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Steve Johnson <br />1233 Sandy Lane <br />Monticello, MN 55362 <br />February 19, 2021 <br />Cal Portner, City Administrator <br />City of Elk River, <br />Elk River Minnesota <br />Dear Mr. Portner, <br />This is an open letter you and your staff, the Elk River City Council, EDA and HRA regarding the open meeting <br />and discussion Monday evening February 22, 2021. <br />I am the owner of the building currently occupied by Downtown Antiques, 309 Jackson. Many years ago, I <br />operated Johnson's Family Apparel in the same location. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic coupled with my <br />age I am not able to attend the community meeting. <br />Despite my physical absence, I still have a strong commitment to the City of Elk River now and as over many <br />decades demonstrates. <br />I commend the city as you look to the future of the downtown and how it will evolve in the years to come. <br />Setting a direction demonstrates the needed forward vison entrusted to you. I would like to express my <br />perspective as you plan for the future. <br />1. I support the efforts to redevelop the downtown area to meet the needs of the community now and in the <br />future. A mix of mutually supporting commercial enterprises develops a whole business community <br />greater than the sum of its parts. <br />2. Adjacent parking and access to any remaining buildings must be preserved in accordance with <br />established norms for a "Mixed Use" environment. Keep in mind our community depends on vehicular <br />transportation in our suburban culture where convenience is critical. <br />Remote parking does NOT accommodate the parking needs of current businesses or those that may <br />remain as the area redevelops. Previous and current congestion issues because of previous projects <br />illustrate this issue. <br />4. Access to the downtown should not be inhibited. This may come in conflict with MnDOT which <br />concerns itself with moving traffic through an area often to the detriment of the community as a whole. <br />5. A pedestrian friendly appeal must remain and be enhanced. Customers come to shopping areas as <br />vehicular occupants and then become pedestrians. Proper planning and design must balance these facts <br />of life. <br />Thank you for your consideration and most certainly your service to the City of Elk River. <br />Sincerely, <br />Steve Johnson <br />