert with green field development. However in the long <br />term, with the abundance o f automotive and trucking uses in the FAST potential issues with <br />soil contamination may exist with redevelopment. Environmental clean-up o f potentially <br />contaminated sites could become costly endeavors, particularly in ex-urban communities with <br />abundant green field development potential. <br />Noise - Highway to/~6g and the rail line: Noise levels f rom the f refight trains as well as highway <br />tra f fic on Highway ~o/i6g will likely have a signi ficant impact on residential land uses in the <br />study area. Finding the appropriate location for residential uses and determining the proper <br />uses adjacent to the rail lines must consider noise levels and identi fy potential mitigation <br />techniques. <br />Major utilities: An existing natural gas line bisects the southern hal f o f the site constraining <br />development potential, as no structures or significant grading can occur within the easement. <br />The location will also have a larger impact on the internal roadway system and overall parcel <br />configuration for the FAST. In addition to the gas line, large transmission lines run through the <br />center o f the study area between Great River Energy and the RDF plant. <br /> <br />171St. aVef1U2 Focused Area STudy <br />Gateway area owned by the city <br />Elk River Resource Recovery Facility (RDF Plant) <br />Great River Energy Power Plant Facility <br />