Posted: 1/15/03

When will downtown streetscape change?

Cliff Buchan
News Editor

As Forest Lakeís downtown continues to undergo a slow but steady redevelopment, will the streetscape along US-61 change as well?

It was a question for the cityís Economic Development Authority Board on Monday. The question came from Corbett Johnson, a lifelong Forest Lake resident and chair of the cityís design review committee.

After reading newspaper reports of a proposal to acquire new summer and winter welcome banners for downtown light standards, Johnson came to the EDA asking why and if the EDA had any plans for the streetscape.

ìWhen will the streetscape change?î Johnson asked. Johnson said he had concerns for the redevelopment of sidewalks and streetlights throughout the downtown to match the changing nature of the business district.

Improvements have been made along E. Broadway as part of the overall development plan tied to construction of The Plaza office building and Broadway changes. But Johnson questioned if funds would be available for other improvements to the north.

Johnson said streetscape improvements should be considered first in a redevelopment plan, not last. He called it a critical issue and questioned the EDAís attention to the matter.

Johnson also asked why Doug Borglund, a city employee and urban planning expert, was not part of the EDA.

EDA responds

Chip Robinson, city administrator and EDA executive director, reassured Johnson city staff is involved with all steps taken by the EDA. In addition, Bill Sanders, city planner, is a key consultant on projects.

ìPart of the problem is it is Highway 61,î Robinson said.

Robinson said some responsibility for streetscape improvements should fall to the state as long as the highway is a state controlled road. That could change in the future if the state elects to turn the road back to the city with appropriate funding to cover needs.

But there is more to the issue than sidewalks and streetlights, Robinson said. With 1920 era sewer and water pipes serving the downtown, a complete infrastructure improvement should be completed, he said.

ìIt all has to be rebuilt,î Robinson said. ìWe realize there is a problem there.î

He said the total price tag could reach into the millions of dollars and the city would like outside funding help from state and federal sources.

In a time of tight money and state deficits, that might not happen soon, officials said.

ìIs it 10 years down the road?î Johnson asked.

Robinson said streetscape improvements would be made on the south end of N. Lake St. (US-61) as the first phase of the Park Place development is finished this fall.

Judy Bull, a former council member who attended her first meeting as an EDA member, suggested talks continue with the Minnesota Department of Transportation in relation to the downtown block.

ìThe answer is a total reconstruction,î Robinson said.

Sign issue

Johnson also talked to the EDA about sign issues Monday. As a member of the design review committee, Johnson said he is frustrated by the sign matter because some businesses repeatedly ignore city rules.

He aimed his beef at Pete Paidar, owner of the Forest Laker in the downtown. In Johnsonís view, Paidar was not in compliance with the sign ordinance.

Johnson urged the city to examine its sign ordinance. In particular, he said, it was difficult for businesses in multiple use buildings to comply with the city sign ordinance.

The EDA through city staff agreed to address the Paidar question either through negotiations or legal action to make sure signs are in compliance with city regulations.

If non-compliance continues to be a problem, the city will issue misdemeanor citations through the police department to achieve compliance, officials said.

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