02-25-13 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS EDA MEETING JANUARY 28, 2013 3 EDA President Grant suggested that an article could be sent to the Community Section of the Shoreview-Arden Hills Bulletin. This publication is free of charge and is pretty well-read. The Commission agreed with this recommendation. EDA President Grant suggested the State of the City event be promoted this spring, as activity at TCAAP would be taking place in 2013. EDC Chair von Holtum stated that the business community was interested in the development of this property and wanted to be a part of this event. EDC Commissioner Holden asked if there were any other grant programs available to assist business owners in improving the exterior of their buildings. She commented that Dunlap was not an attractive street at this time. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that there were not a lot of economic development funds available at this time and the funds available were tied to job creation. She indicated the City could create a program with its own funding to encourage exterior building improvements. Staff agreed to investigate available funding in further detail. EDA Commissioner Holden requested further information on the business visits. EDC Chair von HoltumCommunity Development Director Hutmacher indicated has completed a great deal of outreach to the business community, which has been fairly effective. Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that she visited each business in the B-2 district in 2012 and discussed the B-2 Plan with those businesses. She stated her goal for this year is to meet with each of the Round Lake Businesses given the proposed project on Highway 96/TH 10. She stated with each visit she collects updated contact information and is working to create a comprehensive business list for the City. Staff plans to focus on the Red Fox/Grey Fox area in 2014. She stated the EDC has made it a priority to meet with businesses that are new to the City. EDA Commissioner Holmes stated she attended the Walgreens open house and submitted pictures to staff of the event. She suggested the photos be featured in a future newsletter article. EDA President Grant questioned if the EDC should maintain a list of vacant properties. EDA Commissioner Holden indicated this may not be necessary as the commercial real estate brokers already compile this information. EDC Member Altstatt supported the creation of this list as it would provide the City with an inventory of available property.