12-07-11 EDC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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EDC Minutes October 19, 2011 Page 2 of 4 specific topics of interest to the business community. Transportation is always a concern of businesses. Commissioners discussed options for promoting the event. Staff and Commissioners may consider going door-to-door to each business next year. Commissioners acknowledged that it is difficult to get beyond the general indifference of businesses to the community in which they are located. B. B-2 District Implementation Plan Community Development Director Hutmacher presented a "virtual tour" of streetscape and corridor projects in Shakopee, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, and Osseo that was provided to the City Council at the October 17, 2011 work session meeting. At that meeting, the City Council directed staff to negotiate a contract with Bolton & Menk for Phase I of the B-2 Implementation Plan. EDC Commissioners urged that the City do everything possible to promote businesses along the County Road E corridor. Commissioners acknowledged that new streetscape does not necessarily lead to redevelopment, but cautioned that if the City does not invest in the B-2 District, it will continue to deteriorate. Hutmacher noted that the timeline for the B-2 Implementation Plan will be aligned to the reconstruction of the bridge over Highway 51 in 2014 or 2015. C. 2012 EDC Work Plan Community Development Director Hutmacher presented potential items for the 2012 EDC Work Plan and asked for Commissioners' feedback. Commissioners generally supported the work plan proposal but questioned whether Gateway Signs should be included in the work plan. Hutmacher responded that it had been identified as a City Council goal for 2012, and staff would appreciate EDC feedback on issues related to Gateway Signs as that project moves forward. EDC Commissioners discussed opportunities for business outreach. Commissioners are strongly in favor of using the City newsletter to highlight and promote local businesses. A newsletter initiative was previously pursued by the EDC, but was discontinued due to Communications Committee content guidelines. In 2012, EDC Commissioners would like to revisit the issue of using the City newsletter for economic development. Commissioners would like to review and possibly update the business information packet in 2012. Hutmacher added that the website redesign project provides an opportunity to promote businesses and provide economic development information on the City's website.