Shakopee appears to have gotten a compass to help it chart a new course for its downtown: a recently completed study outlining the strong points as well as shortcomings of its historic central district.
The study, funded jointly by the city and the Scott County Community Development Agency, came about because city leaders wanted to know how the profiles of the east side of town and downtown could change after the project to reconstruct and expand the Hwy. 101 bridge is completed. Plans to expand sewer service to the east of the 101 corridor also could affect future development.
The study by Minneapolis-based Hoisington Koegler Group Inc. is based in part on discussions with city staff, civic leaders and area developers. There's a wide variety of recommendations for downtown, including adding retail businesses and gathering places and improving walkability and signage. The study also recommended rehabbing housing in surrounding neighborhoods and adding new options, including multi-unit and senior housing downtown and live-work units west and south of the downtown commercial district.
After sifting through the findings last week, the City Council decided to get feedback from the Planning Commission, Economic Development Advisory Commission and Park and Recreation Advisory Board on which recommendations deserve the most attention.
Council Member Mike Luce said few efforts to boost commercial or residential development will succeed unless something is done about the ongoing problem of earsplitting train whistles. "If we don't do something about the railroad, don't even bother," he said. "If we don't stop those horns you're not going to live down there."
The study noted the city has discussed the problem with the railroad and suggested those conversations continue. It also said the city may have to weigh the costs of some possible noise-control measures.
The study said Shakopee's downtown already has a foundation of anchoring uses, like its post office, county administration buildings and a sprinkling of restaurants, but it said there's plenty of room for improvement.
One principal finding is that the merchant mix — which includes a bait and tackle shop, men's clothing store and a handful of bars — is too male-oriented. "The business mix should become more diversified to attract a broader audience who will want to come to downtown, stay longer, frequent more than one business per visit," the study said. Recommendations included more shops that would appeal to women, including service businesses such as a salon, as well as gift, book or antiques stores. Destination venues such as a brewpub were also recommended.
