HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.C. Discussion of Downtown 2015 Budgetary Needs 7. C.
S AKOI?F F:
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
DATE: 08/06/2014
SUBJECT: Discussion of Downtown 2015 Budgetary Needs
Introduction
The Council will be asked to discuss, and give preliminary direction on budgeting needs for 2015
for downtown improvements.
Background
Earlier this year, the City hired Hoisington Koegler Group (HKGi) to perform a marketing study
of the City's downtown area. As a result, a number of priorities were identified, and were
discussed by the EDAC, Planning Commission, and PRAB. Those recommendations were then
adopted by the City Council.
Note that the HKGi study was not a market demand or absorption study, it is probable that an
additional study would need to be performed in order to more completely identify the answers to
some of those questions.
"Next steps", including budget needs, should be reviewed.
At the August 6th meeting, we would like to discuss Council's desire for providing for such things
as:
1. Planning--There is a need for follow up from the HKGi Study, including implement
strategies. In addition, the Metropolitan Council has recently released a regional housing
plan. How should preparation for a wide range of housing--both affordable and
market-rate--be incorporated into Shakopee's downtown, 1st Avenue corridor, and
the surrounding areas?
2. Infrastructure Needs--Both Shakopee Public Utilities and the City have identified
renovations and updates to infrastructure and streetscaping which, in some cases, were last
addressed in the 1980s. This would be such things as reconstruction of parking lots and
alleys; the replacement of street pavers, disability ramps, tree grates; and utilities.
3. Railroad Quiet Zone--It is felt that addressing train noise will be one of the keys to
attracting new development in the First Avenue corridor. A letter from the Council was sent
to the Union Pacific in June, asking about the railroad's interest in participating in
preparations for establishment of a Quiet Zone. Even with a positive response from the UP,
it is likely that the City will still need to make a sizable financial investment in order to
establish a quiet zone in the downtown area.
4. Main Street Shakopee--Four Main Street Shakopee sub-committees have been formed, and
are just starting to meet. Any recommendations for improvements in downtown resulting
from these study committees should be coordinated with the City's plans.
City Staff, SPUC, Main Street will be meeting to discuss this concept in more detail prior to the
Council meeting. We expect bring forward the results to the Council for further discussion at the
August 6th meeting.
Attachments: