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04-230Council fiile # � a3o Resolution # Green Sheet # �.�. 1 Z 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 Presented By Re£erred To RESOLUTION CITY OF S�INT PAUL, MINNESOTA 9� Committee: Date RESOLUTION ADOPTING TYE SUMMARY OF THE THE UNIVERSITY AVENUE TRA�TSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK: SNELLING AND LEXINGTON AREAS AS AN ADDENDUM TO THE SAINT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS, the CiTy of Saint Paul is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Section 462353, to cany on comprehensive municipal planning activiries for guiding the future development and improvement of the city; and WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul, as a local government unit within the metropolitan area, is required under Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.858, to prepare a comprehensive plan; and WI�EREAS, the Saint Paul CiTy Council is authorized under Minnesota Statutes, Section 462355, to adopt or amend a comprehensive plan or portion thereof after a recommendation by the Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council adopted, by Council File 98-1133 on March 3, 1999, the Land Use Plan as a chapter of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, the Land Use Plan provided for the adoption of sumixiaries of area plans as addenda to the comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS, The University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework.• Snelling and Lexington <4�•eas was prepared by a communiry-based task farce with assistance from planning consultants HGA between summer 2002 and spring 2003; and WHEREAS, a sununary of The University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework: Snelling and Lexington Areas was presented to the Planning Commission for its review; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, after a public hearing on June 27, 2003, and consideration of public testimony, recommended, by its Resolution 03-69 approved on July 25, 2004, adoption of the summary by the City Council; 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 a�-z� NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the summary of tThe Universiry Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework: Snelling and Lexington Areas is adopted as an area plan addendum to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan contingent upon review by the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities. Requested by Department of: Plan ' & Econom' ev 1 ment By: Approved by Finanmal Services By: Form Approved by City Attorney Adoption Certif By: Approved by May BY: ��✓,v,,•vri— Z Mayor r Submission to Council �� Adopted by Council: Date ry��p-�+�V� —�— — � Green Sheet Green Sheet � Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet � DeparfinenUofficelcouncH: Date Initiated; pE 'P��nB&EconomicAevetopment o2-�� Green Sheet NO: 3011236 Contxt Person & Phone: ��eM Sent To Person �InitiaVDate Ya Zhang � 0 lannine & Economic Develon �,�_ � Assign - 1 anniu & ouomicD vela De artmentDirec �'�-� Must Be on Council Agenda by (Date): Number 2 - A ome 2-i -v� For '''�� yyy�� 1 `� S �� Routing 3 �favor'__�Offit? e_� � Mavor/ASSisffint � i � Order 4 ouocil 5 i Clerk i Clerk � � ToWI # of Signature Pages _(Clip All Locations for Signature) Action Requested: Approval of a City Council resoluuon adopting a sutnmary of The University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework: Snelling and Lexington Areas as part of the Ciry's Comprehensive Plan. Recommendations: Approve (A) or Rejed (R); Personal5ervice Contrecks Must Answer the Following Questions: Planning Commission 1. Has this personlfirm ever worked under a contrad for this department? CIB Committee Yes No � Civil Service Commission 2. Has this personffirm ever been a city employee? Yes No 3. Does this perso�rm possess a skill not normally possessed by any current eity employee? Yes No Exp{ain aIl yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet lnitiating Prob�em, Issues, Opportunity iWho, What, When, Where, Why): � The University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework: Snelling and Lexington Areas was completed under the guidance of a community-based task force. The community process started in summer 2002 and finished in spring 2003. A snnunary of the Framework has been recommended by the Planniug Commission for adopflon as an addendum to the Comp Plan. AdvantaStes IfApproved: Tlus plan establishes community visions and goals, and provides recommendations for development for University/Snelling, Midway Shopping Center, University(Lexington, and the blocks 6etween Sherbume and University. Disadvantapes If Approved: Non�. Disadvant�qes If Not Approved: The area is rapidly changing, and more developments aze under way. VJithout t}us fraznework, the azea could potentialty be developed inYo land uses or densiries that aze undesirable to the neighborhood. To{al Amount of CosURevenue Budgeted: 7ransaction: C�?,�,�;� �[?eu??!r,h �°nntop' Funding Source: Activity Number: Financial Information: �� '1 � ° L��(� (Explain) � o�-a �o CITY OF SAINT PAUL Randy C. Kefly, Mayor 390 City Hal! IS Wut KelloggBoulevard SaintPau7, MN55102 Telephone: 651-266-8)10 Facstirsil e: 6�l-228-8� 13 February 2, 2003 Council President Dan Bostrom and Members of the City Council 320 B City Hall Saint Paul, MN 55102 Dear Council President Bostrom and Councilmembers, It is my pleasure to transmit to you the atea plan summary of The University Avenue Transit- Oriented Development Framework.• Snelling and Lexington Areas and recommend its adoption as an addendum to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plczn. The Framewark addresses Snelling Avenue/University Avenue and Lexington Parkway/University Avenue. Prepazed by a community- based task force and assisted by planning consultants HGA, the plan includes an analysis of current land uses, visions and goals of the community, and recommendations for the node of Snelling and University, the Midway Shopping Center, the node of Lexina on and University, and the blocks between University and Sherburne. As you know, we now prepare si.immaries of area plans of all kinds to be considered for inclusion in the comprehensive plan. While the entire document, The University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework: Snelling and Lexington Areas, will be available and will guide decisions at a111evels, adopting a shorter suimnary as part of the comprehensive plan makes that plan more accessible for all those who want to understand Saint Paul's development agenda. The Planning Commission has held a public hearing and reviewed this sumuiary for its consistency with other elements of the comprehensive plan and City policy. They recommend its adopfion. I concur with their recommendation. Sincerely, �� c. Randy C. Kelly Mayor Enclosure o�-a3o city of saint paul planning commission resolution file number 03-69 date July 25 Zoo3 RESOLUTION REC0I�INIENDING ADOPTION OF THE 5FJNIlVIARY OF THE UNIVERSITyAyENUE TRAtVSIT ORIEtVTED DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FOR SNELLING AND LEXZNGTON AS AN ADDENDUM TO THE SAINT PAUL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WHEREAS the University Avenue Transit Oriented Development Framework for Snelling and Lexington was prepazed by a task force of community based organizations including the ga�� Midway Coalition, St. Anthony Park Community Council, Thomas Dale Flanning Council, Summit University Plauning Councii, Memam park Community Cov*tcil, SnelLr.g Ha�-ni;ne Community Council, Lexington Hamline Community Council, the Midway Chamber of Comxnerce, and Universiiy UNIT'ED over a one yea* pe*iod beiween 2002-20v"3; and �VFIEREAS the plan details a transit oriented development agenda for two areas: the Snelling Avenue TOD study area is roughly bounded by Chazles Avenue to the north, Pascal Avenue to the east, St. Anthony Avenue to the south and Fry Street/Roy Street to the west; the Le�ngton Parkway TOD study azea is bounded by University Avenue/Charles Avenue to the north, O�ard Street/Lexington Parkway to the east, St. Anthony Avenue/Fuller Avenue to the south and Syndicate S1reeUGriggs Street to the west; arid WHEREAS the Plauning Commission is authorized under Minnesota Statutes Section 462355(2) and Chapter 107 of the Saint Paul Administrafive Code to recommend to the Mayor and City Council amendments to the comprehensive plan; and WHEREAS the Land Use Plan, adopted by the City Councii on March 3, 1999, pxovides for the adoption of suunnaries of area plans as addenda to The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan upon findings by the Planning Commission that the plans aze consistent with adopted City policies; and moved by Gordon seconded by in favor Unanimous : against c� 3 0 University Avenue TOD Frmnework Resolution Page 2 WE the Planning Commission, on 7une 27, 2003, held a public hearing on The University Avenue TOD Framework for Snelling and Lexino on, notice of which was sent to all stakeholders in the study azea, all neighborhood newspapers, and the ENS list; and WE�EREAS testimony received at the public hearing was uniformly supportive of the plan; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul Planniug Commission fmds that The University Avenue Transit Oriented Development Fr for Snelling and Lexington is consistent with The Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan and other relevant Ciry policies and recommends the adoption ef the Flza s;;�a.ry by the City Council as an addendum to the comprehensive plan. b�a�e Area Plan Summary University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Frameworl�: SNELLING AND LEXINGTON AREAS 25 July 2003 Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan for Saint Paul Recommended by the Plamiing Commission (July 25, 2003) Adopted by the City Council (date) 'Tbis summary appends to the Comprehensive Plan the vision and strategies of the University Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framezvork: Snelling and Lexington Areas. Copies of tbe full-length plans are available for review at the Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development and the o�ces of the Hamline Midway Coalition, Thomas-Dale Planning Council, Summit-University District Council, Lex-Ham Community Council, Snell- Ham Community Council, Merriam Park Community Council, and St Anthony Park Community Council. Purpose of the Stud� The City of Saint Paul in partnership with community stakeholders initiated a planning study to identify transit-oriented development opportunities at two key University Avenue intersections: Snelling Avenue and Lexington Parkway. T'he goal of the study was to build off the recent successes and major investments along the avenue and identify redevelopment opportunities for a number of key properties that have become run-down, vacant, or outdated. University Avenue is the spine connecting the two downtowns and has historically been the main commercial street of the region. University Avenue is currently a major transit line with the highest ridership in the region. The City's Comprehensive Plan identifies University Avenue as the alignment preferred by the City for light rail transit in the Central Corridor. As the region continues to grow and congestion increases, this central regional location is becoming increasingly valuable for residents and businesses. City, community and business leaders are eager to see these critical intersections revitalized with new development that is transit-oriented. Transit-oriented development (TOD) encourages compact, pedestrian- friendly development with a high density of employment and housing within walking distance of a major public transportation stop. Numerous examples of TOD already exist along University Avenue. The primary goal of the study is to provide the City of Saint Paul with a development framework that identifies potential for new development in these areas over the next 5-20 years. o�a3o TOD Plan Summary (25 July 03J Page 2 Location and Current Land Use The two focus areas of this study are Snelling Avenue/University Avenue and Le�ngton Parkway/University Avenue. They were chosen based upon the e�stence of vacant and underutilized land and their proximity to an e�sting major Twin Cities public transportation route. The Snelling Avenue TOD study area is roughly bounded by Charles Avenue to the north, Pascal Avenue to the east, St. Anthony Avenue to the south and Fry Street/Roy Street to the west. The Lexington Parkway TOD study area is bounded by University Avenue/Charles Avenue to the nonh, Oxford Street/Lexington Parkway to the east, St. Anthony Avenue/Fuller Avenue to the south and Syndicate Street/Griggs Street to the west. In general the corridor contains a variety of land uses including auto-oriented restaurants, large-scale, big-box regional shopping centers, small-shop proprietors, seasonal merchants, specialty retailers, medical clinics/offices, mixed-use developments, wholesalers, industrial operations, housing, and services. In each quadrant and throughout the study area there is also a wide mix of residential land uses: single family detached, single family attached, rental apartments, units over commercial, and high-rise living. However at key locations there also exist vacant buildings, underutilized lots and undeveloped parcels - rer.:inders that trarsition and change are currently taking place. The Midway Shopping Genter, Midway Marketplace, and the Target store represent the largest regional shopping area in the city of Saint Paul, occupying the superblocks bounded by Snelling Avenue, University Avenue, I-94, and Syndicate Avenue. There are two sizeable new/used car dealerships in the study area, Whitaker Buick and Midway Chevrolet, both located on the north side of University Avenue. Vision and Goals Overarching: Improve and strengthen the Midway area. Maintain and strengthen the established neighborhoods, and local and regional businesses. Improving the area includes: • Removing blighting influences • Creating new development that enhances the commercial and residential environments 1. Increase the volume and variety of housing types, prices, and choices A variety of housing types, prices, and choices is critical for a diverse, vibrant neighborhood. These include: single family, multi family, single and multi level units, rental and ownership. 2. Increase Jobs, Tax Base and Economic Development An increase in economic activity, jobs and the tas base directly contributes to the economic health and vibrancy of the community, city and region. This framework seeks to maintain a�-a3a TOD Plan Summary (25 july 03J Page 3 and enhance the viabiliry of commercial aaivities. • Increase property and sales tax base • Increase customers and vitaliry • Maintain and strengthen the regional center and provide opportunities for new businesses • More employees/jobs per acre 3. High Quality of Life In addition to strong housing and commercial activities, a high quality of life, from a land use and planning perspective, requires places for people. The means to achieve this include: A. Prominent Public Realm. A prominent public realm is essential to maintaining and increasing property value and quality of life. "Public realm" includes not only publicly owned property, but also publicly used spaces. Components include: parks, open spaces and plazas, civic places, paths/sidewalks, streets, boulevards. B. Clear. Connected Patterns. Clear and connected patterns provide and enhance the ability of places to be safe, accessible and allow a number of options for people to move about the community. Components include: streets, blocks, sidewalks and bicycle paths, and improved public transportation systems including Bus Rapid Transit and/or Light Rail Transit. New significant developments should be analyzed for their impact on traffic and these patterns/components. C. Mis of Building Uses and T�es. In light of the Midway's urban, transportation corridor environment, a high quality of life will also be achieved by furthering the existing pattern of a mix of building uses and types. A mix of building uses and types provides variety, choice and activity to a place, encourages a more efficient use of land, transportation, and infrastructure, and may reduce auto travel demand. A mis need not be achieved in each building but within a block ar two of the development site. Components include: residential, commercial and retail, office, mixed-use, public and civic (i.e. library, place of worship, community center, etc.� . Recommendations Snelling Development Concepts The Snelling/University intersection has obvious and subtle development opportunities. The obvious include the now vacant bus garage site along St. Anthony and the adjacent land owned by the shopping center. The less obvious development opportunities include developing land that is currently underutilized parking. If suggested road changes occur, new development opportunities may arise to bring in more retail/commercial uses. The overall strategies for the Snelling/University Intersection include: ��-a3o TOD Plan Summary (25 July 03) Page 4 intensification of commercial uses creating clearer patterns of movement for automobiles, pedestrians, and bicycles Midwav Sh�ving Center The development of Midway Shopping Center will occur in phases over time as opportunities arise. The suggested development scenarios for the Midway Shopping Center have the following goals: 1. Improve automobile and pedestrian movement patterns — specifically: • create clearer, easier to navigate patterns of movement, preferably more of the standard block size in scale; • solve the problems at the automobile entrance on Pascal near University, preferably by moving the drive south if and when redevelopment of the center occurs; • create safe pedestrian and bicycle paths through the center to transit stops and adjacent neighborhoods; • insure new patterns help make easy connections into the Midway Marketplace, specifically looking at how traffic can move east and west through the entire regional shopping area; • create a high quality public realm that enhances the value of the area. 2. Develop the vacant land south of the shopping center to create the highest number of jobs and commercial activity possible and strengthen the regional commercial center. Specifically, the goal is to support creation of transit garage and hub, however if a bus garage is not feasible, explore the concepts such as those recommended by the community in the Midway master plan for an intensification of use. These included offices, clinics, hotels, movie cinemas and other retail functions. Residential uses are not preferred here at this time due to the commercial nature and isolation caused by the interstate, Snelling, and LTniversity. Residential uses may be appropriate near or along University in the future. 3. Create a strong visual element at Snelling and St. Anthony that functions as a signature gateway to the Midway area. The structure should be of scale and quality that matches the area. 4. Maintain the major commercial users in the center and add others as possible. Specifically, as the market changes, seek to capture the value of University and Snelling Avenue frontages by increasing the intensity of use along the avenues, balancing the need to maintain the value of property deeper in the block. 5. Explore moving eastward the major transit stop from Snelling. This places the stop more centrally within the commercial district and alleviates potential trafFic congestion issues at Snelling. Explore creating a hub to serve this area. 6. Encourage adaptive reuse of buildings that maintain the historic and eclectic character of the area. oy a� TOD Plan Summary �25 July 03f Page 5 The task force also believes that it may be appropriate to explore the feasibility of strengthening the regional shopping center between Snelling and Syndicate that includes Midway Center, Midway Marketplace and the Target Store. With coordinated planning and design, the character of the area might be substantially improved for shoppers and the surrounding community. Structured parking and improved transit service could free land for significant new commercial uses and employment. Housing may be appropriate in some areas as intensification occurs in the area. This exploration/concept was beyond the scope of the study. The northwest corner of Snelling and University is also available for new development. Community goals for the new development include: Signature building built at the corner of a scale that supports the style of the area (2-3 stories at the street, possibly more if upper levels are stepped back from adjacent streets�; Parking lots better utilized and more aesthetically pleasing along Sherburne; Possible inclusion of the furniture store located along Snelling north of the bank. The northeast block of Snelline/Univer_sitv, bounded on the north by Sherburne and the east by Asbury, includes a variety of retail, entertainment and office uses that are in need of more and better organized parking. Consolidating the surface lots on Sherburne into a single shared parking lot is proposed. The southwest blocks of Snelling/University, between University and St. Anthony, at the time of the study had fewer potential redevelopment sites. At such time that redevelopment opportunities arise, the City should act to implement the broad goals outlined in this framework. Lexington Development Concepts The Lexington/University intersection concepts address three core issues: the southwest superblock; creating a new library; the nonhwest (BP/Amoco) and southeast corners. Overall goals for this intersection include: • Removing blighted properties and redeveloping them soon; • Intensifying the use of the land as possible; • Maintaining the high quality parkway environment; • Improving the public realm; • Creating smaller blocks consistent with TOD principles, if the market supports this development type; • Creating paths within the new development for pedestrians moving between buildings and transit stops. • Designing new development to be compatible with existing single-family neighborhoods, such as along Central, Sherburne, and Aurara Avenues. o�f-a3o TODPIan Summary (25 July 03J Page 6 Southwest corner The overarching goal is the redevelopment of this site. In al1 the scenarios provided, basic TOD principles are applied. No exact breakdown of uses is provided because it will be determined by the mazket. The purpose of this framework is to set goals for how the area functions, not the exact uses. The options remove White Castle in order to demonstrate a TOD approach; however, it is recognized that White Castle may remain as determined by the market. Similarly, since the area is currently zoned B-3 (general commercial) a traditional big box development may occur such as the formerly proposed Home Depot. For the purposes of this study, four options were identified by the task force. They are examples of how T"OD principles may be applied. They are not listed in any rank order. Primarily Housing This option assumes that housing of at least 60 units to the acre is built based on new housing densities built elsewhere in Saint Paul. Additionally, the model assumes primarily commercial uses on the first floor along University Avenue. Housing is more likely to be successful on the first floor along Lexington than University due to the public amenity of the parkway. This option maYimizes residential use on the 9.3 acre development site. A limited amount of retail/commercial is included along University. Parking is mostly accommodated below surface and under building footprints. Buildings are shown as three, four or five stories with the micidle block organized around a neighborhood park. Mix of Uses Including Housing This option suggests capturing the commercial market appeal of locating along the major streets while providing some housing behind. An exact ratio of commercial to housing is not estimated. This option places a greater emphasis on commercial/retail uses in the mu�ed use building facing University, while still accommodating as much residential as practical. Parking is under building footprints, on-street and in limited surface lots. The middle block may potentially include a neighborhood park. Single Commercial/Office Scenario The intent of this option is to show how a large employer could use this site. This option dedicates the site to a single use such as an office campus or similar arrangement. The site may accommodate approximately 170,000-180,000 sf of commercial uses served by surface parking. Additional square footage may be accommodated with the use of structured parking. Urban Big-Box Model Based on examples occurring in other cities, it is possible to imagine one of the major chains building one of the newer "urban models." Typically these are about half the size of the larger big boxes, ranging in size from 40-60,000 sf. This option is similar to the Single Commercial/Office Scenario in that it is a single use but includes a large format retail facing University. This urban format would have a floorplate from 40,000 to 60,000 sf arranged in a 2-story configuration. Surface parking would be located internal to the block. o�-a3o TOD Plan Summary (25 July 03) Page 7 Northwest corner The northwest corner currently has significant vacant land. The primary property owners are Hoa Bien restaurant and BP/Amoco. The general goal is to create a signature building at the corner of University and Lexington that supports the Parkway atmosphere. Communiry members urged a building of at leasc 2 stories but no more than 4 to prevent shadows from negatively impacting residential property owners on the north side of the alley. Library options The construction of a new library is a priority for the community and the City. The library needs to remain near the intersection of University and Le�cington in order to sustain the partnership with the Hubbs Center and easy access to Central High School. Due to the lack of a specific proposal to review including possible impacts, this framework makes no site recommendation. However, community members believe the new facility should have a strong presence on University or Lexington. Blocks south and west of Dunlag and Universit� To the west of the vacant southwest superblock at Lexington are two additional superblocks with many business properties. These include a series of inedical buildings, auto related uses, Bally's gym, and Ihe now vacant 3M building. In general the TOD principles are applicable here, however development should be phased in as appropriate without detrimental impact on vibrant businesses. Blocks &etween University and Sherburne Most blocks between University and Sherburne, and University and Aurora, have an alley between residential and commercial uses. For years, neighbors and businesses have struggled to address the frequent problems of dumping, crime, etc. that plague many of these alleys. There has also been occasional tension as businesses, desperate for land to grow, have tried to grow across the alley, while residents tried to protect the residential character of Sherburne and Aurora. One goal of this study was to explore if it is possible to build new housing andlor commercial buildings that would protect and enhance the residential neighborhood and be vibrant on University. While no such development is planned at this time, City staff who have researched growth trends in other cities believe that there will be pressure for such development in the future. Community Goals The following goals are intended for new development between Sherburne and University. All new development should continue to support a vibrant residential and commercial environment. New development should maintain if not increase adjacent property values. All new development must create a positive living environment for all residents along Sherburne. Loading docks, trash bins, etc. should be visually and audibly shielded from the residents across the street. o5�a 30 TOD Plan Summary (25 july 03J Page 8 • New construction heights should be limited as to not create significant shadows on properties to the north. This is to insure sufficient sunlight for melting snow and allowing gardens. • New construction should provide ample off-street parking; due to the presence of numerous multi-unit buildings parking is already limited on some blocks. • In cases where the alley may be removed or turned to exit onto University or Sherburne, the proposed new building requesting this change must demonstrate sufficient non-a11ey access to the parcel for its users. • Each proposed development must be evaluated on its own individual merit with input from adjacent property owners and the neighborhood. This study does not recommend or require any specific rezoning of properties in the study area and is not intended to render any existing buildings or uses "nonconforming." Plannin�Process The Saint Paul Planning Commission established a task force in Spring 2002 with representation from the neighborhood organizations along University Avenue, University Avenue businesses, elected officials, and a couple of non-profit organizations located on the Avenue. The task force met regularly over the course of 9 monshs. In addi±ior_ fcur community workshops were held; approximately100 people attended each. A draft and revised draft were released to the public for comment (November 20021February 2003). A final draft was adopted by the Task Force in April 2003. City staff with support from consultants facilitated the process and creation of the framework. � o� a3 0 Saint Paul Planning Commission City Hall Conference Center 15 Kellogg Boulevard West Minutes of June 27, 2003 A meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Saint PauI was held Friday, June 27, 2003, at 830 a.m, in the Conference Center of City Hall. Commissioners Mmes. Fazicy, Zimmer Lonetti, McCall, Morton, Shortridge, and Trevino; Present: and Messrs. Alexander, Alton, Anfang, Field, Fotsoh, Gordon, 7ohnson, Kramer, Mardell, and Mejia. Commissioners Mmes. *Donnelly-Cohen; and Messrs. *Dandrea, Gervais, Kong, and Rosales. Absent: *Excused Also Present: Laxry Soderholm, Planning Administrator; Allan Torstenson, 7oe1 Spoonheim, Lucy Thompson, Yang Zhang, Donna Drummond, Allen Lovejoy, and Mary Bruton, Department of Planning and Economic Development staff. I. Minutes for June 13, 2003 will be ready �or approvat on July 11, 2003. II. III. Chair's Announcements No announcements. Plan:sing Administrator's Announcements City Council Business on 6i25f03: HRA approved a land assembly plan for $25 million by selling bonds to acquire sites to be redeveloped for housing. They hope to acquire land for the next 2,000 housing units including Koch MobIl and some Phalen Village and some Shepard/Davern sites. - The Montana Woods subdivision for lO lots in the Middle of the Como Neighborhood was laid over for more work on siormwater issaes. Mr. Soderholm reported that lettezs witt be sent out today from Chau Morton to the Hamline/Midway Coalition and the Snelling/Hamline Communiry Council responding to their questions about the fueworks tents. They ob}ected to the conditional use pernrits issued by the Planning Commission. The letters from Chair Morton explain that the Plamiing Commission simply has to folJow the code and the code says that outdoor accessory seasonal sales are pemutted if you have a big enough lot, if it's not going to disrupt traffic, and if fire and safety issues are dealt with. / o� a3o n'• PUBLIC HEARL�iG: Universitv Avenue TOD Item from tfie Comprehensive Planning Committee (.7oe1 Spoonheim, 651/266-6614) Chair Morton read the rules of procedure for the public hearing and announced that notice of the public heazing was mailed to the citywide Eazly Notification list of recipients and other interested parties. City Planner 7oe1 Spoonheim pzovided a brief overview of the Universiry Avenue Transit Oriented Development Bramework for Sneiling and L,exington. The Framework was developed with the input of hundreds of citizens over the past year. A Task Force was established by the Planning Commission, chaired by Commissioner Matt Anfang, and with representatives of all the major staKeholder groups. Four major workshops were held at which an average of 80 people attended each. Due to significan[ input after the first draft was released, the Framework was rewritten and Le-released foz comment. The Task Foice approved the draft in late spring. The Framework provides general development guidelines for the area and makes more specific Tecommendations for three geographic areas. As ouflined in the plan summary, the shopping area at Snelling is encouraged to redevelop by adding more infrastructure to facilitate both better access for pedestrians, and more commercial development cppozh:n;ties. t,t Lexington, iriost the specific recommendations focus on redeveloping ihe run-down shoppiag center on the southwest corner. Four scenarios are presented and seek to create a more transit oriented development. The TOD Framework also presents possible solutions to a long-standing problem. For yeazs the alley between the commercial and residential properties between Universiry Avenae a:,d Sherturne Avenue (as weti as Auroraj has been the iocation of criminai �ctivity. This results from no one watching the alley. The TOD Framework sets forth suong new principles to guide development that could remove this problem. These pxinciples arose through numerous focus groups with stakeholders along the alley. Mr. Spoonheim concluded by stating that staff feel this plan moves ahead the broad agenda of building off the exisflng strong transit service along University Avenue to better utilize our land in Saint Paul. Cemmissioner Anfang tharLked PED staff who worked c��ith ±he comrsuniry during this lengthy process. He stated that throughout the process it was difficult for the community, the people representing their memberships, themselves, their neighbors, their constituencies to xeally see eye to eye on what could happen along University Avenue. They had different ideas, different visions, but all of them very valid. Commissioner Anfang thanked many members of the community who worked so dIligenUy on this plan. Chair Morton stated the record will be held open for additional written testunony un61 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2003. The following people spoke: / Brian McMahon, Executive Director of Univezsity United, 1954 Universiry Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. Mr. McMahon repo-rted that University United is a coalition of 12 community otganizations along the University Avenue corridor including all of the district councIls. He stated he was here to speak in support of this frameivork for two reasons: a. First of all ihey strongly believe in ihe principle's of transit oriented development. They spent about 8 months and have formally adopted the guidelines that the Metropolitan Council has put forth in their book called, "Planning for Livable Communiries" as what they see as the appropriate development framework for University Avenue. They believe in transit oriented development, they believe in streets; it is very important for them to promote developments that will encourage vibrance, flourishing mixed use, livabie, walkable, workable streets; thinking that is the most essential thing that can be done to help generate real positive growth throughout the communiry. They believe that as a result that suburban big box rypically with zts huge expanse of surface parking lots is not in accordance with TOD and actually has the negative effect of not allowing for streets to be utilized by pedestrians and others in a positive way and is a very, very negative influence on the street. Mr. McMahon stated that the big box should be contamed within the 72 acre regional mall area going from Snelling To Syndicate. b. They feel that it is absolutely imperative given the di�cult financial straits that the City is in at alI leveIs throughout the state to make sure that they maximize the beneiits uf our land use. Mr. ivfcManon compared tne economic oenefits to the ciry for TOD as opposed to non-TOD stating that Emerald Gazdens going in at Franklyn and Emerald took a 7 acre industrial site that had a value of $2.5 million dollars, when ic wiil be completed towards the end of this year, it will have a value of $75 miIlion dollars. The 72 acre regional mall along Universiry Avenue has a value of $65 miilion dollass, which is less than 7 acres of TOD at Franklin & Emerald. 2. Rich Hanson, 1418 Lafond Avenue, Saint Paul MN. Mr. Hanson submitted some pictures that he had taken in San 7ose, California that portrayed light rail on a major street. Mr. Hanson stated he is very much in favor of light rail as a tool as a part of the transit orienced development. He stated it should have been built between downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul; it was not, but hopefully Saint Paui and University Avenue will be next. He said some people say light rail costs too much and transit oriented development costs too much, but du�ing the 1990's, 9 million young Americaas we:e inju:ed in autemobile accidents, figure the cost of tl:at. Ha talked about the Snelling shops on Snelling and St. Anthony, which used to be the street car garage, and stated street cars should never have been taken off the streets coast to coast. Mr. Hanson reported that in the last 30 years, appro�nately 20 light raIl systems have been built in America; and only in Buffalo, New York has it not helped the development. Mr. Hanson fuushed by saying if we look around America we can see that transit oriented development works. DS�-� 36 3. Susan Piion, 1243 Edmund Avenue, Saint Pau1, MN. Ms. Pilou stated she got involved with this whole process about 8 months ago. Ms. Pilon said she was appreciative that she and her neighboxs were considered in this process stating she has ; 04�-a3o gone to many meetings and was able to voice her opinion. She thanked PED PJanner, Joel Spoonheim for tfie respect he showed them making them feel secuze in knowing that they can be heard. She stated that she got involved because she was alanned that the possibiliry of light rafl was coming, and through thts'process in ralking with all of her neighbors she apgroved this and helped come up with the ideas. Ms. Pilon said the very last point on page 8 had stated that, "each proposed deveiopment must be evaluated on its own individual meriY'. She wanted to make sure that added to that was, "with signifieant input from adjacent properry owners and the neighborhood". She wants to still be considered in anything that is brought up in development of their neighborhood. Ms. Pilon wants to sit in on TN Zoning meetings about rezoning. Triesta Brown, 1491 Blair Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. Ms. Bzown reported that she was part of the University Avenue TOD Task Force and also was part of a task fozce many years ago that did something called the Universiry Avenue Corridor Study which also went fluough the Planning Commission and was ultimately adopted and is part of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the boundary issue between Sherburne Avenue, Universiry Avenue, the alley boundary, and at that time the neighborhood had requested that very specific language be included regarding the neighborhood input to any development that was going to address those tensions between the business communiry and the residential community. That language somehow got omitted from the earlier study and omitted from this study is the language that states, "significant inpat from adjacent property owners in tue neignbornood regarding any redevelopment [hat occurs at that boundary". bSs. Brown wants the record to show, on nage 8, that the neighborhood would like that to read, "must be evaluated on its own individual merit with significant input from the adjacent property owners in the neighborhood". It is extremely critical far the continued pazticipation of the Hamline/Midway community, along with other communities, i.e., Frogtown, Aurora, St. Anthony block . ciuos, and SneIlinglHamline. Ms. Brown stated there are other neighbornoods that have this boundary issue besides just Hamline/Midway and they will all want to be involved with anything that is proposed whether it is housing, business, or mixed use; so that the interests of those neighborhoods are protected. Jim McDonough, Executive Director of the Summit-Universiry Planning Council, District 8, 627 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. Mr. McDonough stated they aze extremely supportive of the transit oriented developmen[ principie's foi Universit�� Avenue, in particular, bui also throughout the Ciry of Saint Paul, with the emphasis on r.iaximzir.g the ?ar.d nse and the provision of more heusing ar.3 zffordab:e housing aad continuum of jobs and economic development along University Avenue which has been gravely underutilized over the years. In particular, they have an interest with the Lexington Avenue Branch Library on the corner a� Le�ngton and University Avenues. They aze strongiy supportive of enhancing and expanding that library facility which is utilized greatly by their community and the communities to the north of them, but they also advocate strongly that it continue to be located in their neighborhood Summit/University where it is located now: They understand the competition between vacant land across the street and having a few businesses on their corner make it in the short run economicaily more viable to move it a few hundrecY feet, but they would really want the library in that locauon. It is a long term investment probably another ,� O`i�3o 50-75 years and that investment would be well worth it in looking at the location close to where it is right now. In addition, they are a member of the University United Coalition and strangly support the principle's and proposals being suggested in particulaz they want to look at community space. Tlus.piocess itself gave an excellent example as NIr. Spoonheim pointed out that over 100 people attendzd severai meetings, yet the facility where the meetings were held, you couldn't heaz the presenters or speakers because of the noise from the ventilarion system. They need a common piace that is amenable and conducive to public discussion. 6. Paula Maccabee, 1961 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. Ms. Maccabee stated that she has been working with the owners of the Midway Shopping Center for 7 years, but actually working on ivlidway redevelopment for 13 years. She expressed her appreciation not only to the chair of the Task Force but also to City staff stating this was a challenging process; it's difficult to do development in the Midway azea and particularly on Universiry Avenue. Pazticularly now when the City has fewer resources, this framework takes a really good balance between trying to move development forward in a way that is going to provide better inter connections and yet respecting that this reflects private investment rather than public investment and so our changes need to be respectful of what the market can provide. She stated that if we had unlimited funds we could probably have a grander vision and she thinks this framework does a gaod job of balancing' a vision fot the future and the teality that most of the money is going to come irom uie private sector to do anytiring on this list. Sne said they feel that the framework is a very good document and stated they would appreciate if there were some way to provide a better recognition of the vaIue that the regional shopping center has. Ms. Maccabee stated chat in the Midway area they have provided a huge amount of jobs, a property tax base in an azea that is teally converting to a lot of non-profits, a very significant contriburion to the sales taY, i.e., the STAR Program which is one of fne few City eools for redeveiopment, and actually a very imponant Workforce Development Program. She stated the owners of the Midway Shopping Center look forward to having the opportuniry of redeveloping the area to the south of the shopping center; like the bus gazage that was polluted land and they had to work with the city and in coliaboration with Met Council to get funds to remediate that pollutaon. Now they are working with the Met Council to try to figure out a way to do joint development in that whole segment of land that is now vacant behind the shopping center would be redeveloped. They submitted a letter to the Planning Commission which contained technical suggestions to make sure that the language does reflect whe*e pubiic investment is necessary. She s:a!ed *.hat medical clinics r.iay be a possible nse and have expressed some inteiest. Russ Stark, Midway Transportation Management Organization (a subsidiary of Universiry United working on transportation issues in the Midway), 1954 Univetsity Avenue, Saint Paui, MN. Mr. Stark also lives in the azea at I500 Charles Avenue which is right in the middle of the Midway area. Mr. Stazk stated that the Snelling- University area is the highest tra�c intersection in the State of Minnesota. He is concerned about the unpact of new development in that area on the already bad congestion. As a person who lives 4 blocks from that intersection he walks through that intersection almost on a daily basis ofren with his children in a stroller and it is a � os�-a3o challenge; not a particularly walkable place. Mr. Stark thinks TN Zoning may be appropriate at that intersection, but probably is appropriate at I,e�ngton in terms of future development. TN Zoning is a tool to make development moie walkable and to require less parking in areas that don't necessarily need as much parking because people are using transit and walking to piaces. Mr. Stark stated rhat walkabiliry is a key component of the quality of life and right now it is a moderate walkabiliry; it has the potential to be much better. Mr. Stark said that everyday we read in the papers about different suburban communiries cLeafing these lifestyle centers and urban style Iiving in Maple Grove, Bumsville, Ramsey, and Anoka; which he said we need to offer urban style living in the city as well. If living in 5aint Paul he can't waik comfortably to services, stores, etc., he may think about moving somewhere where he can do that. It is a qualiry of life factor that we as a region have to look at in trying to attract people; we as a region are competing for }obs and grovrth and a big part of that is livability, and to him walk ability is a big piece of that as well as being able to use different modes of transportation. MOTIO�I: Commissioner Gordon moved that the public hearing be cIosed and that the public record be kept open uxtil 4:3Q p.m, today, .Iune 2? , for the receipt of further written comments and that the matter be referred back to the Corrzprehensive Planning Committee for further aciion. Commissioner Trevino seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. V. Zoning Conuuittee Commissioner Kramer gave the Zoning Committee report. OLD BUSIlV�SS #03-301-980 James Hiebert - Conditional Use Permit for a 2 unit cluster development. 1806 S. Massissippi Rlver Blvd, between Prior and Kenneth. (AZlen Lovejoy, 651/26b-6576) Commissioner Kramer stated District 15 recommends denial. No one spoke in support. One party spoke in opposition. Tne pubiic heazing was ciosed. Tne Zoning Committee recommended approval on a vote of 6-0. MOTION: Commissioner %ramer moved the Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve with condition the conditional use permit. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. NEW BUSINESS #03-304-203 Green Mill Restaurants. Inc. - Sign azea, height, project9on and animation vaziances for a projecting business sign. 1342 Grand Ave., SW comer at Hamline. (Yang Zhang, 651/266-6659) � 0��30 Saint Paui Pianning Commission City Hall Conference Center 1� Kellogg Boulevard West Minutes of July 25, 2003 A meeting of the Plannuig Commission of the City of Saint Paul was held Friday, Su1y 25, 2o�3, at 830 a.m. in the Conference Center of City Hall. Commissioners Mmes. Fazicy, Zimmer Lonetti, McCall, Morton, Shortridge, and Trevino; Present: and Messrs. Alexander, Alton, Anfang, Dandrea, Field, Fotsch, Gordon, Kramer, Mardell, and Mejia. Commissioners Mmes. *Donnelly-Cohen; and Messrs. Gervais, *Johnson, *Kong, and Rosales. Absent: *Excused Also Present: Lany Soderholm, Plam�ing Administrator; Allan Torstensen, Donna Drummond, 7oe1 Spoonheim, Lucy Thompson, and Cazol Martineau, Department of Planning and Economic Development staff. I. Approval oF Minutes of 3une 27` and July ll�' , 2003. MOTIOl�T: Commissioner Kratner moved approval of the minutes of June 27"` and July I Z"` �6mmissioner Mardell seconded the mofion. The motion carried un¢nimously on a voice Chair's Announcements No announcements. iii DI`� �.1.,..'..: L a ) . a nilTliii� ..wu+aaS�in�OT S E�>iaTaaiiIIi,Qi`iic3iiS City Council business on July 23, 2003: - Morelli rezoning on Payne Avenue was approved. - DeLisle rezoning on East Seventh Street was denied on a 4-2 vote. - Kelley rezoning on Cleveland Avenue at Berkeley was denied on a 6-0 vote.. - Approved moving the downtown fire station out of the current Public Safety Building. Presumably the stadon wIll adjoin the new state Human Services Building that will on the former Capitol Square block, creating an opportunity for redevelopment or reuse of the existing Public Safery block. Mr. Soderholm reminded commissioners that at the next Planning Commission meeting we will have represematives of the Department of Adminisuation to describe t3�e thtee new state office buildings that wIll help to reconnect the Capitol Area and the downtown. ;� O�-a 30 parkin� on roo£ 1060 Grand Ave., SE corner at O�'ord. (Tom Beach, 6�1/266-9086 VI. Comprehensive Plavning Committee Universitv Avenue TOD - Adopt resolution. (.7oe1 Spoonheim, 651/266-6614) MOTION: Commissioner Gordon moved the Correprehensive Planning Committee's recomrrzendation to approve the University Avenue TOD. Commissioner Anfang, who chaired the TJniversity Avenue TOD Task Force, said that he concurred with the revisions in the text of the plan that the Comprehensive Planning Committee is recommending. The motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. VII. Neighborhood and Current Planning Committee Commissioner Faricy stated the next Neighborhood and Current Plamiing Committee meeting will be held Wednesday, 7uly 30`� , at 8:30 a.m., where Ms. Donna Drummond will review the EAW foi the University of St. Thomas. VIIT. Communications Co_mznattee No report. �. Task Force Reports Commissioner Shortrielge reported ihat the Cesar Chavez St:eet Rer.a.*r.ing Task Foree has beer. meeting weekly and has set two dates for public input meetings Tnesday, August 19`" , 6:30- 8:30 p.m., on the Bast 5ide; and Tuesday, August 26�' , 6:30-8:30 p.m., on the West Side. The committee is submitting zecommended streets for consideration: Robie Street, State StreSt, one of the streets in District del Sol (undefined as yet), Payne Avenue, and Fourth or Fifth Street as iY ties inio the Farmers ivlarket. The group wul oe gainering information inciuding history of CL'.*;CAt Ild.T.eS 221C1 CCSYS, .°,tC. T.i:�. P;:vi1C P.7e�.tIIISS .TiBy fluCi Iii0I2 SiTOctS i0I COI'i51'uEi8i16fl 3I1C1 wiII gather public comments and sentiments on the candidate streets put forward by the task force. They intend to reach the point of having three recommendations by September 16r they must submit a written report to the City Counci] by December 30`� . Commissioner Dandrea reponed that the University Avenue/Dale Street Task Force will hoid its first meeting on Monday, 7uly 28�'. City Planner Yang Zhang has proposed a schedule that takes the group thraugh Pebruary 2004. The first community meeting will be held on August ll� . Commissioner Gordon reported on tlie STAR Program stating they had the interviews for the 22 applicants on Wednesday, July 23` The STAR Board will be meeting on Angust 6`� to do the rankings and will report its recommendations on August 8�` . He stated there is only aboui $1 million dollazs available this yeaz. $200,000 wili be spent on small grants, leaving $g00,000 for CITY OF SAIN"T PAUL Randy C. Kelly, Mayor Memorandum To: From: Date: Re: �S�-a 3 0 DEPARTMENLOFPLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVEIAPMENT � Martha G. Fuller, Director 25WestFou>thStreet Telephone:651-266-6�65 SairttPaul,�LLUSSIO2 Facs�miie.6.i1-228-32bi Planning Commission, Comprehensive Planning Committee Joel Spoonheim 2 July 2003 University Avenue TOD Comments/Suggestions from Plamiiug Commission Public Hearing 27 June 2003 The following aze the points raised for specific changes to the plan suminary. Staff response is in italics. Oral Testimonv Pg 8, last bullet: add "with input from adjacent property owners and the neighborhood" Fine. Keep the library in the Suxnm,it tTniversity neighborhood. Specifytng a library location was discussed. Due to the importance offinding a location that is both affordable und wetl serves the community, the task force chose to not specify any locations. Need further analysis of traffic impacts of development, especially for Snelling. Traffic analysis is dependent on a speciftc development proposal. The Zimited budget for this study did not allow for testang of different development scenarios. Need further analysis of how to make the area more walkable. The plan makes great strides in addressing the walkability of the area by calling for smaller blocks and better pedestrian walkways. Paula Goodman Maccabee Page 3, first garagraph of text pertaining to Snelling Development Concepts. Some of the proposed development opportunities involve relocation of retail uses and parking, rather than construction on excess parking lots. A minor amendment of the text would clarify this point: " The less obvious development opporhxnities include developing land that is currently used for ��"e��i''�' �ed parking „ Many task force members spoke to the "underutilized" parking, not the parking available for parking. Staff disagree with the recommended change. Page 4, paragraph 1 appeazs to suggest that moving the driveway on Pascal south may be a natural outcome as redevelopment of the center occurs. Although this is an interesting concept, it d �-a 30 would require demolition of portions of the center and relocation of tenants. An amendment is proposed to avoid the unpressions that redevelopment wi11 necessarily provide an opportuuity for realignment: "solve the problems at the automobile entrance on Pascal neaz University, preferably by moving the drive south, as if redevelopment of the center o�eur`s.makes this feasible." Many task force members see the redesign of the center as a goal. The Zanguage was scripted to go beyond a general "zffeasible" to "as redevelopment occurs. " Staffsupport the original language. Page 4, pazagraph 2 reflects oprions for redevelopment at Snelling if a transit garage and hub are not built and lists uses identified in the Midway Master Plan. In recent months, interest has also been expressed in medical clinic uses at this location. An amendment is requested to reflect this possible market opportunity: "These include offices, clinics hotel, movie cinemas and other retail functions." Staff believe that offices would include clinics, but adding specifzc language is acceptable. Page 4 bottom of page to Page 5: the paragraph of the text pertaining to intensifying retail uses omits the role that the public sector would need to play for this option to have a chance of serious consideration. The Planning Commission may choose to omit this pazagraph, since exploration of the concept was "beyond the scope of the study," as stated on Page 5. If the Commission would like to include this concept in the Summary, the need for public investment should be stated to avoid a misi_eading impression: "LVith coordinated planning, �� desien and public sector investment, the character of the area might be substantially unproved for shoppers and the surrounding community." Staff believe there is no assumption that public funding is essential and wish to pursue private development whenever possible. Staff oppose this change. Mark Thieroff My comment concems the southwest comer of Snelling and University, and the adjoining blocks. The Snelling Avenue TOD study area is defined to include several blocks to the southwest of the intersection--the land bounded by Snelling, University, Fry{Roy, and St. Anthony. Yet, as far as I can tell this area is not mentioned anywhere else in the document--not in the description of current land uses, the statement of vision and goals, or the recommendations. The document does address future development of a11 three of the other corners and adjoining blocks. It would seem that if the southwest area is to be included in the Area Plan, some attention should be given to it in the document. This would seem particularly appropriate given the under-utilization of several pazcels included in this area, such as the fiuniture store at Shields and University and the unused land and Snelling and St. Anthony, as well as the very close proxnnity of residential uses Early in the study, analysis showed Zittle opportunity for change in the area described 7'hus no recommendations were ever discussed, nor raised by community members. Senita Warns Page 3, under High Quality of Life, section C., Mix of Building Uses and Types, states "A mix 05� a3o need not be achieved in each buiiding but within a block or two of the development area." I am concemed about how this might be interpreted with respect to the properties on Sherburue Avenue and beyond. The term, "development azea" is not defined bere. Does this mean within the boundaries of this TOD study, or within the boundaries of the parcel(s) being developed? I don't believe that this statement is necessary for this section and it should be deleted. Staffwould recommend clar�ing the quote to read "within a block or two of the development site. Page 4, under Midway Shopping Center, Section 1, the third bullet, states, "create safe pedestrian and bicycle paths through the center to transit stops." This makes it sound like pedestrian and bicycle movements will be limited to between the shopping and the transit stops. Safe pedestrian and bicycle access is vital to all areas, not just to and from transit stops. The words, "to transit stops" should be deleted. Some taskforce rnembers wanted there to be explicit attention to tr�ansit stops. Staff are neutral on this suggestion. Page 4, under Midway Shopping Center, Section 5, states, "Consider moving eastwazd the major transit stop from Snelling." This is a bad idea because Snelling is a major transfer point between buses running on University and those that run on Snelling. Bus riders would have to walk a ways between stops in order to make their transfers. The point of this whole study is to enhance transit use, not make it more difficult. The other altemative is to farce Snelling Avenue buses to divert to the new stop - either down TJniversity ar by nsing nea:by resident:al streets. University is already crowded, and rerouting buses onto neighborhood residential streets is not acceptable. Staff disagree with this analysis. Meh-o Transit staff at a community meeting suggesting creating a transit hub that would bring all buses to a central location, possibly at Snelling or at Pascal. Pascal is suggested because it brings riders closer to the center of the shopping centers, and is a safer environment for pedestrians than Snetling. The TOD Framework does not recommend moving the locafion, merely exploring it. Page 5, in the paragraph about the northeast block of Snelling/University, a statement should be included about maintaining a high quality of life for nearby residents of Sherburne and Charles Avenues. This woudd be redundant of the secfion on Sherburne and University, and thus is unnecessczry. Page 5, under Lexington Development Concepts, the last bullet states, "Designing new development to be compatible with e�sting single-family neighborhoods, such as along Central Avenue" should be changed to read, "such as along Central, Sherburne, and Charles Avenues." Fine. Page 6, under Northwest corner, states, "T'he general goal is to create a sia ature building at the comer of University and Lexington that supports the Pazkway atmosphere." The following words should be added to that sentence, "and that enhances the quality of life for nearby residents of Sherburne and Charles Avenues." Redundant of University/Sherburne section. Thus unnecessary. p�f�3o Page 8, the last bullet under Community Goals (beguuung on page 7), states, "Each proposed development must be evaluated on its own individual merit." The community agreed to add language to the end of this statement that would give the neighborhoods si�ificant input into fmal development outcomes, but somehow it doesn't appeaz in this draft. The follow words should be added at the end of the sentence: "with significant input from adjacent property owners and the neighborhood. As statea' above, this is ok, though staff suggest omitting the work "signifzcant" since there are no measures for what this means. Merriam Park Communitv Council Include verbiage in the Stunmary to consider the possibility of a maj or improvement in the transit service on University Avenue; either Bus Rapid Transit or Light Rail Transit. No spec f c Zocation to add this info. Acknowledging the interrelationship between parking, the amount provided and costs, and use of transit. Tnclude targets for reduced pazking supply and increased transit use. The study looked at some of these issues and provided comments in the main report. Since these do not impact comprehensive plan issue they are not in the summary. Define `Blighting infIuences" and "vitality" Is this necessary? Disagree with the decision to locate the transit station on Pascal instead of on Snelling See comments above under Benita Warns comments. K.\U�iv Ave TOD�PHinput29June03.wpd AA-.4DA-EEO Employer Page 1 of 2 o`f a3o )oel Spoonheim - University Avenue TOD Public Hearing �3� �vTT.v�� ^.�3 ..�y: ^°—^"-^--� , . �.... �yv�� °_.:�.^"..�. v.i:-�.vew�ms�.i.�. From: To: Date: Subject: CC: "Warns, Benita B - Eagan, MN" <benita.b.warns@usps.gov> <joel.spoonheim@ci.stpaul.mn.us>, "Jane Prince" <jane.prince@ci.stpaul.mn.us>, "Claire O'Connor" <claireoconnor@mcleodusa.net> 6/26/2003 11:23 AM University Avenue TOD Public Hearing "Triesta Brown" <triesta.brown@woridnet.att.net> Please enter this message into the ofFicial record of the Public Hearing on the University Avenue Transit Oriented Design Framework - Snelling and Lexington Intersections. In spite of the long process, I feel that the draft is a start toward representing the opinions of those who participated in the wockshops. I am still concerned that the language of this draft doesn't give residential property owners who live near University Avenue, particularly those on Sherburne and Charles Avenues, enough protection from unwanted developments. I understand that only the Summary portion of the finalized document wiA be adopted into the comprehensive plan, and so I have limited my comments to only that portion of the draft. Page 3, under High Quality of Life, section C., Mix of Building Uses and Types, states "A mix need not be achieved in each building but within a block or two of the development area." I am concerned about how this might be interpreted with respect to the properties on Sherburne Avenue and beyond. The term, "development area" is not defined here. poes this mean within the boundaries of this TOD study, or within the boundaries of the parcel(s) being developed? I don't believe that this statement is necessary for this section and it shouid be deieted. Page 4, under Midway Shopping Center, Section 1, the third bullet, states, "create safe pedestrian and bicycle paths through the center to transit stops." This makes it sound like pedestrian and bicycle movements wiii be limited to between the shopping and the transit stops. Safe pedestrian and bicycle access is vital to all areas, not just to and from transit stops. The words, "to transit stops" should be deleted. Page 4, under Midway Shopping Center, Section 5, states, "Consider moving eastward the major transit stop from Snelling." This is a bad idea because Sne4ling is a major transfer point between buses running on University and those that run on Sneilinq. Bus riders would have to walk a ways between stops in order to make their transfers. The point of this whole study is to enhance transit use, not make it more difficult. The other alternative is to force Snelling Avenue buses to divert to the new stop - either down University or by using nearby residential streets. University is already crowded, and rerouting buses onto neighborhood residenYial streets is not acceptable. file:f/C:\Documents%20and%20Settings\spoonhei�I,ocal%20Settings\Temp\GW} 00007.H... 6/26/2003 o � a3 0 Page 2 of 2 Page 5, in the paragraph about the northeast block of Snelling/University, a statement shouid be included about maintaining a high quality of life for nearby residents of Sherburne and Charles Avenues. Page 5, under Lexington Deve{opment Concepts, the last bullet states, "Designing new development to be compatible with existing single-family neighborhoods, such as along Central Avenue" should be changed to read, "such as along Central, Sherhurne, and Charles Avenues." Page 6, under Northwest corner, states, 'The general goal is to create a signature building at the corner of University and Lexington that supports the Parkway atmosphere." The following words should be added to that sentence, "and that enhances the qua�ity of life for nearby residents of Sherburne and Charles Avenues." Page 8, the last bullet under Community Goals (beginni�g on page 7), states, "Each proposed development must be evaluated on its own individual merit." The community agreed to add language to the end of this statement that would give the neighborhoods significa�t input into final development outcomes, but somehow it doesn't appear in this draft. The following words should be added at the end of the sentence: "with significa�t input from adjacent property owners and the neighborhood, Of alI my proposed changes, the last item is the one I feel is criticai Yo give the residents of Sherburr,e and Chzrles Avenues protection f;om unwanted developments and a strong voice into what actually gets built. Neighborhoods should determine their own development agendas, not have these things foisted upon them by outsiders who will reap significant financial gain at the expense of the neighborhoods. The residents and property owners near Universiry Avenue, especially those along Sherburne Avenue, attended the workshops and have repeatedly made it clear that they want to preserve the single-family character of their blocks. The Planning Commission should consider them first and foremost when deciding the final form of this document. Benita Warns 1440 Lafond Avenue St. Pau1, MIV 55104-2438 file://C:\Documents%20and%20S ettings\spoonhei�I,ocal°/o20Settings\Temp\GW } OOQ07.H... 6126(2003 p� a3o �� oa�� d�(�� Economic and Comncunity Deaelapment 1961 Selby Aaenue Saint Paul, Minnesofa 55104 Phonz 6516468890 Fax: 651�1(r5754 Cell: 651-775-7128 E-mail: pmnccabeeC�?oisi.com June 25 2003 DELIVERED BY MESSENGER Saint Paul Planning Commission c/o Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development 15 West 4th Street, Suite 1100 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102 RE: Universiry Avenue Transit Oriented Development Framework Snelling and I.e�ngton Intersections Dear Members of the Planning Commission: Representatives of the Midway Shopping Center were pieased to have the opportuniry to participate in the process for the University Avenue Transit Oriented Development Framework. We served on the task force and attended ail of the community meetings and forums. From this perspective, we would like to express our appreciation for Departrnent of Planning and Economic Development staff. We believe that they played an important role in assuring tnat business perspecrives were not disregarded and that design proposals had some relationship to market forces. For the most part, we believe that the DRAFI' Area Plan Summary provides positive guidance for both private and public investment to strengthen the regional commercial center at the intersecrion of Snelling and Universiry. We look forward to collaboration with the City as we work toward redevelopment of the vacant property on the south side of the Midway Center. The Midway Shopping Center coniinues to have concerns about the full-length plan for the Universiry Avenue Transit-Oriented Development Framework, particutarly regarding the schemacic drawings for future development However, it is our understanding that only the DRAFT Area Plan Summary is under consideration for adoption as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan, so we are restricting our comments to the Summary. We have Some general comments that we would like to make part of this record and a few minor changes to the text of the Summary"that we would propose for your consideration. General Comments During community forums when average citizens as well as activists were given a chance to participate, it was clear that the regional shopping at the Midway Center and adjacent retail areas has a good deal of value to the community. Although the process was designed to discourage this rype of feedback, several ciuzens stated that they did not want change to alter the availabiliry of grocery and phannacy at the Midway Center and that regional shopping opportuniries (Office Maac or Borders) were among their favorite places. It is important that the City respect these neighborhood preferences in discussions of future development. o� a�o Comments to St. Paul Planning Commission June 25, 2003 page 2 The value to the City as a whole of the University Avenue regionai commercial center could be more strongly emphasized in the DRAFT Area Plan Summary. This regional retail captures spending dollars from both St. Paul residents and residents from outside St Paul who use heavily- trafficked University Avenue and Highway 94. The center provides significant property taY revenue in an azea which is developing numerous non-profit uses and also provides a significant portion of the sales ta�c revenue which the City uses for housing and redevelopment tluough the STAR program. Retail stores on Universiry Avenue not only provide jobs, but provide workforce development opportuniries for persons in the neighborhood, for whom this may be their first job, their first job in this country or their first job to obtain independence from public assistance. Regional shopping along University Avenue also produces benefits in reducing air pollution. Not only are stores convenient to workers and shoppers who use transit or walk to their destination, but even those who arrive by automobile drive fewer vehicle miles than if they had to go to suburban tocations to meet basic retail needs. The DRAFT Area Plan Summary does not describe the nature of public investments needed to create a desirable public realm or to support the transformation over time proposed in the study. It would be helpful as the fmal Area Plan Summary is adopted to clarify that enhancing the streetscape of University, providing better patterns of movement through properties and developing other amenities described in the Summary most likely will require public investment. In the case of the suggestion (page 4, paragraph 3) that a strong visual element be created at Snelling and St. Anthony, the record shouid reflect that the comer currendy contains a large billboard advertising sign used by the Metropolitan Council for operating revenue. Without an outiay of significant public resources to replace this revenue and purchase the sign, this goal in the Summary is unlikely to be realized. Finally, we would support the suggestion of the Midway Chamber of Commerce that the City look to adjacent properties, inciuding property near but not on Universiry Avenue to meet vital housing needs. We agree with the conclusion reached on page 4 of the Summary that residential uses are not preferred at Snelling and University due to the commercial nature and isolation caused by the interstate, Snelling and University. We also believe that renovarion and intensification of housing within the residential area to the north of Universiry Avenue wIll strengthen nearby retail and business uses. Specific Sue�estions for Text Amendments We would make the following suggestions for specific amendments to the text of the DRAFI' Summary: • Page 3, first paragraph of text pertauring to Snelling Development Concepts. Some of the proposed development opportunifies involve relocarion of retaii uses and parking, rather than construction on excess paridng lots. A minor amendment of the text would ciarify this point: "The less obvious development opportunities include developing land that is currenfly used r �parking.�� • Page 4, pazagraph 1 appears to suggest that moving the driveway on Pascal south may be a natutal outcome as redevelopment of the center occurs. Although this is an interesting concept, it would require demolirion of portions of the center and relocation of tenants. An amendment is 05� a3d Comments to St. Paul Plamiing Commission June 25, 2003 page 3 proposed to avoid the impression that redevelopment will necessarily provide an opportunity for realignment: "solve the probiems at the automobile entrance on Pascal near Universiry, preferabiy by moving the drive south, asif redevelopment of the centereeenrgmakes this feasible." • Page 4, paragraph 2 reflects options for redevelopment at Snelling if a transit gazage and hub are not built and lists uses identified in the Midway Master Plan. In recent months, interest has also been expressed in medical clinic uses at this location. An amendment is requested to reflect this possible market opportunity: "These include offices clinics, hotel, movie cinemas and other retail functions." • Page 4 bottom of page to Page 5: the paragraph of text pertaining to intensifying retaii uses omits the role that the public sector would need to play far this option to have a chance of serious consideration. The Planning Commission may choose to omit this paragraph, since explorauon of the concept was "beyond the scope of the study," as stated on Page 5. If the Commission would like to include this concept in the Summary, the need for public investment should be stated to avoid a misleading unpression: "With coordinated planning, ae� design and �ublic sector investment, the chazacter of the area might be substantially unproved for shoppers and the sunounding community." On behalf of the Midway Shopping Center, we appreciate this opgortuniry to comment on the DRAr"T Area t�lan Summary and respectfuIly request ihat the final version of the Summary include our proposed changes. We would also request that our general comments about the value to the City of the regional commercial center and the role of public investment in catalyzing change be reflected on this record. The owners of the Midway Shopping Center are committed to redevelopment of the vacant property on the south side of the Center and look forwazd to working with City staff to strengthen the regional commercial center, increasing jobs, taxes and opportuniries for cirizens to work and shop in St. Paul. S� t__/ � Paula Go man Maccabee Consultant to R.K. Midway cc: Rick Birdoff, Esq. Joe Finley, Esq. Lori Fritts, Midway Chamber of Commerce Page 1 of 1 o�a3c� Mary Bruton - University Avenue TOD Meeting From: Duane En91e <engfedc@yahoo.com> To: <joel.spoonheim@ci.stpaul.mn.us> Date: 5/24/2003 1237 PM SubjecE: University Avenue TOD Meeting Joel; 7his week I received two notices about a meeting for residents to give comment to the Planning Commission. I placed June 27, 2003 on my calendar to attend the meeting. The second notice said that rather than 8:30 pm, the meeting time is 8:30 AM! My question...How can tfie working people of St. Paul, the ones that are providing the tax money for insanity like this, be heard by the politicians of this city who are unwilling to meet with us? I cannot afford to take a day off of work to provide my comments...I am too busy earning enough money to pay my taxes. My opinion: Transit is for moving people, not creating economic development. I am not against rail transit in the Twin Cities, I am against the insanity of the thought behind the process. Rail transit should be designed to quickly get people where they need to go. The Iogical places for a rail line between the downtowns is the I-94 corridor, or the existing raii line. If development wili happen because of rail, then build the rail so that people can easily get somewhere and the development will follow. Duane C. Engie engledc@yahoo.com Do you Yahoo!? The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo. htto:!/search.vahoo com file://C:�Documents 6/25l2003 FILE No.018 06i26 '03 PM 02�27 ID��IDWAY CHAMBER FAX:651 646 2297 PA6E 2 a�-a3o Bullding A Stron�er Mldway jZg o �rs Amcrican Bank CSM Curporalinn SL Ntthuny Park bank WcBinkton �i,��„��„�nt L�uildet�s (1 Pann�rs 'fltic. i,i.(' ri:�o�s�� Univcr.rity KS'i'I'rHubbacd (.irottdcasting �.(hcr�y si<iic Asink Midway Shoppinq c:�„i�� Nu��z,a� w�ia Mintahoe (IonpiUJiiy croup Purky's IAivc lit 2cx k.�•znn Company Si. Paul Purt Authorify us �� wclis Fargu Aank Western t3en1: Xccl P.nergy Your r"mure hnxge. Inc. MIDWAY CHA�IBER �ICOMMERCE �' MSA� June 26. 2003 St. Paul Pianning Commission City Hait Cunference Center Room 40 St. Yaul, MN 55102 Dear Commissioners, The Midway Chamber oi' Commerce was pleascd to participHte on Qie task Corce of the Univcrsity Avenue Ta�ansit-Oriented llevelopmenl (Ti)D) Study of the Snelling and Lexin�;ton nodes. As you know, The task force wus composed of a wide variety of community stakehniders, including residents, busincss representauives, and not-for-proft representaqives. TFisk lorce members could not refich consensus on many important issues concerning these crucial int�rsections and nodes. llue to the abbreviaced timeline anct limited financial resources, thc scope of the study was not as brnad s�s mAny membcrs had hoped Por. Fnr exa�nrlc, thc amount uf public suUsidy I'or different types of devclopments was not considered. T'herefore, the 7'l)D Frumewvrk Sunamury often only presents options and al,ernitives rather th�n make specific recommer,datitms. "fhe future dcvclopment oC these nodes will liavc a dramalic imptict on the re�ion �s a whole for decades tc� come. It is d�erefore imperative to . cansider a(I signif cant faccors whan determining the use of this land, not just those facfors illet are easily obtainecl or readily available. 'I'he avFiilF�bility and amount of public stibsidies are cruciat factors that must be considered. The difference in thc amoun� c�f those public subsidics from onc proposed land use to the ucxt m1y v�ry well be the determininf3 facior in whai ullimately the msirket can bear. "I'he t�isk force was limited gec�graphic�lty to the nodes, yei borders and boundaries did not bind thc issues discussed by the task force. For example, tlic tack of affvrdabte liousing was discussed at length. Yet how can cornmunity stakcholders discuss the ineriYs of housing within the node and noc discuss the nierits oT'thc same project in the same con�mun'sry buc �utside thc node'? The Midway Chrunber ol' Commerce suongly bclieves ihere ure uumerous site. in the Midway that are much muie suitable for housing than either oP the nodes. We are not opposed to a mixed usc complex, but beCseve the cnmmunity as a whole would be better scrved dirccting housing efforts to othcr underutilized properties in the area, in pprticuiar property cm�rently zoned for residenti�il use. Given ihe high land v�lues for much ol'the property witliin the nodet, siructures that are Spruce Tree Cenu�e • Suite #4 • 1600 Unive�xity Avenue West • Sl. Paui, MN 55104 PHONE: f651) fi46-2636 FAX: (bS11646-2297 WEBSITE: www.midwavchamber.com r1�t No.v1� U626 'U3 PM 02�28 ID�MIDWRY CHAMBER Page 2 FAX:651 646 2297 PAGE 3 o�f a3o all, or at leust part, commercial in nature, liave the best chance to be economically setf sustFiininb. - 1'he sauthwest corner of Lexington and t7niversity is the last lnrge pazcel of commercially zoned land av�ilable for development on the Avenue. We at the Midway Chamber believe that remaining open to all types o(' development proposals d�at meet the summary's criteria and will serve the community's needs is prudent. White we would prefer a development that would brin� more,jobs Hnd incrementally more property tax revem�e, we must be upen to what ihe market demands. The southeast corner o!'Snellinb and University also represents an import�nt redevelopment oppoitwuty. Given the importflnce of transiC scrvice Por Yhe vitality of Midw�y businesses, the Cltamber is willing to supporl construction of a Mecru Transit bus facility on a poruon oi'the vactult property at this corner, if this pr�ject is part of a redevelopment that increases jobs, enhances property values azld strengthans the acea's regi�nal commercial ce�zter. 'i'he Midway Ch�mber of Coilvnerce remains committed to this cc�mmunity a�id city, and looks forward to izaving these crucial areas developed irt the ncar tuture. Sinc rcly, �p.�-,�� Lon D. Fritts President June 19, 2003 June 19, 2003 To: Comprehensive P1anY�ing Committee of the Saint Paul Planning Commission Page 1 of 2 o �-a3o RE: DRAFT Area P1an Summary, University Avenue TOD Framework Dear Committee Members, After reviewing the DRAFT University Avenue TOD addendum to the Comprehensive Plan for Saint Paul, the Merriam Park Community Council gives its support to the addition of the summary language with reservations. We do not feel that the DRAFT adheres strongly enough to the principles of TOD, nor does it provide a method for measuring the success of any redevelopment regarding the goals outlined in the Area Plan. Howev.er, we see this Area Plan as a step in the right direction, and certainly welcome any efforts to bring the University Avenue Corridor closer to a truly Transit Oriented Development. Specific criticism: While transit funding was drastically cut this past year, we find no reason not to include verbiage in the Summary to consider the possibility of a major improvement in transit service on University Avenue; either Bus Rapid Transit or Light Rail Transit. The plan wo�ald also be improved by acknowledging the interrelationship between parking, the amount provided and cost, and use of transit. We would like to see the plan include targets for reduced p�rking supply and increased transit use. Under the "Vision and Goals" heading, both "blighting influences" and "vitality" are left undefined and rather vague. If "blighting influences" are not defined elsewhere in the Comprehensive Plan, they should be here. Likewise, if the plan seeks to "increase yitality" the definition of this goal should be clarified. We strongly disagree with the decision to locate the transit station on file:!lC:�llocuments%20and%20Settings\spoonhei\Local%20Settings\Temp\Uni%20TOD... 6/27l2003 June 19, 2003 Page 2 of 2 ��f-a3o Pascal instead of on Snelling, and would like to see other alternatives explored such as a possible site on the Southwest corner of University and Snelling which would nof sacrifice transit for SOV sake. While we understand the necessarily concise nature of the Summary, we believe that it would only be strengthened by such additions as suggested above. It is with these suggestions that the Merriam Park Community Council gives its support to the DRAFT Area Plan Summary for the University Avenue TOD Framework. file://C:�Documents%20and%20Settings\spoonhei�I,ocal%20Settings\Temp\Uni%20TOD... 6/27/2003 Page 1 of 1 o�-a3a ....�_�r . .. , ----�� From: Mark Thieroff <thie0�3�@umn.edu> To: <joei.spoonheim@ci.stpaul.mn.us> Date: 6/24/2003 9:41 PM Subject: TOp Framework CC: Theresa Heiland <ccmerriam@agiliti.net>, James Marti <jmarti@skypoint.com>, <thomwell@b[tstream.net> Mr. Spoonheim: I am unable to attend the public meeting on the University Avenue TOD Framework, but would like to submit the following comment on the Draft Area Plan Summary of 14 May 2003. My comment concerns the southwest corner of Snelling and University, and the adjoining blocks. The Snelling Avenue TOD study area is defined to include several blocks to the southwest of the intersection--the land bounded by Snelling, University, Fry/Roy, and St. Anthony. Yet, as far as I can tell this area is not mentioned anywhere eise in the document--not in the description of current land uses, Yhe statement of vision and goals, or the recommendations. The document does address future development of all three of the other corners and adjoining blocks. It would seem that if the southwest area is to be included in the Area Plan, some attention should be given to it in the document. This wou{d seem particularly appropriate given the under-utilization of severai parcels included in this area, such as the furniture store at Shields and University and the unused land and Snelling and St, Anthony, as weli as the very close proximity of residential uses. Thank you for your consideration. Mark Thieroff 458 Herschel Street St. Paul, MN 55104 fileJ/C :�Documents% 20 and% 20 Settings\bruton�I , ocal%20Settings\Temp\GW}00OO1.HTM 6/25/2003 DEPARTMIN'C OF PLANNING @ECANOMICDEVELOPf�1T Mtntha G. Puller, Direnrn o� a3o CfiIY OF SAINT PAUL Rmdy C. Ket1y, Mayar February 10, 2004 Ms. Mary Erickson City Cotmcil Research Office Room 310 City Hall Saint Paui, Minnesota 55102 Deaz Ms. Erickson: 25Wes{Pourtfi Tetephox:612-2665555 SmnlPmd,MN55102 Pac:rrniile:611-228-3314 �;.vu�' • ,- : _. ., _. . - s "� S ,., �_w+- g ' � � -� V .�v�J i I would like to confirm that a public hearing before the CiTy Council is scheduled for Wednesday February 25, 2004, to receive comment on the summary of the University Avemle Transit-Oriented Development Framework for Snelling and Leitington Areas. My understansiing is that flus public hearing request will appear on the agenda for the February 25, 2004 City Council meeting and that you will publish notice of the hearing in the Saint Paul Legal Ledger. Please call me at 266-6659 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Yang Zhang City Planner cc: Wendy Lane Allan Torstenson Larry Soderholm N01TCE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Saint Paul City Council wiil con- duct a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb- ruary 25, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Couneil Cliambers, Third F'loor, City Hall toreceivecommentonthes+�.++.+�A*; ofthe University Avenue 11�ansibOriented Devel- opment bYamework for Snellingand Iza- ingtonAreas. - . . Dated: February 11, 2004 - � MARY ERICKSON. ` _ � Assistant City Covncil Secre}ary _ (Februazy 12) __ � --- = s1: PnilL LEGnt I.EDCER �= _� 22076245 �qI Benita Warns 1440 Lafond Avenue St. Paul, MN 55104-2438 (651)641-1037 February 25, 2004 To the Members of the City Council: b�l-� This is a written summary of my testimony in the Public Hearing on the Transit Oriented Design Study for the Sneiling/University and Lexington/University intersections. I wish to go on record in support of adopting this study as part of the Comprehensive Plan. The document is a good representation of the views expressed at numerous public meetings by at least 200 members of the Hamiine Midway community. Our neighborhood supports the overall goal of transit-oriented development provided that what is built does not detract from the overall quality of life of current residents.ar�c� b�zs�n�ss ownels, My neighbors were very clear on one thing — they value the areas of the Hamline Midway neighborhood that are single-family in character. They do not want to see their homes torn down to make way for high-density "people warehouses." All of us support high-quality development that fits in architecturally with the surrounding structures, doesn't case detrimental shadows on adjacent yards, contains a manageable number of peopie, and contains sufficient on-site parking to fully meet the needs of the occupants. We want to see more opportunities for neighborhood owned and operated businesses to flourish. We aiso want strong protection for our single-family homes. I recommend that the following "bu11eY' be added to the list at the end of the first paragraph of the Snelling Development Concepts section (top of page 4 in the draft): "Designing new development to be compatible with existing single-family neighborhoods, such as along Sherburne and Charles Avenues." We strongly support the Community Goals for the blocks between University and Sherburne as they appear on pages 7 and 8 of the draft. The residents of that area made it very ciear that they want development that will enhance the neighborhood but not encroach on their homes. Our neighborhood preference is very clear for the northwest corner of University and Sneliing. We want an attractive buiiding similar in size and style to the Midway Book Store located across the street. We want the main entrance to this building to be right at the corner of University and Snelling. We want clear windows so people outside can see in and those inside can see out. We want secure bicycle parking provided. We do not want a suburban-style building at this location. I urge you to amend the draft with the amended plan. ;,.��J. � nita Wams language that I proposed, and to adopt the