5.1. SR 02-05-1996ITEM 5.1.
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
DATE:
Steven B. Ach, City Planner and ~'~
Bill Rubin, ED Coordinat~g~
February 5, 1996
SUBJECT: Initiate Proposal for Focus Area
Study of Downtown
One of the issues to come out of the Comprehensive Plan was a need to
conduct a focus area study of downtown. This focus area would either result
in a "master plan" for downtown or act as the foundation for preparing a
plan. It is envisioned the focus area study will examine, at a minimum, the
following issues:
· Land uses
· Transportation
· Parking
· Economic analysis
· Redevelopment issues
· Pedestrian system
· Other public/private improvements to further define and characterize the
downtown area
The Economic Development Coordinator and myself have briefly discussed a
possible process to develop this focus area study. We believe input from the
Chamber of Commerce, downtown business owners and possibly, interested
residents would be appropriate. Furthermore, a consultant should be
retained to assist in facilitating meetings, actual plan preparation, and
providing technical support.
At this juncture, a logical firm to consider would be Hoisington Koegler
Group, Inc. (HKG). As the Council is aware, HKG is currently working with
the city on the "Elk River Interpretive Trail" (Riverfront Project) and a
corridor enhancement plan for Highway 10 as it passes through the
downtown. Both of these current projects will be elements of the plan for
downtown. Therefore, it seems to make sense to continue working with HKG,
since they already have base map information and a general understanding
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 ° (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
of the issues of downtown through various public meetings that they have
participated in regarding the other projects.
Request for Proposal
If the City Council agrees that HKG should be considered to act as the
consultants for the downtown focus area study, the next step would be to
have HKG submit a proposal to the city for consideration. This proposal
would be presented to the City Council at an upcoming meeting. In terms of
funding this study, it is difficult to consider the source without knowing an
estimated cost. However, possible sources would include the HRA and the
City Council contingency budget. The "Elk River Interpretive Trail" and
Highway 10 enhancement project are being funded by the HRA.
Action Requested
It is requested the City Council direct staff to obtain a proposal from
Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. concerning the preparation of a focus area
study of the downtown. HKG's proposal would be presented to the Council
for consideration at a future meeting.
s:\council\focus.doc
Creative Solutions for Land Planning and Design
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
1 February 1996
Mr. Steve Ach
City of Elk River
Orono Parkway 13065
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
RE: Downtown Elk River
Dear Steve,
The attached information is an assortment of work we have been involved with over the past few
years that deals with creating or maintaining vitality in downtowns. Solutions for Downtown Elk
River will not be found in this information, but it provides an overview of how we have helped
other communities in their downtown planning efforts. Only portions of some of the work is
included, and I would be happy to review any of the work in detail if you would like.
In these projects, we have found that downtown planning is a team process -- that the answers are
not found in a good streetscape design, in market research or through a feasibility study. Solutions
lie at the intersection of these areas and the connections to other critical community concerns. It
also includes a great deal of consideration by the community itself. These factors underlie all of the
material that I am sending to you.
We have found that every community is different, and these differences lead to a downtown's
vitality. What the projects have in common is a foundation in the idea of community, which stems
from the process of local participation. We would encourage, in planning for Downtown Elk
River, some level of community participation (at a minimum, local businesses, chamber, HRA,
City Council and selected citizens). This results in a healthier process, and one the can move
beyond a public heating process to real input and problem solving.
In the end, the process should help us to answer two basic questions:
What should Downtown Elk River be?
What can it be?
7300 Metro Boulevard, Suite 525, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439
(612) 835-9960 Fax (612) 835-3160
Mr. Steve Ach
1 February 1996
Page 2
It is only when these answers are well understood that real movement can occur. And it is only
with the consideration of the community that answers can be found.
In our work on the riverfront and Highway 1 O, we have come to understand that there are many
opportunities for downtown, and many issues to overcome. Building on the resources that
currently exist, I believe that Downtown Elk River can be more vital than what we see today. I
believe that we can help to set a course that builds on those resources, and sets a strong direction
for its future.
Please call me if you have any questions, or would like to discuss an approach to planning for
Downtown Elk River in more detail.
Sincerely,
Michael Schroeder