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