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PRSR 04-09-2003 ATTACHMENTS
Drab January 2003 Park Master Plan Park System Mission, Goals and Objectives City-Wide Context The Comprehensive Plan process has been described as building the future Elk River. The park system is one of the"building blocks"of the future Elk River. The cornerstone of the building that will be the future Elk River is the Vision. The park system mission,goals,and objectives must support and contribute to • the Vision. The Vision Statement provides a broad and enduring view of Elk River. The vision for the future of Elk River consists of several themes: Maintain a distinct identity for Elk River. • Elk River will keep an identity and character all its own. • Natural,cultural and historical resources of the community are essential ingredients of Elk River's identity • Elk River seeks to grow in a manner that preserves the qualities of its "small town" heritage. Create and maintain strong neighborhoods. • Neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of Elk River and shape our views and attitudes about the community. • Residential development is judged on both aesthetics and function. Keep Elk River a "safe" place. • Elk River is a place where people feel comfortable and secure. • Traffic safety is an important factor in all aspects of community development. • A system of streets, sidewalks and trails allow safe and convenient movement throughout the city. • Municipal services (police, fire, water treatment) create both the perception and reality of safety. Preserve and maintain the environment. • Elk River seeks to promote clean air and water in the management of development and the delivery of municipal services. • Development must be served by well-maintained and reliable infrastructure. it: Building the Future µThe Comprehensive Plan for Elk River Draft-Januay 2003 Park Master Plan • Development seeks to incorporate and blend the built environment with the natural environment. • Rural,undeveloped areas are pan of the Elk River environment. • As Energy City, Elk River seeks to promote sustainable and energy efficient forms of development. Make Elk River a complete place. • Community and economic development policies will seek to attract employment opportunities and goods and services needed by the community. • The expansion of local employment creates more opportunities for people to live and work in Elk River. • Planning and decision-making must recognize that the population of Elk River is not a single commodity. Differences in age, economic status and ethnicity must be considered in planning for future development, facilities and services. • Recreational and cultural opportunities are important elements of a complete place. • A quality education system attracts and keeps people in Elk River. Work to achieve the vision. • Everyone shares responsibility for achieving the vision. It is not the sole responsibility of city government. • The City will seek collaborative efforts with other partners with who have shared interests to achieve this vision. Park System Mission In order to guide park system development,the City has adopted the following mission statement for the Park System: The Park System will serve a wide spectrum of citizens by providinga variety of facilities that presenie uniquepmpethes where possi ble and that are well connected by trails and other pedestrian connections to neighborhoods and places ofwork and commerce. Goals and Objectives Measurable goals and objectives will guide the City in the development, maintenance, and operation of the Park System. Residents will be able to evaluate the progress of the City in the implementation of the Master Park System Plan by reviewing the following goals and objectives: 4--. \\ Building the Future 2 The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River Draft-January 2003 Park Master Plan Provide and maintain park,trail and recreational facilities that meet residents' needs within the community. Objectives: • Create and maintain a park system that provides a variety of recreational opportunities: traditional (neighborhood and regional) and non-traditional (mountain biking, skiing, dog parks); active and passive. • Create and maintain facilities that support a variety of recreational opportunities for residents of all age groups and abilities. • Create and maintain a trail system that allows for safe pedestrian movements throughout the City and provides access to parks and other open spaces with active and passive recreational opportunities for residents in all age groups. • Maintain and improve the city's existing public recreation facilities. • Require developers of new areas to either dedicate public open space or make a cash payment in lieu of dedication to the City's park improvement fund. • Establish and maintain a Capital Improvements Budget that allows for development and replacement of trails and facilities and plans for acquisition of land that are significant to the System. Review the Budget annually to determine the priority of expenditures based on community need. Preserve and protect environmental resources, such as forests, wetlands, water bodies and their shorelines and natural ecosystems. Objectives: • Preserve natural systems through land acquisition, land dedication or conservation/preservation easements on private land. • Research and implement alternative management techniques where appropriate on public lands. • Restore native ecologic communities where appropriate on public lands. • Utilize best management practices for the management of trees and forests on public lands. �FJBuilding the Future 3 The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River Draft-January 2003 Park Master Plan • Plan recreational opportunities in a way that is compatible with the ecology of the parkland. • Identify and implement strategies to protect environmentally sensitive areas. • Enforce local ordinances and conditions of approval for land use requests (subdivisions). Preserve, protect and enhance the cultural, social, historical and scenic qualities unique to the community. Objectives: • Reserve through purchase, easement, or dedication public access to wetlands, waterways, lakeshore or other natural preservation areas. • Work with other public and private agencies to identify, preserve and protect sites of historical, architectural and cultural significance. • Work with developers through the subdivision to preserve existing natural open space areas. Promote ownership with park development and maintenance through collaboration of city and volunteers. Objectives: • Develop and maintain opportunities for volunteer work on public lands. • Establish and implement policies for volunteer work on public lands that protect the safety of the volunteers and limits the City's liability. • Create an annual recognition program to acknowledge volunteer hours. Develop public and private collaborations to assist in funding the acquisition and development of parks, trails and recreational facilities. Objectives: • Identify lands to be acquired for parks,trails, or recreational facilities. • Identify opportunities for collaboration in the acquisition and development of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Building the Future 4 4 , The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River ,........ Dr#-Ianuary 2003 Park Master Plan • Cultivate collaborative relationships for acquisition and development of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. 4 Building the Future 5 ._The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River ,........ INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS CITY CHARACTERISTICS The City of Elk River is located 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis at the intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 169, approximately midway between the Twin Cities and St. Cloud. The City is located in the southeast corner of Sherburne County and serves as the County Seat. Since merging with the township in 1978, the City expanded to an area of 44 square miles and has a current population of approximately 13,000 people. kk t \ ELK RIVER RI R1VER .Y. • CITIES MAP B-I.1 ELK RIVER LOCATION MAP Settlement of Elk River began in 1848 and was followed by platting of the town in 1856. The proximity to both the Elk and Mississippi Rivers offered effective corridors to transport grain and timber, while also supplying power to run milling operations. The City grew rapidly during the railroad boom of the late 1800's when three major rail lines were built through town. This emphasis on transportation enabled Elk River to develop as a trading and supply center for farmers throughout Sherburne County. The City then grew slowly until the 1940's when larger cities began to expand, while smaller towns suffered. Elk River was no exception. It wasn't until the 1970's that the City began to again grow due to increased mobility allowing people to enjoy the metropolitan amenities while living in the rural atmospheres of cities like Elk River. 7 Elk River is currently experiencing significant development pressure for all types of land use. The rapid growth of new single family home construction has brought an increased demand for commercial facilities, as well as transportation systems, school systems and City services. The new residential development is primarily comprised of young families with children, which places increased demands on the park and recreation systems. The City of Elk River is characterized by a rich diversity of rolling hills, wetlands, streams and rivers, deciduous hardwoods and open farmland and prairies. It is a landscape that was carved by glacial runoff some 13,000 years ago, leaving behind areas of lakes, sand and gravel deposits and fertile topsoils. The wide variety of topographic and geologic conditions support an abundant mix of plant communities and wildlife. It is an ecological system that is fragile and demands a sensitive approach to development, as well as a need for preservation of key natural areas. REGIONAL CONTEXT The Regional Context Map shows the City of Elk River in relationship to the regional park facilities in the area. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge lies 15 miles northwest of downtown Elk River and encompasses some 31,000 acres. The Refuge is predominantly a wetland with some hiking trails and draws visitors from the Metro Region as well as surrounding local communities. Sherburne County currently does not have a county park system. The adjacent counties of Anoka and Hennepin have well developed county park systems, while Wright County has a park system with limited development. The Elm Creek Park Reserve in Hennepin County northwest of Osseo, is the most frequently used regional park-for Elk River residents. Twin Lakes County Park in Anoka County is located on the eastern edge of Elk River, approximately 5 miles from the downtown area. 8 Map B-1.2 9 EXISTI'N'G PARK SITES Elk River has approximately 728 acres of City owned park land including two large, undeveloped wooded parcels, two developed Community Parks, one area wide park and many other undeveloped sites ranging from a 1/2 acre lot to a 5.5 mile segment of an abandoned railroad corridor. Elk River also has approximately 576 acres of non-City owned land that is recreation related. This land includes two golf courses, the school grounds, the county fairgrounds, a small State Wayside Rest, and a large historic farm. The existing park sites are shown on the following map, which labels existing City owned parks with numbers and non-City owned sites with letters. 10 EXISTING PARK MAP MAP B-1.3 11 DEMOGRAPHIC ANAL YSIS The attached tables illustrate the Age of the residents of Elk River as derived from the 1980 and 1990 Census of Population. The 1990 Census, as expected, reflects a large number of new young families with small children that are buying homes in the area. Table B-3.1 Elk River Population Data 4000 —' 3500 3000 2500 - o 2000 -- % ' 0 x1500 —� 1000 ... i t _arm NM SOD -• 5 5-17 18-20 21-24 25-44 4554 55-59 60-64 65-74 75-84 65 and over Age On years) 1990 Population ® 1980 Population The rapid development of the City has and will continue to put strong demands on the Park and Recreation system. The increased demands will be felt primarily at the neighborhood level. 84 Other parts of the Elk River Park and Recreation system that will continue to be stressed by a growing population are the larger scale parks that serve the entire community. These parks generally include large parcels of land and support activities varying from ballfields to hiking trails. These areas are vital to a growing population. PARK LAND AREA ANALYSIS Comprehensive park planning generally includes an analysis of how much park land is appropriate for any given area which is generally measured in terms of acres of park land per 1000 residents. A number often quoted is an old standard of 10-15 acres per 1000 population recommended by the National Recreation and Parks Association. This standard, however, does not adequately take into account the current need to preserve large areas of natural features, such as wooded areas, wetlands, flood plain and wildlife habitat. The Metropolitan Council has suggested 7-14 acres per 1000 for local parks and an additional 25 acres per 1000 residents for regional parks. Most communities have also found these figures to be quite low, particularly for communities who are trying to preserve large natural areas. Park land standards are best determined by local needs and local considerations. It is certainly reasonable and desirable for the City of Elk River to maintain their high quality of life by not only providing enough park land for basic recreational needs, but by also acquiring high quality environmentally sensitive landscapes that can be preserved for future generations. At the present time, the City of Elk River appears to be acquiring park land at a rate commensurate with new development. The City currently has approximately 566 acres of park land for a population of approximately 13,000 people for a ratio of approximately 43.5 acres per 1000 population. More than three fourths of the park land, however, has extensive open space characteristics, such as that found in Woodland Trails Park and Hillside Park. PARK CLASSIFICATIONS AND LOCAL RECREATION STANDARDS The Classification System for Local Recreation Facilities is described in the attached table B-3.3, which lists each park classification, describes the criteria, service area, site (acreage requirement). attributes and location requirements. Table B-3.2 on the following page classifies Elk River's existing park and recreation land. 85 TABLE B-3.2 PARK CLASSIFICATION MAP AREA IN KEY PARK NAME ACRES CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION CITY OWNED ADJACENT TO HVVY 169 AND 1 BALDWIN PARK 1 PLAY LOT/NEIGHBORHOOD PARK BLOCS WITH PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT SURROUNDED BY APARTMENT 2 BARRINGTON PARK 2/3 PLAY LOT/NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SMALL DEVELOPED SITE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 3 CITY HALL PARK UNDEVELOPED,WOODED LAND ADJACENT TO THE ELK 3 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK RIVER 4 COUNTRY CROSSING PARK 7 CONSERVANCY PARK RECENTLY ACQUIRED AREA OF OLD GROWiH FOREST 5 DEERFIELD 2ND PARK HEALTHY WETLAND WITH SURROUNDING DEVELOPED 20 CONSERVANCY PARK RESIDENTIAL 6 DEERFIELD 4TH PARK 2 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK DEVELOPED PARK NEXT TO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS 7 ELK HILLS PARK 2/3 PLAY LOT/NEIGHBORHOOD PARK UNDEVELOPED SITE ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 8 HARRIS ISLAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD/ UNDEVELOPED,WOODED LAND ADJACENT TO THE ELK 12 CONSERVATORY PARK RIVER 9 HILLSIDE PARK 80 AREA WIDE PARK ROLLING.WOODED LAND PREVIOUSLY SERVING AS THE CITY DUMP, UNDEVELOPED 10 JACKSON&MAIN ST PARK 'A SPECIAL USE TOWN SQUARE SITE DEVELOPED FOR DOWNTOWN PARKING 11 LION'S PARK 34 COMMUNITY PARK DEVELOPED,OPEN PARK SOUTH OF THE SCHOOL CAMPUS 12 MEADOW PARK ''A PLAYLOT/NEIGHBORHOOD PARK UNDEVELOPED SITE ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY 13 MEADOWVALE HEIGHTS PARK 40 PARK UNDEVELOPED SITE ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 14 PLAYLOT/NEIGHBORHOOD MOLDENHAUER PARK PARK UNDEVELOPED SMALL SITE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 15 NORTH TERRACE PARK DEVELOPED SITE SURROUNDED BY HOUSES-NO ROAD 'A PLAYLOT ACCESS 16 OAK KNOLL ATHLETIC COMPLEX 37 Y. ATHLETIC COMPLEX INTENSELY DEVELOPED SITE ADJACENT TO SCHOOL CAMPUS COMMUNITY PARK/ATHLETIC A WELL DEVELOPED PARK ON THE WESTERN SHORE OF 17 ORONO PARK/BALLFIELD COMPLEX 45 COMPLEX LAKE ORONO 18 RAILROAD TRAIL 73 LINEAR PARK AN ABANDONED RAILROAD CORRIDOR CONVERTED TO A CITY TRAIL 19 RIDGEWOOD EAST PARK 5 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK ROLLING HILLS PARTIALLY WOODED WITH AN OAK GROVE SITE RANGING FROM WOODED UPLANDS TO OPEN 20 WOODLAND TRAILS PARK WETLANDS DEVELOPED WITH CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS 164 AREA WIDE AND PAVED HIKING/BIKING TRAILS 21 TO BE NAMED(SHIELY) 80 UNDEVELOPED WOODED SITE ADJACENT TO WOODLAND AREA WIDE TRAILS PARK 22 TO BE NAMED(MISSISSIPPI OAKS) 1.29 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK UNDEVELOPED SITE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT COMMUNITY/NEIGHBORHOOD UNDEVELOPED PARTLY WOODED PARTLY OPEN SITE 23 TO BE NAMED(GAGNE) 48.27 PARK ADJACENT TO THE ELK RIVER 24 TO BE NAMED(HILLSIDE 5TH) 4,31 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK UNDEVELOPED SITE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO BE NAMED(COUNTRY 25 CROSSING 3RD) 3.01 NEIGHBORHOOD PARK UNDEVELOPED SITE WITHIN A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 26 TO BE NAMED(CASS) 38.75 ATHLETIC COMPLEX UNDEVELOPED SITE IN AN AGRICULTURAL AREA D TO BE NAMED(LAFAYETTE WOODS) 36.71 HEAVILY WOODED UNDEVELOPED SITE WITH EXTREME CONSERVANCY PARK ELEVATION CHANGES • 86 NON-CITY OWNED A WAYSIDE REST ADJACENT TO THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER OFF A BABCOCK WAYSIDE REST 12 SPECIAL USE OF HWY 10 B COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS 2D SPECIAL USE A FENCED AREA USED FOR THE SHERBURNE CO FAIR C ELK RIVER COUNTRY CLUB 160 SPECIAL USE AN 16 HOLE PRIVATE GOLF COURSE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC A DEPRESSED SITE WITH MATURE OAKS SURROUNDING THE D HANDKE SCHOOL 10 SPECIAL USE PLAYFIELDS A RESTORED FARMSTEAD CURRENTLY HELD AS AN E KELLY FARM 160 HISTORIC PARK HISTORIC PRESERVATION SITE ATHLETIC FIELDS AND PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT OWNED F MEADOWVALE SCHOOL 39 SPECIAL USE AND MAINTAINED BY I.S.D.728 G PINEWOOD GOLF COURSE 20 SPECIAL USE 1 9 HOLE PRIVATE GOLF COURSE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC H SCHOOL CAMPUS 145 ATHLETIC COMPLEX ATHLETIC FIELDS OWNED AND MAINTAINED BY LS.D.728 87 TABLE B-3.3 CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LOCAL RECREATION FACILITIES Play Lot Specialized facilities that serve a concentrated or limited population or specific group such as tots or senior citizens:may be in locations such as apartment complexes.townhouse developments.or commercial centers. Can partially serve neighborhood park needs. SERVICE AREA: V.to 'L mile radius SITE: 'G- I acre Neighborhood Park Area for intense recreational activities such as field games.court games.crafts. playground equipment. sliding hill. skating.neighborhood centers. SERVICE AREA: 'A- I mile radius to serve a population of 1.000 SITE: 2-4 Acres Recommended Size: 3 Acres ATTRIBUTES: Physiography suited for intense development LOCATION: Proximity to urban residential districts Community Park Area for intense recreational facilities such as play fields. beaches or swimming pools:could include neighborhood use. SERVICE AREA: City Wide SITE: 15-50 acres ATTRIBUTES: Physiography suited for intense development LOCATION: Centrally located for City-wide access Athletic Complex Area for multiple use athletic fields.tracks and stadiums. SERVICE AREA: City Wide SITE: 5-50 Acres ATTRIBUTES: Relatively flat topography suitable for athletic fields. LOCATION: Proximity to schools or other community resources. Area Wide Area of natural or ornamental quality for nature oriented outdoor recreation such as picnicking,boating, fishing,swimming,camping and trail uses. SERVICE AREA:City and surrounding area SITE: 50+acres ATTRIBUTES: Complete natural setting contiguous to water bodies or water courses where possible. LOCATION: Where natural resource occurs. Linear Park Area developed for one or more varying modes of recreational travel such as hiking. biking. snowmobiling. horseback riding,cross-country skiing, canoeing and driving. Sufficient width to provide maximum protection of resource and maximum use: sufficient length to accomplish purpose. SERVICE AREA: City wide SITE: Where linear resource occurs. Link recreation facilities and other community facilities. LOCATION: Utilize man made and/or natural linear resources such as utility corridors,rights- of-way,drainage ways.vegetation patterns and roads or abandoned railroad corridors. Historic Park Area that preserves. maintains.and interprets buildings. sites and objects of historical and archaeological significance. SITE: Sufficient area to encompass facility or resource ATTRIBUTES: Historically significant. represents broad cultural. political. economic. military or social history:associated with historical figure. architectural specimen. major archeological site, large enough to protect all significant resources. LOCATION: Where resource occurs:where event occurred. Conservancy Park Areas of wetlands. wildlife preserves. virgin timber forests.or other unique landscapes. SITE: Any Size ATTRIBUTES: Site to be preserved for present character. LOCATION: Where no facilities are presently intended. Special Use Area providing specialized or single purpose recreational activities such as golf course. nature center. marina. zoo. conservatory. arboretum. display gardens. arena.gun club.and downhill ski area. SITE: Specific standard applicable to desired use. ATTRIBUTES: Appropriate to particular special use. 88 The following standards are recommended for programmed play-fields for the City of Elk River. These standards and acreages will need to be continually reviewed as demand for various activities and Elk River's estimated population at full development changes. TABLE B-3.4 ATHLETIC FACILITIES FEBRUARY 1997 Athletic National Local # of Additional Facilities Needed by Acres to Activity Standard Standard Existing the City of Elk River Accommodate Facilities " (Pop. 45,000) Addl. Facilities Baseball 1/5,000 1,4,400 2.5 5 20 Acres (Full Size) Youth Baseball/ 1/5,000 1/1,200 14 10 25 Acres Softball Adult Softball 1/3,100 5 9 27 Acres Basketball 1/2,000 6 Future need anticipated to be met 0 Acres with school facilities. City owned courts should be considered with Community Center. Cross Country ±15 miles Suitable trails for these sports 0 Acres Skiing/Running - should be added to parks Football 1/20,000 1/6,150 4 4 Game and 4 Practice 12 Acres Golf 1/20,000 1/7,700 1 -9 Hole Future need anticipated to be met 0 Acres 1 - 18 Hole by private sector Hockey/Figure 1/100,00 1/31,000 2 (indoor) 0(indoor) 0 Acres Skating 0 (indoor) Land Acquired (indoor) 1/5,000 0(outdoor) 8(outdoor) 8 acres could (outdoor) be added to existing parks Soccer 1/10,000 1/2,500 5.5 11.5 Cass property will 17.5 Acres accommodate 4 additional soccer fields Swimming Consider indoor pool with (indoor) 1/30,000 1 Community Center (outdoor) I (beach) Additional outdoor facility 3 Acres Tennis 1/2,000 I/1.500 8 (courts) 14 (courts) 2 Acres Volleyball 1/2,000 6 Future indoor needs anticipated 0 Acres (indoor) to be met using school basketball courts. Consider indoor courts with Community Center. Outdoor courts should be added to neighborhood parks. Land the City of Elk River should acquire to accommodate athletic facilities for a population Total: of 45,000. 1 14.5 Acres * Includes city owned and Elk River's proportionate shape of I.S.D. #728 facilities 89 COMMUNITY SURVEY The firm of Decision Resources, Ltd. conducted a community survey dealing with many parks and recreation issues. The survey includes 402 randomly selected residents of the City of Elk River who were interviewed between December 14 and December 27, 1989. The Executive Summary and Survey Tabulation is attached as an Appendix to this Report. The survey indicated an extremely high usage of park and recreation facilities including trails, nature areas, swimming, fishing and golfing. Passive walking was a popular activity as was softball and children's play opportunities. The concept of a downtown river walk was strongly supported as was additional park land along the River and a community center. 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C JI ! a f t a,s i 1�i�� hdr"}A9' >J13 J ' Id aA!s agaJduJo 'i , i:• orll]llt� 't.p} 2u!Pllfl� s �a ^W s't"€�i r3wya ��,jaa'�0 iifi s( #r iqs it , t{ tE�.t,�t nt a't!,i�� :is;Eta �,yr� i:�� i E.ivs E t5.'"a uir +w�a 'a +a F ,rI a Future Park Property Matrix Property Owner Location Size Description Price Desired Park Issues Priority Classification DEVELOPED-RENTAL rowNHQMpG Flat and open, ' Auburn and 11.37 adjacent to Barrington Santwire Property 6th St acres Park $58,000 N/A W 1/2 NW 1/4 NE V4 Disconnected Section 11 Twp RollinB.mdstly open from Gruys mys Phil Barsody 33 20 acres high ground For Sale? Area Wde/Community property Flat and open Adjacent Twin agricultual land with Adjacent Lakes,County 38.63 some low areas on Anoka's Twin Barker(75-124-4400) Rds 31 and 13 acres Twin Lake Community/Athletic Complex Lakes Park 5 Flat and open Adjacent Twin agricultual land with Adjacent Lakes,County 38,63 some low areas on Anoka's Twin Hoebelheinrich(75-124-4300) Rds 31 and 13 acres Twin Lake Community/Athletic Complex Lakes Park 5 PURCHASED 2002-$215,000 FOR CRES 190th11 AAve and Rolling and open with Under Grace Assembly of God County Rd 13 4 acres some water and trees Discussion Neighborhood Park Interested in Selling for uowntown and Hat open in hood Area Wide/Lommunitymistory/ Bailey Point Development River 11 acres plain Neighborhood Land offered to Lowland and open. Area Wde/Community/ the County for Eugene and Cecelia Scheel 213th Avenue 80 acres along Trott Brook Neighborhood Park a park 225th Ave and 240 Adjacent Greys Schulze(75-102-2000)(75-103-1400) Baldwin St, acres property Area Wde/Community Park 6 Interested in Selling for Park 30+145+ Grays(75-101-3101)(75-102-1000)(75-102- Section 2,Twp 20+20+2 lowland,peatbog, 4101)(75-102-4105)(75-102-4205) 33 0 acres tamarac wooded Area Wide/Community Park Access 7 ' Wooded high and low ground with tamarac Future Area Wde/Community David Thompson(75-108-2200) Section 8 40 acres woods Park Wooded high and low Judith and Richard Thompson(75-105-3300)(75 ground with tamarac Future Area Wde/Community 105-4200) Section 5 80 acres woods Park Wooded high and low ground with tamarac Future Area Wide/Community Cad Thompson(75-108-1000) Section 8 50 acres woods Park DEVELOPED-WINDSOR PARK 31•0°AtORFl`Ijb J,26 AG(Y(EErtF 4,ikftvNORTH OF 23 ection 8,Twp ground with tamarac Future Area Wide/Community Bloomdahl(75-108-2400)(75-108-2400) 33 80 acres woods Park 3 Mostly wooded in the undeveloped East of Gagne (+1-)6 hood fringe of the Elk and Gary Westerlund(75-131-2435) Park acres River unbuildable Add to Gagne Park undeveloped East of Gagne (+1-)5 Some woods and and Scott Wallace/Grayce Scott(75-131-2405) Park acres Prairie in flood fringe unbuildable Add to Gagne Park Woods and mosey in the flood fringe with Undeveloped some buildable but could have West of Gagne 11.33 ground off of 189th a house built Richard/Nancy Burnell(75-131-2225) Park acres Ave on it Add to Gagne Park Adjacent Top of Access to the World Park Proctor and Alvertta Malmstrom(75-121-4100) and Proctor 40 acres open field trail head Add to Top of the World Park 4 Mississippi ' River and Hwy 10,near Kelly 300 Flat open along river Future Area Wde/Neighborhood On River next Specht property Farm acres and Hwy 10 Park to Kelly Farm 2 FPKMTX Draft Land Use Plan Introduction The Land Use Plan serves several important functions for the Comprehensive Plan: • The Land Use Plan determines options for the use of private property. • Public investments in streets, utilities and facilities will be needed to support the development pattern. • Other elements of the Comprehensive Plan deal with public actions needed to achieve the vision for the future. The Land Use Plan has grown out of the steps taken in the planning process: • The examination of current land uses describes the foundation for future development. • Consideration of demographic and economic trends shows how Elk River has changed and point to forces that will shape the future. • Input and guidance from the public helped to define a vision for Elk River and to evaluate development issues. • Land use concepts compare alternative approaches guiding the growth of Elk River. All of these factors have combined to produce the proposed Land Use Plan. This document discusses the land use categories and development issues that provide the rationale for the proposed Plan. This document discusses each land use pattern in the following manner: Land Use Category • Area Overview • Land Use Objectives • Land Use Description • Rural Residential Rural Residential Area Overview This area includes all property north of County Road 33 and outside of the gravel mining district. Under the city's current comprehensive plan, this area is guided as "Agriculture". The Market Trends and Guided Growth concepts proposed to guide all unsewered residential property into a common "Rural Residential" land use category. In the proposed Land Use Plan, the Rural Residential land use designation replaces the Agriculture category except for the gravel mining area. Unsewered property south of County Road 33 would retain the existing "Low Density Residential" designation. Rural Residential Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Rural Residential area: • Provide opportunity for the development of private property in a manner that fits with the needs and objectives of the community while recognizing private property rights. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Discourage the premature conversion of agricultural land. • Support development with reliable private sewer and water systems. • Guide development to preserve the rural character and identity of Elk River. • Guide development to protect natural resources and features. • Design residential subdivisions that support community transportation objectives and plans. The proposed Land Use Plan is designed to achieve these objectives. Proposed Rural Residential Land Use Description The Rural Residential pattern represents the lowest density form of development. Under this designation, rural or vacant land could be developed to single-family detached housing (one unit per parcel) in areas not served by municipal sanitary sewer. Depending upon site characteristics, a lot size of 2-1/2 acres or greater is needed to sustain private septic systems. Housing in this pattern is typically located on platted lots in subdivisions. Under the current comprehensive plan, residential development can occur at a density of one unit per ten acres in the "Agriculture" designation. A higher density can be achieved if development occurs as a cluster subdivision under the City's Open Space Preservation Plat regulations. As of 2003, two cluster subdivisions have been developed in the "Agriculture" area. The existing development pattern in this area is generally an extension of the agricultural roots of the community. Housing serves as an ancillary (supporting) use of the land. The primary land use is agricultural or intentionally undeveloped. Hobby farms are an example of a use that is not active agriculture, but intentionally rural in nature. Property owners in the area have requested that the Comprehensive Plan change this area from "Agriculture"to Low Density Residential. This change adds to the rights of property owners but does not necessarily contribute to the ability to preserve open space or rural character (public objectives). Under current land use controls, property owners in the Agriculture land use are entitled to develop at a density of one unit per ten acres. For example,the owner of 80 acres would be able to sell up to eight lots. Changing the land use designation for this 80 acres to Low Density Residential increases the maximum development capacity to 32 lots (one unit per 2-1/2 acres). This change increases the value of the land. The property owner has the ability to create and sell more lots. At the same time, public objectives are diminished. More land is converted from its existing rural character to housing. Only wetlands are afforded protection under current regulations. Wooded area, slopes and other natural features can be altered through the development process. The proposed Land Use Plan seeks to balance both private and public interests by providing gains to both sides. In the new Rural Residential land use designation, property owners can earn greater density by meeting public objectives for preservation of natural features. This same principle is applied in the existing Open Space Preservation Plat subdivision ordinance. The Rural Residential land use applies the existing concepts of the City's Open Space Preservation Plats. The stated purpose of the OSP is to "maintain the rural and semi-rural character of Elk River and provide public benefit by preserving woodlands, vegetated corridors, 2 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 agricultural land, open space and other significant natural features." The current ordinance applies only to plats with shared sewer and water (cluster) systems. These same tenants can apply lots on individual wells and septic systems. The underlying density of the Rural Residential land use is one unit per ten acres. Lot sizes may vary but the overall density of one unit per ten acres should be adhered to. However, the desire to develop at a higher density is recognized and should be accommodated as long as the public objectives of retaining a rural character and preserving environmental corridors can be maintained. In order for a higher density development pattern to occur in the Rural Residential designation, a property owner must comply with the following: • Density calculations must be based on developable lands or lands exclusive of public right-of-way, protected wetlands, open water bodies, or other lands that are protected from development by laws or ordinances. • All preliminary plats shall include a Resource Inventory as described in the OSP regulations. The resource inventory identifies areas that may be desirable for preservation, such as high quality tree stands, habitat areas or cultural resources.. • Density bonuses would be provided. These bonuses trade additional lots (private sector gain) for items that achieve public objectives (rural character, environmental preservation, trail corridors). Public objectives sought in the Rural Residential designation that could serve as the basis for density bonuses include: 1. Preservation of significant habitat areas through managed conservation easements or dedication to the City where consistent with the Park Master Plan. 2. Preservation or dedication of additional land areas (above and beyond the standard park dedication requirements)that provide connections between habitat areas or provide public trail and greenway linkages. 3. Increased set backs from Collector and Arterial streets help to maintain an undeveloped appearance, open space or rural character. 4. Use of a neighborhood street system that would reduce the number of private drive access points on to major collector or arterial streets. This approach helps to maintain the rural appearance and improves traffic safety and flow. 5. Use of trails improves pedestrian safety and creates the opportunity for a broader system of non-vehicular movement within the City. 3 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 Low Density Residential Low Density Residential Area Overview Land designated as Low Density Residential follows existing land use policies and controls. This land use category is designed for residential development in areas that will not be served by municipal water and sanitary sewer system. Properties with individual wells and septic systems can develop at an overall density of one unit per 2-1/2 acres. Higher density can be achieved through the Open Space Preservation Plat regulations. Low Density Residential Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Low Density Residential area: • Provide opportunity for the development of private property in a manner that fits with the needs and objectives of the community. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Support development with reliable private sewer and water systems. • Guide development to protect natural resources and features. • Design residential subdivisions that support community transportation objectives and plans. The proposed Land Use Plan is designed to achieve these objectives. Proposed Low Density Residential Land Use Description The proposed plan follows current directions in both policy and area. The proposed Land Use Plan varies from the current plan in one important distinction. Low Density Residential is intended to be a permanent land use and not a potential transition area. The proposed plan guides Low Density Residential only where this use is appropriate and desirable. Under the current plan, some growth areas outside of the urban service boundary are designated as Low Density Residential. Allowing a Low Density Residential pattern on land that should be served by municipal utilities will block the growth of the City. It is difficult and inefficient to install municipal sewer and water after a Low Density Residential pattern has been established. For this reason, some areas near or adjacent to the existing urban services area currently guided as Low Density Residential have been changed to Medium Density Residential in order to preserve the ability to extend sanitary sewer and water. Important natural feature areas can be found in the Low Density Residential designation. The approach used in the Rural Residential designation to protect these features does not fit well with increased intensities allowed in the Low Density Residential designation. This approach relies on the ability to grant density bonuses for actions that achieve public objectives. Additional density (greater than one unit per 2 '/z acres) served by private infrastructure is limited by the ability to maintain proper individual septic treatement systems. Requiring the dedication or other set aside of natural feature areas also creates economic issues. Under current regulations,these additional "public" areas would be available for development. These requirements reduce the existing income potential of a tract of land. Technological advancements in common septic systems continue to provide opportunities to develop low density housing patterns at greater densities. Proven technologies should be utilized in locations 4 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 where a certain public objective is desired, such as preserving a trail corridor, protecting a mature stand of trees or maintaining a rural character. Despite limitations on the ability to provide incentives, other approaches can be used to achieve public objectives and a proper balance between property rights and the broader public objective. These approaches include: 1. All preliminary plats shall include a Resource Inventory as described in the OSP regulations. The Inventory provides information needed to evaluate options for public actions related to natural features. 2. The required park dedication would be made in land, as opposed to a fee in lieu of land dedication. The dedicated land area would consist of woodlands, vegetated corridors, open space and other significant natural features that provide public benefit. 3. Developers could be required to allow the City opportunity to acquire additional natural feature areas and land needed to provide trail and greenway linkages. 4. Subdivision regulations could be modified to require increased set backs from Collector and Arterial streets help to maintain a rural appearance. 5. The regulations could also require neighborhood street systems that reduce the number of private drive access points and make use of trails. The Open Space Preservation Plat regulations could be modified to increase or expand the density bonuses. This change would provide an economic incentive to use this approach. These regulations give the City more tools for structuring development around natural features and systems. Sewer Capacity Sewage treatment capacity is an important factor in planning for the future of Elk River. The City's waste water treatment plant currently processes an average flow of 1.1 million gallons per day (MGD). Under current treatment standards, the plant has a total capacity of approximately 3 million gallons per day. Improvements to the existing plant and additional equipment will be needed to reach this capacity. More extensive improvements, including the acquisition of additional land for a new treatment plant, will be needed to provide additional sanitary sewer capacity. On the surface 1.9 MGD of capacity (the difference between current usage and plant capacity) does not appear to be a constraint to growth. However, if all vacant land within the current Urban Service Boundary develops according to the proposed Land Use Plan, this development will use likely use the remaining plant capacity without extending the existing urban service boundary. These estimates assume that current use trends continue and no significant sewer user is added to the system. Two growth issues will compete for the remaining capacity (or the ability to build additional capacity): additional residential growth in the Medium Density Residential use area and potential 5 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 long term development in the Gravel Mining District. The plant capacity needed to serve the Gravel Mining District is complicated by the constraints of the sewage collection system as well as the plant capacity. • How much development could be served by extending the existing collection system? • Is it financially feasible to extend the system? • Is it feasible to build a new sewer trunk to serve the District? Over a longer time frame, sewer capacity is also an issue for development in the Cargill property. If this property remains used for agricultural research, then municipal sewer and water service will not be needed. When Cargill moves away from agricultural use, this property should be developed at a sewered level of density. Key sewer capacity questions cannot be answered without more detailed engineering analysis. An implementation strategy of the Comprehensive Plan may be to undertake a special land use study of the Gravel Mining Area to determine an appropriate long term use after mining has been exhausted. This study would provide information necessary to seek answers to the above sewer capacity questions. Medium Density Residential Medium Density Residential Area Overview The proposed Medium Density Residential designation contains three primary departures from the current plan: 1. The Land Use Plan expands the Medium Density Residential area to the eastern border of Elk River and north to include the quarter-sections adjacent to County Road 31. This area represents the logical continuation of current growth patterns. The land characteristics and street systems will encourage this development pattern. Municipal utility systems can grow into these areas. 2. Property south of Highway 10 at 165th Avenue is switched from Medium Density Residential to Light Industrial with public open space preserved along the River. 3. A portion of the property along Twin Lakes Road is changed to High Density Housing. The remaining land proposed for Medium Density Residential is consistent with the current plan. Medium Density Residential Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Medium Density Residential area: • Provide opportunity for the development of private property in a manner that fits with the needs and objectives of the community. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. • Provide housing that meets the age, income and life style needs of Elk River residents. • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Remove barriers to housing affordability. • Make efficient and cost-effective use of public investments in sanitary sewer, water, stormwater, electric and street systems. 6 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 • Guide development to create a positive character and identity of Elk River. • Guide development to protect natural resources and features. • Design residential subdivisions that support community transportation objectives and plans. Proposed Medium Density Residential Land Use Description This land use category follows the basic criteria of the current plan. Development requires service by municipal sewer and water systems. Overall maximum densities in Medium Density Residential is 4 units net per acre. However, individual projects may range in densities in order to include a range of housing types and styles including single-family attached units. In projects where townhomes or other single-family attached housing types are developed, the overall density of 4 units per net acre is obtained by preserving other areas of open space or park land. The presence of municipal utilities creates the ability to use density bonuses to achieve greater protection of natural features. The City can allow additional density as a trade-off for additional dedication of public land or other actions to protect natural features. In the unsewered areas,the ability to increase density is limited by the capacity of septic systems. With municipal sewers, the issue is a trade-off between protecting natural features and supportable development densities. Other policy issues recommended as part of the Medium Density Residential area include: • Undertake area-wide storm water system planning to provide efficient and cost-effective improvements. • Ensure that neighborhood street systems that provide collectors and connections to the overall city transportation system. • Require all subdivisions to provide sidewalks and connections to city-wide trail systems and other logical walking destinations such as parks, schools, churches or neighborhood commercial nodes. While the Medium Density Residential area is expanded, a corresponding change in the Urban Service Boundary is not proposed. The Boundary becomes a tool for promoting the orderly expansion of municipal utility systems and managing the capacity of sewage treatment systems. Additional zoning tools may be necessary in order to protect areas adjacent to the existing urban service boundary from premature rural development. High Density Residential High Density Residential Area Overview The current plan does not provide any vacant land for the development of high density housing. There are a limited number of locations suitable for High Density Housing. The Land Use Plan proposes the following locations: • Along Twin Lakes Road in the area of the Northstar Corridor Transit Station(potential future commuter rail station). This location offers access to transit, employment and shopping. • As part of the new Mixed Use designation discussed in the next section. 7 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 • South of Highway 10 in west Elk River. High Density Housing is compatible with the civic and industrial character of this location. The location is supported by good street systems and existing park facilities. • At appropriate location in the "Old Town" area of Elk River. This type of housing is being considered as part of the Downtown redevelopment efforts and helps support a vital downtown. High Density Residential Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the High Density Residential area: • Provide opportunity for the development of private property in a manner that fits with the needs and objectives of the community. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. • Provide housing that meets the age, income and life style needs of Elk River residents. • Provide housing needed to support community objectives for job creation and economic development. • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Remove barriers to housing affordability. • Make efficient and cost-effective use of public investments in sanitary sewer, water, stormwater, electric and street systems. • Guide development to create a positive character and identity of Elk River. Proposed High Density Residential Land Use Description The housing option is an important element of providing an adequate mix of housing options. Most senior housing falls into the high density category. The High Density use often provides a rental housing alternative that is missing from other areas. With smaller unit sizes, high density housing is more affordable than many other housing options in Elk River. A higher density housing option is often a necessary element of community redevelopment efforts. Redevelopment sites often carry higher acquisition and site preparation costs. Additional density provides the private and public income needed to make redevelopment financially feasible. High density housing also plays a role in meeting the economic development objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. A good mixture of housing styles, tenure and costs helps to meet workforce objectives of employers and provide a stronger market for commercial development. The High Density Housing areas seek: • Local streets with the design and capacity to accommodate the additional traffic. • Access to transit. • Access to employment. • Access to retail and other services. • Access to public park facilities • Compatibility with adjacent land uses. 8 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 Mixed Use Mixed Use Area Overview A Mixed Use area is proposed for land north and west of the Northstar Corridor park and ride area(proposed commuter rail station). Under the current plan,this area is guided for Light Industrial development. Mixed Use Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Mixed Use designation: • Provide opportunity for the development of private property in a manner that fits with the needs and objectives of the community. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. • Provide housing that meets the age, income and life style needs of Elk River residents. • Provide housing needed to support community objectives for job creation and economic development. • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Remove barriers to housing affordability. • Make efficient and cost-effective use of public investments in sanitary sewer, water, stormwater, electric and street systems. • Guide development to create a positive character and identity of Elk River. • Create an environment that lessens the reliance on the private automobile and generates less traffic. Proposed Mixed Use Land Use Description The Mixed Used category does not appear in the current plan. It is a reflection of current market trends that seek to integrate residential and non-residential development in a common setting. Mixed use is frequently proposed in the redevelopment of commercial areas. This "vertical" mixed use puts retail and housing uses into a single building. This form of mixed use development may fit around the commuter rail site and would be encouraged. Other parts of the Mixed Use designation in Elk River may include a more horizontal approach. The area is planned as a location that mixes housing and employment. The proposed area provides access to transit and retail. Old Town Old Town Area Overview This area is based on the Central Business District area in the current plan. The Old Town land use contains areas around the Downtown with related development issues: • Residential areas between Jackson and Highway 169. • Mixture of uses between the school campus and Downtown. • Original Elk River residential neighborhoods surrounding Downtown Old Town Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Old Town area: 9 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 • Preserve and enhance areas of significant culture, heritage and identity of Elk River. • Use investments in public improvements such as parks, streetscapes and gateway features to attract and sustain private investments. • Provide a variety of housing opportunities. • Provide housing that meets the age, income and life style needs of Elk River residents. • Create strong, safe and sustainable residential neighborhoods. • Encourage and facilitate the maintenance of existing housing. • Encourage and facilitate the redevelopment of property where physical and economic factors prevent private rehabilitation. • Provide a setting that supports a variety of land uses. • Provide sidewalks and trails that allow non-vehicular movement and connections between important uses in this area. Proposed Old Town Land Use Description This category reflects the unique land use mixture in and around the Downtown. The Central Business District will contain uses consistent with the City's redevelopment plans. A variety of uses fit into this category: community-scale retail, professional services, public/civic uses, park, offices, dining and entertainment, banking, lodging, and housing. Uses need to be compatible with the character and scale of the Downtown area. The Old Town area contains a variety of civic features. The School campus forms the north edge of this area. Lion's Park Center, Elk River Library and Handke School are all important civic elements of this area. These facilities provide character and attract people into this area. These facilities build connections with the community and provide market opportunity for local businesses. Parks and natural features play an essential role in the plan for Old Town. This area provides the greatest opportunity for improved access and connection with the Mississippi. Lake Orono creates the western boundary for this area. Linkages from Old Town into the western neighborhoods and civic institutions of western Elk River are important. Old Town is the home for a wide range of housing. The Plan seeks to protect and promote the maintenance of the single-family neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are important part of Elk River's heritage and identity. Homes in Old Town also offer more affordable housing options. The majority of the existing high density housing is located in the Old Town area. The Old Town designation presents need and opportunity for redevelopment. Redevelopment should be oriented to housing, commercial uses and public spaces that support the existing character of the area. Highway Business Highway Business Area Overview The Highway Business land use follows the Highway 169 and Highway 10 corridors. On 169, the majority of land adjacent to the highway between the Highway 10 interchange and 197`h Avenue is guided for Highway Business. On Highway 10, the Highway Business area extends from the 169 interchange to 165th Avenue. A small area of Highway Business use exists along l0 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 Highway 10 at the west and east ends of Elk River. Of these areas, the only substantially undeveloped land lies on the north side of Highway 10 between 165th and 171s`Avenues. An important planning issue is providing new areas for this type of development. The proposed Land Use Plan provides for Highway Business commercial growth at the following locations: • New interchange on Highway 169 and County Road 33. • Area around intersection of Highway 10 and 165th Avenue. Highway Business Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Highway Business area: • Provide good settings to attract and sustain business. • Attract businesses that provide the goods and services needed by the community. • Provide good connections between highways and commercial areas. • Create a local street system that provides access to commercial areas through designated collectors and arterials. Proposed Highway Business Land Use Description This pattern represents the most intensive form of commercial development. Businesses in this category may be the largest both in terms of size and traffic generation. Market orientation tends to be regional in nature. Development orientation tends to be toward regional highways. This development must be located within the Urban Service Boundary. Examples of Highway Business uses include discount retailers, grocery and general merchandise. Managing this land use may require patience. The new commercial areas at key highway intersections (169/33 and 10/165) do not present immediate development opportunities. Anticipated road improvements combined with continued residential growth should increase potential at these locations. Development of these locations will also depend on the extension of municipal utilities and supporting street systems. The relative lack of large tracts of vacant land for this land use will increase the potential for redevelopment. The continued growth of Elk River creates the demand and capacity to support additional retail and service businesses. Without development sites in Elk River, businesses will locate in adjacent communities to meet this demand. Community Commercial Community Commercial Area Overview The current plan makes limited use of the Community Commercial designation. These areas appear as small pockets of retail development along the highway corridors. The proposed changes in the Highway Business and Old Town land use replace some existing Community Commercial areas. In the proposed Plan, this use will be focused on neighborhood oriented retail areas with no direct connection to the highway corridors. Community Commercial Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Community Commercial area: 11 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 • Provide limited retail opportunities in residential areas to reduce overall traffic. • Promote site development that is compatible with surrounding land uses. • Limit locations to designated arterial streets to accommodate additional traffic. Proposed Community Commercial Land Use Description The nature of this development matches the name. This category of business focuses on a community scale market area. These uses are often service and convenience oriented. Development is typically smaller in size and oriented more towards the neighborhood. Examples of Community Commercial uses include drug store,hardware store, and coffee shop often arranged in a "strip mall" configuration. Developments under the community commercial designation tends to consist of less than 100,000 square feet of retail or professional services. Whereas areas developing under the Highway Business designation are often in excess of 200,000 square feet. Neighborhood Commercial Areas The idea of neighborhood commercial "nodes" has received support in the planning process. Specific locations for these areas of Community Commercial do not appear on the land use map. However, the general locations of neighborhood commercial areas are guided by the following principles: • Developed as part of a larger(40 acres or more) residential development project. • Designed to minimize non local traffic flow through adjacent residential neighborhoods. • Limited in size to not more than 20,000 square feet of retail or service space • Well connected to adjacent neighborhoods by trails and sidewalks • Designed to minimize the intrusion of non-desirable commercial activities on adjacent residential uses • Located on or near collector roads or key intersections to maximize its market viability • Not allowed within a yz mile of other planned or existing neighborhood commercial node These neighborhood-oriented Community Commercial areas provide a convenience shopping alternative to adjacent neighbors. By locating convenience type services closer to neighborhoods, vehicle trips that would otherwise by destined for the intense commercial uses along Highway 169, are reduced and residents benefit by a higher quality of life do to less time coping with traffic. Light Industrial Light Industrial Area Overview There are three primary concentrations of existing Light Industrial development: • Along County Road 44 north of Highway 10. • Along County Road 1 west of Proctor. • North of Highway 10 on the eastern edge of Elk River. The City also seeks to promote industrial growth in business centers located along Twin Lakes Road south of Home Depot and south of Highway 10 around the Fair Grounds and County 12 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 Government complex. The proposed Land Use Plan creates three new areas for Light Industrial land use: • Highway 10 and 165th Avenue area. • Gravel Mining District along Road 33. • Northwest section of 160/10 interchange. Light Industrial Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Light Industrial Residential area: • Promote the creation of jobs in Elk River. • Promote expansion of the tax base to provide the resources needed to finance local government. • Create new industrial areas with distinct and attractive character. • Provide access to highway system to support businesses and minimizes adverse traffic impacts. • Plan community and site development to prevent conflicts between industrial and non- industrial land uses. • Provide opportunities for local businesses to grow and expand. • Plan and manage surrounding land uses to accommodate potential future industrial use in Gravel Mining District and Cargill property. Proposed Light Industrial Land Use Description This category includes industrial uses that are lower in intensity of activity. These uses limit potential for adverse impacts on adjacent land uses due to factors such as noise and odor. Examples of Light Industry uses are offices, enclosed storage and warehousing, research laboratories and light manufacturing. The development of Light Industrial property in the Gravel Mining District is discussed in a following section. The property around the Highway 10/165th Avenue provides an excellent setting for new industrial development. Excellent highway access, good site characteristics and adjacent land uses are among the factors that support a Light Industrial Use at this location. Under the current plan, the land lying northwest of the Highway 169/10 interchange is planned for Highway Business. Although the community needs more commercial land,this area is better suited to industrial use. This recommendation is shaped by the future expansion needs of Great River Energy and the municipal sewage treatment plant. Great River Energy also provides the ability to attract supporting industrial uses at this location. Creating adequate street access to this property will be an issue for either industrial or commercial use of this site. Medium Industrial Medium Industrial Area Overview The current plan provides one area of existing Medium Industrial use along Highway 10 east of Upland Avenue. Both the current and proposed plans target Medium Industrial uses in the Gravel Mining District. 13 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 Medium Industrial Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Medium Industrial area: • Provide access to highway system to support businesses and minimizes adverse traffic impacts. • Plan community and site development to prevent conflicts between industrial and non- industrial land uses. • Provide opportunities for local businesses to grow and expand. • Provide locations for a variety of services that may be needed in the community. • Plan and manage surrounding land uses to accommodate potential future industrial use in Gravel Mining District. Proposed Medium Industrial Land Use Description Medium Industry land uses are intended for businesses with more land intensive uses. Examples of Medium Industry uses include contracting yards, grain and feed elevators, lumber yards, concrete products processing, processing of natural resources, and truck terminals. The Gravel Mining District provides the best location for new uses of this nature. Gravel Mining District Gravel Mining District Area Overview This area encompasses the Gravel Mining District as shown in the current plan. This area consists of lands that are currently owned by entities that are actively mining the area. Gravel Mining District Land Use Objective The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Gravel Mining District: • Facilitate the active mining of this area in a manner that minimizes conflicts with adjacent land uses. • Limit non-mining related uses until the capacity to service the area with municipal sewer and water is known. Proposed Gravel Mining District Land Use Description In evaluating the land use alternatives for the Gravel Mining area, it became apparent that the timing of development and capacity of the City's sanitary sewer system present significant challenges and unknowns to establishing a specific land use pattern. The Land Use Plan designates the gravel mining area as "Gravel Mining". This designation seeks to preserve the mining function for the next 20 years. A logical pattern of land use for future development in the gravel mining area suggests a combination of commercial and industrial uses near major roadways and the edges, residential uses moving north and west of Highway 169 and CR 33, and an open space corridor adjacent to the railroad trail corridor. The eventual land use pattern in this area will be determined by the capacity and financial implications of extending municipal sewer and water into this area. Municipal utilities will shape the type, form and location of development. An implementation strategy is to create a special land use plan for this area and amend the Comprehensive Plan after related engineering studies have been performed. 14 Draft Land Use Plan-March 27, 2003 Cargill Property Cargill Property Area Overview Lands that are owned by Cargill Corporation are given their own land use pattern. These lands are currently being used for agricultural purposes. The current intent of Cargill is to continue using the lands in this manner. An agreement between the City and Cargill,prevents the City from assessing Cargill for infrastructure improvements. This agreement restricts the extension of urban services to the southeast area of the City north of Highway 10. Cargill Property Land Use Objectives The planning process has led to the following objectives for the Cargill Property: • Prevent encroachment of uses that are not compatible with the agricultural use. • Limit non-agricultural uses from occurring on the site until the capacity to service the area with municipal sewer and water is known. Proposed Cargill Land Use Designation The land use plan seeks to create a"holding zone" for the Cargill Property that enables Cargill to continue using the property for agricultural related uses until such time it desires to develop the site. If or when Cargill should decide to develop the site, a land use plan amendment would be necessary to ensure development objectives are consistent with the City's overall vision. 15