INFORMATION #2 03-20-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Trunk Highway 10 Historic Downtown Revitalization Project Proiect Overview The City of Elk River's close proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area and location along a major transportation corridor offers residents a desirable location to live and work. Rapid growth along the THIO corridor however, has resulted in the need for transportation improvements that will impact local businesses, neighborhoods and the region as a whole. The future economic vitality of the historic downtown district in Elk River, which is located along THIO, is already experiencing significant traffic and economic impacts as a result of increasing growth and congestion along the corridor. The THIO Corridor from 8t. Cloud to the Twin Cities is one of the fastest growing corridors in the country and considered a primary thoroughfare for commuters, freight movements and recreational travel to central and northern Minnesota. Over the next twenty years, the average daily traffic counts on THIO through downtown Elk: River are expected to double. The City of Elk River's 2004 Comprehensive Plan calls for an expansion of the downtown area through an Old Town zoning district on both the north and south sides of THIO. The City, in conjunction with a private developer, is initiating a $20 million redevelopment project consisting of three-level, multi-use buildings within a two block area of the downtown. As a means to support redevelopment efforts and address the associated traffic issues and concerns, the City of Elk River has developed the Downtown Revitalization Project. The primary goal of the project is to assure the long- term viability of the historic downtown by creating a connection to the rest of the community, and by utilizing the riverfront location. Redevelopment of this area will enhance downtown Elk River's role as a residential, retail and commercial area , as well as revitalize its' investment in the downtown business district. A public/private sector initiative has been developed as part of the project which focuses on the historic context of the downtown by combining retail and residential mixed-use developments, improving pedestrian connections, developing more practical ways to support the efficient movement of local traffic, and the enhancing the potential for better access to transit alternatives for residents of the community.