6. HRSR 08-06-2007ITEM # 6.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
CC: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Developmen
DATE: August 6, 2007
SUBJECT: Project Update -Redevelopment Framework Plan
Issue
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update to the HRA and general audience
regarding recent activities and next steps in the Mississippi Connections Redevelopment
Framework planning process. No action by the HRA is requested.
Background
Upon the recommendation of the HRA, the Ciry Council last October appointed a 13-
member Task Force for the purpose of completing a comprehensive redevelopment plan for
the "greater downtown area".
During its first 7-months the Task Force has been working diligently to study and discuss a
variety of issues relative to the 400-acre core of Elk River, including establishing the study
area boundary and mission statement, considered past redevelopment plans and studies,
river development opportunities, market conditions of the area, historic context and
preservation, future options for dealing with Highway 10.
In May the Task Force began discussions to envision and model its idea120-year land use
vision for the study area. The Task Force continued to discuss and refine the vision over the
next series of 3 meetings before reaching a consensus (on a 12-1 vote) to accept and release
its draft land use vision to the public for review and comment.
Recent Activities
As the Task Force neared completion of its draft land use plan, a letter to "stakeholders",
property owners within the study area, was mailed for invitation to an informational meeting.
Two informational meetings were held July 24 at Lion's Park Center. Each meeting was
Redevelopment Framework Plan -Project Update
August G, 2007 HRA Meeting
Page 2 of 2
attended by approximately 135 people, representatives of the Task Force and 3 City Council
members.
As a follow up, residents in the Morton/Norfolk Avenue area asked for a separate
neighborhood meeting which was held on August 1.2007. Approximately 40 residents
attended the meeting. Community Development Director Scott Clark, Park and Recreation
Director Bill Maertz and Councilmember Zerwas represented the City and the Task Force.
Next Steps
Staff is currently tallying the comments received both in written form and the question and
answer portion of the meetings. A "frequently-asked-questions" newsletter will be prepared
and distributed in follow up to the comments, in addition to direct follow up with those that
requested it. A summary of comments will be provided the Task Force for its August 13tH
meeting.
The primary focus of the August 13 Task Force meeting will be to re-examine the Highway
10 options as directed by the City Council, and for follow up at the Council's August 20tH
work session. Upon the Council's preliminary agreement regarding Highway 10 within the
Plan, the public participation process will continue with a series of community open houses
and City board and commission review and input over the months of September-October.
The Task Force will review and consider all of the input gathered during the public
participation phase at its meetings in October-November for refinement of the Plan and a
final recommendation to the HRA and City Council for Plan adoption in December January.
Additional information about the background, planning process, upcoming meetings and a
copy of the draft plan are all available on the city website at www.ci.elk-river.mn.us.