2011.02.14 EDA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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outbound times. The commuter coach goes from the Forest Lake Transit Center to the Union Depot in St. Paul. They have also completed a ridership survey of how many people are using the route. The route does not stop in Hugo. Staff met with Washington County and Ramsey County staff to talk about the Rush Line Corridor and the practicality of a transit center in downtown. They stated that they have studied the route and there are two options they think are viable considering the ridership projections. 1. Light rail only to White Bear Lake 2. Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) on I35 from Columbus to St. Paul These options will be studied more in the future. They stated that there may not be a need for a transit center in downtown for a long time. There will also be a Met Council park and ride at the interchange at I35E and County Road 8/14. Staff has also been working with Washington County to abandon a portion of the rail road along Highway 61 between 145th and 140' Street. This portion of the rail road is no longer being used for trains. The abandonment processes continues to move forward. Staff will continue to work with Washington County for funding to extend the Hardwood Creek Trail down to 140th Street. DISCUSSION EDA ANNUAL REPORT Enclosed in the packet was the 2010 EDA Annual Report. The report showcases commercial and industrial activities and other economic development projects that happened in 2010. The EDA wanted to add sections to the report on the Hanifl Fields Athletic Park and the park dedication policy. Staff agreed to make the changes to the report and bring back to the EDA at its March meeting. Bever made a motion, seconded by Klein, to approve the EDA Annual Report for 2010. All aye. Motion Carried. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT The CD Director updated the EDA on the progress of downtown redevelopment. The CD Director gave an update on the meeting he had with Brian Wurzer, owner of Country Video Barn. Mr. Wurzer stated that he was concerned with the taxes on his property and the high percentage increase in one year. He stated that the property value seems fair. Ricci's Restaurant property may have a possible buyer and the redevelopment would include the demolition of the building.