06-30-2004 HR MIN MTG NOTES - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEETING NOTES OF THE ELK RIVER • HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WORKSESSION HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL WEDNESDAY,JUNE 30, 2004 Members Present: Chair Wilson,Commissioners Thompson,Toth,Lieser and Motin Staff Present: Executive Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Assistant Director of Economic Development Heidi Steinmetz,Director of Planning Michele McPherson,Senior Planner Scott Harlicker,Planner Chris Leeseberg,City Engineer Terry Maurer and Recording Secretary Debbie Huebner Also Present: Terry Humbert,Minnesota Department of Transportation 1. Redevelopment Plan for Downtown North of Highway 10 Assistant Director Heidi Steinmetz stated that staff proposes that the process used for the Downtown Revitalization Project be used as a basis for developing a plan for the downtown north of Highway 10. She noted that in the visioning work session,it was also important to consider recent planning efforts and current conditions of the area. Planner Chris Leeseberg provided visual information regarding existing land uses in the study area including commercial,industrial and residential. Ms.Steinmetz introduced Terry Humbert from MN/DOT. He reviewed information provided to the audience regarding traffic in the Elk River area. This information included traffic growth and east and west-bound traffic distribution at various times during a typical 24-hour period. He discussed a long-range concept plan for Highway 10 in the downtown area(raising the grade),as well as interim improvements. Mr.Humbert noted that the key issues are:how much access to the downtown is desired;is grade separation with Highway 10 desired; and,is grade separation with the railroad desired. Discussion followed regarding options for accessing the downtown,the possibility of lowering Highway 10,and a possible timeframe for MN/DOT to initiate a project for Highway 10 in the downtown. Mr.Humbert stated that MN/DOT's long range plans include selecting projects out to the year 2030. He stated that it was highly unlikely that a project would be done in this location until after the year 2020. Ms.Mehelich asked what the City's position should be regarding projects in the downtown. Mr.Humbert stated that he was not able to respond,since MN/DOT at this point cannot build projects fast enough to keep up with growth. He stated that widening Highway 10 to six lanes would only help to accommodate growth up to 2020,and then they would be in the same situation regarding traffic congestion that exists today. Director of Planning Michele McPherson asked if MN/DOT would be taking any interim steps prior to 2020. Mr.Humbert stated that it was very possible,since MN/DOT has a good relationship with Elk River. He stated that he predicted that more access closures would be forthcoming.