HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/05/01 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Planning Commission - Study Session Planning commission study session meeting
May 1, 2024
6:00 p.m.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call Sean Walther at 952.924.2574 or the
administration department at 952.924.2505.
Planning commission meeting
The St. Louis Park planning commission is meeting in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005
Minnetonka Blvd. Members of the public can attend the meeting in person.
Visit bit.ly/slppcagendas to view the agenda and reports.
Agenda
1.Tree preservation ordinance
2.Arrive & Thrive update
Future scheduled meeting/event dates:
May 15, 2024 – planning commission meeting cancelled
June 5, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting
June 26, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting*
July 3, 2024 – planning commission regular meeting
*Meeting on June 26 due to Juneteenth holiday on June 19.
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2
Planning commission: Study session
Meeting date: May 1, 2024
Agenda item: 1
1 Tree preservation ordinance
Executive summary
Recommended action: No action is required at this time. The purpose of this report is to share
and discuss the proposed amendments to the existing tree protection and preservation
regulations in the city’s zoning code.
Summary: The tree canopy is diminishing in St. Louis Park due to tree removals resulting from
emerald ash borer (EAB) in ash trees, decline in mature oak trees and Dutch Elm disease in elm
trees. Tree removal from urban development projects is also a contributing factor, although not
to the same extent. St. Louis Park has several policies and programs to support tree planting
and preservation. The city supports tree planting on existing commercial and residential
properties through multiple cost-share programs including annual Tree Sale, Shade SLP, Shade
SLP+ and Depave SLP. The natural resources division manages public trees funded by the Park
Improvement Fund and the tree replacement fees collected by the city.
In 2023, city council directed staff to explore strategies to promote tree preservation in St.
Louis Park with a focus on heritage trees. Heritage trees are mature trees that contribute
greatly to the city’s tree canopy and provide magnified public and environmental health
benefits compared to smaller trees. This report provides an overview of the proposed
amendments to the existing tree protection policy in the city's zoning code. The
recommendations include adding a heritage tree definition, implementing heritage tree
replacement requirements, and offering heritage tree preservation credits.
Supporting documents: November 23, 2015 study session agenda, November 23, 2015 study
session minutes, March 22, 2022 study session topic proposal, April 25, 2022 study session
agenda, April 25, 2022 study session minutes, August 14, 2023 study session agenda, August 28,
2023 study session agenda, August 28, 2023 study session minutes, Attachment A: December
2022 memo to city council from the environment and sustainability commission
Prepared by: Katelyn Champoux, associate planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy cd director; Emily Ziring, sustainability
manager; Michael Bahe, natural resources manager
3
Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: Tree preservation ordinance
Discussion
Background
Existing condition of the tree canopy
The tree canopy, which is the percentage of ground that is covered by tree leaves during the
growing season, is diminishing in St. Louis Park. This has been caused primarily by tree removals
resulting from emerald ash borer (EAB) in ash trees, decline in mature oak trees and Dutch Elm
disease in elm trees. Tree removal from urban development projects is also a contributing
factor, although not to the same extent. Tree canopy coverage in the city was estimated at
33.6% in September of 2022, a decline from 38.1% estimated in 2015, although this is not
consistent across the community. The history of industrialization and redlining in certain
neighborhoods has led to an inequitable distribution of tree cover in St. Louis Park. According to
the Growing Shade tool, St. Louis Park had an existing tree canopy coverage of 34.6% in 2021
with census block groups ranging from 12% to 54.1% canopy. Despite the city’s existing
programs and policies to address tree loss, canopy decline is expected to continue for the next
two to five years as EAB populations peak in the city.
Existing tree preservation strategies
St. Louis Park recognizes the importance of addressing canopy loss and enhancing the local tree
canopy. In past conversations, city council directed staff to establish a long-term tree canopy
percentage goal, with the understanding that in the short-to-mid-term the city should expect to
see a reduction as EAB infested trees die. This goal will guide proposed improvements to
existing tree preservation strategies and ideas for future policies and programs.
St. Louis Park has several policies and programs to support tree planting and preservation. The
city supports tree planting on existing commercial and residential properties through multiple
cost-share programs including annual Tree Sale, Shade SLP, Shade SLP+ and Depave SLP. The
natural resources division manages public trees funded by the Park Improvement Fund and the
tree replacement fees collected by the city. The city also supports tree health by providing free
consultations to property owners to assess tree health, subsidies for fungicide injections to
preserve elm and oak trees, and bulk rate discounts for emerald ash borer treatments.
Additionally, the zoning and vegetation codes provide specific protections for existing trees on
public property (including boulevard trees), commercial properties (including office, industrial,
and apartment uses), and new subdivisions. Within the zoning code, the landscaping section
sets restrictions for tree removal, standards for replacement, and general minimum
landscaping planting requirements and standards that are based on either the dimensions of
the parcel or scale of development. It does not apply to trees on lots with existing single-family
or two-family dwellings.
The zoning code provisions for tree removal and replacement apply to significant trees, which
the city defines as: “Any tree, with the exception of Salix (Willow), Boxelder, Siberian Elm and
Black Locust, is considered to be significant under the landscaping section of the zoning
ordinance if it is at least five caliper inches for deciduous trees and six caliper inches for
conifers. Aspen, Cottonwood, or Silver Maple are considered significant if they are at least 12
inches in diameter at 4.5 feet from the ground.” Property owners may remove up to 20% of the
total diameter inches of significant trees on the site without being required to replace them. 4
Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: Tree preservation ordinance
Any removal over 20% requires replacement at a standard rate of 1.5 inches replaced for every
one inch removed. Property owners have several options for replacement. They can replace on
site, replace off-site in public spaces with city consent, or pay a fee-in-lieu of planting.
Proposed improvements to existing tree preservation policy
In 2023, city council directed staff to explore strategies to promote tree preservation in St.
Louis Park with a focus on heritage trees. Heritage trees are mature trees that contribute
greatly to the city’s tree canopy and provide magnified public and environmental health
benefits compared to smaller trees.
The following section outlines proposed amendments to the existing tree protection policy in
the city’s zoning code. These recommendations were informed by a literature review of tree
preservation ordinances and mechanisms for incentivizing tree preservation, along with a
review of local tree protection policies in other Twin Cities metropolitan area communities.
Staff believe these amendments will demonstrate the value of heritage trees to the city
through a balance of penalties for removing and incentives for preserving trees.
Heritage tree definition
Staff recommend adding a heritage tree definition to recognize the importance of mature trees
and promote preservation of these community assets. We reviewed heritage tree definitions
from other cities and find the following definition appropriate for St. Louis Park.
A heritage tree is a healthy deciduous tree measuring 30 inches or greater in diameter at
standard height (“dsh”) or a healthy coniferous tree measuring either 25 inches or greater in
dsh or measuring 20 feet or greater in height.
Heritage tree replacement requirements
The zoning code includes a formula to determine the replacement tree requirements when
significant trees are removed from commercial properties and new subdivisions for
development. This formula accounts for the 20% of total significant trees (inches dsh) that
property owners can remove without requiring replacement. It also applies the standard
replacement rate (1.5) to the inches of significant trees removed above the 20% threshold. Staff
recommend keeping this formula for significant trees.
For heritage trees, staff recommend requiring replacement for every inch of heritage trees
removed from commercial properties and new subdivisions for development. This differs from
the removal restrictions for significant trees to further emphasize the importance of heritage
trees to the community. Staff research found that removal restrictions vary from city-to-city,
but cities generally set a removal restriction that is equal to or lower than that of significant
trees, or other similarly defined trees.
Staff recommend requiring a standard heritage tree replacement rate of two inches replaced
for every one inch removed to promote heritage tree preservation and disincentivize heritage
tree removal.
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Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 1)
Title: Tree preservation ordinance
Heritage tree preservation credits
Although existing trees factor into the tree replacement calculations, there is not an explicit
credit for preserving trees on site. Adding an explicit credit may better communicate and
leverage property owners to preserve trees on a site benefiting both the property owner and
the city. The property owner would benefit from reduced tree removal costs and replacement
requirements, while the city would benefit from preservation of mature trees that greatly
contribute to the local tree canopy.
The City of Woodbury incentivizes tree preservation through a specimen (i.e., heritage) tree
credit. This credit allows property owners to count the inches of specimen trees preserved on a
site toward the total inches (dsh) of trees that require replacement. Property owners receive a
credit of one inch for every two inches of specimen trees preserved and the credit cannot
exceed 50% of the total tree replacement requirement.
The City of Roseville also has tree preservation credits built into its required tree replacement
calculation for three types of trees defined in the city’s code: heritage, significant, and
common. Roseville allows property owners to apply the standard replacement rate for each
type of tree when calculating preservation credits. For example, property owners receive a
credit of two inches for every one inch of heritage trees preserved on the site given the city’s
replacement rate of two for heritage trees.
Staff recommend the city offer credits for preserving heritage trees to reduce the total inches
of trees a property owner may be required to replace. Property owners would receive a credit
of one inch for every one inch of heritage trees preserved on the site up to 50% of the required
replacement total. The intent of providing a 1:1 credit is to further incentivize heritage tree
preservation by reducing tree removal costs and replacement requirements.
Next steps
Staff will provide the city council with a report on the city’s long-term tree canopy goal on May
28, 2024. This report will also provide an update on recent and ongoing work related to tree
planting and preservation. At the June 10, 2024, city council study session, staff will present on
and facilitate a discussion about the recommended revisions to the tree protection language in
the city code. Following this discussion, staff will address the city council’s feedback and bring a
proposed ordinance to the planning commission. The planning commission will hold a public
hearing on the zoning ordinance and make a formal recommendation to the city council. Staff
anticipate council action on the proposed ordinance in the third quarter of 2024.
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St. Louis Park Tree Policy MEMO Attachment A
December 4, 2022
From: Environment & Sustainability Commission (ESC)
To: St. Louis Park City Council
Our city’s tree canopy impacts the health and wellness of residents and the efficacy of our
Climate Action Plan goals. Unfortunately, the canopy and overall biomass within our city has
been on the decline for some time. While drought, disease, development, and lack of
preservation policy are all broad causes of canopy decline across the city, the history of
industrialization and redlining in certain neighborhoods has led to an inequitable distribution of
tree cover in St. Louis Park. According to the Growing Shade App, St. Louis Park had an
existing tree canopy coverage of 34.6% in 2021 with census block groups ranging from 12%
to 54.1% canopy. Growing Shade recommends a goal of maintaining at least 45% tree canopy
across all groups.
Our city has a lot to be proud of regarding our efforts to grow and maintain the tree canopy.
● Tree planting - about seven hundred trees this year
● Prioritizing neighborhoods of opportunity
● EAB treatment of most Ash trees over fifteen inches
● Watering to protect trees from droughts in 2021 and 2022
● Buckthorn removal
● Good collaboration between city departments
● Knowledgeable staff
We also have significant challenges to tree health, including Emerald Ash Borer infestation, and
prolonged periods of drought mixed with short, intense rainfall episodes due to climate change.
As City Council may be looking to update policies related to trees, the ESC would like to
bring forward some ideas for you to consider:
● Implement a replacement program for trees removed on commercial properties such as
Target, Byerly’s, Cambridge industrial area, and others.
● Further implement and monitor tree cover standards for new and existing parking lots.
○ For new parking lots, consider how to better enforce code requirements for new
parking lots. Current code requires a landscape island for every fifteen stalls that
is at least five feet deep, two canopy trees per island, irrigation, plus screening
and perimeter plantings. The green building policy requires plant species and
systems that reduce the amount of water used for irrigation.
○ For existing parking lots, monitor the outcomes of the forthcoming depaving pilot
program, which will incentivize businesses to retrofit their parking lots with green
space (including trees). Existing parking lots are where more tree cover is most
needed, so it is crucial to recruit businesses to participate.
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○ Tree plantings could be matched with rain gardens around applicable parking lot
storm drains.
○ See this interesting EPA memo with an example from Maplewood Mall:
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-11/documents/final_stormwater_tree
s_technical_memo_508.pdf
● Implement a replanting program for trees along the Light Rail corridor once targeted
areas can be identified so as to not interfere with light rail and freight train movement.
Replant trees wherever possible along Cedar Lake Trail, along with native plants. Our
understanding is that thousands of trees have been lost due to light rail construction
throughout St. Louis Park and neighboring cities.
● Encourage even more proactive approaches to engaging St. Louis Park residents in tree
planting and maintenance.
○ Include residents in tree selection (within species diversity guidelines), planting,
and low-lift maintenance (ex: watering) when planting new trees on right of ways/
boulevards in front of homes. Our understanding is that the city does try to
include residents, but residents might not know enough about this process.
○ Offer educational and outreach opportunities from foresters to residents.
○ Offer opportunities for residents to adopt trees to water on public land, similar to
storm drain adoption.
○ Promote edible landscaping to build connections to land, including orchards and
individual fruit trees, edible windbreaks, and living fences.
● Provide additional monitoring to consistently protect trees from construction damage on
private and public land.
● Focus on EAB treatment for the best large trees (ex: greater than 24 inches) on public
and private land. Our understanding is that treatment is more cost effective than removal.
● Where possible, use large tree stock (ball and burlap) for replacement on public land.
● Improve the current tree preservation and replacement ordinance by adding a heritage
tree classification for large native species to allow the largest trees within the community,
which provide the greatest shade and carbon sequestration, to be preserved, or require a
higher fee-in-lieu for heritage trees than for other trees.
● Set an overall tree canopy goal for the city with a target achievement date (2040) and set
achievable annual benchmarks on a scaled increase as new trees mature.
● Work with Xcel Energy to jointly prioritize powerline burial to protect current and future
trees from systematic damage and disfigurement, open more usable canopy space,
reduce fire risk, and enhance public safety. We recommend this measure to be
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negotiated into future franchise agreements as a shared investment between St. Louis
Park and Xcel Energy.
● Provide funding for additional staff and training to allow for more proactive tree planting,
protection, maintenance by city foresters, and enforcement/inspections of
vegetation/zoning ordinances.
Thank you for your consideration,
St. Louis Park Environment & Sustainability Commission
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Planning commission: Study session
Meeting date: May 1, 2024
Agenda item: 2
2 Arrive + Thrive project update
Executive summary
Recommended action: No action is needed at this time. The purpose of this report is to provide
the planning commission an update on the Arrive + Thrive project so far and what is ahead with
the next round of engagement.
Summary: The purpose of the Arrive + Thrive project is to create four small area plans for
gateway areas within the community to guide decisions about development, investment, and
how the areas will be used. The process includes updates to the existing plans for the three
METRO Green Line light rail stations: Beltline Boulevard, Wooddale Avenue and Louisiana
Avenue, and the creation of a new plan to guide investments along West Excelsior Boulevard.
The resulting gateway plans will provide guidance and implementation actions to support
development that aligns with the community’s interests, the city’s strategic priorities, and the
2040 Comprehensive Plan.
This report provides a brief overview of the first phase of community engagement and the
existing conditions analysis of each gateway, along with a more in-depth summary of the
second phase of engagement findings. The purpose of the second phase of community
engagement was to share the four “big ideas” for each gateway identified through previous
engagement and analysis and to collect specific feedback on these topics. This information was
used to refine the planning approach for each gateway to share with community members in
this next phase of engagement. In phase 3, the community will have the opportunity to review
the proposed approach for the four gateways, share final comments and concerns, and identify
priorities for implementation.
Planning commission was provided written update in October 2023. Some of the information in
this report will be repeated because it has been several months since it was shared.
Supporting documents: Discussion, Phase 1 Engagement Summary, Phase 2 Engagement
Summary
Prepared by: Laura Chamberlain, senior planner; Katelyn Champoux, associate planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy CD director
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Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 2)
Title: Arrive + Thrive project update
Discussion
Phase 1: May and June 2023
The first round of engagement for Arrive + Thrive was held in May and June of 2023. The
purpose of this phase was to inform community members of the project and learn about
individuals’ experiences in the gateway areas. There were two main engagement activities
during this phase: an online interactive map and survey and an in-person open house event. In
total, around 150 community members participated in phase 1 of engagement. A full summary
of the engagement is available on the project website and as an attachment to this report.
Phase 2: October – December 2023
The second phase of engagement for Arrive + Thrive shared the big ideas developed for each
gateway and gathered feedback from the community to refine them. The big ideas were
identified using community input from phase 1, along with technical analysis of the existing
conditions for each gateway and the current station area plans. Phase 2 used a variety of in-
person events and an online survey to confirm the big ideas and gather specific input to shape
the implementation actions of each big idea.
In-person engagement activities included:
• Susan Lindgren Fall Festival Pop-up Event
• Howl-o-Ween Pop-up Event
• Steel Toe Pop-up Event
• Goblins on Ice Pop-up Event
• West Excelsior Walking Tour
• West Excelsior Business Survey
• Louisiana Gateway Business and Property Owner Focus Group
• Era on Excelsior Pop-up Event
• Hoigaard Village Pop-up Events (3)
The table below outlines phase 2 engagement feedback (online and in-person) on the big ideas
for the Beltline Gateway.
Redevelopment
opportunities
• Add more restaurants and beverage establishments.
• Enhance and add more public uses and gathering spaces.
• Prefer a mix of new development and building reuse.
Green corridors
• Appreciate existing natural spaces (e.g., Bass Lake).
• Replace surface parking with green spaces and outdoor
spaces.
• Support active and passive outdoor spaces.
Circulation
• Increase access to natural resources and existing
transportation infrastructure.
• Improve bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
• Implement green transportation infrastructure (e.g., EV
charging stations).
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Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 2)
Title: Arrive + Thrive project update
CSAH 25 improvements
• Enhance green spaces.
• Improve signage and wayfinding.
• Improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians along the
corridor and at crossings.
The table below outlines phase 2 engagement feedback (online and in-person) on the big ideas
for the Wooddale Gateway.
Redevelopment
opportunities
• Looking for greater variety of housing choices and
businesses
• Desired additions and enhancements to public gathering
spaces
• Notable support for Micro Center as a beloved business
• Value historic aesthetic of homes in Edgewood
neighborhood
Green corridors
• Desire for greater tree canopy in gateway
• Suggestions of converting existing surface parking lots to
green spaces
• Focus of green improvements along 36th Street and
Wooddale corridors
Circulation
• Would like to see additional improvements to bicycle and
pedestrian infrastructure
• Stronger non-vehicle connections across Highway 100,
along 36th Street, Excelsior Blvd, and possible Cambridge
pedestrian bridge
Highway 100
• Need for improved crossings over Highway 100,
especially for non-vehicle movement
• Community members want to connect to retail and
services on the east side of Highway 100
• Would like the connections to emphasize green
infrastructure
The table below outlines phase 2 engagement feedback (online and in-person) on the big ideas
for the Louisiana Gateway.
Redevelopment
opportunities
• Support for residential densities that would support
more active commercial businesses
• Desire especially for restaurants and commercial services
for residents and employees to go to
• Want redevelopment to come with public uses and
gathering spaces as well
13
Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 2)
Title: Arrive + Thrive project update
Affordable housing
• Community emphasis on maintaining access to
affordable housing in the area
• Concern about displacement and gentrification
happening with redevelopment
• Investments in employment and transit also help support
affordability
Oxford Street activation
• Desire for balance between new mixed use development
while still supporting the needs of existing industrial uses
• Freight access and roads that accommodate all users are
a priority
Circulation
• Desire for connection of the South Oak Hill neighborhood
to the station area / to the creek
• Conversion of rail spur south of Oxford desired
• Filling in of “network” for all transportation modes
needed
The table below outlines phase 2 engagement feedback (online and in-person) on the big ideas
for the West Excelsior Gateway.
Commercial
redevelopment
opportunities
• Open to redevelopment on Party City and Jessen Press
site, especially with emphasis on Excelsior frontage
• Concerns about parking availability
• Value current mix of local businesses and would like to
see greater variety of retail and services
Multimodal Circulation
• Currently uncomfortable for pedestrians or cyclists on
road or crossing road
• Desire for traffic calming, wider sidewalks and a road diet
• Support for bikeway connection on Brunswick Ave
Parking and access
• Desire for parking solutions in the area
• Some support for concentrated/shared parking facilities,
but safe crossings and pedestrian connections needed
• Multiple driveway accesses make pedestrian movement
more difficult
West Excelsior Blvd
Design
• Desire to see reconfiguration of the roadway, with traffic
calming and more space for sidewalks and landscaping
• Existing difficulties crossing Excelsior need to be
addressed
• Like existing landscaped median and would like to see it
expanded
A full summary of the engagement is available on the project website and as an attachment to
this report.
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Study session meeting of May 1, 2024 (Item No. 2)
Title: Arrive + Thrive project update
Phase 3: May 2024
The third phase of engagement for Arrive + Thrive will share the recommended planning
approach for each gateway. The intent of phase 3 is to present these ideas to the public,
reaffirm community support for this approach, and identify community priorities for
implementation. This phase will include an in-person event to celebrate the final phase of the
project and online engagement.
The event will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Doc’s Hall Event
Center in the City’s Historic Walker Lake District.
Phase 3 participation strategies
Strategy Purpose Audience
Community
advisory group
meeting #4
Explore solutions, recommendations, and actions
for each study area.
Community advisory
group
Events Community event to share the recommended
planning approach for each gateway, reaffirm
community support for this approach, and identify
priorities for implementation. Celebrate the
closing of the project.
Public, Stakeholders
Interactive map Share the recommended planning approach for
each gateway and collect feedback.
Public, Stakeholders
Website
information
Provide a general project update. Public, Stakeholders
Community
advisory group
meeting #5
Review the draft Gateway Plans and final
recommendations.
Community advisory
group
Next steps: Planning commissioners are encouraged to attend the phase 3 engagement event.
We also encourage you to share information about the event and online engagement with your
friends, family, and neighbors. Links to the online engagement will be sent to the commission
when it is live. Staff will post this as a public meeting, since it is possible a quorum may be
present, but no formal commission business will occur.
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This report summarizes engagement events and community feedback collected from surveys and in-person events. The Arrive + Thrive Open House from June 27th, an online survey, and an online interactive map are included. Over 150 community members have participated.
August 2023
PHASE 1 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
Place a Pin!
This needs attention
I have an idea
I have a concern
I like this
Legend:
Green Line Extension
Bike Routes & Trails Louisiana Gatew a y
Louisiana Station
Hwy 7 Lake St
Walker St
Cedar L
a
k
e
Tr
ail
CreeksidePark Methodist
Hospital
St. Louis Park
High School
Loffler
Companies
JorvigPark
LouisianaOaks Park
Oxford
St Brunswick Ave
L
ouisia
n
a
A
v
e
M innehahaCreekPINK
BLUE
PURPLE
GREEN
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Arrive + Thrive Phase 1: Issues and Opportunities
When: May 1 to July 14, 2023
Place a Pin!
This needs attention
I have an idea
I have a concern
I like this
Legend:
Green Line Extension
Bike Routes & TrailsLouisiana Gatew a y
Louisiana Station
Hwy 7 Lake St
Walker St
Cedar L
a
k
e
Tr
ail
CreeksidePark Methodist
Hospital
St. Louis Park
High School
Loffler
Companies
JorvigPark
LouisianaOaks Park
Oxford
St Brunswick Ave
L
ouisia
n
a
A
v
e
M innehaha CreekCOLOR
COLOR
COLOR
COLOR
Goals of the Last Plan
Developed in 2003, the Elmwood Area Land Use, Transit,
and Transportation Study document provides a set of
Elmwood Area (now Wooddale) planning principles,
a range of recommendations, and land use guiding
recommendations. Goals from that plan include:
Redevelop opportunity sitesfor residential, office,
and mixed-uses in line with future transit
developments.
Maintain or redevelop opportunity sites to support
current and future job sectors.
Redevelop opportunity sitesfor multimodal
transit developments, such as park and rides.
Improve pedestrian and bicycle accommodations
tocurrent and future amenities.
Enhance the public realm by way of streetscape
and open space improvements.
Population
Between 2010 and 2020, thepopulation in census tracts in
the Wooddale Station Gateway area grew by between -6.3
percent and 22.4 percent (10.5 percent citywide).
Housing
In census tracts in the Wooddale Station Gateway area, the
percentage of renter-occupied housing is between 12.0
percent and 71.9 percent (41.9 percent citywide).
Employment & Income
Between 2010 and 2020, the median household income in
census tracts in the Wooddale Station Gateway area grew
between 16.6 percent and 63.0 percent (39.7 percent
citywide).
Mobility
63% 60% 56%
Percentage of jobs
in transportation,
warehousing, and
utilities
Percentage of jobs
in other services
Percentage of
jobs in public
administration
Wooddale Station
1
5
6
4
3
7
9
11
12
2
1 Highway 7 interchange and improvements, 2011
2 Wooddale Ave bikeway improvements, 2020
3 Via Sol apartments, 2022
4 Union Park Flats, 2024
5 Village in the Park condominiums and townhomes, 2006
6 36th Street reconstruction, 2022
7 OlyHi mixed-use development, 2025
8 Towerlight senior housing, 2012
9 Hoigaard Village mixed-use development, 2007
10 The Elmwood apartments, 2019
11 Firestation 1, 2011
12 Arbor House apartments, 2023
Wooddale Station Gateway
8% 47% 46%
Percentage of
households in
the study area
with two or more
vehicles.
Percentage of
households in the
study area with
one vehicle.
Percentage of
households in the
study area with no
vehicles. Lake StWo
o
d
d
a
l
e
A
v
e
36th St Hwy 100Hwy 7
Area Investments
Environment The greater Minnehaha Creek Watershed is a critical natural
resource in the Wooddale Gateway area. Future developments should use
best practices to promote positive stewardship of the watershed.
8 10
The first phase of the Arrive + Thrive Gateway Planning process set
out to inform the community of the project, share its purpose and
process and learn about individuals’ experiences in the study area.
Engagement activities were targeted at learning these experiences
across each of the four gateways.
Feedback will inform the refinement of goals for the four gateways
and solidify the issues and opportunities analysis.
A number of tactics were used to promote the open house and
community survey, including:
•City and neighborhood social media accounts (e.g., Facebook,
Instagram, NextDoor)
•GovDelivery emails to existing subscribers
•Yards signs placed in the study area
•Attendance at community events
•Flyers and postcards located throughout the community
There were two primary methods for collecting input for the
first phase of engagement. An open house on June 27th at the
Municipal Service Center provided an opportunity to gather in-
person with community members and gather feedback. The online
engagement opportunities were available from May 1 to July 14,
2023, providing an opportunity for the community to learn about
and engage with the project.
Activities at the open house included the following.
•Project overview and context
•Push pin activity: locate the places that need attention, have
something you like, or you have a concern about
•Priorities activity: identify the priorities that are most important
to you for each gateway
•Create a headline: what will they be writing about after
implementation
The input gathered at the open house was included within the
online survey summary in the following pages.
Phase 1 purpose
Phase 1 promotion
Phase 1 events
Join the
conversation!
What’s next for gateways
into St. Louis Park?
Help inform future investments and priorities at the three METRO Green Line light rail stations and West Excelsior Boulevard.
bit.ly/slp-arrive-and-thrive
THRIVE+ARRIVE
ST. LOUIS PARK GATEWAY PLANNING
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 17
Online community survey
When: May 1 - July 14, 2023
20 Questions, open-ended and multiple choice
146 Participants
The average household size
represented is between 2-3
individuals.(147 respondents)
The community is drawn to the study area(s) because:
The community is excited about:
The community is concerned about:
Race and Ethnicity Gender LGBTQ+ Community
Most respondents (over 75%) live in
a single unit detatched house. (144
respondents)
Almost 10% of respondents identified
as a member of the LGBTQ+
community. (136 respondents)
•They live and/or work nearby
•They enjoy outdoor activities and look forward to future trail connections
•They are looking forward to using the new light rail line
•They are interested in future development and improvements
•Trails and connections to open space for pedestrians and cyclists; improved walkability
•Connections to Downtown by light rail
•New residential and mixed-use development, and overall neighborhood revitalization
•Environmental restoration and improved biodiversity
•Limited infrastructure and traffic from new development
•Lack of neighborhood cohesiveness and connectivity
•Pedestrian and cyclist safety
•Lack of senior and affordable housing opportunities
No(90.44%)
Yes(9.56%)Other(2.24%)
Female(58.210%)
Non-Binary(1.49%)
Male(38.06%)
Other(4.3%)Black(0.75%)
Hispanic or Latino(3.76%)
White(93.98%)
American Indian or Alaska Native (3.01%)
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 18
The average household size
represented is between 2-3
individuals.(147 respondents)
Over half of the respondent’s households take home over
118,000 dollars annually. (121 respondents)
Over 70% of respondents do not have any children in their
household. (143 respondents) Most of the respondents are
between 31 and 69 years old. (141 Respondents)
What is your relationship to St. Louis Park? (Select all that apply)
Household size
Other key takeaways:
Home type Homeowners Vs. renters
Most respondents (over 75%) live in
a single unit detatched house. (144
respondents)
Over 95% of respondents own their
home. (143 respondents)
•Connections to the open spaces within the study area could be improved. 20% of respondents
did not agree that these spaces were well-maintained and accessible. Over 30% were neutral.
•Over 45% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed they could find housing within the study areathat met their needs with access to services they wanted. Around 17% did not agree.
0 - 35,199
58,650 - 70,379
35,200 - 58,649
70,380 - 89,399
89,400 - 118,199
118,200 +
Household income Household age
100500 150
I live here
I go to school here
I work here
I visit friends and family here
I shop and go to restaurants here
Other
20%40%0%60%
25 500 75
0 - 5
11-14
6-10
15-17
18-30
31-49
50-69
70+
Own(96.5%)
Rent(3.5%)
Condo(21.8%)
Single Unit Detached House(21.8%)
Apartment (2.78%)
Townhouse(6.25%)
4-6(21.1%)
1(21.8%)
2-3(57%)
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 19
Interactive map
When: 1 May - 14 July 2023
1 map with 4 location identifiers
57 participants, 152 contributions
This map of St. Louis Park highlights the four Gateway study areas - Louisiana
Station Gateway, Wooddale Station Gateway, Beltline Station Gateway, and
Excelsior Boulevard Gateway. There were 58 ideas, 48 concerns, 17 likes, and
29 notices for attention added to the map.
Overall, there are opportunities to create separate identities for each of the
study areas while developing a cohesive plan. Improvements can be made to
pedestrian and cyclist connections throughout the study areas - wayfinding,
greenways, pocket parks, sidewalks and bike lanes, and crosswalks. There is
also a need to connect the neighborhoods and amenities on the north and
south sides of the new light rail tracks and Highway 7.
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary
NNTS
20
Louisiana Station Gateway
Wooddale Station Gateway
Beltline Station Gateway
West Excelsior Boulevard Gateway
• A shuttle service from light rail stop to the Hospital
• Ensuring protection of and highlighting the creek as part of
future development
• Additional neighborhood amenities on the north side of the
new light rail stop such as pocket parks,
• Additional greenways and improved tree canopy for
pedestrians and cyclists
• Traffic is very congested in this area
• Highway overpasses are not pedestrian friendly
• The existing bike lanes are not separated enough
• There is an opportunity here to improve the north side of the
study area and create a destination for restaurants and shops
• Bass Lake Park is popular within the area and the community
would like greenways to connect to the regional parkway
networks
• There is an opportunity to add smaller-scale affordable housing
options within this area
• A lot of this study area is industrial and could be redeveloped
in a unique way
• Pedestrian routes need safer sidewalks and crosswalks
• This corridor should be more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly
with improved crosswalks and separation from traffic
• Parking should be considered in redevelopment
• The intersection of West Excelsior Boulevard and Wooddale
Avenue is congested and “messy”
• The new retail spaces should prioritize small, locally-owned
businesses
Interactive Map Key Takeaways
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 21
This report summarizes engagement events and community feedback collected from surveys and in-person events conducted in phase 2. Activities included pop-up events, focus group discussions, a walking tour, business engagement, and an online survey. Over 200 community members have participated, with impressions with an additional 150.
February 2024
PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT SUMMARY
What should the Burlington Coat Factory Site look like in the future?
The Wooddale Gateway has seen a lot of redevelopment in recent years, but there are a few sites that remain opportunities for
redevelopment. What should that redevelopment look like? Specifically, the larger Burlington Coat Factory/Microcenter site is a large
opportunity for redevelopment. What scale of redevelopment should be explored? How can connections be made through the site?
Share your priorities for redevelopment of the site! Identify the top five redevelpment features that are most important to you. With
the five marbles provided to you, drop them in your top priorities, you can place more than one marble in a jar. New multi-family residential developmentAdditional office employment opportunitiesAdditional retail and shopping opportunitiesAdditional open space and public gathering spacesLarger scale development - one large building structureNew roadways through the site to improve connectionsNew bicycle and pedestrian connections through the sitePublic uses or gathering spacesOtherSmaller scale development - additional smaller buildings22
Arrive + Thrive Phase 2: Gateway Big Ideas
When: September to December 2024
The second phase of the Arrive + Thrive Gateway Planning process
shared the big ideas developed for each gateway and gathered
feedback from the community. Four big ideas were shared for each
gateway, representing the public input. Engagement activities were
targeted at gathering feedback to refine these ideas.
Feedback will be used to guide the development of the gateway
plans and the identification of implementation actions.
A number of tactics were used to promote the open house and
community survey, including:
•City and neighborhood social media accounts (e.g., Facebook,
Instagram, NextDoor)
•GovDelivery emails to existing subscribers
•Yards signs placed in the study area
•Attendance at community events
There were two primary methods for collecting input during the
second phase. A variety of in-person events provided opportunities
to gather feedback, as identified below. The online survey was
available from October to early December of 2023, providing an
opportunity for the community to learn about the big ideas and
share their ideas.
In-person engagement activities included:
•Susan Lindgren Fall Festival Pop-up Event
•Howl-o-Ween Pop-up Event
•Steel Toe Pop-up Event
•Goblins on Ice Pop-up Event
•West Excelsior Walking Tour
•West Excelsior Business Survey
•Louisiana Gateway Business + Property Owner Focus Group
•Era on Excelsior Pop-up Event
•Hoigaard Village Pop-up Events (3)
The input gathered through the in-person and online engagement
is summarized in the following pages.
Phase 2 purpose
Phase 2 promotion
Phase 2 events
Join the
conversation!
What’s next for gateways
into St. Louis Park?
Help inform future investments and priorities at the three METRO Green Line light rail stations and West Excelsior Boulevard.
bit.ly/slp-arrive-and-thrive
THRIVE+ARRIVE
ST. LOUIS PARK GATEWAY PLANNING
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 23
Wooddale Gateway SummaryWooddale Gateway Summary
•Susan Lindgren Fall Festival Pop-up:October 2, 2023 from 4 to 6pm, 30participants and an additional 20+impressions
•Howl-o-Ween Pop-up: October 15,2023 from 12 to 3pm, 40 participantsand an additional 20+ impressions
•Hoigaard Village Pop-ups: November28 and 30 and December 1, 2023, 20participants and an additional 30+impressions
•Online Survey
Wooddale gateway events
Wooddale Gateway big ideasWooddale Gateway big ideas
Redevelopment opportunities Green corridors
Circulation Highway 100
The Wooddale Gateway has experienced a lot of
redevelopment in recent years. A few sites still remain as
redevelopment opportunities. How should redevelopment be
guided for these remaining sites (e.g., Burlington Coat Factory
and MicroCenter)?
The transportation network within the Wooddale Gateway has
seen a number of investments over the last decade. However,
there are additional opportunities to improve access to
destinations within the Gateway.
Current development within the Wooddale Gateway includes
large areas of impervious surface with limited tree canopy.
What improvements can be made to green the gateways and
better connect to existing resources and increase green spaces/
trees?
Highway 100 creates physical barrier for connecting the
Wooddale Station to areas to the East. How can the existing
overpass at 36th Street be improved and is an additional bike/
pedestrian crossing needed to the south?
Burlington
Former
Redevelopment Opportunities
Green Corridor Opportunities
Bike/Pedestrian Circulation Opportunities
Legend:
Wooddale Station
Ped/Bike Only
W
o
o
d
d
a
l
e
A
v
e Hwy 7 Cedar L
a
k
e
Tr
ail Lake St34th St
Webster
Park
Lilac
Park
36th St
Cambridge StAlabama AveBrunswick AveHwy 100St. Louis Park
Central Community
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 24
Wooddale Gateway SummaryWooddale Gateway Summary
Redevelopment opportunities:
What uses would
you like to see with
redevelopment
of remaining
redevelopment
opportunities?
Circulation:
What connections
need to be made
for vehicles,
bicyclists, and
pedestrians? Where
can’t you get today
that you wish you
could?
Green corridors:
How and where
should additional
greenspace or
vegetation be
added within the
gateway?
Highway 100:
Are improvements
needed to cross
Highway 100?
In-person event feedback:
•Preferences for additional shopping and
retail opportunities
•Additional multi-family residential
development preferred for residential
growth
•Enhancements and additional public uses
and gathering spaces are desire
•The community values the current housing
styles in the gateway
In-person event feedback:
•Support for increased open spaces and
public gathering spaces throughout the
gateway
•Opportunities to increase public spaces
and improve the public realm along 36th
and Wooddale
In-person event feedback:
•While existing infrastructure is
appreciated, continued enhancements to
bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is
desired
•Support for new roadway connections
throughout the gateway
•Support for the identification of Brunswick
as a future bikeway
In-person event feedback:
•General support for the addition of a new
bicycle/pedestrian overpass of Highway
100
•Community members highlighted the
barrier created by Highway 100 between
housing and retail destinations
Online survey feedback:
•Desire for mixed-use development,
emphasizing high-density residential
options, live-work spaces, and a variety of
businesses
•Notable support for retaining Micro
Center
•Suggestions diversity of business offerings
•Others advocated for lower-density
development to manage traffic issues
Online survey feedback:
•Desire for more trees throughout the
gateway, especially as a buffer to Highway
100
•Support for park space with trails, trees,
water and native plants
•Suggestions or the conversion of parking
lot space for more vegetation and the use
of permeable materials
Online survey feedback:
•The need for improved biking and walking
infrastructure was emphasized
•Desire for new routes to connect gateway
to Target area and Excelsior
•Desire for increased parking at the
Wooddale Station
Online survey feedback:
•Need for improvements to cross Highway
100 was identified
•Suggested improvements included
widened path, wildlife crossings,
vegetated medians, and protected bike
lanes
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 25
Beltline Gateway Summary Beltline Gateway Summary
•Goblins on Ice Pop-up: October27, 2023 from 5:45 to 7:15pm, 5participants and an additional 30+impressions
•Steele Toe Pop-up: October 22, 2023from 2 to 5 pm, 20 participants and anadditional 30+ impressions
•Hoigaard Village Pop-ups: November28 and 30 and December 1, 2023, 20participants and an additional 30+impressions
•Online Survey
Beltline gateway events
Beltline Gateway Big IdeasBeltline Gateway Big Ideas
Redevelopment Opportunities Green Corridors
Circulation CSAH 25 Improvements
The Beltline Gateway is home to a variety of residential,
commercial, and industrial uses that have been active
for many years. The recent Corsa and Risor mixed use
developments along Beltline Boulevard serve as examples
for the potential development vision and could serve as
catalysts for investments throughout the Gateway.
The transportation network within the Beltline Gateway
has seen a number of investments over the last decade.
However, there are additional opportunities to improve
access to destinations within the Gateway.
Current development within the Beltline Gateway
includes large areas of impervious surface with limited
tree canopy. What improvements can be made to green
the gateways and better connect to existing resources
(e.g., Bass Lake) and increase green spaces/trees?
There are active changes and investments to County
Highway 25 and Minnetonka Boulevard. How should
the city continue to push the vision for corridor
improvements with these changes and redevelopment?
Melrose
Corsa Mixed-Use
Risor Mixed-Use
36th St
Beltline Station
County
Hi
g
h
w
a
y
2
5 Beltline BlvdCedar L
a
k
e
Tr
ailHwy 100Minnetonka Blvd
Carpenter
Park
St. Louis Park
City Hall
Bass
Lake
Bass Lake
Park
Nordic
Legend:
35th & Raleigh Redevelopment Opportunities
Station Area Redevelopment Opportunities
Bike/Pedestrian Circulation Opportunities
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 26
Beltline Gateway SummaryBeltline Gateway Summary
Redevelopment opportunities: If
redevelopment occurs
within the 35th Street
and Raleigh Avenue
area, how could existing
buildings be reused
or what new uses
would you like to see
introduced in the
area?
Circulation:
What connections
need to be made
for vehicles,
bicyclists, and
pedestrians? Where
can’t you get today
that you wish you
could?
Green corridors:
How and where
should additional
green space or
vegetation be
added within the
gateway?
CSAH 25 Improvements:
What additional
improvements are
needed along County
Highway 25? For
example, additional
greenspace will
be added with the
Minnetonka Boulevard
realignment – what
else is
In-person event feedback:
•Additional restaurants and beverage
establishments highlighted as the most
desired new use
•Enhancements and additional public uses
and gathering spaces are desire
•Opportunities to increase housing costs in
the gateway
In-person event feedback:
•Appreciation for the existing infrastructure
and opportunities to access natural spaces
•Desires for increased access and
interaction opportunities
•Bass Lake is highly valued, maintaining this
resource and the views to the lake should
be a priority
In-person event feedback:
•Mixed feedback regarding access to
transit service, sidewalks and trails, with
some identifying a desire to continue to
enhance multimodal infrastructure
•Positive feedback for the roadway network
improvements identified
In-person event feedback:
•Appreciation for current planning and
design efforts for Minnetonka Boulevard
•Desire for enhanced green spaces and safe
crossings of CSAH 25
Online survey feedback:
•Preferences for new development and
reuse of existing buildings to allow for
redevelopment
•New development preferences cited the
success of nearby mixed-use development
•The reuse of buildings was emphasized to
maintain affordability
Online survey feedback:
•Replacement of surface parking with
green spaces and outdoor spaces
•Desire for enhanced natural elements and
improved access
•Support for active and passive outdoor
spaces, including bird watching and adult
workout spaces
Online survey feedback:
•Suggestions for bike and pedestrian facility
improvements throughout the gateway
•Desire for increased access and
connection to natural resources and
existing transportation infrastructure
•Opportunities for green transportation
infrastructure identified, including EV
charging stations
Online survey feedback:
•Desire for increase safety and a more
welcoming environment for bikers and
pedestrians along Minnetonka Boulevard
•Increased focus on green spaces and parks
•Opportunities for increased signage and
wayfinding
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 27
Louisiana Gateway SummaryLouisiana Gateway Summary
•Business + Property Owner FocusGroup: October 30, 2023, 11participants with outreach to anadditional 30+ businesses
•Era on Excelsior Pop-up: November15, 2023 from 3:45 to 5 pm, 10participants and an additional 20+impressions
•Online Survey
Wooddale gateway events
Primary Redevelopment Opportunities
Additional Redevelopment Opportunity Areas
Affordable Housing Opportunity Area
Legend:
Louisiana Station
Hwy 7 Lake St
Walker St
Cedar L
a
k
e
Tr
ail
Creekside
Park
Methodist
St. Louis Park
Loffler
Jorvig
Park
Louisiana
Oaks Park
Oxford St
Oxford St Brunswick Ave
L
o
uisia
n
a
A
v
e
Louisiana Gateway Big IdeasLouisiana Gateway Big Ideas
Redevelopment Opportunities Oxford Street Activation
Affordable Housing
Circulation
There are a variety of existing developments within the
gateway. How should investments be guided to support
the transit station and what uses would support the
existing employment within the area? What types of
redevelopment would you like to see in the gateway?
The Meadowbrook/Era development provides affordable
housing options within the community. How should
affordable housing be preserved and what investments
or improvements should be considered? How should
affordable housing be maintained in the gateway?
Oxford Street is the main east/west street connecting
businesses and destinations within the gateway. Who
can the street level of developments on Oxford Street
be activated to promote movement, understanding that
different modes use the roadway. What development or
roadway improvements can be made to enhance Oxford
Street into a vibrant corridor for people moving by all
modes?
The existing roadway network connects existing
destinations; however, there are opportunities to improve
the connections between uses for pedestrians, bicyclists,
and vehicles.
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 28
Louisiana Gateway SummaryLouisiana Gateway Summary
Redevelopment opportunities:
If redevelopment
occurs within the
gateway, what uses
would you like to
see?
Oxford Street Activation:
What development
or roadway
improvements can
be made to enhance
Oxford Street into a
vibrant corridor for
people moving by all
modes?
Affordable Housing: How
should affordable
housing be
maintained in the
gateway?
Circulation:
What connections
need to be made
for vehicles,
bicyclists, and
pedestrians? Where
can’t you get today
that you wish you
could?
In-person event feedback:
•Support for change in uses, understand
that the existing business mix is not ideal
with the proximity to the Louisiana Station
•Support for mixed-use development
and the addition of service based
uses, including restaurants, beverage
establishments, and fitness
•Desire to create a destination at Louisiana
and give people are reason to stop
In-person event feedback:
•Existing affordable housing in the gateway
is valued in the community with desires to
preserve affordability
•Future investments in increased
multimodal connections, access to light
rail, and new employment opportunities
will benefit existing housing
In-person event feedback:
•Oxford Street provides a key function
for existing industrial uses, providing
freight connections. This factor must be
considered as land uses and the roadway
change
•Future land use changes along Oxford
will open opportunities to change the
experience for all users
In-person event feedback:
•The South Oak Hill neighborhood lacks
connection to the station area and future
redevelopment opportunities
•Pedestrian connections between the
Louisiana Station and Methodist are very
important
•Future conversion of the south rail spur to
a trail connection is desired
Online survey feedback:
•Support for redevelopment centered
around shopping, coffee shops,
restaurants, and mixed-use spaces
•Enthusiasm for mixed-use development
and increased density
•Desire to balance development and
impacts on affordability and local
businesses
Online survey feedback:
•Desire for the expansion of affordable
housing developments, similar to Era on
Excelsior
•Concerns raised about gentrification and
changing housing needs
•Potential of higher-density near the
Louisiana Station, with buildings over 6
stories
Online survey feedback:
•Need to balance freight and multimodal
transportation traffic
•Some support for increased walkability
and access along Oxford
•Some support for the maintenance of
existing industrial uses
Online survey feedback:
•Intersection improvements desired for
certain conditions
•Need to improve connections and
crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians
•Desire for crossing improvements at
Louisiana intersections, ensuring mobility
and safety for all abilities and ages
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 29
West Excelsior Gateway SummaryWest Excelsior Gateway Summary
•West Excelsior walking tour: October23, 2023, 14 participants
•West Excelsior Business Survey:November + December 2023, 12participants with outreach to anadditional 25+ businesses
•Era on Excelsior Pop-up: November15, 2023 from 3:45 to 5 pm, 10participants and an additional 20+impressions
•Online Survey
West Excelsior gatewayevents
West Excelsior Gateway Big IdeasWest Excelsior Gateway Big Ideas
Commercial Redevelopment Opportunities Multimodal Circulation
Parking and Access
West Excelsior Boulevard Design
The West Excelsior Boulevard corridor is home to a
number of commercial developments of varying states.
Should we allow housing to replace some commercial
sites along Excelsior Boulevard, between important
commercial nodes, to replace the long commercial strip
and support remaining commercial businesses? What is
the right transition between residential and commercial
properties.
As commercial properties are redeveloped along the
corridor, opportunities to share parking across sites and
improve access off of Excelsior Boulevard should be
considered.
There is a lack of dedicated multimodal infrastructure in
the Gateway. What are the opportunities for improving
bike infrastructure. For example, can Brunswick Avenue
be considered as the north/south connection?
Excelsior Boulevard is a county highway, making Hennepin
County the decision maker of improvements to the
roadway. However, this process can explore a vision for
the roadway and suggest changes to the corridor or
specific locations to improve mobility for all.
Party
Jessen Louisiana AveMeadowbrook Golf Course
West Excelsior Blvd Hwy 10042nd St
39th Street
Brunswick AveColorado AveAlabama AveYosemite AveMethodist
Legend:
Neighborhood Commercial Redevelopment Opportunities
Neighborhood Commercial Nodes
Additional Redevelopment Opportunities
Bike/Pedestrian Circulation Opportunities
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 30
West Excelsior Gateway SummaryWest Excelsior Gateway Summary
Commercial redevelopment opportunities:
What types of
commercial
redevelopment would
you like to see in the
gateway and what is the
desired scale for that
redevelopment?
Parking + access: What
changes would
you support when
visiting commercial
destinations along
the corridor? For
example, would you
park in one shared lot
and walk to your final
destination?
Multimodal Circulation:
What
improvements
are needed to
improve the ability
to walk and bike
along Excelsior
Boulevard?
West Excelsior Boulevard Design: What
changes would you
like to see to West
Excelsior Boulevard
to improve walking,
biking or driving?
In-person event feedback:
•Support for the redevelopment of key
sites, including Party City and Jessen Press.
Openness to more intense mixed-uses
•The relationship between future
development and existing neighborhoods
must be considered in the establishment
of the plan
•The existing mix of uses and building styles
is valued
In-person event feedback:
•Safety and mobility improvements needs
for pedestrians and bicycles traveling
along and crossing Excelsior Blvd are
needed
•Support for a future bikeway along
Brunswick Avenue
•Crossing enhancements needed at
Brunswick Avenue and Yosemite Avenue
In-person event feedback:
•Parking is an issue for business along the
corridor, resulting in on street parking
during busy periods
•Existing public parking lot at Alabama
Avenue is valued, but could be explored
for future opportunities
•Support for shared parking opportunities
among sites
In-person event feedback:
•Support for a redesign of the roadway,
including widened sidewalks, traffic
calming, and reduced speeds
•The existing planted median is valued
•Access management improvements
are needed with conflicting turning
movements and driver attention
Online survey feedback:
•Desire to preserve the character and
history of St Louis Park by limiting new
construction
•Support for facade improvement programs
and assistance
•Concerns raised about parking availability
•Preference for mixed -uses with
commercial below and residential above
Online survey feedback:
•Challenges highlighted for bicyclists and
pedestrians traveling along the corridor.
•Desire for traffic calming, wider sidewalks,
and a road diet
•Brunswick Avenue supported as good
option for a bike path
•Need for effective traffic management
emphasized
Online survey feedback:
•Suggested implementation of shared
parking structures, similar to the successes
at locations like Excelsior and Grand
•Preference for on-street parking in the
rear lots
•Discussion regarding on street parking and
the need for overflow parking during high
traffic events
Online survey feedback:
•Suggestions for a mixed-use path or
protected bike lane along Excelsior
•Concerns about the current interchange
design and traffic confusion
•Existing crossings at Yosemite and
Brunswick are of concern
Arrive + Thrive: St. Louis Park Gateway Planning Engagement Summary 31