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Request for Action <br />To <br />Item Number <br />Mayor and Council, HRA, EDA <br />4. <br />Agenda Section <br />Meeting Date <br />Prepared by <br />General Business <br />February 22, 2021 <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br />Item Description <br />Reviewed by <br />Special Joint Meeting: Discuss Downtown Elk <br />Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist <br />Reviewed by <br />River <br />Zack Carlton, Planning Manager <br />Action Requested <br />Receive information from residents, businesses, property owners and jointly discuss a vision for the future of <br />downtown Elk River. <br />Background/Discussion <br />The City of Elk River and its governmental entities own multiple parcels in downtown Elk River which are <br />currently serving as public parking and special event space. The city has acquired property as it became available, <br />most recently in 2011, for additional parking. <br />Recently, a local developer proposed a project for infill development on the city parcels to include increased <br />parking, mixed use residential, retail, hotel, public meeting and open space, and modern public restrooms. The <br />developer has since withdrawn his plans. <br />Further, the proprietor at 724 Main, Elk River Meats, has indicated a desire to retire in May, making that property <br />available. Due to state health codes, the property would be unable to continue its present operation under new <br />ownership. <br />The municipal -owned parcels are not on the property tax rolls. Any taxable market value improvement to those <br />parcels could provide significant tax increment availability to guide redevelopment. <br />The two apartment buildings report very few vacancies. Although office space is available which has not been <br />uncommon during the pandemic. <br />Charlie Blesener has agreed to moderate the discussion. The mayor and chairs should open the meeting and defer <br />to Charlie for facilitation. <br />The Council expressed a desire to identify what the entire community expects for their downtown and to begin a <br />discussion establishing a framework for a vision of what downtown could be in the future. This information will <br />help guide potential developers in the future and ensure the community expectations are met. <br />Financial Impact <br />N/A <br />The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional <br />service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. <br />POWERED AT <br />INAWRE <br />Updated.• August 2020 <br />