EDA Packet 12.19.17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Downtown Redevelopment The City has adopted a redevelopment plan for downtown Hugo. The downtown plan strives to maintain the City's business core in downtown with a traditional downtown urban format. For this to become possible, redevelopment of structures in the downtown area must occur. The City has purchased a number of properties in downtown along the east side of Highway 61. As additional properties become available by willing sellers in this area, the City will pursue purchases of those properties. Most of the structures have been be removed, and the properties will be redeveloped by the City as restaurant/entertainment, retail, and office space. Multiple other property owners in the downtown area have expressed interest in redeveloping their properties in a manner consistent with the downtown plan. In order to facilitate that development, the City has approved a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District to help ensure that development is feasible in the downtown area. As residential growth continues in the City and commercial development takes interest in Hugo, there is heightened opportunity for the City to guide economic growth to this area. The City should market the downtown aggressively, and source programs and incentives that may make redevelopment more feasible. 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Gateways The new development along County Road 8 has established a quality atmosphere at the major western entrance to the City. The attractive development there helps create a good first impression and serves to define the image of City. The City will expend extra effort to establish gateways that exude a similar image of quality at all major entrances to the City, including the northern and southern limits of Highway 61, and the western limit of County Road 4. Promote Quality among New Businesses The City has established and implemented Commercial and Industrial Design Guidelines for new and existing business development, including architectural guidelines for retail development, standards requiring quality building materials, and guidance for the preparation of site plans that promote good land planning principles. Proper use of guidelines will ensure that the desired businesses locate in the appropriate areas. Retain Existing Businesses The City will continue to partner with the Hugo Area Business Association (HBA), White Bear Chamber of Commerce, and Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA), to identify the needs of existing businesses. This partnership should strive to maintain a sound local business climate that encourages businesses to locate and expand in Hugo. The City will establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between business owners and members of the organizations by facilitating open communication and regularly checking in with existing businesses. Through this effort these groups will understand the successes and barriers businesses encounter, and better understand the opportunities and constraints to doing business in Hugo. By making site visits initiating conversation, and providing connections to resources such as Washington County's Open to Business Program, the City will be able to recognize common issues, and assist businesses in overcoming barriers to their success. Technical or financial assistance, when warranted, in the interest of maintaining jobs and creating new jobs will be provided. The City will identify successful business retention efforts within other communities and interview any businesses who decide to leave the City to understand their rationale for departing. ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS 108