Winter 2019-20 Hometown Messenger

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT "Shakopee U" City Council approves feasibility study to attract college innovation center In Oct. the City Council, acting as the Economic Development authority, authorized a request for proposals for a feasibility study regarding an innovation center which may be anchored by a university. Innovation centers are buildings owned or rented in conjunction with a college campus. These centers are not only used for classes, but they can also be an incubation hub for small businesses or can include shared office space for start-ups. “It’s a model we’ve seen work in other communities,” said Economic Development Specialist Jennifer Brewington. “Universities aren’t just catering to traditional stu- dents anymore, and these sites provide non-traditional students the option to learn amongst their peers.” The city and Scott County have been in discussion with Minnesota State University – Mankato about the possibility of offering classes in the area for high school seniors, those seeking to complete their college or graduate program or those enrolled in employer supported training. The center is expected to attract students not only from Shakopee, but also Chanhassen, Chaska and portions of Scott County. “There are already many students in the region enrolled at the university who make the trip to Mankato daily, and this center would allow them to take classes without having to travel over 100 miles round trip,” said Director of Planning & Development Michael Kerski.

CANTERBURY COMMONS BLASTING OPERATIONS

Construction continues on the Canterbury Commons Develop- ment, and construction crews are well on their way with the building of the new Shenandoah Drive. This area is unique because the bedrock is less than one foot from the surface.To properly install utilities, sewer and drain- age to the area, the rock needed to be removed. During planning, contractors determined it would be most cost effective to remove the rock by blasting. Contractors at the site have agreed to safe and limited blast- ing opperations, ensuring the safety of workers and residents. Blasting is only allowed between 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Contractors have estimated that there will be about 3 blasts per day. Blasting operations began on Oct. 15, and are expected to continue until Jan.

Creating an innovation center was an idea championed, in part, by the Envision Shakopee comprehensive plan process. “One thing we heard from both residents and employers is that there is a need for an additional train- ing option in Scott County,” said Kerski, “and that includes post-secondary options.” Beyond college courses, the site could be used for special- ized staff trainings. The university could offer lecture series, leadership courses or other short-term courses in the space. But, the purpose of the innovation center is two- fold. Centers like the one proposed in Shakopee would allow for co-working space for small businesses in the area and shared offices for start-up businesses. “The idea is that

"These sites provide non-tradiditional students the option to learn amongst their peers. "

Jennifer Brewington Economic Development Specialist

this place could be used by new entrepreneurs to not only have a physical location for meetings, but also for them to get their start and hopefully want to stay and invest in Scott County,” said Brewington. The feasibility study will look at many factors, including market demands, cost and necessary enrollment size. For now, the Council and city staff are focused on building in the downtown area of Shakopee. Although long term investment from businesses using the facility may be months or years away, short-term benefits could come soon after the facility opened. “What happens when students, employees or employers are located right downtown? They eat, shop and spend their money there too,” said Brewington.

The study is expected to be completed in Feb. of 2019, at which point the City Coun- cil, in cooperation with Scott County, will explore funding options.

Above: Map of the blasting area of the new Shenandoah Road.

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