2014 Vol. 8 Issue 3 June - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gem Lake News Page 5 of 6 Business District Study Completed: Key Conclusions Summarized at June 9 Meeting Expert analysis of the conditions faced by Gem Lake's Business District were examined through a business district development study, led Marc Putman of Putman Design and Planning, leading to a variety of key conclusions and/or suggestions: • Gem Lake should embrace development and find more ways to create a welcoming environment. • Building the infrastructure necessary for development is absolutely key. This includes bringing water and sewer facilities to the business district. This may also mean exploring creative opportunities for financing what is needed, such as through grant programs. • Expand the permitted uses in the business district. This means taking a hard look at the under-served needs for products and services in the area and finding ways to offer some of them in Gem Lake. Putman presented data on the volume of dollars that are spent elsewhere because residents have no local alternatives. Ideas include grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, big box retailers, senior housing, some green space, pharmacies, coffee shops, and some retail. Finding the right mix and the most attractive conception of that mix is the key. • Take full advantage of the traffic volumes in the area, which are a big plus for developers. Keep all existing access and egress points within the area and add more. The development study detailed the significant volumes of traffic flow in the Hoffman’s Corner area, as well as several other nearby areas. The data was laid out in an extensive report provided to the Gem Lake City Council and available for the public to look at. • Use the city’s unique tools of finance and cost reduction capability to reduce time and confusion in the development process. • Find ways to streamline the approval process. This includes changing or tweeking the city’s ordinances to be more welcoming to developers. This also includes reducing and eliminating language that drives development away. Sample design concepts were provided to attendees at the June 9 City Council Workshop, demonstrating what the business district could like in the future. Each concept drawing blended existing business with ways to integrate redevelopment in the future, serving local needs for products and services. All results will be reviewd again at the City Council meeting on June 17 with an eye on how to begin implementation and what possible next steps might be.