HomeMy WebLinkAbout1C, Draft Comp Plan
~
~ILLS
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
April 21, 2008
Work Session
TO: Mayor and City Conncil
FROM: James Lehnhoff, City Planner
SUBJECT: 2008 Comprehensive Plan
Draft of the Vision, Policies, and Strategies by Chapter
ReQnested Action
Staff requests feedback on the goals, policies, and content in the draft 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
Staff also requests a review ofthe overall City vision statement, which has been slightly revised.
A draft of the Plan was sent to the City Conncil via email on April 16, 2008. Changes made to the
draft Plan since that date are noted in the attached document.
Back2ronnd
Although there are a number of important projects currently nnderway at the City, work on the 2008
Comprehensive Plan update has continued to move forward. The information collected at the
commnnity meetings; City Conncil, Planning Commission, PTRC, and EDC work sessions;
previous City plans; and requirements set by the Metropolitan Conncil and State Statutes have
formed the basis of the draft document. Since much ofthe 1998 Comprehensive Plan is still
applicable today, portions of that Plan have been reformatted and included in the draft 2008
Comprehensive Plan.
In order to keep the process moving forward in a productive manner, Staff is requesting that the
City Council review and provide feedback on the draft vision, goals, policies, and content for each
chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. The work session is meant to focus on providing feedback on
the overall substance in the draft Plan. This is a working draft, and Staff recognizes the language
will need to be reviewed and revised as the process continues to ensure that it is meeting the full
intent and goals ofthe City. If you do notice grammar or punctuation errors, please mark them in
your copy ofthe document and provide your copy to Staff for review. This will help us be more
efficient with our time so we can focus on the content of the document. Your copy can be returned
to you upon request.
City of Arden Hills
City Council WorkSessionfor April 21, 2008
\\Metro~inet.us'ardenhills\Planning\Comprehensive PlanIMemosl042108 - CC Report - Camp Plan - Vision, Policies, and Strategies.doc
Page 1 of4
The 2008 Comprehensive Plan is divided into the following chapters (the organization of the
chapters may be modified in the final version of the Plan):
1. Introduction
2. Community Profile*
3. City Vision
4. Active Living (based on the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Grant)
5. TCAAP
6. Land Use*
7. Housing*
8. Economic Development and Redevelopment
9. Parks and Recreation*
10. Protected Resources*
11. Transportation*
12. Environmental Conservation and Sustainability
13. Public Facilities, Infrastructure, and Services*
14. Implementation (is partially integrated into each chapter)*
*Required by the Metropolitan Conncil and State Statutes
Chapters 4-13 include a goal statement that is intended to be somewhat of a general, positive, and,
for the most part, nncontroversial statement. Each goal statement is then supported by a series of
policies and backgronnd data that are designed to advance the goal statement and the overall City
vision. The policies can be specific or general; short-term or long-term; easy or difficult; and may
in some instances be controversial. Not all policies or ideas may have nnanimous support. Some of
the policies will require a great deal of research and effort to fully implement, and, ultimately, some
may not be workable. Since the Plan is meant to guide the City through 2030, it is not necessary to
fully evaluate the potential or possibility of each goal or policy at this time. However, each
statement should have a desirable result and be within the realm of possibility.
If you have a specific idea that you think should be in the Comprehensive Plan, please either
mention it at the meeting or let me know. The document is not limited to its current content.
However, when making a request for an item to be in the Comprehensive Plan, it is helpful to take a
step back to see what the ultimate goal ofthe request is and how it advances the vision statement
and goals within the Plan.
It is important to remember that while a Comprehensive Plan is meant to take a long-term look at
the community, it should not be a static document. The City should work to implement the
Comprehensive Plan over time; however, this Plan does not exclude the possibility of exploring
new proj ects, goals, policies, priorities, and strategies down the road if new opportunities or issues
arise. Although the Plan is intended to go 2030, all cities in the metropolitan area will review their
comprehensive plans again in 2018.
When reviewing the document, you may notice some topics or sections that do not seem to apply to
Arden Hills or appear unnecessary. There are a number of items that the Metropolitan Council
City of Arden Hills
City Council WorkSessionfor April 21, 2008
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhillslPlanningIComprehensive PlanIMemos\042108 - CC Report - Camp Plan - Vision, Policies, and Strategies.doc
Page 2 of 4
requires a City to address, even if the item is ultimately not applicable to Arden Hills. The
Metropolitan Council's Local Planning Handbook includes many ofthe items that a City is required
to address in the Comprehensive Plan. This handbook can be viewed online at
http://www.metroconncil.org/planning/LPH/handbook.htrn.
Discussion Points
Although much of the Comprehensive Plan is not controversial, there are sections and potential
policies that will require discussion. While it is not necessary to come to a solution at the work
session, Staff does request input from the Conncil. In addition to the vision and goals in each
chapter, Staff suggests spending some time on the following chapters and pages for discussion
purposes:
. City Vision: Page 3
. Community Profile:
o Page 8: Population
. Active Living:
o Page 17: Active Living Principles
. TCAAP:
o Pages 21-23
. Land Use:
o Page 29: Future Land Uses (nndetermined future land uses, see map)
o Page 31: Future land use of the former city hall/public works property
o Page 31: Future land use of the manufactured home community
. Housing:
o Page 44: Future Opportunities
. Protected Resources:
o Page 71 : Natural Resources Inventory
. Transportation: Full Chapter
. Environmental Conservation and Sustainability: Full chapter
The above list is not all-inclusive. If there are other policies or areas of concern, those concerns can
be discussed.
Work Pro2ress
While much ofthe Plan is drafted, there are portions that need to be finished or refined.
Additionally, most ofthe maps have not yet been created. All tables, graphs, pictures, and
formatting will be standardized throughout the Plan and all maps will be prepared before the
Planning Commission and City Conncil are asked to take any formal action.
The Metropolitan Council also requires the City to complete a water supply, stormwater, and
sanitary sewer plans. The City already has these plans in place; however, minor updates are needed
City of Arden Hills
City Council WorkSessionfor April 21, 2008
\lMetro-inet.us\ardenhillslPlanningIComprehensivePlanlMemos1042108 - CC Report - Camp Plan - Vision, Policies, and Strategies. doc
Page 3 of 4
before submitting them to the Metropolitan Conncil. The City's engineering staff is working on
updating these plans, which will be included as appendices since they are largely technical
documents.
Chapter S, Economic Development and Redevelopment is nnder review by the Economic
Development Commission (EDe) and was not included with this report. Chapter 14,
Implementation, is still in the process of being written.
Review Process and Schednle
The Planning Commission held a work session on March 20, 2008, to review the draft Comprehensive
Plan and provide comments. The EDC is in the process of reviewing the Economic Development and
Redevelopment Chapter. The PTRC reviewed the Active Living, Parks & Recreation, and Protected
Resources chapters at their February and April meetings.
Depending on the results of the Council's work session, the Plan will be uploaded to the website for
public review and a final public open house will be scheduled for the middle part of May to publicly
review the draft and solicit public comment. A notice will be sent to all households in the City to
inform them of the meeting date, and attendees will be able to comment and provide input on the draft
Plan prior to any official approval.
The Planning Commission is tentatively scheduled to officially review the final draft of the
Comprehensive Plan in June. If the City Council gives approval ofthe draft at the end of June, it will be
sent to adjacent cities, the watershed district, and the school districts for review as required by Statute.
After those agencies complete their review and provide comments, the City can then officially approve
the Plan and send it to the Metropolitan Council for approval. All cities are required to submit their
comprehensive plans by the end of200S.
Public comment can be provided until the Plan is sent to the Metropolitan Council for review.
However, the City's official public process will essentially be finished by the end of June. If needed,
the process can be extended to ensure there is sufficient time for public comment.
If you have additional comments after tonight's meeting, you will still have time to submit them to me.
This is not your last chance to participate.
Attachments
.
Draft 2008 Comprehensive Plan - April 18, 200S version
1995 Future Land Use Map
200S Existing Land Use Map
2008 Future Land Use Map
Natural Resource Inventory map
.
.
.
.
City of Arden Hills
City Council WorkSessionfor April 21, 2008
\\Metro-inet.us\ardenhillslPlanningIComprehensive PlanlMemosl042J08 - CC Report - Camp Plan - Vision, Policies, and Strategies. doc
Page 4 of 4
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
2008 Comprehensive Plan
City of Arden Hills
DRAFT:
April 18, 2008
1. INTRODUCTION .......... ........ ........ ........... .... ............. ... ...... ........ ....... ........ ................... ............... 5
2. COMMUNlry PROFILE .................................................................................................7
3. CITY ViSiON.................................................................... ................. .................................... 15
4. ACTIVE liVING ...................................................................................................................... 17
5. TwiN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT (TCAAP) PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT ........... 21
6. LAND USE .............................................................................................................................24
7. HOUSING. ..... ... ...... ......... .......... .......... ..... ............... ............. ........... ....... ...... .... ...... ..... ........... 37
8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENr AND REDEVELOPMENT ............................................................. 47
9. PARKS AND RECREATION..................................................................................................... 49
10. PROTECTED RESOURCES............................................................... ............... ... 63
11. TRANSPORTATION .......................................................................................... ... 77
12. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILlIY ................................................91
13. PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE .................... .................. 97
14. IMPLEMENTATION...... ............................................. ....................... ............... ........ 107
Appendices:
A. Glossary
B. Parks and Trails Improvement Maps
C. Transportation System Principles and Standards
D. Transportation Plan Forecasts
E. Water Supply Plan
F. Sanitary Sewer Plan
G. Stormwater Management Plan
lists:
o List of Data Sources
o List of Maps
o List of Figures
o List of Tabtes
DRAFT
4/18/2008
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
2
DRAFT REVISED City Vision
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting,
strong residential neighborhoods, vital business community, well-maintained
infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our long-standing tradition as a desirable City in
which to live, work, and play.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
3
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4(18(2008
4
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
1. INTRODUCTION
Incorporated in 1951, the City of Arden Hills lies approximately eight miles north of
downtown Saint Paul and downtown Minneapolis (Map) in the northwestern portion
of Ramsey County_ The City covers 9.4 square miles and is home to an estimated
population of g, 787 people in 2005. The residents of Arden Hills enjoy a high quality
of living with access to neighborhood and regional parks and trails: superb access to
regional transportation: nearby commercial services; and stable neighborhoods_
In addition to the City's high quality neighborhoods, Arden Hills is home to a number
of large corporations, many small businesses, two private colleges, a high school, an
elementary school, and more than 12,000 jobs. Arden Hills is a strong community
that attracts residents and businesses because of its close-knit neighborhoods,
parks, responsible government, and open spaces. Additionally, the Twin Cities
Army Ammunition Plan (TCMP) property provides the City with an opportunity for
new development to help service the City's current and future residents_
While Arden Hills is a stable community with a bright future, the City does face some
challenges_ The median age has risen dramatically in recent years, a large percent
of the City's land area is tax-exempt, fewer families with children are able to afford a
home in the City, and the regional transportation infrastructure is at or beyond
capacity in many places. With one million new residents expected in the Twin Cities
area between 2000 and 2030, Arden Hills will undoubtedly feel the pressure for
development and the impact of development in other communities_
The Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that asks where are we now, where
do we want to go, and how do we get there. The document reflects the City's value
system and creates a framework for the future by providing an overall vision for the
City. As a guiding tool, the Plan provides a system for measuring progress, direction
for day-to-day and long-term decision-making, and a framework for setting priorities_
This Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan guides the City in several key areas that are
vital to the successful and efficient functioning of the community:
. Land use
. Housing
Transportation
. Infrastructure
. Parks and recreation
. Open space
. Public facilities
Each of the above topics are examined in a comprehensive and community-wide
manner in order to take advantage of opportunities, increase efficiency, and work
toward building a stronger community_
DRAFT
4/18/2008
5
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
This Plan is being prepared as requirement of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act;
however, the City recognizes the importance of planning and setting community-
wide goals. Arden Hills completed its first Comprehensive Plan in 1966 with updates
in 1976,1980, and 1998. It is anticipated that the next Comprehensive Plan review
will take place in 2018.
While this Plan is a guide for development through 2030, it is intended to be flexible
and responsive document that can be amended to acknowledge changing conditions
and new opportunities. This Plan must be continually referenced, updated, and
used on a regular basis. This document provides a path for the City but does not
dictate specific activities or absolute decisions: instead, this Plan is intended to help
City leaders in developing policies, programs, ordinances, capital improvement
plans, and budgets that reflect the overall values and priorities of the residents and
businesses.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
6
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
2. COMMUNITY PROFILE
In order to plan for the future of Arden Hills, it is important to understand where the
City has been, where the City is now, and how the City is likely to change.
Understanding the history of Arden Hills and the trends that affect the City can
provides a basis from which to make belter decisions. Although the past is not a
perfect indicator of future changes, it does give perspective on the status of the
community and suggests where Arden Hills may be heading.
Since 1990, population has increased by nearly five percent, the median household
income has increased, more residents have a higher education, and the number of
jobs in the City has increased. Arden Hills is a stable community and many
residents are choosing to remain in Arden Hills as long as possible. However, high
property values and the relative lack of turnover in the housing stock have made it
difficult for younger households to move into the City. Between 1990 and 2000, the
age 25-34 age group decreased by 32 percent in Arden Hills compared to just
twelve percent in the metropolitan area. The number of families with children
increased by ten percent in the metropolitan area but decreased by seventeen
percent in Arden Hills.
The remainder of this chapter provides additional demographic and economic
information about Arden Hills and some of the changes the community has seen in
the last ten, twenty, and thirty years. While there is the tendency to only look within
the City borders, Arden Hills is part of a larger metropolitan area of seven counties
that include 184 municipalities and three townships. Therefore, a comparison of
Arden Hills' demographic information to adjacent municipalities, Ramsey County,
and the metropolitan area is provided where appropriate. The comparison helps
provide context for this Plan, and helps explain the role that Arden Hills plays in the
larger metropolitan community.
Data from the Metropolitan Council and the Unites States Census Bureau provides
the basis for most of the comparisons in this Chapter. The Metropolitan Council has
prepared population, household, and employment forecasts for the cities and
townships in the metropolitan area.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
7
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFf
2.1 Population
1970 - 2030 Population Change
45,000
40,000
35,000
~ 30.000
o
'g 25,000
g,20,000
o
0..15,000
10,000
o
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
2030
Year
~Arden Hills --....--- Mounds View
New Brighton
Roselille -----;.;-Shoreliew
Figure I - 1970 - 2030 Population Change
Population Change 1970 - 2030
1970 1980- 1~' 2000 1990_2000 2005 2010 2020 2030 2000.2030%
% Change Change
Ardon Hitls 5,149 8,012 9,199 9,652 4_92% 9,787 11,200 13,500 13,500 3987%
Mounds View 10,599 12,593 12,541 12.738 1.57% 12,442 12,900 13,000 13,400 5.20%
Now8righlon 19,507 23.269 22;207 22,206 0_00% 22,113 22,700 22,500 22,800 2.67%
Rosovillo 34,438 35,820 33,485 33,690 0_61% 33,882 36,000 37,000 38,300 13_68%
Shoreview 10,978 17,300 24,587 25,924 5,44% 25,964 28,500 29,000 29,000 1187%
RamsoyCounty 476,255 459,784 485,765 511,035 5_20% 515,258 541,700 510,860 598,000 17_19%
TwinCilies1_County 1,874,612 1,985,873 2,288,721 2,642,056 15.44% 2,810,179 3,056,100 3,430,100 3,692,600 39.76%
Source: Metropolilan Council, United States Census Bureau
. Since 1990, Arden Hills has grown faster than most of its neighbors and almost
as fast as Ramsey County. However, Arden Hills grew significantly slower than
the Metropolitan region, reflecting the mostly developed character of Arden Hills.
. The City's most rapid growth occurred during the 1970s.
. The City population nearly doubled between 1970 and 2000 with an 87 percent
population increase.
. Virtually all of the projected growth through 2030 is anticipated to occur on the
proposed Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) property redevelopment.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
8
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Age Distribution By Year by Percentage
35%
10%
iS1990!
,e2000!
'02012;
30%
25%
15%
5%
0%
17and
under
18"24
years
2544
years
,>54
years
Age
55<'
y~'
65-74
y~'
7,.
Figure 2 - Arden Hills Age Distribution
. In 1990, the median age of an Arden Hills resident was 33.9 compared to 32 in
Ramsey County. By 2000, the median age of an Arden Hills resident had
increased to 36.2 compared to 33.7 in Ramsey County.
. The percentage of people in the age 25-44 age group declined significantly from
1990 to 2000. The slight increase in that age group from 2000 to 2012 is likely
due to potentiai deveiopment on the TCMP property.
. The increase in the 18-24 age group from 1990 to 2000 is likeiy due to the
increase in student popuiations at Northwestern College and Bethel University.
. The over age 55 age groups are anticipated to increase greatly from 2000 to
2012.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
9
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Age Distribution 2000
35%
15%
o Arden Hills
'II Ramsey County;
: [J?_<:-O~~~_M~~~
30%
25%
20%
10%
5%
0%
17and 18-24
Under years
25-44 45-54 55-64 65-74
years years years years
75'
Figure 3 - Age Distribution in 2000
. The higher population in the 18 - 24 age group is largely due to the student
population at Bethel University and other college students.
. Except for the 18 - 24 age group, the Arden Hills population tended to weighted
into the older age groups in 2000. This growth in the older age groups, as noted
in Figure 2, is anticipated to continue.
2.2 Housing
Housing Units and People per Housing Unit
Housing Units People per Housing Unit
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 % Change %01ange 2000 2010 2020 2030
1990-2000 2000-2030
Arden Hills 2,904 2,959 3,800 4,600 4,600 1.89% 55.46% 3.26 2.95 2.93 2.93
Mounds View 4,885 5.018 5,400 5,600 6,000 2.72% 19-57% 2.54 2.3-9 2.32 2.23-
New Bri9hton 8,811 9,013- 9,400 9,800 10,000 2.29% 10.95% 2.46 2.41 2_30 2.28
Roseville 14,216 14,598 15,500 16,000 16,500 2.69% 13.03% 2.3-1 2.32 2.31 2.32
Shoreview 9,280 10,125 11,000 11,300 11,300 9.11% 11.60% 2.56 2.59 2.57 2.57
Ramsey County 201,016 201,236 219,170 231,670 246,290 0_11% 22.39% 2.54 2-50 2.46 2.43
Twin Cities 7 County 947,465 1,021,456 1,213.800 1.386,200 1,513,100 7.81% 48.13% 2.59 2.52 2.47 2.44
Source: Iv'etropoman Council
. The increase in housing units from 2010 to 2030 Is anticipated to be largely on
the TCAAP property.
. The number of people per housing units in Arden Hills Is likely higher than
adjacent communities, Ramsey County, and the metropolitan region due to
college students.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
to
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Age of Housing Stock
1000
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
o
Figure 4 - Age of Housing Stock (2000 Census and City Building Permit Data)
Year Built (Housing)
rv1edian 1974
Mean 1969
Mode 1979
. Most of the housing units Arden Hills were built in the 1970s with more than 900
units.
. Half of the homes in Arden Hills were built before 1974.
. More homes were built in 1979 than in any other year.
. There has been a significant drop in the number of housing units constructed as
the availability of undeveloped land has significantly decreased.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
11
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Housing Type
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Of
"'~
,,0
6'
y
""
0"
o
."
.S'
"
~,,/
."
,,0
~p
,/
."
0'
~~
~*'
\?:l'<:-
~
,0
qj/f
+.~
;,.'*
od?
."
o Single Fanily (attached arid detached) B [)JplaJce5 0 MJIil.FmTiIy and attached housing 0 M:lbile horres . Other l1n~5
Figure 5 - Housing T)'pe
. Almost 81 percent of the housing in Arden Hills is single family housing
compared to a metropolitan average of 69 percent.
. Arden Hills has a lower percentage of multi-family housing (10.5%) than its
neighbors, Ramsey County (32%), or the seven county metropolitan area as a
whole (26%).
. Nine percent of the housing in Arden Hills is manufactured/mobile homes
compared to a regional average of just 1.6 percent.
2.3 Employment
Employment Projections 1990 - 2030
1990 2000 2010 2020 2030
Arden Hills 10,929 12,429 15,200 17,100 17,100
Mounds View 4,382 7,400 8,900 9,400
New Brighton 10,542 12,900 14,400 15,600
Shoreview 9,829 14,200 15,800 16,800
Roseville 39,103 42,500 44,700 46.100
Source: Metropolitan Council
. In 2000, Arden Hills had 28 percent more jobs than residents.
. Arden Hills is anticipated to have more jobs than people through 2030.
. Much of the employment growth after 2010 is anticipated to be on the TCAAP
property.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
]2
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
2.4 Household Income
Median Household Income (1999)
$80,000
~
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
$20,000
$10,000
Figure 6 - Household Income
. The median household income in Arden Hills in 1999 (in 1999 dollars) was
$64,773.
. The Arden Hills median household income was $50,660 in 1989 (1989 dollars).
. The median household income in Arden Hills was almost 42 percent higher than
the Ramsey County household median income and 12 percent higher than the
seven county metropolitan area.
2.5 Travel to Work
In Progress.
2.6 Education
DRAFT
4/18/2008
13
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Educational Attainment. 2000
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Arden Hills
Ramsey Counly
Melro
rBThose 18 and O>.er, High School Gradual; -.- Th~-~-25- Y-;;~~-;;-d- O\€[, Bachelor's Degree or higher
Figure 7 - Educational Attainment
.
In 1990, slightly less than 50 percent of Arden Hills residents had a bachelor's
degree or higher. In 2000, slightly more than 50 percent had a bachelor's degree
or higher.
At 91 percent, the population with a high school degree is higher than Ramsey
County or the metropolitan average.
.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
14
City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
3. CITY VISION
On a day-to-day basis, the City provides an array of services that are needed to
maintain a high-quality of life and contribute to the overall success of Arden Hills.
This Plan is divided into chapters that address a range of topics, including land use,
housing, and transportation among others. While each chapter has its own goals
and policies, the chapters are not independent of each other. This Plan should be
viewed as an integrated whole in order to take advantage of opportunities that may
be able advance goals and policies from more than one chapter.
It should be noted that the chapters, goals, and policies in this Plan are not
presented in order of importance or priority. Each goal and policy has been
identified as a tool to advance the overall City vision. The primary purpose of this
Comprehensive Plan is to support and advance the City's long-term vision:
Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential
neighborhoods, vital business community, well~maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and
our long-standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play.
The community will work to achieve this overall City vision by working to advance
the following goals in this Comprehensive Plan:
Active Living - Enhance the health, safety, and well-being of all who live, work, and visit the City.
TCAAP Redevelopment - Develop TCAAP in a way that accommodates a mix of land uses that
is sensitive to the natural environment, economically sustainable, and compatible with the existing
neighborhoods in Arden Hills.
Land Use - Develop and maintain a land use pattern that strengthens the vitality, quality, and
character of our residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial areas while
protecting the community's natural resources and developing a sustainable pattern for future
development
Housing - Develop and maintain a strong, vital, diverse and stable housing supply for all
members of the community.
Economic Development and Redevelopment - Promote the development and maintenance of a
viable, innovative, and diverse business environment serving the residential, business and
regional community.
Parks and Recreation - Create a comprehensive, well-maintained, and interconnected system of
parks, pathways, and open spaces as well as a balanced program of recreational activities for
residents of all ages, incomes, and abilities.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
15
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Protected Resources - Preserve, protect and restore the community's natural resources,
including open spaces, lakes, wetlands. other significant natural features, and historic resources.
Transportation - Provide a transportation system that has convenient and effective multi-modal
connections within Arden Hills and to adjacent municipalities. the remainder of the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area and greater Minnesota.
Environmental Conservation and Sustainability - Promote conservation and sustainable design
practices in the preservation. development, redevelopment. and maintenance of the City's natural
and built environment.
Public Facilities, Infrastructure. and Services - Provide efficient and high-quality public facilities,
services. and infrastructure.
Each chapter in this Pian further explains the background information for each goal,
policies to advance the goal, and other implementation options. The policies and other
implementation techniques listed in this Plan are not intended to be all-inclusive and
there is overlap between chapters. As new opportunities or tools arise, they should be
considered even if not included in this Comprehensive Plan.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
16
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
4. ACTIVE LIVING
Goal: Enhance the health, safety, and well-being of all who live, work, and visit the
City.
In 2005, the City received a grant from Biue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota to
incorporate active living principles into the City's into the Comprehensive Plan. The
purpose of the grant was to encourage cities to create a natural and built
environment that encourages more physical activity and, subsequently, leads to an
increase in overall public health. There is no single solution to increasing physical
activity or public health, and the City does not seek to change personal choices.
However, the City can work to remove obstacles to physical activity and increase
opportunities for healthy living choices.
4.1 Active Living Principles
Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines.
Removing obstacles in the built environment and encouraging a built
environment that promotes physical activity can be achieved through the
planning process. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota's goal is to accumulate
at least 30 minutes of activity for each person each day. Individuals may achieve
this by walking or bicycling for transportation, exercise or pleasure; playing in
the park: working in the yard: taking the stairs: and using recreational facilities.
In committing to promote and increase physical activity, the following principles
serve as a guide to advancing the active living movement:
1. Physical activity is a behavior that can favorably improve health and quality
of life.
2. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, language, ethnicity,
economic status or ability, should have safe, convenient and affordable
choices for physical activity.
3. The City and new developments should be designed to provide a variety of
opportunities for physical activity and should accommodate a wide range of
individual preferences and abilities.
4. Development patterns should encourage mixed uses and compact design
where appropriate as well as a variety of transportation choices.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
t7
5. Buildings should be designed and oriented to promote opportunities for
active living, especially non-motorized transportation.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
6. Transportation systems, including transit, should provide safe, convenient
and affordable access to housing, worksites, schools and community
services.
7. Parks and green space, including pathways, should be safe, accessible and
part of a transportation network that connects destinations of interest, such
as housing, wOrksites, schools, community services and other places with
high population density.
8. Municipalities and other governing bodies should plan for ongoing
interdisciplinary collaboration, promotion of facilities, behavioral supports,
policies that institutionalize the vision of active living, and routine
maintenance that ensures continued safety, quality and attractiveness of the
physical infrastructure.
9. Community governing and planning processes should address the multiple
impacts of the built environment and transportation choices on residents'
ability to be physically active.
The above active living principles are based on the principles prepared by the
Active Living by Design group (www.activelivinqbvdesiqn.orq).
4.2 Applying Active Living Principles
This chapter in and of itself does not encompass all of the goals or policies
related to the active living movement Where applicable, active living principles
have been incorporated throughout this Plan to encourage coordination between
goals, policies, and strategies. For example, reconstructing a road in the
transportation chapter is related to creating a new pathway in the parks and
recreation chapter, which increases opportunities for physical activity and healthy
living.
In addition to the goals and policies throughout this Comprehensive Plan, the city
seeks to advance the overall active living goat with the following additional
policies:
o Incorporate active living principles into City regulations, new
developments, and redevelopments where feasible.
o Consider active living principles when evaluating new policies,
procedures, and proposals.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
18
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
o Evaluate the City's regulations to identify and remove obstacles to active
living where feasible.
19
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
20
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
5. TwiN CIIIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANr (TCMP) PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT
Goal: Develop TCAAP in a way that accommodates a mix of land uses that is
sensitive to the natural environment, economically sustainable, and compatible with
the existing neighborhoods in Arden Hills.
5.1 Introduction
The former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) property occupies
approximately the northern one-third of Arden Hills covering about 3.7 square
miles (2,370 acres). The property is bounded by Highway 96 on the south,
Highways 10 and 35W on the west, Lexington Avenue on the east, and County
Road I on the north. In 1941, the federal government started construction on
the property for munitions production during World War II and ultimately for the
Korean and Vietnam Wars. The entire TCAAP property was included in the
Arden Hills municipal border when the City incorporated in 1951.
Plans to redevelop portions of the TCMP property had been in the works since
at least the 1980s when decommissioning of the plant started. However. it was
not until 1994 that the federal government formally declared 774 acres of the
TCAAP area as excess property that was to be sold. In order to have a more
proactive and holistic planning process for the excess property, the City, along
with a selected private developer, entered into a purchase agreement with the
federal government in 2007 to purchase 585 acres of land adjacent to Interstate
35W and Highway 10 (Map).
Other pieces of former TCMP property have already been transferred or sold to
other governmental entities, including 70 acres to the Minnesota Department of
Transportation, 154 acres to Ramsey County (including the 112 acre Rice Creek
corridor), and 6.9 acres to the City of Arden Hills. The remaining 1,560 acres
has been leased to the Minnesota National Guard and is expected to remain
under federal ownership for the foreseeable future.
In preparation for redeveloping the 585 acres that will be sold to the City, the
City has undertaken a community planning process to determine how that
property should be reused. Previous redevelopment concepts had assumed
that more than 585 acres of the TCMP property would be redeveloped;
however, as the market has changed, so to have the potential mix of land uses
for the property. While a final land use plan will not be approved in time for
inclusion in this Comprehensive Plan, the most recent unapproved concept plan
from 2007 has been included to help provide context to the Plan (Figure X). The
City will continue the land use planning process through 2008.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
2]
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Changes in Proposed TCMP land Reuse (acres)
1982 1998 2008
(unapproved)
C Residential 970 445 168
0
E
~. CommerciaUlndustrial 500 222 182
.E.
o ~
,<: Parks and Other Open Space
0 805 252 168
v
0
'" Institutional, Roads, & Other Public Use 95 215 65
Rice Creek Tra~ Corridor "' "' 112
Parks Preserve/Arden H~ls Army Training Site
(AHATS)fUS Anny Reserve "' 1,237 1,562
Other (MnDot, Ramsey County, Arden Hills) n, "' 113
Total 2,370 2,370 2,370
AcBragBis approximalB
Once the City adopts a TCAAP redevelopment pian, the Comprehensive Plan
will be amended to include all of the TCMP redevelopment, including approved
land uses, housing densities, transportation infrastructure, traffic generation,
parks, open spaces, and water resource data_ In preparation for that
amendment, this Comprehensive Plan outlines the overall vision for the TCMP
property, preliminary elements from the potential reuse plan, and the next steps
in the property's redevelopment.
Since it is the City's goal to fully incorporate the TCMP property into the fabric
of the community, the preliminary land use, housing, parks & open space,
transportation, and other components of the proposed TCMP redevelopment
have been integrated into their respective chapters_ The overall City vision,
goals, and policies of each chapter apply to the entire TCMP redevelopment.
5.2 Environmental Cleanup
Portions of the TCMP property were subject to environmental contamination
during its four decades as a munitions manufacturing plant and testing area_
The Unites States Army started environmental cleanup in the 1980s and
cleanup of the groundwater will continue for a number of years_ Additional
environmental characterization and testing is underway to determine the extent
of the cleanup that remains that the 585 acres that is proposed to be
redeveloped_ Where needed, the property will be cleaned up to required
standards for residential, commercial, and recreational uses_
DRAFT
4/18/2008
22
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
5.3 Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS)
The area of TCMP that is being retained by the federal government has been
leased to the Minnesota National Guard for training purposes. While much of
the area will remain open space, the National Guard is in the process of
developing a master plan for a training facility that would be located on the north
and west sides of the Ramsey County/Arden Hills Public Works Facility at the
Hamline Avenue and Highway 96 intersection (Map). Since the training facility
would be located on federal land, they are likely not required to obtain
permission from the City for planning or construction purposes. However, the
City does seek to maintain a working relationship with the Minnesota National
Guard on planning activities and to potentially collaborate on a community
center as part of the training facility.
5.4 Redevelopment Timeline
While the redevelopment timeline has not been fully determined, construction is
not anticipated to begin before 2009. The project is likely to be completed in
phases over a ten to twenty year period; however, the development tirneline will
depend on market conditions. Once the City establishes a complete
redevelopment plan for TCMP, a more detailed redevelopment timeline will be
developed.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
23
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
6. lAND USE
Goal: Develop and maintain a land use pattern that strengthens the vitality, quality,
and character of our residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and industrial
areas while protecting the community's natural resources and developing a
sustainable pattern for future development
To advance this land use goal, the following policies are proposed:
o Evaluate and amend the land use regulations to achieve the highest
possible development standards, enhance the natural environment,
protect public health, support a vital mix of land uses, and promote flexible
approaches to implement the Comprehensive Plan.
o Ensure that land use regulations promote development that is compatible
with nearby properties, neighborhood character, and natural features:
minimizes pedestrian and vehicular conflict: and visually enhances
development.
o Preserve the stability and quality of the city's neighborhoods while allowing
for redevelopment that is complimentary to existing development.
o Provide a balanced mix of residential, park, open space, residential, and
commercial land uses.
o Require all new development to be constructed at a density of at least
three residential units per net residential acre.
o Explore the possibility of creating a community gathering space.
6.1 Introduction
land use is a defining characteristic of a community. While land use does not
operate independently from the other characteristics that create a community, it
is the binding factor between transportation, housing, parks, paths, and other
characteristics. Through zoning and subdivision regulations, cities have powerful
tools to guide the long-term, look, feel, and vitality of their community.
The areas south of Highway 96 were mostly developed by the end of the 1970s,
and the City is classified as fully developed by the Metropolitan Council's 2030
Regional Development Framework. Except for the TeMP property, less than
three percent of the developable land in Arden Hills is vacant. The City does not
anticipate significant land use changes south of Highways 96 and 10; however,
there are certain parts of the City that may see land use changes andlor
redevelopment in the next 25-30 years. The redevelopment of the TCAAP
property is by far the largest development opportunity in the City. The entire City
is located within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA).
DRAFT
4/18/2008
24
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Although few land use changes are expected in the developed part of Arden
Hills, there are certain areas that are likely to have redevelopment pressure in
the near future. The City seeks to take a proactive stance to protect the high
quality of life that residents have to expect and to prepare for future
redevelopment opportunities. Potential implementation strategies for advancing
the land use goal are also included.
To help evaluate changes in land use and guide future land use, this chapter
includes land use information from the 1998 Comprehensive Plan, current land
uses, and future land uses.
6.2 Future land Use - 1998 Comprehensive Plan
The 1998 Comprehensive Plan included a future land use map (map) and
proposed mix of land uses for future development, including potential land uses
for the proposed TCMP redevelopment (Figure X):
1998 Comprehensive Plan. Future Land Use
land Use Acres
~ Low Density Residential 1,114
Medium Density Residential 199
~ Hgh Density Residential 5
.
! TolalResidenliaJ 1,318
I Neighborhood Business 9
" Co!1TJ"ercial 132
~
, Industrial 390
0
~ Parks 350
Subtotal 2,199
MxedResidenlial 445
MxedBusiness 222
~
~ R>ck' 251
u ParkA-eserve 1,237
~
AJb~cflnstitutiOlla) 215
Subtotal 2,370
Right-of-way (rrajor roacts only} & Open Water 1,585
Total 6,154
The 1998 future land use data did not include detailed open water coverage or
right-of-way area information, which has made it difficult to compare to 2008
actual land uses. In order to make a somewhat more direct comparison between
the existing land uses in 2008 and the proposed future land uses from 1998,
estimated right-of-way and open water data has been incorporated into the 1998
land use data (Figure X). Due to the way land use data is calculated by the
Metropolitan Council, only the rights-of-way for divided highways are calculated.
The right-of-way area for city streets and smaller roadways are included with the
adjacent land use.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
25
1998 Comprehensive Plan -Adjusted Future Land Use
Land use Acres
Low [))nsity Residential 1,064
" l'IecHum Density Residential 129
'" Hgh Density Res1den~al 5
~
~ Tota/Residential 1,199
1 Neighborhood Business 20
I Corrrnercial 10'
'5 hdustrial 407
~
3 Poc" 336
0
'" RJblic& hstitulional 339
Subtotal 2,406
MxedResidential 445
MxedBusiness 222
~
:J' Poc" 251
U Park Fteserve 1237
>-
RJblic/nslUuliona\ 215
Subtotal 2370
. Water 684
~
is Right-of-way 694
Total 6.154
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The following descriptions were used to define the future land use categories in
the 1998 Comprehensive Plan:
1_ Low density residential (LDR) - traditional single-family residential land
use category_ A density range of three to five units per acre is allowed_
2. Medium density residential (MDR) - apartment and townhome land
use category for providing densities of up to eight units per acre_
3. High density residential (HDR) - apartment and townhome land use
category providing for densities of up to twelve units per acre_ Mobile
homes are also included in this category_
4. Mixed Residential (MR) - designed to provide for a variety and mixture
of housing types, particuiarly in the TCMP area. This category will
allow for those types of units not readily available now in the City.
5_ Neighborhood business (NB) - neighborhood business designates
small, isolated areas for neighborhood commercial land uses when
they are compatible with surrounding residential uses_ Commercial
uses that are high traffic generators, noise generators, or otherwise not
compatible with residential neighborhoods, are inappropriate_
Typically, neighborhood business areas will be located on intersections
or nodes that are on the edge of residential areas, are less desirable
sites for housing, or have traditionally been occupied with
neighborhood services_
6. Commercial (C) - areas designated for a broad range of retail
shopping and services to meet the needs of the community_
DRAFT
4/18/2008
26
Oty of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Compatible uses such as office buildings are aiso intended for this
area.
7. Mixed Business (MB) - areas designated for a variety of business,
commercial and industrial uses, including office, general business,
retail, and industrial uses. This designation will be used for the future
commercial/industrial uses on the TCMP property.
8. Industrial - areas designated for a broad range of industriai uses,
including office, warehouse, and manufacturing.
9. Public & Institutional (PII) - designates areas for uses including
government buiidings, colleges, schools, and churches.
10. Pars - areas designated for city and county parks.
11. Park Preserve (PP) - areas designated as natural and scenic areas
that are to be preserved for public use.
12. Right-of-way (ROW) - public vehicular, transit rail, and/or pedestrian
rights-of-way.
13. Water (WAT) - includes permanently flooded open water, rivers and
streams, and wetlands (may not include all national wetland inventory
wetlands on the map).
6.3 Existing Land Use - 2008
The 2008 existing land use data is shown in Figure X.
2008 Existing Land Use
Land Use Acres
Single Farrily Attached n
Single Farrily Detached 920
MJltipteFarrily 12
M3nufacturedt-busing 48
" Tota/Residential 1,057
'" Neighborhood Business 12
m
~
. Corrrnercial 65
.
{; Office 140
I Mxed Use hdustrial 106
"5
~ Ughtl1dustrail 132
'5
0 Park and Open Space 363
~
RJblic& I1stitulional 359
Uirrty 20
Vacant 131
Subtotal 2,385
~ RJbllc&l1stitutional 2.090
~ Park and Open Space 112
<)
>- Subtotal 2,202
Water 796
~ghl-of-way 771
Total 6,154
DRAFT
4/18/2008
27
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Since the 2008 current land use data is based on actual land usage while the
1998 future land use data was based on what was anticipated to occur, the two
data sets will not match. The differences between the two data sets are largely
attributable to more accurate data in 2008, the acknowledgement of vacant land,
and the delayed redevelopment of the TCMP property. The 2008 land use
categories are more specific because existing land uses can be calculated while
the 1998 future land use numbers were based on anticipated development The
2008 future land use data will again use the more general land use categories,
similar to the 1998 future land use data.
Since 1998, the available land use data has become more detailed and accurate.
The availability of more accurate data is reflected in the water category. While
yearly fluctuations may have contributed to the change in water cover, more
accurate data is likely the reason for the 88 increase water cover. There were,
however, a few developments between 1998 and 2008 that contributed to actual
land use changes. The Hazelnut Park #3 subdivision and subsequent extension
of Katie Lane increased the amount of land used for right-of-way while the road
that connected Red Fox Road to Grey Fox Road was vacated.
Of the 131 acres of vacant land in 2008, approximately 70 acres are zoned for
residential, 40 acres are zoned commercial, and 21 acres are light industrial.
The vacant land does not include the TCMP property, which is currently
classified as public/institutionalland.
The current land uses on the TCMP property are the most notable differences
from what was expected in the 1998 future land uses. Since 1998, the number of
acres that were anticipated to be part of the TCMP redevelopment has been
reduced and the redevelopment delayed. While a specific redevelopment
timeline for TCMP has not been set, much of the redevelopment is anticipated
to occur in phases over the next ten to twenty years depending on market
conditions.
The 2003 existing land uses are classified into the following categories:
1. Single family detached (SFD) - includes all detached single family
homes.
2. Single family attached (SFA) - includes all attached single family
homes such as town homes with separate entrances.
3. Multiple family (MF) - includes apartment buildings and condominiums
of more than one story.
4. Manufactured housing (MH) - includes manufactured and mobile
homes in specialized parks.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
28
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
5. Neighborhood business (NS) - neighborhood business designates
small, isolated areas for neighborhood commercial land uses when
they are compatible with surrounding residential uses.
6. Commercial (COM) - areas designated for a broad range of retail,
shopping, and services to meet the needs of the community and
region. Compatible uses such as office buildings are also intended for
this area.
7. Office (OFC) - Predominantly administrative, professional, or clerical
services: includes medical clinics
8. Light Industrial (L1) - primarily light manufacturing andlor processing of
products: could include light industrial land use, distribution,
warehouse facilities, and offices as a secondary use.
9. Mixed Use Industrial (MUI) - includes light manufacturing andlor
processing, warehousing, distribution, and offices.
10. Public & Institutional (P/I) - areas designated for uses such as
government buildings, colleges, schools, and religious uses but not
medical uses.
11. Utility (UTL) - Public or private land occupied by a power substation,
water tower, municipal well, pumping station, or similar use.
12. Park and Open Space (P/OS) - areas designated as public parks.
13. Railroad right-of-way (RR) - Railroad right-of-way.
14. Vacant (VAC) - Private land not occupied with a building or use.
15. Right-of-way (ROW) - public vehicular, transit andlor pedestrian rights-
of-way.
16. Water (WAT) - includes permanently flooded open water, rivers and
streams, and wetlands (may not show all national wetland inventory
wetlands on the map).
6.4 Future land Use
While the remaining vacant land south of Highways 96 and 10 is likely to be
developed, the 2008 future land use data does not anticipate significant
changes to the developed residential areas of Arden Hills (map). Most of the
City's projected population, household, and employment growth will occur on the
proposed TCMP redevelopment. However, there are a few potential land use
changes in the developed part of Arden Hills south of Highway 96 and 10, which
are described in the below subsections.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
29
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
2008 Future land Use
Land Use Acres
low Density Residential 978
fvledium Density Residential 84
~
m High Density Residential 12
u
c Total Residential 1,074
ro
'" Neighborhood Business 11
"
~ ColT"fTIarcial 126
ro
. Light Industrial and Office 306
~
m
I Public & Institutional 435
" Utilities 13
~
" Park and Open Space 630
0
"'
Park Reserve 1,389
Subtotal 3,984
"- Mixed Residential 218
<( tvtixed Business 312
<(
()
<- Subtotal 531
" Undetermned 70
~ Water 796
15
Right-of-way 774
Total 6,154
*Based on 2007 Concept Ran. Parks and
open space are included. Subject to
Change.
6.4.1 Future land Use Classifications
There are fifteen future land use classifications in the future land use map:
1. low density residential (lDR) - traditional single-family residential land
use category. A density range of three to six units per acre is allowed.
2. Medium density residential (MDR) - apartment and town home land
use category for providing densities of six to nine units per acre.
3. High density residential (HDR) - apartment and townhome land use
category providing for densities of nine to twelve units per acre.
4. Mixed Residential (MR) - provides for a variety of housing types and
densities in close proximity, including single-family detached homes,
single-attached homes, condominiums, town homes, apartments, and
senior housing options. The anticipated average density is 10.4 units
per acre, though the density will vary on the property. This land use is
designated for the proposed TeMP redevelopment and is subject to
change once a final land use plan is selected.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
30
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
5. Neighborhood business (NB) - neighborhood business designates
small, isolated areas for neighborhood commercial land uses when
they are compatible with surrounding residential uses. Commercial
uses that are high traffic generators, noise generators, or otherwise not
compatible with residential neighborhoods, are inappropriate.
Typically, Neighborhood Business areas will be located on
intersections or nodes that are on the edge of residential areas, are
less desirable sites for housing, or have traditionally been occupied
with neighborhood services. Dwelling units of three units per acre or
more maybe permitted within a mixed use development that includes
non-residential structures.
6. Commercial (C) - areas designated for a broad range of retail,
shopping, and services to meet the needs of the community and
region. Compatible uses such as office buildings are also intended for
this area.
7. Mixed Business (MB) - areas designated for a variety of businesses,
including commercial, certain light industrial uses, warehousing, office,
general business, retail. This designation will be used for the future
business uses on the TCMP property.
8. Light Industrial and Office (1/0) - areas designated for a broad range of
light industrial uses such as warehousing with manufacturing. This
land use may also include offices.
9. Public & Institutional (P/I) - areas designated for uses such as
government buildings, colleges, schools, and religious uses but not
medical uses.
10. Utility (UTL) - Public or private land occupied by a power substation,
water tower, municipal well, pumping station, or similar use.
11. Park and Open Space (P/OS) - areas designated as public parks.
12. Park Preserve (PP) - areas designated as natural or scenic areas that
are to be preserved for public use or open space.
13. Railroad right-of-way (RR) - public or private freight or passenger rail
activities.
14. Right-of-way (ROW) - public vehicular, transit andlor pedestrian rights-
of-way.
15. Water - includes permanently flooded open water, rivers and streams,
and wetlands (may not show all national wetland inventory wetlands on
the map).
6.4.2 Former City HalllPublic Works Property
The 6.82 acre former City HalllPublic Works property is undergoing a
community vision process to determine how the property should be
DRAFT
4/18/2008
31
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
redeveloped (map). The property was home to the Arden Hills City Hall
and Public Works for many years. While a redevelopment plan for this
property was not adopted in time for this Comprehensive Plan, residential
uses or a mix of residential and small-scale commercial uses are
anticipated. If developed as residential, the property would be developed
at a density of at least three units per acre.
6.4.3 B-2 General Business District Small Area Plan
In March 2008, the City initiated a visioning and small area planning
process for the B-2 General Business District, which is centered on
County Road E between Lexington Avenue and Hamline Avenue/Highway
51 (MAP). This area hosts a number of retail, service, and office uses.
Long considered the downtown of Arden Hills, the district is a mix of newer
and older buildings. As this corridor ages, redevelopment is anticipated.
The purpose of the planning process is to develop a long-term vision for
the future redevelopment of this corridor as well as address transportation,
land use, infrastructure, landscaping, and other issues related to this area.
The results of this study may be incorporated into the Comprehensive
Plan.
6.4.4 Lexington Avenue Small Area Plan
The industrial/office area between that is bounded by Lexington Avenue,
Hamline Avenue/Highway 51, Interstate 694, and the Canadian Pacific
railway (MAP). This area is used by a number of small and large
businesses for a variety of retail, distribution, warehousing, and office
uses. This area was largely developed between the 1950s and 1970s.
While the areas good transportation access has helped continue to make
this area viable, some of the buildings are becoming functionally obsolete
for modern manufacturing and warehousing uses. As redevelopment
pressure increases, a small area plan may be required to
comprehensively address the overall redevelopment needs in this area of
the City.
6.4.5 Manufactured Home Community
The Arden Manor manufactured home community is an importance source
of affordable housing in the City. Bounded by Interstate 35W, Highway
96, and Highway 10, the neighborhood has begun to face pressure from
adjacent highways and land uses. While it may be necessary to evaluate
DRAFT
4/18/2008
32
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
the land use of this property at a future date, the City anticipates this
property remaining as a residential use for the foreseeable future.
This section requires further discussion with the Planning Commission and
City Council prior to being written
6.4.6 TeAAP Redevelopment
As noted in Chapter 5, a land use plan for TCAAP has not yet been
adopted by the City; however, the City recognizes the importance and
potential impact of the proposed TCAAP redevelopment. Therefore, the
preliminary, unapproved land use data for TCAAP has been included.
Upon selection of a land use plan, this Comprehensive Plan will be
amended to reflect the approved land use designations in TCMP.
The future land use map currently includes just two land uses, Mixed
Business and Mixed Residential (MAP). There will be institutional uses,
parks, wetlands, and arterial roads on the property: however, their exact
locations have not been determined. The most recent unapproved
concept plan for TCAAP includes the following land uses:
Proposed TCAAP Land Reuse (unapproved)
Acres
C Residential 168
.
E
~. Commercial/Industrial 182
.Q .
. '
>'" Parks and Other Open Space
. 168
u
.
<r Institutional, Roads, & Other Public Use 65
Rice Creek Trail Corridor 112
Parks Preserve/Arden Hilts Army Training Site
(AHA TS)/US Army Reserve 1,562
Qlher (MnDot, Ramsey County, Arden Hills) 113
Total 2,370
cerage;.appro><imate
The TCMP property is anticipated to host a mix of uses, including retail,
office, hotel, office showrooms, parks, open spaces, and a variety of
housing types and densities. Housing types will likely include single family
homes, townhomes, senior housing, apartments, and condos, though
market conditions will impact what can be built. As of February 2008, the
unapproved concept plan included approximately 1,750 housing units on
168 acres (parks and wetlands have not been removed from this acreage)
for an average potential density of 10.4 units per acre. The TCMP
DRAFT
4/18/2008
33
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
property is aiso anticipated to have affordable housing, though an exact
number or percentage has not been determined.
All TCAAP redevelopment information is subject to change once a final
land use and redevelopment plan is selected.
6.4.7 Development Capacity and Net Residential Density
The Metropolitan Council's 2030 Regional Development Framework
requires an average net residential density of at least three units per net
residential acre. Densities lower than this are not an efficient use of the
region's sanitary sewer infrastructure. Net residential acreage is
calculated by subtracting wetlands, water bodies, public parks, arterial
streets, and identified natural resources that are protected by ordinance
from gross acres. The number of net residential acres is then divided by
the number of lots to determine net residential density.
According to the 2005 land use data provided by the Metropolitan Council,
there were ~.. ...~, of net residential land in Arden Hills. The United
States Census Bureau lists 2,994 households in Arden Hills in 2005.
Therefore, the residential density in the developed portion of Arden Hills is
approximately 2.27 residential units per net residential acre. While this is
below the three units per net residential acre required by the Metropolitan
Council, the City is not required to raise densities in the built portion of
Arden Hills. However, all future development will need to be developed at
a minimum of three units per net residential acre or greater.
There are no expected land use changes that would result in a reduction
in net residential density in the developed part of Arden Hills. The vacant
residential land south of Highway 96 and 10 is already zoned for
development at densities of at least three or more units per acre.
The unapproved concept plan for the TCMP property includes 168 acres
of residential area and 1,750 residential units for a preliminary average
density of 10.4 units per net residential acre. This density is only
preliminary because wetlands, parks, and protected natural areas have
not been removed from the 168 acres that are anticipated to be used for
residential development. The densities in the residential areas will be
varied to allow for a variety of housing types.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
34
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan ~ DRAFT
6.4.8 Staged Development
As previously noted, the development timeline for the proposed TCMP
redevelopment is not yet known. The land uses provided in this
Comprehensive Plan for TCMP have not been approved by the City and
have only been included to provide context for the reuse of the TCMP
property. Commercial or residential development on TCMP is unlikely to
start before 2009 with completion before 2030 depending on market
conditions. Once a land use plan for the TCMP property is approved, a
staged development plan that addresses land use and infrastructure
impacts in five year increments will be included with an amendment to this
Comprehensive Plan. The entire property is within the Metropolitan Urban
Service Area (MUSA).
The areas south of Highways 96 and 10 are considered fully developed.
While a small amount of vacant land exists in the developed portion of the
City, development on the vacant land is unlikely to have a significant
impact on the City's or Metropolitan Council's infrastructure.
6.5 2030 Regional Development Framework
On January 14, 2006, the Metropolitan Council adopted the 2030 Regional
Development Framework to guide growth in the seven county metropolitan area
through 2030. The Framework includes regional growth policies and it defines
the community role in achieving these policies. The policies that are applicable
to Arden Hills include:
Policy 1: Work with the communities to accommodate growth in a flexible,
connected and efficient manner.
Policy 2: Plan and invest in multi-modal transportation choices based on the full
range of costs and benefits, to slow the growth of congestion and
serve the region's economic needs.
Policy 3: Encourage expanded choices in housing location and types, and
improved access to jobs and opportunities.
Policy 4: Work with local and regional partners to conserve, protect, and
enhance the region's vital natural resources.
The City of Arden Hills supports these policies and the vision, goals, and policies
identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan seek to support and advance the
Metropolitan Council's 2030 Regional Development Framework.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
35
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
In order to advance implementation of this land use chapter, the below activities
are proposed. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive and additional activities
that advance the land use goal are encouraged to be developed.
o Update the City's Zoning Code to bring it into conformance with the land
uses in the Comprehensive Plan.
o Ensure that land use regulations promote development that is compatible
with nearby properties, neighborhood character, and natural features;
minimizes pedestrian and vehicular confiict; and visually enhances
development.
o Evaluate zoning regulations to ensure that sufficient buffers are provided
between commercial, industrial, and residential uses to protect the
character of the City's residential neighborhoods.
o Develop small area plans for the B-2, B-3, B-4, and I-Flex Zoning Districts.
These plans will provide a more detailed redevelopment vision for
incorporation into this Comprehensive Plan.
o Develop design standards for all commercial and industrial developments
to ensure the construction of high-quality and aesthetically enhancing
development.
o Develop zoning regulations that restrict housing construction that is not
sensitive to the character of the existing neighborhood.
o Continue to enforce property maintenance codes to protect the quality and
property values in the City.
o Develop zoning classifications for all future development on the TCAAP
property.
o Adopt design standards for the TCMP development to create a cohesive
character that compliments the established neighborhoods in the City.
o Work to maintain the remaining federal land on TCAAP as park preserve
space.
6.6 Implementation Strategies
The above strateoies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and
strateoies should be identified to further advance the Citv's housino ooal and
[lolicies.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
36
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
7. HOUSING
Goal: Develop and maintain a strong, vital, diverse and stable housing supply for all
members of the community.
To achieve this housing goal, the following policies are proposed:
. Encourage the development of a variety of housing options by preserving and
increasing high-quality housing opportunities that are suitable for a mix of
ages, incomes and household types.
. Encourage the incorporation of affordable, life cycle, and work force housing
into new development and redevelopment where feasible.
. Maintain the quality, safety, and unique character of the City's housing stock.
. Preserve and strengthen the community's neighborhoods to maintain a high-
quality of life for residents.
. Encourage housing development and redevelopment that is complimentary to
and enhances the character of the City's established neighborhoods.
7.1 Introduction
One of the principal roles of a community is to serve as a place to live. In Arden
Hills, III percent of all of the land area in the community is currently used for
housing (not including TCAAP). Of privately owned developed land, housing
accounts for _ percent of the development. Because housing is such an
important part of Arden Hills, maintaining the quality of the current housing stock
while providing long-term opportunities for new housing is important to the ongoing
vitality of the community and to retaining Arden Hills' reputation as a highly
desirable place to live.
7.2 Context
In 2000, Arden Hills had 3,024 housing units. Over 80% of Arden Hills' housing
stock is comprised of single-family homes (both detached and attached). The only
other significant types of housing in the community are apartments with 10 or more
units (2.74% of all housing) and mobile homes (9.06% of all housing). There are
very few duplexes and townhouses in Arden Hills, housing types that are very
popular in other Twin City area communities. Arden Hills has the second highest
percentage of single-family homes compared to adjacent communities and also is
significantly above the averages for Ramsey County and the Twin Cities seven
county metropolitan area.
Housino Tvoe - Fiqure 1
DRAFT
4/18/2008
37
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
2,500
2,000
~ ~
------ ~ ~
,
._.,_.~.
i.i.
.
51.500
~
.
~ 1,000
"
500
E11990_2ooo
10ormoreunits Mobilehome,
trailer,orother
1-unildetached 1-unilattached
2to4unils 5to9units
Source: US Census
Housina Tvpe - Fiaure 2
Housing Type
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%-
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
~..
c"
,"
c
,.
c"
,"
c
.'
.~
'"
.:i:-"P
.'
~"
-.4....0-i!-
."
~,S'
"
i::-li'
~~
.,.'
.~
e"
,"
'"
.~
.>
"
0~
Famly(altachedand delached) iii Duplexes o I\.\Jlrt_Farrilyand anached housing o Mobile horres . Other units
Source: US Census
Household composition will playa role in defining future housing needs in Arden
Hills. Between 1990 and 2000, increases were seen in both the number of non-
family households and in householders living alone.
Households - Fiaure 3
DRAFT
4/18/2008
38
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
3,500-
2,904 2,959
',000
I,,,,,;m ',~
" 1,883
. .
: Jlf .."~ m ,,''';. '00
""~ ~"'
. , -
--- -- -
'''"
'000
""
Source: US
Tololhou",holds Familyhou",holds Morried-couple
(fomili...) lomily
Nonlamily f-Iou",hold€rlivi~g
hou",holds alone
Census
fll900_2000
Additionally, the age of Arden Hills' residents will also impact housing choices.
Arden Hills' population continues to get older. From 1990 to 2000, there was a
significant increase in residents between 45 and 54 years of age. By 2012, this
segment will continue to get older resulting in a significant increase in the
population that is 55 to 64 years old. Additionally, by 2012 notable increases in the
population between 65 and 74 as well as the 75+ age group will continue to occur.
Ace Distribution - Fiaure 4
Age Distribution By Year by Percentage
35%
25%
131990!1
&12000'
02012::
30%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
17 and
under
18-24
years
2,."
years
45-54
years
Ag.
'5-04
years
65-74
years
75,
Source: US Census and Maxfield Research Group
The age of the existing housing stock is also an indicator of potential future needs.
From 1970 to 1979, 920 housing units were built in Arden Hills, the most of any
decade to date. Of note is the fact that 70% of the housing in the community was
constructed prior to 1980. Homes that are older than 30 years may typically need
DRAFT 39
4/18/2008
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFf
more repairs and renovations, According to recent data from Ramsey County,
1974 is the median date of construction of housing in Arden Hills and the mean
date of construction is 1969.
Aae of Housinq Stock - Fiaure 5
Age of Housing Stock
1000
900
BOO
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
o
Source: US Census (pre-2000 data) and City of Arden Hills (post 2000 data)
7.3 Housing Projections
The total number of housing units in Arden Hills is projected to increase by over
55% between 2000 and 2030,
Housina Proiections - Fiaure 6
Housing Units and People per Housing Unit
Housing Units People per Housing Unit
"'" 2000 2010 2020 2020 %Cha~e % Change 2000 20" 2020 2020
'990,2000 2000-2030
Arden Hills 2,904 2,959 3,000 4,600 4JiOO 1.89% 55,46% 3.26 2.95 2_93 293
MoundsView ',885 5,018 5,400 5.000 6,000 2.72% 19.57% 2" 2.39 2,32 2.23
New Brighton 8,811 9,013 9,400 9,800 10,000 229% 10.95% 2,46 2.41 2.30 22
Roseville 14,216 14,598 15,500 16,000 16,500 2.69"1. 13.03% 2.31 232 2.31 2
Shoreview 9,280 10,125 11.000 11,300 11,300 9.11% 11_60% 2'" 2.59 2.57 2.57
Ramsey County 201,016 201,236 219,170 231,670 246,290 011% 22.39'% 2," 250 2,46 W
Twin Cities 7 County 947,465 1,021,456 1,213,800 1,386,200 1,513,100 7.81% 4813"';' 2.59 252 2,47 2.44
Source: MelropOlilanCouncil
The rate of projected housing growth in Arden Hills surpasses all adjacent
communities as well as Ramsey County. In establishing its projections, the
Metropolitan Council is assuming full development of the buildable portion of the
DRAFT 40
4/18/2008
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
TCMP property by 2020 which will also represent essentially a full build-out of
Arden Hills. Consistent with long-term trends, the average occupancy of a housing
unit in Arden Hills is projected to continue to decline from 3.26 persons per unit in
2000 to 2.93 people per unit in 2020 and 2030.
7.4 Housing Issues
Three primary housing issues will need to be addressed by Arden Hills in the next
20 years. They include housing diversity, housing affordability, and housing
quality. Each is discussed below.
7.4.1 Housing Diversity
Life-cycle housing which was referenced in
the housing goals is a common term used to
describe the provision of housing types for
all stages of life. Life-cycle housing is based
on the premise that as people go through
life, their housing needs change. A young
person getting out of school and just starting
out usually cannot afford to own a home so
they often begin by renting. As a person
grows older, they often establish a family
and buy their first home, sometimes either a
starter home or townhome. As a family's
income grows, they may move up to a larger
home. Once the children leave and the family size decreases, parents often move
back to a smaller home with fewer maintenance needs or to one of the growing
number of either single-family or multi-family housing options that has an
association that take care of home and property maintenance. Eventually, as a
person ages, there is often a need for assisted living or an extended care facility.
.-I!"""''''''','
S',H"",',.,'
~''''-,.
~
TJucLift'Cydt' ~
Hr>Il..illgChaill ~~J@
~
,::::';:,:;,~, ~.
~ tI? ",,,,,.,,"~,
~'",b"".~.
~ fl,c Bi~Si,,~lc
n ~i Fom..,'yll,,",,'
Housing in Arden Hills today is primarily focused on one stage of the housing Iife-
cycle, move-up housing. Ironically, a significant number of units constructed in
Arden Hills during the 1970s were oriented to a first-time homebuyer market. As
housing prices have risen over the past three to four decades, what was once
priced for a first-time buyer is now classified as move-up housing do to escalated
prices. Arden Hills does still have a limited supply of more entry level housing. In
2007, there were 285 units in the Arden Manor manufactured home community and
approximately 80 percent of the units were owner occupied.
Rental housing is another component of life-cycle housing that needs to be
addressed over time, Rental housing is an important component of the overall
DRAFT
4/18/2008
41
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
housing supply since it provides options for both the beginning and later stages of
the life-cycle chain. It may also serve the needs of several segments of the
population including retail service employees, seniors, young adults just entering
the workplace and economically disadvantaged households. At the present time,
rental housing comprises only 15% of the total housing in Arden Hills, which
includes one traditional apartment building in Arden Hills with 37 units. The other
rental units in apartment style buildings are oriented toward the senior population.
According to the 2000 Census, less than 2 percent of the single-family homes in
the community were renter occupied.
Arden Hills promotes housing diversity through its long-term goals, policies, and
strategies. The market is also expected to exert pressure on the City for more
housing diversity. As was noted earlier, factors such as an aging population, a
population that has more non-family households, and increased numbers of
householders living alone is expected to drive demand for more attached, multi-
family housing. Multi-family units expected to be in demand are likely to be
oriented toward both owners and renters.
7.4.2 Housing Affordability
Affordable housing is an issue in every Twin Cities area community. With housing
costs outpacing many wages, it is becoming increasingly important to focus on
affordable housing in order to meet the needs of essential community members
including teachers, police officers, and retail workers. Because of the disparity of
housing costs and wages throughout the Twin Cities, affordable housing continues
to be a major initiative of the Metropolitan Council.
According to the Metropolitan Council, housing is considered affordable if it is
priced at or below 30% of the gross income of a household earning 60% of the
Twin Cities median family income. In 2007, the area median income for the seven-
county Minneapolis-St. Paul area adjusted by the Department of Housing and
Urban Development for a family of four was $78,500. At the present time, housing
is considered affordable if housing costs for a family of four are below 30% of
$47,100.
To implement the Livable Communities Act in 2007, the Metropolitan Council uses
as the upper limit of affordability for ownership purchase price and monthly rents,
the following dollar amounts:
2007 HOMEOWNERSHIP
Household Income Level: Affordable Home Price
80% of area median income ($62,800) $206,800
60% of area median income ($47,100) $152,000
DRAFT
4/18/2008
42
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
2007 RENTAL HOUSING
Bedroom size: 'Monthly gross rent including tenant-paid
utilities, affordable at 50% of area median
income
Efficiency $ 687
1 bedroom $ 736
2 bedrooms $ 883
3 bedrooms $1,020
4 bedrooms $1,138
In January of 2006, the Metropolitan Council reieased a report entitled
"Determining the Affordable Housing Need in the Twin Cities 2011-2020". The
report not only forecasts the regional need by 2020 for newly constructed,
affordable housing but it allocates each community's share of the regional need.
The total need for newly constructed housing in the Twin Cities is estimated to be
51,000 units between 2011 and 2020.
Each community's share of the regional need is allocated based on a number of
factors. All cities start with the same base allocation that 30.6% of their new
housing units shouid be affordable. Allocations are then adjusted by job proximity,
the composition of the housing stock and access to transit service. Based on the
formula, the Metropolitan Council has allocated a need for 288 affordable housing
units to Arden Hills between now and the year 2020. In order to ensure that this
need can be met, Arden Hills' future land use plan is required by the Metropolitan
Council to allocate sufficient areas of medium and high density residential
deveiopment to accommodate this future growth. As will be discussed later, the
development of the TCMP property has the potential to meet part of all of this
need.
In addition to ensuring that there is sufficient land designated that has the potential
to provide affordable housing, the City of Arden Hills is committed to continuing its
participation in the Metropolitan Livable Community Program. As a participant
since XXXX, the City of Arden Hills continues to be eligible to compete for grant
funding provided by the Livable Communities Act (LCA) to assist with clean-up
operations for polluted land for redevelopment, creating development or
redevelopment opportunities that demonstrate efficient use of land and
infrastructure through connected development patterns, and opportunities to create
more affordable housing.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
43
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
7.4.3 Housing Quality
Except for the TCMP property, much of Arden Hills is fully developed. As was
pointed out earlier, the age of 70% of the current housing stock makes ongoing
maintenance a community concern. If Arden Hills' existing neighborhoods are
going to remain attractive places to live, owners will need to continue maintenance
and reinvestment efforts.
Encouraging housing maintenance can be done in two ways, either through
voluntary efforts or through regulatory requirements. Many communities rely on
both. Ideally, all residents will maintain their property in a sound and attractive
manner. Realistically, however, a small percentage of properties will not be
adequately maintained and in such cases, they can have a significant negative
impact on surrounding properties and even the neighborhood as a whole.
Arden Hills relies primarily on individual owners to maintain property. The City has
nuisance provisions in its local code, it enforces the Minnesota State Building
Code, and the International Property Maintenance Code was adopted in 2007. As
was noted in the housing policies, the City stands ready to consider the adoption of
a rental licensing code should it become necessary. Additionally, Arden Hills will
continue to work with programs offered by county. regional, state and federal
agencies as appropriate. Such programs are more limited than they were in the
past due to changes in priorities and reductions in funding.
7.5 Future Opportunities
While Arden Hills does still have a number of smaller, infill vacant parcels south of
Highway 96, future housing opportunities will largely come from the development of
the TCAAP site. TCMP offers an unparalleled opportunity to create an exciting
mix of housing integrated with employment, entertainment, recreation and transit
service. A definitive plan for TCMP is not part of this comprehensive plan update
but will be addressed in a subsequent amendment.
As it is currently envisioned, TCMP will include approximately 350 acres of
development area. Although not yet approved, the concept plan in 2007 included
168 acres of residential development with an average gross density of at least six
units per acre, with the potential for as high as 43 units per acre in select areas.
This development area has the potential to accommodate single-family housing on
a range of lot sizes, manor homes, townhomes, apartments, condominiums and
senior housing. The remaining developable land on the TCMP site may
accommodate retail uses, offices, a hotel, a variety of civic uses, parks, and other
open spaces.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
44
City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan ~ DRAFT
The residential component of the TCAAP site will offer a future mix of housing that
will compliment Arden Hills' current supply of predominately single-family detached
housing. It will provide opportunities to address the changing needs of the local
population and it will attract new people to the community. Combined with the
City's efforts to maintain the current supply of housing, the development of the
TCAAP site will further strengthen Arden Hills' position in the marketplace as a
highly desirable place to live.
7.6 Implementation Strategies
In order to advance the policies and ideas identified in this chapter, the following
implementation strategies could be used:
. Review City codes to consider and encourage a range of housing
opportunities and innovative site design.
. Educate property owners and residents on housing and property maintenance
codes.
. Explore the adoption of a rental licensing code to ensure the functionality and
maintenance of rental properties.
Explore the adoption of an administrative fining program to deter ongoing
nuisance and property maintenance issues.
. Promote the use of high quality materials in new housing construction to
minimize long-term deterioration of the housing stock.
. Ensure safety, livability and durability of the housing stock through
enforcement of the Minnesota State Building Code.
Develop regulations that prohibit the construction of housing that is not
compatible with the scale of the existing neighborhood.
. Develop standards for protecting lakes, wetlands, trees, and other open
spaces during redevelopments and infill projects.
. Consider establishing architectural guidelines for new developments and
redevelopments.
. Pursue orants or other oP.RQrtunities thatmomote the construction of
affordable housino.
The above strategies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and
strategies should be identified to further advance the City's housing goal and
policies.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
45
I Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
46
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT
Goal: Promote the development and maintenance of a viable, innovative, and
diverse business environment serving the residential, business and regional
community.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
47
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
48
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan ~ DRAFT
9. PARKS AND RECREATION
Goal: Create a comprehensive, weil-maintained, and interconnected system of
parks. pathways, and open spaces as weil as a balanced program of recreational
activities for residents of ail ages, incomes, and abilities.
To achieve this parks and recreation goal, the following policies are proposed:
o Develop, maintain, and encourage the use of a system of neighborhood
parks and pathways that are safe and engaging, which includes:
. Developing, maintaining, and encouraging the use of north-south. and
east-west arterial pathways that connect with neighborhood paths
within the City and to regional trails.
. Connecting neighborhoods, parks, and other destination points
through a Citywide trail and pathway system.
. Strengthening the park and path system by making improvements as
feasible through the annual budgeting and CIP process.
o Provide recreation programs that address the interests of all segments of the
community, induding children, adolescents, adults, families, and seniors.
o Encourage non-motorized transportation and commuting in and outside of
Arden Hills to reduce reliance on motor vehicles and increase physical
activity.
o Protect and encourage access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas for
active and passive recreation.
o Plan for parks, trails, and recreation on the TCMP property that addresses
the interests of Arden Hills residents.
o Explore financing options to improve and expand the City's parks and trail
system.
o Promote the removal of invasive species throughout the park and
recreational system.
o Pursue outside funding sources for parks and trail improvements.
o Construct way-finding signage for parks and trails.
o Explore options for collaboration with other governmental and educational
entities to provide an array of high-quality recreational programs.
o Work and coordinate with Ramsey County, the Metropolitan Council, and
other applicable organizations to enhance the park. pathway, and recreation
system.
9.1 Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan
The City recognizes that demographic, recreation, and environmental trends will
impact park, recreation, trail, and open space user needs. To prepare for future
needs, the City of Arden Hills underwent a community planning process in 2002
DRAFT
4/18/2008
49
that resulted in the Parks, Trails, and Open Space (PTOS) Plan. The PTOS Plan
analyzed the City's current parks and recreation system facilities and developed
a long-term vision for the City's parks and recreation system. In order to realize
the City's vision, the PTOS Plan set a framework for funding, operations, and
improvements to increase efficiency and achieve the long-term parks and
recreation vision and priorities for the City. The vision and goals in the 2002
PTOS Plan were updated by the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee and
adopted by the City Council in 2006.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
While progress has been made on implementing the 2002 PTOS Plan, much
remains to be done. Since the PTOS Plan was intended to guide programs,
improvements, and decision-making through 2020, this chapter largely reflects
the content in the 2002 PTOS Plan and the 2006 update to the PTOS plan.
As part of the 2002 PTOS planning process, the City identified long-term trends
to help determine future park, trail, and recreation needs. Recreation interests
and participation are influenced by a number of factors, including, age, access to
facilities, income, available leisure time, interest in the environment, new
recreation technology, and social trends. In general, people are looking for
quality recreation that is close to home, but they are willing to travel to obtain
higher quality or more specialized activities or environments. The PTOS Plan
identified the following recreational trends in the Twin Cities in recent years:
. Trail use has boomed for all types of activities (walking, running, biking, in-
line skating, etc);
. Non-contact recreation activities are growing;
. Interest in arts and natural areas is growing;
. Participation in many team sports has plateaued or in some cases
declined:
. More youth are specializing in one sport and training year-round:
. Soccer participation has increased:
. Golf popularity has increased:
. Woman's sports have increased;
. Off-leash dog parks are growing in popularity:
While this list is not intended to be all-inclusive or unchanging, it does provide
insight into likely future needs in Arden Hills and can help the City set
programming and funding priorities.
9.2 Regional Park and Recreation System
Although the Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan focuses on local needs, the
community recognizes that Arden Hills is connected to and participates in a
DRAFT 50
4/18/2008
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
larger, regional network of parks, pathways, and open spaces. The Metropolitan
Council's regional park system includes 48 regional parks and six special
recreation areas that cover more than 52,000 acres. The regional system also
boasts 22 regional trails that span 170 miles.
Arden Hills is linked to three regional trails and is home to one regional park
(map). The Highway 96 Regional Trail crosses the City from east to west
adjacent to Highway 96. The trail is primarily on the south side of the highway;
however, it remains incomplete between Highway 10 in Arden Hills and old
County Road 8 in the City of New Brighton. The proposed reconstruction of
Highway 10 and 96 includes completing this trail, which would connect Arden
Hills to Long Lake Regional Park in New Brighton. Completion of this trail is
supported by the City.
The Lexington Parkway Regional Trail spans the entire length of the Shoreview
and Arden Hills border on the eastern side of the City. While the trail is complete
on the Shoreview side of Lexington Avenue, it is only extends from Tanglewood
Ave. to County Road F in Arden Hills. As redevelopment occurs and other
opportunities arise, the City does seek to complete the trail to both the north and
south on the Arden Hills side of Lexington Avenue.
The Rice Creek North Regional Trail, which is currently under construction in the
northwestern corner of the City on former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
(TCAAP) property, is set to become an important connection in the metropolitan
region's trail system. The land adjacent to Rice Creek was part of the federally
owned TCMP property: however, approximately 112 acres were transferred to
Ramsey County in 2006 for incorporation into the Ramsey County park system.
The 2.2 mile, 10 foot wide trail will be open to walkers and bikers. The trail is
anticipated to be complete in the summer of 2008.
Designated a regional park in 2006, the 217 acre Tony Schmidt Regional Park
extends from the northern shore of Lake Johanna to the west side of Mounds
View High School on Lake Valentine Road. Perry Park, a City of Arden Hills
park, divides Tony Schmidt Park: however, a railroad underpass completed in
2006 provides a trail connection across Charles Perry Park to the two sections of
Tony Schmidt Park. Much of the park is open space; however, the park offers an
array of facilities and is connected to local trails.
There are a number of regional parks within a short distance of Arden Hills. Long
Lake Regional Park is located in New Brighton, and the Snail Lake Regional Park
is in Shoreview. The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park is in Shoreview,
Circle Pines, and Lino Lakes.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
51
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
9.3 Arden Hills Park and Recreation System
Arden Hills has fifteen City parks ranging in size from one _acre to 28 acres and _ .
other open areas that cover more than 145 acres (map). There is also
approximately 11 miles of trails, which are primarily located on or adjacent to
County Roads. The surface of these trails varies between asphalt, concrete,
gravel, mulch, and grass. The parks in Arden Hills provide a varying but wide
array of amenities ranging from tennis courts and playgrounds to baseball
diamonds and picnic shelters (Table X). The City parks are well-distributed
throughout Arden Hills south of Highway 96 and most residents are within one
mile of a City park; however, controlled access roads prevent easy access to
some parks that would otherwise be close by.
There are four lakes entirely within Arden Hills and one lake in Arden Hills in
Roseville in the area south of Highway 96. Lake Johanna and Lake Josephine
have public access and beaches, though the public access to Lake Josephine is
in Roseville. Lake Valentine is a relatively shallow lake adjacent to Bethel
University with some limited public use and access. Karth Lake, which is located
southwest of the Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue intersection, is adjacent to a
public park but is primarily used for non-motorized recreation by the surrounding
property owners. Round Lake is unusable for recreation purposes due to
contamination from the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. The entire
shoreline of Round Lake is owned by the federal government. and there are no
public accesses.
9.4 Parks and Recreation Maintenance, Upgrades, and Expansions
Figure X shows the recommended parks, trails, and open system for Arden Hills.
This map shows recommended park additions and acquisitions, new pathways,
and path connections. For additional detail, Appendix X, includes a map of each
park with recommended park renovations. The proposed upgrades are based on
the 2002 Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan, which included extensive public
input.
9.4.1 Park Renovation and Upgrades
In an effort to meeting changing demographics, public safety, and the desires of
the community, the City of Arden Hills should continue to upgrade and renovate
existing parks based upon a five to ten year capital improvement plan (CIP).
Maps indicating individual park improvement recommendations were prepared
for the 2002 Parks, Trail and Open Space Plan based on community planning
DRAFT
4/18/2008
rD~i~;~'.i~.~rt~~~:-:-~______________~
52
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
process (appendix X). The recommendations are intended to improve public
safety, aesthetics, function, and efficiency of individual parks as well as to
promote overall public health and activity.
Future park improvements should be based upon the following recommendations
from the PTOS Plan as well as the funding supply. Where possible, park
renovation should be done all at once in each park to minimize park disruption,
reduce costs through efficiency of construction, and improve park function.
Individual park renovation recommendations are summarized below by park:
. Arden Manor Park - Provide a new entrance drive, parking lot and trail
connection when Highway 96 is reconstructed. Add a looped trail around the
pond and to the future TCAAP trails. Define edges of the park with new trees
and landscaping. Add new shaded benches near park features. Add a sign
and map at the park entrances to provide parks and trail identification.
. Arden Oaks Park - Add a paved trail from north to south across the park to
connect the park features and to meet ADA accessibility requirements. Add
benches and trash containers near the park features. Add trees and
landscaping to provide shade, spatial definition, and to improve aesthetics.
. Charles Perry Park - Move entrance drive to line up with Thom Drive. Add
new warming house in close proximity to the skating rink (this will eliminate
the conflict with skaters having to cross the entrance drive). Add a drinking
fountain with jug filler. Pave the existing skating rink for inline skating and half
court basketball). Add a new open ice skating area. Turn existing warming
house into a storage shed. Add a paved trail connecting the parking lot to the
play structure and a trail from the future picnic shelter to the unpaved trails
below hill. Add a kiosk map and identification sign. Complete trail from
pavilion to Tony Schmidt underpass trail. Work with Bethel University to
provide access across and to the Ona Orth sports complex. Acquire the
single family home nearest the park to accommodate future uses.
. ,Crepeau Park - Add a new unpaved trail from Pine Tree Drive to Benton Way
on the north side of the wetland. Add a new unpaved trail loop near southwest
edge of Park. Add a children's play structure and picnic tables near entrance
on Benton Way. Utilize the Dellwood right-of-way for an improved entrance.
Add trail signage.
. Cummings Park - Add a new unpaved looped trail near the lake. Provide
directional signs on City streets to guide users to the park and parking area
on the property to the south of the park. Add parkingfTrail Head near the City
DRAFT
4/18/2008
Deleted: <#>Chatham Trails-Add a '
sign and map at the park entrances to .
provide park and trail identification.1[
~
53
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
water tower south of the park. Add a bench on the new trail for lake viewing.
Add trail signage for more identification.
. Floral Park - The trail entrance in the northwest corner of ihe park is narrow,
overgrown and in poor shape and should be reconstructed. Individual
amenities within the park should be connected to trails for ADA accessibility.
Additional unpaved looped trails should be constructed in the park to provide
more walking and nature watching opportunities amenities. Add trail signage
for identification.
. Freeway Park - Add a new paved parking lot off of County Road E. Add
parking stalls off of Arden Place. Pave the hockey rink for year-round use.
Add a paved trail and upgrade existing half basketball court. Remove former
street paving.
. Hazelnut Park - Connect existing recreational features to paved trails for ADA
accessibility. Replace the warming house with a new structure. Install
shaded benches near recreational features. Add lights from parking lot to
skating rink. Add a drinking fountain. Add trail signage for identification.
. Ingerson Park - Add a connecting trail to Lexington Avenue, Fernwood Court,
and Lake Lane, utilizing a sewer easement to Femwood as a trail corridor and
Lake Lane as a trail access point. Connect all existing and future park
features to paved trails for ADA accessibility. Add trail signs for identification.
. Johanna Marsh - Resurface tennis courts. add a park siqn. add benches.
. Lindey's Triangie- Provide benches. Install a paved trail segment connecting
the Snelling cul-de-sac to County Road E.
. Round Lake Open Space - Add a trail connecting Old Highway 10 to the trail
west of Round Lake by easement or land acquisition. Add a parking lot at
Parkshore Drive. Add community garden plots and soccer fields. Acquire
more land for additional soccer fields as needed by the City. Add a sign and
map at the park entrances to provide park and trail identification.
. Royal Hills - Add a paved trail through the park.
. Sampson Park - Add landscaping within the park to provide interest and
improve aesthetics. Detach the basketball court from the road pavement and
replace with a trail segment. Add trail signage for identification, including
the Elmer L Andersen Memorial Trail designation.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
; Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5"
t Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
54
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
. ,Valentine Park - Complete drainage study_ and drainage improvements for
the future of the park. The following improvements are contingent upon the
results of the study: Add a looped trail around the inside of the park. Connect
existing recreational features to paved trails for ADA accessibility.
Reconfigure parking lot to detach park features from the parking lot
pavement. Add a new warming house/picnic shelter. Move the half basketball
court. Add screening for the outdoor bathroom facility.
9.4.2 Recreation
The City currently has an extensive recreation program. While the program has
been primarily focused on youth and adolescent activities, an increased need for
teen, adult, and senior activities was identified in the 2002 PTOS Plan as well as
the community meetings held for the 2008 Comprehensive Plan update. A study
should be undertaken to determine the demand for such program, the types of
program that are needed, potential funding sources, and the possibility of
collaborating with other public and private organizations. To help inform the
recreation program development process, advisory groups for seniors, teens,
children, and other interested groups should be formed or consulted.
9.4.3 Pathway Expansion and Upgrades
A number of neighborhoods in Arden Hills have pathways; however, in order to
provide a connected and complete pathway system in Arden Hills, additional
arterial and neighborhood paths are needed. While paths are very popular for
recreational purposes, there is also a growing demand for utilitarian pathways
that connect residential areas to destinations such as commercial areas, offices,
parks, and other popular places. Providing multiple destinations on a pathway
system can increase use, promote physical activity, and reduce motorized travel.
The 2002 PTOS Plan and the community have called for paths to be constructed
or for unofficial paths to be upgraded at the following locations:
DRAFT
4/18/2008
55
Ir D;i~t~d';'~#;'Rid9';';~~d-"-"-""----- -----,
Neighborhood Park (unofficial name)
- Resurface tennis court. Add
I benches for wildlife viewing. Add
i parksign.~
IJI
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Segment Trail location Distance
Feet Miles
A Cleveland Ave. (County Road "0" to Stowe Ave.) 2,623 0.5
A.2 Cleveland Ave. (Thorn Ct. to existing path off Cty E2) 1.672 0.32
B County Road D(CJeveland to New Brighton Road} 2.644 0.5
C New Brighton Road (County Rd. 0 to Stowe Ave.) 2,957 0.56
C.1 New Brighton Road (Stowe Ave. to County Road E2) 5,333 1.01
D County Road E2 (New Brighton Rd. to Old Hwy. 10) 3,309 0.63
D.1 County Road E2 (Cleveland Ave. to New Brighton Rd.) 671 0.13
E R.C. Open Space (from Cty Rd. E2 to Venus) 686 0.13
E.1 R.C. Open Space (from segment E path to MVHS) 1,925 0.36
F Tony Schmidt Underpass trail North to County Road E2 (lift station rd.) 1,560 0.3
F.1 Perry Park Pavilion to Underpass Trail Head 1,399 0.27
G County Road E (Indian PI. to lk. Johanna Blvd.) 739 0.14
G.1 lake Johanna Blvd. (County Rd. E to Tony Schmidt Underpass Trail) 979 0.19
G.2 lake Johanna Blvd. (From Segment G.1to Old 10 - Snelling) 2,854 0.54
H County Road E (Old 10-Snelling to Connelly Ave.) 2,185 0.41
I Snelling Ave. (Highway 51 to County Road E) 4,376 0.83
1.1 Old Highway 10..snelling (Cty Road E2 through CP Rail) 1,056 0.2
1.2 Old Highway 10..snelling (from CP Rail to County Rd. E2) 2,415 0.46
1.3 Old Highway 10--Snelling (from Cty. Road E2to Hwy. 96) 3,115 0.59
J Lake Valentine Road (Mounds View H.S. to Old 10--Snelling) 2,258 0.43
K Parkshore Or. (from Old HIN'f 1Q-Snelling to beginning of Rd. lake Trall) 2.025 0.38
K1 Gateway Blvd. (from proposed segment K to Round Lk. Road) 2,165 0.41
K2 Round lake Trail (Complete the loop that has a gap behind Nott Co.) 2,421 0.46
L County Road 96 {Complete trail west from existing path to 35W} 3,941 0.75
M North Snelling Ave. (From County Road 96 to Briarknoll) 2,827 0.54
N County Road F (From Lexington to Hamline) 2,534 0.48
N.1 Hamline {From County Road F to Floral Drive 605 0.11
0 Lexington Ave. (From County Road F to County Road E) 5,280 1
0.1 Lexington Ave. (From County Road E to Shoreline lane) 5.212 0.99
0.2 Lexington Ave. (From Tanglewood to County Road 1- West Side) 7.890 1.5
P Crepeau Preserve (From Cannon to Crepeau Nature Preserve) 838 0.16
P.1 Pine Tree Orive(From Cly Road E to existing grass trail into Crepeau} 1,266 0.24
Q Highway 51 (From Old Hwy. 10fSnelling 10 just past Glenhill Rd) 1,373 0.26
Total Future Trails 83,133 15.78
The above list is not a ranked priority list of proposed path expansions and
upgrades. Jhe City has identified certain trail segments that are crucial for
developing needed north-south path connections that are divided by major
highways G, G1, G2, I, 11, 12, and 13. In coordination with the capital
improvements plan (CIP), a prioritv list should be created and updated on a
vearlv basis to take advantaqe of opportunities as thev arise.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
56
r"[;i-;t~d: While a full ranking--;;;;;;;;"-l
l to be developed, t j
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFf
o County Road E over Highway 51 - The existing bridge is very narrow
and unsafe for pedestrians or bicyclists. This location is a key connection
between the east and west portions of the City. The City should work with
Ramsey County and MnDOT to either expand or reconstruct the bridge to
create adequate pedestrian and bike crossings or build a freestanding
bike and pedestrian bridge near the vehicle bridge.
In conjunction with Ramsey County and MnDOT, grade separated crossings of
major roads and railroads is one of the more important actions the City can take
to improve the path network, increase safety, enhance access to parks,
encourage increased physical activity, and help tie the community together. The
following connections and improvements, some of which are noted in the above
list, are recommended from the 2002 PTOS Plan and the community meetings:
o Highway 96 - A trail underpass shouid be installed at a selected location
between Highway 10 and Lexington Avenue. The grade-separated
connection would provide access to City Hall, the TCMP area, and the
developed portion of the City south of Highway 96. A trail crossing of
Highway 10 should also be incorporated into the Highway 96 and 10
intersection when it is rebuilt.
o Highway 10 - There are two potential grade separated crossing locations
along Highway 10. The first potential crossing is just south of Royal Hills
Park and the other is within TCMP north of Highway 96. A minimum of
one grade separated crossing must be built.
o Interstate 35W - There are two potential locations for a pedestrian and
bike bridge over Interstate 35W. At least one crossing should be
constructed. A significant option is to convert the existing railroad bridge
located just north of Interstate 694 to a pedestrian/bike crossing. This trail
would connect the Round Lake area to the City of New Brighton trails and
Long Lake Regional Park. A second trail option is proposed to be located
north of Highway 96 to conneclthe TCMP area with Long Lake Regional
Park.
o Interstate 694 - There are two potential locations for pedestrian and bike
connections over Interstate 694. Both connections are critical to a north-
south pathway in Arden Hills.
. Lexington Avenue - While there is a pathway on the Shoreview
side of the Lexington Avenue bridge, there is not a path on the
Arden Hills side of the bridge. When the Interstate 694
reconstruction occurs, a pathway should be provided at this
location.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
57
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
.
Hamline Avenue/Highway 51 - A pathway across Interstate 694
near Hamline Avenue/Highway 51 must be constructed when
Interstate 694 is reconstructed.
o Trail Siqnaqe - add small trail identification maps that include distance,
name, and standard citv identification where needed.
Implementing the pathway expansion and improvement plan will require
cooperation with Ramsey County, MnDOT, the school districts, and other
private and public entities. The City recognizes that the entire network
cannot be completed at once: however, the above list represents the long-
term goal of a comprehensive pathway network to facilitate recreational
and utilitarian uses.
9.4.4 Bikeways
In order to promote increased physical activity and non-motorized
transportation, a review of study of the City's policy on using bikes on
paths should be undertaken.
9.4.5 Acquisitions for Park and Open Space
While there is very litlle vacant land available in the City outside of the
TCAAP property, the 2002 PTOS Plan did identify three locations that
should be incorporated into the City's park and recreational system.
These locations will expand open spaces, connect paths, increase
recreational opportunities, and provide more complete City parks:
o Charles Perry Park - The residential property adjacent to Charles Perry
should be acquired to minimize the potential conflict caused by refiected
light, noise and trespassing while providing an opportunity to expand the
recreational offerings in the park and to provide better park access.
o Round lake Park - The open land west of Round Lake Park should be
acquired to provide adequate space for community soccer fields. The
amount of property to acquire should be determined by the number and
size of the fields needed. This land should be obtained by park dedication
and acquisition as possible.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
[~~~~_~~2~~~i:~~;~=-~~~~=~)
r Formatted: Bullets and Numbering !
~.".,._.'.'n...'.".,'_.._ _ _ _ n _n _ __ _'""00,.1
( Formatted~ Font: Not Bold
58
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
o Round Lake Trail Easements - The remaining easements should be
acquired to complete the trail around the west and south sides of Round
Lake".
9.5 TCAAP Park and Recreation Opportunities
The proposed redevelopment of the TCAAP property is likely to include a large,
central community park as well as an undetermined number of smaller
neighborhood parks and open spaces. Of the 585 acres that are part of the
proposed TCMP redevelopment, 118.9 acres are tentatively planned to be
used for parks and open spaces. Approximately 112 acres has already been
transferred to Ramsey County, which includes Rice Creek. The County is
currently constructing a pathway on both sides of the Creek that will eventually
be an important connection to the rest of the City through TCMP.
In the northeastern corner of the property, 76.5 acres is proposed to be
dedicated for public use (map). While the exact public use of this area has not
been determined, it is known that this area will not be developed. This area is
likely to include some type of regional athletic use, such as ball fields or soccer
fields.
The remaining 42.4 acres are anticipated to be used for community parks,
gathering spaces, and open spaces. The preliminary land use design for the
TCAAP property includes a large park in the central part of the property and a
number of small neighborhood parks along the eastern boundary (map). The
exact layout and use of these parks has not been determined: however, they are
likely to be focused on local park and recreation needs.
As part of the TCMP redeveiopment planning process, a detailed park, open
space, and pathway plan is being prepared, which will likely be incorporated into
this Comprehensive Plan upon completion.
9.6 Implementation Strategies
9.6.1 Priority Selling
To help ensure continued progress on implementing this Plan, a long-term
priority list must be set by the City. With the priorities laid out, the City will be
able to make spending determinations on an annual basis and coordinate
improvements with other projects such as road improvements. The priority list
DRAFT
4/18/2008
,-_.._-----,._."-'-"-,._.__.,..__._--~--_._-_._--"-~,
I Deleted: and make the trail i
! connection to the 1-35W railroad ,
I bridge (potential future trail crossing). J
59
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
will need to be evaluated on a yearly basis to measure progress and to adjust
the list with changing circumstances and priorities. A fully functioning and
complete park and pathway system adds to the attractiveness of the City and to
the values of all property owners. Creating a project list each year will also help
the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee focus on implementing high priority
projects.
While a long-term priority list will help the City in the decision making process
and help plan for future expenses, the list must be flexible. As new projects,
needs, and opportunities arise, it may be necessary to adjust the list to take
advantage of opportunities that may not yet be known. A priority list will require
City Council and PTRC discussion and cooperation.
9.6.2 Partnerships
MNDOT & Ramsey County Transportation - The City should work with MnDOT
and Ramsey County Transportation to make sure that pathway additions and
crossings are in their transportation master plans, included in reconstruction
projects, and are a priority for funding and implementation in their capital
improvement plans (CIP).
Ramsey County Parks - The City should work with Ramsey County to continue
implementation on the Tony Schmidt Master Plan, the Rice Creek trail system,
and other regional park and trail projects that connect to or impact Arden Hills.
Mounds View School District - The City has an opportunity to work with the
school district and the two facilities in Arden Hills to increase trail access to the
schools, promote safe routes to school, and increase youth physical activity.
Bethel University and Northwestern College - Both of these campuses have
trails that can be accessed by the public. The City should work with these
organizations to ensure continued access to these trails and to make
connections with City trails.
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) - This unprecedented development
in Arden Hills offers an opportunity to greatly expand the City's park and pathway
network. The City must continue to work with the developers to ensure a park
and pathway system is constructed that meets the needs of current and future
residents.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
60
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
9.6.3 Financing
While the City supports the park and recreation system, it is recognized that
other needs in the City compete for funds. In order to successfully implement the
parks and recreation plan, the yearly priorities must be identified in the City's
capital improvement plan (CIP), which can be adjusted annually as funding and
needs change.
Since much of the City is developed, park and recreation expansions
improvements cannot rely on park dedication fees alone. Therefore, the City
must explore other financing options such as grants and bonds. Pursuing these
funding opportunities may help advance implementation of this plan at a faster
rate than would otherwise be able to occur.
9.6.4 Additionat StrateQies
The strateQies in the previous sections should not be considered all-inclusive.
New opportunities and strateqies should be identified to further advance the
City's housinq qoal and policies.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
r ----..--.-..-...----.--........-.-.
Formatted: Bullets and Numbering
[~. -.'--~. ._~....--.--_..................._._...............-. ............-. '.'~
Deleted: ~ .. j
~~~~~~.~--~...__.....__.__..~.
l Formatted: !.~~~~~eft: O~=----_..-'
61
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
62
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
10. PROTECTED RESOURCES
Goal: Preserve, protect, and restore the community's natural resources, including
open spaces, lakes, wetlands, other significant natural features, and historic
resources.
To achieve this protected resources goal, the following policies are proposed:
o Identify and work to protect the sensitive natural resources within the City.
o Develop or enhance regulations to protect the City's natural resources,
including trees, lakes, wetlands, and other unique or significant natural
resources.
o Update the City's shoreland ordinance to be in compliance with State
shoreland regulations.
o Develop standards and best management practices (BMPs) to protect the
natural features in the City and to minimize the impact of natural resources.
o Work with the appropriate agencies to assure that surface water quality is
protected.
o Support public educational opportunities to foster a better understanding of
the natural environment as well as ways to restore and protect the natural
environment.
o Work to promote the long-term preservation of the Arden Hills Army Training
Site (AHA TS) property as park and/or open space.
10.1 Introduction
The beautiful lakes, diverse topography, and wooded character of Arden Hills
provide an exceptional residential, recreational, and business environment. The
community has carefully guarded these resources in the past: however, they are
constantly threatened by human activities. Protecting these areas requires
diligence, including adherence to strong protection policies and requirements,
studying the most up-to-date preservation methods, and educating the public on
environmentally sound development and maintenance practices.
Lakes are perhaps the most significant resource in the City and will continue to be if
water quality can be enhanced and maintained. Lakes and their surrounding
watersheds need to be managed as sensitive and limited resources, requiring
purposeful planning and action. The lack of management of these limited resources
can lead to diminished water quality and can negatively affect public health,
recreational activities, wildlife, and fisheries communities, community quality of life,
and ultimately tax revenues through diminished property values.
Arden Hills is located entirely within the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD).
The RCWD addresses water issues, administers regulatory programs, and
DRAFT
4/18/2008
63
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
undertakes projects to improve water quality. The City has a number of protective
ordinances and policies in place that enhance RCWD activities: however, those
policies require monitoring to ensure that they are meeting City needs and effectively
protecting the City's natural resources.
In addition to lake protection, several high-priority natural areas, endangered and
protected species, and historic sites have been identified as significant in the City.
These significant resources are highly valuable and have features that may require
special levels of protection. Preserving the City's natural setting is of the utmost
importance to residents of Arden Hills.
10.2 Water Resources
Covering nearly 550 acres in Arden Hills, the seven lakes have always been a
focal point in the community. Early settlers and development took advantage of
the recreational and scenic qualities of the lakes, and they continue to be an
attractive characteristic for residents and visitors. Most of the shoreland
development took place prior to the adoption of modern development
regulations: and the City is experiencing redevelopment pressure along the
City's shorelines.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires communities
to adopt shoreland ordinances, which typically regulate lot size, minimum
shoreline width, lot coverage, and structure setbacks for development along
water bodies. Development regulations vary depending on the lake
classification set by the DNR (from DNR web,'e
htlp:lfwww.dnr.s1ate.mn.usJwaterslwa1errngmt.sectionfshorelandflake_shoreland_crassific8tions.html):
o Natural Environment lakes and Streams (NE) - usually have less than
150 total acres, less than 60 acres per mile of shoreline, and less than
three dwellings per mile of shoreline. They may have some winter kill of
fish; may have shallow, swampy shoreline: and are less than 15 feet
deep.
o Recreational Development lakes (RD) - usually have between 60 and
225 acres of water per mile of shoreline, between 3 and 25 dwellings per
mile of shoreline, and are more than 15 feet deep.
o General Development lakes (GD) - usually have more than 225 acres of
water per mile of shoreline and 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline, and
are more than 15 feet deep.
The DNR is currently in the process of reviewing the Statewide shoreland
regulations. .Upon completion of that regulatory review, Jhe Citv should
evaluate and update the shoreland reQulations.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
64
.-~._--'..'-'_.'.""'..'."''''._''...'.''.'.''.-'''._---'-........-.........--....--.,
'j Deleted: The City and the DNR are i
I placing Lake Johanna and little Lake i
l J_o~a~_na inlo different categories. !
I Deleted: additional discussions with
I the DNR may be needed to resolve
the classification discrepancy.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
10.2.1 lakes and Water Bodies
As noted above, the City has seven lakes in or partially in Arden Hills. All
water bodies in the City are highly valued and warrant continued
protection.
Lake Johanna
Lake Johanna is the biggest lake in Arden Hills at 230 acres with a 4.25
square mile watershed. It is up to 41 feet deep and has an average depth
of 17 feet. The lake is classifies as a GO lake,
r;.-------..-...-.........-.........
I Deleted: an RD lake by the DNR
and as a GD lake by the County and
,C'>:...____________
The land on the north, west, and east sides of Lake Johanna is largely
developed with single family homes. Tony Schmidt Regional Park,
located on the northwest side of the lake, includes a swimming beach and
boat ramp. Presbyterian Homes, a 117 unit and 19 apartment senior
housing facility, is located on the southwest corner. Northwestern College
occupies the peninsula on the southern side of the lake.
A wide variety of recreational opportunities exist on Lake Johanna,
including swimming, skiing, and fishing. Boats are restricted to five miles
per hour within 250 feet of the shoreline, and there are restricted hours for
speeds in the rest of the lake. A wide variety of fish exist in the lake,
including Bass, Bluegills, Bullheads, Carp, Crappies, Muskies, Northern
Pike, Perch, Sunfish, and Walleye.
Storm water flows into Lake Johanna from Little Lake Johanna via
Ramsey County Ditch 4, which originates north of County Road C in
Roseville. City storm water is also routed into Lake Johanna on its west
and east sides. As part of the City's pavement management program, the
City is working to provide stormwater treatment systems to improve the
water quality of the stormwater that reaches Lake Johanna.
The Lake Johanna Improvement Society is an organization made up of
lake area property owners. The group coordinates lakes issues with the
City, including the boat speed limits.
The Rice Creek Watershed District has noted that Lake Johanna has the
potential to become impaired without additional protection and attention to
water quality. The lake is listed on the impaired list for mercury
contamination.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
65
Lake Josephine
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Lake Josephine is approximately 114 acres in size with a subwatershed of
1.31 square miles. The northern 60 acres are located in Arden Hills while
the southern 54 acres are located in the City of Roseville. The lake has a
maximum depth of 44 feet and an average depths of 20 feet. Lake
Josephine is classified as a GD lake by the DNR, Ramsey County, and
the City.
The land around the lake is fully developed with single family homes.
There is a concrete boat access and public beach immediately south of
the municipal border in the City of Roseville on the east side of the lake.
The lake is used for boating swimming, and fishing. Bullheads, Crappies,
Bluegills, Carp, Sunfish, Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye can be found in
the lake.
The outlet of Lake Josephine is located at the northwestern part of the
lake and flow to Lake Johanna through a storm sewer and ditch system.
The Lake Josephine Improvement Association consists of lake area
property owners. The City of Roseville and the City of Arden Hills have
adopted joint regulations for Lake Josephine, which includes a maximum
speed limit and a no wake zone of 150 feet from the shoreline.
The Rice Creek Watershed District has noted that Lake Josephine has the
potential to become impaired without additional protection and attention to
water quality. The lake is listed on the impaired list for mercury
contamination.
Littie Johanna Lake
Little Johanna Lake is approximately 18 acres in size and has a maximum
depth of 22 feet. The lake is classified as a NE and RD lake by the DNR
and Ramsey County, but as a GD lake by the City. It is a non-swimming
lake, there are no formal public access points, and recreational uses are
limited.
The northern eight acres are within the City of Arden Hills, and the
southern ten acres are within the City of Roseville. Northwestern College
occupies much of the lake's eastern, northern, and southern shoreline and
single family homes are on the west side of the lake.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
66
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Drainage into Little Johanna Lake comes from Ramsey County Ditch 4,
which originates north of County Road C in the City of Roseville and flows
out to Lake Johanna. Little Johanna Lake and the ditch function as a
settling area for stormwater prior to flowing into Lake Johanna. During
larger storm events, however, water flows through the water bodies
rapidly, which allows little time for unwanted nutrients to settle out of the
water. As a result, the quality of Little Johanna and Johanna are
compromised.
Valentine Lake
Covering approximately 74 acres with a 2.4 square mile watershed,
Valentine Lake is located just south of Interstate 694. The lake is
classified as an NE lake by the City, County, and DNR. Bethel University
owns almost all of the lakeshore; however, the lake can be viewed from
Old Highway 10 along the western shoreline. While there are not any
formal boat or public access points, the lake is used for fishing by the
public. In the future, it may be necessary to develop a formal agreement
with Bethel University for public use and a parking lot for users.
The lake has a dominance of blue-green algae and has heavy algal
blooms throughout the summer. Water flows southwest out of Lake
Valentine into the County Ditch 12 and eventually into Long Lake in the
City of New Brighton.
Round Lake
Round Lake is approximately 125 acres in size and has a subwatershed of
0.83 square miles. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service owns all of
the land around the lake. Public use of the lake is prohibited and there are
not any public access points due to contamination in the lake bed from
operations on the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant property.
There are single family homes on the east side of the lake, apartments
and townhomes on the southeast side, and industrial development on the
south and west sides. The north side of the lake is bordered by Highway
96. None of the adjacent property owners have access to the lake.
Karth Lake
Karth Lake is approximately 15 acres in size and is surrounded by single
family homes. There is a City park on the south side of the lake: however,
there are not any public boat launches to the lake.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
67
Sunfish Lake
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Rice Creek Watershed District is conducting water quality monitoring for
the lake. The immediate area drains into the lake, and there are also five
(5) stormwater inlets draining approximately 170 acres to the lake. Prior
to 2004, there was not an outlet for Karth Lake, and the water level
steadily increased. The Karth Lake Improvement District was created in
2003 to manage the water level, and a pump was constructed in 2004 to
control the lake level. Water that is pumped out of the lake flows through
storm sewer and ditch systems to Valentine Lake.
Located on the AHA TS property, Sunfish Lake is approximately 11 acres
in size. No water quality monitoring has been conducted for the lake. City
Hall is southeast of the lake, and the joint Ramsey County/Arden Hills
Public Works facility is west of the lake. There is not any residential
development around the lake. The lake is not accessible to the public,
and public access is not anticipated because the land is owned by the
federal government and used for Minnesota National Guard training.
Marsden Lake
Covering more than 275 acres, Marsden Lake is a large wetland complex
(wet meadow) that has been identified by the Minnesota DNR as an
important natural community. The entire lake is within the federally owned
property that is leased by the Minnesota National Guard. There are not
any public access points to the lake. The lake is part of the critical habitat
for the Blanding's Turtle, which is classified as "threatened" by the State of
Minnesota.
Rice Creek
Rice Creek flows through the far northwest corner of the City and is the
only natural watercourse in the City. There are a number of County
drainage ditches connecting the major lakes and providing connections to
Rice Creek.
Approximately 112 acres of land was transferred to Ramsey County along
the creek, and the Rice Creek North Regional Trail is currently being
constructed along both sides of the creek. The trail will ultimately connect
to adjacent cities, the regional park system, and likely to the TCMP
redevelopment property.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
68
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Wetlands
Arden Hills has many wetlands of various sizes and types spread
throughout the City. The wetlands are an integral part of the natural
environment and are important component of healthy lakes, streams, and
animal habitat. Development impacts to wetlands are regulated by
Federal and State laws. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Saint Paul
Office implements the federal wetland laws, and the Minnesota DNR and
the Rice Creek Watershed District implement State wetland laws.
Alterations to wetlands almost always require a permit, and the City seeks
to protect wetlands wherever possible.
10.2.2 Rice Creek Watershed District & Water Quality Management
Arden Hills is located entirely within the Rice Creek Watershed District
(RCWD). The RCWD requires permits for land development, site grading,
wetland and shoreland alterations, and drainage plans and systems.
Water quality for Lake Josephine, Lake Johanna, Round Lake, and
Valentine Lake is monitored by Ramsey County. The RCWD utilizes this
data.
The City's Floodplain and Shore land Ordinances govern development
activities in areas that contribute storm water runoff to the City's lakes. In
addition, the lake use ordinances on Lake Johanna and Lake Josephine
help to control erosion and water quality. Unfortunately, water quality has
decreased in recent years and additional efforts are needed to maintain
and improve water quality.
10.3 Protected SpecieslHabitat
The City is home to at least two species that have a legally protected status, and
two habitats that have been identified by the DNR as in need of being protected
(MAP). Blanding's Turtles have "threatened" species status in Minnesota, which
means that the State has determined that the species is likely to become
endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion
of its range within Minnesota. While it is outside of the City's regulatory
authority, Illinois Tick Trefoil is a rare plant that was identified in the AHATS
area.
Both high value habitats are located on the AHATS property outside of the City's
regulatory authority. Marsden Lake is a large wetlands complex (wet meadow)
DRAFT
4/18/2008
69
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
and has been identified by the Minnesota DNR as an important natural
community. The kame, also located on the AHA TS property, is a relict of the
glacial landscape and has also been identified by the DNR as an important
natural community. The kame is the highest point in Ramsey County.
10.4 Historic Sites
Although little information has been compiled regarding historic sites or building
in Arden Hills the Minnesota Historical Society and Ramsey County Historical
Society identified one structure that may be worthy of being placed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The 1998 Comprehensive Plan identified
two additional buildings and one site as historic and/or architecturally significant
to the community.
Charles Perry House
The Charles Perry House, located at 3491 Lake Johanna Boulevard, has been
identified by the Minnesota Historical Society and Ramsey County Historical
Society as historically important. While there has been consideration of placing
this house on the National Register of Historic Places, additional research and
community interest is needed.
Farrell Homestead
The Farrell Homestead at 1963 County Road E2 is a large, white Victorian farm
home just north of the intersection of County Road E2 and New Brighton Road.
The Homestead was constructed in 1874. John Farrell, of Irish descent, settled
and farmed more than 500 acres. A friend once asked him why he brought such
a hilly farm, to which John replied, "Because it reminds me of Ireland."
An interesting side note is from Mary (May) Marston, granddaughter of John
Farrell, who grew up on the farm in the 1890s. Ms. Marston stated that, "Across
from the farm was a hill with Indian grave platforms and artifacts."
Nazareth Hall on the Northwestern College Campus
Nazareth Hall was constructed in 1921-22 on the Northwestern College campus.
It was constructed in the "Lombardic Romanesque" style from northern Italy. It
faces east to overlook Lake Johanna. It includes six buildings constructed as
one, with several courtyards styled after the Vatican. The building covers
approximately 37,400 square feet of ground and was designed to fit into its
naturallakeshore setting.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
70
Round Lake Prehistoric Site
City of Arden Hltts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The Round Lake prehistoric site is located on a small knoll on a peninsula on
the southwestern shore of Round Lake. Archaeological exploration has
determined that the knoll on the peninsula is most likely of natural origin.
Artifacts relating to the manufacture or maintenance of stone tools were
observed on the site, and it appears that it may be eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places. This site was threatened by development in 1997;
however, the City was able to obtain a conservation easement over the
peninsuia to preserve it in its current condition. Further research, as weil as
community interest, is required before actual placement on the National Register
of Historic Places.
10.5 Natural Resource Inventory Map
Although the portion of Arden Hills south of Highways 96 and 10 is considered
fully developed, there is an abundance of mature trees, lakes, wetlands, open
spaces, parks, and other natural amenities that give the City its highly valued
natural and well-landscaped character. The southern two thirds of Arden Hills
contain more than 363 acres of public parks and undevelopable open spaces.
Northwestern Coilege, Bethel University, and Mounds View High School also
contain highly valued natural areas of varying character and quality.
The AHATS side of the TCAAP property is also home to some of the most
significant natural resources, including lakes, wetlands, woodlands, meadows,
rolling terrain, and vistas. The kame, which is a geological formation made by
retreating glaciers, is located in the central part of the property and is the highest
point in Ramsey County. Of the 585 acres that are anticipated to be turned over
to the City for development, preliminary plans include approximately168 acres
for use as open space in the form of parks, wetlands, stormwater areas,
recreational areas, and a wildlife corridor. While some institutional development
from the Minnesota National Guard may occur on the southern part of the
AHA TS property, much of that area is anticipated to remain as open space,
though it is generaily not open to the public.
The Rice Creek Watershed District has compiled data and generated a resource
protection map to show areas of significant natural resources. The map is only
intended to be a guide and is not detailed enough for site specific planning as
there may be inaccuracies due to the scale of the assessment. Additional
information regarding feasibility and site condition should be collected before
utilizing this information at a smaller scale.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
71
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
This resource protection map has two primary purposes. First, it is meant to
help develop regulations to protect significant natural resources where it is
feasible to do so. Secondly, it is meant to help make more informed
development decision in places where there may be significant resources. The
map displays the following information:
o Remaining natural areas within your community
o Results of a natural resource assessment
o Results of a wetland restoration assessment
o Lakes and streams currently listed on the 303(d) list of impaired waters
o Results of lake water quality assessment
10.5.1 Natural Resources Assessment
The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) evaluated the natural areas within
its jurisdiction, which includes all of Arden Hills, to determine the relative quality
of remaining natural areas. The RCWD evaluated the natural resource data
based on the foilowing characteristics:
o Health of natural area: High quality areas with native vegetation were
considered more important than areas with partial or total dominance by
invasive species.
o Size: Large natural areas (5 acres or greater) were considered more
important that smail natural areas (less than 5 acres).
o Rarity of community type within the watershed: Natural community types
that are rare due to specific site requirements (fens, bogs, etc.), or have
become rare due to histonc land use changes or degradation (prairie, oak
savanna, etc.) were considered more important than more common
natural community types.
o Adjacency to other natural areas: Natural areas that are immediately
adjacent to several other natural areas were considered to be more
important than natural areas that are adjacent to one or no other natural
areas.
o Proximity of healthy natural areas to other healthy natural areas: Healthy
natural areas that are in close proximity to each other (within 1/8 of a
mile) were considered more important than isolated healthy natural
areas, healthy natural areas in close proximity to degraded natural areas,
or degraded natural areas in close proximity to each other.
These natural resource characteristics were combined to form the overail natural
resource assessment ranking for each area shown on map X.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
72
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
10.5.2 Wetland Restoration Assessment
All wetland areas within the RCWD were evaluated to determine their potential
for vegetation andlor hydrologic restoration. A wetland's potential for either type
of restoration was determined in the following manner:
a Vegetation Restoration: The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
(MLCCS) data includes information on whether or not a natural area is
dominated by invasive species. Wetlands dominated by invasive species
represent an opportunity to restore native vegetation. Taking this into
account, wetland communities that were recorded in the MLCCS as
dominated by invasive species and greater than 2 acres in size were
included in this category and displayed on the map.
a Hydrologic Restoration: National wetland inventory (NWI) data and ditch
inventory data were used to identify wetlands with the potential for
hydrologic restoration. The location of partially drained wetlands in the
NWI data and the location of known ditches were used to identify wetlands
that have been partially drained and could be restored to more natural,
flow through hydrology without necessarily changing the hydrologic
regime. Only polygons 1 acre or larger were included and displayed on the
map. Wetland areas with these characteristics that were in close proximity
to existing infrastructure (homes, businesses and roads) were removed
from consideration.
10.5.3 Lake water quality assessment
Each lake located within the Rice Creek Watershed District was evaluated to
determine its potential for water quality impairment due to excessive nutrients
(Table X). The lakes fell into one of five categories:
a No data: Not enough water quality data available for evaluation.
a Listed on 303(d) list of impaired waters: Lake is currently on the impaired
waters list (TMDL list) for excessive nutrients. (Lakes that are on the
impaired waters list only due to high levels of mercury, and not due to
excessive nutrients, are not included in this category.)
a Potential to become impaired: Available water quality data suggest that
the lake is currently not impaired. Due to development pressure or to
borderline water quality conditions, this lake has the potential to become
impaired in the near future.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
73
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Listed on the Potential to
lake No Data 303( d) list of become
lrlllaired waters impaired
Johanna~ X
Josephine~ X
Karth X
Little Johanna X
Marsden X
Round X
Sunfish X
Valentine X
"Listed on the 303(d) lis\ of impaired waters for mercury
The 303(d) list is part of the federal Clean Water Act, which requires states to
adopt water quality standards to protect waters from pollution.
10.5.4 Priority Areas
Area 1 - This area contains a relatively diverse assemblage of upland and
wetland communities connecting Lake Johanna and Farrel's Lake. Upland
community types in this area include aspen forest, lowland hardwood forest, oak
woodland, and mesic prairie. Wetland community types in this area include
willow swamp, mixed emergent marsh, and cattail marsh. The majority of these
communities were given a "medium" ranking in the natural resource assessment.
There are also several potential opportunities for wetland restoration within this
area, both hydrologic and vegetation. Lake Johanna has the potential to become
impaired due to excess nutrients.
Area 2 - This area contains areas a mosaic of upland and wetland community
types surrounding Rice Creek. Community types include forest, woodland, and
emergent marsh. The majority of these communities were given a "medium"
ranking in the natural resource assessment. The portion of Rice Creek within the
City of Arden Hills is currently on the 303( d) list of impaired waters. A portion of
this area near Interstate 35W on the west side of Rice Creek is included in the
TCAAP redevelopment plans.
Area 3 - This area contains areas of forest, woodland, and emergent marsh
surrounding Marsden Lake. All of the lake's shoreline is in natural vegetation.
This complex of natural areas is unique because of its large size and lack of
fragmentation. The majority of these areas were given a "medium" ranking in the
natural resource assessment. Marsden Lake does not have sufficient water
quality information to determine its potential for water quality impairment due to
excess nutrients.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
74
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Area 4 - As part of the TCAAP redevelopment, a 49 acre wildlife corridor will be
,desiqnated to connect the Rice Creek corridor to the AHATS property. While the
RCWD did not include the wildlife corridor in their analysis, the City and Ramsey
County have identified it as a significant natural resource that should be included
as a priority area. Ramsev Countv will own and maintain the wildlife corridor.
10.6 Invasive Species
While many of the open spaces in Arden Hills are of high quality, invasive
species such as buckthorn are a problern in many parks and open spaces
throughout Minnesota. Unfortunately, a number of parks and open spaces in
Arden Hills contain buckthorn. In cooperation with residents and service groups,
the City has instituted a buckthorn removal program. The City plans to continue
to control buckthorn on an ongoing basis as needed and as resources are
available. The City will also continue to encourage the removal of buckthorn
and other invasive species frorn private land.
10.7 Implementation Strategies
In order to advance the protected resources goal, the below activities are
proposed. This list is not all-inclusive and additional tools and opportunities
should be researched:
o Adopt tree preservation standards and revised landscaping requirements.
o Update the shoreland and floodplain development regulations to be in
compliance with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations,
Rice Creek Watershed District regulations, and to encourage the protection of
the City's water resources.
o Review existing and develop new standards or regulations to protect
identified natural resource protection areas.
o Work cooperatively with private landowners and other governmental agencies
to preserve and enhance open spaces.
o Explore the inclusion of an environmental library andlor education center on
the TCMP property.
o Support public educational opportunities to foster a better understanding of
the natural environment.
o Encourage new development to respect the naturalfeatures and to minimize
damage to the natural environment.
o Utilize best management practices (BMPs) to reduce erosion and protect the
environment.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
C~~~:,~;~~~~m-""-"=:=-==]
C~!I"~j~~~._~~~:~~"~.. .-... -. -- - _m__n__n__ ~=~~'
75
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The above strateoies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opoortunities and
strateoies should be identified to further advance the Citv's housino ooal and
policies.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
76
Goal: Provide a transportation system that has convenient and effective mu/ti-
modal connections within Arden Hills and to adjacent municipalities, the
remainder of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and greater Minnesota.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
11. TRANSPORr A TION
To achieve this transportation goal, the following policies are proposed:
o Approach transportation in a comprehensive manner by giving attention to
all travel modes and related facilities, linking transit and land use and by
combining or concentrating various land use activities to reduce the need
for transportation facilities.
o Coordinate transportation plans with adjacent communities and the
County, State, and Federal governments to assure system continuity,
determine priorities, increase safety, and to efficiently use resources and
reduce congestion.
o Createlprovide a safe, cost effective, and efficient transportation system
that is adequate for car, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and truck
transportation for the movement of people and goods and services in the
community.
o Work to improve and expand the City's transportation system as
necessary to meet current and future transportation needs.
o Preserve and maintain the existing transportation infrastructure to protect
the existing investments, increase efficiency, and delay the need for
improvement or expansion.
o Continue to work with the County and State elected and appointed officials
to include County road reconstruction projects to address needed
reconstruction and potential trails along the roadways when improved.
o Encourages alternate andlor integrated transportation methods that are
less dependent on motor vehicles such as walking, biking, and transit as
alternate transportation methods.
o Work with developers to construct needed improvements prior to
development.
o Work to manage traffic in residential neighborhoods to not overburden any
particular City street.
11.1 Introduction
The transportation system in the City of Arden Hills is largely established, made up
of metropolitan freeways and highways, County roads, and City streets. Except for
the proposed TCMP redevelopment, the City's transportation system is not likely
to see major changes in the next 10 to 20 years. The fact that the network is
established, however, does not diminish the importance of continually monitoring
DRAFT 77
4/18/2008
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
the system to ensure that it performs adequately. As such, whether an existing
roadway is proposed for upgrading or a land use change is proposed on a
property, this plan provides the framework for decisions regarding the nature of
roadway infrastructure improvements necessary to achieve safety, adequate
access, mobility, and performance of the existing and future roadway system.
This chapter includes established local goals, policies, standards, and guidelines
to implement a future roadway network and transit vision that is coordinated with
respect to county, regional, and state plans in such a way that the transportation
system enhances quality economic and residential development within the City of
Arden Hills.
This chapter includes two appendices. The first appendix, C, includes the general
transportation system principles and standards, including functional classification,
roadway capacity by type, access management guidelines, geometric design
standards, and roadway jurisdiction. The second appendix, D, includes the full
transportation forecast and traffic modeling methodology.
11.2 Existing Transportation System Evaluation
The transportation system in Arden Hills includes a roadway system that
accommodates a variety of vehicles including cars, trucks, and public transit.
Transportation also includes pedestrian movement and bicycles, which is also
discussed in Chapter 9 (Park & Recreation) of this Plan. While upgrades will need to
be made over time, the existing motorized transportation system within the City of
Arden Hills currently provides sufficient transportation service to the City.
11.2.1 Existing Traffic Volumes and Capacity Issues
The existing traffic volumes within the area, which were collected by Mn/DOT,
Ramsey County, and the City of Arden Hills are represented in FlgJ./re.!'ID4 - 2005
and 2006 Average Daily Traffic Volumes. Volume to capacity analysis of the
average daily traffic volumes indicates several roadway segments within the City
of Arden Hills are currently operating at a periodically congested, near congested,
or congested level. Additional data regarding segment design type and capacity
is available within Based on available traffic volume data, the
following roadways are classified into the following groups:
Level of Service C - Periodicallv Conoested
. TH 10 from 1-35W to 1-694
. TH 51, South of CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue
. CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue from CSAH 96 to 1-694
DRAFT
4/18/2008
78
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue from CR Ito CSAH 96
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue. South of CR F
. CSAH 96, East of CSAH 50/Hamiine Avenue
. CSAH 96 from 1-35W to TH 10
. CR D, CSAH 149/Lake Johanna Boulevard to CSAH 46/Cleveland
Avenue
. CR E, TH 51 to CSAH 76/Snelling Avenue
. CR F, West of 1-35W
. CR I from 1-35W to Snelling Avenue
Level of Service D & E - Near Conoested
. 1-35W, North ofTH 10/CSAH 10
. 1-35W from TH 88 to CR D
. TH 51 from 1-694 to CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue
. CR D from CSAH 46/Cleveland Avenue to 1-35W
Level of Service F - Conoested
. 1-35W from TH 10 to TH 88
. 1-35W, South of CR D
. 1-694 from Western City Limits to Eastern City Limits
Capacity improvements are recommended on any roadway with a future level of
service of D, E, or F, as defined in the roadway capacity discussion within the
Transportation System Principals and Standards section. Roadways identified
above as near congested or congested are recommended to be monitored and
programmed for capacity improvements when necessary. Roadways that are
periodically congested are generally identified as providing an acceptable level of
service (volume to capacity ratios definition?).
11.2.2 Safety and Mobility
Congestion analysis shows 1-35W and 1-694 as the roadways with significant
congestion. The rest of the existing transportation system throughout Arden Hills
is primarily periodically congested, with areas that are near congested. Of
primary concern to the City of Arden Hills is the congestion on TH 51/Hamline
Avenue, south of 1-694 and the county roadways at the interchanges with 1-35W.
This indicates that the congestion on 1-35W is impacting the county roadways
that have access to it As 1-35W becomes more congested, more traffic will likely
use TH 51 or other adjacent minor arterials as an alternate route, which may also
become congested.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
79
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
A planning-level anaiysis of the existing transportation system in Arden Hills was
completed and included evaluating crash records for accident trends, the types of
accidents most commonly occurring, and where accident trends may exist. In
the five-year time period from January 1, 2002. through December 31, 2006,
there were 2,305 crashes on the roadways within or adjacent to the City of Arden
Hills. The locations with high crash rates are primarily on the county and state
highway intersections. Locations with the highest crash frequency are on 1-694
with TH 51, and 1-694 with 1-35W. Additionally, there are high crash rates along
1-35W and 1-694 at every interchange location.
Other locations off the freeway with high crash frequency are the intersections of
TH 10 with CSAH 96, CSAH 96 with Hamline Avenue (CSAH 50), CSAH 96 with
Lexington Avenue (CSAH 51), Lexington Avenue (CSAH 51) with Grey Fox
Road, and Hamline Avenue (CSAH 50) with CR F (CSAH 12). Of the 2,305
crashes, 170 included injuries, 405 had possible injuries, and 1730 involved
property damage only. Rear end crashes represented 48% of the crashes, and
8% were right angle crashes.
11.2.3 Jurisdictional Issues
There are no known jurisdictional transfers planned between Arden Hills and
Ramsey County, but the City recognizes that the County's and State's role in
jurisdictional issues and desires active participation in any jurisdictional
discussion.
11.2.4 Relevant Area Transportation Studies
A number of studies have been completed or are in the process of being
completed to provide direction relative to the development of the City of Arden
Hills' transportation system.
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) Alternative Urban
Areawide Review:
The City is currently developing an Alternative Urban Areawide Review
(AUAR) for the proposed TCMP redevelopment. The AUAR
encompasses the 585 acres of the TCMP property that is proposed to be
redeveloped as a mix of residential and commercial property. Preliminary
traffic issues include analyzing CSAH 96 and TH 10, as the development
would directly impact those roadways. As the property is redeveloped, a
new County collector roadway is proposed to connect CSAH 96 to CR H
through the TCMP property.
Highway 96 and Highway 10 Intersection:
DRAFT
4/18/2008
80
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
In coordination with the TCMP AUAR, a new interchange concept is
being developed just to the north of CSAH 96 on TH 10, which would
replace the current at-grade intersection of TH 10/CSAH 96. A series of
road design concept were developed in 2007. Further analysis will be
completed in the future to analyze the interchange design. This
interchange would eliminate the current at-grade intersection, which would
improve safety and mobility for the TH 10 and CSAH 96 corridors.
County Road E (Downtown Arden Hills):
A small area plan study was underway at the time this Comprehensive
Plan was written that included an analysis of the safety and mobility of
vehicle and non-motorized traffic on CR E from TH 51 to Lexington
Avenue and the intersection of CR E/Lexington Avenue. The results of
this study may be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan as a future
amendment
11.2.5 Multimodal Transportation Opportunities
It is recognized that various methods of travel impact the economic vitality of a city,
county, or broader region. In addition to the traditional road system, multi modal
transportation includes transit, aviation, raiiway, and paths, including sidewalks,
trails, and bikeways.
11.2.5.1 Transit Service
The City of Arden Hills is currently located within the Market III Transit System
Service Area. This area includes communities with a land use pattern of
generally lower concentrations with intermittent pockets of moderate
concentrations, which receive highest service levels. The current service
options are peak-only express busses, small vehicle dial-a-ride, midday
circulators, special needs paratransit (ADA, seniors), and ridesharing.
Service characteristics include peak-period-only express busses, 1-2 hour
midday frequencies, dial-a-ride advance registration, service spans of 10-14
hours per day on weekdays and limited weekends, and access primarily tied
to park-and ride lots and hubs.
Existing and Planned Transit Routes and Passenger Facilities
displays the current services available, including route and park and ride
locations in and around the City of Arden Hills. An existing park and ride lot is
located between 1-35W and CSAH 10, on CR H in Arden Hills. Regular route
service in the City as currently provided is described below:
DRAFT
4/18/2008
8J
. Route 225, 227 is a local bus route operated by Metro Transit. This
route provides connectivity to Rosedale Commons in the City of
Roseville, and serves Shoreview, Arden Hills, and Roseville.
Schedules vary from 30 to 60 minutes between trips, depending on
the day.
. Route 250 is an express bus route operated by Metro Transit. The
route provides connectivity to downtown Minneapolis from Uno
Lakes, Circle Pines, Lexington, Blaine, Shoreview, and Mounds
View, primarily along 1-35W, 1-694, and 1-94. Arden Hills residents
can access the route from the park and ride lot in Mounds View
along CR H, just west of 1-35W. Schedules with stops at the park
and ride lot vary from 25 to 30 minutes between trips during the
peak hours. It has 6 trips each peak hour during the weekdays
only.
. Route 261 is a local bus route operated by Metro Transit. It
connects up with express Route 260 to connect with downtown
Minneapolis. The route provides connectivity between Shoreview,
Roseville, and Minneapolis, along with Arden Hills, along Lexington
Avenue. The schedule along Lexington Avenue varies from 10 to
30 minutes with 5 total trips during the peak hours during the
weekdays only.
. Route 860 is an express bus route operated by Metro Transit. This
route provides connectivity to downtown St. Paul from Coon
Rapids, Blaine, and Mounds View. Arden Hills residents can
access the route from the park and ride lot in Mounds View along
CR H, just west of 1-35W. Schedules vary from 15 to 30 minutes
between trips during the peak hours. It has 5 trips each peak hour
during the weekdays only.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
11.2.5.2 Aviation PlanslFacilities
There are no existing or planned aviation facilities within Arden Hills, but the
Anoka County/Blaine Airport is located approximately 1.5 miles northwest of
the City of Arden Hills, west of 1-35W and north of TH 10.
11.2.5.3 Railway
There is one railway line and a few rail spurs within the City of Arden Hills.
The rail line is active and operated by the Canadian Pacific Rail System
(CPR) with an average of four trains per day using the line. It runs east-west
through the southern portion of Arden Hills, north of County Road E with a
speed threshold of 40 mph. The line includes a spur into the Red Fox
business area.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
82
City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
There are two rail spurs that are operated by the Minnesota Commercial
Railway (MNNR). One spur accesses the Gateway Business District, while
the other spur is abandoned and runs into the Twin Cities Army Ammunition
Plant (TCMP) site, owned by the Army. Both spurs are intended to be
removed in conjunction with the redevelopment of the TCMP site.
Ramsey County has Regional Rail Authority, which reviews, recommends,
proposes, and buys abandoned rail lines for future Light Rail Transit (LRT)
corridors. It has identified a transitway corridor through the northeast
metropolitan area. The Northeast Diagonal transitway corridor follows the
partially abandoned and existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks
from northeast Minneapolis through Sf. Anthony, Roseville, Shoreview, lillie
Canada, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, White Bear Township. and ending in
White Bear Lake. In the interim, these routes may be used for bike paths.
The route does not directly impact Arden Hills.
11.2.5.4 Pathways: Bikeways, Sidewalks and Trails
The 2002 Arden Hills Parks, Trails, and Open Space (PTOS) Plan evaluated
the existing bikeway, sidewalk and trail locations, and proposed a number of
expansion and upgrade opportunities. The PTOS Plan and the 2006 update
to the PTOS Plan can be found in Chapter 9 of this Comprehensive Plan.
While the pathway recommendations were included in a different chapter, the
City recognizes the importance of the pathway system and its contribution to
the City's overall transportation system.
11.3 Future Transportation System Plan
Except for the future roads on the TCMP property, the transportation system within
Arden Hills is generally considered developed, and improvements are anticipated as
reconstruction of aging infrastructure is pursued. As reconstruction occurs, it will be
important for the City to improve the roadway system and non-motorized travel
opportunities consistent with the recommended Transportation System Principles
and Standards in this Chapter and the pathways recommendations in Chapter 9 to
the extent possible.
11.3.1 Forecasted Traffic Volumes & Capacity Needs
In the City of Arden Hills, the major roadways carrying traffic are county and state
roadways, ranging from arterials to collectors. The City roadways are primarily
local city streets that only carry local traffic. Generally, the roadways in Arden
DRAFT
4/18/2008
83
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Hills serve areas that are fully developed, and the land use patterns in Arden
Hills are not expected to significantly change, except on the TCMP property.
However, an increase in traffic on these corridors is expected due to the future
growth in the northern part of the City and the future growth in adjacent
communities. The existing pattern of rights-of-way and development setbacks
present challenges for significantly improving the existing level of service on
some roadways through roadway capacity improvements.
The forecasted 2030 average annual daily traffic volumes are illustrated in Figure
4.7 - 2030 Forecasted Average Daily Traffic Volumes and also in Appendix D.
The following roadway improvements that directly impact Arden Hills are in the
State and County Transportation Improvement Programs:
2009: CSAH 96 from Old Highway 8 to TH 10 - Reconstruction
2012: 1-694 from East of 1-35W to East of Lexington Avenue - Grading,
surfacing, and improvement from a 4-lane freeway to a 6-lane freeway and
correction of weave at TH 10/51
Deferred from Ramsey County 5-Year TIP: County Road D from Cleveland
Avenue to Fairview Avenue - Reconstruction
The forecasted average annual daily travel demands approach or exceed daily
capacities on several corridors. Based on 2030 traffic projections, the following
roadways are anticipated to be periodically congested, near congested, or
congested:
Level of Service C - Periodicallv Conqested
. TH 10 from CSAH 96 to 1-694
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue from CSAH 96 to CR F
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue, North of Tanglewood Drive
. CSAH 96, East of TH 10
. CR E from TH 51 to CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue
. CR E from CSAH 76/Snelling Avenue to CR 99
. CR E2 from CSAH 76/Snelling Avenue to 1-35W
. CR I from 1-35W to CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue
Level of Service D & E - Near Conqested
. 1-694 from 1-35W to TH 10
. TH 10 from CSAH 96 to 1-35W
. TH 51 from 1-694 to CR E
DRAFT
4/18/2008
84
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
. TH 51, South of CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue
. CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue from CSAH 96 to 1-694
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue from Tanglewood Drive to CSAH 96
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue, South of CR F
. CSAH 76/Snelling Avenue from CR E2 to CR E
. CSAH 96 from 1-35W to TH 10
. CR D froml-35W to CSAH 149/Lake Johanna Boulevard
. CR E from TH 51 to CSAH 76/Sneliing Avenue
. CR F from CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue to CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue
Level of Service F - Conqested
. 1"35W from Northern City Limits to Southern City Limits
. 1-694, East of TH 10 and West of 1-35W
. TH 51 from CR E to CSAH 50/Hamline Avenue
. CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue from Tanglewood Drive to CSAH 96
Generally, the recommended Geometric Design Standards and associated right-
of-way width requirements illustrated in the Geometric Design Standards should
maintain the corridor's capacity to accommodate the forecasted traffic volumes
on the City's roadways. Table 4.1 - Roadway Types and Capacities identifies
various roadway types and the daily capacities that the given roadway can
accommodate.
Capacity improvements are recommended on any roadway with a future level of
service of D, E, or F, as defined in the roadway capacity discussion within the
Transportation System Principals and Standards section. Roadways identified
above as near congested or congested are recommended to be monitored and
programmed for capacity improvements when necessary. Roadways that are
periodically congested are generally identified as providing an acceptable level of
service.
11.3.2 Roadway Safety & Mobility Needs
Many of the roadways within and adjacent to the City of Arden Hills are in need
of capacity improvements by 2030 due to the anticipated growth throughout the
area. This is due not only to growth within the City of Arden Hills but also growth
within adjacent cities and other cities along the freeway and highway corridors.
With this increase in development and increase in traffic, an increase in
congestion is expected for most roadways throughout Arden Hills. Improvements
are recommended for Hamline Avenue, Lexington Avenue, and the interstate
freeways. The expansion and reconstruction of 1-694 will improve operations,
DRAFT
4/18/2008
85
City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
especially from 1-35W to TH 10, even with the increased traffic expected by 2030.
The other areas of 1-694 will likely be congested as much as they are today by
2030. Since the primary roadways providing significant mobility within the City of
Arden Hills are county and state roadways, the City wili need to coordinate with
the State and County on roadway improvements.
Collector roadways carrying greater than 1,500 vehicles per day have volumes
that tend to create potential conflicts between vehicles, bicycles, and
pedestrians. The City, in cooperation with Ramsey County, will need to monitor
pedestrian and bicycle issues, crashes, near misses, and complaints, and
prioritize roadway improvements with pavement rehabilitation needs. Strategies
to improve safety and mobility will be considered, including the consideration of
adding pedestrian facilities at intersections, non-motorized facilities both along
and separate from roadways, additional roadway width for wider lanes or
shoulders, or when possible, turn lanes to City collector roadways intersecting
with County roadways. To accommodate necessary turn lanes or roadway
widening, additional right-of-way may be required at the intersection. As
reconstruction of aging infrastructure is pursued on City collector streets the
recommended geometric design standards wili assist in irnproving safety and
mobility.
Additionally, as traffic volumes approaching an intersection increase, an
intersection control evaluation may be necessary. Triggers for an evaluation may
include an increase in correctable crashes or an unacceptable traffic back up.
Higher volume roadways that could show traffic signal benefits are under the
jurisdiction of the County. As the jurisdictional authority, the County would make
decisions on appropriate traffic control. The intersection control evaluation would
identify the traffic control option (e.g. all way stop, roundabout, possible
signalization) and capacity improvements (e.g. turn lanes) necessary to
accommodate the traffic volumes in a safe and efficient manner. Future
reconstruction may require modifications of existing access to include strategies
such as access consolidation, right-in, right-out access only, or the development
of a frontage road to improve the safety and mobility of the corridor. Additional
right-of-way should be acquired for future improvements as properties in the area
develop or redevelop.
The high crash locations along 1-694 at 1-35W, TH 10, and TH 51 should be
partially rectified by the proposed improvements on 1-694 through the area. This
improvement includes additional lanes, and the improvement of the TH 51 ramp
access to eastbound 1-694, one of the highest crash locations in the Arden Hills
area. Further improvements should be studied with the Minnesota Department of
Transportation and Ramsey County at the interchange ramps and intersections.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
86
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The current proposed interchange on TH 10 should improve the operations along
TH 10 and also CSAH 96 near TH 10. This interchange would enable a
separation of the traffic on each corridor, improving operations to both.
11.3.3 Functional Classification Needs
Due to the developed nature of the City of Arden Hilis, together with the
community's pallern of water features and freeway facilities, there are minimal
opportunities to expand the local roadway system in the developed areas of the
City and develop additional continuous routes through the City. The area with
the most opportunity for new roadways is the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
(TCMP) property. As the TCMP area is developed, there is an opportunity to
provide effective routes for traffic, including the proposed county collector from
CSAH 96 to CR H. This will be needed as the TCMP property produces more
trips throughout the area. Other roadway continuity improvements are not
anticipated. The City will review redevelopment plans with the option to consider
opportunities to improve continuity or improve/consolidate accesses.
11.3.4 Multimodal Transportation Opportunities
It is important for the community to plan for the ability to accommodate
multi modal activities (i.e. transit, pedestrian, and bicycle) on all non-local
roadways to provide other opportunities to move about the City and beyond.
11.3.4.1 Transit Service
Significant changes to the existing transit opportunities are not anticipated:
however, the City is supportive of exploring additional transit options. With
increasing fuel costs and depleting oil supplies, the demand for transit
opportunities is likely to increase.
The City will continue to be supportive of the park-n-ride lot on CR H and any
expansion of the lot, which is used by Arden Hills' residents. The City will
evaluate the need for future park-n-ride opportunities along with any
redevelopment proposals where feasible. The City supports pursuing transit
options for Northwestern College, Bethel University, Mounds View High
School, and large employers such as Boston Scientific, Land 0 Lakes, and
the businesses along Round Lake Road and Gateway Boulevard. Bus or
other transit service to the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) site
wili also be needed when it is developed. As the City's population ages, the
City will continue to work with Metro Transit and senior community services to
ensure needs are being met.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
87
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Licht rail service and Dark and ride to the Countv Road E/Lexincton Avenue
area?
11.3.4.2 Aviation PlanslFacilities
Although there are not any aviation facilities within Arden Hills, standards for
airspace protection are required to maintain a clear path for helicopters and
for aviation related facilities.
Federal Regulation Title 14, Part 77 establishes standards and notification
requirements for objects affecting navigable airspace. This notification serves
as the basis for evaluating the effect of the construction or alteration on
operating procedures, determining the potential hazardous effect of the
proposed construction on air navigation, identifying mitigation measures to
enhance safe air navigation, and charting of new objects. Notification allows
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to identify potential aeronautical
hazards in advance, thus preventing or minimizing the adverse impacts to the
safe and efficient use of navigable airspace.
Title 14, Part 77.13 requires any person/organization who intends to sponsor
any of the following construction or alterations to notify the Administrator of
the FAA when:
. Any construction or alteration exceeding 200 feet above ground level;
. Any construction or alteration:
o Within 20,000 feet of a public use or military airport which exceeds
a 100: 1 surface from any point on the runway of each airport with at
least one runway more than 3,200 feet
o Within 10,000 feet of a public use or military airport which exceeds
50: 1 surface from any point on the runway of each airport with its
longest runway no more than 3,200 feet
o Within 5,000 feet of a public use heliport which exceeds a 25:1
surface;
. Any highway, railroad or other traverse way whose prescribed adjusted
height would exceed that above noted standards;
. When requested by FAA: and,
. Any construction or alteration located on a public use airport or heliport
regardless of height or location.
Persons or organizations intending to sponsor construction or alterations
require notification to the FAA under Tille 14, Part 77.13 using FAA form
7460-1 and associated amendments. Any structure meeting the
requirements in Tille 14, Part 77.13 must receive permission from the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Federal Aviation
DRAFT 88
4/18/2008
Administration (FAA). Structures will be compatible with the Anoka
County/Blaine Airport Long Term Comprehensive Plan.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
11.3.4.3 Pathways: Bikeways. Sidewalks and Trails
The 2002 Arden Hills Park, Trails, and Open Space (PTOS) Plan discusses
future bikeway, sidewalk and trail locations. Future shoulder, bikeway,
sidewalk, and trail locations are also discussed in the geometric design
standards section of Appendix X, to be pursued along or adjacent to most
collector roadways. For each of the County highways within Arden Hills,
roadway shoulders, in addition to trails and sidewalks, are recommended on
both sides of the roadway to accommodate pedestrian, bicycle. and other
non-motorized travel where feasible.
The City will review pedestrian facilities and school routings to determine their
adequacy as traffic conditions change. Shoulders, bikeways, sidewalks and
trails will be integrated with the roadway system to provide routes for non-
motorized traffic to access existing and future controlled intersections. Non-
motorized facilities are to be incorporated into road projects and land
redevelopments to safely accommodate pedestrians and bicycles with vehicle
traffic in the City, as the City grows.
While pathways are an integral part of the City's transportation system,
specific pathway needs are described in Chapter 9: Parks and Recreation.
The improvements and expansions in that chapter are required to ensure a
sound transportation within Arden Hills are considered an integral part to the
City's transportation system.
11.3.5 Long-term Transportation Planning
With peak production nearing, society as a whole will witness a change from
petroleum fueled vehicles to other energy sources. It is fundamental to rethink
transportation plans and systems over 50-100 year timeframe's as infrastructure
needs and demands will inevitably change. For example, there may be a future
needs for hydrogen fueling stations or electric charging stations, which would
require electric and require transport hubs and depots. Due to changing
demographics and increasing energy costs, the demand for mass transit is likely
to increase. While efficient transit requires different growth and development
patterns, transit corridors can be developed to compliment and be integrated with
a community. Transit corridors may offer growth potential for residential, retail,
and business.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
89
Oty of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
While the City does not have a influence on the nation's energy infrastructure
and it is difficult to predict future energy infrastructure needs, the City will be
impacted by outside forces beyond its control. It will be necessary to be flexible
when implementing this Comprehensive Plan and other developments in order to
be responsive to changing conditions.
11.4 Implementation Strategies
The following below strategies are proposed to help advance the goal of the
transportation chapter. These strategies are not considered all-inclusive and do not
preclude the addition of new strategies to take advantage of opportunities that may
not be known when this Plan is adopted.
o Utilize the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Pavement Management
Program (PMP) to plan for long-term improvements.
o Require right-of-way dedication along county and local roads to meet
future capacity needs as redevelopment is proposed.
o Consider the use of flexible street design standards when reconstructing
roadways in parts of the City with unique topographical or environmental
features.
o Develop standards to increase the safety of pedestrian crossings
throughout the City.
o Update the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances consistent with the
Transportation Plan.
o Establish a policy outlining when a traffic impact study should be
conducted, including acceptable information to be contained within the
study.
o Maintain a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that contains elements for
reconstruction of the roadway system, with scheduled maintenance
included in annual budgets. Street maintenance should include routine
patching, crack filling, and storm sewer cleaning. Implement a schedule
for roadway maintenance and reconstruction, street widening/realignment,
etc.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
90
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
12. ENVIRONMENrAL CONSERVArlON AND SUSTAINABlurv
Goal: Promote conservation and sustainable design practices in the preservation,
development, redevelopment, and maintenance of the City's natural and built
environment.
To achieve this environmental sustainability goal, the following policies are
proposed:
o Encourage the use of sustainable design practices in the construction and
operations of new development, additions, and building renovations.
o Evaluate energy use. that contributes to energy and climate uncertainty.
energy use at City facilities and vehicles.
o Encourage the use of site sensitive planning and design to protect
significant natural features throughout the City.
o Support the use of renewable energy.
o Support the efficient use of land and development that reduces reliance on
fossil fuels.
o Work to reduce carbon emissions at City facilities, from City vehicles, and
overall City design.
o Work to protect air, water quality, and healthier indoor environment.
o Encourage programs that reduce waste and increase recycling.
The need for environmental sustainability, green building practices, energy
efficiency, and conservation is becoming more apparent as energy prices rise and
the impact of humans on the environment becomes more prominent. While Arden
Hills has a relatively small impact when compared to the rest of the world, the City
does playa role in protecting the environment and encouraging sustainable
development and redevelopment. If more cities adopt environmentally sustainable
practices, the combined impact is substantial regardless of city size.
Sustainability is more than just energy and water conservation. It incorporates
environmentally sensitive site planning, resource efficient building materials,
enhancing indoor and outdoor air quality, enhancing the use of daylight. reducing the
need for automotive travel, and many other techniques. There is a vast array of
techniques that can be used to reduce the impact on the environment. The benefits
of implementing sustainable building, sustainable environment, and conservation
practices include, but are not limited to:
o Lower eiectric and utility costs;
o Environmentally effective use of building materials:
o Enhanced health and productivity;
o Long-term economic returns; and,
o Reduced environmental impact.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
.------~----_._--_._._~
I Format!!~~~ und~!~~.". ____"
91
While this chapter focuses on environmentally sustainability, this chapter is not
independent from the other chapters in this Comprehensive Plan. This particular
chapter discusses the overarching poiicies, practices, information, and
implementation techniques that apply throughout the Plan. There are policies, tools,
and implementation techniques in other chapters that directly relate to environmental
conservation and sustainability, though may not be repeated in this chapter. The
goal of this chapter is to recognize the importance of conservation and sustainability
as well as to coordinate these efforts in the Plan. This chapter is an integrai part and
is intended to enhance the other chapters in the Comprehensive Plan.
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Two major challenges are helping to drive sustainable design: peak oil and climate
change. Both of these issues pose uncertain future risks that face all of society.
Peak oil refers to the idea that the world is nearing the peak of oil production. While
additional oil supplies are being discovered, rising world demand and decreasing
supply will almost certainly lead to higher costs for energy supplies. Climate change
is widely believed to be occurring due to increasing carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels. Both phenomena are creating changes
in economies and ecosystems at the global, regional and local levels that cannot be
easily predicted. For local governments - responsible for managing local public
services and planning for future land use and transportation - this new uncertainty
creates a wide variety of risks and vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is important to plan
and set goals on how to meet these challenges.
12.1 What is Sustainability and Sustainable Design?
Sustainability: The concept of meeting present needs without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Sustainable Design: Design that seeks to avoid depletion of energy, water and raw
material resources: prevent environmental degredation caused by facility and
infrastructure development over their life cycle: and create environments that are
livable, comfortable, and safe and that promote productivity.
12.2 Green Building Practices
The world and national focus is toward overall improved design of all types of
buildings to conserve energy and produce a healthier living environment Leading
programs are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and the US
Green Building Council. Both of these organization are leading the way along with
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and MN Pollution Control Agency in
developing rating systems.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
92
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The most notable rating system currently in use is the LEED rating system, which
includes a number of rating factors:
. Innovation and Design Process
. Location and Linkages
. Water Efficiency
. Energy and Atmosphere
. Materials and Resources
. Indoor Environmental Quality
. Awareness and Education
While gaining LEED certification has become important for the environmental
aspects, it has also become a marketing tool and a competing factor for many new
buildings. Encouraging the use of LEED standards may help the City be more
competitive over the long term. With redevelopment along the County Road E
corridor and redevelopment of the TCMP property, the City and developers have
the opportunity to employ LEED standards and other sustainable techniques.
While new development and redevelopment can use the newest sustainable and
environmentally friendly practices, existing structures and practices can be modified
or upgraded to reduce their impact. For example, using energy efficient lighting,
increasing insulation, reducing automobile usage, and other similar measures can
reduce a person's impact at home and at work.
12.3 Low Impact Design
Municipal land use and transportation planning decisions directly influence whether
people and businesses will have mobility choices that allow them to save energy and
money. Through zoning codes, building codes, and public incentives, the permitting
process, municipalities can encourage building design that reduces energy needs,
resources, and greenhouse emissions. Planning for the future should include:
Environmental sustainability and low impact design also includes ecology and open
space planning. Some of the practices and tools that coordinate development with
protecting the environment and open spaces include:
. LEED and other similar design standards;
. Water gardens, porous or structured parking, and minimizing paved areas;
. Storm water control, collection, and filtration before entering storm sewers:
. Wetlands preservation and control;'
. Access to local foods, materials, building supplies:
. Walkable and bikeable community:
. Increased landscaping with more trees and vegetation:
DRAFT
4/18/2008
93
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
. Smart design and location for structures - east, west, south exposure for
solar gain, natural ventilation to reduce air-conditioning, recycled and natural
building products.
. Transportation hubs and depots - walkable, bikeable, electric vehicle
distance to local community centers or business districts.
This section does not include all low impact design practices and tools. As
technology and ideas are availability, they should be evaluated to determine if they
could advance the City's goals. The above practices and tools could be encouraged
or required through the City's regulations.
12.4 Carbon Reduction
The state of Minnesota legislature passed the "MN Next Generation Energy Act of
2007" in an effort to plan for energy change and climate uncertainty. This act
included the following goals related to reducing carbon emissions from fossil fuels
and conserving energy by:
. Reducing per capita use of fossil fuel by 15% by 2015;
. Annual energy savings of 1.5 percent of electricity and natural gas;
. Generate 25% of energy from renewable sources by 2025;
. Based on 2005 emissions, make reductions of
o 15% by 2015
o 30% by 2025
o 80% by 2050
These are all carbon reduction goals that proactive planning will help to achieve. In
Arden Hills, a significant contributor of carbon and greenhouse gas emissions is
traffic passing through Arden Hills on Interstates 1-694, 1-35W, Highway 10, Highway
96, Snelling Avenue, and Lexington Avenue. Some options for lowering emissions
include:
. Lowering speed limits
. Higher mpg vehicles
. Using hydrogen buses
. Using electric cars or personal vehicles
. Traffic circles that siow speeds but do not stop traffic
. Light rail transport from potential hub or depot sites at existing rail lines
Some of the above options are based on individual decision; however, the City and
other governmental agencies can encourage, or possibly require, certain actions.
For example, Arden Hills, along with other agencies, could provide transit hubs, light
rail, or hybrid/hydrogen buses. Each person must make responsible decisions to
reduce carbon emissions. Cities, counties, and the state need to work cooperatively
DRAFT
4/18/2008
94
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
on other regulatory measures that encourage carbon emission reduction. Reducing
carbon emissions will take cooperation at all levels to be successful, and Arden Hills
is in support of finding ways to reduce carbon emissions.
12.5 Implementation Strategies
Future sustainability projects that will benefit the City and region include, but is
not limited to:
. Develop an energy action plan (need definition).
. Encourage geothermal heating and cooling for individual buildings up to
district heatingfcooling size installations.
. Increase recycling at all levels.
. Develop regulations for the use of pervious surfaces, green roofs, and
other environmentally sensitive materials.
. Minimize impervious surfaces where possible.
. Promote LEEDfGreen building practices through, zoning, codes, and
possibly incentives.
. Encourage the use of renewable energy.
. Develop transportation hubs or depots in cooperation with neighboring
communities and the Metropolitan Council.
. Promote the growth of business districts around these hubs.
The above strateGies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and
strateGies should be identified to further advance the Citv's housinG Goal and
policies.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
95
Oty of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
DRAFT
4/18/2008
96
City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
13. PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Goal: Provide efficient and high-quality public facilities, services, and infrastructure.
To achieve this public facilities, services, and infrastructure goal, the following
policies are proposed:
o Provide reliable and high-quality water facilities, sanitary sewer, and
stormwater systems.
o Prepare long-term plans to identify, prioritize, and determine the costs to
maintain andlor replace City water and sewer facilities.
o Maintain and update the emergency preparedness plan as needed.
o Work to provide efficient, low-cost services through ongoing evaluation and
intergovernmental coordination.
o Utilize the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and annual budgeting process for
prioritizing major public expenditures.
o Work to reduce inflow and infiltration into the City's sewer system.
o Coordinate with the public and private school system on programs and
activities where feasible.
o Promote the continuation of a public library within Arden Hills.
o Continuously evaluate all contracted services to assure that efficient and
high-quality services are being provided.
The Arden Hills City government provides a myriad of public facilities and
services. While some services are used or seen on a daily basis, such as
streets, sewer, and water, other services are less noticed though are absolutely
necessary for the efficient functioning of the City.
The City continually strives to provide services in an efficient manner. In order to
provide a wide array of services at a low-cost, Arden Hills has sought
partnerships with other cities and Ramsey County. Fire services are provided
through the Lake Johanna Fire Department, which provides fire services to
Shoreview and North Oaks in addition to Arden Hills. The Ramsey County
Sheriffs department provides police services to Arden Hills. In 2006, the City
entered into a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Roseville for engineering
services, which included a part-time engineer at Arden Hills City Hall. The City
also has a Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Roseville for information
technology services, which has been in place since xxxx.
Since the physical infrastructure of Arden Hills is aging, the City recognizes the
need to track and evaluate the condition of the City's infrastructure. The Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) is one tool that is used to plan for maintenance andlor
replacement of facilities as appropriate.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
97
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
13.1 Water Resource Management
In the developed portion of Arden Hills, the City is not anticipating any
significant land use changes that would result in increased demand on the
City's water supply, stormwater management system, or sanitary sewer
system. While redevelopment of the TCAAP property is expected to be
completed by 2030, the City has not yet adopted a land use plan, densities are
not yet known, and the phasing is also unknown. Therefore, the City's Water
Supply, Stormwater, and Sanitary Sewer Plans do not yet reflect the potential
needs on the TCAAP property. These Plans will need to be updated once a
land use plan is selected for the TCAAP property.
13.1.1 Water Supply
The purpose of the Water Supply Plan is to provide the City of Arden Hills
and its residents with guidance for water system emergencies and
conservation of the City's water supply. The Water Supply Plan is divided
into four parts (Appendix S):
Part I: Water supply system description and evaluation
Part II: Emergency response procedures
Part III: Water Conservation Plan
Part IV: Metropolitan Land Planning Act Requirements
The City of Arden Hills purchases potable water from the City of Roseville,
who purchases water from the Saint Paul Water Utility. Sl. Paul Water
Utility provides the required treatment processes before the water is
introduced into the water distribution system in Arden Hills; no further
treatment is required by the City of Arden Hills. Once in the City, the
system is under the jurisdiction of the City's water utility. Historically, the
water utility has been managed to be self-supporting with future
replacement needs financed from revenues generated from the fees paid
by users.
The City periodically reviews the arrangement with the City of Roseville
and the Saint Paul Water Utility to ensure that the City is obtaining the
most cost-effective services.
The City has three connection points with the City of Roseville. These are
located at Cleveland Avenue and County Road D, Fairview Avenue and
County Road D, and Glenhill Road and Hamline Avenue.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
['"j);i;t;d;-X"
98
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The City also has three emergency cross connections with adjacent
communities. The Arden Hills-Shoreview connections, which are eight-
inch lines across Lexington Avenue, one just north of Grey Fox Road, the
other north of Cummings Park Drive. The third line is a connection to New
Brighton, which is an eight-inch line across Stowe Avenue just east of
Cleveland Avenue.
Appendix);; includes the updated Water Supply Plan for Arden Hills.
Since a land use plan for the proposed redevelopment of the TCAAP
property has not yet been adopted, this Plan does not reflect future water
needs on the TCAAP property. This Plan will need to be updated once a
final iand use plan has been selected.
13.1.2 Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary sewer interceptor and treatment is provided to the City via the
Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) system. Within the
City, the system is under the jurisdiction of the City's sanitary sewer utility.
Historically, the sanitary sewer utility has been managed to be self-
supporting, with future infrastructure replacement needs financed from
revenues generated from the fees paid by users.
The City operates and maintains fourteen (14) sanitary sewer lift stations.
Since 1990, ten (10) of these have been replaced. The last four lift
stations to be replaced are scheduled for replacement in the next ten (10)
years., The City also operates and maintains two water towers and one
booster station (water pumping facilities.) All of these facilities require
around the clock monitoring. It is in the City's CIP to acquire SCADA
(supervisory control and data acquisition) in the next five (5) years, which
will allow staff to monitor all lift stations and water supply facilities
remotely.
Describe current conditions, maintenance program, frequency of
televising, and replacement schedule.
Appendix E. includes the Sanitary Sewer Plan for Arden Hills, _Since a_land
use plan for the proposed redevelopment of the TCAAP property has not
yet been adopted, this Plan does not reflect future sewer needs on the
TCAAP property. This Plan will need to be updated once a final land use
plan has been selected.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
l Deleted: X j
-~--------
tE~~~~~____
~
99
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
13.1.3 Storm WaterlSurface Water Drainage
Storm drainage is provided throughout the City with a network of storm
sewers, open ditches, holding ponds, which are under the jurisdiction of
the City's Surface Water Management Utility. Similar to the water and
sewer utilities, the Surface Water Management Utility has been designed
to be financially self-supportive for day-to-day operations, ongoing
maintenance, and upgrades.
Arden Hills is in the Rice Creek Watershed District, which is the regulating
authority for stormwater in Arden Hills. Much of the surface water in
Arden Hills drains towards Rice Creek, which flows southwest through
Anoka and Ramsey County toward the Mississippi River approximately
1.5 miles north of Interstate 694 in Fridley. Stormwater from Roseville
flows north through Ramsey County Ditch NO.4 into Little Lake Johanna
and Lake Johanna. From there, the water continues north into Long Lake
in New Brighton. Lake Josephine also drains into Lake Johanna. Round
Lake flows into Valentine Lake, which rains into Long Lake. Sunfish Lake
drains into Marsden Lake, which flows into County Ditch NO.1 and drains
into Rice Creek. Although Karth Lake does not have any natural outlets,
a pump station manages the water level and any water pumped out drains
to Valentine Lake through storm sewer and ditch systems.
Although most of the land south of County Road 96 is developed, not all
areas are served by the City's stormwater system. The City does require
storm sewer to be installed with road reconstruction projects; however,
this policy is not always practical or feasible, and alternate design
standards may sometimes be appropriate. A process to allow alternates
to storm sewer is needed.
The City completed its Surface Water Management Plan, which was
approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District in 2002 (Appendix G).
The Rice Creek Watershed District is currently in the process of updating
their Water Resource Management Plan. Once their update is completed,
the City will update the Surface Water Management Plan.
Since a land use plan for the proposed redevelopment of the TCAAP
property has not yet been adopted, the current Stormwater Management
Plan does not yet reflect future stormwater management needs on the
TCAAP property. The Surface Water Management Plan will need to be
updated once a final land use plan for the TCAAP property has been
selected.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
100
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
13.1.4 Inflow and Infiltration (1&1)
The City of Arden Hills has been identified as a community with inflow and
infiltration (1&1) problems. The Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services (MCES) has imposed a surcharge on the City as a part of its 1&1
reductionlelimination program. Based on current readings that the METC
has taken from several monitoring points, Arden Hills' surcharge is
estimated at $100,100 a year for five years, beginning in 2007. The City is
examining its sanitary sewer system to identify areas that are contributing
to the 1&1 problem and take the necessary measures to reduce andlor
eliminate the surcharge.
In 2007.1he City began to study its 1&1 problem in,response to the
surcharge from the Metropolitan Council. In 2008, the City will complete
the initial study.ill!Q, develop and implement an 1&1 reduction plan. The 1&1
study to date includes smoke testing, flow metering, sanitary sewer main
televising, and manhole inspections.
The Citv is committed to reducino 1&1 and reducino or eliminatinG the
surcharoe.
13.2 Other Utilities
Electricity, natural gas, and cable television are provided and maintained by
private companies; however, they do use the right-of-way for distribution of
these services. Electricity and natural gas is provided by Xcel Energy. Comcast
provides cable television services to Arden Hills.
13.3 City Street Maintenance
The City has an on-going Pavement Management Program (PMP) that
documents the physical condition of the approximately 31 miles of streets. The
condition of each of the streets is evaluated and given a Pavement Condition
Index (PCI), which is used to prioritize street reconstruction and maintenance.
The PMP reviews roadway pavement condition as well as presence of concrete
curb and gutters, storm drainage system, and public utility conditions. These
factors are weighted together to generate a prioritized list of roadway
improvements. A financial analysis is conducted and the proposed
improvements are grouped into annual programs in the Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) and annual budgeting process.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
]01
CDelet~T---~-"-'"'-"-'-'
(D;1;;d~07i~--------"'"
t~_~~.~!~.~.:...:.
j Deleted:
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
Technological advances and development activities are placing increasing
strains on the City's right-of-way. Right-of-way (ROW) is used to provide area for
electric, gas, telephone, cable, and other public and private utility lines.
Unplanned use of the ROW can lead to a confusing jumble of underground
utilities that increase the maintenance and reconstruction costs to all users. It is
in the City's best interest to revise its right-of-way ordinance to provide for a
comprehensive approach for the maintenance and construction for all public and
private utilities within the City ROW.
13.4 Emergency Preparedness
The City adopted the Emergency Operations Plan on November 14, 2005, and
updated it on December 12, 2006. The purpose of this Plan is to maximize the
protection of life and property, ensure the continuity of government, sustain
survivors, and repair essential facilities and utilities. The Plan is intended to
assist key City officials and emergency organization to carry out their
responsibilities for protection of life and property under a wide range of
emergency conditions. It is also important to be able to efficiently coordinate
emergency services and communicate with other governmental organizations.
13.5 City Buildings,
13.5.1 City Hall
The current City Hall building was opened in October 2001 and is located at 1245
West Highway 96, which is approximately half way between Lexington and
Hamline Avenues on the north side of Highway 96. The building includes a
community room, modern Council chambers, and additional space for future
needs.
13.5.2 Public Works/Joint Maintenance Facility
In October 2004, the City of Arden Hills, Ramsey County, and the Mounds View
School district opened a joint maintenance and operations facility on Kirkwold
Drive, which is in the northwest corner of the Highway 96 and Hamline Avenue
intersection. The City's Public Works Department, including staff and equipment
is located at this facility.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
102
[ Deleted: and Services
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
13.6 City Services
In addition to basic infrastructure needs, the City provides a wide array of
services, including police and fire protection as well as day to day administrative
functions. In 2008, the City had 24 full-time employees. The number of
temporary employees changes throughout the year but ranges between five and
fifteen at anyone time depending on the time of year. Many of the temporary
employees are hired by the Public Works Department for park and recreation
services. The City strives to provide all services in an efficient and high-quality
manner.
13.6.1 Police
The City contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office for all policies
services. As with all its vendors, the City periodically reviews this arrangement to
ensure that the City is obtaining the most cost-effective services for its residence.
The Ramsey County Patrol Division is located in Arden Hills at the Joint
Maintenance Facility. As development occurs on TCAAP, the City and Ramsey
County will evaluate the services provided to the City to determine if additional
facilities or services are needed.
13.6.2 Fire
The Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department provides fire fighting services to
Arden Hills, Shoreview, and North Oaks. The fire department owns four fire
stations:
o Station 1 in Arden Hills at 3246 New Brighton Road;
o Station 2 in North Oaks at 4676 Hogsdon Road;
o Station 3 in Shoreview at 1140 County Road I; and,
o Station 4 in Shoreview at 3615 Victoria Street.
As with all its vendors, the City periodically reviews this arrangement to ensure
that the City is obtaining the most cost-effective services for its residence. As
development occurs on TCAAP, the City and Lake Johanna Fire Department will
evaluate the services provided to the City to determine if additional facilities are
needed.
13.6.3 Other Cities Services
The City of Arden Hills has a full time staff of XX people and a part-time/seasonal
staff of approximately XX people to provide a full range of city services. The City
operates under a City Administrator style government, and the administrator
DRAFT
4/18/2008
103
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
manages the function of all other departments as well as implementation of the
City Council's policies and decisions.
13.7 Postal Services
The City receives regular mail service via the New Brighton Post Office. If the
need or opportunity arises for new or additional facilities, it has been a
longstanding desire to have a full service post office within Arden Hills.
13.8 Library
Opened in 1969, the Arden Hills Library is located at 1941 County Road E-2,
which is near the intersection of County Road E2 and New Brighton Road. In
2008, the library had more than 81,000 items in its collection. The library is part
of the Ramsey County Library system, which includes six other libraries
throughout Ramsey County.
While discussions about the future of the Arden Hills Library are ongoing, the City
has a stated goal to keep a library facility within the City limits. As development
occurs on TCAAP, relocating the library to TCAAP or somewhere else in Arden
Hills may be a possibility.
13.9 Public Schools
Almost all of Arden Hills is in the Mounds View School District (ISD 621);
however, a small area in the southeastern corner of Arden Hills is within the
Roseville School District (ISD 623). Two of the eleven Mounds View School
District buildings are located in Arden Hills: the Mounds View High School at
1900 Lake Valentine Road and Valentine Elementary at 1770 West County Road
E2. The Mounds View School is also a partner in the joint maintenance facility
used by the City and Ramsey County.
The Mounds View School District is one of the highest rated school districts in
the state and is a valued organization in the community. In addition to serving
Arden Hills, the Mounds View School District all serves part of all of the cities of
Blaine, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, Shoreview, North Oaks, Spring
Lake Park, and Vadnais Heights as well as White Sear Township. As of October
2007, the district had approximately 9,700 students and was the fourteenth
largest school district in the State. The district is anticipating declining
DRAFT
4/18/2008
104
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
enrollment, and no new educational facilities are planned. While future
development on the TCAAP property may add students to the school system,
those students would likely just offset other declines.
The Roseville School District has ten buildings; however, none of them are
located in Arden Hills. The district includes all or parts of the cities of Falcon
Heights, Lauderdale, LiUle Canada, Maplewood, Roseville, and Shoreview.
13.10 Higher Education
While not technically a public service, Arden Hills is home to two private higher
education institutions, Bethel University and Northwestern College. Bethel
University is located south of Interstate 694 and is on the shoreline of Lake
Valentine. The University has a long range Master Plan and future expansion
on the campus is expected.
Split by the Roseville-Arden Hills border, Northwestern College is located in the
south party of the City on the southern shore of Lake Johanna. The College
does not have a road access into Arden Hills; however, many of the College's
educational buildings are located in Arden Hills. Both Roseville and Arden Hills
approved a long range Master Plan in October 2007.
Bethel University and Northwestern College have abundant natural resources
and trails that are open for use to the residents of Arden Hills. The City strives
to maintain a strong working relationship with both institutions to help ensure
long term recreational access to these campuses and to coordinate any
changes or expansions with the adjacent residential areas.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
105
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFf
DRAFT
4/18/2008
]06
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
14. IMPLEMENTATION (IN PROGRESS)
Implementation is required to have an effective comprehensive plan. The Citv must
use this Comprehensive Plan to help Quide decision makinQ, set priorities, and
develop new policies. The vision, qoals. policies. and information in this document
are meant to support the Citv and provide a strateqic framework for accomplishinQ
Citv qoals and maintaininq a healthv. vibrant. and stable communitv_
Most of the other chapters include implementation strateQies specific to the chapter
thev are in. This implementation chapter includes broader implementation
techniques that mav include multiple chapters and topics.
~Capitallmprovement Plan (CIPl
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the financial planninq mechanism used
bv the Citv to plan for 10nQ ranQe and siQnificant expenditures. Arden Hills has
adopted a five-vear CIP that is updated on an annual basis. Each vear the CIP
is reviewed and revised as priorities chanqe. more details are known. and funds
become available for capital projects and purchases. The CIP is an important
tool for the annual budqetinq process because it helps Quide the allocation of
funds for the upcominq vear.
The Comprehensive Plan sets forth overall direction for the Citv; the five vear
CIP and the annual budqet implement the qoals and policies contained within
this Plan. Each vear. all items in the CIP should be evaluated in relation to the
qoals. policies. and direction in the Comprehensive Plan. This allows spendinQ
decisions to be made within the overall context and future planned environment
for the communitv. While it is important that the Citv's financial tools implement
the intent of the Comprehensive Plan, the Comprehensive Plan cannot predict
every future need, project, or constraint. The Comprehensive Plan is a dvnamic
document that can be amended. with careful review. to respond to unanticipated
chanqes in the Citv.
14.2 Ordinances
One of the primarv tools for implementinQ the Comprehensive Plan is
ordinances. The City currently uses a number of ordinances, includinq Zoninq.
Subdivision, Floodplain. Shoreland. and Siqn ordinances. Ordinances can be
developed to facilitate manv of the qoals and policies in the land use. housinQ.
and protected resource chapters. Ordinances are the requlatorv tool for QuidinQ
development so that it is in conformance with the City's plans and overall vision.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
107
-~
(~~~!~~: ~~_~~~_r.:~:~_"'__'_______J
Deleted: Summary of
implementation measures from other
chaptersll
',' , ,i _~~_atted: ~~nt:_ Bold
, 'C~~_~~'~~~~__________________""'_J
f~~_~~~~';"-F~;;t~"'-B~"ld'-"-~=~:.:::;
Formatted: Outline numbered + I
Level: 2 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, i
... + Start at 1 + Alignment: Left + !
Aligned at: 0.25" + Tab after: 0.56" !
+ Indent at: 0.56", Tabs: O:.~?'! j
U~r;:~~~~._~~_~.~.~.~_~.._~~~.~ 0", T~_bS: J
r Fo~a~~-I-~~~t;-L~ft: 0", Tabs:
,0.69", Left
;--
1 Formatted: Font: Bold
Formatted: Outline numbered +
level: 2 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, i
... + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
Aligned at: 025" + Tab after: 0.56"
_:_.~~~..~.~~:.._.~~.~~:~.!~~-~.~~-j
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
This Comprehensive Plan calls for the updatinq of manv ordinances. most
notablv the land use and shoreland ordinances. These ordinances require
continuous review to ensure that thev are advancinq the Citv's vision and
Metropolitan Council requirements. Furthermore. as State Statutes are
updated, thev too must be reflected in the City's ordinances.
14.3 Small Area Plans
While this Comprehensive Plan provides overall policv direction for the Citv.
additional planninq detail is needed in select areas. In April 2008, the Citv
embarked on a small area plan for the Countv Road E corridor. The small area
plan will address land use. future redevelopment. and transportation issues in
qreater detail in this area. The small area plan is anticipated to be completed bv
the end of 2008 and mav result in an amendment to this Comprehensive Plan.
The City mav also move forward with a small area plan for the Lexinqton
AvenuelRed FoxlGrev Fox business area. Althouqh there has been some new
development in this area. many of the buildinqs are aQinq and are Iikelv to be
redeveloped in the near future. A small area plan to address issues in this area
mav be warranted.
14.4 Community Involvement
Communitv involvement is an important part of implementinq this
Comprehensive Plan. While the Citv can adopt policies and proqrams,
successful implementation requires solid communication as well as input and
partiCipation from residents and businesses. The Citv currentlv utilizes a
number of methods to facilitate communication between the residents. elected
officials. and Citv staff. includinq survevs. direct mailinqs. reqular Citv
newsletters, public comment times at Council meetinqs, Town Hall meetinqs.
cable television. the Citv's website. Each proiect requires a different
communications and involvement approach and the previous list is onlv an
example of techniques.
The Citv also uses commissions, committees, and special task forces to include
residents and businesses in the proiect development and decision-makinq
process. These qroups allow more direct involvement and participation from the
communitv to help advance and create proqrams that work toward implementinq
the Comprehensive Plan.
14.4.1 Economic Development Authoritv
DRAFT
4/18/2008
[~~~~~~_.,~~_~~~~~~:~~~~:~_~_~::J
(.m_._..__.m__...............____.'
- Formatted: Font: Bold I
f.".~..~,.".....".."..,..."..,,~'-''''.'''''-''--''''.'.
Formatted: Outline numbered + 1
Level: 2 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, i
... + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + 1
Aligned at: 0.25" + Tab after: 0.56" I
+ Indent at: 0.56", Tabs: o~
l Fo. r~atted,; Indent: Left: 0...25. "'... ..1
Tabs. 0.69, Le~______""_._ ....._._.....~")
[-......."""....".........--..----.---:
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", i
Tabs: 0.69", Left j
, [C.f.e.:.;.f.:;.:.f. j.~.t.:.~i.~~.'.~I~1.!.:;:.:f..~..
:.I~~.~~ ~!:"" 0.56", Ta~s: 0.6?.:!__--<
L;~~~~.:..~:~_~~~_._~~.~":".~~:~~~~~J
r Formatt~: F~~t~"B~id~'~'-:.~.'.:~~~~'.~~~~~-=
Formatted: Outline numbered +
Level: 3 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3,
... + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
Aligned at: OS' + Tab after: 1" +
Indent at: 1", Tabs: 0.69", Left
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0", Tabs:
0.69", Left
108
,
J
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFf
In 1996. the City created an Economic Development Authoritv (EDA). The
Mavor is the President of the EDA while the four Council members serve as
the Board of Commissioners. The EDA was created to assist the Citv with its
economic development and redevelopment efforts.
14.4.2 Commissions
The Planninq Commission is a seven member appointed citizen bod v that
reviews all planninq cases and makes recommendations to the Citv Council.
The Commission is comprised of seven residents that are appointed for three
vear terms bv the Citv Council. The Planninq Commission is responsible for
reviewinq site plans. variances, conditional use permits, rezoninqs,
subdivisions. Comprehensive Plan amendments, zoninq code amendments,
and other planninq related issues.
Economic Development Commissions...
14.4.3 Committees
Parks. Trails, and Recreation Committee..
Communications Committee...
Financial Planninq and Analvsis Committee...
14.4.4 Task Forces and Other Groups
14.5 Intergovernmental Coordination
14.6 Future Comp Plan Amendments
As a policv and planninq document. text andlor map amendments to this
Comprehensive Plan will be needed. This Plan is meant to be a dvnamic
document that can respond to unforeseen chanqes. priorities. and opportunities.
Amendments will be needed for the TCAAP redevelopment and mav be needed
for the B-2 District Small Area Plan. a future Lexinqton Avenue (Red Fox-Grev
Fox?) Small Area Plan. and for redevelopment of the former Citv HalllPublic
Works propertv. Private propertv owners mav also need an amendment to allow
a chanqe in propertv use at some point in the future.
DRAFT
4/18/2008
109
["~~~~:g;~~~~~t~ 'L~ft;""'O.6g.;;----'~
- lfu;;'-;tt;d-:-O~tii~e numbered + "_.......1
I Level: 3 + Numben~g Style: 1, 2, 3, I
... + Start at 1 + Alrgnment: left + ]
Aligned at: OS' + Tab after: 1 ~ + I
,~ at: 1", Tabs: 0.69"~~
t~_or~atted: Font: Bold -=
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.69",
Tabs: 0.69", left
l Formatted: Bullets and Numbering J
r-f:~~f.i:,:~.t~~~'t;'"l'~ft;""'"O:69;;:--'- ~'-l
t.Formatted: Bullets and Numbering"
r Formatted: Indent: left: 0.69",
I Tabs: O.69~, left
["Formatted: Indent: left: O~, Tabs: I
L_~~~~_,__L~f!____________~_._j
{"F~;;tt;;d~-~-~t:B~----!
! Formatted: Outline numbered + I
i level: 2 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, I
! ... + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + "I
I Aligned at: 0.25~ + Tab after: O.56~
l + Indent at: 0.56~.~~
j Formatted: Font: Bold i
i';'''''"'';'"'''''''''~''''"~'"='"'"'~"='=.'"==~--==:;
I Formatted: Outline numbered + i
level: 2 + Numberi~g Style: 1, 2, 3, I
I m + Start at: 1 + Ahgnment: Left + i
I Aligned at: 0.25" + Tab after: 0.56" I
r..,:~~~~~;~~~~~':~~:'~';;~~b~i
l~~?::," .~:~""._.._""_"..._,,__._""__________,
City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT
The Metropolitan Council and the Citv has a specific process for processinq and,
evaluatinq comprehensive plan amendments. .
DRAFT
4/18/2008
110
r ~~~tt~d; i~d~~t;.iclt;---056' !
(-;;~~tted: Fon-;: Bold, s~.~;i--~;---'l
~
~HILLS
1998 Future
Land Use
D LDR - Low Density Residential
I...... > I MDR- Medium Density Residential
_ HDR - High Density Residential
_ MR - Mixed Residential
_ NB - Neighborhood Business
_ COM - Commercial
_ MB - Mixed Business
IND - Industrial
_ PII - Public & Institutional
_ PIOS - Park and Open Space
_ PP - Park Preserve
WAT - Water
DRaW - Right-of-Way
!
This map was created for the 1998 Comprehensive Plan.
Printed: April 18, 2008
Source: Ramsey County, Metropolitan Council
2008 Comprehensive Plan Update
1
IMile
~
~HILLS
2008 Existing
Land Use
DRAFT
D SFD - Single Family Detached
11II SFA - Single Family Attached
_ MF - Multiple Family
_ MH - Manufactured Home Park
_ NB - Neighborhood Business
_ COM - Commercial
_ OFC - Office
LI - Light Industrial
_ MUI- Mixed Use Industrial
_ PII - Public & Institutional
_ UTL - Utility
_ PIOS - Park and Open Space
_ RR - Railway
_ VAC - Vacant
D ROW - Right-of-Way
WAT - Open Water
!
This map is in draft format and subject to
change prior to adoption.
Printed: April 18, 2008
Source: Ramsey County, Metropolitan Council
2008 Comprehensive Plan Update
I Mile
~
~~HILLS
_ To Be Determined
D LOR - Low Density Residential
MDR - Medium Density Residential
_ HDR - High Density Residential
_ MR - Mixed Residential
_ NB - Neighborhood Business
_ COM - Commercial
_ MB - Mixed Business
1/0 - Light Industrial and Office
_ PII - Public & Institutional
_ UTL - Utility
_ PIOS - Park and Open Space
_ PP - Park Preserve
_ RR - Railroad right-of-way
D ROW - Right-of-Way
WAT - Water
!
Future Land Use
DRAFT
This map is in draft format and subject to
change prior to adoption.
Printed: April 18, 2008
Source: Ramsey County, Metropolitan Council
2008 Comprehensive Plan Update
1
I Mile
~
~HILLS
Natural Resource
Inventory
DRAFT
D Priority Areas
Wetland Restoration Potential
6. Hydrologic
<> Vegetation
o Both
Natural Resource Preservation Priority
Low
Medium
High
Land Cover
_ Forested
_ Woodland
Shrubland
_ Herbaceous Vegetation
_ Forested Wetiand
_ Shrub Wetland
_ Herbaceous Wetland ~
Open Water 0
This map is in draft format and subject to
change prior to adoption.
Printed: April 1S, 200S
Source: Rice Creek Watershed District
200S Comprehensive Plan Update
1
I Mile