HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/01/22 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study Session
AGENDA
JANUARY 22, 2024
6:30 p.m. City council study session – council chambers
Discussion items
1. 60 min. 2024 legislative positions and priorities
2. 30 min. Minnetonka Boulevard overhead utility undergrounding discussion – Ward 1
Written reports
3. Quarterly development update – 1st quarter 2024
4. Community and civic engagement system introduction
5. 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update – Ward 4
Members of the public can attend St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority, city council
meetings and study sessions in person or watch live by webstream at bit.ly/watchslpcouncil or at
www.parktv.org, or on local cable (Comcast SD channel 14/HD channel 798). Recordings of the
meetings are available to watch on the city's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@slpcable,
usually within 24 hours of the end of the council meeting or study session.
The council chambers is equipped with Hearing Loop equipment and headsets are available to borrow.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952.924.2505.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: January 22, 2024
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities
Recommended action: None at this time. The purpose of this report is to provide the council
with the finalized legislative positions and priorities for the 2024 legislative session and to allow
them to discuss those priorities with local representatives.
Policy consideration: None at this time.
Summary: The 94th state legislative session will convene Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. Staff
previously prepared and presented draft legislative positions at the council study session Nov.
27, 2023. After feedback from that session, a number of legislative positions were updated to
include more context, and four solid waste policy positions were added. Substantive additions
or changes are highlighted, which were made in consultation with city staff.
As the 2024 legislative session progresses, additional issues may arise that can be addressed
and guided by the positions document or the city’s strategic priorities.
During this study session, the council will meet with Rep. Larry Kraft, Rep. Cheryl Youakim,
Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene and Met Council Member Anjuli Cameron to
discuss these positions.
Financial or budget considerations: Funding for lobbyists is included in the budget.
Strategic priority consideration: The legislative positions directly align with all five of the
strategic priorities by design.
Supporting documents: 2024 legislative priorities
TH100 Service Road Loop Investment project description
Oxford and Louisiana Infrastructure Investment project description
Prepared by: Annie Pottorff, sustainability specialist and temporary elections and civic
engagement coordinator
Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities
Discussion
Background: The city’s legislative positions are detailed in the full document attached to this
report. Each year a few of these items are selected as priorities when they meet the criteria of
being actively discussed at the state legislature, subjects that relate to committee s on which
our delegation serves and have a significant St. Louis Park impact. As this legislative session will
include a capital investment bill, staff have identified t wo priority capital investment projects to
highlight below:
1. TH100 Service Road Loop Investments – project will feature a new trail for bicycles and
pedestrians with safety and accessibility improvements.
2. Oxford / Louisiana Area infrastructure investment – planned improvements include
repairs to sidewalks, water and sewer facilities, and upgrades related to traffic and
pedestrian safety.
On Nov. 14, 2023, city staff presented the two above bonding requests at the House bonding
project infrastructure tour. Participants learned how investments are needed around the
Oxford Street and Louisiana Avenue area to repair existing infrastructure, remove barriers to
active transportation and transit, and promote sustainability and climate preparedness. The
tour was attended by members of the House Capital Investment Committee, Representative
Kraft, Mayor Mohamed and city staff.
Present considerations: As presented to council on Nov. 27, 2023, the city’s legislative priorities
and positions have been updated to reflect substantial policy work accomplished in the 2023
session. New issues and those with additional significant changes for the 2024 legislative
session are: advanced state energy code, urban forest management, property tax reductions
related to land trust arrangements, cable and telecommunications infrastructure, adult use
cannabis, earned sick and safe time, employer mandates, comprehensive planning, housing TIF
district modifications, rental rehab loan program, prohibition on discrimination and emergency
medical services.
Following the Nov. 27, 2023 study session, staff also added positions related to solid waste
reduction, which include: amending the state health code to reduce single-use packaging
waste; adopting a food waste compost requirement in MnDOT project specs; supporting
extended producer responsibility legislation to reduce single-use packaging; and a variety of
ways to increase solid waste program funding. Staff reviewed whether a policy position on
smart salting is represented by our current climate, energy, and buildings legislative goals, and
determined it is covered and does not necessitate its own position at this time. This could be
reconsidered by council in future policy documents.
Finally, upon review, staff removed the position related to records retention as it is no longer
relevant to current staff best practices.
Next steps: Staff will continue to research additional positions and priorities as they emerge.
Additional Resources:
• League of Minnesota Cities: Legislative policies
• Metro Cities: Legislative Policies
City of St. Louis Park
2024 Legislative Priorities
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 3
Strategic Priorities
The St. Louis Park City Council adopted the following strategic priorities in 2018. These priorities
guide long-range planning as well as daily decisions and activities.
St. Louis Park is committed to:
Being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to
create a more just and inclusive community for all.
Continue to lead in environmental stewardship.
Providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood-
oriented development.
Providing a variety of options for people to make their way
around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Creating opportunities to build social capital through
community engagement.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 4
Capital investment priorities
1. TH100 Service Road Loop Investments
Replace outdated infrastructure, increase community connectivity and improve safety for all.
This project will feature new LED streetlighting, enhanced pedestrian crossings,
replacement of aging pavement and modifications to existing intersections. To create a new
bicycle and pedestrian facility, this project also includes the construction of the West End
trail connection along the East TH100 service drive, which will make it easier and safer for
people to move through the area to access destinations and transit.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 5
2. Oxford / Louisiana Area infrastructure investment
Increase access to businesses and healthcare, promote climate preparedness and enhance
pedestrian connectivity.
The planned public improvements for the Oxford/Louisiana area include construction and
repair of aging sidewalks; critical repairs to water, sewer, and storm sewer facilities; general
improvements or upgrades related to traffic and pedestrian safety, including replacement
of streetlights, striping, and signs; replacement or repair of pavement, curb, and gutter;
roundabout construction; stormwater quality improvements and flood storage.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 6
Climate, Energy, and Buildings
The City of St. Louis Park supports innovative strategies in the pursuit of
a more sustainable climate worldwide, including the adoption of near-
term emission reduction targets as described in the city’s Climate
Action Plan.
Advanced state energy code
Legislation for an advanced commercial state
energy code was passed in 2023. Support
continued adoption of improved residential
energy codes for efficient building standards,
which will reduce household energy use and
decrease carbon emissions.
Amend state health code
Reduce barriers for businesses to use refillable
containers for food and beverages to reduce
single-use packaging waste.
Construction codes
Oppose legislation that would reduce the
current minimum building and energy code
standards or limit future adoptions of improved
energy conservation standards and support
improved access to recycling.
Compost use
Adopt a food waste compost requirement in
MNDOT specs to support markets for compost
use by providing a uniform standard to be used
in city, county and state projects and close the
circle between food waste collection,
composting and compost use.
Environment and sustainability
Support the adoption of ambitious policies and
the creation of innovative programs to reach
the goals of the state’s Climate Action
Framework and the St. Louis Park Climate
Action Plan.
Extended producer responsibility
Support adoption of extended producer
responsibility (EPR) legislation for packaging in
order to reduce environmental and financial
impacts of disposal of non-recyclable or non-
reusable packaging products.
Fee-for-service programs
Support maintaining minimum standards for
building safety, longevity, and energy
conservation, and allow local governments to
continue with fee-for-service permitting and
inspection to help fund quality city programs.
Agreement with the League of Minnesota Cities
position which seeks authority for cities to
charge fees that are reasonably related to the
cost of providing the service, permit or license.
Building and Energy Director Brian Hoffman
Email: bhoffman@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2584
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 7
Solid waste management tax
Eliminate the diversion of solid waste
management tax revenue to the general fund
for other purposes and provide to local
government for recycling programs as originally
intended, through increasing SCORE recycling
grants. Increase fees on construction and
demolition waste disposal to fund reuse and
recycling of building materials. Direct funding
for zero waste programs to areas of
environmental justice concern.
Residential fire sprinklers
Oppose efforts that prohibit future adoption of
residential fire sprinkler codes. Previous
unsuccessful legislative efforts have attempted
to prevent the state building code from
requiring residential fire sprinkler systems,
which poses safety risk.
Smart salting
Support the creation of incentives for private
salt applicators to reduce the volume of salt
they apply to improve the effectives of salt
application while reducing chloride pollution in
waterways.
Urban forest management
Urban forests are facing numerous threats
from Dutch elm disease, oak wilt, drought,
storms and emerald ash borer. Related costs
put pressure on city budgets. The state
currently has no program to assist cities in
recovering expenses due to damage from
Emerald Ash Borer. Support establishing an
ongoing state grant program with at least $15
million per year that is usable for urban forest
management.
Building and Energy Director Brian Hoffman
Email: bhoffman@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2584
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 8
Economic Development
The City of St. Louis Park supports a thriving local economy of small and
large businesses and strives to create a place where people can live,
work, and play.
Affordable Commercial Center
Small businesses are struggling to find
affordable commercial space, which is vital to
their long-term success. Affordable ownership
opportunities are also key to the ability of small
businesses to build assets and generational
wealth. One way to effectively address these
needs is to provide opportunities through a
commercial land trust model. St. Louis Park has
acquired a commercial building and is currently
working with a commercial land trust to rehab
and subdivide the building into multiple spaces
that will be sold to small businesses enabling
them to secure affordable space and build
wealth. Taking the land costs out of the
equation allows for the creation of affordable
commercial space that remains affordable in
perpetuity.
Cable and telecommunications
Oppose the preemption of local authority to
manage public rights-of-way and land use for
cable and telecommunications infrastructure,
and the preemption of local franchise
authority. This infrastructure is essential for the
efficient, equitable and affordable delivery of
local government services and policies should
strengthen local authority to manage
telecommunication networks.
DEED program funding
Support the continued annual funding of DEED
programs at stable, sustainable or increased
levels, as well as tools to invest in underserved
areas of the state that would allow all regions
to better prosper.
Property tax reduction for commercial
properties purchased under
community/commercial land trust
arrangements
Support a property tax classification rate
reduction for commercial properties purchased
under community/commercial land trust
arrangements (similar to the 4d(2) classification
rate established for homesteads purchased
through community land trusts) to stimulate
the creation and purchase of affordable
commercial properties for limited income
entrepreneurs throughout the state.
Community Development Director Karen Barton
Email: kbarton@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2684
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 9
General Government continued
The City of St. Louis Park supports good governance in the form of legal
authority to help residents to thrive.
Adult use cannabis
Support a regulatory framework that
maintains or expands local control and
removing the fee-cap for local service. Future
state regulations should allow cities to
manage related registration fees so they may
recoup the necessary compliance costs.
Aircraft noise
Support evaluating the effects of
consolidated flight tracks because of RNAV
on departures.
Cable franchising authority
Support congress to recognize, support and
maintain the exercise of local franchising
authority. Municipal cable franchising is key
to providing uniform quality, access and
pricing to city residents.
Comprehensive planning
Support exempting comprehensive plans
from the Minnesota Environmental Rights
Act (MERA), just as they are similarly
exempted from the Minnesota
Environmental Policy Act. Comprehensive
plans are legislative policy documents
separate from executive and judicial powers.
Earned Sick and Safe Time
The 2023 legislature enacted a law requiring
all employers to provide employees one hour
of sick and safe time for every 30 hours
worked. Support legislative clarification on
the application of these rules for unique and
limited city positions including seasonal
employees.
Employer Mandates
Oppose any employer mandates that
diminish the inherent managerial rights as
they pertain to collective bargaining. Limiting
public employers from determining the
number of personnel hired could hinder the
city’s crisis response and subjects cities to
risk if they are unable to meet bargained
terms due to external challenges such as a
competitive labor market.
Levy limits
Oppose levy limits or other proposed
restrictions for local government budgets.
Many local factors impact the annual
decision-making around the property tax
levy, including other non-tax revenue
forecasts, infrastructure needs and changes
to the local tax base and tax increment
financing districts. Local control over the tax
levy is a key tool in the city's toolbox for
achieving long-term financial stability.
City Manager Kim Keller
Email: kkeller@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2526
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 10
General Government
Local Control
Support local control as a principle that
applies to many issues. Local governments
must have sufficient authority and flexibility
to meet the challenges of governing and
providing residents with public services.
Open Meeting Law
Support including virtual options for open
meetings. City responses to COVID-19
illustrated that remote participation can
allow for meaningful public interaction. Cities
are in need of continued flexibility to utilize
technology for meetings to protect the health
of elected officials, city staff and the public
and to keep pace with changes to remote
technology in the future.
Public health insurance
The 2023 legislative session expanded
Minnesota’s state-funded health insurance
program to let residents with incomes above
200% of the federal poverty level enroll as
well as undocumented Minnesotans. Support
the continued expansion of the state’s public
health insurance program MinnesotaCare,
allowing all Minnesotans to buy in to the
program.
City Manager Kim Keller
Email: kkeller@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2526
Safeguard public code employees
Support League of Minnesota Cities’ policy
related to assaults on code compliance
officials and inspectors. Because of the
nature of their job, code enforcement
officials can be subjected to verbal assaults,
threats and physical violence. Under current
law, an assault on a code enforcement official
not enumerated in Minn. Stat. § 609.2231,
subd. 6, while performing official business
can only be charged as fifth degree assault, a
misdemeanor, unless it results in substantial
bodily harm. All code enforcement officials
should be afforded the same protections
under Minnesota Statutes, and the
legislature should amend the statute to
expand the employees covered by the
statute.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 11
Housing
The City of St. Louis Park supports housing for all residents in the city
including policies that build and maintain housing and aid in associated
costs.
Housing TIF District Modifications
Support
• Modifications to the existing Housing
TIF District requirements to allow for
greater flexibility for the creation of
more deeply affordable housing for
households at or below 30% area
median income.
• Creation of transit-oriented TIF Districts.
• Expand authority for all cities to transfer
unobligated pooled increment from a
housing or redevelopment TIF District to
support a local housing trust fund for
any eligible expenditure under Minn.
Stat. 462C.16
Prohibition on discrimination
Support a statewide prohibition on
discrimination against source of income for
renters receiving rental assistance.
Support Voucher Acceptance
Support additional funding for the housing
choice voucher programs and other rental
assistance programs and financial, tax and/or
other incentives for rental property owners to
participate in these programs.
Corporate ownership of single-family
homes
Support additional research on the impacts of
home ownership by corporate entities and
encourage increased access to housing through
homeownership to Minnesota families to build
equity and wealth.
Rental rehab loan program
Support the establishment of a statewide
housing rehab loan program to facilitate the
preservation of NOAH multi-family residential
rental properties and encourage owners to
retain the affordability of their developments.
TOD Housing Fund
Support the statewide creation of a transit-
oriented development affordable housing fund
and the creation of a transit-oriented TIF
District.
Community Development Director Karen Barton
Email: kbarton@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2684
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 12
Public Safety
The City of St. Louis Park supports public safety policies and rules that
help our front-line workers and ensure equitable and safe outcomes for
residents.
Criminal background checks
Support preventing individuals who are not
legally able to purchase a gun from doing so
without background checks at gun shows,
online, or in private transactions.
Emergency medical services
Support a solution for EMS services that
balances the needs of residents and providers
statewide. Current regulations do not require
ambulance services to disclose important data
points that would ensure a community is
receiving quality services. Support allowing
local units of government to designate which
licensed provider may serve their communities
and to determine the appropriate level of
service.
Expansion of legal fireworks
Oppose legislation that expands fireworks in
Minnesota. Fireworks can cause serious injuries
and fires. The legal sale of consumer fireworks
undermines fire prevention efforts, and their
sale and use increase local public safety
enforcement, emergency response and fire-
suppression costs.
Gun violence protective orders
Support allowing law enforcement in certain
cases to temporarily remove any guns in an
individual's possession and to prohibit new gun
purchases for the duration of the order.
Health insurance coverage for disabled
public safety officers
Support this mandate being fully funded by the
state in perpetuity. In 2023, a bill passed
reinstating full funding to reimburse employers
for the cost of continued health insurance for
duty disabled peace officers and firefighters,
but this is one-time funding that is expected to
run out in approximately three years.
Mandated law enforcement training
Support continuing the Peace Officer Standards
and Training (POST) Board training
reimbursement allocation to local agencies.
Current funding is not permanent and sunsets
in 2024.
Race Data Collected on Minnesota
Driver's License and State Identification
Support the Minnesota Department of Public
Safety to require individuals self-identify their
race when applying for a driver's license or
state identification. This anonymized,
aggregated data would be shared with the
Office of Traffic Safety for research, analysis
and reporting to monitor traffic stop
disparities.
Police Chief Bryan Kruelle
Email: bkruelle@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2128
Fire Chief Steve Koering
Email: skoering@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 292-0281
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 13
Transportation and Infrastructure
The City of St. Louis Park supports providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely, and
reliably.
TH100 service road loop investment
Seeking funding
The service roads and new trail connection in
this project will provide regional as well as local
connections to homes, schools, places of
worship and parks. This project is needed to
reconstruct roads at the end of their useful life,
remove barriers to active transportation and
transit and improve safety for all modes.
Support bonding for this regional project.
Oxford and Louisiana Area investment
Seeking funding
This project is needed to repair existing
infrastructure, create active transportation
connections to transit and promote
environmental sustainability and climate
preparedness. Support bonding for this
regional project.
Transportation funding
A comprehensive transportation system is a
vital component for meeting the physical,
social and economic needs of our state and
metropolitan region. Support sufficient and
stable statewide transportation funding, for all
modes of travel and local control to serve long-
term needs.
Metro Green Line Extension
Support the continued work and completion of
the Metro Green Line Extension Project to
provide businesses, residents and visitors with
multiple transportation options.
Texas Ave. and Minnetonka Blvd.
Texas Avenue between Lake Street and
Wayzata Boulevard is one of the few
continuous north-to-south roadway
connections in St. Louis Park. To finish the
upgrade of the Texas Ave. corridor, the new
intersection would include separated bicycle
facilities, sidewalk, improved driver sightlines,
signal replacement and ADA upgrades.
Support Hennepin County partnering in Texas
Avenue/ Minnetonka Blvd intersection
reconstruction.
Redesign CSAH 25
The city and county have developed a long-
term vision to transform the CSAH 25 Corridor
into a multimodal urban boulevard. Support
Hennepin County’s funding of rehabilitation/
reconstruction of CSAH 25.
Transit financing
Support stable and growing revenue sources to
fund the operating budget for all regional
transit providers now and into the future.
Railway safety
Railways connect local and regional economies
to the global marketplace and generate billions
of dollars in economic activity. Recent high-
profile freight train derailments, however, have
highlighted safety concerns in an industry that
travels through thousands of communities,
including St. Louis Park.
Support accountability, safety and funding of
accident prevention, as well as new rules
around railway safety.
Engineering Director Deb Heiser
Email: dheiser@stlouisparkmn.gov
Phone: (952) 924-2551
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: 2024 legislative positions and priorities Page 14
TH100 SERVICE ROAD
LOOP INVESTMENTS
Project description:
The area south of 394 along TH100 is a section of the
City of St. Louis Park many Minnesotans are familiar with
as they navigate their way around the west metro area.
The city roads in this project are along TH100 and they
provide regional movement of goods and connections to
commerce, but also provide local connections to homes,
schools, places of worship, and parks. This project is
needed to repair existing infrastructure, remove barriers
to active transportation and transit, improve safety and
promote environmental sustainability.
The roadways identified for this project were last
constructed in 1991 and have exceeded their design life.
The existing pavement condition, gap in the trail network,
and intersection geometry also pose challenges for
people biking, walking, and those with limited mobility.
To provide non-motorized transportation connections,
access to transit and cleaner air, these roadways need
modernization. They require reconstruction since routine
maintenance activities such as bituminous overlays and
crack seals are no longer cost-effective.
In St. Louis Park, railroads are a major barrier to the
creation of trail connections. The East TH100 service drive
is one of only three city streets that cross over the BNSF
railroad to form a north-south connection, and there is
currently no dedicated space for bicycles or pedestrians.
The Route 9 bus serves the West End, a major commercial
center in the area, but due to the lack of a trail connection
over the railroad tracks, access to this service and
amenities is cut off for the 3,900 residents and 883
employees south of the tracks, unless they drive.
This West End trail connection will fill in a gap and create
a safe bicycle/pedestrian route over the railroad tracks
and open access for residents and visitors to the North
Cedar Lake regional trail, transit, and area destinations.
The total project cost is $11 million. The city is requesting
50% of the project cost in state funds and will match the
remaining with local funds. This project is included in the
city’s capital improvement plan.
Prepared by:
•Repairs and modernizes roadways
with regional and local significance.
•Provides a crucial north-south
connection dedicated to pedestrians
and cyclists.
•Removes barriers for
sustainable, non-motorized
transit, improving air quality for
surrounding neighborhoods.
•Provides and supports equitable
and affordable transportation
alternatives.
•Advances the city’s goal of
carbon neutrality by 2040.
Project
benefits:
This project supports local and regional transportation connections for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
Modernizing these local roads will provide equitable transportation opportunities for under-served populations,
improve neighborhood livability, and replace facilities at the end of their useful life. These roadways are currently
used by nearly 17,000 vehicles daily; 77-96% of this traffic is from outside of St Louis Park. Almost 2,000 vehicles
use West TH100 service drive and East TH100 service drive daily to get off TH100 and back on again to bypass the
congestion that occurs daily between Barry Street and Cedar Lake Road.
Public
purpose:
APPLICANT:
City of St. Louis Park
ROUTE:
TH100 local service road loop
CITY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
St. Louis Park
COUNTY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
Hennepin
REQUESTED AWARD AMOUNT:
$5,500,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST:
$11,000,000A top infrastructure priority of the St. Louis Park City Council Video: Experience
biking this route Page 15
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TH100 service road loop investments
Benilde-St. Margaret's
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Westside Center
West End
Commercial Area
Date:
Street reconstruction
New trail
Existing trails
Existing bikeways
Existing sidewalks
Planned trails
Planned bikeways
Intersection improvements
Metro Transit Bus Routes
Route 25 - Limited Service
Route 9
Wat Thai
of Minnesota
•Replacement of 1.31 miles of roadway pavement.
•Construction of 0.7 miles of new trail
•Create designated space on an existing bridge for bicycle
and pedestrian use
•Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and
rolling, including shorter crossing distances, raised
pedestrian refuge islands, and pedestrian-actuated
flashing beacons
•Operational and access management changes at
intersections to improve efficiency and safety
•Modifications of existing sidewalks and trails to meet
ADA requirements and operation needs
•Replacement of existing street lighting with new LED
systems and enhanced lighting at conflict areas
•Stormwater treatment
•Public utility repair and replacement
•West TH100 service drive between Westside Drive and
the TH100 southbound ramp
•Westside Drive loop, between West TH100 service drive
and the east TH100 service drive
•East TH100 service drive, between Old Cedar Lake Road
and Barry Street
Project improvements :
Roadway segments included :
There are 1,612 affordable rental housing units in census tracts within a
half mile of the project area. These units currently have walk scores of 30,
indicating that the area is car-dependent. The bike score is 62, with some
bike infrastructure. It’s unlikely that residents in this housing can currently
meet their daily needs by walking and biking, which is why this project
includes the construction of a dedicated space for bicycles and pedestrians
along the East TH100 service drive.
Resolution to support and prioritize passed by the St. Louis
Park City Council Aug. 21, 2023
TH100 SERVICE ROAD
LOOP INVESTMENTS
Page 16
OXFORD AND LOUISIANA AREA
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
Project Description:
Once operational, the METRO Green Line extension light rail
will run through St. Louis Park with a stop near the intersection
of Oxford Street/Louisiana Ave., a significant access point to the
Methodist Hospital, the largest employer in St. Louis Park, and
other area amenities.
This project is needed to repair existing infrastructure, remove
barriers to active transportation and transit, and promote
environmental sustainability and climate preparedness.
These roadways were last constructed in 1973 and have far
exceeded their design life. Reconstruction is necessary because
routine maintenance activities such as bituminous overlays and
crack seals are no longer cost-effective.
There are 1,283 affordable rental housing units in census tracts
within a mile of the project area. These units currently have walk
scores of 48, indicating the area is car dependent. The bike score
is 62, with some bike infrastructure. The transit score is 33, with
some transit. It’s unlikely residents in this housing can currently
meet their daily needs by walking and biking.
The project removes barriers through the construction of new
sidewalks that will close gaps in the sidewalk network, creating
connections to transit route 612, the Green Line LRT and the south
Cedar Lake regional trail. Altogether, these represent a major long-
term regional investment in favor of safer, more equitable and
eco-friendly infrastructure.
To prepare for redevelopment and promote climate resiliency, the
city plans to construct new regional stormwater infrastructure
which will remove pollutants from stormwater prior to it
discharging into the Minnehaha Creek and provide flood
mitigation. Currently this area drains directly to the creek
untreated. The improvements would also provide flood storage,
which would remove critical infrastructure out of the flood zone,
including Methodist Hospital and public roadways, and provide
flood mitigation storage for future development.
The total project cost is $13.3 million. The city is requesting 50%
of the project cost in state funds and will match the remainder
with local funds. This project is included in the city’s capital
improvement plan.
Prepared by:
•Repairs and modernizes roadways with
regional and local significance.
•Enhances transit and pedestrian
accessibility to Methodist Hospital, a
major hospital serving the Minneapolis-
St. Paul area located two blocks south
of this project.
•New stormwater infrastructure
would remove pollutants from
stormwater prior to it discharging
into the Minnehaha Creek and
provide flood mitigation.
•Removes barriers for sustainable,
non-motorized transit, improving
air quality for surrounding
neighborhoods.
•Provides and supports equitable
and affordable transportation
alternatives.
•Advances the city’s goal of carbon
neutrality by 2040.
Project
Benefits:
APPLICANT:
City of St. Louis Park
AREA:
Southwest St. Louis Park
CITY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
St. Louis Park
COUNTY WHERE PROJECT IS LOCATED:
Hennepin
REQUESTED AWARD AMOUNT:
$6,500,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST:
$13,300,000
A top infrastructure priority of the St. Louis Park City Council
Modernizing these roadways and improving stormwater treatment provides equitable opportunities for transportation
to under-served populations, promotes redevelopment, improves neighborhood livability, and replaces existing facilities
at the end of their useful life. These roadways provide regional movement of goods and connections to commerce. They
provide local and regional connections to Highway 7 and Excelsior Boulevard for at least 1,283 affordable housing units.
They’re currently used by almost 4,500 vehicles daily, with 83% of that traffic coming from outside of St. Louis Park.
Public
purpose:
Video: Experience
driving this route Page 17
Prepared by:
GWX
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Phase 1
Street reconstruction
New sidewalk
Phase 2
Street reconstruction
New sidewalk
Existing trails
Existing bikeways
Planned trails
Planned bikeways
Existing sidewalks
Louisiana light rail station
METRO Green Line Extension
Bus routes
HOPKINS
Date:11/1/2023
Methodist Hospital
Oxford/ Louisiana area infrastructure investment
•Replacement of 1.67 miles of roadway pavement
•Construction of 0.75 miles of new sidewalk
•Construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Louisiana
Avenue and Oxford Street
•Regional stormwater treatment and flood storage
•Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and rolling,
including shorter crossing distances, raised pedestrian refuge
islands, and pedestrian-actuated flashing beacons
•Operational and access management changes at
intersections to improve efficiency and safety
•Modification of existing sidewalks to meet ADA requirements
and operation needs
•Replacement of existing street lighting with new LED systems
and enhanced lighting in conflict areas
•Public utility repair and replacement
•Meadowbrook Road from Excelsior Boulevard to the
Meadowbrook Bridge
•Redecking of the Meadowbrook Bridge over Minnehaha Creek
•Oxford Street from Minnehaha Creek Bridge to Edgewood
Avenue
•Edgewood Avenue from Oxford Street to Cambridge Street
•Cambridge Street from Edgewood Avenue to Alabama Avenue
•Louisiana Avenue from 100 ft north of the intersection with
Oxford Street to 300 ft south of the intersection
Project improvements :
Roadway segments included :
OXFORD AND LOUISIANA AREA
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT
This area of the city is primarily zoned industrial, and planning for the redevelopment in preparation
for light rail has been underway for the last ten years. Redevelopment of the private buildings will
provide an economic benefit to area taxpayers along with a variety of housing options for people who
would like to live in St. Louis Park. The new buildings will be more efficient, thus helping with the city’s
climate action goals. The road improvements and sidewalk construction will help residents, employees,
and visitors make their way around the city safely. Resolution to support and prioritize passed by the St. Louis Park
City Council Aug. 21, 2023
Page 18
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: January 22, 2024
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard overhead utility undergrounding discussion- Ward 1
Recommended action: No official action at this time. The purpose of this report and discussion
is to provide additional information regarding the potential undergrounding of the overhead
utilities in the Minnetonka Blvd corridor. The Cooperative Agreement with Hennepin County for
this project will be brought to the Council for approval at the Feb. 20 city council meeting. As a
part of that action, staff will make a recommendation regarding undergrounding.
Policy considerations:
1. Should the city underground electrical lines for the Minnetonka Boulevard (TH100 to
France Ave.) project?
2. If yes:
a. should the city fund the one-time service reconnection costs as a public purpose
or require impacted buildings to make the required changes?
b. should the city fund this expense through borrowing or the Community
requested facilities surcharge (CRFS) charge?
Summary: The Hennepin County Minnetonka Blvd (TH100 to France Ave.) reconstruction
project was approved by the city council on Dec. 5, 2022. As a part of that project approval, the
city council provided staff direction to continue to pursue obtaining additional information
regarding the costs of undergrounding the overhead utilities within the corridor. Since that
time, staff has been working with Xcel Energy to better understand benefits, limitations and
other considerations. This report provides a summary of the information for the council to
consider when determining whether to underground the overhead facilities.
Council is requested to provide direction on whether we should move forward with the
undergrounding and, if yes, whether we should pursue a monthly charge to all energy
customers to finance it. This is coming back to council at the Feb. 20 council meeting.
Financial or budget considerations: The cost to underground overhead facilities is estimated at
$1,220,000. The city has been informed by Hennepin County that they will provide a cost share
of $500,000. The city would be responsible for the remaining cost, approximately $650,000, to
pay for the public portion of this project. There is an additional estimated cost for adjacent
properties to connect to the new source of power of $70,000, which could be deemed a public
purpose. Additionally, ongoing expenses to ratepayers are also anticipated.
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
Nov. 14, 2022 study session report
Nov. 21, 2022 public hearing report
Dec. 5, 2022 city council report
Prepared by: Joseph Shamla, engineering project manager
Amelia Cruver, finance director
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard overhead utility undergrounding discussion
Discussion
Background: Most of the electric power lines in St. Louis Park are constructed “overhead”.
These poles are owned by utility companies and are used to distribute electric, cable, fiber and
telephone service. In general, the cost to convert an overhead utility to underground is the
responsibility of the government agency requesting the change. This cost is only shared when
the pole needs to be relocated for a transportation project. If the pole needs to be relocated,
the utility will deduct the cost of pole relocation from the overall cost of undergrounding. The
lowest cost for the city to underground overhead facilities is during a reconstruction project.
Undergrounding benefits: Staff has identified the following benefits associated with
underground utilities versus overhead.
• The roadway is safer due to the removal of utility poles adjacent to the road and
better sight lines.
• There is a reduction in outages due to storms.
• Corridor street lighting is improved and better provides a consistent level of lighting
for all corridor users.
• There is increased ability to plant a variety of tree species in the boulevard
regardless of size.
• There is less impact to street trees due to trimming around lines.
• The removal of poles provides more room for snow removal, trails, and bus stops.
• Corridor aesthetics are improved.
Additional considerations: If the city is interested in undergrounding the utilities along the
corridor, please keep in mind the following:
• The overhead lines will be placed underground in utility conduits. Electric
transformers, which are generally on the poles, must be replaced with pad -mounted
transformers. These pad-mounted transformers occupy about a five-foot-by-five-
foot space.
• The utilities must be located on an easement or right-of-way. In addition, service
pedestals are often required for each utility and aesthetics can be a concern when
adding transformer boxes and pedestals near residents or businesses.
• Services to homes and businesses, which were above gro und, are routed below
ground and the electrical panel may have to be modified in the home or business to
accommodate the new underground service. Staff hired an electrician to develop a
cost estimate to connect customers to the new source of power. The estimated total
reconnection cost of undergrounding is $70,000 for this corridor. Anytime there are
home upgrades, a risk exists that additional code compliance issues will be
discovered once work begins.
• Xcel Energy has informed the city that an underground service has an additional
monthly charge for the property owner when it is not a single-family home. We are
looking into what this cost would be for other rate payers to understand the impact.
Funding sources: The total cost to underground the overhead facilities along this corridor is
estimated at $1,220,000. The city has been informed by Hennepin County that they will provide
a cost share of $500,000. The city would be responsible for the remaining cost, approximately
$650,000, to pay for the public portion of this project. As described above, there is an
additional estimated cost for adjacent properties to connect to the new source of power of
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard overhead utility undergrounding discussion
$70,000. The city is waiting on a final cost estimate for the project from Hennepin County;
indications are that some of the city’s cost -share for undergrounding may be able to be
absorbed. This will be shared at the Feb. 20 council meeting.
The one-time reconnection costs associated with underground service could be funded in one
of the following ways:
• Staff has talked to the city attorney’s firm and been advised that since the electrical
undergrounding is being done for a public purpose and the need to modify private
electrical panels for underground service feeds is the result of this public purpose,
the city could pay for this work using city funds.
• By the private property owner.
Capital funding scenarios:
To help guide council decision making, staff has put together three tables. The first is a high
level outline of bonding needed in the adopted 5-year CIP. This assumes current project scopes
and estimates. It does not include undergrounding electrical in this Minnetonka Blvd. project.
The second and third tables demonstrate the two options for paying for undergrounding. These
scenarios as outlined assume the updated overall project estimate remains consistent with the
estimate provided by Hennepin County in 2022.
The first option is to utilize bond proceeds. This would be in alignment with our past and
current practice and spreads the cost among all property taxpayers. It is more progressive in
nature than a flat rate in that it is tied to property valuation.
The second option is CRFS which charges a small monthly fee to all rate payers including non-
taxpaying properties. All residential energy rate payers will pay the same flat fee of $0.69 per
month for 36 months. The rates non-residential customers pay vary, and are up to$2.50 per
month. This will be a charge that appears on all monthly bills for 36 months after completion of
the project.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard overhead utility undergrounding discussion
Policy considerations: Staff is looking for direction from the council on the following policy
questions.
1. Should the city underground electrical lines for the Minnetonka Boulevard (TH100 to
France Ave.) project?
2. If yes:
a. should the city fund the one-time service reconnection costs as a public purpose
or require impacted buildings to make the required changes?
b. should the city fund this expense through borrowing or the CRFS charge?
Next steps: The Cooperative Agreement with Hennepin County for this project will be brought
to the Council for approval at the Feb. 20 city council meeting.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: January 22, 2024
Written report: 3
Executive summary
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024
Recommended action: None. The attached report summarizes the status of major
development projects occurring in St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: Not applicable. Contact staff with any questions.
Summary: The attached report is meant to keep the EDA/city council informed on a quarterly
basis as to the metrics and tentative schedule of major development projects to be constructed
in the city. For clarity, “proposed developments” are those that are working through the
planning entitlement process such as platting, PUDs, variances, and have not yet been
approved. “Approved developments” are those whose planning applications have been
approved by the city council and have not yet commenced construction (but whose financial
assistance agreements may or may not yet have been approved). “Completed developments”
are those that have received their final certif icates of occupancy.
More detailed information can be found on the interactive development dashboard on the
city’s website. The dashboard provides project metrics for all major developments or additions
that have been approved, under construction, or completed within the city since 2010. The
dashboard includes website links, market rate and affordable unit counts by bedroom size,
parking information for overall stalls, bike facilities, electric vehicle charging stations and more.
Additionally, recent developments receiving financial assistance from the city are required to
track Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals related to business enterprises an d workforce
hiring goals. The current goal status for each development is also included in the update.
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: Major developments in St. Louis Park – 1st Quarter 2024
DEI goal summary
Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, redevelopment administrator
Reviewed by: Greg Hunt, economic development manager
Karen Barton, community development director, EDA executive director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Major Developments in St. Louis Park
1st Quarter 2024
Multifamily housing development summary Total Market rate Affordable
Proposed units 44 36 8
Approved units 648 566 82
Units under construction 588 214 374
Recently completed units (last two years) 1358 1104 254
All units 2,638 1,920 718
Total Development Costs (TDC)* $785.1 million
*TDC includes all developments in the above categories to the extent known
For additional information please see Development Projects on the city’s web site.
Proposed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Minnetonka Blvd
redevelopment
5707 – 5639
Minnetonka Blvd.
GMHC (Greater
Metropolitan Housing
Corporation) &
(WHAHLT) West
Hennepin Affordable
Housing Land Trust
Proposed is the removal of four modest single-family houses
and construction of four twin homes (eight-units), providing
eight affordable home-ownership opportunities.
Estimated total development cost $3.7 million
Website: NA – too early in the process.
Received pandemic
relief grant funding
from Hennepin
County
Project plans could
be presented to
council by
Q3 2024.
Construction
commencement
Q2, 2025 upon
GMHC securing
LIHTC financing.
Cedar Heights Estates
6013 and 6019 Cedar
Lake Rd.
Joshua Aaron
Proposed is the redevelopment of two single-family homes
and the construction of a 36 unit, three-story building with
one level of below grade parking.
Feb. 7, 2024
Planning
Commission public
hearing
Feb. 20, 2024
City Council
consideration
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 2
Proposed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
The developer requests:
• Rezoning the two properties from R-3 two-family
residence to R-4 multiple-family residence.
• Preliminary and final plat combining the two properties
into one property.
• Conditional use permit to construct a multiple-family
residence.
Estimated total construction costs: TBD
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 3
Approved developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
2625 Louisiana Avenue
2625 Louisiana Ave.
Web Development LLC
Largely vacant parcel adjacent to North Cedar Lake Regional
Trail to be redeveloped with a 57-unit, four-story, mixed-use
market-rate building with approximately 4,000 square feet of
ground floor commercial space along with underground and
surface parking. Project includes a public path connecting
Louisiana Avenue to the Regional Trail.
Estimated total development cost: $TBD
Planning
entitlements
approved.
Construction
commencement
TBD.
Arlington Row
East & West
7705 Wayzata Blvd. &
7905 Wayzata Blvd.
Melrose Company
Two development sites:
• 7905 Wayzata includes two three-story apartment
buildings with 34 units total and off-street parking
covered by a solar power carport.
• 7705 Wayzata includes a three-story apartment building
with 27 units and surface parking.
Estimated construction cost: $TBD
Planning
applications
approved.
Tentative
construction
commencement
TBD.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 4
Approved developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Beltline Blvd Station
Site
SE quadrant of CSAH 25
& Beltline Blvd.
Sherman Associates
Major mixed-use, mixed income, transit-oriented,
multi-phase development adjacent to
SWLRT Beltline Blvd. Station.
Building I includes:
• Seven-story mixed-use building with six levels of market
rate housing (152 units) and 20,000 square feet of
neighborhood commercial space
• A 592-stall parking ramp, which would include 268 park
& ride stalls, 326 residential stalls and approximately
1,850 square feet of commercial space.
Estimated development cost: $55.8 million
Estimated development cost of public ramp: $11.9
million
Building 2 includes:
• Four-story all affordable apartment building with 82
units, 77 units will be affordable to households at 60%
AMI and five units will be affordable to households at
30% AMI. 22 units will have three-bedrooms.
Estimated development cost: $25.2 million
Building 3 includes:
• Five-story market rate apartment building with 146
units.
Estimated development cost: $49.2 million
Altogether, the multi-phase redevelopment will have
380 apartment units of which 82 (21%) would be affordable.
Estimated total development cost: $142 million
Awarded $13.7
million in LIHTC
bonds January
2022 for affordable
component.
Planning
applications
approved
April 18, 2022.
Financial
assistance
agreements
approved
June 20, 2022, and
July 2023
Anticipated
construction:
• Grading Q1, 2024
• Building 2 Q1, 2024
• Building 3 Q2, 2024
• Building 1 Q3, 2024
• Ramp Q3, 2024
Construction
completion all
phases Q4, 2025.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 5
Approved developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Parkway Residences
W 31st St. between
Inglewood Ave. &
Glenhurst Ave.
Sela Group & Affiliates
Multi-phase redevelopment includes four, multi-family
buildings with 211 units. The affordable housing includes 24
rehabilitated units at 50% AMI, and six new units at 60% AMI.
Phase III: Eleven-story, 73-unit apartment building.
Estimated development cost: $36.2 million
Estimated total development cost (all phases): $91.4 million
Phase III
commencement
anticipated
spring 2024.
Developer will be
submitting a request
to extend the
commencement
date.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 6
Under construction
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Arbor Court
3801 Wooddale Ave. S.
Real Estate Equities LLC
Redevelopment of former Aldersgate Church property
adjacent to Burlington Coat/Micro Center and Highway 100.
All affordable housing development includes 114-units, with
205 parking stalls, of which 117 stalls would be underground.
• Five units affordable to households at 30% AMI
• Five units affordable to households at 50% AMI
• 104 units affordable to households at 60% AMI
Estimated total development cost $30.1 million
Awarded
$17.5 million in
LIHTC bonds
January 2022.
Construction
commencement
August 2022 to be
completed by
February 2024
Mera
(formerly 9920
Wayzata)
9808 & 9920 Wayzata
Blvd.
Bigos Management
Redevelopment of former Santorini’s restaurant property at
northwest quadrant of I-394 & US 169.
Six-story, 233-unit, mixed income apartment building with
20% (47) of the units affordable to households at 50% AMI.
Estimated total development cost: $68.6 million
Construction
commencement
September 2022,
to be completed by
July 2024.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 7
Under construction
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Union Park Flats
3700 Alabama Ave. &
6027 37th St. W.
PPL (Project for Pride in
Living)
Redevelopment of the north portion of the Union
Congregational Church property with a three story, 60-unit
affordable apartment building on the north half of the
property. All unit rents would be affordable to households
ranging from 30%-60% AMI. Union Congregational Church
plans to remain on the south portion of the property.
Estimated total development cost: $28.6 million
Planning
applications
approved
July 6, 2020.
Received funding
from MHFA in June
2022 and fall 2022
SLP AHTF approved
May 2023
Construction
commencement
November 2023, to
be completed by
July 31, 2025
Zelia on Seven
(formerly Via Sol)
SE quadrant Hwy. 7 &
Wooddale Ave.
5855 Hwy. 7
Originally developed by
PLACE
Now owned by
Bigos Management
Mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented development
including a five-story, 217-unit apartment bldg (65 market
rate units, 22 units affordable to households at 50% AMI, and
130 units affordable to households at 80% AMI),
e-generation, wind turbine, solar panels, and one-acre urban
forest.
Estimated total development cost: $88.4 million
Commenced
January 2020.
Closed on
additional
financing
January 2022.
Apartment building
received its
temporary
certificate of
occupancy (TCO)
in July 2022.
Bigos Management
will submit an
application for a
PUD amendment
in late January.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 8
Recently completed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
10 West End
(Phase IV of
Central Park West)
1601 Utica Ave. S.
Excelsior Group and
Ryan Co.
Award winning eleven story, 343,000 square foot Class A,
LEED certified, office building with 3,500 square feet of
ground floor commercial space, 5,000 square feet of shared
outdoor amenity space and 1,214 stall parking structure.
Estimated construction cost: $55.8 million
Completed
January 2021.
The Elmwood
5605 W. 36th St.
Main Street Companies
Five story, 70-unit, mixed-use, mixed income, age restricted
development (53 market rate and 17 units affordable to
households at 60% AMI), 4,400 square feet of ground floor
office/commercial space.
Estimated total development cost: $24.6 million
Completed
August 2021.
Louisiana Crossing
3745 Louisiana Ave.
Loffler Companies
Warehouse
operations moved
in Q4 2021.
Office renovation
completed in
Q4 2022.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 9
Recently completed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Loffler Companies is renovating the 132,485 square foot
former Sam’s Club building. The Midwest’s largest office-
technology and IT-services company is consolidating its
headquarters and warehouse operations at this new location
resulting in over 500 jobs. Loffler is leasing out 30,000 square
feet in the building and may eventually sell the south end of
the 13-acre property for multifamily housing.
Estimated construction cost: $TBD
Parkway Residences
W 31st St. between
Inglewood Ave. &
Glenhurst Ave.
Sela Group & Affiliates
Multi-phase redevelopment includes four, multi-family
buildings with 211 units. The affordable housing includes 24
rehabilitated units at 50% AMI, and six new units at 60% AMI.
Phase I:
• Parkway Place: Four-story, 95-unit apartment building.
• Parkway Flats: Six-unit apartment building.
• Rehab of 24 NOAH apartment units.
Estimated development cost: $40.6 million
Phase II: Parkway Commons: Four-story, 37-unit apartment
building.
Estimated development cost: $14.6 million
Parkway Place &
rehab completed
April 30, 2022.
Parkway Flats
completed
October 2022.
Parkway Commons
completed
March 2023.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 10
Recently completed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
The Quentin
4900 Cedar Lake Rd.
Crowe Companies LLC
Project included the removal of three substandard buildings
and construction of a five story, 79-unit sustainable
apartment building that includes two levels of structured
parking. The housing includes eight units affordable to
households at 50% AMI.
Estimated total development cost: $21.3 million.
Completed
August 2021.
Xchange Medical Office
6009 Wayzata Blvd.
Davis Group
Three-story, Class A, medical office development fronting
I-394. Ear Nose & Throat Specialty Care (ENTSC) and Surgical
Care Affiliates (SCA) anchor the 77,996-square foot medical
office building. Includes one level of underground parking
with 51 stalls and 253 surface parking stalls on the building’s
south side.
Estimated construction cost: $13 million
Completed
November 2021.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 11
Recently completed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Nordic Ware
expansions
Buildings 8 & 9
5005 CSAH 25
Dalquist Properties LLC
21,853-square-foot warehouse and loading dock addition to
Building 8. 45,000 square foot warehouse and loading dock
addition to Building 9 along with a small café and outdoor
patio on the property’s south side facing the regional trail.
Estimated construction cost: $11.6 million
Completed
Q2 2022.
Volo at Texa-Tonka
NE corner Texas Ave. &
Minnetonka Blvd.
Paster Development
Mixed income redevelopment includes 101 apartment units
in a three- to four-story building, and 11 walk-up style
townhome units located in two two-story buildings on the
northern end of the site. Twenty percent (23) of the units
would be affordable to households at 50% AMI.
Estimated total development cost: $26.6 million
Completed 11
townhome units
Dec. 2022.
Completed 101
multifamily units
May 2023
Caraway
(formerly Luxe
Residential)
5235 Wayzata Blvd.
(Phase VI of
Central Park West)
Greystar Real Estate
Partners
Completed
October 2023
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 12
Recently completed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Redevelopment of former Olive Garden property in The West
End area.
Luxe Residential is a six-story, 207-unit, apartment building
(including eight units affordable to households at 60% AMI)
along with two levels of underground parking. The
development also includes a new pocket park along 16th
Street and pedestrian improvements connecting the
apartment building to the rest of The West End area.
Estimated construction cost: $51.8 million
Bremer Bank
7924 Hwy. 7
Frauenshuh
The retail building containing Knollwood Liquor and Papa
Murphy’s Pizza was removed and replaced with a two-story,
5,850 square foot office building and is occupied by Bremer
Bank.
Completed
October 2023
Corsa
(formerly Beltline
Residences)
3440 Beltline Blvd.
Opus Group
Five-story, 250-unit mixed-use, mixed income development
with two retail spaces totaling 7,445 square feet and
six live/work units. 10% of the units (25) will be affordable to
households at 50% AMI.
Estimated total development cost: $78.1 million
Completed
October 2023
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 13
Recently completed developments
Project, location &
developer Project Description Tentative
Schedule
Rise on 7
8115 Hwy. 7
CommonBond
Redevelopment of former Prince of Peace church property
across from Shops at Knollwood. Includes a four-story,
120-unit, all affordable apartment building with income
restrictions ranging between 30%-60% AMI along with a
6,600 square foot “affordable” early childhood center.
Estimated total development cost: $40.7 million
Awarded $17.7
million in LIHTC
bonds January
2022.
Construction
commencement
August 2022, to be
completed by
August 2024.
Risor
3510 Beltline Blvd.
Roers Company
Six-story, 170-unit apartment building with 4,100 square feet
of ground floor commercial space and 14 ground floor live-
work units. The development will be an age restricted (55+)
community with 10% (18) of the units affordable to
households at 50% AMI.
Estimated construction cost: $56.5 million
Construction
commencement
April 2022, to be
completed by
November 2023.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 14
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Hiring Goals
Through January 1, 2024
Corsa
(Beltline Residences)
Opus
Rise on 7
CommonBond**
Arbor House
Real Estate
Equities
The Mera
(9920 Wayzata)
Bigos LLC
QUARTERLY COMPLINANCE SUMMARY ACTUAL GOALS ACTUAL GOALS ACTUAL GOALS ACTUAL GOALS
Total number of business enterprises
contracted in development 38 50 59 50
Percentage of women-owned business
enterprises in development 10% 6% 4% 6% 5% 6% 10% 6%
Percentage of BIPOC/AAPI owned business
enterprises in development 1% 13% 0% 13% 2% 13% 2% 13%
Percentage of total development dollars
paid to women-owned business
enterprises in development
-- NA 5.02% 6% 0.5% 6% 5.44% 6%
Percentage of total development dollars
paid to BIPOC/AAPI owned business
enterprises in development
-- NA 0.00% 13% 0.6% 13% 0.12% 13%
Total number of construction workers
contracted in development NA NA 499 499 987
Percentage of women workforce in
development -- NA 2% 6% 2% 6% 3% 6%
Percentage of BIPOC/AAPI workforce* in
development -- NA 9% 32% 23% 32% 9% 32%
Percentage of total construction hours for
women workforce in development 7% 20% 1.01% 6% 3% 6% 0.67% 6%
Percentage of total construction hours for
BIPOC/AAPI workforce* in development 33% 32% 7.53% 32% 31% 32% 10.51% 32%
*The BIPOC/AAPI workforce demographic data is self-reported, and likely does not fully capture Hispanic/Latinx individuals.
** January 1, 2024 numbers have not yet been received for Rise on 7. These figures are from the Oct 1, 2023 submittal. Rise on 7 has received its
certificate of occupancy and the contractor is finalizing all reporting documentation.
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 3)
Title: Quarterly development update - 1st quarter 2024 Page 15
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: January 22, 2024
Written report: 4
Executive summary
Title: Community and civic engagement system introduction
Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of planned
discussions for study sessions included in the community and civic engagement system
introduction.
Policy consideration: During each item’s discussion, the council will be asked specific policy
questions related to the topic being discussed.
Summary: The community and civic engagement system will continue past systems discussions
that enhance our strategic priority “St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to
build social capital through community engagement.”
The following topics will be discussed at study sessions throughout this system:
• Legislative priorities discussion with St. Louis Park’s legislative delegation members.
• Vision 4.0 planning discussion.
• Boards and commissions redesign discussion.
Financial or budget considerations: N/A
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: N/A
Prepared by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Community and civic engagement system introduction
Discussion
Background: In 2018, the council adopted five strategic priorities as a part of the vision 3.0
process. One of the five priorities identified was: “St. Louis Park is committed to creating
opportunities to build social capital through community engagement.” Over the past few years,
staff have been aligning systems and programs to ensure that this strategic priority is being
achieved.
In 2022, staff discussed a vision for civic engagement to align strategies around general
community engagement from all departments in the city, existing civic programming connected
to decision-making and the desire to build social capital in the community. During these initial
discussions, staff outlined that the primary focus of these efforts would be to look more deeply
at the city’s existing civic engagement opportunities to better understand how these programs
are utilized, who they serve, and whether they reflect the city’s strategic priorities. Staff also
discussed the resources required to review and align much of this programming in a multi -year
approach to provide thorough analysis and strong recommendations for these programs going
forward.
In 2023, discussions expanded to cover specific engagement strategies. Specific programs were
discussed that are key engagement tools for the city to engage residents directly, such as the
neighborhood revitalization program and the boards and commissions program.
Present considerations: This series of the discussion will focus on the following topics:
Legislative priorities and discussion with St. Louis Park delegation: On an annual basis, the
council and members of the legislative delegation from the state and county that represent St.
Louis Park engage in a discussion regarding the year’s legislative priorities to ensure connection
and alignment. This conversation aims to ensure that St. Louis Park is strategically positioned as
legislation and funding is pursued that reflect the city’s strategic priorities.
Vision 4.0: Staff is beginning to plan for the next citywide visioning process, vision 4.0. Before
planning gets underway, staff would like to get input from the council regarding their ideas and
thoughts for the vision 4.0 process. Staff will use input gathered from this discussion to ensure
that, as planning begins, the council’s ideas are being incorporated into the process.
Boards and commission redesign: The council will continue to discuss the boards and
commissions program redesign project. Information on this process can be found on the boards
and commissions program redesign webpage.
In 2024, a community engagement coordinator will be hired. This position will play a significant
role in supporting this strategic priority and it will greatly enhance the city’s engagement
efforts. The community engagement coordinator will be responsible for establishing,
implementing and coordinating community engagement policies and programs . They will also
work collaboratively across the city to build internal capacity, improve citywide systems and
enhance community relationships. It is anticipated that this position will be filled in quarter 1 of
2024.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: January 22, 2024
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update – Ward 4
Recommended action: None at this time. This report is intended to provide an overview of the
2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project. The council will be asked to approve final plans
and order advertisement for bids on this project at the Feb. 5, 2024 city council meeting.
Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to pursue the reconstruction of Cedar Lake
Road including sidewalk and cycle track installation, utility improvements, stormwater
treatment, and ADA improvements described in this report?
Summary: On Feb. 6, 2023, the city council approved the preliminary layout for the Cedar Lake
Road and Louisiana Avenue improvement project. Since that time, staff have been working with
the consulting firm Kimley-Horn on further refining the design of this project. The consultant is
currently working on the final plans and specifications. A few changes have occurred since the
last project update in August 2023. The following is a summary of the changes to the project
discussed in this report:
• Easement acquisition - condemnation
• Parking restrictions
• Tree removal
• Stormwater treatment
• Open house #4
• Schedule
Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue will be rehabilitated over three years. The construction
schedule is shown below:
1. Cedar Lake Road rehabilitation (TH169 to Rhode Island Avenue) – Project no. 4023-1100
• Construction 2024
2. Cedar Lake Road (Rhode Island Avenue to Kentucky Avenue) and Louisiana Avenue
rehabilitation (Wayzata Boulevard to BNSF railroad) – Project no. 4024-1100
• Private utility work in 2024 and 2025
• Construction 2025 and 2026
Financial or budget considerations: This project is included in the city’s 2024 capital
improvement plan (CIP) and will be paid for using federal, state, MSA, MSA bonds, and utility
funds. A construction cost estimate is being fin alized and will be provided as a part of the Feb.
5, 2024 city council report.
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
Attachment 1: Construction map 2024-2026
Attachment 2: 2024 construction phasing
Prepared by: Joseph Shamla, engineering project manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update – Ward 4
Discussion
Background: On Feb. 6, 2023, the city council approved the preliminary layout for the Cedar
Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue improvement project. An update was provided to the city
council at the Aug. 28, 2023 study session. On Oct. 2, 2023 the city council approved a
resolution to commence eminent domain for the easements needed to construct the 2024
portion of Cedar Lake Road. Since that time, staff has been working with the consulting firm
Kimley-Horn on further refining the design of this project. The consultant is currently working
on the final plans and specifications.
The construction years for Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue are shown below:
1. Cedar Lake Road rehabilitation (TH169 to Rhode Island Avenue) – Project no. 4023-1100
• Construction 2024
2. Cedar Lake Road (Rhode Island Avenue to Kentucky Avenue) and Louisiana Avenue
rehabilitation (Wayzata Boulevard to BNSF railroad) – Project no. 4024-1100
• Private utility work in 2024 and 2025
• Construction 2025 and 2026
Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue are important corridors in our community. These roads
are designated on our Municipal State Aid (MSA) system and are eligible for state gas tax
dollars to help pay for improvement projects. To qualify for MSA funding in the future, these
roads will be constructed to state aid standards.
Present considerations: A few changes have occurred since the last project update in August of
2023. The following is a summary of the changes discussed in this report:
• Easement acquisition - condemnation
• Parking restrictions
• Tree removal
• Stormwater treatment
• Open house #4
• Schedule
Easement acquisition- condemnation: Staff have been working with the city attorney and the
consulting firms Kimley-Horn and SRF to secure the easements needed to co nstruct the 2024
Cedar Lake Road project. This project requires 42 easements to construct. The project team has
agreements with 37 property owners for this project. The project team will be proceeding with
condemnation for 11 properties. Of the 11 properties, five (5) have not come to an agreement
and six (6) have signed agreements but still need mortgage holder consent.
Any property about which the city has been unable to come to an agreement will continue to
condemnation. Properties that have an agreement with the city and are essential to the
function of the corridor will also be added to the condemnation proceedings if they do not have
a mortgage holder consent. To ensure that all interested parties have signed off on the
essential easements, it is prudent to obtain mortgage consent when obtaining permanent
easements.
Even though we are proceeding with condemnation on these properties, t he project team will
continue to work with property owners to come to an agreement on compensation and will
also continue to work on obtaining mortgage holder consents. If we can come up with an
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update – Ward 4
agreement and obtain the mortgage holder consent prior to the hearing, the property will be
removed from condemnation process.
Parking restrictions: In order to construct the project per the approved layout, the on-street
parking, which is currently on both sides of Cedar Lake Road , will need to be removed. The
removal of parking has been communicated to the residents and business owners throughout
the public process. Staff will be asking for approval of a no-parking resolution for Cedar Lake
Road at the Feb. 5, 2024 city council meeting.
Tree removal: To avoid conflicts with nesting birds, bats and bees to meet our federal grant
obligations, the trees identified for removal as part of the project must be removed prior to
March 31, 2204, or after Oct. 31, 2024. Staff will solicit bids for this work separately from the
construction contract and it will be complete by March 31, 2024. This information was shared
at open house #4. Additional information regarding the schedule will be shared with the public
prior to work commencing.
Stormwater treatment: Staff has identified stormwater best management practices (BMPs)
opportunities to reduce runoff volume, reduce pollutants and improve stormwater quality. The
project team is working with Westwood Lutheran Church to install an underground storm water
treatment system in their parking lot; this will require the purchase of an easement. Staff is also
reviewing an alternative stormwater site at Willow Park in case we are unable to come to an
agreement with Westwood Lutheran Church for the easements needed. Staff will provide an
update regarding stormwater treatment in the Feb. 5, 2024 city council report.
Open house #4: Residents and business owners were invited to the fourth open house to
review the 90 percent plans. This open house was held virtually on Dec. 4, 2023 and in-person
on Dec. 5, 2023. A recording of the virtual open house is available on the project website for
anyone who was unable to attend. Approximately 30 people attended the virtual open house
and approximately 40 people attended the in-person open house. Please see the most
frequently asked questions at the open house along with staff response below:
1. Will there be special assessments for this project?
No. The city will not be special assessing adjacent properties to fund this project.
2. Will on-street parking be affected by this project?
Yes. On-street parking along Cedar Lake Road will be removed with this project.
3. Will vehicles be able to park on the cycle track when it is adjacent to the roadway?
No. The cycle track is a dedicated bicycle facility and vehicle parking will not be allowed
on the cycle track.
4. Will Cedar Lake Road be fully closed or have directional closures during construction?
Cedar Lake Road will be closed to thru traffic during construction. The detour route will
follow TH 169 to Minnetonka Boulevard to Louisiana Avenue. Access for residents that
rely on Cedar Lake Road to gain access to their homes will be maintained and these
residents will be able to drive through the construction site.
5. Will pick up and drop off at Park Spanish Immersion (PSI) school be impacted by
construction and the improvements?
The school’s driveway connection at Jordan Ave will not be impacted and all vehicles
should be able to access the school via the traffic signal during construction. Road
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update – Ward 4
construction adjacent to PSI will begin after the end of the school year and be complete
before the start of school in the fall. Upon project completion, access to PSI will be the
same as it is today.
The project team is working with the St. Louis Park School District to communicate
information about this project and any impacts it will have for transportation.
6. With the removal of parking lanes, how will deliveries from Fed Ex/ UPS function after
the project is constructed?
Upon project completion, delivery vehicles will likely make quick stops along Cedar Lake
Road to drop off packages. During this time, vehicle traffic will need to pass with
caution. Delivery services for Cedar Lake Road will function similar to how Louisiana Ave
currently operates. Longer-term deliveries or stops will need to utilize the adjacent side
streets.
7. With the removal of parking lanes, how will solid waste services function after the
project is constructed?
Solid waste services for Cedar Lake Road will function similar to how Louisiana Avenue
currently operates. Once the project is completed, solid waste vehicles will make quick
stops along Cedar Lake Road to pick up receptacles. During this time, vehicle traffic will
need to pass with caution.
8. How will snow removal function once the project is constructed?
The city will remove snow on the roadway, cycle tracks, and sidewalks. During/after a
snow event, a snowplow will clear snow from the roadway. A smaller snow blowing
tractor will be used to clear the sidewalk and cycle track.
9. Will the entire project be under construction at the same time?
This project will be constructed in 3 phases. Please see attachment 2 to view the
phasing map.
Construction adjacent to PSI will be completed when school is not in session.
Next steps: The proposed schedule for the project to facilitate construction in 2024 is as
follows:
Council approves project and no parking resolution Feb. 5, 2024
Condemnation hearing and easements finalized February 2024
Final plans submitted to MnDOT Federal Aid for review Mid-February
Tree removal from Jordan Ave. to Rhode Island Ave. February/ March
Federal approval and authorization to bid March 2024
Bid opening April 2024
Private utility relocation Mid-April
Construction begins May 2024
Project substantially complete and open to the public November 2024
Construction complete June 2025
CEDAR LAKE R
D LOUISIANA AVE S22NDST W
18THST W
16THST W
CEDARMANOR LAKE
HANNAN LAKE VICTORIA LAKE
COBBLECREST LAKE
WESTWOODLAKE
WESTLING POND
Northside
Park
Lamplighter
Park
Cedar
Knoll Park
Westwood Hills
Nature Center
29TH ST W
MINNETONKA BLVDHIGHWAY 16914TH ST W
WAYZATABLVD
28TH ST WTEXASAVESINTERSTATE 394
27TH ST W
22ND ST W
CLUB RD
24TH ST W PENNSYLVANIA AVE SVIRGINIA CIR N
RHODE ISLAND AVE SFLAG AVE S25TH ST W
ZINRAN AVE SFRANKLINAVEW
VICTORIA W
AYUTAHDR
VIRGINIAAVESKENTUCKY AVESWESTWOOD HILLS
DRBURD PLWYOMINGAVESGETTY
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BURGAVESQ
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A
V
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OREGON AVE S18TH ST W
16TH ST W13THLNW
2 6 T H S T WHILLSBOROAVESFAIRWAYLN
BOONEAVES
JORDANAVESINDEPENDENCEAVESW ESTMORELANDLN
O
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EGONCT13 1/2 ST W
QUEBECDR
AQUILAAVESMARYLAND AVE SNEVADA AVE SDECATUR AVE SVIRGINIA CIR S
22ND LN W
Y UKONAVES23RD ST W
T E X A TONKAAVEUTAH AVESCAVELL
A
VESSTANLEN RD
XYLONAVESEB I394 TOLOUISIANAAVE S
WESTWOODHILLSCURV0 0.5 10.25
Miles
Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue Improvements
Legend
2024 construction
2025 construction
2026 construction
Municipal boundary
RHODEISLAND
A
VESSUMTERAVESStudy session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 5)
Title: 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update - Ward 4 Page 5
2024 CEDAR LAKE ROAD
CONSTRUCTION PHASING EXHIBIT
NOVEMBER 2023
Study session meeting of January 22, 2024 (Item No. 5)
Title: 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update - Ward 4
Page 6