06-30-2004 HR MIN MTG NOTES 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.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority Worksession
June 30,2004 Page 2
Commissioner Thompson asked if MN/DOT was looking at making major changes to
• Highway 169 prior to 2030. Mr.Humbert stated that MN/DOT is considering redesign of
Highway 169 to freeway status. Mr.Humbert noted that MN/DOT considered Highway
169 as high priority and Highway 10 as medium priorty.
Commissioner Wilson asked why MN/DOT strives for the 55 mph goal through the city.
Mr.Humbert stated that this is the standard needed to keep traffic flowing on highways
between trade centers and that this is a high priority for Highway 169. He noted that
removing the one signal at Main Street and Highway 10 would make the traffic system more
efficient.
Cliff Lundberg,400 Jackson Avenue,asked if the speed limit would be raised if the long-
range plan for Highway 10 were completed. Mr.Humbert stated no,but that if the access
were closed and the road were lowered,speeds may then go up slightly.
Further discussion followed regarding the Highway 169 corridor from Elk River to
Princeton. Mr.Humber explained that it proves to be beneficial to preserve corridors,such
as in the case of Big Lake. He noted that MN/DOT is working with Big Lake on a by-pass
route for Highway 10.
The Commissioners,staff,and Mr.Humbert further discussed options for access to the
downtown and signalization.
At this time,Ms. Steinmetz requested that the HRA Commissioners define their
interpretation of the study area. They then discussed the variations in the study area and
determined that one boundary will define a broad study area and another will define the
• vision area.
Ms.McPherson then facilitated a discussion on the types of land uses each of the
Commissioners felt were appropriate in the study area,and where they should be located.
The Commission identified areas for the following uses: service-oriented commercial,high
density residential,multi-family housing,etc.
Ms.Mehelich suggested that the broad study area include single family redevelopment in
areas that may be appropriate for energy,or remodeling assistance funding opportunities.
The Commission concurred.
Ms.McPherson stated that staff would complete a detailed analysis of the study area based
on the information gathered this evening.
Mr.Lundberg expressed his concern that an access be included from Main Street and
Jackson to the downtown,regarding the MN/DOT's long-range plan.
An update will be provided to the HRA in August.
2. Adjournment
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority worksession ended at 5:40 p.m.
• Debbie Huebner
Recording Secretary