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Home My WebLink About1C- Comp Plan W orksession Item Prepared By: James Lehnhoff, City Planner Council Meeting Date: May 19, 2008 Complete Comprehensive Plan Review Budgeted Amount: $0.00 Actual Amount: $0.00 Funding Source: Source Recommendation: Staff requests feedback on the goals, policies, and content in the draft 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Staff also requests a review of the overall City vision statement, which has been slightly revised. Supporting Documents: 1. Memorandum dated May 19, 2008 2. May 14, 2008, Draft of the Comprehensive Plan ~ ~HILLS MEMORANDUM DATE: May 19, 2008 Work Session TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: James Lehnhoff, City Planner SUBJECT: 2008 Comprehensive Plan Draft of the Vision, Policies, and Strategies by Chapter Update This work session is a continuation of the Comprehensive Plan update discussion from the April 21 and April 28, 2008, work sessions. The City Council has fully reviewed Chapters 1-7, 9, and 10. Chapters 8, II, 12, 13, and 14 still require review. The track changes feature was used to show the changes that have been made. The drafts of all chapters are included with this memo, and the other chapters have been updated to reflect most previous Council comments. Some of the Council comments and questions are still be researched. Staff is working toward completing the maps and formatting the charts in the Plan. Once the Plan is fully adopted by the City, a quick reference executive summary will be prepared that focuses on the City's vision, goals, and policies. While the information in the Plan is helpful, the executive summary will be easier to read and reference for future use. Requested Aetion Staff requests feedback on the goals, policies, and content in the draft 2008 Comprehensive Plan. Review Process and Schedule The Planning Commission held a work session on March 20 and May 13, 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 has reviewed the Active Living, Parks & Recreation, and Protected Resources chapters at their February and April meetings. City of Arden Hills City Council Special Work Session for May 19, 2008 \\Metro-inet.us\ardenhillslPlanningIComprehensive PlanIMemos\051908 - CC Report - Camp Plan - Vision. Policies, and Strategies.doc Page lof2 Depending on the results of the Council's work session, the Plan will be uploaded to the web site for public review and a final public open house will be scheduled for the first part of June to publicly review the draft and solicit public comment. Attendees will be able to comment and provide input on the draft Plan prior to any official approval. The Planning Commission is scheduled to officially review the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan in July. If the City Council comes to a consensus on the draft after the Planning Commission review, 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 Council can then officially approve the Plan and send it to the Metropolitan Council for approval. 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. It is important to note that State Statutes require all cities to submit their comprehensive plans by the end of 2008. While the Metropolitan Council is working with cities on meeting this deadline, they do not have an official extension process. The City is somewhat behind schedule on this process and additional delays may put the City at risk of not meeting the submission deadline. 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 May 14, 2008, Draft of the Comprehensive Plan City of Arden Hills City Council Special Work Session for May 19, 2008 \\Metro-inet.uslardenhi//slPlanning\ComprehensivePlanlMemoslO51908 - CC Report - CompPlan - Vision, Policies, and Strategies.doc Page 2 af2 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 2008 Comprehensive Plan City of Arden Hills DRAFT: Mav 15, 2008 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................... ......................................................5 2. COMMUNITY PROFILE................................ ....................... .............................. .7 3. CITY VISION........... ............................................... ........................ .....................15 4. ACTIVE liVING.. ....................... ........................ ........................................................... ... 17 5. TWIN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT (TCAAP) PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT. ...... ] 9 6. LAND USE..... .................. ...................... .............................................................. ........... 23 7. HOUSING ........ ........................ ......................... ....................................................... ....... 37 8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT ......................................................... 4.7. 9. PARKS AND RECREATION.. ....................... .......................... ............................. ....... 21. 10. PROTECTED RESOURCES ................................................ ................ .......................65 11. TRANSPORTATION...................... ......................... ........................... ..........................79 12. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABILlTY ............. ............................ ..... 93 13. PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE ....... ........................ ................. 99 14. IMPLEMENTATION ........................... .............................. ........................,........................ 109 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. Storm water Management Plan H. Capital Improvement Plan Lists: o List of Data Sources o List of Maps o List of Figures o List of Tables DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: 48 Deleted: 52 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFf DRAFT 5/15/2008 2 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT REVISED City 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 3 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT 5/15/2008 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 9,787 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 road 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 (TCAAP) 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. 1.1 Comprehensive Planninq 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 5 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. This Plan is being prepared as iirequirement of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act~ However. Jhe City also 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 wiil take place in 2018. While this Plan is a guide for development through 2030, it is intended to be 11 flexible and responsive document that can be amended to acknowledge changing conditions and new opportunities. To best achieve the City's vision. Jhis 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. 1.2 2030 Reqional Development Framework On January 14. 2006. the Metropolitan Council adopted the 2030 Reaional Development Framework to quide qrowth in the seven county metropolitan area throuqh 2030. The Framework includes reqional qrowth policies and it defines the communitv 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. Policv 2: Plan and invest in multi-modal transportation choices based on the full ran..ge of costs and benefits. to slow the Growth of conGestion and serve the reGion's economic needs. Policv 3: EncouraGe expanded choices in housinG location and types. and improved access to lobs 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 advance the Metropolitan Council's 2030 ReGional Development Framework where applicable to Arden Hills. DRAFT 5/15/2008 lD~I~d-;-~-h~~~~~';: ! Dei-;t~d~T 6 City of Arden Hms - 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 provide. a basis from which to make better decisions. While 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 some younger households to move into the City. Between 1990 and 2000, the .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. lhis chapter provides ,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 iseJendency to only look within the Cityborders, Arden Hills is part of a larger metropolitan area of seven counties with, 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. ,The Metropolitan Council has prepared population, household, and employment forecasts for ,ijll counties. cities, and townships in the metropolitan area.. The forecasts were based on anticipated future land uses. vacant land that is developable. and other factors. The forecasts released in September 2005 for Arden Hills were as follows: Metropolitan Council Population, Household, and Employment Forecasts Sentember 2005 Forecasts 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Population 9,199 9,652 11,200 13,500 22,500 Households 2,904 2,959 3,800 4,600 8,000 Employment 10,929 12.429 15,200 17,100 20,000 DRAFT 5/15/2008 L~eleted: s L~~'eted: Although ....--j I Deleted: ag~-'~"~-' l ___.__~.,.,_ .~____-' L~.~~~ted: The remainder of t L"~,~!,~_~~~c:,_~,?~,~i_~,~,~,l,,,,, (!!~!~~~~;j~~~_:.. ~ - " L.D~~~ted: that t Deleted: include ------------------- r Deleted: Data from the Metropolitan : I Council and the Unites States Census I Bureau provides the basis for most of : l. the compaJi~ons in this Chapter ! Deleted: the 7 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT While these forecasts were calculated based on data available in 2005. the reduction in land available for development has made the 2030 population. household. and employment forecasts unattainable. Based on the preliminary densities for residential development on the TeMP property. the City anticipates that the 2020 forecasted numbers are the maximum achievable for Arden Hills. Due to chanqes in anticipated development in Arden Hills. the City requested a review and reduction of the forecasts from the Metropolitan Council. Upon review by the Metropolitan Council. the population. household, and ~'!ill!Qyment forecasts were reduced as shown in the followinq chart: Revised Population. Household, and Employment Forecasts Revised March 2008 Forecasts 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Ponu!ation 9,199 9,652 11,200 12,900 12,900 Households 2,904 2,959 3,800 4,600 4,600 Employment 10,929 12,429 15,200 17,100 17,100 2.1 Population 1970.2030 Population Change 45,000 40,000 35.000 t: 30.000 o ';;25,000 ~20,000 o ll...15,OOO 10,000 5,000 o 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Year -+-Arden Hills ,...f! Mounds View New Brighton Rosel<ille __ Shore,,;ew Figure 1 - 1970 - 2030 Population Change DRAFT 5/15/2008 8 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Population Change 1970 - 2030 1!t70 198(1 199(1 2000 1990-2000'1\ 2(105 2(110 2620 2030 2600-2030% Change- Change Arden Hills 5,149 8.012 9.199 9.652 4.92% 9.787 11.200 12.900 12,900 33.65% Mounds View 10.599 12,593 12.541 12,738 1.57% 12,442 12,900 13.000 13-,400 5.20% New Brighton 19,507 23,269 22,207 22.206 0.00% 22.113 22.700 22,,,," 22,800 2.67% Rosevil1e 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 11.87% RamseyCounly 476,255 459,784 485.765 511,035 5.200/. 515.258 547.700 570,860 598,900 17.19% Twin ClIIes 7-Counly 1,874,612 1,985.873 2,288,721 2,642,056 15.44% ,810.179 3.056.100 3.430,100 3,692,600 39.76% Source: MetropoJita"Council,UniledSlatesCensusBureau - - . From 1990 to 2000, Arden Hills,Qrew faster than most of its neighbors and almost as fast as Ramsey County as a whole. However. Arden Hills grew significantly slowE:r 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. ,MQgpf the projected growth through 2030 is anticipated to occur on the proposed Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property redevelopment . . Age Distribution 1990,2000,2012 3.000 1,500 B1990 82000 02012 2,500 1,000 500 o 17and under 18-24 years 2&-44 4554 years 55-04 years years 65-74 years 75. 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 9 r'-D~'i~t~d';"s'i~'~~- l.~eleted: has gro~~-- l Deleted: Virtually r Deleted: all '. City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . The proportion of people in the over aqe 55 aqe qroups are anticipated to increase qreatlv from 1990 to 2012. increasinq from 19 percent of the population to 30 percent of the popuiation. . ,The .relativelv stable population in the 18-24 agegrou[> from 2000 to 20.11 is likely due th~,student populations at.Bethel University and Northwestern Colle~ Age Distribution 2000 35% Q Arden Hills u Ramsey County ~.~ County Metro 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% 17and 18-24 Under years 2544 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 65-74 years 75+ Figure 3 - Age Distribution in 2000 . The higher Qercentaqe of population in the 18 - 24 age group is largely due to the student population at Bethel University and Northwestern Colleqe, . 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 Households and People per Household Housing Units People per Housing Unit '""" 2000 2010 2020 2030 % Change % Change 2000 2010 2020 2030 1990-2000 2000.2{l30 A'rdenHills 2,904 2.959 3,800 4,600 4,600 1.89% 55.46% 326 2_95 2.80 2.80 Mounds View 4,885 5.018 5,400 5,600 6,000 2.72% 19,51% 2.54 2.39 2,32 2.23 NewBri hton 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% 2.31 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 2,51 RamseyCoun 201,016 201,236 219,170 231.610 246.290 0,11% 22.39% '" 2.50 2.46 2.43 Twin Cities 7 County 941,465 1,021,456 1,213,800 1,386,200 1,513,100 1,81% 48.13% 2,59 2.52 2.47 2.44 Source: MetmpolilanCoundl The increase in housing units from 2010 to 2030 is anticipated to be largely on the TeMP property. DRAFT 5/15/2008 ,-.- ~.... ..--....."-.'- -- --- I Deleted: <#>The percentage of people in the age 25-44 age group declined significantly from 1990 to l2000. The slight increase in t. hat age group from 2000 to 2012 is likely due to potential development on the TCAAP property.1! [-Deleted: in~~~~e - (~~!~~~'~~9~:~~:.~~:.:.::.-- r.-----"'--.--~"-'''."...."..."..............."..'''' 1 Deleted: 00 '--------.--.------=,- t Deleted: 0 L':J'.~.I.'::ted: the i.~~~~"~.::._~~.__._.____ ~~~~~~..~;~~~~~i~:~:.~?I~~:g~:~.~d rD~I;t~d-:: . -- --- C -- -.. ~~~~----. , Deleted: <#>The overage 55 age II groups are anticipaled 10 increase ,greatly from 2000 10 2~1_2.1! l Deleted: other college ~Iudents. 10 . City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. 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, For comparison. by 1970. 63% of the homes in Roseville were built. 50% in New Briqhton. 43% in Mounds View. and 50% in New Briqhton. At nl'!.<WY 150 homes. 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 5/15/2008 Age a! Housing Stock 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 o 1939 or 1940- Earlier 1949 1950- 1959 1960- 1969 1970- 1980- 1990- 1979 1989 1999 2000- 2006 Figure ~- Age ofllousing Stock (2000 Census and City Building Permit Data) *Does not include the manufacluft>d borne community Year Built (Housing) Median 1974 Mean 1969 Mode 1979 Deleted: 4 (-::----~:.,-C-:-~:-C~~~-~C-~7'---'~.. _ l :~~;:=~,~~~~~~~~::;mm're (~~j~!~~_:..,~.,:_.,:._~.=~ -~~_~:===~:-~_-~:_J 11 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Housing Type 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% , ~o ~'" 00 u ,. i!o' 00 u 0' .'" '" ..j,,{# ." o~ ~o ~otf ,0 4' 0~ \~:l'~ " ,0 <;},(f "o~ ;..~ 04' '" D Sir>gle Fa,rily (altached and detached) II [).)plexes 0 MJIil-Farrily and <rtIached housing 0 Mobile ho.res . other un~s 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 Brklhton 9.779 10.542 12.900 14.400 15,600 Shoreview 5,771 9,829 14.200 15.800 16,800 Roseville 33.046 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 5/15/2008 12 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 2.4 Household Income Median Household Income (1999) $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 .. Arden Hills Shore\.iew Rose\.ille New Mounds Ramsey 7-County Brighton View County Metro Figure 6 - Household lncome . 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 10 Work 2.6 Education Educational Attainment Arden Hills Mounds View New Briahton Roseville Shoreview RamsevCountv 7..countvMetro Those 18 and Over, High School Graduate 93% 88% 92% 91% 95% 81% 79% Those 25 Years and Over, Bachelor's Degree or higher 51% 42% 41% 42% 47% 34% 35% Source: 2000 US Census Figure 7 - Educational Attainment DRAFT 5/15/2008 13 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . Arden Hills has a hiqher percentaqe of people with a bachelor's deqree or hiqher than any of its neiqhbors. Ramsey County averaqe. and the metropolitan averaqe. . At 91 percent, the population with a high school degree is higher than Ramsey County, the metropolitan average, or any of the immediate neiqhbors except for Shoreview. DRAFT 5/15/2008 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~the City. ! Deleted: visit .---; TCAAP Redevelopment - Develop TCAAP in a way that accommodates a mix of land uses that is sensitive to the natural environment, economically sustainable, and.a ben~~tJQ.!h_emm..munitv. i Deleted: compatible ------------.----,---_..-",'.",",,,",...,,. rD~I~t;d~~ith------- 1 ~~el~t;d~ existing neighborhoods in L_~_r~_~~_I2~ ......_... ... _ ___ 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 5/15/2008 15 City of Arden Hills - 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 faciliUes, services, and infrastructure. Each chapter in this Plan further explains the background information for each goal, policies to advance the goal, and other implementation options. The policies and other implementation techniques iisted 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 5/15/2008 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 plav in the City. In .;2006, the City received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota to incorporate active living principles into the City's, 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 soiution 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. In committing to promote and increase physical activity, the following principles based on the principles prepared by the Active Livinq bv Desiqn qroup (www.activelivinqbydesiqn.orq),.serve as a guide to advancing the active iiving movement: 1. Physical activity is a behavior that can favorably improve health and quality of life. 2. Everyone,,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 opportunities for active livinq, where appropriate as well as a variety of transportation choices. 5. Buildings should be designed and oriented to promote opportunities for active living, especially non-motorized transportation, DRAFT 5/15/2008 CD~I;t~d;'-~;~;f' r.-.-.----.-... ...-- ------- - . Deleted: 2005 '----...--'"--.-- I-Deleted: into the t Deleted: (___________________m_____________m____ I Deleted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota's goal is to accumulate at I least 30 minutes of activity for each I person each day. Individuals may I achieve this by walking or bicycling for transportation, exercise or I pleasure; playing in the park; working in the yard; taking the stairs; and using recreational facilities.1T ( Deleted: .. -,- - '-"-\ I>_~~_I~_~~~_:_~----------------------------'''-,--,--"..". l Deleted: regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, language, ethnicity, economic status or ability, 1<"'D'~'i~;~i;..~'i~'~d..~~~~"~~-d-~~;:;;~-;~i-------'! l desIgn 17 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. The City, in cooperation with other public and private entities. .are encouraqed to ,plan for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration, promotion of facilities, behavioral supports, poiicies that institutionalize the vision of active living, and routine maintenance that ensures continued safety, quality and attractiveness of the physical infrastructure. 9. ,City. planning processes should address the multiple impacts of the built environment and transportation choices on residents' ability to be physically active. 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 goal with the following additional policies: o j;ncouraqe the incorporation of .active living principles into flew developments, and redevelopments where feasible. o Consider active living principles when evaluating new policies, ordinances. procedures, and proposals_ o Evaluate the City's regulations to identify and remove obstacles to active living where feasible. DRAFT 5/15/2008 ! Deleted: Municipalities and oth~-;--' ! governing bodies t~eleted: should p ~~I-=-~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~ ! Deleted: and f-D;i;t;'d';"~' ... ....-..-....-.- ..- ------------- ! The above active living principles are i based on the principles prepared by i the Active Living by Design group U~:~~!i":'~_~~~_~_~~~~~a~:~n:LJ_... _~ l Deleted: Incorporate a ([)el;~d~C~~;;egUlations, - ; eu. . ..,_,' - . -'---n".--."---- u.," Deleted: . ] ---"-,,,,------------------------------------------' 18 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 5. TWIN CITIES ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT (TCAAP) 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 SJ benefit to the .community, 5.1 )nlroduclion In 1941. the federal qovernment started construction on the Twin Cities Armv Ammunition Plant (TCAAP), which occuDied about 3.7 square miles (2.370 acres) in what was then Mounds View Township. Durinq a 16 month period. over 300 buildinqs were constructed to manufacture and test munitions for World War II. Th~ plant also produced munitions for the Korean conflict. Vietnam conflig.t and the first Gulf War. At its peak. the propertv had 40 miles of electric and telephone wire 83 miles of sewer. 37 miles of road and railroad track. and employed more than 25.000 peo~ The entire TCAAP proper!y was included in the Arden Hills municipal border when the Citv incorporated in 1951. and it now occupies approximately the northern one-third of Arden Hills. The TCAAP propertv was bounded bv Hiqhwav 96 on the south. Hiqhwavs 10 and 35W on the west. Lexinqton Avenue on the east. and Countv Road I on the north (map). 5.2 TCAAP Decommissioning and Land Transfers Between 1974 and 1985, the federal qovernment started decommissioninq TCAAP. While munitions production bv private entities continued into the earlv 2000"'-.QQera1Lolls were ,,-Jr:ilf.tion of what was manufactured at peak production. Plans to transfer portions of the propertv and redevelop j1have been in the works since the 1980s. Redevelopment plans for the former TCAAP proper!v have continued to evolve and become more detailed: DRAFT 5/15/2008 [~~{*;~:;;~~"=e=::=~~:=:_~ 1 Deleted: existing neighbOrh~-;;d~i;:;-j l,_Arden Hills , ""-,,,..""' ";"'. .; [~~~~~~-~~~-.-.."....,=_.=_=,C~"="==~ CD~i~;'d:'-~' 19 City of Arden HHls - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Changes in Proposed TCMP LaIld Reuse (acres) 2008 1982 1998 (unapprovect\ c ReSidential 9<0 '" 168 . E Commercia~jnduslTial "m 500 222 182 Q. . ~ ~<>: Parks and Other Open Space 805 252 168 ~ Institulional,Roads, & Olher Public Use 95 215 65 Rice Creek Trail Corridor "' "' 112 Arden Hiils Army Training Site (AHATS)IUS Army ReservelParksPreserve "' 1.237 1,562 Other {MnDot Ramsey County. Arden Hills) ," ," 113 Total 2.370 2.370 2.370 C.,sg" ',apo,o,;mal' Much of the former TCMP groperty has already been transferred or leased to other public entities. includinq the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Ramsey County. and the Minnesota National Guard. The City, in cooperation with a private developer. is currentlv in the process of purchasinq 585 acres of the TCAAP property alonq the property's western border for redevelopment. 5.2.1 Ramsev County Parks and Recreation Rice Creek traverses the northwestern corner of the former TCAAP property and is an important animal habitat and recreation area. Approximately 112 acres adiacent to the creek were transferred to Ramsey Countv in 2006 for their park and recreation system (map). The County anticipates completion of a trail adiacent to the Rice Cre~k in ttJ~ summer of 2008. Ramsey County Parks and Recreation also owns a 7.2 acre parcel adiacent to Lexinqton Avenue near the Marsden Lake and wetland complex. 5.2.2 Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) and Army Reserve Approximatelv 1.560 acres will remain under federal ownership; however. the Minnesota National Guard has a lonq-term lease for most of the land and a small portion is used for the Army Reserve station in the far southeastern corner of the property. This land is expected to remain under federal ownership for the foreseeable future. The Minnesota National Guard has desiqnated their leased area as the Arden Hills Army Traininq Site iAHATS). Althouqh live munitions firinq are prohibited on the site. the Minnesota National Guard does use the propertv for traininq purposes. Much of AHA TS is anticipated to remain as open space. but the DRAFT 5/15/2008 20 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT National Guard is in the process of developing a 10nQ-term master plan for the Qroperty. While the AHA TS master plan has not been finalized. it is anticipated to include a field maintenance shop. traininQ area m".D-<!fLell}ent buildinQ. division headquarters. state ioint force headquarters. billetinQ. and a number of ancillarv buildinQs (draft map 1. TheJ)roject is Qiso expected to include an armorv/traininQ center that could have a community center component. The potential buildinqs would be located on the north and west sides of the Ramsey County/Arden Hills Public Works Facility_ at the northwest corner_pf the Hamline Avenue and HiQhway 96 intersection (Map). The potential impacts of the AHATS master plan have not been fully evaluated. but it will increase use and workers on the National Guard prcmerty. The City seeks to maintain a workinQ relationship with the Minnesota National Guard on Q@nninQ activities and to pQtentially collaborat~_QIl-,,___community center as p_art of the traininQ facility. 5.2.3 City of Arden Hills In 1994. the federal QQvernment formally _declared 774, acres of the TCMP property as excess that was to be sold. In order to have a more proactive and holistic planninQ process for the excess property. the City. alonQ with a private developer. entered into a purchase aQreement with the federal Qovernment in 2007 to purchase 585 acres of land adiacent to Interstate 35W and HiQhwav 10 fM2.Rl Various redevelopment plans have been in proqress since the early 1980s. includinQ the Vento Reuse Plan and...\Oi'_.Eramework Vision. ~~development plans continue to evolve as transfer of the land to the City draws closer. In 2007. the City initiated a more detailed communit>,-QlaQning process to better define how the 585 acres shouid be redeveloped_ While a final iand use plan will not be approved in time for inclusion in this Comprehensive Plan. approximately 49 acres will be transferred to Ramsey Countv for a wildlife corridor connectinQ Rice Creek to the AHATS property and 76_5 acres will be used for an undetermined public use. Once the City adopts a land use redevelopment plan. the Comprehensive Plan will be amended to include all of the redevelopment data. includinq approved land uses. housinQ densities. transportation infrastructure. traffic Qeneration. parks. open spaces. and water resource data. In preparation for that amendment. thi" Comprehensive Plao..lrrcludes the overall visionJor the DRAFT 5/15/2008 21 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT redevelopment area. preliminary elements from the potential reuse plan. and the next steps in the property's redevelopment. Since it is the City's qoal to fullv incorporate the TCAAP property into the fabric of the community. the preliminillY-!and us",...QQ1Jsinq. parks & open space. transportation. and other components of the proposed TCAAP redevelopment have been inteqrated into their resP(lJ;Jive..t<bjj!ili)rs. The overall City vision. qoals. and policies of each chapter appiv to the entire TCAAP redevelopment. The City of Arden Hills does alreadv own 6.9 acre~.of the former TCAAP property adjacent to Hiqhwav 96 (map). This property was transferred to the City for use as a new City hall. which was completed in 2001. 5.2.4 State of Minnesota The State of Minnesota controls...ogl'r1yjg_,!cres..QUh& former TCAAP property in the northwestern corner adiacent to County Road I and Interstate 35W. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has <'!li'.Qj!i!y..9lJJh,,- site, includinq a driver licensinq center. 5.3 Environmental Cleanup Portions of the TCAAP property were subiect to environmental contamination durinq its four decades as a munitions manufacturinq plant and testinq area. The United States Armv started environmental cleanup in the 1980s and cleanup of the groundwater may continue for at least 40 years. Additional environmental characterization and testinq is underway to determine the extent of the cleanup that remains on the 585 acres proposed to be redeveloped. The Q[Q!lertv will be cleaned UP to required standards for residential. commerc.@1 and recreational uses. 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 timeline will depend on a number of .conditions. includinq the market, environmental cleanup. transportation improvements. and other related factors. Once the City .adopts a ,redevelopment plan for TCAAP, a more detailed Jimeline will be created, DRAFT 5/15/2008 ,----_~___^_'M__'___ l Deleted: market L ~_~I_,:tec:l_~__~_~t~~I_i~~~"~"^,', l.~_~~_~i~~~;E_~_~~~_'_"~__:'::'________ j"D~i~t~d~--~~d~~;r~p~~~t"--- ~ [Deleted: developed. -. - 22 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 6. LAND USE Goal: Develop and mainlain 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 PIan_ o Ensure that land use regulations promote development that is compatible with nearby properties, neighborhood character, and natural features; minimize, pedestrian and vehicular conflict: and visually enhance, 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, .and commercial land uses. o .Encouraqe all new development to be constructed at an averaqe density of at least three residential units per net residential acre. o Explore the possibility of creating additional community gathering spacejn coniunction with public or private orqanizations. incl~dinq AHA TS. 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 Deveiopment Framework. Except for the TCAAP 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 and/or 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 5/15/2008 Deleted: s L~~~~d~~:J.?.:~!~.~_ [ Deleted: Require 23 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 come 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 Pian, 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 TeMP redevelopment (Figure X): 1998 Comprehensive Plan. Future Land Use LandU5e Acres ~ Low Donsity Residential 1,114 Medium Density Residential 199 ~ Hgh Densay Residential 5 I Tota/Residential 1,318 X Neighborhood Business 9 " Comrercial '" ~ , hdustrial 390 0 ~ Parks 350 Subtotal 2,199 MxedResidential 445 MxedBusiness 222 ~ Parks ~ 251 " Park Reserve 1,237 ~ AJblic/hstitutional 215 Subtotal 2,370 Rlght-of-way (lTEjor roads 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 aclualland 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 5/15/2008 24 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 1998 Comprehensive Plan - Adjusted Future Land Use Land use Acres low Density Residential 1,064 " Medium Dens~y Residential 129 " Hgh Density Residential 5 ~ ~ Tora/Residential 1_199 . ! Neighborhood Business 20 I Conmercial 104 ." hdustrial 407 ~ , Parks 336 0 w F\Jblic& hstitulional 339 Subtotal 2,406 Mxed Residential 445 Mxed Business 222 "- ~ Parks 25' u ParkA"eserve 1237 ~ Public/hstitulional '" Subtotal 2370 j; Water 684 is Right-of-way 694 Total 6,154 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, particularly in the TCAAP 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 5/15/2008 25 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Compatible uses such as office buildings are also 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 TCAAP property. 8. Industrial - areas designated for a broad range of industrial uses, including office, warehouse, and manufacturing. 9. Public & Institutional (PII) - designates areas for uses including government buildings, 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 based on City and County property records and known land uses 2008 ExistinnLand Uses land Use Acres s;;;le Familv Attached 84 Single Family Detached 904 Multiple Family 12 Manufactured Housinn 48 Total Residential 1,048 N;::hborhOOd Business 12 Commercial 65 Office 140 Mixed Use Industrlal 106 linhtlndustrail '" Park and Open Space 473 Public & Institutional 2.502 Utility 20 Vacant 131 Water (lakes and NWlwellands) 796 Railroad Right-of-way 35 Right-of-way 685 Total 6,154 DRAFT 5/15/2008 26 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT The 2008 existing land uses are classified into the following categories: 1. Single Family Attached (SFA) - includes all attached single family homes such as townhomes with separate entrances. 2. Single Family Detached (SFD) - includes all detached single family homes. 3. Multiple Family (MF) - includes apartment buildings and condominiums of more than one story. 4, Manufactured Housing (MH) - includes manufactured and mobile homes in speciaiized parks. 5. Neighborhood Business (NB) - 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 cierical services; includes medical clinics 8. Mixed Use Industrial (MUI) - includes light manufacturing and/or processing, warehousing, distribution, and offices. 9. Light Industrial (L1) - primarily light manufacturing and/or processing of products; could include light industrial land use, distribution, warehouse facilities, and offices as a secondary use. 10. Park and Open Space (P/OS) - areas designated as public parks. 11. Public & Institutional (P/I) - areas designated for uses such as government buildings, colleges, schools, and religious uses but not medical uses. 12. Utility (UTL) - Public or private land occupied by a power substation, water tower, municipal well, pumping station, or similar use. 13. Vacant (V AC) - Private land not occupied with a building or use. 14. Water (WAT) - includes permanently flooded open water, rivers and streams, and wetlands (may not show all national wetland inventory wetlands on the map). 15. Railroad right-of-way (RR) - Railroad right-of-way. 16. Right-of-way (ROW) - public vehicular, transit and/or pedestrian rights- of-way. Althouqh there were few land use chanqes between 1998 and 2008, there are differences between the 1998 future land use data and the 20Q8 existinq land use data. The differences are larqely attributable to more accurate data in 2008. the delayed redevelopment of the TCAAP property. and other vacant property that was not developed. The two d'!ta sets use diffE;!ren1li!o.QJ!se_ descriptio'l~ DRAFT 5/15/2008 27 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT because the 2008 existinq land use data is based on actual land use while the 1998 future land use numbers were based on anticipated development. In addition to more accurate data. which is reflected in the water coveraqe numbers. there were a few true land use chanqes between 1998 and 2008. In 2007. the Hazelnut Park #3 subdivision and subsequent extension of Katie Lane was approved. which increased the amount of land used for riqht-of-way. As part of the 2005 pavement manaqement proqram. the road that connected Red Fox Road to Grey Fox Road was vacated. which reduced the amount of area used for riqht-of-way. Fernwood Avenue on the Boston Scientific campus. formerly known as Guidant. was vacated while Cumminqs Drive was dedicated to the City. The current land uses on the TCAAP property are the most notable differenc.es from what was expected in the 1998 future land uses to the actual land uses in 2008. Since 1998. the number of acres that were anticipated to be lli!ILof thi! TCAAP redevelopment has been reduced and. moreover. the redevelopment deiayed. While a specific redevelopment timeline for TCAAP ha~[)9t been set, much of the redevelopment is anticipated to occur in phases over the next ten to twenty years dependinq on market conditions. Finally. 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 liqht industrial. The vacant land does not include the TCAAP property. which is currentlv classified as public/institutional land. 6.4 Future Land Use While redevelopment may occur on some parcels throuqhoutthe Ci!Yo.,OQ ,significant land use changes ill. the developed ,areas of Arden Hills are anticipated (map). Most of the City's projected population, household. and employment growth will occur on the proposed TCAAP redevelopment. . DRAFT 5/15/2008 i Deleted: While the remaining vacant ' 'I land south of Highways 96 and 10 is " likely to be developed, the lDeleted;-2008 fut~~ I~~d~se data i does not anticipate '-.-.,-.,-.,...",,,,,,,.,,,,,.,.....,,,,,... CD~I~t;d;"t~' ... j' Deleted:" residential j Deleted: However, there are a few i potential land use changes in the I developed part of Arden Hills south of , ! Highway 96 and 10, which are I, described in the below sub~~c~_~,::_..._.__ 28 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 2008 Future land Use Land Use Acres Low Densitv Residential 978 Medium Densitv Residential 136 HiQh Density Residential 12 Mixed Residential TCAAP)* 218 Tata/Residential 1,344 NeiQhborhood Business 19 Mixed Business (TeMP * 312 Mixed Business 7 Commercial 126 UQht Industrial and Offrce 303 Public & Institutional 46' Utilities " Park and Onen Space 576 Park Preserve 1,472 Water 796 Railroad Riaht-of-wav 35 Right-of-way 685 Total.... 6,154 Olncludes futurerioht-of-wav, parks, and open space -May not equal 6,154 due to rounding 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 five 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, townhomes, 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 TCMP redevelopment and is subject to change once a final land use plan is selected. 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 29 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 may be permitted. 6. 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 TCAAP property. 7. 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. 8. Light Industrial and Office (I/O) - 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 (PII) - 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. Water - includes permanently flooded open water, rivers and streams, and wetlands (may not show all national wetland inventory wetlands on the map). 14. Railroad right-of-way (RR) - public or private freight or passenger rail activities. 15. Right-of-way (ROW) - public vehicular, transit and/or pedestrian rights- of-way. 6.4.2 Former City Hall/Public Works Property The 6.82 acre former City Hall/Public Works property is undergoing a community vision process to determine how the property should be 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 30 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT at a density of at least three units per acre. Neither residential nor commercial development would require a chanqe to the future land uses. 6.4.3 B-2 General Business District Small Area ptan 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 Red Fox/Grev Fox Small Area Plan The industrial/office area centered on Red Fox and Grey Fox roads an-,I bounded ,by Lexington Avenue, Hamline Avenue/Highway 51, Interstate 694, and the Canadian Pacific raiiway (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 qood access toreqional transportation access has helped to 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 Neiqhborhood Business The neiqhborhood business land use concept was developed in the 1998 Comprehensive Plan and implemented in 200X. The purpose of the concept was to promote the development of commercial nodes that were compatible with the surroundinq residential uses and provided services to residential areas. Commercial uses that would qenerate hiqh traffic. noise. or other neqative impacts were considered undesirable, Neiqhborhood business areas were located at intersections or nodes at the edqe of residential areas. on properties not considered desirable for housinq. or properties that have traditionallv been occupied with DRAFT 5/15/2008 l~~~~~_________~_____,./ I Deleted: Avenue ...-........--~.."-,._._.."--".._----; between that is bounded ',_Deleted: the areas good _~ 31 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT neiohborhood services. Housino could be a component of the development but would not necessarily be the focal point. To date. the success of the neiohborhood business district has been mixed. Two proiects have been developed under this zonino designatio!], and both resulted in the construction of small office buildinos with a variety of services. However. neither of the proiects focused on providino neiohborhood level services. Nevertheless. the Citv seeks to maintain the neiohborhood business areas and the lono-term ooal of creatino small commercial areas that enhance the residential neiohborhoods, 6.4.6 Manufactured Home Community The Arden Manor manufactured home community is an importanlSJ.QQIy of affordable housing in the City. Bounded by Interstate 35W, Highway 96, and Highway 10, the neighborhood is facino.pressure from adjacent highways and land uses. Ihe City anticipates this property will remain, as a medium density residential use for the foreseeable future. Althouoh complete impacts are not yet known. potential chanoes to Hiohways 10 and 96 may impact the manufactured home commu,nity. Th~ City is currently in the process of reviewino road desion proposals for this area~ 6.4.7 TCAAP 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 Lr:!!illD. Upon selection of a land use plan, this Comprehensive Plan will be amended to reflect the approved land use designations in TCAAP. 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: DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: ce Deleted: source Deleted: affordable Deleted: While it may be necessary to evaluate the land use of this at a future date, t Deleted: This section requires further discussion with the Planning Commission and City Council prior to written1T 32 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Proposed TCAAP land Reuse (unapproved) Acres C Residential 168 . E ~ro Commercialllndustrial 182 " . . " >-< Parks and Other Open Space . 168 ~ . '" Institutional, Roads, & Other Public Use 65 Rice Creek Trail Corridor 112 Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS)/US Army Reserve/Parks Preserve 1,562 Other (MnDol. Ramsey County, Arden Hills) 113 Total 2,370 Acaragaisapproximata The TCAAP 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. The parks and open ~pace area include active and passive parks. a 49 acre wildlife corridQL .and 76.5 acres of land that will be used for an undetermined public use. All TCAAP redevelopment information is subject to change once a final land use and redevelopment plan is selected. , 6.4.8 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, DRAFT 5/15/2008 According to the 2005 land use data provided by the Metropolitan Council, there were 1,318 acres of net residential land in Arden Hills. which includes City streets adiacent to residential areas. The United States Census Bureau iists.:1Q11.housinQ units in Arden Hills in 2000. Therefore, the residential density in the developed portion of Arden Hills is approximately 2-2Q.residential units per net residential acre. While this is below the three units per net residential acre required by the Metropolitan 33 Deleted: As of February 2008, the unapproved concept pian included approximately 1,750 housing units on 168 acres (parks and wetlands have not been removed from this acreage) fOf an average potential density of 10A units per acre. The TCMP i property is also anticipated to have affordable housing, though an exact number or percentage has not been : determined LI)~leted: ~._.,"'_.",..,_,_.___..,_~_. 2,994 households Deleted: 2005 Deleted: 27 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Council, the City is not required to raise densities in the built portion of Arden Hills. However, all future land uses will be able to accommodate development aUhree .units per net residential acre, There are no expected land use changes that would result in a reduction in net residential density in the developed part of Arden Hills. Furthermore. the remainlno vacant residential land that is.south of Highway 96 and 10 is already zoned for de\teiopment that could be built at .;!density"of at least three 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. 6.4.9 Staged Development As previously noted, the development timeline for the proposed TCAAP 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 deveiopment on TCAAP will not 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: future Deleted: will need to be developed at a minimum of three Deleted: Deleted: The vacant residential land Deleted: at Deleted: ies Deleted: or more units " Deleted: <#>2030 Regional Development Framework'1l ~ 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 inctudes regional growth poliCIes and it defines the community role in achieving these policies. The policies that are applicable to Arden Hills inctude:1[ ~ Policy 1: Work with the communilies to accommodate growth in a flexible, connected and efficient manner.l1 Policy 2: Plan and invest in muRi- modal transportation choices based on the full range of costs and benefrts, to slow the growth of congestion and serve the region's economic needs.l1 Policy 3: Encourage expanded choices in housing location and types, and improved access to jobs and opportunities.l1 Policy 4: Work with local and regional partners to conser\le, protect, and enhance the region's vital natural resources_l1 ~ 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.1! 34 City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 6.5 Implementation Strategies 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 ,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 ,commercial. industrial. and residential developments to ensure the construction of high-quality. sustainable. 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 TCAAP development to create a cohesive character that compliments the estabiished neighborhoods in the City. o Work to.protect siqnificant environmental features on the AHATS property as park preserve, o Work with the National Guard on the AHA TS property to develop synerGistic uses such as a community center. The above strategies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and strategies should be identified to further advance the City's land use goal and policies. DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: <#>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 Deleted: all Deleted: and industrial (.:~~_-I~~~~~:~~i~~~.i~-________________________ !--D~i~;d-;-Ih~-;~~-i~i~-gf~d-~-~I.l~nd i, on TCAAP as park preserve space. 35 City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT 5/15/2008 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, l1li percent of all of the land area in the community is currently used for housing (not including TCAAP). However. if public open spaces and roads are removed. .housing accounts for _ percent of l!!J.,developed land in Arden Hills. 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 Accordino to the US Census, Arden Hills had 3,01Z,housing units in 2000. Housino units refers to actual structures while households refer to the people livino in a housino unit or simplv an occupied housino unit. ,Approximately ill!% of the housino units in Arden Hills,.are.detached single-family homes. 12% are attached sinole family homes (commonly referred to as townhomes.). and 9% are manufactured homes. These three housino types comprise almost 90% of the City's housino supply. Arden Hills has the second hiohest percentaoe of sino le- family homes compared to adiacent communities and is sionificantly above the Ramsey County and metropolitan area averaoe. Apartments with ten or more units are iust 2.74% of the City's housino stock. The Citv has iust one traditional apartment buildino with 37 units and one condominium DRAFT 37 5/15/2008 Deleted: Of privately owned land, th, Deleted: men! t Deleted: In 2000 l,i~j~-d":"24---'--- ! Deleted: Over "..- -< i _P!!~~~~~~~"",,"~~_~__ t__~~I~~:_~~~~~~~~_~:I_~~k ( Deleted: is l_~_~_I_~~_~_~_:__~_?~_P_~_~~?__?f rD;i~t;d~-------------------------- '----.--...-.-----...--.----------------,.---------------..-------------.....,.., r-D;i;t;d-;-(-b;:;ih-d~;~h~d~~d -- l~ttached ~~_~, rD~i~t~d-;--~--Th~-~~iy-~ih~~-~jg~ifi~~~; , Uy.?.~.~~ ho~~~g jn_U:::.~.?mmunjty a!::... __c < City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan ~ DRAFT buildino with 72 units. The City has very few duplexes. which are more prevalent in other metropolitan communities. The units classified as apartments are in the City's lone traditional apartment buildinos and in the Citv's two senior housino developments. 2"" 2,000 ~ 1$)0 o ~ 1,000-' < DRAFT 5/15/2008 Housina Tvoe - Fiaure 1 " ~ 500- ~ ~ N _ ------ ~ " g M ud m ~ ~ ~ ---~--_..- " ,... o 1-unildelached 1-unitallached 2104units 5to9units 10ormoreunils Mobilehome, E11990B2ooo traHer,orother Source: 2000 US Census Housina Tvoe - Fiaure 2 Housing Type 100% 90% 80%- 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% .~ "'~ oC cf' ^' ii' 0" G '" .'" '" .jl'~ ." ",c ~ .t ." ~. ~ ~"*' ..c " '" qjX' .,..~ ([,.is>- 0" '" iJ Sing.. Farrily {attached and delached) a Duplexes 0 M.llit-Farrify and attached housing 0 Mobile horres . Other Un~" Source: 2000 US Census 38 Deleted: 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 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 '''"' 3,00; 1"":2:2222,,",,,,,,, -.:r 732 ~. I~ ~.~ - - ~ ~ - -- 2,,", 2,00; 1,,", 1.0'Xl' ;00 0- Source: US TotalhouS9hotds Familyhoureholds Ma-rioo-<lOuple (fffililies) fa-nily NonfamHy f-bureholderliving houreholds a1on.. Census 131990_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 - Ficure 4 Age Distribution 1990,2000,2012 3.000 ;rn1990: IiII 2000; , 020121 2,000 2.000 1,500 1,000 000 17 and 18-24 under years 25-4' years "'" years 5&04 ,~" 65-24 ,- 75> DRAFT 5/15/2008 39 Deleted: City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFr ..$ql!rg~: .l!$: 9~f!susarlci ty1<,l)::field~esearch 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 ~O% of the housing in the community was constructed prior to 1974 (not includinQ the manufactured homes). Homes that are older than 30 years may typically need more repairs and renovations. . Aae of Housino Stock - Fiaure 5 Age of Housing Stock 1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 o 1939 or 1940- Earlier 1949 1990- 1999 2000- 2006 1950- 1959 1960- 1969 1970- 1979 1980- 1989 Source: US Census (pre-2000 data) and City of Arden Hills (post 2000 data) Group Quarters. which include colleQe dormitories. nursinQ homes. and Qroup homes. are calculated separatelv from traditional types of housinQ such as sinQle family homes. town homes. and apartments. Since 1990. Qroup Quarters and the number of people livinQ in Qroup Quarters have increased: Group Quarters Population 1990 2000 2008 College Dormitories 631 1,557 1,776 Nursing Homes 384 411 NA Other Group Quarters 10 20 NA Total 1,025 1,988 US Census - 2000 & 1990, Bethel University Almost the entire Qroup Quarters population is at Bethel University and Presbyterian Homes. Between 2000 and 2004. Bethel University increased the on-campus housinQ capacity from 1.530 to 1.963 students. Presbyterian Homes. a senior DRAFT 5/15/2008 40 Deleted: ~ 80 Deleted: According to recent data from Ramsey County, 1974 is the median date of construction of housing in Arden Hills and the mean of construction is 1969. City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT housinQ facilitv. has XXX capacity. The remaininQ Qroup Quarters population is in smaller facilities for disabled people that are inteQrated into residential areas. which are commonly referred to as Qroup homes. While Qroup Quarters housinQ is calculated separatelv from traditional housinQ. it is important to recoQnize this type of housinQ because it has somewhat different impacts on and needs from the City. This type of housinQ can impact the City's sewer. water. transportation. park. and recreation systems differently than traditional types of housinQ. It is likely that the number of people livinQ in Qroup Quarters at Bethel University. Presbyterian homes. and other Qroup homes will increase as those facilities do have additional land to expand. Therefore. it is important for the City to work with these institutions to manaQe the potential impacts as well as promote a diversity of housinQ. 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 Households and People per Household Household People per Household 1990 2000 2010 2020 ""' % Change % Change "'" 2010 2020 2030 1990.2000 2000-2030 Arden Hills 2.9{)4 2,959 3,600 4.600 4.600 1,69% 55.46% 3.26 ,'" 2.80 2.80 Mounds View 4.885 5,018 5,400 5.800 6.000 2.72% 19.57% 2.54 2.39 2.32 2.23 NewSri hto" 8.811 9,013 9,400 9,800 10,000 2.29% 10.95% 2.46 2.41 2.30 2.28 Rosell1l1e 14,218 14,598 15,500 16,000 16,500 2,69% 13.03% 2.31 2,32 2.31 2.32 ShOfell1eW 9.280 10,125 11,000 11.300 11,300 9.11% 11.60% 2.56 2.59 2.57 2.57 Ramsey County 201.016 201,238 219,170 231,670 246,290 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 7,61% 48.13% 2.59 2.52 2.47 2.44 Soufce:Me1ropolilanCoundl 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 TCAAP 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 !t.()D1l1lCnkNeedsto be revi5edto i 'adjustfoigIouP quarters hOuSing.' Tbis lch~ inclu~esthegroup quarters i :populali?nbut NOTthe,housing~This I ,gei1e[<lIes and artificially high people per l._~~~~~~l.~::~:.._."._ ': .,; CD'~I'~~~~~_~j?_'_._._ 41 City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. w;"...... ~ TheLifeCy,'/e ~.-6 HtJlI'''''gChui" a.~Jt~ ~ ef> '""",." "", ~""" ~~ ~~~'~:Ci~:::::: ~,"'''m''''_' Sr.II",L'm~ ~ ;'::;;:::. tt' 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 due 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,. Rental housing is an important component of the overall housing suppiy since it provides options for both the beginning and later stages of the life- cycle chain. It may aiso serve the needs of several segments of the population including retail service empioyees, seniors, young adults just entering the workplace and economically disadvantaged households. At the present time, DRAFT 5/15/2008 l:~~~"~nf:'.Ve~y~~~~> i Deleted: over time 42 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT rental housing comprises .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. Muiti-family units expected to be in demand are likely to be oriented toward both owners and renters. 7.4.2 Housing Affordabilily 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,. 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 annual housing costs for a family of four.do not excee<:l, 30% of $47,100. which translates to $14.130 per year or $1.177.50 per month for housinq. While the purchasinq power of $1.177.50 per month depends on Interest rates and other related factors. it could be sufficient to purchase home that is priced in the ranqe of $150.000_ 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 5/15/2008 Deleted: in order to meet the needs of essential community members including teachers, police officers, and retail workers {i)~I~t~d;n~~- ..-.. ...." . - ----- (E~I;~;~~::~~~~__ ......... ...________ l Deleted: - 43 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 2007 RENTAL HOUSING Bedroom size: *Monthly gross rent including tenant-paid utilities, affordable at 50% of area median income Efficiencv $ 687 1 bedroom $ 736 2 bedrooms $ 883 3 bedrooms $1,020 4 bedrooms $1,138 In January of 2006, the Metropolitan Council released 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. Accordinq to the Metropolitan Council. .30.6% of [Jew housing units in all cities should 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' has allocated Medium Density Residential. Hiqh Density Residential. and Mixed Residential on the Future Land Use Map to accommodate affordable housinq. The City would not seek to concentrate affordable housinq in any particular area_ 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 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. 7.4.3 Housing Quality Except for the TCAAP property, much of Arden Hills is fully developed. As was pointed out earlier, the age of 70% of the current housing stock makes ongoing DRAFT 44 5/15/2008 r..~a%~t~:~:'~'lfon~:~l~~~~';ith.-th-~------ I De-~-ted: their - ----------------- - -----------..----- L Deleted: future land use plan is required by the Metropolitan Council to allocate sufficient areas of medium and high density residential development to accommodate this future growth. As will be discussed later, the development of the TCAAP property has the potential to meet part of all of this need lE_~!=~~:._ s!nce XXXX City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 iimited 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 TCMP site. TCMP offers an unparalleled opportunity to create an exciting mix of housing integrated with employment, entertainment, recreation and transit service. A definitive pian 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 approximateiy 350 acres of development area. Although not yet approved, the concept plan in 2007 included 168 acres of residential development and a potential for 1.750 housinq units. The development would have an average gross density of at least six units per acre; however. density will vary throuqhout the residential portion of the redevelopmenL This deveiopment 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. The residential component of the TCMP 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 ( Deleted: with ~~- r Deleted: ,with the potential for as "i.. high as 43 units per acre in select i ,-areas. ___._) 45 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 continue 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_ . Pursue Qrants or other opportunities that promote the construction of affordable housinq. . ,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. which includes educatinq 'property owners and residents on housinQ and property maintenance codes. . 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/desiqn guidelines for new deveiopments and redevelopments. 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 5/15/2008 rD~I~t~~~t;;~~th~~---------- [--.--. -.----.-.------.-------..-......................... -- Deleted: <#>Educate property owners and residents on housing and E..r:.~€~_~_~~~~t.=~~~~:."~?=~~_ __ _ _____--' 46 City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT Goal: Promote the development. redevelooment. and maintenance of a viable, innovative, and diverse business environment serving Arden Hills and the metrooolitan area_ To achieve this economic develooment and redevejooment Goal. the followinq policies are proposed: o Work to strenGthen existinq Dartnerships between public and private aqencies. o EnqaGe the private sector to encouraqe development and redevelopment proiects that are beneficial to the City. o Encouraqe communication and cooperation between businesse~ educational institutions, and the public sector. o Promote business retention and expansion to enhance the existinq economic base and provide applicable and appropriate resources. o Capitalize on existinG strenGths. such as location, freeway access. and a well-educated population. o Identify marketinq and promotion tools and techniGues to attract commercial. office, residential. and industrial uses. o Review and update the public financinG poli9' to maximize private investment and public benefit. o Identify incentives or prOGrams that promote private sector investment o Identify incentives or proGrams that promote in affordable housinq. Arden Hills has been fortunate to have a stronq local economy supported bv a mix of small. medium. and larqe size businesses. Arden Hills has a hiqhly educated population. desirable residential neiGhborhoods. a central location in the north part of the metropolitan area. and relatively easy access to the freeway svstem. With more than 12.000 iobs in 2008. Arden Hills has more iobs than residents. While the City places a hiGh value on its residential neiGhborhoods. the business community is an important component to the City's lonG-term success_ The lonG-term economic health of Arden Hills is not without its challenqes. While the City's economic base is relatively stronq. the City recoqnizes the need to maintain and enhance the economic base over the lonG-term. Except for the TCAAP redevelopment. the City has few vacant commercial or industrial properties remaininq. Furthermore. some of the commercial and industrial buildinqs may become or already are obsolete for certain types of uses. Redevelopment in certain parts of the City is almost certain to occur. DRAFT 5/15/2008 47 ------ --------------"-------- Deleted: the residential, business and regional community. -- City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Economic development and redevelopment is linked to the other chapters of this Comprehensive Plan. land use. housinq. transportation. and public amenities impact the City's ability to retain its economic base and attract desired development. 8.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) In 1996. the City established the Economic Development Authority (EDA) with the followinq mission: o Preserve and create iobs: o Enhances the City's tax base; and. o Promote the qeneral welfare of the people of Arden Hills. Minnesota State Statutes quide the powers of the EDA;,however. the EDA is qenerallv able to purchase propertv. redevelop propertv. create economic development districts. study economic development needs. and perform other duties related to economic development. The members of the City Council make up the full EDA. The EDA is an important tool in proiects where the Citv seeks to take an active role in purchasinq property, redevelopment. and/or public financinq of proiects. 8.2 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CEDC) The Economic Development Commission is a seven member body that advises the City Council on economic development activities. The Commission was established to facilitate positive interaction with the business community and to advise the City Council and Economic Development Authoritv on economic development. redevelopment. and related community development issues. The Commissioners may be residents or non-resident business representatives: however. at least three of the Commissioners must be Arden Hills' residents. 8.3 SMALL AREA PLANS Chapter 6 identified the County Road E Corridor (downtown Arden Hills) and the Red Fox/Grey Fox business area as areas in need of more detailed planninq. While these areas have access to the freewavs. there is very little vacant land and some of the buildinqs are nearinq obsolescence. The City seeks to be proactive in quidinq the lonq-term development and redevelopment in this area. The TCAAP property represents the City's larqest potential economic developmentl1IQject in the City's history. The TCAAP property is anticipated to DRAFT 5/15/2008 48 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT include a mix of business tvpes includinq office. commercial. hotel. and corporate headquarters. 8.4 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES In order to advance the policies and ideas identified in this chapter. the followinQ implementation strateqies could be used: o Identify and promote the market strenqths of Arden Hills. o Use the small area planninQ process to develop more detailed lonq-term plans for the business areas to better manaqe redevelopment as it occurs. o Develop desiqn standards to encouraqe the construction of hiqh-quality buildinqs and desiqns. o Work to strenqthen and encouraqe communication between businesses. Bethel University. and Northwestern Colleqe. o Identify infrastructure deficiencies and work to resolve deficiencies. o Identify potential partnerships and/or developments that could enhance the City's infrastructure and/or quality of life. o Identify constraints to development. redevelopment. and retention. o Encouraqe the creation of a pedestrian friendly environment--link mqjQ[ roadways. destinations and businesses to transit and trail options o Evaluate the land use requlations in the commercial zones to provide flexibility for economic development while requirinQ hiqh-quality and mixed use buildinqs and uses with minimal impact on residential areas. o Desiqn and construct qatewav siqns at primary entrance points into the City to help develop a sense of identity for the community. o Construct way-findlnq siqnaqe to direct travelers to specific destinations within the City. o Develop a database to assist businesses in identifyinq appropriate and available locations within the Citv. o Provide information for businesses and developers on the City web site. The above strateqies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and strateqies should be identified to further advance the City's economic development and redevelopment qoal and policies. DRAFT 5/15/2008 49 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT 5/15/2008 50 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 9. PARKS AND RECREATION Goal: Create a comprehensive, ",aintalned, 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. 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 and activities that address the interests of all segments of the community, including 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 maintain access to lakes, marshes, and wooded areas for active and passive recreation. o Plan for parks, trails, and recreation on the TCAAP property that addresses the interests of Arden Hills residents. o Explore financing and fundinQ options to improve and expand the City's parks and recreation system. . o Promote the removal of invasive species throughout the park and recreational system. o ,Construct way-finding signage for parks and trails. o Explore options for collaboration with other governmental, .educational. and private 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 completed the Parks, Traiis, and Open Space DRAFT 51 5/15/2008 (D~I;t~d;"'~n~"- l Deleted_:._~~_~_~~??~.~~.~: [- -.-...-..- .-----. Deleted: trail ....._m___________________..._______________ Deleted: <#>Pursue outside funding i sources for parks and trail I improvements.ll I~~_~"~~"~":_.~,~.? Deleted: underwent a community planning process in 2002 that resulted in the City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT (PTOS) Plan in 2002. 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 recommended jmprovements to increase efficiency and achieve the 10nR-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. ,Erogress has been made on implementing the 2002 PTOS Plan,. 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 iooking for quality recreation that is close to home, but they are willing to travel to obtain higher quality or more specialized activities or environments. , 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 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 r::--..----.--.----.-- 1 Deleted: set _n"...........................""_".."___."'.._..........._"________~ l'-Dele~d: a framework f;~fu~'d;~'~:------'i ?P.:!.~~~~.~"~.~?......"....""..,,.........~_._----------___,,) {E~!~~~~~.h.!~~P~~~:.:~~~..:: t Deleted: , much remains to be don~ Deleted: The PTOS Plan identified the following recreational trends in the Twin Cities in recentyears:~ Trail use has boomed for all types of activities (walking, running, biking, in- line skating, etc);1[ Non-contact recreation activities are growing;1! Interest in arts and natural areas is growing;lI Participation in many team sports has plateaued or in some cases declined;~ More youth are specializing in one ' I sport and training year-round;1! Soccer participation has increased;l1 Golf popularity has increased;l1 Woman's sports have increased;l1 Off-leash dog parks are growing in popularity; -< Deleted: 11 While this ~st 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 ~p.riorities.1! """ _~.~,,_,,__________ 52 City of Arden Hills ~ Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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, Ramsey County is currently constructinqjhe Rice Creek North Regional Trai~jn the northwestern corner of the City on former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) property. This new traitis 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. While .much of the park is open space,jhe park offers a variety ot.amenities 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 Uno Lakes. 9.3 Arden Hills Park and Recreation System Arden Hills has fifteen City parks ranging in size from oneacre 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 interfere with convenient ,access to some parks that would otherwise be close by. South of Hiqhways 96 and 1 O.lhere are four lakes entirely within Arden Hills and one lake.shared by Arden Hills.i![l.9. Roseville~,Lake Johanna and Lake Josephine have public access and beaches, though the public access and beach foe Lake DRAFT 53 5/15/2008 L Del~t~:,,~ C~!~~~~~.~,.:,~..:.:'_._",___~__________~n___________nn._."." f-.......... .-----------.. Deleted: which is currently under construction , - - CDeleted: , CDcl~t;d;-M--"-'"-"'''''''''' ..........-........--...................., i Deleted: ; however, t .... _____......_..._, 1:._~~.~~~~~_:_~__~_~L?_~_ , C~~~~!~:~-fu~i~~~..-- _____________~ Deleted: fourteen rDeJ;t;d;-p;:;~~t......_...-... (;';I~ted: easy ?="'.......-----.---- t~=I_e_~_:~_"__""..".....,,. ".".."_".".".~""'""'"" . .[~~~!~~~~~~~~~-_:~--- f~ed:in [Deleted: in the area south of ,,~2~o~~,~=~~.=~...".~"'."rn"'._.".."-- -{ Deleted: to "..,,,,< , ......."...... ..f ~- .\ City of Arden Hitls - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 lli no public access, 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 .possible park additions and acquisitions, new pathways, and path connections. For additional detail, Appendix X, includes a map of each park with possible park renovations. The proposed upgrades and subsequent maps are based on the recommendations in the 2002 PTOS Plan. which is supplanted by this Comprehensive Plan, 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 will continue to "sea multi-year capital improvement plan (CIP) to plan for park uPQrades and renovations, .The improvement recommendations are intended to improve public safety, aesthetics, function, and efficiency of individual parks as well as to promote overall public health and activity. The City also seeks to meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. In order to minimize park disruption. reduce costs throuQh efficiencv of construction. and improve park function. park renovation is recommended to be done all at once in each park. whenever possible. Individual park renovation recommendations are summarized below by park: . Arden Manor Park - Provide trail connections within the park and from the park to the potential future trails alonQ HiQhway 96 when reconstruction of this hiQhway occurs. Add new shaded benches near park features. Add a park siQn at the park entrance. . Arden Oaks Park - Add benches and trash containers near the park features. Add trees and landscapinQ to provide shade. spatial definition, and to improve aesthetics. DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: are Deleted: es. Deleted: recommended l Deleted: recommended rD~I~ted: P~rkS, Trails, and Open t ~~~_:_________________~__~____~__.J ! Deleted: , which included extensive'~ L.~~_b~i=-i~_e_~:_________M_______________________J L~~_I~_~:"~_~<:>~~~..,."."."_,.".".~,____________________-", I~D~i~t;J';-~pg'~d~-';~d-~~~-~-;;;t;"""''''--~'"' I existing parks based upon a five to I ten year capital improvement plan _ ! (CIP). Deleted: Maps indicating individual park improvement recommendations were prepared forthe 2002 Parks, Trail and Open Space Plan based on community planning process , (appendix X). f Deleted: Future park improvements ! should be based upon the following i recommendations from the PTOS ! Plan as well as the funding supply. I Where possible, park renovation i should be done all at once in each ! park to minimize park disruption, I reduce costs through efficiency of ! construction, and improve park i function. Individual park renovation i recommendations are summarized ! below by parlcll '-_______-.______________._n_.___________ 54 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . Charles Perrv Park - Consider movino the entrance drive to line UP with Thom Drive. This will eliminate the conflict that exists with the ice rink where skaters have to cross the entrance drive. and will create space for a pleasure rink. Explore the possibilitv of pavino the existino skatino rink for inline skatino and half court basketball. Complete the trail from the picnic pavilion to Tony Schmidt underpass trail. Look into the future acouisition of the sinole family home nearest the park to accommodate future uses. . Crepeau Nature Preserve - Add additional unpaved trails within the park. . Cumminos Park - Explore the possibility of addino irrioation to the soccer fields. This will enhance the ouality of the fields and allow for additional usaoe. Add benches alono the trails and park amenities. . . Floral Park -Additional unpaved looped trails could be constructed in the park to provide more walkino and nature watchino opportunities. Add benches alono the trails and park amenities. . Freeway Park - Consider pavino the hockey rink for year-round use. Uporade existino half basketball court. . Hazelnut Park -Replace the warmino house with a new structure and provide a safer access to the rink. Install shaded benches near recreational features. Add liohts from parkino lot to skatino rink. Add a picnic shelter or pavilion to meet the usaoe demands of the park. . Inoerson Park - Add a connectino trail to Lexinoton Avenue. Fernwood Court. and Lake Lane. utilizino a sewer easement to Fernwood as a trail corridor and Lake Lane as a trail access point. . Johanna Marsh - Resurface tennis courts. add a park sion. and add benches. . Lindev's Park - Provide benches. Utilize the Bocce Golf Course for recreation oroqramminq. . Round Lake Open Space - Explore the possibility of addino a trail connectino Old Hiohwav 10 to the trail west of Round Lake by easement or land acouisitlon. Add a parkino lot at Parkshore Drive. Determine what tvpe of amenities/fields meet the needs of the community and develop the park. . . Royal Hills - Add a fence alono the outfield and sideline of the ball field to minimize balls poinD into the woods. DRAFT 55 5/15/2008 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . Sampson Park - Add landscapino within the park to provide interest and improve aesthetics. Replace the parkino lot surface of the basketball court with a colored. bituminous surface. . Valentine Park - Complete drainaoe study and drainaoe improvements for the future of the park. Future Improvements are continoent upon the results of the study: Consider reconfiourino parkino iot to detach park features from the parkino lot pavement. Replace the plav structure. Add a new warmino house/picnic shelter. Move or improve the surface of the half basketball court. 9.4.2 Recreation The City currently has an extensive youth recreation program. While the programs hava 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.~To help inform the recreation program developmentprocess, the City may consider creatino advisorv~groups for seniors, teens, children, and other interested groups~, 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 physicai activity, and reduce motorized travel. This Plan includes the followino recommendations for pathway expansions and uporades; DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: has I Deleted: A study should be i I undertaken to determine the demand !, for such program, the types of i i program that are needed, potential i I funding sources, and the possibility of i i collaborating with other public and i \, private organizations. J r Deleted: advisory 1 \_---------------~--) ,__________m___..._________________......_________________________________~. i Deleted: should be formed or j consulted_ (-----------------------------------------------'. l Deleted: e 2002 PTOS Plan and the i community have called for paths to be I constructed or for unofficial paths to i be upgraded at the following locations) 56 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Segment T rail location Distance Feet Miles A Cleve~ndAve ICountyRoad-O"loSloweAve.) 2,623 0.5 A2 Cleveland Ave (TMmCtto existir>gpath off CtyE2) 1,672 0.32 8 County Road 0 (Cleveland to New Brighton Road) 2,644 0,5 C NewBrightonRoad(CounlyRd.DloStoweAve.) 2.957 0.56 C.l New Brighton Road (Stowe Ave. to County Road E2) 5,333 1.01 D County Roed E2 (New Brighlon Rd,to Old Hwy. 10) 3,309 0.63 D.l CoontyRoa<JE2{ClevelandAve.toNew8righ1onRd.) 671 0.13 E R.C.OpenSpace(fromCtyRd,E210Venus) 686 0.13 E.l R.G. Open Space (from segment E path 10 MVHS) 1,925 0.36 F "lonySchmidlUnderpasslrailNonhloCountyRoadE2 (lift slation rd.) 1,560 0.3 F.l PerryPar1< Pavilion to Underpass "lrail Head 1,399 0.27 G County Road E {Indian PI. toLk,Johanna Blvd.) 739 0.14 G.l Lake Johanna Blvd. (COunlyRd.Eto"lonySchmidIUnderpass"lrail) 979 0.19 G.2 Lake Johanna Blvd. (F,om Segrnent G.1 to Old 10 Snellir;g) 2,854 0.54 H CountyRoadE(Old10-SnellingtoConnellyAve.) 2,185 0.41 I Snelling Ave, (Highway 51 to County Road E) 4,376 0.83 1.1 Old Highway10-8nelling (CtyRO<lo E2through CP Rail) 1,056 0.2 1.2 Old Highway1G-Snelling (from CP Rail to CounlyRd. E2) 2,415 0.46 1.3 Old Highway 10.Snellir;g (from Cty. Road E2 10 Kwy. 96) 3,115 0.59 J LekeVatenfine Road IMounds View H.S. 10 Old 1G-Snelling) 2,258 0.43 K Par1<sl1oreDr. (from Old Kwy10-SnallingtobaginningofRd,Lake"lrail) 2,025 0.38 Kl Gateway Blvd. (from proposadsegmantKto Round Lk. Road) 2,165 0.41 K2 Round Lake Trail (Complelethe looplhal hasagapbehind NoUCo.J 2,421 0.46 L CounlyRoad 96 (Complele trail weSlfrom existing palhto 35W) 3,941 0.75 M NonhSnelling Ave. (From County F./oad 96 to Briarknoll) 2,827 0.54 1'1 CounlyRoadF(FromlexingtonIoHamline) 2,534 0.48 1'1.1 HamiinelFromCounlyRoadFtoFloralDrive 605 0.11 0 Lexir;glonA.e, {From Counly Road F 10 CounlyRoa<J E) 5,280 1 0.1 Lexington Ave, (From County Roao E 10 Sllore,ne Lan.) 5,212 0.99 0.2 lexinglonAve. (From "langlewood to County Roao I._Wast Side) 7,890 1.5 P Crepeau Preserve (F,om Cannon 10 Crepeau Nature Preserve) 838 0.16 P.l Pine Tree Drive(From Cty RoadE to existing grass trail imo Crepeau) 1,266 0.24 0 Highway 51 {From Old Hwy. 10lSn.llingtojust past GI.nhill Ro) 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 uporades. The City has identified certain trail seoments that are crucial for developino needed north-south and east-west path connections that are divided bv maior hiohwavs: G. G1. G2. H. I. 11. 12. and 13. In coordination with the capital improvements plan (CIP). the City may benefit from settino specific trail priorities to take advantaoe of orants. road reconstruction proiects. and other opportunities as they arise. It is understood that as time ooes by. priorities may need to be chanoed or rearranQed. Seoment D and E are planned pathways alono County Road E2 and a connection throuoh Ramsev County open space from the nearby neiohborhood (Venus Ave.) The City was successful in obtainino a orant for $175.000 for these DRAFT 5/15/2008 57 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT two seaments from the Federal Safe Routes to School Fundina Proaram. The aoal of the pathways is to provide a safe route to Valentine Hills Elementary. the Ramsey County Library. and Tony Schmidt Reaional Park. County Road E2 is a busv roadway that continues to increase in traffic and is a danaerous route for pedestrians. This project is scheduled to occur in the federal fiscal year - 2009. This proiect is a cooperation between the City. Ramsey County Parks and Recreation. School District 621. and Ramsev County Public Works. 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 Pian and the community meetings: o County Road E over Hiahwav 51 - The existina bridae is very narrow and unsafe for pedestrians or bicvclists. This location is a key connection between the east and west portions of the City. The City will also need to work with Ramsey County and MnDOT to consider options for expandina or reconstructina the bridae to create adeauate pedestrian and bike crossinas or build a freestandina bike and pedestrian bridae near the vehicle bridae. o Hiahwav 96 - A arade separated trail connection may be needed at a location between Hiahway 10 and Lexinaton Avenue. The arade- separated connection would provide access to City Hall. the TCAAP area. and the developed portion of the City south of Hiahwav 96. A trail crossina of Hiahway 10 could possiblv be incorporated into the Hiahway 96 and 10 intersection when it is rebuilt. o HiQhway 10 - Between Interstate 694 and the City border alona Hiahway 10, a pathway crossina is needed. Two potential options for a arade separated crossinas: An area just south of Royal Hills Park and/or alona Hiahway 10 north of Hiahway 96. A minimum of one arade separated crossinq is desired. o Interstate 35W - The City desires a pedestrian and bike bridae over Interstate 35W. A specific location for this crossina needs to be identified. This would be a crucial pathway crossina to connect the TCAAP area with Lona Lake Reaional Park. DRAFT 5/15/2008 r---.~--- ---- i Deleted: The above list is not a ! ranked priority list of proposed path ! expansions and upgrades. While a i fun ranking needs to be developed, i the City has identified certain trail : segments that are crucial for ! developing needed north-south path i connections that are divided by major : i._~i~_~_~~X:,_~_~..9"1,.'.,.~,~~.,~~...~'~'.'m~?"~~~~"~~:"1!J 58 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT o Interstate 694 - A pathway crossinq in Arden Hills is needed at Interstate 694. A finallocation(s) will be selected when Interstate 694 is reconstructed; however. two potential locations include; . Hamline Avenue/Hiqhway 51 - A pathway across Interstate 694 near Hamline Avenue/Hiqhway 51 must be constructed when Interstate 694 is reconstructed. . Lexinqton Avenue - While there is a pathway on the Shoreview side of the Lexinqton Avenue bridqe. there is not a path on the Arden Hills side of the bridqe. When the Interstate 694 reconstruction occurs. a pathway should be provided at this location. o Trail Siqnaqe - add small trail identification maps that include distance. name. and standard city 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. I, 9.4.4 park and Open Space Acquisitions While there is very little vacant land available in the City outside of the TCAAP property, Jhree. locations were identified for potential incorporation into the City'" park and recreational system. Land adiacent to Tony Schmidt Reqional Park has also been identified for potential incorporation into that park. These locations will expand open spaces, connect paths, increase recreational opportunities, and provide more complete City parks: o Charles Perry Park - The City should consider acquirinq the residential propertv adiacent to Charles Perry in order to minimize the potential conflict caused bv reflected Iiqhl. noise and trespassinq while providinq an opportunity to expand the recreational offerinqs in the park and to provide better park access. o Round Lake Park - The open land west of Round Lake Park should be considered for acquisition. This land could provide adequate space for soccer fields. community qardens. ball fields. or other recreational uses. The amount of property to acquire would be determined by what proqramminQ needs exist at that time. This seeks to obtain the necessary area bv park dedication and acquisition as possible. DRAFT 5/15/2008 i Deleted: 11 ! <#>Bikewaysll i, Iln order to promote increased physical activity and non-motorized , transportation, a review of study of I' the City's policy on using bikes on paths should be undertaken_ 11 C' t Deleted: Acquisitions for : ,,~_==__~~_~=""c=c=_=='''""''''''"='''=_,.,"===< Deleted: the 2002 PTQS Plan did identify L~-:!!.~~_'!:~~~~.____~__---------, 'I' Deleted: that should be incorporated into the City's 59 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT o Round lake Trail Easements - The remaininq easements are needed to complete the trail around the west and south sides of Round lake. o Tony Schmidt Reqional Park - While Tony Schmidt Park is a Ramsey County park. the City encouraqes the County to expand its facility in accordance with their facility and land needs, The Tony Schmidt Master Plan does list potential land acquisitions. 9.5 TCAAP Redevelopment Park and Recreation Opportunities 9.5.1 TCAAP Redevelopment Area .of the 585 acres that are part of the proposed TCAAP redevelopment area, nearlY-1Q...8. acres are tentatively planned to be used for parks. open spaces. and a wildlife corridor_ Approximately 42 acres in the redevelopment area are anticipated to be used for community parks. qatherinq spaces. and open spaces. The preliminarv land use desiqn for the TCAAP property includes a iarqe park in the central part of the propertv and a number of small neiqhborhood parks alonq 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. Forty-nine acres will be used for a wildlife corridor to connect the AHA TS property to the Rice Creek corridor. This area may incorporate pathwavs for public use. Finally. in the northeast corner of the redevelopment area, 76.5 acres have been desiqnated for an undetermined public use. This area is likely to include some type of reqional athletic use. thouqh an exact use has not been determined. Because this area is separated from the rest of the TCAAP redevelopment area by the wildlife corridor to the south and National Guard properlY to the north. access to this public area has yet to be determined. Access may be provided for vehicles from County Road I and by pedestrian/bike paths throuqh the wildlife corridor. How this property will be accessed has not been determined but will need to be addressed. DRAFT 5/15/2008 , -] Deleted: The proposed i redevelopment of the TCAAP i property is fikely to include a large, I central community park as well as an i undetermined number of smaller i neighborhood parks and open l spaces. j Deleted: 118.9 j Deleted: and Deleted: . 60 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 9.5.2 Ramsey County Rice Creek Corridor Approximately 112 acres of the former TCMP property adjacent to Rice Creek has already been transferred to the Ramsey County Parks and Recreation department. The County is constructinq a pathway. the Rice Creek North Reqional Trail. alonq the Creek. The trail is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2008. This reqional trail will eventually be an important connection to the rest of the City throuqh TCAAP. 9.6 Implementation Strategies 9.6.1 'priority Setting One tool to advance this chapter is to create a flexible priority list. With the priorities laid out. the City would_be able.better able to assess fund balances and make informed .spending decisions .and coordinate improvements with other projects such as road improvements. The priority list will need to be reqularly evaluated lo measure progress and to adjust the list.to accommodate fundinq availability. changing circumstances, and chanqinq priorities. A fully functioning and complete park and pathway system adds to the attractiveness of the City and to the values of property owners. . 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 local and reqional projects, needs, and opportunities arise, it may be necessary to adjust the list to take advantage of opportunities that may not yet be known. . 9.6.2 Partnerships Developinq partnerships with other public and private orqanizations is an important tool for implementinq this and other chapters of the Comprehensive Plan. With scarce resources and increasinq demands. searchinq for partnerships to reduce costs. increase efficiency. and expand services is necessarv. Workinq with adiacent cities. the Metropolitan Council. Ramsey County. businesses. hiqher education institutions. and other stakeholders may lead to better and more efficient implementation of this Chapter. MNDOT & Ramsey County Transportation - Coordinatinq with ,MnDOT and Ramsey County Public Works will help ensureJhat 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). DRAFT 5/15/2008 (~~~~!~~~~.~~~~~~~~~i~~~~_____ . "._) l Deleted: 11 , . 1 Deleted: To help ensure continued : i progress on implementing this Plan, a i : long-term priority list must be set by ~.!h~_"~~~C~"~'~""~~==="="~='"'=" ~ _ _'" i Deleted: will CDeleted: to i Deleted: make s ...-----'m"-J 1 Deleted: determinations on an : l~~_~_~_~~~~~~_._.____________._.._"~ L~~I_~~~~:__~_~_~_X:~~~.~,~_~i:_..~,,""..m='m'.._) i Deleted: with . l Deleted: all ,.- i Deleted: Creating a project llst each : yearwHl also help the Parks, Trails, : and Recreation Committee focus on ~__~~_~I~~_:~~i~~__~i_~_~_~~~_~~~_~_~j_=~~. .. _. , j Deleted: A priority list will require ! City Council and PTRC discussion l_~~d_,~~~~era_~~?_n.lI t,,~,~~;~~:.~"~e_~ity s~o~_I~ ""ork_~~~____ j (_~_~~i~~_~~~~~~~,t!?~ .:...:.:.:.:........ ,.... ....= I~~~i~~~-~~~~'k~ '~'~ii~~~" ~"~~"' 61 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Ramsey County Parks and Recreation - With reqional facilities in Arden Hills and connectinq to City pathways. it is important to coordinate with the County. The County is workinq to implemen~ the Tony Schmid! 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 consider workirlg with these organizations to ensure continued access to these trails and to make connections with City trails. Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCMP) Redevelopment Partner and the Arden Hills Army Traininq Site IAHATS) - This unprecedented redevelopment on the TCMP property offers an opportunity to greatly expand the City's park and pathway network. The City .seeks to continue workinq with the developers, AHA TS. and private entities to ensure a park and pathway system is constructed that meets the needs of current and future residents. Althouqh the AHA TS property is not freely open to the public. it could playa role in future park and recreation opportunities. 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 and fundinq will continue to be a challenqe. In order to jmplement the parks and recreation plan, ,yearly priorities could,be identified in theCity's capital improvement plan(CIP),which canbe adjusted annually as funding. opportunities. and needs change. Flexibility in implementation will be necessary. Since much of the City is developed, park and recreation expansions improvements cannot rely on park dedication fees alone. Therefore, the City may need to explore other financing options" Pursuing. funding opportunities may help advance implementation of this plan at a faster rate than would otherwise be able to occur. 9.6.4 Additional Strategies DRAFT 5/15/2008 l~D..~I~t..~d..'....'T.'h.e..''''c......'~.......'.'h.....~~.'''id...'''';.o-.rl<. .....-..'. h. ..-1. Ramsey County to continue ! "~~2~:~-=n~!io_n ,,~~. . """ __ ___ _ __ _ _ j 1 Deleted: in Arden Hills I D~leted: ;:;;ust ! Deleted: continue to work --...1 I Deleted: 11 l~~______ _______ I Deleted: successfully -(D;i;t;;d.;"~~;"'"- ,[ Deleted: must ..-,,"","=""._~\ [ Deleted: must -----~----.., L,?_~I~~~~:___~_~~~_~_~__~_~~~~_~_~_~_~?_~_?_5:_..J r --, t~_~I_~~~_:__~~~_~_," _ _ _ ___________"____. l Deleted: 11 62 City of Arden HlIls - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT The strategies in the previous sections should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and strategies should be identified to further advance the City's parks and recreation goal and policies. DRAFT 5/15/2008 63 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT 5/15/2008 64 City of Arden Hilts - 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 ,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 withJhe Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS) to protect the unique natural reSOUrces and open spaces .as park andlor 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 2..,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 fishinu. 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 undertakes projects to improve water quality. The City has a number of protective ordinances and policies in place that enhance RCWD activities; however. those DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: <#>Devefop standards and best management practices (BMPs) to protect the natural features in the City and to minimize the impact of natural '1/-D;I~t~d; ;-~~~te the-l~g~rm '. ~r:~~_':."_~t~~_~__?L______ [~~~~~~:!L~~~~~: .. ..... . _ ______~'--' L~~_I_E!!~~_:..P.:~_~~:.~e most ~ r Deleted: fisheries ~~t~~:_~~~~_~~~~~~___". 65 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT policies require monitoring to ensure that they are meeting .community 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 shore land 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 (!mm ONR web"e htlp:IlWoNW .dnr.state.mn .us/waters/watenngmt_ section/shorelandflake _ shoreland _ classifications.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, the City should evaluate the shoreland requlations to determine if updates are needed. DRAFT 5/15/2008 {E~~~~City___~~==~~~~~.; 66 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 GD lake. The land on the north, west, and east sides of Lake Johanna is largely developed with single family homes. Tony Schmidl Regional Park, located on the northwest side of the lake. includes a swimming beach and boat ramp. Presbyterian Homes, a 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 iimits. 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. Althouqh the source and lonq-term impacts are unknown. fish in Lake Johanna were found to have elevated levels of the chemical DRAFT 5/15/2008 67 City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in 2007. No additional fish consumption or swimminQ warninqs have been issued. Lake Josephine 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. The fish in Lake Josephine were tested for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in 2007: however. the results of those tests were not available in time for this Plan. Little 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 68 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 69 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. 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. Sunfish 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 70 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. 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 Shoreland 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 Species/Habitat 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 DRAFT 71 5/15/2008 rD~i~t~;"~-"-'-""-''''--~'----'''' City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 AHA TS 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) 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"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." DRAFT 5/15/2008 i Deleted: white 72 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. Round Lake Prehistoric Site 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 peninsula to preserve it in its current condition. Further research, as well 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 College, Bethel University, and Mounds View High School also contain highly valued natural areas of varying character and quality. The Arden Hills Army Traininq Site (AHATS) property js also home to some of the most significant natural resources in Arden Hills, 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. While some institutional development from the Minnesota National Guard may occur on the southern part of the AHA TS propertv. much of that area is anticipated to remain as open space. The AHATS property is not open freelv to the public. but the National Guard does allow some scheduled visits on the pro~ DRAFT 5/15/2008 73 Deleted: AHA TS side of the TCAAP i p_~~erty_____________________.J City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Of the 585 acres on the TCMP property that are anticipated to be ~ to the City for redevelopment, preliminary plans include approximately_168 acres for use as open space in the form of parks, wetlands, stormwater areas, recreational areas, and a wildlife corridor, 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. 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 following 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 small 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 historic 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 fDeleted:'t~~~d f~Delet~d~~-~~-r - 'I -' r--"--~"-------'-'- .. .....".._...-....--. -......._."._""._"-~---, I Deleted: While some institutional i I development from the Minnesota I National Guard may occur on the southern part of the AHATS property, much of that area is anticipated to remain as open space, though it is generally not open to the public. 74 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT a 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 overall natural resource assessment ranking for each area shown on map X. , 10.5.2 Wetland Restoration Assessment All wetland areas within the RCWD were evaluated to determine their potential for vegetation and/or 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.) DRAFT 5/15/2008 i Deleted: ~ ~~ Deleted: 75 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFr o 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. Listed on the Potential to lake No Data 303{d) list of becorre impaired waters impaired Johanna* X Josephine* X Karth X little Johanna X Marsden X Round X Sunfish X Valentine X 'listed on the 303(d) list of fmpaired 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 TCMP 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 76 City of Arden Hilts - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. Area 4 - As part of the TCMP redevelopment, a 49 acre wildlife corridor .Will be _ ,desiqnated to connect the Rice Creek corridor to the AHA TS 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 and as.a priority area. Ramsey County 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 problem 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 from private land. 10.7 Implementation Strategies In order to advance the protected resources goal, the below activities are proposed; , o Adopt tree preservation standards and revised landscaping requirements. o Review existinq and develop new policies or requlations to protect identified natural resource protection areas. o Encouraqe new development to respect the natural features and to minimize damaqe to the natural environment. o Update the shore land 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 ,Work cooperativeiy with private landowners and other governmental agencies to preserve and enhance open spaces. o Explore the inclusion of an environmental library and/or education center on the TCMP property. DRAFT 5/15/2008 r Deleted: would C~~i_~,,~~~."~;~~~~d .-.-,,","< t Deleted: that should be included I Deleted: . l. Deleted: This list is not all-inclusive l, and additional tools and opportunities , should be researched: j ,......'.......-"..-...---..-- ----- - -- -- -, I Deleted: <#>Review existing and develop new standards or regulations to protect identified natural resource ~.~:~s.~ 77 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT o Support public educational opportunities to foster a better understanding of the natural environment. The above strategies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and strategies should be identified to further advance the City's protected resources goal and policies. DRAFT 5/15/2008 78 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 11. TRANSPORTATION Goal: 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. 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 Create/provide 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 Encouraqes transportation methods that are less dependent on motor vehicles such as walkinq, bikinq, and transit. Q..jI;1aintain the existing transportation infrastructure to protect the existing investments, increase efficiency, and delay the need for improvement or expansion. Where necessary, expand. the City's transportation system to meet current and future transportation needs. 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 ,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 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 DRAFT 79 5/15/2008 !-._~~~~~~~~~~7J~;jrt~~-n;~d--' I system as necessary to meet current i and future transportation needs.~ (",reserve and In (~~~;~~d~';-- - - ='"===~:=_~~:~:== i Deleted: <#>Encourages alternate I and/or integrated transportation I methods that are less dependent on motor vehicles such as walking, II biking, and transit as altemate transportation methods. 11 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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. ,8pj:len<fu. 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 Evatuation 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, existinq City controlled roads .provide, 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 Figure 4.4 - 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 Appendix D. Based on available traffic volume data, the following roadways are classified into the following groups: Level of Service C - Periodically Conqested . 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 . CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue from CR I to CSAH 96 . CSAH 51/Lexington Avenue, South of CR F DRAFT 5/15/2008 [ Deleted: The first appendix ("" _............. ..._.""'"_m"_n_m_n_______ 1 Deleted: , L_n__..__....,.....,..........,..'''..'""...." '(~~~~~~-~::==~-~---------- If Deleted: the existing motorized 1, transportation system within the City ! 'nO~ ~rd=~n~_il_l:_:,~_n:e_~,t_l~ ""'" ..._m,"c_~~~) I~_~~~~~~-~~- _____._.:__...~~_..."...: " ...-"- _~_: 80 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . CSAH 96, East of CSAH 50/Hamline 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, East of 1-35W . CR I from 1-35W to Snelling Avenue Level of Service D & E - Near Conqested . t-35W, North ofTH 10/CSAH 10 . t-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 - Conqested . 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 periodicallycongeste8are generally identifi.ed as providing an acceptable level of ~!:Wliif~t~!ii\Lii!~t'q~[li1i"i!Y;tjolti9"q~finjtion'?r: 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. A planning-level analysis 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 t ?.,:.I.,:~~~.: .'::!..e:.!._ 81 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 ,glanned jurisdictional transfers planned between Arden Hills and Ramsey County. The City desires active participation in any iurisdictional 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 (TCAAP) 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 ,connection from CSAH96 to CR H through the TCMP property may be desiqnated as a new County collector, DRAFT 5/15/2008 Highway 96 and Highway 10 Intersection: /'; 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 82 l Deleted: knOwn ! Deleted: , but the City recognizes I that the County's and State's role in : jurisdictional issues and desires i active participation in any t jurisdictional discussion. ~.."..._--_._---_.- i Deleted: new County collector : roadway is proposed 10 /""-"'."'="",,,,,,,==,=,,,,",,"_,"_,,, l Deleted: . Deleted: In coordination with the AUAR,a City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 Corridor (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 vitaiity of a city, county, or broader region. In addition to the traditional road system, multimodal transportation includes transit, aviation, railway, 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. Figure 4.5 - 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: . 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 83 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . 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. 11.2.5.2 Aviation Plans/Facilities There are no existing or planned aviation facilities within Arden Hills, but the Anoka County/Blaine Airflort 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/Grey Fox business area. There are two rail spurs that are operated by the Minnesota Commercial Railway (MNNR). Both spurs have been or will be abandoned. One spur accesse,Q the Gateway Business District, while the other spur .accessed the ,Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant(TCMP) site,. , DRAFT 84 5/15/2008 (~~~---"----~-J t[)el_~t~d_:__iS 8_?:8_nd(ln_ed 8':ld C~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~:=~":.~,~:,"~::~~~_~ l.~~~t~~~_.j 1 Deleted: Both spurs are intended to ! be removed in conjunction with the .! !edev~~~nt of the TCAA~~,! City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 St. Anthony, Roseville, Shoreview, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, White Bear Township, and ending in White Bear Lake. ,The route does not directly impact Arden Hills. 11.2.5.4 Pathways" This Comprehensive Plan includes a number of expansion and upgrade opportunities in Chapter 9.~While the pathway recommendations.i!@..included in a different chapter, the City's pathway system is an inteqral part of the City's transportation system. Implementation of the pathwa,y recommendations in Chapter 9 is directly related to this transportation chapter as many proiects overlap and provide an opportunity for cooQerqtiof1. ~ 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 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 (___n________________n_________m_______n___m___n__m_n'nm..,. , Deleted: In the interim, these routes t_ma~ be use~_forbike path~------, ! Deleted: : ( Deleted: Bikeways, Sidewalks and L!;~~~I.::~="="""'""=_.._=='""_""=""'C""""=,=_~_=_=<:: ] Deleted: The 2002 Arden Hills i Parks, Trails, and Open Space W-r.!.<?_5:)_____________________==.=~,,="~=.-~__=. 1 Deleted: evaluated the existing i bikeway, sidewalk and trail locations, L~~~_~_~~=~_~~_____"~~w-===""_.=~ j Deleted: The PTOS Plan and the ' , 2006 update to the PTOS Plan can i be found in Chapter g of this ~-~-~-IllP!~-he-~-~-iv~-~I~~:--- : Deleted: were ~""""'" ..............._........m... ~ Deleted: the City recognizes the ! importance of the pathway system i and its contribution to the City's i overall transportation syst=~-=--~______.. 85 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 irnprovement from a 4-lane freeway to a 6-tane freeway and correction of weave at TH 10/51 Deferred from Ramsey County 5-Year Transportation Improvement Proqram (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 - Periodically 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 . 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 86 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT . CR E from TH 51 to CSAH 76/Snelling 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, 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 will 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 DRAFT 87 5/15/2008 City of Arden HllIs - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 will assist in improving 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-{)ut access only, or the development of a frontage road to improve the safety and rnobility 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. 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 Hills, together with the community's pattern of water features and freeway facilities, there are minimal DRAFT 5/15/2008 88 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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~ ,used by Arden Hills' residents, such as the lots on County Road H in Mounds View and at Rosedale in Roseville. The City will evaluate the need for future park-n-ride opportunities along with redevelopment proposals where feasible. The City supports efforts to add or expand Jransit options .!Q...Northwestern College, Bethel University, Mounds View High School, and,.,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 will also likely be needed when it is redeveloped. 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. 11.3.4.2 Aviation Plans/Facilities 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. DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: on CR H and any of the lot. which is Deleted: fo, Deleted: Deleted: i Deleted: Liaht rail service and Dark ! and ride to the Countv Road !~~:!!!.?~nAvenuea(ea?lI _~) 89 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 (FM) 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 FM 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 FM; 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 FM under Title 14, Part 77.13 using FM form 7460-1 and associated amendments. Any structure meeting the requirements in Title 14, Part 77 .13 must receive permission from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FM). Structures will be compatible with the Anoka County/Blaine Airport Long Term Comprehensive Plan. 11.3.4.3 Pathways, ,Future pathway Jocations . are discussed in Chapter 9 and in lhe geometric design standards section of Appendix X. A number of the pathway proiects can be .pursued when roads are reconstructed, For each of the County. DRAFT 90 5/15/2008 , Deleted: : Bikeways, Sidewalks , and Trails , Deleted: The 2002 Arden Hills Park, : Trails, and Open Space (PTOS) Plan i discusses future bikeway, sidewalk : and trail locations j ~eleted: shou!d~r, bikeway, '... Sidewalk, andtral! t .~~!~~~~~!:.? .~~~~~~_~~~i.~._..._______~ 1~ .~,~,~,~~~~,:'" t?~~_____________ m__ I Deleted: along or adjacent to most l collector roadways. City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT highways within Arden Hills, roadway shoulders, in addition to pathways. 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 and paths should be jntegrated with the roadway system to provide routes for non-motorized traffic to access existing and future controlled intersections where feasible. 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 work.,toensure a sound transportation within Arden Hills. 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. 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; , DRAFT 5/15/2008 Deleted: trails and sidewalks Deleted: , bikeways, sidewalks and trails will be Deleted: are Deleted: are considered an integral part to the City's transportation 1 Deleted: . ""..=",;"";"""",=.;~""._""",---""",",,,,..,..,,..,,..,,,,,,"-,,,,,,,'''"''"' - -,,< -I Deleted: These strategies are not , considered all-inclusive and do not ! preclude the addition of new I strategies to take advantage of I opportunities that may not be known ! I when this Plan is adopted. 91 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 includes routine patching, crack filiing, and storm sewer cleaning. Implement a schedule for roadway maintenance and reconstruction, street wideninglrealignment, etc. The above strategies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and strategies should be identified to further advance the City's transportation goal and policies. DRAFT 5/15/2008 92 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 12. ENYIRDNMENTAL CONSERYATIDN AND SUSTAINABILlTY 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. 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 sustainabllity, 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 electric 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 5/15/2008 93 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 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 policies, 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 integral part and is intended to enhance the other chapters in the Comprehensive Plan. 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 organizations are leading the way along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, MN Pollution Control Agency, and American Institute of Architects in developing rating systems. DRAFT 5/15/2008 94 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 iong 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. New development and redevelopment can use the newest sustainable and environmentally friendly practices; however, 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. 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 5/15/2008 95 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 ernissions from fossil fuels and conserving energy by: . Reducing per capita use of fossil fuel by 15% by 2015; . Annuai 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 Achieving these carbon reduction goals will require proactive planning at every level of government. 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. Although the City has limited ability to regulate these roads, the City could encourage other governmental units to use these tools to help lower emissions: . Lowering speed limits . Higher mpg vehicles . Using hydrogen buses . Using electric cars or personal vehicles . Traffic circles that slow 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 DRAFT 5/15/2008 96 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT reduce carbon ernissions. Cities, counties, and the state need to work cooperatively 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 heating/cooling size installations. . Increase recycling at all uses. . Develop regulations for the use of pervious surfaces, green roofs, and other environmentally sensitive materials. . Minimize impervious surfaces where possible. . Promote LEED/Green 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 and direct grow1h to these hubs. The above strategies should not be considered all-inclusive. New opportunities and strategies should be identified to further advance the City's environmental conservation and sustainability goal and policies. DRAFT 5/15/2008 97 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT 5/15/2008 98 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 13. PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERYICES, 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 keep the emergency preparedness plan updated. 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 Sheriff's 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 5/15/2008 99 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 TCMP property. These Plans will need to be updated once a land use plan is selected for the TCMP 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 E): 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. St. 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 5/15/2008 100 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT The City also has three emergency cross connections with adjacent communities. The Arden HilIs-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 E includes the updated Water Supply Plan for Arden Hills. Since a land use plan for the proposed redevelopment of the TCMP property has not yet been adopted, this Plan does not reflect future water needs on the TCMP property. This Plan will need to be updated once a final land 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 F includes the Sanitary Sewer Plan for Arden Hills. Since a land use plan for the proposed redevelopment of the TCMP 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 5/15/2008 101 13.1.3 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Storm Water/Surface Water Drainage DRAFT 5/15/2008 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 TCMP property has not yet been adopted, the current Stormwater Management Plan does not yet reflect future stormwater management needs on the TCMP property. The Surface Water Management Plan will need to be updated once a final land use plan for the TCMP property has been selected. 102 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) challenges. The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has imposed a surcharge on the City as a part of its 1&1 reductionfelimination 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 andfor eliminate the surcharge. tn 2007, the 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 and 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 City is committed to reducing 1&1 and reducing or eliminating the surcharge. 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 103 5/15/2008 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 Buitdings 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, 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 5/15/2008 104 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFr 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 5/15/2008 105 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 TCMP 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 Bear 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 enrollment, and no new educational facilities are planned. While future DRAFT 5/15/2008 106 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT development on the TCMP 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, Little 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 for Northwestern College 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 5/15/2008 107 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT DRAFT 5/15/2008 108 City of Arden HlIls - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 14. IMPLEMENTATION The Comprehensive Plan is a guide for decision making, setting priorities, developing new policies, and guiding City business. However, the Plan requires active implementation to be successful. The vision, goals, policies, and information in this document are meant to support the City and provide a strategic framework for accomplishing City goals and maintaining a healthy, vibrant, and stable community. While this Plan provides a policy framework, implementation will require additional review, research. process, and action. This Plan is the starting point. This document is not set in stone. The Comprehensive Plan must be evaluated and updated as funding, priorities, and opportunities change over time. Most of the other chapters include implementation strategies specific to the chapter they are in. This implementation chapter includes broader implementation techniques that apply to multiple chapters. 14.1 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the financial planning mechanism used by the City to plan for long range and significant expenditures. Arden Hills has adopted a five-year CIP that is updated on an annual basis (Appendix F). Each year the CIP is reviewed and revised as priorities change, more details are known, and funds become available for capital projects and purchases. The CIP is an important tool for the annual budgeting process because it helps guide the allocation of funds for the upcoming year. The Comprehensive Plan sets forth overall direction for the City; the five year CIP and the annual budget implement the goals and policies contained within this Plan. Each year, all items in the CIP are evaluated in relation to the goals, policies, and direction in the Comprehensive Plan. This allows spending decisions to be made within the overall context and future planned environment for the community. While it is important that the City'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 dynamic document that can be amended, with careful review, to respond to unanticipated changes in the City. DRAFT 5/15/2008 109 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT 14.2 Ordinances Ordinances are one of the primary tools for implementing the Comprehensive Plan as they provide the legal framework for evaluating projects and implementing many policies. The City currently uses a number of ordinances to regulate development and other activities: . Erosion . Floodplain . Shoreland . Sign ordinances . Subdivision . Zoning Implementing this Comprehensive Plan will require the review and updating of a number of ordinances. The Zoning Code will likely be updated in preparation for the TCMP redevelopment, and the City's Shoreland Ordinances is out of date. Revising or creating ordinances requires significant public review and education. Ordinances require periodic evaluation to ensure they are meeting the City's vision, Metropolitan Council requirements, Rice Creek Watershed District regulations, and State Statutes. 14.3 Small Area Plans While this Comprehensive Plan provides overall policy direction for the City, additional planning detail is needed in select areas. In April 2008, the City embarked on a small area plan for the County Road E corridor, which is commonly called downtown Arden Hills. This small area plan will address land use, future redevelopment, and transportation issues in greater detail in this area. The small area plan is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2008 and may result in an amendment to this Comprehensive Plan. The City may also move forward with a small area plan for the Lexington Avenue/Red Fox/Grey Fox business area. Although there has been some new development in this area, many of the buildings are aging and are likely to be redeveloped in the near future. A small area plan to address issues in this area may be warranted. 14.4 Community Involvement Community involvement is an important part of implementing this Comprehensive Plan. While the City can adopt policies and programs, DRAFT 5/15/2008 110 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT successful implementation requires solid communication as well as input and participation from residents and businesses. The City currently utilizes a number of methods to facilitate communication between the residents, elected officials, and City staff, including surveys, direct mailings, regular City newsletters, public comment times at Council meetings, Town Hall meetings, cable television, the City's website. Each project requires a different communications and involvement approach and the previous list is only an example of techniques. The City also uses volunteer commissions, committees, and special task forces to include residents and businesses in the project development and decision- making process: . Communications Committee; . Economic Development Commission; . Financial Planning and Analysis Committee; . Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee; . Planning Commission; These groups allow more direct involvement and participation from the community to help advance and create programs that work toward implementing the Comprehensive Plan. In addition to the above groups, the City can create other types of committees as needed to work on specific projects or policies. These committees are created by the City Council and exist throughout the duration of the project. 14.5 Intergovernmental Coordination Arden Hills does not exist in a vacuum from its neighbors or the metropolitan area. Coordinating with the adjacent communities, Ramsey County, the Metropolitan Council, and the State are needed to help advance local as well as regional goals. The City's water, sewer, transportation, park, and recreation systems are linked to other public entities. Where feasible, the City seeks to cooperate with other governments to help ensure efficient use of public resources and reduce overlapping government services. 14.6 Future Comprehensive Plan Amendments As a policy and planning document, text and/or map amendments to this Comprehensive Plan will be needed. This Plan is meant to be a dynamic document that can respond to unforeseen changes, priorities, and opportunities. DRAFT 5/15/2008 111 City of Arden Hills - Comprehensive Plan - DRAFT Amendments will be needed for the TCMP redevelopment and may be needed for the B-2 District Small Area Plan, a future Lexington Avenue (Red Fox-Grey Fox?) Small Area Plan, and for redevelopment of the former City Hall/Public Works property. Private property owners may also need an amendment to allow a change in property use at some point in the future. The Metropolitan Council and the City has a specific process for processing and evaluating comprehensive plan amendments. DRAFT 5/15/2008 112