Cliff Buchan
News EditorMore than five years after implementation, Forest Lakeís Economic Development Authority is going back to the drawing board with its downtown redevelopment concept plan.
The EDA board Monday agreed to the action after hearing a staff recommendation.
Based on progress and changes over the past five years in the cityís downtown, Chip Robinson, EDA executive director, and Dan Wilson, development consultant, recommended the study.
EDA members Bob Morehead and Judy Bull will serve on a subcommittee with staff to complete the preliminary plan for full EDA board consideration.
ěA lot has been accomplished,î Wilson said, pointing to The Plaza and Park Place, the two new commercial developments on the south and north sides of E. Broadway Ave., respectively.
But with a lull in major new projects, Wilson said now is the time for the city to look again at what the EDA and community may want and envision for the downtown.
ěHas reality changed?î Wilson asked.
Another major change has been Washington Countyís decision to forego any downtown area as a site for its north services center for county government.
The county and city for a time explored the Houle Feed Mill site for the library and government center, but have shifted focus to the community center site south of the airport.
ěThe government center was a major piece,î Wilson said of the concept plan now in place.
With plans also ending for a new lakeside restaurant, major new developments are now on hold. A significant expansion and remodeling plan for the Forest Laker is unfolding but it does not involve the removal of existing buildings.
North end changes
The lull in north end downtown improvements has created a new dilemma for the city. What to do with north end parking and streetscape changes? While improvements to E. Broadway and the south end have been completed, north end work is yet to commence.
The city held off on those steps a year ago while awaiting the start of the lakeside restaurant. Now, the city and EDA are leaning toward some form of late summer or early fall project that will target the municipal parking area and Lakeside Memorial Park. The city is awaiting word on a $372,000 matching grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the park improvement project.
The Forest Lake Lions and the Hallberg family are major partners in the park effort.
Officials agreed Monday some work needs to move forward as Park Place is being occupied and condominium housing units sold and occupied.
City Engineer Paul Hornby said it may come down to future developers needing to conform with predetermined grades and improvements to the north end streetscape and parking plan. Ideally, officials said, it would be better to do the project in concert with development but that may no longer be possible.
Dave Hebert, city and EDA attorney, said north end improvements canít be delayed too long as the development agreement for Park Place requires the improvements.
Officials said some temporary improvements could be made, but the final project would not be ready to go until August or September. Preliminary plans and specifications for the work have not yet been drawn, Hornby said.
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