7.2. PRSR 12-10-2014 hitt, Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Parks and Recreation Commission 7.2
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Action Items December 10,2014 Chris Leeseberg,Park Planner-Planner
Item Description Reviewed by
Gravel Mining Area—Land Use Scenarios Michael Hecker,Parks and Recreation Director
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Staff would like feedback on the three Land Use Scenarios for the Gravel Mining Study.
Background/Discussion
The City Council authorized the preparation of a land use,transportation,utility,and schematic grading
plan for the 2,600 acre Gravel Mining Area located in northern Elk River along Highway 169.
A representative from WSB,the consultant hired for the project,will be in attendance to provide input
and answer any questions.
When reviewing the three options, the Commission needs to evaluate what specific park land uses and
trail connections would be beneficial to the Parks and Recreation system,if not shown.
Keep in mind,this plan is very broad in scope and is not intended to locate specific amenities,but to
identify more global land use placement.
The City Council and Planning Commission have a joint meeting on December 15t to review and
comment on the land use concepts.
Financial Impact
None
Attachments
• Memo from WSB dated December 4,2014
• Land Use Scenarios 1-3
• Mind Mixer Project Reports
• Summary from Visioning and Property Owner Meetings
rillEREI
I r
INATUREI
A
WSB
&Associates.Inc Infrastructure•Engineering•Planning•Construction 701 Xenia Avenue South
Suite 300
Minneapolis,MN 55416
Tel: 763-541-4800
Fax: 763-541-1700
Memorandum
To: Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission
From: Kelsey Johnson,Project Manager
WSB&Associates,Inc.
Date: December 4,2014
Re: Gravel Mining Study Area Land Use Scenarios Discussion
Background
The City Council authorized the preparation of a land use,transportation, utility, and schematic grading
plan for the 2,600 acre Gravel Mining Area located in northern Elk River along Highway 169. The Plan is
aimed to answer a number of questions including what are the desired land uses for the area post
mining, how can the City work with the miners to establish compatible reclamation plans, how much
development can be supported through an extension of the existing sanitary sewer collection system,
how will transportation access (both vehicular and pedestrian) and visibility be managed, and how will
the neighboring land uses be protected?
Community Engagement
As part of the process, the planning team has utilized a number of public engagement techniques to-
date including:
1. Four(4)focus group meetings with mining companies, property owners,Sherburne County staff,
MnDOT staff, City and ERMU staff;
2. One(1) public visioning session;
3. Direct email correspondence and telephone conversations with key stakeholders;and
4. The use of MindMixer,an online public engagement tool.
The results of the community engagement efforts are included for your review. Overall, the top
priorities for the people involved in the community engagement(online or in-person)were:
1. The need to lay out a plan for the area that has a mix of uses (diversified) and have patience to
see the plan through;
2. The need for clean industrial land uses with provide jobs(not heavy industry);
3. The need to provide adequate streets,traffic flow,and infrastructure to the area;
4. The importance of providing parks and trails(which includes active and passive areas);and
5. The need for more diversified retail opportunities.
Those involved in this process so far had top "likes" of retail opportunities, industrial based businesses,
housing, but most importantly, parks and trails opportunities. The largest comments for"dislikes" were
the existence of the landfill,the type of retail development,and the heavy industrial users.
Overall, people want to see more jobs, more retail options, and more parks and natural spaces.
Flexibility and the need to plan were both rated as important land use management principles. A mix of
uses, responding to market demand, including parks (possibly destination parks) and being "like Maple
Grove"were themes throughout the discussion.
Three (3) different land use scenarios have been developed and have been posted online for the public
to review and comment on. Seven (7) people have given their opinion on the options with the following
breakdown:
• Option 1—2 votes
• Option 2—2 votes
• Option 3—3 votes
Generally, those that voted would like to see more flex uses in the area, which allows for the market to
drive what uses make sense at the time of the development (although one person did not prefer this
option as it left too many unknowns). Comments also included ensuring a "good mix of uses" including
more green space/parks, moving residential away from the landfill area, not including any high density
housing,and looking at what the market is for uses in this area/importance of patience.
Next Steps
As part of this process, we are asking that the Parks and Recreation Commission review the three draft
land use scenarios, and provide feedback. Specifically, we are asking your input on the following
questions:
1) Which scenario do you prefer(of the three scenarios)?
2) Why did you select your preferred scenario?
3) Are there changes to the preferred scenario you would like to see?
4) What are key connections to existing parks/trails that you would like to see?
5) What park and recreation needs are there based on added growth of residential and commercial
areas elsewhere in the City?
6) How does this area impact the City's Parks Master Plan/how does the Parks Master Plan impact
this area?
Following review by the Parks and Recreation Commission,a joint work session between the City Council
and Planning Commission will be held to solicit input. From there,the planning team will create a draft
plan that will utilize the preferred land use scenario, and will outline a future transportation network,
utilities, and grading (final reclamation grades)for the Gravel Mining Area. A final draft of the Plan will
then be considered for approval by the Planning Commission and adoption by the City Council.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by telephone at (763) 287-8521 or by email at
kjohnson @wsbeng.com.
LAND USE SCENARIO#1 LAND USE SCENARIO#2 LAND USE SCENARIO#3
LEGEND 1 LEGEND
111211 EN.LP. a_xq om.bwua.mm . • =xndn.rygexkmW .. ' _ ' ®HUU.e
xpaaNw..wu
w
Mc, ; = :�,�„ = ��..�
- qa
�bturo»f�m � _ �� ............... 1 —
1111111...w.n+..S..Y 1111111 o�..n.ewm.N IIIIIX n.p.�ex...x.H
, I .- - _ . i
CD ::„' I ''',,,,,,,:iii,,,,„„I:2w, ® plXlllll �••��. -� II Iy.XNINW�
.-/ • 2
( �In unnll ■
6xumn
` r
hI.Ir r / .�(, y kl
„'',':::,,' ---I ;,) 1 1 . ,, , _
III II xllr�;rl:III � i ' I'
�
'- `'1,I� �� '!/ -',,,,11111
Im
O O O
m m m
m
r 1
mindmixer RR
MGT REPORTS Idea Report 14
Survey: Gravel Mining Area
Question: What types of land use should be considered for the gravel mining area?
Retail Commercial : 6
Residential, Single-family lots :3
Industrial(Employment) : 8
Residential,Townhomes : 2
Residential,Apartments : 1
Other Commercial : 5
Parks or other public land : 7
Question: Which land use management principle should be used when developing the
gravel mining area?
The property owner/developer should be allowed flexibility in proposing a variety of
differing land uses : 6
The city should take an active role in planning what uses are best for the area. : 5
Comments
Number of Comments 0
www,MIndMlxer,corn
mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 8
Topic Name: Attend our upcoming Visioning Session!
Idea Title: A full master plan is needed to guide this area.
Idea Detail:The plan purpose should be to develop an overall reclamation or final grading
plan. The plan aslo needs to consider sizing and development of transporation infrastructure,
storm water utilities,waste water utilities and any other necessary utilities. None of these
items should be looked at independently. Close coordination of reclamation or final grades
and all of the infrastructure and utilities will be required to provided for the successful
development and serve the future needs of this area. The plan also needs to recognize the
sand and gravel deposit that is being mined. This is a valuable natural resource. Owners and
operartors need to be able to fully utilize these deposits base on market demand.
Idea Author: Mike C
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: Retail, much like Maple Grove
Idea Detail:The core being higher end retail space, large and small. Mix in designed office
space for businesses, possibly corporate head quarters of a higher end company.(?)The next
ring, higher end neighborhoods, single family homes as well as townhomes with trails
connecting to the retail area. Tucked away,warehouse space and possibly small
manufactures.
Idea Author: Rich C
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: Look for innovative approaches that other cities have used
Idea Detail: Take a look at high tech jobs and business growth in places like San Antonio,
Greeley Colorado or Round Rock Texas where there is still a local town feel and great job
growth.
Idea Author: Debbi R
www.MlndMlxer.cam
• 1 mixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report
Topic Name (Instant Poll): Top Priority
Idea Title: Developing a mix of land uses
Number of Seconds 6
Idea Title: Responding to the market demands
Number of Seconds 3
Idea Title: Preserving the natural environment
Number of Seconds 2
Idea Title: Other
Number of Seconds 2
Idea Title: Minimizing traffic conflicts on 169
Number of Seconds 1
Idea Title: Developing more retail services
Number of Seconds 0
Idea Title: Developing more housing alternatives
Number of Seconds 0
Comments
Number of Comments 3
Comment 1: As someone that has the gravel pit in my backyard. I welcome so piece and quite,
all day long all your here is glasses rattling in your cabinet from the machinary now that they've
gotten so close to Top of the World park. I would like to see a nice destination park put there
that includes tubing with lifts, some bunny hills, mountain bike trails to complement all the
cross country skill trails next to it. Being that Elk River is really the edge of the Twin City
suburbs you'd be able to get all those that live north of Elk river of 169 to come enjoy winter
www,MlndMlxer.corn
mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea
Report 2
and summer at a park of this type. All to often I find myself going to Three River parks for
these types of things. I By Troy J
Comment 2: It should be a combination of developing a mix of land uses with the ability to
respond to market demands. I By Mike C
Comment 3: Open up more opportunities for Industrial and Business Park Development. I By
Debbie H
mind mixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 3
Topic Name (Instant Poll): Top Land Uses Poll
Idea Title: Agree
Number of Seconds 4
Idea Title: Disagree
Number of Seconds 4
Comments
Number of Comments 2
Comment 1: I don't necessarily agree it should be limited to parks/natural space and industrial.
A full mix of land uses would be more approriate. I By Mike C
Comment 2: Feel free to leave your comments about why in this comment space!
I By Breanne R
www.MlndMlxer. orn
mind mixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 4
Topic Name: Land Use
Idea Title: A place to grow a business that has great jobs
Idea Detail: Let's let people work near where they live
Idea Author: Debbi R
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
www,MlndMlxer,com
mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 5
Topic Name: Our Envisioned Future
Idea Title: Commercial, residential and industrial.
Idea Detail: Land along 169 should be commercial and office buildings. The east side should
also include a residential component moving from mixed use to cic's/townhomes to single
family housing. The west side should be industrial.
Idea Author: Lynn C
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: residental and park with commercal on 169 corridor.
Idea Detail: No mining or industrial please.
Idea Author:jerry L
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: Put in a splash and waterside park.
Idea Detail:This would be a great stop for people going up north in the summer. Make it one of
the biggest parks in the area,
Idea Author: guenther S
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: Historic Landmark or Nature Reserve
Idea Detail: I would love to see more nature, trees animals, and pay tribute to the site's historic
relevance. Let's tell our future generations that we appreciate our green way of life.
J; t www,MlndMixer,corn
min mixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 6
Idea Author:Jess N
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title:Truck routes
Idea Detail: I believe that there should be some restrictions regarding gravel and hauling trucks
and the routes which they use. Many come down Cty. Rd 1, a 2-lane road while Hwy.169,4-
lane road, is relatively close. Additionally when the trucks get into ER proper,the road is, in
my opinion in terrible shape and constantly needs pot hole repair. I am sure the heavy trucks
contribute to this disrepair. Safety issue with the number of schools along route also.
Idea Author: Howard A
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: We desperately need industrial commercial space to develop jobs
Idea Detail: High tech, green, clean jobs with an eye to the future job growth. Transportation
corridors are also important to make sure there is not additional congestion due to new
development. Look beyond our city limits and be aware of plans that are being formed in
Zimmerman, Baldwin and Livonia
Idea Author: Debbi R
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title: Industrial &Commercial Use that adds jobs
Idea Detail: We are in desparate need of more industrial &commercial space to bring in new
business with new clean tech, well paying jobs. Enough with the low end jobs. Let's bring our
people home to work. This will help lower property taxes for everyone because it's spread out
among more. It will also attract new residents which helps all of the service businesses
already here. With this type of use, it should also attract some retail and restaurants nearby to
support the workforce there. We are energy city, let's develop this into something unique and
www.MjndMixer. om
n-9 mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 7
not just another shopping district.
Idea Author: Debbi R
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Idea Title:We need more commercial &industrial space to be developed
Idea Detail: Commercial &industrial space can/should lead to more jobs in the area. They can
also help lower property taxes for everyone. We need to create something innovative and not
be a copycat of other places-time to look outside the box and stop comparing ourselves to
Maple Grove. Sticks& Bricks retail is not an up trending option,job will always be needed.
Clean,tech, energy related jobs with great wages will also bring in residents to live here and
enjoy the quality of life we have.
Idea Author: Debbi R
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
www.MIndMlxer,corn
C f t / mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 9
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
www,MlndMlxer.com
mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 10
Topic Name: Where's your property?
Idea Title:This is my house,where I live.
Idea Detail:what is going to happen with my home?
Idea Author:Tiffany J
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 1
Address: 11667 235th Ave NW 55330, United States
Comment 1: Hi Tiffany. Thank you for your comment. Based on your location on the map, it
looks like you might be outside of the study area. Give me a call, and I can discuss it with you.
I can be reached directly at 763. 635.1034. I By Jeremy B
Idea Title:This is where I live.
Idea Detail: My Home
Idea Author: Troy J
Number of Seconds 0
Number of Comments 0
Address: 12157 Ridgewood Dr NW 55330, United States
www,Mlndlixer.corx
mindmixer PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 1,
Survey: Alternatives Analysis
Question: Which of the Land Use Alternatives Do You Prefer?
Land Use Option#1 : 2
Land Use Option#2 :2
Land Use Option#3 : 3
Question: What was your top reason for choosing the option you chose?
I feel like we need more large businesses in Elk River. This option would
provide businesses that people will be able to easily view as they drive
through our town.
It's a better mix of uses and does not include high density housing.
Lesser of 3 evils. Possible modifications... (1)the southern portion of the
Rural Industrial area(more adjacent to 221st)may be more appropriate as
Industrial; (2)perhaps change the SE Industrial area(the one between the
two Highway Business areas)to Flex Use-I don't know if it might be better
to have a complete Highway Business stretch vs breaking it up with
industrial. The Flex Use currently shown may be a good place for hi-density
residential at the 205th intersection.
My home is directly adjacent to the affected area. I would rather be in a
residential area rather than surrounded by industrial buildings.
Residential is further removed from the landfill downwind zones. No high
density residential zones.
Question:What did you dislike about the other options?
#1 -not enough Highway Business potential. #2-putting High Density
residential adjacent to the landfill may be a problem---at least until all the
methane gas gone. Also needs more industrial and Rural Industrial
High density housing
I cannot imagine someone wanting to live so close to the landfill-even after
fizj. www,P,AIndMlxer.corra
' ! mixer'r PR .r CT REPORTS Idea Report 12
it's capped.The buffer provided by options 1 &3 seem a bit more realistic.
I felt as if the businesses would be hidden and felt as if having a residential
area right next to a major highway would be a bad idea. We need some more
higher end neighborhoods and most of those are off the highway a little bit.
Option#1 -I don't want my home to be in an industrial park. Option#2-The
"flex use" option scares me because who knows what it will end up being.
Question: Do you have any other comments to share?
I look forward to seeing more about timing of the project.
I would like to see larger businesses as well as popular food chains in our
area. We need something that sets our town aside rather than just the basic
businesses we have here now.
Is this process being guided primarily by public responses or by the
consultant's expertise? Is the consultant able to determine what the long
term viability of the different uses is? It's all well and good to want a lot of
Highway Business but if that will never be a viable use,we should know that
and plan accordingly. Also-a LONG term plan is needed ... not just filling it
up quickly. If we really want retail/dining,that may take many years...we
need to be patient.
Regardless of the scenario chosen, I'd like to see more green/open space
included. There are many wild animals in the area that will be displaced with
development.
The open space along the rail corridor should be expanded.
Comments
Number of Comments 2
Comment 1:Thanks for your comment Troy. Here is a link to the existing Comprehensive Plan:
http://www.elkrivermn.gov/DocumentCenterNiew/1522
Page 38 of the document shows the existing land use,which is primarily gravel mining
operations. I By Breanne R
Comment 2: Is this truely to scale? If so it looks as if you are suggesting to re-purpose some
www,MIndMlxer.corr
Cr/ Pc) mindmixer
_ PROJECT REPORTS Idea Report 13
=77-
of the existing top of the world park to a different land use which causes me great concern.
For clarity would it be possible to include a diagram that show the current land use and road
for comparison? I By Troy J
www.MIndMixer.com
Summary from Visioning and Property Owner Meetings
Top Priorities
MIXED USE/CLUSTER/LAND USE AND ZONING
• That families are not"forced"to sell or property values would plummet because of poor use of the space.
• That"cluster" homes are not built,which would then need more school space,thus increases needs for additional
taxes.
• Create an area that attracts both businesses and residential development alike
• Land use—zoning
• Zoning
• Planned use, highway/streets,water-ground-quality
• Divide the area into areas/types of development. We need Big Lots for industrial use—maybe on one side of area=
east of 169&businesses/restaurants/parks/trail on west side
• Overreaching goals and layout. Pre-planned placement of land uses that make sense for the terrain,soils, location,
etc.
• Patience
• Patience
• Patience
• Don't focus on urban sprawl. Keep natural areas and maintain park space. Put those into plan first. Keep space for a
possible community solar project.
• Keep living there for the foreseeable future.
• Well planned,cohesive, room to accommodate growth (infrastructure capacity)
• buffer zones for R, Retail @ interchanges,
• Build it big enough to accommodate growth
• We want to move, but our property seems unsellable because of mining and hwy
• Diversification of development
TRANSPORTATION/INFRASTRUCTURE
• That what is seen by 169 traffic is still beautiful. I don't like that we can see(&smell)the landfill when you pass by it.
• Infrastructure-utilities
• Traffic
• Strong transportation system
• Highway/street plans to accommodate projected use of area
• Water/sewage plans—avoid runoff. Keep water quality in mind
• Well thought out transportation routes,connected streets yet open layout. Make plans for utility connections.
• Comprehensive land reclamation plan for existing and future gravel mine operations with a implementation plan to
preserve above.
• City water and sewer
• Pedestrian and bike ways.
• Mass transit.
• Transportation routes—Vehicular-Pedestrian-mixed use
• Don't want city sewer or water where we live until we are elsewhere
• Enhancement of traffic flow since 101& 169 are already suck a MESS
• Future proposed streets,frontage roads and intersections.
NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION/MORE PARKS/TRAILS
• Parks,trails, ball fields, new ice arena
• Create an area that attracts both residents and nonresidents while maintaining a natural setting
• Trail and parks
• Park/playground for the housing/city
• Parks
• Any development to be environmentally friendly
• Preservation of wooded land
• Clean energy.
• Preserve existing residential property values with substantial buffer zones around existing and future gravel mining.
• Clean technology business—move away from garbage related industry—energy related
JOBS
• Employment(jobs)
• Corp. campus/business Park
• well-paying jobs
• Large business campus
• Jobs—keep people in town-well paying.
• Jobs
• How about trying to lure large corporate office for a significant sized company to call home
• Build tax base thru commercial and industrial uses.Strong business infrastructure will lead to strong job
development.
EXISTING LAND USES-KEEP OR PHASE OUT?
• No Landfill expansion into area
• Protection of gravel mines and the hours they operate.They need to continue to operate even as development
moves in around them.
• Possibly mine with adjacent property.
• Stop gravel mines now.
MORE RETAIL
• Retail shops(Cabela's,sheels,ect.)Something we don't currently have.
• Fine Dining restaurants
• Big Retail
• Possibly sell for commercial or residential development.
• Leave room for natural future development for businesses that support above uses. IE: places for employees to
shop-run errands on breaks;restaurants for entertaining clients
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
• Sufficient educational options if residential development is planned
• Possibly a community college
• education
• Community college!?
• New schools to support growing residential areas
BE LIKE MAPLE GROVE
• Mini Maple Grove
• Maple Grove
• Like what they did with the mining area in Maple Grove
ADD RESIDENTIAL
• Large acreage residential
• Mixed housing(residential,townhomes,cluster housing)
Likes
Retail Opportunities
Retail
Room for business to grow
Commercial development
Increased Commercial Area
Retail Development
Close to shopping
Restaurants
Retail
That we have schools and stores in one place(close in town)
Shops-Boutique style
Retail Centers
Job Opportunities
Well-paying jobs
Industrial
Light industrial
Energy related business
High tech businesses
Light industrial
Industrial Area: Big Lots!
The Housing
Cluster Development
Preserve current residential property values
Mixed housing
Residential
Schools(if needed)
Increased Residential Area
Small community feeling
High end housing
Housing—multiple units
Parks and Trails
Parks
Parks
Trail systems
Parks
Parks and Trails
Trails for Walking/Biking
Park System Expansion
Would like the space to remain "natural" habitat
Trails
More parks(expansion of park area behind Meadowvale)
Trails
Parks
Recreation-motorsports
Recreation-sports fields
Keep some wooded areas
Park land developed (playgrounds, playing fields)
Park land-open space
Wild life
Trees
Park land
After being mined, massive tree planting and wildlife naturalization
Dislikes
Landfill
Expansion of the dump
Dump
Landfill expansion
No gravel or landfill here. (seen by 169 traffic)
Expansion of landfill
Housing Development
Sprawl
Schools mixed w/business parks
No more town homes(clusters)
No more housing developments (clusters of homes)
Land divided up into very small lots for hundreds of homes
Cluster Development
Retail
Big box stores
Heavy industrial businesses
Fast food chains
No retail development
Retail development
Need more restaurants(lack of options)
Don't push retail—allow it to follow biz use
Heavy Industrial
Any businesses that would be a huge drain on water,such as ethanol plants
No power plants
More power lines
Gas/oil pipelines
Factory industry
Heavy industry
Planning
Implement existing gravel land reclamation first
Substantial buffer zone around existing and future gravel pits
Poorly laid out/poor use of land Ex. Hwy 10 East at 169
Lack of landscaping
Transportation
Crooked Streets
Congestion
Traffic
Key Strategies the City Should Employ
• Make easy transportation a first priority
• Open minded-innovative
Openness&outside the box
Do what's best for the citizens of Elk River
• Build parks and trail system first,and build around that
Great transit planning
Preserve as much environment as possible
Focus on jobs and economy
Keep ERX park
• Jobs that pay enough to sustain single family
Zoning efforts
Housing coexists with big business
• Community input taken seriously then, planned based on input
• Start budgeting now—city parks,other necessary property for streets,utilities, ect.
Put natural areas on place now. Determine.... Possible and lay it out across the area.
Encourage at least one big employer(college, business campus,manufacturer)to move here.
Sustainability—renewable energies,smart utility planning,green space.
• Proactive land reclamation of existing mining and land fill sites, prior to any future development(for
mining/Landfill expansion)
• Figure out how to reduce the cost of development especially SAC/WAC fees-look to future growth of business
to cover some cost IE improved property value raise property tax base
Don't harness business with unrelated expenses such as park fees
Develop pro-business economic development policies
• Allow flexibility
• Implementation of an effective mass transportation system
This company made Elk River their corporate home
• Patience
Stick to the plan
Preserve what needs preserving
Acquire what needs acquiring