HRSR 04-12-1999 Ak ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MIF
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Paul T. Steinman, Director of Economic
Development
DATE: April 7, 1999
SUBJECT: Agenda Memo for April 12, 1999, Joint
Meeting of the HRA and City Council
3. Central Business District Study Process
Issue
• This joint meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority and
City Council is for the purpose of discussing issues related to the
Central Business District Plan which is currently being developed under
the direction of the HRA with the assistance of Theresa Washburn,
Washburn Associates.
Background
Back in approximately 1997, staff had begun discussions with the HRA,
Planning Commission, and City Council, regarding the undertaking of a
downtown"focus study." The purpose of this study, or plan, would be
primarily to put together a physical design plan for the central business
district which would be implemented over an approximately 10 to 15
year period. This physical design plan would include ideas for
upgrading sidewalks, view/access to river, building facades, pedestrian
linkages north and south of the railroad tracks,and numerous
additional design characteristics.
Early in the discussion of this process it was evident we needed to
include the general public and, specifically, stakeholders within the
central business district including property owners and business
• owners. It also became evident through HRA Consultant Theresa
P.O. Box 490 • 13065 Orono Parkway • Elk River, MN 55330-1743• (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
Equal Opportunity Housing and Equal Opportunity Employment
Washburn that a "pre-design" phase of this project was necessary. This
• pre-design phase (the phase which we are currently undertaking) would
have as its end product, an action plan which would be used to complete
a variety of tasks and basic research which is necessary prior to
entering into the physical design phase. The pre-design phase also
serves additional purposes:
• establish a core group of volunteers
• generate support within the CBD for the overall process
• provide an opportunity to educate citizens, property/business
owners about the unique qualities and features of a CBD
• generate enthusiasm for the physical design phase
Theresa Washburn has identified key components in the pre-design
phase, three of which she has already undertaken:
1. The promotional piece, which raises public awareness of
downtown revitalization
2. The visioning workshop, open to interested groups where
participants realize a shared vision of the future of the
downtown area
3. The work plan process, when individuals commit to specific
itasks that support the goals and objectives created in the
visioning workshop
4. The educational component, which provides volunteers and
staff real life solutions for implementation as well as
education of the basic principles of design, promotion, and
economic development.
As stated, Theresa Washburn has completed the first, second, and third
components, and will be completing the educational component on
Monday,April 12, and Tuesday, April 13, at which time her services will
be complete.
Over the next six to nine months, activities identified within the CBD
action plan will be completed by the four "working groups" and staff will
begin discussions with the HRA and City Council regarding hiring a
designer to complete the physical design phase of the study.
•
•
Specific Issues For HRA/Council Discussion
Staff suggests the following issues be addressed at the joint
HRA/Council meeting:
• Is the HRA/Council comfortable with the direction of the CBD
Action Plan?
• Public improvements working group
• Private improvements working group
• Activities and events working group
• Business working group
• Is the HRA/Council comfortable with the future discussion of
hiring a designer to complete the physical design phase of the
study?
Conclusion
One of the primary reasons Theresa Washburn was hired by the HRA
was due to her belief in and expertise regarding the "grass roots"
approach to the pre-design process. Her abilityto encourage local
• participation in the CBD Action Plan and pre-design process has proven
successful over the past six months. It is Ms. Washburn's
recommendation that this pre-design phase be allowed to take on its
own identity to some degree, which will allow our volunteers to become
comfortable with their role in the process. It is anticipated the HRA will
provide a more defined structure to the process as we enter into the
physical design phase.
•
44\--- Review of Scope of Services
• Washburn and Associates
ity of Elk River
March 22, 1999
The intent of this proposal is to provide a brief outline of services, costs and timeline for the pre-design
process of Elk River's downtown redevelopment plan. This pre-design process, in which community
members establish goals and objectives, is critical to the successful implementation of any comprehensive
downtown design. Furthermore, community education creates informed and prepared volunteers, staff,
and council members.
This proposal does not seek to address all the issues that may arise in the visioning and planning process.
However, four key elements are present. First,the promotional piece,which raises public awareness of
downtown revitalization. Second,the visioning workshop, open to interested groups, where participants
realize a shared vision of future of the downtown area. Third the workplan process,when individuals
commit to specific tasks that support the goals and objectives created in the visioning workshop. And
finally, the educational component, which provides volunteers and staff real life solutions for
implementation as well as, education of basic the principals of design,promotion, and economic
development.
The challenge of this process is to create a workable structure with clear responsibilities for interested
organizations and groups. Communities must address the mission of each group and create a place for
them as the plan develops. In doing so,the design stands a better chance of survival and utilization.
•
The ultimate goal is an economically viable, attractive downtown district that serves the needs of those
that use it. Elk River can reach that goal in truly creative and unique manner by utilizing the strengths,
expertise and commitment of its own community members.
Interested Organizations
City of Elk River
Elk River HRA
Rivers Edge
Chamber of Commerce
Arts 2001
Area Schools
Local Historical Society
1. Reconnaissance Visit
• Length: One and a half-day visit.
Primary Purpose: To gather information and educate the various interested organizations and the
general public about the downtown revitalization process.
Format: Community walking and driving tour. Meetings with various interested organizations.
Community presentation.
2. Visioning Workshop
Length: One and a half-day workshop with follow-up report.
Primary Purpose: To determine a shared vision for downtown redevelopment,with specific goals and
objectives. Create a structure to implement goals and objectives.
Format 10-hour retreat. Participants would include representatives of various interested organizations,
to include, but not limited to,the organizations listed on the previous page.
3. Workplan Workshop
Length: Two day visit with follow-up report
Primary Purpose: To create action plan in which participants commit to specific tasks. The vision,
goals, and objectives drive the tasks.
Format: Two-hour general meeting reuniting Visioning Workshop participants, followed by smaller
group planning sessions. Participants in group planning session will be determined by the structure and
the organizations or individuals that work on various goals and objectives.
• 4. Education and Implementation Workshops
Length: One and a half-day visit
Primary Purpose: To teach individuals working on tasks how to implement downtown revitalization
activities. These may include;private building rehabilitation, economic development strategies,
promotional activities and co-ordinating responsibilities. This visit will also prepare participants to
guide a design team in creating a workable downtown plan.
Format: Five 90-minute educational workshops open to individuals working on specific tasks as well
as representatives of various interested organizations.
5. Final Consultation
One day visit(optional)
Primary Purpose: To address any questions regarding implementation of design plan.
Format: Meeting with individual groups working on various aspects of the plan.
Services include weekly consultation by phone, fax or electronic mail, for issues related to the Elk River
downtown revitalization process.
i
2
Education and Implementation Workshops
April 12 and 13 1999
Monday, April 12, 1999 8:00 a.m. —9:30 a.m.
A Brief History of Town Planning
How did the communities of the United States evolve?
What are the major components of United States community and town planning?
What influences are present the Elk River Main Street?
Examples of successful town planning and new town planning.
10:00 a.m.— 12:00 noon
Volunteer Development
How can volunteers help your organization?
How do you recruit new volunteers?
How do you retain volunteers?
Basics of volunteer management
12:30 p.m. —2:00 p.m.
Central Business District Development
Market Analysis—The Basics
Recruiting new businesses
Reuse of existing space
• Infill and construction
2:30—4:00
Design 101
What is a transom, a parapet and a kickplate?
Downtown building design made easy.
An exercise in facade renovation—you can do it!
4:30 - ?
Preparation for City Council Meeting
Tuesday April 12, 1999
9:00—10:30
Promotions and Marketing
25 great special events for communities
How to market your event
Advertising and direct mail ideas.
11:30—12:00
Lunch with City Staff and HRA members
3
• Central Business District Action Plan and Design Structure
City Council Community Members
HRA Design Firm Consultants
Action Groups
Interested Citizens — Community Groups — City Employees
Public Improvements Private Improvements Promotions
Economic Development
Actions Groups create Action Plan. Projects are collaborative and community oriented.
•
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