HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/05/28 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
MAY 28, 2019
6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION – Community room
Discussion items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future study session agenda planning
2. 6:35 p.m. PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest
3. 7:05 p.m. Historic Walker Lake small area revitalization plan
4. 7:50 p.m. Former Sam’s Club Land Use and Development Study Analysis and
Direction
8:50 p.m. Communications/updates (verbal)
8:55 p.m. Adjourn
Written reports
5. CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study
6. SWLRT update
7. Comprehensive plan related zoning map amendments
8. April 2019 monthly financial report
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make arrangements, please call
the administration department at 952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Future study session agenda planning
Recommended action: The city council and city manager to set the agenda for the regularly
scheduled study session on June 10, 2019.
Policy consideration: Not applicable.
Summary: This report summarizes the proposed agenda for the regularly scheduled study
session on June 10, 2019. Also attached to this report is:
- Study session discussion topics and timeline
-Proposed topic for future study session discussion:
o Pledge of allegiance - proposed by councilmember Mavity
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Tentative agenda – June 10, 2019
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Study session topic proposed for future study session discussion
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Administrative Services Office Assistant
Reviewed by: Maria Carrillo Perez, Management Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Future study session agenda planning
June 10, 2019.
(Councilmember Miller out)
6:30 p.m. Study session – Community room
Tentative discussion items
1.Future study session agenda planning – Administrative services (5 minutes)
2.Police advisory commission work plan update – Police (30 minutes)
The city council has requested a meeting with the chair of each board/commission to
review 2019 work plans. Police advisory commissioners will attend the study session on
June 10 to discuss their 2019 work plan.
3.PLACE Via project update – Community development (45 minutes)
PLACE Via Sol and Via Luna projects update and EDA property purchase extension request.
4.Accessory dwelling units/home-based business – Community development (60 minutes)
The approved comprehensive plan indicates the city intends to allow accessory dwelling
units (ADUs). Staff will facilitate a policy discussion to better understand city council’s
views on how ADUs should be allowed. This will provide both staff and the planning
commission with clearer direction at the outset for how to craft regulations. More
recently, interest in home occupations has surfaced. It has been suggested that ADUs and
home occupations have some similar policy considerations. Staff will share with city council
the current home occupation regulations and summarize items the planning commission
would like to review.
Communications/meeting check-in – Administrative services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and council will be set aside on every study session
agenda for the purposes of information sharing.
Written reports
5.Update on Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy
6.Texa Tonka study update
7.Mobility sharing update
8.Historic Walker Lake – electrical undergrounding
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Title: Future study session agenda planning
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Discussion topic Comments Date Scheduled
Revitalization of Walker Lake area
Part of preserving Walker building reports: 8/28/17,
9/25/17, 1/22/18, design study 2/12/18, update 4/23/18,
design study update 8/27/18; SS report 2/11/19
May 28, 2019
Ordinance regarding home
occupations (Firearm sales)
Discussed 5/21/18 & 7/23. Written report provided at
9/24 study session. PC currently reviewing ordinance
options. Policy on city facilities adopted 10/15. Going to
PC
2nd reading
June 17, 2019
Accessory dwelling units/home-
based businesses June 10, 2019
C-1 zoning district retail and
service use restrictions
Discussed on 6/11/18; referred to PC. Discussed
11/26/18; SS report 2/25/19; Discussed 3/11/19 –
further discussion requested by council
July 8, 2019
Election holiday discussion 3rd Qtr.
Crime free ordinance/affordable
housing strategies
Discussed 5/14/18. 1st reading housing trust fund
10/1/18; Other affordable housing strategies/Crime
Free Ordinance – Nov/Dec, 12/10 and 12/17/18 and
1/14/19 council discussion; Certain provisions of
crime free ord. suspended; Work group being formed;
CFO work group discussed on 3/25/2019; Work group
had first meeting in May; Next meeting is in June
TBD; Pending
workgroup
recommendation
Immigration & supporting families
Discussed 8/6 and referred to HRC. HRC held comm.
mtg. in Oct. Council/HRC discussion on 12/10; referred
back to HRC for refinement of recommendations.
TBD
Discuss and evaluate our public
process TBD
Easy access to nature, across city,
starting with low-income
neighborhoods
TBD
One-for-one replacement policy
for NOAH properties TBD
STEP discussion: facilities
Discussed on 1/14/19; Tom H, Derek R. and Astein O.
toured the Central Community Center and are
continuing discussions
TBD
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Access Fund *On hold pending discussion with school district.*On hold
SEED’s community
greenhouse/resilient cities
initiative
*On hold until Food Access and Security study is
complete and recommendations have been made.*On hold
Discuss Council Norms Reviewed on 5/7/18; adoption postponed on 5/21/18.
Discussed at Jan. Retreat; discussed on 3/18/19
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 1) Page 4
Title: Future study session agenda planning
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest
Recommended action: Provide direction to staff on PLACES funding, sites for art, and
appointing an elected official to the PLACES committee.
Policy considerations:
• Does the council wish to continue participating in PLACES and provide the requested
funding?
• Does the council agree with the recommendations for the sites for public art?
• Does the council wish to appoint an elected official to the PLACES committee?
Summary: PLACES is an effort to add public art and community engaged cultural programing at
sites along the SWLRT corridor. The intent is to raise $5.5 million in funding for public art from
private sources including companies and foundations, and place two signature public art works
in each city near the SWLRT stations. (See attached summary)
PLACES was created in 2015 by Hennepin County Community Works after public art was
removed from the SWLRT project budget. A committee with representatives from the five
SWLRT cities, Hennepin County, Metropolitan Council and the arts community was created.
Forecast Public Art was hired to consult the group. The city (along with other cities and
agencies) contributed $5,000 toward PLACES. More recently the process was reinvigorated
when Forecast Public Art received a $100,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation. Forecast
Public Art has created a draft charter (attached) outlining the organizational structure for the
committee. At this time, the committee is asking cities, Hennepin County and Met Council to
contribute $10,000 to continue the process for the coming year.
In addition, Forecast has worked with city staff to consider and evaluate art locations sites near
the stations in the city. The two recommended sites are shown on the attached maps.
Financial or budget considerations: The request is for a contribution for the PLACES effort of
$10,000.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: Discussion
PLACES Plan Summary
PLACES Committee Draft Charter
PLACES Budget Scenario
Map of recommended sites
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, Principal Planner
Maria Carrillo-Perez, Management Assistant
Reviewed by: Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest
Discussion
Draft charter and budget: The draft charter and long range budget projection for PLACES are
attached. The charter outlines the purpose, activities, composition, organization and staffing,
and budget for the committee for the coming years. The charter is proposed to be adopted at
an upcoming committee meeting.
Work planned for this year includes solidifying the PLACES committee by creating a charter and
securing funding; preparing campaign materials for funding outreach; creating various
subcommittees; creating communication materials; and creating a strategic public art plan for
the Southwest LRT corridor.
Discussion about the charter and organization has included such questions as:
• Will each city choose the art near its stations? -Yes
• Will the cities own and maintain the art? -Yes
• Will communities/organizations who contribute funding be the only voting members? -
Yes, others will be advisory
At the February meeting, the PLACES committee asked that the seven public sector entities
(five cities, Hennepin County, Metropolitan Council) contribute $10,000 to support PLACES
project management for 2019.
Recommended sites for PLACES art in St. Louis Park: The sites recommended by staff for public
art in the station areas of St. Louis Park are shown on the attached map. These sites were
chosen because of their location, visibility, availability and ease of implementation.
The two sites are:
1) Louisiana station area in the northeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and Oxford Street.
This site has the following attributes:
• Will be a “dry” pond, fairly flat area
• Highly visible
• Can function as a landmark (where to turn to go to the LRT station)
• Dresses up the otherwise open, grassy area of the dry pond
2) Wooddale station area at the northwest corner of Wooddale Avenue and 36th Street.
This site has the following attributes:
• Public space
• Open area that is underutilized
• Can be a ped/bike stopover, picnic and gathering spot
• Could include landscaped/garden areas
• Can provide a signature to the area and LRT station
• Potential to host a variety of art because of size of site (interactive, sculpture, etc.)
Representation on the PLACES Committee: Along with the additional funding requested, it is
recommended that the council appoint an elected official and an alternate to this committee to
represent the city. In the past, Mayor Spano served as the city representative, with Meg
McMonigal serving as the alternate. Note that city staff will continue to attend all future PLACES
meetings.
PLACES
Summary Update
January 30, 2019
Background
Public Art and Community Engagement Southwest (PLACES) is a multicity/multiagency, public/private
consortium made up of stakeholder organizations along the Green Line Extension (previously known as
the Southwest LRT Corridor) to activate the local artistic community to ensure the Green Line is more
than a train that simply transports people. A key opportunity is turning traditional TOD into innovative
TOAD—Transit Oriented Arts Development—and leveraging the momentum of over $2.8 billion in public
investment in the Green Line and Green Line extension through a thoughtful, intentional process to
create meaningful gathering places and connect diverse communities through creative engagements.
Federal rules no longer allow artwork to be integrated into transit projects using either federal funds or
local match, as they were with the Blue Line and the initial Green Line. No art is allowed on the station
platforms unless local funds in addition to local transit project match are added, so PLACES focuses on
areas of potential adjacent to the line. PLACES is a $6.2 million effort to add signature public art and
community-engaged cultural programming at strategic sites along the 12-mile corridor. It’s an
opportunity to involve public and private partners in a long-term strategy to creatively enhance public
life, public health, and economic vitality for a broad and diverse citizenship.
Overview
PLACES has a goal of generating approximately $6.2 million in 2019 dollars over a five year period to
support 10 signature public artworks near station areas ($500,000 each, including a maintenance fund)
and dozens of smaller, temporary public art projects and events that feature community engagement
activities and seek to address the goals stated above as well as mitigate the negative impacts of the
construction phase of the Green Line Extension (for an additional total of $500,000). Also, approximately
$620,000 in funding will be needed for design fees, project management, strategic planning and
fundraising, contingency and PLACES administration.
In response to a request from the initial PLACES Committee—convened by Hennepin County Community
Works—Forecast Public Art, a 40-year-old nonprofit based in the Twin Cities, assembled a highly
qualified team to enable the commissioning of signature public art and placemaking projects—as well as
temporary community-engaged art—along the corridor, and facilitate the development of the PLACES
Committee as a sustainable governance entity representing the many key stakeholders in the process.
Among our shared goals are to:
•Engender civic dialogue, pride in place, and social cohesion
•Beautify the SWLRT Corridor, connect communities along the route
•Maximize on the impact of new LRT line using Transit-Oriented Arts Development (TOAD)
strategies, placemaking and public art
•Create sense of welcoming, belonging, excitement, and character
•Energize underutilized spaces, enhance public realm along corridor
•Support local economy and increase business visibility
•Demonstrate new, lasting approaches to creative problem solving (wayfinding, safety,
stormwater management, social cohesion, etc.)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 3
For each signature public art and placemaking project, the following process is followed:
•A lead contact person within each city helps determine two priority sites near LRT stations being
planned
•Metro Transit provides input regarding the timing of any projects on sites that are part of the
federally-funded corridor (site owned by cities or private developers have the opportunity to
begin sooner)
•Each city establishes a selection committee to provide input regarding the criteria for each site
•Forecast drafts a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for each site
•The PLACES Committee and each City review and approve RFQ prior to distribution (and help
identify artists to invite)
•Once LRT project funding is 100% secured, and fees for the design phase are raised, the RFQ—
once vetted—is distributed to artists or teams (via an open call or an invitational process)
•The selection committee for each city reviews the submissions and selects three finalists to
develop preliminary designs. Each finalist is paid $5,000, plus travel and expenses (adjusted
annually for inflation)
•The selection committee subsequently interviews the three finalists and selects one to
commission. In some cases, this decision will require further approval by the respective City or
other entities
•PLACES Committee members, leaders in each city, and Forecast will seek up to $500,000 in
funding for each project, using the designs to leverage support. Funds will be sought from public
and private sources, including corporate sponsors and foundation grants
•Once funds are secured, each city will proceed with commissioning the implementation of its
selected project (with Forecast serving as fiscal agent)
For each temporary, community-engaged public art project, the following process will be followed:
•Forecast and lead contacts from each City and Metro Transit will identify sites for potential
temporary, modestly-scaled, community-engaged public art projects along the corridor,
including sites where LRT construction would benefit from creative mitigation strategies
•Secure funding to support 2-3 projects per year in the first 3 years (approximately $10,000 per
project), and increase to 10-20 projects in subsequent years. (The more funds raised, the more
projects can be funded)
•Develop roster of artists seeking to engage with communities at key sites (or others as identified
during the process)
•Develop roster of community members, groups, organizations and other entities seeking to
engage with artists and other creatives at key sites, or their own properties along the corridor
(or within a short distance from the corridor)
•Create “PLACES & Temporary Spaces” Call for Concepts document and distribute broadly within
each city, inviting ideas to be submitted
•Host free informational meetings and gatherings of individuals and groups from each of the
above rosters—including a “speed dating” activity to acquaint potential partners in developing
brief concepts for review (indicating who, what, where, and how much)
•Manage selection process and award contracts to selected teams
•Forecast will provide technical assistance for each selected project team, as well as promote and
document each effort
Highlights of accomplishments/benchmarks over past 18 months
•Secured McKnight funding to support 2018 program development (and added Mark
VanderSchaaf to team)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 4
•Facilitated PLACES meetings and drafted charter to formalize role of Committee
•Supported PLACES Committee leadership (including co-chairs transitions, retention of arts
expertise, and identification of potential new members, such as Watershed Districts, City of
Edina, bike consortium)
•Assisted cities in identifying priority sites along corridor for signature public art
•Conducted location analysis, studied priority sites, including timing for project implementation
•Drafted sample, preliminary RFQ for Opus site in Minnetonka
•Engaged HKGi to assist with images and renderings to support RFQs
•Drafted preliminary timeline, tasks and budget estimates for 2019-2023
•Metro Transit hired Mark Granlund as public art manager (He has drafted public art guidelines
and procedures)
•Began working with Metro Transit to identify sites and strategies for temporary, community-
engaged public art during construction phase
•Launched American Planning Association study of national best practices to promote public art
along regional transitways (initiated by Mark VanderSchaaf)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 5
1
Southwest LRT PLACES Committee Charter [DRAFT 4/8/19]
Adopted by the Southwest LRT PLACES Committee on [Date]
PURPOSE
1.The PLACES Committee will visibly support and further refine the PLACES vision: to tell
the story, character, heritage and culture of communities along the Southwest Corridor
through public art and placemaking; to support livability and embody the goals of the
communities; and to promote each city’s desire to express their unique identity and
create prominent destinations. Committee members will seek financial support by
introducing the PLACES campaign to select foundation, corporation, and individual
donor prospects, and participate in meetings and fundraising efforts.
2.The PLACES Committee will provide overall guidance and direction to support the
creation, implementation and care for public art and creative placemaking projects in
the Southwest LRT corridor. It will support a campaign to create permanent public art
and place-based projects in the five Southwest LRT cities (Minneapolis, St. Louis Park,
Hopkins, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie) near city-selected LRT stations to promote each
city’s unique identity and create a prominent destination; and a campaign to create
temporary engagements and collaborations among artists, businesses and
neighborhoods along the Southwest LRT corridor and adjacent cycling trails during the
construction phase.
3.The PLACES Committee will provide a forum for its members to (a) become familiar with
best practices in contemporary public art and creative placemaking; (b) advise and
influence cities and other relevant entities to incorporate public art and creative
placemaking into their development plans and investments along the Southwest LRT
line; (c) support efforts to raise funds needed to plan, create and manage public art and
creative placemaking projects in the Southwest LRT corridor; and (d) form partnerships
to integrate public art and creative placemaking projects in the Southwest LRT corridor
and coordinate with allied projects in the larger Green Line and in the cities along the
Green Line.
4.The PLACES Committee will liaise with Southwest LRT Community Works Steering
Committee and its companion Technical Implementation Committee to ensure
integration of public art and creative placemaking activities with other components of
development strategies for the Southwest LRT corridor (e.g., land use, economic
development, housing development, public space development, watershed
management).
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 6
2
ACTIVITIES
The PLACES Committee will establish and update periodically a work plan including the
following elements:
•Determination of roles and responsibilities for the PLACES Committee, Southwest LRT
corridor cities, and PLACES project management consultant and fiscal agent Forecast
Public Art.
•Determination of a governance structure that will allow for the identified roles and
responsibilities to be fulfilled – addressing such issues as who decides on artist selection,
who decides on artwork selection, who owns and manages the resulting collection of
public art, etc.
•Identify appropriate community engagement processes to ensure broad-based, diverse
input into the selection and management of public art and creative placemaking
projects within the Southwest LRT corridor.
COMPOSITION
The initial membership of the PLACES Committee shall consist of the following, or their
designees:
•An elected official from each of the five Southwest LRT cities (Minneapolis, St. Louis
Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie)
•One Hennepin County Commissioner
•One Metropolitan Councilmember
•Executive leadership of key arts and design organizations: Mia, Walker Art Center
•Leaders from the business sector supportive of civic and TOD-oriented community
development efforts: HGA, First & First
•Others as may be designated by the PLACES Committee
Additional staff from these organizations may attend PLACES Committee meetings in a resource
capacity at the discretion of PLACES Committee members, or join subcommittees as discussed
below, as needed.
Additional members shall be added as nominated and agreed-upon by members of the PLACES
Committee.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 7
3
ORGANIZATION
•The PLACES Committee will select co-chairs
•The PLACES Committee will determine if subcommittees, project committees and/or
advisory committees should be established and, if so, the role, composition, reporting
relationship and method of selection/recruitment of the members of such committees.
•The PLACES Committee will also determine if the Southwest LRT PLACES initiative should
be formalized via some form of inter-organizational partnership agreement such as a
joint powers agreement or a memorandum of understanding.
•In addition to determining if a formal agreement is required, the PLACES Committee will
also establish other requirements of membership (including potential financial
contributions) and approve additional members beyond the initial membership.
STAFFING AND BUDGET
•Until such time as the PLACES Committee has sufficient resources to hire staff or accept
direct funding, the PLACES Committee will provide direction to its consultant and fiscal
agent Forecast Public Art to fulfill core planning, administration, and program
implementation needs.
•To fulfill its role as consultant and fiscal agent, Forecast Public Art and the PLACES
Committee will adopt an agreement defining roles, responsibilities and conditions under
which Forecast will operate and serve the needs of the PLACES initiative.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 8
PLACES Long-range Budget Projection (estimate in 2019 dollars of timeline, tasks and costs)
Note: Updated Draft February 28, 2019
Year Tasks Cost Estimates
2019 Facilitation of PLACES initiative 38,000
Design fees for 2 RFQs (6 finalists @ $5,000 ea)* 30,000
Production of construction-phase pilot projects 20,000
Develop/Adopt PLACES Strategic Plan** 100,000
Contingency (10,000, plus 7% fiscal agency fee) 23,860
Subtotal $221,860
2020 Facilitation of PLACES initiative 42,000
Design fees for 2 RFQs (6 finalists @ $5,000 ea) 30,000
Production of construction-phase projects 35,000
Contingency (10,000, plus 7% fiscal agency fee) 18,190
Subtotal $135,190
2021 Facilitation of PLACES initiative 44,000
Production of construction-phase projects 50,000
Design Fees for 2 RFQs (6 finalists @5,000 ea) 30,000
Implementation funds for initial two signature projects 1,000,000
Contingency (20,000, plus 7% fiscal agency fee) 100,430
Subtotal $1,224,430
2022 Facilitation of PLACES initiative 55,000
Design fees for 2 RFQs (6 finalists @ $5,000 ea) 30,000
Production of construction-phase projects 60,000
Implementation funds for two signature projects 1,000,000
Contingency (25,000, plus 7% fiscal agency fee) 106,900
Subtotal $1,276,900
2023 Facilitation of PLACES initiative 55,000
Design fees for 2 RFQs (6 finalists @ $5,000 ea) 30,000
Production of construction-phase projects 70,000
Implementation funds for two signature projects 1,000,000
Contingency (25,000, plus 7% fiscal agency fee) 107,600
Subtotal $1,287,600
2024-2025 Facilitation of PLACES initiative ($60,000 per year) 120,000
Production of community-engaged projects 265,000
Implementation funds for four signature projects 2,000,000
Contingency (50,000, plus 7% fiscal agency fee) 220,450
Subtotal $2,605,450
Grand total $6,751,430
PLEASE REFERNCE NOTES ON BACK SIDE
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 9
Notes:
The draft budget is subject to change.
As a 501c3 tax-exempt corporation, Forecast Public Art can accept grants and sponsorships on behalf of PLACES.
Acceptance and usage of funds will be outlined in an MOU between Forecast and the PLACES Committee, once the
PLACES Committee charter is adopted.
Forecast will contract for services to augment work performed by Jack Becker, PLACES project director. Forecast is
committed to supporting the PLACES initiative for the long term, assuming there are sufficient resources available.
While it’s premature to secure corporate sponsors for signature artworks until designs are approved, Forecast will
continue to seek investment from the key stakeholders involved in this effort, including all five cities, Hennepin
County, the Metropolitan Council, the McKnight Foundation and others.
The above timeline for the PLACES initiative, as outlined above, is dependent upon funding.
* Design fees for each of the station areas is based on the assumption that each city will select three finalists per
site and pay them a fee to develop proposals. The selection committee would subsequently interview three
finalists when they present their concepts. This scenario would cost $15,000, plus reimbursement for travel. An
alternative scenario would involve selecting three finalists to interview, and then hiring one to develop design
concepts. This scenario would cost $5,000, plus travel reimbursement for the three finalists.
** Funding for the strategic plan will be sought from the McKnight Foundation
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 10
Study session May 28, 2019 (Item No.2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 11
Study session May 28, 2019 (Item No.2)
Title: PLACES – Public art and community engagement southwest Page 12
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Discussion item: 3
Executive summary
Title: Historic Walker Lake small area revitalization plan
Recommended action: Discuss the plan’s recommendations and related policy questions for
the Historic Walker Lake area.
Policy consideration:
•Does council support the creation of an overlay district for Historic Walker Lake to
change permitted and prohibited uses?
•Does council support the building massing and public realm recommendations, including
limiting height to three stories?
•Does council support the parking recommendations to give new uses in existing
buildings additional flexibility, and to reduce the overall off-street parking requirements
for building additions and site redevelopment?
Summary: Activation and revitalization efforts for Historic Walker Lake have been a city priority
for several years. In October 2018, the city began a process to create a small area revitalization
plan and design guidelines for the Historic Walker Lake study area. The plan builds off previous
planning efforts for the area and examines barriers for implementation of those previous plans.
The small area revitalization plan provides project ideas that enhance the area’s identity,
activity, appeal and economic vitality. The study includes a parking analysis with land use and
policy recommendations, contains recommended building and public realm design standards to
regulate future investment, and identifies opportunities for public art, way finding and place -
making. Finally, the study recommends the establishment of a merchants association for area
businesses to focus on marketing, special events, communications and maintenance of public
spaces. This would be the first merchants association in St. Louis Park.
Zakcq Lockrem from Asakura Robinson and staff will present the plan’s recommendations for
city council’s consideration.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this time. The small area plan funding was
approved as part of the 2018 budget.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents:
•Discussion
•Map of Historic Walker Lake study area
•The draft plan is available on the city’s website or may be viewed at city hall in the
community development department during regular business hours.
Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, Planner, Julie Grove, Economic Development Specialist
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Historic Walker Lake small area revitalization plan
Discussion
Background: Since October the city has hosted three community meetings and several business
and property owner meetings for the Historic Walker Lake revitalization and small area plan. In
addition, more than 50 percent of area businesses and property owners responded to surveys
that helped inform the recommendations in the plan. The three community meetings were held
in the study area, were recorded and posted on the city’s website, and circulated to over 420
email addresses for viewing and comments. The third meeting was broadcast via YouTube Live
and seven people tuned in for the meeting. This was the first YouTube Live meeting the city has
done. It was unadvertised and used as a successful test for live broadcasts outside of city hall.
The business and property owner meetings were carefully organized to best accommodate
business owners schedules, with the goal of helping the owners organize themselves into a
merchants association. Over 30 business and property owners participated in the meetings, and
as of May, approximately ten businesses are championing efforts to legally establish a merchants
association for the area. This would be the first merchants association in St. Louis Park.
Present considerations: The plan recommendations include steps to increase way finding and
placemaking in Walker Lake, design guidelines for buildings and the public realm, use updates
including uses that should and should not be allowed in the district to help the city achieve its
desired goals for a vibrant commercial-industrial area, changes to parking requirements for
existing, renovated, and redeveloped buildings, and the establishment of a merchants
association.
Next steps: Additional steps for the planning commission and city council are guided by the
final plan recommendations. This includes adopting a proposed zoning overlay district for
Historic Walker Lake to include amendments specifically relating to parking, use, building size,
and massing requirements. Staff would like to begin working on a Historic Walker Lake overlay
district in the fall of 2019.
If council is supportive of the plan recommendations, staff may bring forward an amendment to
the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to include the Historic Walker Lake Revitalization Plan as a
guiding document.
Other Historic Walker Lake updates on and initiatives: Business District Grant Application:
Hennepin County is once again offering a Business District Initiative grant to help suburban
cities enhance the economic vitality of priority business districts. An application was submitted
in February for a one-time facade improvement program. If the grant is awarded, the city will
offer a matching grant to businesses and property owners in the Historic Walker Lake Business
District for exterior façade improvements such as windows, doors, awnings, exterior restoration
or painting, signage, etc. Hennepin County will award the BDI grants by early June. Staff will
provide more details of the façade grant program to the council upon notification of award.
Historic Walker Lake Business District Loan Program: The new, low-interest loan program
designed to provide financial assistance to small businesses in the Historic Walker Lake Business
District has issued its first loan. The program is administered through MCCD, which provides
loan funds that are then matched by the EDA (up to $100,000) at 2% interest. The program
aims to expand financing opportunities for local entrepreneurs while creating jobs and
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Historic Walker Lake small area revitalization plan
enhancing the vitality and character of the Historic Walker Lake area. On Tuesday, May 7th, The
Block restaurant closed on a 10-year, $74,950 low-interest loan through this new loan program
(the EDA’s first). The Block also closed on the EDA Revolving Loan Fund with a 20-year,
$150,000 gap loan. These loans will be used to complete extensive renovations to The Block’s
new location, the former Park Vacuum building at 7007 Walker St, in order to become a full
service restaurant with patio seating. These renovations began the week of May 13th and the
restaurant anticipates opening this fall.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Title: Historic Walker Lake small area revitalization plan
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Discussion item: 4
Executive summary
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
Recommended action: Provide direction to staff to start a future land use amendment and
subsequent zoning amendment for the former Sam’s Club site to TOD – Transit Oriented
Development.
Policy consideration: Does city council agree with staff’s recommendation to guide the
property for transit-oriented development (TOD)? Does city council prefer one of the
development scenarios, or are there specific components from more than one plan that the city
council would like to see as part of a preferred hybrid of the development scenarios?
Summary: In August, 2018, the council adopted an interim ordinance establishing a
moratorium on the use and development of the Subject Property, 3745 Louisiana Ave. S, also
known as the former Sam’s Club Site. At that time there were substantial concerns that the
city’s official comprehensive plan future land use map and zoning ordinance provisions relating
to the Subject Property do not adequately address issues relating to the present use, future
land use, development, or redevelopment of this vacant property.
The city’s concerns included compatibility with existing uses, recent public improvements,
planned future land uses, and the planned light rail transit station in the area surrounding the
Subject Property.
Over the last six months, city staff and a project team from Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc.
(HKGi) have conducted a land use analysis of the site, studying market trends, environmental
constraints, and ultimately developing test scenarios to see what could work on the site for
future development. The final scenarios have been analyzed for the site and assessed for their
yield and how well they achieve city goals.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this time
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Sam’s Club Alternatives Analysis Sheets
o Considerations for All Development Scenarios
o Scenario A: Re-Use & Intensification
o Scenario B: Mixed Multi-Family Redevelopment
o Scenario C: Mixed Use Redevelopment
o Scenario Summaries
Prepared by: Brad Scheib, Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc.
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
Discussion
Background:
Moratorium: The Sam’s Club store on the Subject Property ceased operations in January, 2018.
Previous planning efforts within the area had not considered a change in land use for the
property, as the building was relatively new and closure wasn’t foreseen. The closure of the
store called into question, among city staff and officials, whether or not the city’s official
comprehensive plan future land use map and zoning ordinance provisions were still adequate
for the now-vacant property. In August 2018, the city council adopted Ordinance No. 2542-18,
an interim ordinance establishing a moratorium on the use and development of the building
and lands located at 3745 Louisiana Avenue South. The moratorium went into effect
September 14, 2018. The moratorium allows the city twelve months to study and analyze
future land uses for the Subject Property, and implement any official city controls needed.
Previous Planning within the Area:
» Transitional Station Area Action Plan (TSAAP) – Louisiana Station (2013)
» Louisiana Avenue Station Framework + Design Guidelines (2014)
» Proposed Form-Based Code (2015)
» 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update (2019)
Issues Related to Development of Site: Several factors will impact the future development of
the site, regardless of use. These factors are outlined on the “Considerations for All
Development Scenarios” sheet of the attached Sam’s Club Alternatives Analysis Sheets and are
summarized below:
» SWLRT Regional Context and Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
o As part of the larger SWLRT, Louisiana Station area has an emphasis on health
care and employment.
o Due to the proximity of the Louisiana Station, development in this area should
exhibit TOD elements such as: orientation of buildings and entrances towards
transit station and pedestrian connections, intensification of uses/housing/jobs
near transit station, decrease in parking demand/shared parking strategies.
» Environmental Considerations
o The site’s environmental contamination is currently “capped” – any construction
or site alteration would require new processes to ensure environmental
contamination is mitigated.
o Soil contamination and quality make deep foundations/heavy structures cost-
prohibitive on site, so new buildings will likely not exceed six stories in height.
o Environmental remediation generally would be based on addressing the activity
occurring during demolition/construction and is not really tied to future use.
o The site’s high water table and groundwater contamination will limit most
landscaping on the site to “tree trenched” and other lined features that are
connected to the stormwater system.
» Bicycle and Pedestrian Connections
o Construction of the SWLRT will result in a slight realignment of the Regional Trail
as well as the addition of an underground tunnel connecting the trail to the
Louisiana Station, providing an opportunity to create an ADA accessible
entrance/exit from the trail to Louisiana Avenue.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
o Connections to the site from the regional trail are unique opportunities and
should be incorporated into any redevelopment.
o Future facilities identified within and around the site include a pedestrian-scale
plaza near the LRT tunnel, short-term and long-term bicycle parking, and bicycle
and pedestrian circulation throughout the site.
Scenario Analysis: The evaluation considered the following city goals and the degree to which
each scenario could accomplish each.
» Support Transit Oriented Development
o Increase in the number/density of jobs, students, and/or housing units within ½
mile radius of the transit station
o Promote mode-shift from personal vehicle trips to alternatives over the existing
uses
o Promote underlying design, orienting buildings and connections to transit
facilities
» Maintain/Expand Tax Capacity
o Increase square footage of tax-producing uses
o Provide a mix of use types to allow for a balanced and diverse tax base
» Fulfill Climate Action Plan
o Contain and remediate contaminants on site, following MPCA standards
o Adaptive reuse of existing building features, prolonging the life of existing
construction
o Reduction of number and distance of personal vehicle trips by providing jobs and
housing near transit
» Provide Affordable Housing
o Promote residential densities on the site that allow for affordable housing
development (as a portion or all of a project) to be a possibility for affordable
housing developers/programs
o Increase living-wage employment opportunities near transit and regional trail
network to reduce transportation cost and increase household income for
existing housing cost-burdened households
» Maximize Use & Efficiency
o Allow for the redevelopment, infill, and intensification of uses on the site
o Consider vehicle circulation and access, especially in relation to bicycle and
pedestrian circulation with an emphasis on reducing conflict points
o Promoting high-quality design for the site, encouraging users (residents,
employees, patrons, visitors, etc.) fully engage with the uses on the site.
Scenario Descriptions and Evaluation Summaries: The following pages provide a description
for each Scenario. Each of these scenarios is conceptual and are possible for the site, and each
have positive features that meet city goals and planning objectives in the area. Also, each
scenario was evaluated in the metrics as the “full build-out” of a certain land-use approach.
Individual elements and features within any scenario could be combined to create a final
direction from the city. It is important to note that these are illustrative site plans to show how
the elements may fit together on the property and do not necessarily reflect how the actual
development/redevelopment of the property will lay out and appear architecturally.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
Each conceptual scenario is described below in terms of land use, its individual site features and
its broader community context and the final summary of the assessment. More information is
provided in the attached Sam’s Club Alternatives Analysis Sheets, and the scenarios are shown
side by side in the final Scenario Summaries sheet.
Scenario A – Employment Focused Development:
Scenario A focused on increasing employment for the site. This direction comes from previous
planning efforts within the area, in particular the TSAAP and subsequent Louisiana Station Area
Framework + Design Guidelines. While both plans assumed Sam’s Club would remain a
continuing commercial use, the direction of the entire Louisiana station area was towards more
intense employment, which would balance out other stations geared towards housing along
the SWLRT. The land use designation for this scenario was assumed to be “Business Park” with
this guidance from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft:
The Business Park land use designation is intended to encourage the creation of
significant employment centers that accommodate a diverse mix of office and
Phase III: full build-out shown
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
light industrial uses and jobs. The Business Park designation should be applied to
larger sites that can be redeveloped to provide a greater diversity of jobs, higher
development densities, higher jobs per acre, higher quality site and building
architectural design, and increased tax revenues for the community.
For the Sam’s Club site there are opportunities for immediate reuse of the building for light
manufacturing, flex offices, and warehousing/shipping. Building out the site as a more intense
employment generator is not seen as a strong opportunity in the current business market, but
there is potential for intensification over time as other nearby office markets fill up and the LRT
is implemented. To reflect this assumption, the scenario has been shown in the following
phases:
Scenario Features:
» Phase I: This phase shows the potential immediate reuse of the site for business park
uses.
o The current Sam’s Club building, with 140,000 square feet of space, loading
docks, and 35’ ceilings is an ideal candidate for immediate reuse for light
manufacturing, warehousing and storage.
o Minor changes within the building would be required; the lack of major
demolition/construction keeps environmental issues on the site “capped”; reuse
of the building would not generate additional demolition waste.
o Reuse of the existing building as a Business Park use (vs. Commercial) will result
in less demand for parking, providing the opportunity for infill development of
the unused portion of the existing parking lot. This infill development would be
part of a second phase.
o Uses breakdown:
§ 140,000 square feet of manufacturing/tech flex: 215 jobs (1/500 square
feet manufacturing [65%]; 1/1500 square feet warehouse [35%])
» Phase II: This phase shows the likely infill development potential of the site as the Sam’s
Club building continues to be reused
o The site has been split by a median roadway to allow for circulation of vehicles as
well as pedestrians and bicyclists
o Infill development fronts on Louisiana Avenue, creating a defined edge and
presence on the street
o A smaller single-story retailer (restaurant, café, or specialty store) anchors the
active corner at Louisiana and the middle of the site. Retail could also be
configured as a ground floor space as part of a multi-story office development.
o A three-story office building has good visibility from Louisiana and enjoys access
from the Regional Trail
o Remaining surface parking is still more than what the uses require, so continued
potential exists for intensification within the southern half of the site
o Uses breakdown:
§ 140,000 square feet of manufacturing/tech flex: 215 jobs (1/500 square
feet manufacturing [65%]; 1/1500 square feet warehouse [35%])
§ 40,000 square feet of office: 160 jobs (1/250 square feet)
§ 5,000 square feet of restaurant: 10 jobs (1/500 square feet)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 6
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
» Phase III (illustrated above): This phase looks at the long-term potential of the site for
employment uses, with an analysis of how the site would transform over time if the
Sam’s Club building was demolished and other employment development replaced it
o A major office building sits at the northern edge of the site, taking advantage of
the visibility from Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue
o Light manufacturing/Tech Flex buildings fill in the Monitor Street edge, providing
a more active, engaging public space for pedestrians coming from the light rail
tunnel
o Circulation of the site provides areas for loading with the Tech Flex buildings,
while still providing for pedestrian, bicycle, and personal vehicle circulation
o As more uses are added to the site, more parking may be required.
Intensification of the site could be allowed if the large surface parking lot to the
east (currently under different ownership) could be linked to the site. This
parking lot is less likely to redevelop due to environmental contaminants.
Entering into a shared parking agreement with this site would be an
economically sound and environmental choice over building more parking on-
site.
o Uses breakdown:
§ 66,000 square feet of manufacturing/tech flex: 110 jobs (1/500 square
feet manufacturing [75%]; 1/1500 square feet warehouse [25%])
§ 126,000 square feet of office: 505 jobs (1/250 square feet)
§ 10,000 square feet of commercial: 20 jobs (1/500 square feet)
Scenario Assessment:
» This scenario shows that there is potential for employment intensification on the site
over time, but it may take a long time to realize due to the limited current and
anticipated short-term market demand for office and employment uses
» The city’s approach to parking standards may shift over time, requiring less and less
parking around transit stations; as this scenario develops, there is potential for future
shared parking agreements with neighboring properties
» As market conditions change and opportunities to intensify the site (either by changes in
use to office or by additional square footage) are sought, structured parking could be
designed to satisfy growing parking demands
» Circulation between users, such as interactions between trucks loading or unloading and
pedestrians or bicyclists commuting to the site from the LRT Tunnel and regional trail,
should be carefully considered and designed to avoid conflicts and to ensure the safety
and comfort of all users
[Scenario B begins on the following page.]
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 7
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
Scenario B – Housing Focused Development:
Scenario B focused on what would happen if uses of the site were completely shifted to
residential, and evaluating whether or not those uses would work on the site and in the area.
The last several years has seen a dramatic demand for housing within the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area, particularly affordable housing and a variety of housing types beyond
single-family detached dwellings. The land use designation for this scenario was assumed to be
“Transit Oriented Development” with this guidance from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft:
The goal of this designation is to create pedestrian-scale developments within a
10-minute walk of a transitway station. The focus of the designation is on block
sizes, lot sizes, and building forms that create a pedestrian-rich environment,
rather than a specific mix of uses. It is expected that residential uses will make up
approximately 75 to 85 percent of uses; the remaining 15 to 25 percent will likely
be commercial, office, and other similar uses. The net residential density range
allowed is 50 to 125 units per acre.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 8
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
This scenario focuses on an almost 100% residential development (with some supplemental
commercial) and shows how the site can be oriented to take advantage of the proximity to the
LRT, regional trail, as well as Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue.
Scenario Features:
» Southern half of the site developed with two 6-story residential buildings
o Wrapping the exterior of the ground floor and second floor are two-story
townhomes, with individual entrances to the sidewalk
o The interior of the first two stories are parking decks
o The topside of the parking decks are used for a terrace courtyard with amenities,
internal landscaping, and access to the exterior promenade
o Apartments are located on the third through sixth floors, with views overlooking
the courtyard or the exterior streetscape
» Northern half of the site developed with two 6-story residential buildings with a
pedestrian connection to structured parking for both buildings
o There is space for an active commercial corner on the first floor on Louisiana
» The Site is separated by a wide median/boulevard and also features pedestrian streets,
a transit plaza, and connections to the regional trail and bike/ped system
» Uses breakdown:
o 625-650 units of housing
o 3,000 square feet of commercial: 6 jobs (1/500 square feet)
Scenario Assessment:
» This scenario shows that even though similar residential products are being built along
the LRT corridor and elsewhere in the city, there is still enough pent-up demand for
housing that residential uses would push development of the site
» The strength of the market for residential is strong, but such development would not
bring the diversified tax base that employment uses would be more likely to provide
[Scenario C begins on the following page.]
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 9
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
Scenario C – Mixed Use Development:
Scenario C assessed the viability of a truly mixed-used transit-oriented development on the site.
As with Scenario B, the land use designation for this scenario was assumed to be “Transit
Oriented Development” with this guidance from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft:
The goal of this designation is to create pedestrian-scale developments within a
10-minute walk of a transitway station. The focus of the designation is on block
sizes, lot sizes, and building forms that create a pedestrian-rich environment,
rather than a specific mix of uses. It is expected that residential uses will make up
approximately 75 to 85 percent of uses; the remaining 15 to 25 percent will likely
be commercial, office, and other similar uses. The net residential density range
allowed is 50 to 125 units per acre.
This scenario focuses on how a mix of uses would likely develop on the site. The current market
demand for vertical mixed use (commercial uses on the ground floor, with residential and office
above) is limited, so this scenario shows a mix of uses within the site, but as mostly stand-alone
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 10
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction
features. Residential uses were oriented towards the amenities of the LRT and regional trail,
while employment uses could still take advantage of the proximity and visibility to Highway 7.
Scenario Features:
» Similar to Scenario B, the southern half of site focuses on residential with two 6-story
residential buildings
o Wrapping the exterior of the ground floor and second floor are two-story
townhomes, with individual entrances to the sidewalk
o The interior of the first two stories are parking decks
o The topside of the parking decks are used for a terrace courtyard with amenities,
internal landscaping, and access to the exterior promenade
o Apartments are located on the third through sixth floors, with views overlooking
the courtyard or the exterior streetscape
» The Northern half of the site focuses on a greater mix of employment, with a three story
office building with prominent visibility to Louisiana and Highway 7
o As a buffer between the Office and Residential uses, two “pad” sites are
available for office or residential development, with the assumption that
residential would be 4-6 stories and office would be 3 stories
o There is space for an active commercial corner on the first floor on Louisiana
» The Site is separated by a median/boulevard and also features pedestrian streets, a
transit plaza, and connections to the regional trail and bike/ped system
» Uses breakdown:
o 475-560 units of housing
o 95,000 square feet of office: 380 jobs (1/250 square feet)
o 5,000 square feet of commercial: 10 jobs (1/500 square feet)
Scenario Assessment:
» This scenario shows that intentionally setting aside land/development for employment
on the site (instead of all residential) brings more intensity and greater overall impact on
achieving the city’s goals
» This site emphasizes pedestrian and bicycle connections and spaces while still providing
circulation and access for personal vehicles
Recommendation: Based on the assessment of the three scenarios, the project team and city
staff recommend that the city pursue changes to the future land use map within the 2040
comprehensive plan to reflect a TOD – transit oriented development land use designation.
Provide staff with direction regarding city council’s preferred development scenario, which may
be one of the three scenarios or a hybrid of the components from the three scenarios.
Next steps: Based on the city council’s feedback on future land use and preferred development
scenario (or scenario components), staff will prepare a proposal to amend the comprehensive
plan, the zoning map, and any other official controls required to implement council’s guidance.
The goal would be to have the recommended land use changes and official controls adopted
and in place by September 14, 2019, when the moratorium ends.
Bicycle/Pedestrian
Connections
Regardless of future use of the site, having
amenities and connections that encourage travelling
by walking, bicycling, or transit should be heavily
emphasized
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALL DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS
Connection to SWLRT Tunnel, and possible
transit plaza between Monitor Street and tunnel
Complete the gap in the multi-use trail along
Louisiana on the site
Coordinate with the City, Three Rivers Park
District, and HCRRA to build an “off-ramp” from
the Cedar Lake Trail at Louisiana that meets ADA
Standards
Internal circulation of bicycles and pedestrians
should be emphasized in any future site design
1
2
3
4
PROXIMITY TO FUTURE LRT STATION
The reuse or redevelopment of the former Sam’s Club site offers a unique
opportunity within St. Louis Park to orient future uses to Louisiana
Station, the future LRT station. While construction of the LRT is expected
to be complete in 2023, planning for the lightrail and its stations has been
underway for the last twenty years.
TCAAP - Transitional Station Area Action Plan
The TCAAP wholistically looked at the SWLRT and identified place types
for the focus of each station. Some stations are focused on residential
neighborhoods and commercial centers, while others are more focused
on employment and taking advantage of institutions in the station area.
Development within the station areas should think about the areas
holistically, and how one development fits in the larger area. The Lousiana
Station place types are:
Health & Wellness Employment Green Corridor, Recreation & Environment
Environmental Assumptions
The history of contamination on the site will add costs to any development on the site, regardless of use. The
Developer will have to work closely with the MPCA to ensure plans and processes adequately meet environmental
requirements. The City should be an active participant in these conversations, as there are various grant and
funding opportunities related to environmental assessment and remediation available to the City and development
partners.
CONTAMINATED SOILS
●Currently “capped” by the Sam’s Club
building and pavements.
●Contaminated soil encountered on
the site may have to be moved to
another part of the site and covered
or potentially disposed off-site.
Treatment to reduce pH may be
required prior to any off-site disposal.
●Contaminated soils may be
geotechnically unsuitable for
foundations and as structural fill.
Additional soil compaction or deep
foundation systems may be required
to support future buildings.
●Structure heights may be limited to a
maximum of six stories, as buildings
with seven+ stories become heavier
and require deeper foundation
techniques and are more costly to
construct.
HIGH WATER TABLE &
CONTAMINATION
●The high water table on the site limits
the options to construct basements,
subgrade levels, and underground
parking.
●Infiltration of stormwater and runoff
through contaminated soils into the
groundwater will be prohibited.
●Open Spaces will likely be a
combination of hardscape plazas
and boxed landscaping with lining
that channelizes stormwater to a
stormwater pond or below-grade
stormwater retention structure
instead of infiltrating to groundwater.
VAPOR INTRUSION
●The presence of containments in
the soil and former wetlands release
vapors that requires higher standards
for vapor barriers and/or building
vapor mitigation systems.
●Internal parking structures have
similar standards to address potential
vapor intrusion.Complete Multi-Use
Trail Gap
on
Louisiana
Reconstruct C
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Lake Trail “O
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at Louisiana
T
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a
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&
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o
L
R
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OVERVIEW
Over its 15 mile length, the Southwest
LRT Corridor passes through five
different municipalities. Although
generally characterized as a “jobs
line”, a closer look at the line and its
17 stations reveals that it is much
more. The Southwest LRT Corridor
is an interwoven string of interesting
and unique places. While each of the
stations is distinct, there are a number
of systems and in some cases, common
elements, features and characteristics
that help connect station areas along
the corridor and relate them to
adjacent neighborhoods. The exhibit
on the following pages illustrate the
primary areas of influence surrounding
each of the station areas as well as the
key systems (streets, parks, corridors,
etc.), features and characteristics with
which they have a relationship.
PLACE TYPES
When it opens in 2018, the Southwest
LRT will connect a range of diverse
communities and place types along its
route including places to work, mixed
use centers, public institutions and
important recreational and open space
assets. Nine different place types
along the route have been identified
by groups like the Urban Land Institute.
These place types provide clues as
to the types of infrastructure that
can better help them support their
functions on opening day and beyond.
Corridor Characterization
1-19MINNEAPOLIS • ST. LOUIS PARK •HOPKINS•MINNETONKA • EDEN PRAIRIE
H
A
C
T
T
PLACE TYPES:
URBAN VILLAGES
LEARNING & INSTITUTIONAL DESTINATION
HEALTH & WELLNESS DESTINATION
GREEN CORRIDORS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT
EMPLOYMENT AREA
HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE
TRANSIT & TRAIL FEEDERS
NEW TRANSIT BUSINESS PARKS
NEIGHBORHOODS
SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC PROPERTY
SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY
CULTURAL DESTINATION
IMPORTANT TRAIL CONNECTION
PARK & RIDE LOCATION
TRANSIT INTERCHANGE
1-20SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK - INTRODUCTION
P
H
A
C
T
T
PLACE TYPES:
URBAN VILLAGES
LEARNING & INSTITUTIONAL DESTINATION
HEALTH & WELLNESS DESTINATION
GREEN CORRIDORS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT
EMPLOYMENT AREA
HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE
TRANSIT & TRAIL FEEDERS
NEW TRANSIT BUSINESS PARKS
NEIGHBORHOODS
SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC PROPERTY
SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY
CULTURAL DESTINATION
IMPORTANT TRAIL CONNECTION
PARK & RIDE LOCATION
TRANSIT INTERCHANGE
1-20SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK - INTRODUCTION
P
H
A
C
T
T
PLACE TYPES:
URBAN VILLAGES
LEARNING & INSTITUTIONAL DESTINATION
HEALTH & WELLNESS DESTINATION
GREEN CORRIDORS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT
EMPLOYMENT AREA
HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE
TRANSIT & TRAIL FEEDERS
NEW TRANSIT BUSINESS PARKS
NEIGHBORHOODS
SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC PROPERTY
SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY
CULTURAL DESTINATION
IMPORTANT TRAIL CONNECTION
PARK & RIDE LOCATION
TRANSIT INTERCHANGE
1-20SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK - INTRODUCTION
P
H
A
C
T
T
PLACE TYPES:
URBAN VILLAGES
LEARNING & INSTITUTIONAL DESTINATION
HEALTH & WELLNESS DESTINATION
GREEN CORRIDORS, RECREATION & ENVIRONMENT
EMPLOYMENT AREA
HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE
TRANSIT & TRAIL FEEDERS
NEW TRANSIT BUSINESS PARKS
NEIGHBORHOODS
SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC PROPERTY
SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITY
CULTURAL DESTINATION
IMPORTANT TRAIL CONNECTION
PARK & RIDE LOCATION
TRANSIT INTERCHANGE
1-20SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK - INTRODUCTION
P
Transit P
l
a
z
aBicycle & Pede
st
r
i
an pathwaysShort-t e r m & L
o
n
g-termbicycle parkingSTORMWATER
FLOW DIRECTION
BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE
LINED LANDSCAPING
TRENCHES
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction Page 11
CIRCULATION
SCENARIO A: RE-USE & INTENSIFICATION
Manufa
ct
uri
n
g /
T
e
c
h
Fl
e
x
Office
(
3
Stories)40,000
sf
Small R
et
ail
(1 Story)
5,000 sf
Surfac
e
P
ar
ki
n
g
Lot (Ser
v
e
s
all
Uses)
Surfac
e
P
ar
ki
n
g
Lot (Ser
v
es
all
Uses)
70,000 sf
50,000
sf
20,000
sf
PHASE 1PHASE 2PHASE 3ImplementationCity Goals Other Metrics (Full Build-out)
LAND USE DESIGNATION
●Business Park
ZONING DISTRICT
●BP - Business Park
OTHER ZONING
CONSIDERATIONS
●The current market’s intensity of uses will likely
keep parking at surface-level. Long term phasing
possible
●Existing Building may have some non-
conformities to BP setbacks
OTHER OFFICIAL CONTROLS
●Mid-site access could be public or private street
●Subdivision/PUD likely
●Shared Parking Agreement
Support Transit Oriented
Development
Low Mid High
Maintain / Expand Tax Capacity
Low Mid High
Fulfill Climate Action Plan
Low Mid High
Provide Affordable Housing
Low Mid High
Maximize Use & Efficiency
Low Mid High
Time to Complete
Low Mid High
Level of Public Assistance
Low Mid High
Complexity
Low Mid High
Level of Impact
Low Mid High
Total Jobs
Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3
215 385 635
Total Housing
Units
0
3D MODEL
Manufa
ct
uri
n
g /
T
ec
h
Fl
e
x
70,000
sf
50,000
sf
20,000
sf
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
Office
(
3
Stories)40,000
sf
Small R
et
ail
(1 Story)
5,000 sf
Small R
et
ail
(1 Story)
5,000 sf
Office (2-3 Stori
es)
60,000
sf
Surfac
e
Parkin
g
Lot
Load
ingBa
y
s
Surfac
e
P
ar
ki
n
g
L
ot
(with op
p
ort
u
nit
y for struct
ur
e
d
parkin
g)Manufa
c
tu
r
ing
/
Tech
F
lex
40
,000
s
f
Manufa
ct
uri
n
g / Tech Fl
e
x (ground
f
l
oor)
26,000 sf
Loadin
g
Bays
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction Page 12
SCENARIO B: MIXED MULTI-FAMILY REDEVELOPMENT
Fire Ac
c
es
s /
W
al
k
w
a
y
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/
pool
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/
pool
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/
pool
Mixed
Reside
nti
al
(6 Stori
es)
4 Stori
es
of
Apartm
e
nts
above
4
S
t
o
r
i
e
s
o
f
A
p
a
r
t
m
e
n
t
s
ab
o
v
e
Pedes
t
r
ianSt
ree
t
First &
Second
Fl
o
or
Parkin
g (Interior)
2-Stor
y
Townh
o
m
e
s (Wrap Ext
eri
or)
2-
S
t
o
r
y
T
o
w
n
h
o
m
e
s
(
W
r
a
p
E
x
t
e
r
i
o
r
)
Median
Median
RotaryPark
ing
S
t
ru
c
tu
re5-S
to
ry
(6
pa
rk
ing
de
ck
s
)
Cafe/S
m
all
R
et
ail
(1st Flo
or)
3,000 sf
6-Stori
es
of
Apartm
e
nts
Entry
Overha
n
g
Sur
fa
ce
Pa
rk
ing
fo
r
Re
ta
i
l
&
Vi
s
i
to
r
s
ImplementationCity Goals
LAND USE DESIGNATION
●Transit Oriented Development
ZONING DISTRICT
●R-C High-Density Multiple Family Residence
OTHER ZONING
CONSIDERATIONS
●TOD areas will likely transition to Form Based
Code in the future, so attention to form and
orientation should be a priority
OTHER OFFICIAL CONTROLS
●Likely a phased development, which may require
subdivision
●Subdivision/PUD likely
●Shared Parking Agreement
Support Transit Oriented
Development
Low Mid High
Maintain / Expand Tax Capacity
Low Mid High
Fulfill Climate Action Plan
Low Mid High
Provide Affordable Housing
Low Mid High
Maximize Use & Efficiency
Low Mid High
Time to Complete
Low Mid High
Level of Public Assistance
Low Mid High
Complexity
Low Mid High
Level of Impact
Low Mid High
Total Jobs
5 - 10
Total Housing
Units
625 - 675
CIRCULATION
3D MODEL
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
Other Metrics (Full Build-out)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction Page 13
SCENARIO C: MIXED USE REDEVELOPMENT
ImplementationCity Goals
LAND USE DESIGNATION
●Transit Oriented Development
ZONING DISTRICT
●Northern Half: O - Office
●Southern Half: R-C - High-Density Multiple Family
Residence
OTHER ZONING
CONSIDERATIONS
●TOD areas will likely transition to Form Based
Code in the future, so attention to form and
orientation should be a priority
OTHER OFFICIAL CONTROLS
●Likely a phased development, which may require
subdivision
●Subdivision/PUD likely
●Shared Parking Agreement
Support Transit Oriented
Development
Low Mid High
Maintain / Expand Tax Capacity
Low Mid High
Fulfill Climate Action Plan
Low Mid High
Provide Affordable Housing
Low Mid High
Maximize Use & Efficiency
Low Mid High
Time to Complete
Low Mid High
Level of Public Assistance
Low Mid High
Complexity
Low Mid High
Level of Impact
Low Mid High
Total Jobs
225-380
Total Housing
Units
475-560 CIRCULATION
3D MODEL
Fire Ac
c
es
s
R
o
ut
e
&
Pr
o
m
e
n
a
d
e
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/
pool
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/
pool
Mixed
Reside
nti
al
(6 Stori
es)
2-Story
Townh
o
m
e
s (Wrap Ext
eri
or)Pedes
t
r
ianSt
ree
t
Surfac
e
Parkin
g f
or
Retail
Drop
Off
Parkin
g
R
a
m
p
3 Stori
es (4 Parki
n
g
D
e
c
k
s)
Office
2-3 Stori
es
60,000
sf
First &
Second
Fl
o
or
Parkin
g (Interior)
4 Stori
es
of
Apartm
e
nts
above
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
Apartm
e
nt
s (4-6 Stori
es)
or
Office
(
3
Sto
ries)
Apartm
e
nt
s (4-6 Stori
e
s)
or
Office
(
3
Sto
ries)
Small R
et
ail
(1st Flo
or)
5,000 sf
Other Metrics (Full Build-out)
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction Page 14
Support TOD
Maintain /
Expand Tax
Capacity
Fulfill Climate
Action Plan
Provide
Affordable
Housing
Maximize
Use &
Efficiency
Time to
Complete
Level of
Public
Assistance
Complexity Level of
Impact Total Jobs
Total
Housing
Units
Total Jobs
+ Housing
Units
Scenario A: Business Park Re-
Use & Phased Redevelopment Mid Mid Mid/High Low/Mid Mid High High Mid Mid 215-635 0 215-635
Scenario B: Multi-Family
Redevelopment High Mid Mid High High Low Mid Mid Mid 5-10 625-675 630-685
Scenario C: Mixed Use
Redevelopment High High Mid Mid High Mid High High High 225-380 475-560 700-940
SCENARIO SUMMARIES
Fire Ac
c
e
s
s
R
o
ut
e
&
Pr
o
m
e
n
a
d
e
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/ pool
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/ pool
Mixed
Reside
nti
al
(6 Stori
es)
2-Story
Townh
o
m
es (Wrap
Exterior)Pedes
t
r
ianSt
ree
t
Surfac
e
Parkin
g f
or
Retail
Drop
Off
Parkin
g
R
a
m
p
3 Stori
es (4 Parki
n
g
Decks)
Office
2-3 Stori
es
60,000 sf
First &
Second
Fl
o
or
Parkin
g (Interior)
4 Stori
es
of
Apartm
e
nts
above
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
Apartm
e
nt
s (4-6 Stori
e
s)
or Off
ice
(3
Apartm
e
nts (4-6 Stori
e
s)
or
Office
(
3
Sto
ries)
Small R
et
ail
(1st Flo
or)
5,000 sf
Fire Acc
ess /
W
al
k
w
a
y
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/ pool
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/ pool
Terrace
Courty
ar
d
w/ pool
Mixed
Reside
nti
al
(6 Stori
e
s)
4 Stori
es
of
Apartm
e
nts
above4 Stories of Apartments abovePedes
t
r
ianSt
ree
t
First &
S
e
c
o
n
d
Floor P
ar
ki
n
g (Interior)
2-Stor
y
Townh
o
m
es (Wrap
Exterior)
2
-
S
t
o
r
y
T
ow
n
h
om
e
s
(W
r
a
p
E
x
t
e
r
i
o
r
)
Median
Median
RotaryPark
ing
S
t
ru
c
tu
re5-S
to
ry
(6
pa
rk
ing
de
ck
s
)
Cafe/S
m
all
R
et
ail
(1st Flo
or)
3,000 sf
6-Story
Apartm
e
nt
s
Entry
Overha
n
g
Sur
fa
ce
Pa
rk
ing
fo
r
Re
ta
i
l
&
Vi
s
i
to
r
s
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
Surfac
e
Parkin
g
L
ot LoadingBay
s
Surfac
e
P
ar
ki
n
g
L
ot
(with op
p
ort
u
nit
y f
or structure
d
p
ar
ki
n
g)
T
r
a
n
s
i
t
P
l
a
z
a
&
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
o
n
t
o
L
R
T
T
u
n
n
e
l
Office
(3 St
ories)40,000
sfManufa
c
tu
r
ing
/
Tech
F
lex
40
,000
s
f
Small R
et
ail
(1 Story)
5,000 sf
Small R
et
ail
(1 Story)
5,000 sf
Manufact
uri
n
g /
T
e
c
h
Flex (gr
o
u
n
d
f
l
oor)
26,000
sf
& Off
i
ces
(
a
b
ove)
26,000
sf
Office (2-3 Stori
e
s)
60,000 sf
Loadin
g
Bays
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: Former Sam’s Club land use and development study analysis and direction Page 15
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study
Recommended action: No action necessary at this time. This report is intended to provide council
information and enable more detailed planning and improvements over time.
Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to pursue the incremental redesign of CSAH 25
into an urban boulevard design?
Summary: CSAH 25 is the extension of Highway 7 east of Highway 100. It is a Hennepin County
roadway that is designed in a layout similar to a rural highway: it is exceptionally wide, has a
speed limit of 45 miles per hour, and is not currently set up for comfortable walking or biking.
With Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) and redevelopment occurring in this area, the city and
county recognized that the design is not optimal, especially for walking and biking. Together we
agreed to conduct a study to consider what could be the future of the roadway as a more urban
boulevard section.
The study assessed current conditions and character, collected data about the corridor and
current layout to better understand how it functions today and in the future. The consultant
helped the city and county consider possibilities for change, looking at design options and
alternatives and evaluating them to determine how to move forward and advance design
toward an urban boulevard.
Overall conclusions
•Maintain current alignment of 4 lanes of roadway throughout.
•Maintain current design of confluence area on east end with some modifications.
•Add bike and pedestrian facilities on both sides of road.
•Strongly enhance landscaping on medians and boulevard to slow traffic and improve travel.
Next steps
•Work toward changes incrementally with upcoming projects (e.g. SWLRT and Minnetonka
Boulevard).
•Use study to prioritize improvements into four areas as shown on the drawing and
described in the discussion section.
•Detailed engineering studies and public engagement to consider alternatives.
Financial or budget considerations: The city and Hennepin County agreed to pay for the study
together; the city’s share was $45,000 and was funded through the Development Fund.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Conceptual roadway layout schematics – Segment A, B & C
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, Principal Planner, Jack Sullivan, Sr. Engineering Project Manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Page 2 City council meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study
Discussion
Background: Overall vision for CSAH 25 Conceptual Roadway Layout Study is to “Create a
vibrant urban boulevard in the heart of St. Louis Park that is safe and comfortable for all modes
of travel.”
CSAH 25 Conceptual Roadway Layout Study
The CSAH 25 study began with an assessment of the current conditions with an eye to
transform the road to an urban boulevard similar to Excelsior Boulevard. Options for changes
were explored and analyzed. The consultant and staff from Hennepin County and the city began
to understand that moving forward, the best approach to transform the design of the roadway
is to undertake the changes incrementally in connection with other improvement projects.
Overall concept description
In looking closely at the roadway design, configuration and function, staff determined that the
following overall concepts should be pursued.
•Maintain current alignment of four lanes of roadway throughout
o There is not enough land for redevelopment
o The opportunity to have robust sidewalks and trails on both sides of the road
o Allows maintenance of utilities including a major Metropolitan Council sewer line
o Minimizes cost by maintaining intersections, drainage, traffic signals, etc.
o Allows some small alignment changes as may be desirable, including adding curb
and gutter and modification of the frontage roads
o Aim for reducing speed from 45 to 30 or 35 mph
•Maintain current design of confluence area on east end with some modifications
o Many challenges to modifying
o Alternatives did not improve vehicular traffic flow, pedestrian or bike access
o Expensive to change
o Doesn’t show a large enough issue/problem to undertake major redesign at this
time
o Consider changes at the east end of Minnetonka Boulevard (between France
Avenue and Inglewood Avenue) to improve operations of the area
•Enhance landscaping on medians and boulevards
o Narrowing the feel of the corridor to slow traffic
o Provide buffers for pedestrians and bicyclists
o Enhance overall experience for all users
o Buffers of trees and shrubs and pedestrian-scale lighting
Priorities for redesign
To design and implement these concepts, the following priorities became the recommended
order in which to approach the redesign over time:
1.Minnetonka Boulevard and CSAH 25 Area
Evaluate pedestrian and bicycle movements and improvements on the east end toward
France Avenue with Hennepin County prior to the reconstruction of Minnetonka
Boulevard. This is currently identified within the city’s 10 year capital improvement plan.
Page 3 City council meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study
In 2021 there are sidewalk segments included in the 2021 Connect the Park project and
Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction is currently planned for 2023.
2.Beltline Boulevard and CSAH 25 Area
Implement the roadway, sidewalk and trail improvements at CSAH 25 and Beltline
Boulevard with SWLRT construction. Some are part of the SWLRT project, some are by
the city and some will be with redevelopment. The SWLRT and city improvements are
identified in the city’s 10 year capital improvement plan as part of the Connect the Park
and SWLRT scheduled to happen between 2021- 2023.
3.Lynn Avenue to Inglewood Avenue along CSAH 25
Undertake an engineering design study for the frontage roads between Lynn Avenue
and Inglewood Avenue to determine how to improve pedestrian and bicycle access
while continuing to provide the neighborhood street access. This is currently beyond the
city’s current 10 year capital improvement planning horizon.
4.Raleigh Avenue and CSAH 25
Consider a new intersection at Raleigh Avenue to allow trucks from Nordic Ware to
reach Highway 100 via CSAH 25. This is currently beyond the city’s current 10 year
capital improvement planning horizon.
Financial Consideration
This study recognized that funding has not been identified in the 10 year capital improvement
planning horizon for the county or the city for the vast majority of the improvements outlined
in the study. Additional community engagement, in-depth study and financial planning will be
necessary before any of the recommendations are brought forward for council consideration.
Community Engagement
The study has not been presented in depth to the community. Community engagement will be
a key component of any additional design work.
To date, the study has been referenced at the following meetings:
•February 8, 2016 2016 Legislative priorities and issues, study session report to Council
•January 9, 2017 - 2017 Legislative priorities and issues, study session report to Council
•March 20, 2018 - Beltline Station redevelopment neighborhood meeting
•December, 2018 - 2019 Legislative priorities and issues, study session report to Council
Future and Next Steps
With the start of construction of the SWLRT and the continued redevelopment occurring along
the CSAH 25 corridor staff will use this study as a tool for evaluating redevelopment proposals.
Redesign of the roadway via the priorities 1-4 noted above will be undertaken in steps over
time in conjunction with other programmed projects and improvements, which will reduce the
overall costs.
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study Page 4
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study Page 5
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: CSAH 25 conceptual roadway layout study Page 6
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Written report: 6
Executive summary
Title: SWLRT update
Recommended action: No action necessary at this time. The report is for information only.
Policy consideration: None at this time.
Summary: Construction has begun on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project by the
team of Lunda/McCrossan Joint Venture (LMJV). Much of the current heavy construction is
focused in Eden Prairie and Hopkins. However, the contractor has begun the following
construction activities in St. Louis Park:
•The Cedar Lake Regional Trail detour became official on Monday, May 13. The project team
continues to monitor and improve the detour for bicycles and pedestrians.
•1600 foot long sections of rail for the upcoming relocation of the freight rail within the
corridor was unloaded and staged between Beltline Boulevard and Blake Road.
•Crews have started to remove trees near the Louisiana and Beltline stations.
•LMJV has not yet released a long range schedule. However, they continue to provide a three
week look ahead schedule to all the cities.
•Lane shifts, lane closures and road detours are expected to begin as early as June 10. The
contractor is required to give the community 10 days advance notice. All dates at this time
are still preliminary. Expect the first roadway impacts to be at Louisiana Avenue between
Oxford Street and Lake Street (just south of Hwy 7) and at Beltline Boulevard between CSAH
25 and Park Glen Road.
Construction Communication: LMJV has created a hotline phone number that is staffed 24
hours a day for questions, concerns or issues related to the Southwest Green Line Extension
construction, 612.373.3933. In addition, people are encouraged to sign up for updates at
www.swlrt.org.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this time.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: None.
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, Senior Engineering Project Manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Written report: 7
Executive summary
Title: Comprehensive plan related zoning map amendments
Recommended action: No formal action required at this time. Please review the proposed
zoning map and provide questions or comments to staff.
Policy consideration: Does council support the proposed zoning changes based on the land use
guidance in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan?
Summary: The 2040 comprehensive plan sets out goals, strategies and direction to carry out
the city’s vision for its future. It includes specific plan sections on land use, housing, mobility,
parks, water resources, racial equity, climate and energy, community health and other
elements required by state law. Planning commission made formal recommendations to city
council on December 5, 2018, and council authorized submittal of the plan to the Metropolitan
Council for review on December 17, 2018. The Metropolitan Council is scheduled to review and
formally accept the plan on July 10, 2019.
Land use changes in the plan resulted in a number of parcels throughout the city having a
mismatch between the new land use guidance and the existing zoning district. Now that city
council has approved the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the city must bring the zoning into
substantial conformance with the comprehensive plan.
Due to the number of parcels and size of the areas to be rezoned, the city will follow the
procedures for a comprehensive rezoning of all the parcels at once. The procedures are
somewhat different than smaller zoning map amendments. Planning commission supported the
comprehensive rezoning approach at an April 3, 2019 study session. Comprehensive rezoning
will require 5 affirmative votes from the city council.
Staff held an open house on the proposed comprehensive rezoning on May 8, 2019. Notices
were mailed to all properties to be rezoned, plus all property owners within 350 feet of those
parcels. Social media and emails were also used. Ten community members attended, and no
one in attendance objected to the proposed changes.
Next steps: Planning commission will hold a public hearing on June 19, 2019. The first reading
of the ordinance is tentatively scheduled for July 15, 2019.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Proposed zoning map amendments
2040 future land use map
Prepared by: Jacquelyn Kramer, Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 7) Page 2
Title: Comprehensive plan related zoning map amendments
Change in zoning
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 7) Page 3
Title: Comprehensive plan related zoning map amendments
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: May 28, 2019
Written report: 8
Executive summary
Title: April 2019 monthly financial report
Recommended action: No action required at this time.
Policy consideration: Monthly financial reports are part of our financial management policies.
Summary: The monthly financial report provides a summary of general fund revenues and
departmental expenditures and a comparison of budget to actual throughout the year. A
budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in this report.
Financial or budget considerations: At the end of April, general fund expenditures were at
approximately 30% of the adopted annual budget, which is about 3% under budget.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Summary of revenues and expenditures – general fund
Budget to actual – enterprise funds
Prepared by: Darla Monson, Accountant
Reviewed by: Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer
Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 8) Page 2
Title: April 2019 monthly financial report
Discussion
Background: This monthly report provides summary information of the overall level of
revenues and departmental expenditures in the general fund compared to the adopted budget
throughout the year. A budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in
this report.
Present considerations:
General Fund
Actual expenditures should generally be at about 33% of the annual budget at the end of April.
General Fund expenditures were at 30.25% through April. Revenues are harder to measure in the
same way due to the timing of when they are received, examples of which include property taxes,
grants and State aid payments. A few comments on variances are explained below.
License and permit revenues combined are at almost 65% of budget through April. Nearly 87%
of the 2019 business and liquor license revenue has already been received, which is typical of
prior years. Permit revenue is at 58% through April due to several large building permits
including PLACE, Bridgewater Bank, Yeshiva School, St. Louis Park School District and the Elan
West End Apartments.
Fines and forfeits revenue is at 41.5% through April due to the receipt of $71,000 of seized
vehicle forfeiture money in March which is assigned in fund balance for DWI enforcement.
Organized recreation expenditures are at 35.5% of budget because the full annual community
education contribution of $187,400 was paid to the school district in February, which is
consistent with prior years.
Vehicle maintenance is over budget by about 2% through April due to winter related expenses.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Actual $2,885 $5,979 $8,957 $11,824
Budget $3,257 $6,515 $9,772 $13,029 $16,287 $19,544 $22,801 $26,058 $29,316 $32,573 $35,830 $39,088
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$45,000
$ THOUSANDS Monthly Expenditures -General Fund
Summary of Revenues & Expenditures - General Fund As of April 30, 2019 20192019201720172018201820192019BalanceYTD Budget Budget Audited Budget Unaudited BudgetYTD Apr Remaining to Actual %General Fund Revenues: General Property Taxes24,748,436$ 24,837,901$ 25,705,886$ 26,597,928$ 26,880,004$ -$ 26,880,004$ 0.00% Licenses and Permits3,745,736 3,985,517 3,924,648 4,001,644 4,103,424 2,655,544 1,447,880 64.72% Fines & Forfeits254,200 293,236 269,200 282,146 279,700 116,391 163,309 41.61% Intergovernmental1,631,669 1,899,006 1,864,877 2,006,435 1,760,900 393,068 1,367,832 22.32% Charges for Services2,027,637 2,051,552 2,162,410 2,180,589 2,187,319 446,888 1,740,431 20.43% Miscellaneous Revenue1,274,415 1,294,452 1,318,037 1,427,744 1,367,012 461,891 905,121 33.79% Transfers In1,899,927 1,951,218 1,929,090 1,929,076 1,999,877 649,959 1,349,918 32.50% Investment Earnings 140,000 125,984 160,000 251,494 180,000 180,000 0.00% Other Income30,450 54,303 40,950 35,802 31,300 20,823 10,477 66.53% Use of Fund Balance *58,541 - 523,835 298,156 - 298,156 0.00%Total General Fund Revenues35,811,011$ 36,493,169$ 37,898,933$ 38,712,858$ 39,087,692$ 4,744,563$ 34,343,129$ 12.14%General Fund Expenditures: General Government: Administration 1,049,123$ 1,056,796$ 1,341,606$ 1,340,282$ 1,837,620$ 455,476$ 1,382,144$ 24.79% Finance 957,275 924,832 978,752 964,036 1,034,199 328,315 705,884 31.75% Assessing707,139 652,015 759,865 710,715 772,746 247,605 525,141 32.04% Human Resources754,699 730,731 796,666 735,050 805,620 222,616 583,004 27.63% Community Development1,366,055 1,353,476 1,479,911 1,559,721 1,502,521 481,578 1,020,943 32.05% Facilities Maintenance1,132,774 1,128,339 1,162,342 1,223,109 1,170,211 350,996 819,215 29.99% Information Resources1,570,712 1,421,685 1,589,432 1,526,028 1,674,937 468,554 1,206,383 27.97% Communications & Marketing646,841 722,199 755,940 829,732 805,674 244,865 560,809 30.39% Community Outreach26,553 24,403 27,637 12,085 - - - Engineering376,601 339,876 525,834 552,432 570,377 124,300 446,077 21.79%Total General Government8,587,772$ 8,354,352$ 9,417,985$ 9,453,190$ 10,173,905$ 2,924,305$ 7,249,600$ 28.74% Public Safety: Police9,217,988$ 9,255,342$ 9,930,681$ 9,877,014$ 10,335,497$ 3,288,256$ 7,047,241$ 31.82% Fire Protection4,407,656 4,319,457 4,657,973 4,630,520 4,813,078 1,510,543 3,302,535 31.38% Inspectional Services2,419,073 2,271,301 2,544,762 2,295,910 2,555,335 777,481 1,777,854 30.43%Total Public Safety16,044,717$ 15,846,100$ 17,133,416$ 16,803,444$ 17,703,910$ 5,576,279$ 12,127,631$ 31.50% Operations & Recreation: Public Works Administration266,249$ 245,942$ 230,753$ 208,050$ 290,753$ 75,637$ 215,116$ 26.01% Public Works Operations3,019,017 2,809,715 3,091,857 2,923,255 3,111,481 944,837 2,166,644 30.37% Organized Recreation1,472,996 1,470,613 1,582,490 1,499,780 1,579,569 561,136 1,018,433 35.52% Recreation Center1,744,651 1,856,529 1,860,755 2,004,937 1,949,657 475,991 1,473,666 24.41% Park Maintenance1,721,732 1,797,271 1,830,530 1,866,744 1,833,297 506,547 1,326,750 27.63% Westwood Nature Center602,400 572,942 622,346 599,704 643,750 192,257 451,493 29.87% Natural Resources550,235 430,995 559,662 376,359 484,784 129,077 355,707 26.63% Vehicle Maintenance1,384,038 1,088,375 1,253,367 1,210,279 1,242,236 435,216 807,020 35.03%Total Operations & Recreation10,761,318$ 10,272,383$ 11,031,760$ 10,689,108$ 11,135,527$ 3,320,700$ 7,814,827$ 29.82% Non-Departmental: General 31,909$ 31,859$ 43,422$ 52,421$ -$ -$ -$ Transfers Out- 885,000 - 1,040,000 - - - 0.00% Council Programs198,000 110,105 - - - Contingency385,295 188,254 74,350 24,440 74,350 3,069 71,282 4.13%Total Non-Departmental417,204$ 1,105,113$ 315,772$ 1,226,966$ 74,350$ 3,069$ 71,282$ 4.13%Total General Fund Expenditures35,811,011$ 35,577,947$ 37,898,933$ 38,172,708$ 39,087,692$ 11,824,352$ 27,263,340$ 30.25%*Primarily related to E911 capital items from restricted fund balance.Study session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 8) Title: April 2019 monthly financial reportPage 3
Budget to Actual - Enterprise FundsAs of April 30, 2019 Current BudgetApr Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetApr Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetApr Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetApr Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetOperating revenues: User charges6,857,853$ 1,480,443$ 5,377,410$ 21.59% 7,513,922$ 1,573,896$ 5,940,026$ 20.95% 3,409,250$ 563,337$ 2,845,913$ 16.52% 2,900,839$ 750,593$ 2,150,246$ 25.88% Other375,750 444,008 (68,258) 118.17% 30,000 9,437 20,563 31.46% 153,500 131 153,369 0.09%- - Total operating revenues7,233,603 1,924,452 5,309,151 26.60% 7,543,922 1,583,332 5,960,590 20.99% 3,562,750 563,468 2,999,282 15.82% 2,900,839 750,593 2,150,246 25.88%Operating expenses: Personal services1,397,512 481,483 916,029 34.45% 717,237 263,785 453,452 36.78% 599,774 191,040 408,734 31.85% 807,245 208,553 598,692 25.84% Supplies & non-capital324,800 77,753 247,047 23.94% 68,600 12,922 55,678 18.84% 222,550 9,766 212,784 4.39% 12,500 65 12,435 0.52% Services & other charges1,736,196 650,884 1,085,312 37.49% 4,784,255 1,925,911 2,858,344 40.26%2,952,323 629,987 2,322,336 21.34% 325,903 50,893 275,010 15.62% Depreciation * Total operating expenses3,458,508 1,210,120 2,248,388 34.99% 5,570,092 2,202,619 3,367,473 39.54% 3,774,647 830,792 2,943,855 22.01% 1,145,648 259,511 886,137 22.65%Operating income (loss)3,775,095 714,332 3,060,763 18.92% 1,973,830 (619,286) 2,593,116 -31.37% (211,897) (267,324) 55,427 126.16% 1,755,191 491,082 1,264,109 27.98%Nonoperating revenues (expenses): Interest income 15,172 15,172 0.00% 7,200 7,200 0.00% 18,100 18,100 0.00% 14,175 14,175 0.00% Debt issuance costs- - - - - - - Interest expense/bank charges(478,969) (253,025) (225,944) 52.83% (137,428) (43,946) (93,482) 31.98% (25,500) (3,294) (22,206) 12.92% (37,672) (10,680) (26,992) 28.35% Total nonoperating rev (exp)(463,797) (253,025) (210,772) 54.56% (130,228) (43,946) (86,282) 33.75% (7,400) (3,294) (4,106) 44.52% (23,497) (10,680) (12,817) 45.45%Income (loss) before transfers3,311,298 461,307 2,849,991 13.93% 1,843,602 (663,233) 2,506,835 -35.97% (219,297) (270,618) 51,321 123.40% 1,731,694 480,401 1,251,293 27.74%Transfers inTransfers out(620,034) (206,678) (413,356) 33.33% (848,335) (282,778) (565,557) 33.33% (241,057) (80,352) (160,705) 33.33% (332,165) (110,722) (221,443) 33.33%NET INCOME (LOSS)2,691,264 254,629 2,436,635 9.46% 995,267 (946,011) 1,941,278 -95.05% (460,354) (350,971) (109,383) 76.24% 1,399,529 369,680 1,029,849 26.41%Items reclassified to bal sht at year end: Capital Outlay(5,383,474) (72,079) (5,311,395) 1.34% (1,530,238) (42,106) (1,488,132) 2.75%- - - (3,139,505) (42,106) (3,097,399) 1.34%Revenues over/(under) expenditures(2,692,210) 182,550 (2,874,760) (534,971) (988,117) 453,146 (460,354) (350,971) (109,383) (1,739,976) 327,574 (2,067,550) *Depreciation is recorded at end of year (non-cash item).Water SewerSolid WasteStorm WaterStudy session meeting of May 28, 2019 (Item No. 8) Title: April 2019 monthly financial reportPage 4