Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 05/10/2004

Home

RUM RIVER COMMERCIAL NODE: By: Megan Wald, Associate Planner Background: Staff has received several phone calls from area residents along the commercial node of 167th and Highway #47 stating that have been made aware by a "neighbor" that the City is working on a master plan for the subject area and are concerned that they as neighbors are not being notified. Public participation is important and has its part in the planning process. Prior to receiving several phones calls from area residents, staff anticipated that the public would be involved in the process at a later date when more conceptual plans were developed. However, due to the recent phone calls and anticipated negative disposition from the neighborhood, staff feels it may be time to involve the public at an informal setting. Observations: The format for the meeting could be held like an open house with staff, HKGi, and EDA members present. Several different strategies for an open house format could be utilized and will need to be discussed further. Staff would suggest hosting the meeting in early June and if possible within one of the multi-tenant bays within the project area. Staff will contact Bob Muller, the owner o f the largest multi-tenant building, to see if this is a possibility. Reco mmendatio n: The EDA should provide input regarding the public meeting pertaining to format, date and time, and how to determine what residents should be invited. Staff will then begin discussing the details with Loren Gordon of HKGi and communicate such details to the EDA through email. It is important not to lose momentum for the Rum River Commercial Node study however realize that the surrounding neighbors may see great change within the area and therefore provide an opportunity fbr them to voice their opinions. EDA: 5.10.04 4