Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 06/08/2017

Home

Community Development Director Gladhill presented the staff report. Member Williams arrived at 7:38 a.m. Chairperson Steffen asked if this plan includes more or less retail than the original plan. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that this plan has slightly less retail but identified two other areas that have available space for retail. He noted that the Planning Commission feels that it would be a better balance. Chairperson Steffen asked if there was a negative opinion of retail in this area from The COR panel. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that there are challenges and barriers to the retail market. He explained that The COR will not be a Riverdale or Elk River, but the focus should instead be a unique business incubator. Member Skaff asked the plans for the open land in the downtown area. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that there would still be a mix of uses along Sunwood Drive between retail and residential with a focus on high density residential. He noted the relationship needed between residential and the success of the transit with the commuter rail. Chairperson Steffen asked if the document would change any zoning. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that the zoning would not change as the mixed use allows for a multitude of uses. He stated that some simple adjustments can be made to the subdistrict boundaries which allows more flexibility. Member Williams stated that the document makes some strong statements in regard to retail and asked if the EDA is comfortable publishing that and making it public. She stated that while the City has not been able to attract the desired retail that is indicative of the market. She noted that there are two places in the vision statement that state no "big box" retail and asked if the EDA is comfortable with that. Community Development Director Gladhill stated that he would support tweaking that language, as the vision statement became more focused on the northwest quadrant. He believed that the Planning Commission would support "big box" retail in the right opportunity. He explained that the Planning Commission wanted to attract more unique opportunities but would still be open to "big box" retail as well. Chairperson Steffen stated that the City has been open to "big box" retail for 15 years and did not see any reason to detract from that option now. Economic Development Authority/May 25, 2017 Page 2 of 7