06/14/2004 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• provided leasing opportunities for numerous small companies as well, and approximately 1,000 jobs were brought to the community. • A master plan was completed and a developer secured for a downtown Lino Lakes by holding fast to the vision of improving the city's identity, requiring high architectural standards, creating a community gathering place, providing diversity in housing, and opportunities for more retail and service business within the city. • Established anchor stores were brought to the Town Center area to provide much needed convenience to the residents, and to act as a catalyst for continued growth and development of the Town Center. • Responsible use of public incentives, including tax increment financing and tax abatement, proved productive in leveraging private investment in the community, with more than $21 million in industrial tax base now on the tax roles and many more millions projected in the near future. The 2004 -2005 action plan focuses on reordering some of EDAC's priorities based on realistic assumptions for growth and changing market demand. The goals that have been accomplished have given way to new opportunities. Some of the highlights of the action plan include: 1. Woods Edge (formerly the Village) is the committee's first priority. Not only will the development generate significantly more tax base for the community, it will provide additional opportunities by making the city a more desirable place to live and do business. EDAC supports continued commitment by the city council, including the responsible use of public incentives, to ensure this project is completed. 2. EDAC recognizes that the 35E corridor has tremendous development potential and promotes a city strategy for public involvement, long range master planning and public investment to ensure highest and best use of the corridor. 3. EDAC supports a Tong -range development and redevelopment strategy for the entire Town Center area around the 35W interchange. 4. In conjunction with Town Center development, an orderly plan for redevelopment of Lake Drive will enable the city to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. It is critical for the city to have a proactive implementation plan and financing strategies in place to promote redevelopment of blighted areas and relocation of nonconforming uses. 5. EDAC also places continuing emphasis on supporting existing business within the city, improving the image of Lino Lakes within the business and development communities, and making the city a friendly, responsive place to do business. The city is at a critical juncture in determining its future. Best management practices, the evolution of the needs and desires of the community, the creation of quality and balanced and use, are all issues that evolve over time as we learn and gain insight into what makes a city sustainable over time.