02-25-2021 HRA MIN SPECIAL MTG - Laserfiche WebLink

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fl.f Crty of Elk „`^ Special Meeting of the Elk River River Housing and Redevelopment Authority Held at the Elk River City Hall Thursday, February 25, 2021 Members Present: Vice Chair Denny Chuba, Commissioners Nate Ovall,Jayme Swenson, and Jennifer Wagner Members Absent: Chair Larry Toth Staff Present: City Administrator Cal Portner, Planning Manager Zack Carlton, Economic Development Specialist Colleen Eddy,and Sr. Admin. Assistant/Recording Secretary Jennifer Green 1. Call Meeting to Order Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority was called to order at 4:04 p.m. by Vice Chair Chuba. 2. Main and Gates Redevelopment Discussion Ms. Eddy presented the staff report and asked about any feedback from Monday night's community meeting as it pertained to Main and Gates. Commissioner Ovall noted the downtown area is constricted by Highway 10, the railroad, and the river. He stated he is supportive of creating a corridor from downtown to the Main and Gates area,which would require MnDOT support in improving pedestrian traffic across Highway 10. He felt it was clear from Monday night's meeting that the community was very supportive of whatever the city could do to facilitate this. Commission Wagner agreed that pedestrian safety was a concern heard from Monday's meeting and asked how the city addresses this. As a councilmember, she stated she has worked as an advocate for pedestrian-friendly travel and commented this year,construction will take place along Highway 10 of the lighted trail from downtown to Lake Orono. She wondered how a full connection for safe pedestrian movement could occur from Highway 169 to Lake Orono. She stated she also heard comments that residents were open to redevelopment downtown and were open to something if it fit, something lower key, and something that builds up the outside of the core area. Commission Chuba stated the wildcard is the highway. He stated he liked the proposal that Mr. Hartung brought forwards because it contained a hotel and wondered if it were marketed properly would it be successful. He also mentioned a tunnel but noted there would be security concerns. Commissioner Ovall wondered if MnDOT would consider a pedestrian overpass over Highway 10, noting he was impressed with how MnDOT listened to the city when putting the overpass over Highway 169.