6.0. HRSR 11-24-2003 ITEM # 6.
Elk
River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development�
DATE: November 24, 2003
SUBJECT: Downtown Revitalization Project Update
Attachments
• Draft Minutes of the November 12, 2003 River's Edge Business Association Meeting.
• Related Article from the "Understanding New Urbanism&Redevelopment"
conference sponsored by the University of St.Thomas and the MN Real Estate Journal.
• Editorial "Downtown offers a i zratizead age",Grand Forks Herald, Sunday,
November 16, 2003.
Recent Project Activities
Development Agreement Negotiations
Consistent with the HRA's action at the July and October meeting, staff continues to work
closely with the project attorney and the developer to prepare a draft agreement for the
HRA's review and consideration at a future regular meeting. Issues being discussed include,
but are not limited to,project costs/financial feasibility and, firm commitments for the
redevelopment of both the Jackson and Bluff Blocks.
Staff also continues to work with city attorney,Peter Beck to research the title and
ownership of the Jackson Square property. As reported at the October HRA meeting, an
abstract has recently been created for the property. Also a survey and legal description has
been recently been prepared by the city engineer in order to prepare a title commitment.
Parking Plans
In the past few months the HRA has been considering staff's research to issues and
questions raised by the public with regard to MetroPlains'concept for the redevelopment of
the Jackson Block and Bluff Block. The I-IRA and City Council have recognized that
parking is a very important issue of concern to downtown business and property owners.
Per the city's request,the City Engineer Terry Maurer is researching the following items:
• Cost estimate for removal of Municipal Utilities building
• King Ave and rear"Brick Block" parking lot layout,costs,timetable and # stalls
Downtown Revitalization Project Update
November 24,2003 HRA Meeting
Page 2 of 2
• Cost estimate for a parking ramp structure in the rear of the "Brick Block"
• Contact the bank, school district and MnDot regarding parking layout and access issues
• Options for safe pedestrian crossing the intersection of Hwy 10 and Jackson Ave
Mr.Maurer's analysis will be presented at the December or January HRA meeting. Staff
recommends that the HRA provide direction to the public on when and how this important
issue will be addressed. Staff recommends that the HRA consider directing the development
team to meet with businesses and identify concerns, issues and potential solutions. This
information would be used to develop options, costs and impacts. After this information is
prepared a separate facilitated public meeting regarding parking options be held with the
stakeholders. It is suggested that this process be initiated after the development agreement is
approved.
Communications
The Director of Planning attended the recent meeting of the River's Edge Business
Association. Draft minutes from the November River's Edge meeting is attached.
Attached is a memo from the Assistant Director of Economic Development regarding the
HRA's request for a summary of comments made by the 25 students from the St.Cloud
State University Downtown Development class who studied downtown Elk River in early
October.
This past week staff,in conjunction with City Attorney Peter Beck,presented a case study
report of the Elk River Downtown Revitalization project at the MN Real Estate Journal's
conference entitled"Understanding New Urbanism and Redevelopment". HRA
Commissioner Motin also attended the event. The City of Eagan was also highlighted at the
conference. Attached is the related Eagan redevelopment article.
Lastly,the attached editorial from a recent edition of the Grand Forks Herald describes
attributes that make downtown(Grand Forks) a community asset and downtown's role in
economic development.
vRivers Edge Meeting Minutes •
410 November 12, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 8AM at the Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room.
Attending were: Wendy Simenson, Jeff Gongoll, Cliff Lundberg, Pat Klaers, Cathy
Mehelich, Tony Mikols, Lyla Aaland, Meryl Gisselquist, Sharon Houghete and Phil Hals.
Secretary's Report: Clerical errors were corrected and minutes were accepted.
Treasurer's Report: Balance is $2252.80
Old Business:
Scarecrow decorating contest brightened up downtown. Those who participated had fun
doing it.Next year need to do a better job making sure everybody gets information about
the contest. Thanks to Tina for her efforts and great treats to participants.
Downtown Parking: The City has been looking at the parking area behind the Brick
Block for increasing parking capacity in the downtown. Staff is researching the
possibility and affect of removing the Utility Building and closing King Avenue. Cathy
told us that once the research is complete then staff would recommend that the HRA
authorize having a facilitated discussion with downtown businesses and property owners
and the developers of the Jackson Square site specifically about parking options. The
• City might wait to schedule a meeting until a development agreement is signed. There
was some discussion requesting a better definition of"adequate parking" in the
development agreement.
Redevelopment Update: Metro Plains asked for an extension on negotiation of the
development agreement with the City of Elk River until January 2004 and it was granted
by the city. The MHFA approved the tax credit request. Construction will have to take
place in 2004 to receive the tax credits for construbtion from the state. The city has not
heard back yet on their request for rehabilitation grants. If approved that funding would
be offered to businesses on the brick block and from Mikols Studio to the Sunshine
Depot on Main Street. Grant money would have to be first used to bring businesses up to
code and then could be used for façade improvements. (In order to qualify for grant and
loan money, businesses would have to agree to rei1iedy all problems with lead and
asbestos in their buildings if such problems were found).
Snow Plowing: Phil Hals told us that the schedule for snow plowing has changed. On day
1 the lots and streets will be plowed. However,the snow will not be hauled out now until
day 3. Businesses are required to clear the snow from the sidewalks adjacent to their
buildings. The city will continue to clear the sidewalk around Jackson Square and along
highway 10 from King Street to Main Street.
Phil also told us that the planters would be picked up sometime the week of Nov 12,
2003. Meryl asked if the power was live to the trees and light poles and he said that they
are on a timer and when the lights go on in the street lights the trees should be live. He
said that he would double-check the fuses to make sure they worked.
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Tony told us that he had finally been able to get a cost on refurbishing the historical Elk
River Sign on Jackson Square. It would be $1010.00 to repaint it on both sides and coat it
so that it would last. (expected to last about 7 years). We tabled discussion on fixing the
sign until we know for sure what is going to happen to Jackson Square and if there would
still be room for it.
New Business
The downtown Riversedge group needs better participation from the downtown
businesses! This is an obligation not a choice. If your attitude is that why should I bother
the trees will get decorated, the planters will get planted—I can participate in group
advertising—I'm listed in the downtown directory why should I participate- Because
the right thing to do is to do your fair share! We could be doing a lot more
things to bring people downtown and brighten up our environment if more individuals
and businesses decided to be involved.
Secretary nominations: Cindy Koonce has moved out of the area. We need somebody to
write up the minutes and help distribute them to members along with serving on the
executive committee. Please contact Wendy at 441-1353 to volunteer your time.
Downtown Holiday Decorating: Meryl is heading up a task force to light up the trees
• along main street and Jackson ave downtown. If you have ideas for other decorations talk
to Meryl or Wendy. The lights on the Gazebo are being replaced. The Blue and Red
Trees will be checked out also. The funds for these lights come out of the RiversEdge
dues. Meryl has donated her time—Please thank her when you see her working on the
planters and trees!
Downtown Promotions: Meryl has talked to the Elk River High School Choir Director to
get carolers downtown on Thursday nights during December. We need to discuss the
possibilities for drawings for downtown gift certificates and offering specials and treats
on Thursday nights to get people shopping downtown.
Group Holiday Advertising: Marlys from the Star News/Shopper is working on some
downtown group advertising for the holidays. In addition, we are looking at putting in a
Generic Shop Beautiful Downtown Elk River Ads. If you have any other ideas
Please call Wendy Simenson at 441-1353, or email simen003Aumn.edu or fax them to
441-9004.
The meeting was adjourned at 9PM
Mark your calendar for the next meeting at 8AM, Wednesday,
December 10, 2003 at the Elk River Chamber of Commerce Conference
Room
Next HRA meeting is November 24, 2003 5PM at the high school little theatre