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06-763Council File # 06- 7� 3 Green Sheet #,303/ � � � C OF T PAUL, MINNESOTA 13 Presented by \ _ _ _ 3 FITZGERALD PAR4( PRECINCT PLAN SUMMAI2Y 4 6 WHEREAS, at the request of CapitolRiver Council (District 17) and a coa{ition of neighborhood 7 institutions, the Saint Paul Pfanning Commission in February 2004 initiated a precinct planning 8 process for the Fifizgerald Park precinct (bounded by I-94 on the north, 7 Street on the south, 9 Main Street on the west and Jackson Street on the east), and created a task force to prepare the 10 precinct plan; and 11 12 WHEREAS, the task force was co-chaired by a Planning Commissioner and a community 13 represerrtative, and staffed by City departments and the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design 14 Center; and 15 16 WHEREAS, the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force met from April 2004 through February 17 2006, employ+ng a variety of inethods for public input on neighborhood issues, goals and 18 improvement strategies; and 19 20 WHEREAS, the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force forwarded its draft plan to CRC in 21 March 2006; and 22 23 WHEREAS, CRC fonnrarded the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan to the Planning Commission in 24 April 2006 and asked that it be adopted as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan; and 25 26 WHEREAS, the Pfanning Commission held a public hearing on June 30, 2006, which was duly 27 noticed in the Saint Pauf Legal Ledger and at which all interested persons were heard; and 28 29 WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommends adoption by the City Council of the 30 Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, with 31 supplemental language to clarify the task force's recommendation regarding the vision for a fu{I- 32 block park on the block bounded by 9 10 Minnesota and Robert streets; and 33 34 WHEREAS, the City Council has consid�ered the Planning Commission's recommendations and 35 agrees with its suggested changes to the task force draft; 36 37 38 G��7�� 39 40 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Pauf City Council hereby adopts the 41 Fitzgerafd Park Precinct Plan Summary, wiih the change recommended by the Saint Paul 42 Planning Commission, as an amendment to the Saint Paui Comprehensive Plan; and 43 44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council grateful(y acknowledges the hours (years!) 45 of excellent, dedicated work on the part of the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force, 46 CapitolRiver Council and Saint Pau{ on the Mississippi Design Center, and thanks them for their 47 public service. Benanav Requested by Department of: � Planning and Economic Development ✓ ✓ � � �./(� v � .� Form Approved by City Attomey By: e" !✓ �✓�^^.�^ Y- �i-a 6 Adopted by Council: Date Adoption Certified by Council Secr�ary BY� __—.L/ r i/� ��� dti ApprovedbyMay Date GLGCg�L�a.tc?lo70G� BY: � 0'" � Form Appr ed y ayor f Submis ' n tO Council By: � � ¢ �.Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheef Green Sheet G�een Sheet a° DepartrnentlofficrJcouncii: - �atetnfiated: � PE - Planning&Eco�omicDcvelopment o,-A�� � G r e en S heet NO: 303 1777 Confact Person 8 Phone: � Department SenfTO Person lnitia{IDa� WcyThompson � � 0 Plannine&EconomicDevelon � �, _ 2 �$ , Assign 1 Pl ' e& Econ m"c Devel w_�_nartm nt D' e t �^'��' , Must Be on Council Agenda by (Dafe): , Number p Citv Attomev ' Ciro Attomev {v 8' Y"� ' � For � '� 3 Z1ip r's �S M o/Assista t ' -- — �� Roufing , , �� Ofder 4 Council CiN Council , � i 5 'Citv qerk Citv Cierk � ToWI#ofSignaturePages �l' (ClipAlllocationsforSignaWre) Action ReqUested: � Approval of resolu[ion adop[ing the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary as an amendment to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan. idatio�s: Apprrn2 (A) or F Planni� Commission Ci8 Commitiee CiUI Service Commission 'I. Has this persoNfirtn e�er worked under a contract for this department? Yes No 2. Has this persoNfirm e�er heen a city employee? Yes No 3. Does this person/firm possess a skill rrot nortnally possessed by any current city employee? , Yes No Expiain afl yes answers on separate sheet and attach to green sheet r Initiating Problem, lssues, Opportunity (Who, What, When, Where, Why): ��. At the request of CapitolRrver Council (Aistrict 17) and a coalition of neighborhood institutions, the Planning Commission in Februaxy ( 200A initiated a precinct planning process for the Fitzgerald Pazk Prec'rnet (bounded by I-94, Sackson Street, 7th Street and Main Street)j , and created a community task force to prepaze the plan. A Fitzgerald Paxk Precinet Plan is also called foi in the Saim Paul Aowntow� � Development Strategy. The task force met from April 2004 tl�rough February 2006. I AdvanWgeslfApproved: � The Fitzgerald Park Precinet Plan Summary will be part of the Comprehensive Plan, aud will guide public and private investrnent in ' neighborhood for the next 10 yeazs. -- — f�CPCISI[f� DisadvanWges PFApproved: - -- ; None. AUG 4 2006 � ----__----- -- MAYOR'S ����r� .'� Disadvanta9es If NotApproved: '� There will be no Comprehensive Plan policy regarding the Fitzgerald Pazk neighborhood, snd future development will bei uncoordinafed, lacking in vision a�d will not contribute to a better fuNZe for residents and businesses� �� �' �/�� i �� Total Amount of Transaction: Funding Source: Financia l Infonnation: (Explain) CosURevenue Budgeted: Aciiviiy Number. Council Research C°n��r �! +� � / ���� Y� ° . �` � �t `�. August 9, 2006 8:51 AM Page 1 b� - 7�-� Area Plan Summary Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan for Saint Paul Adopted by the City Council on .� This summary appends to the Comprehensive Plan the community's vision of a diverse, mixed-use sustainable, human-scaled neighborhood that is pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, safe, beautiful and well-mttintained. Historic buildings are maintained, and new buildings are designed to be compatible with them. The needs ofpedestrians, bikes, cars, transit and those of limited physical mobiliry are balanced nnd met. A central green provides residents and visitors with a pZace to gather. The neighborhood has a strong sense ofp[ace and identity. Copies of the full-Zength plan are available at the Saint Paul Department ofPlanning and Economic Development, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center and CapitolRiver Council (District 17). I.00at10II The Fitzgerald Park neighbarhood is located in downtown Saint Paul. The study azea for the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan is bounded by I-94 on the north, Seventh Street on the south, Main Street on the west and Jackson Street on the east. Fitzgerald ParkPrecinetPlan Page 1 Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Study Area 0�-��3 The Fitzgerald Pazk neighborhood is a diverse, mixed-use sustainable, human-scaled downtown community that is pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, safe, beautiful and well-maintained. Historic buildings are maintained, and new buildings are designed to be comparible with them. The needs of pedesirians, bikes, cars, transit and those of limited physical mobility are balanced and met. A central green provides residents and visitors with a place to gather. The neighborhood has a strong sense of place and identity. The plan is informed by the Saint Pttud on the Mississippi Development Framework and the Downtown Denelopment Strate� chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Each chapter — land use, design and appeazance, movement, public realmlpublic safety, nahual environment and neighborhood identitylcommunication - contains a vision statement and development strategies to accomplish the vision. Land Use Vision: Fitzgerald Pazk is a diverse, mixed-use, human-scaled neighborhood that celebrates culture, education and the arts, while providing for the needs of a growing residential population during all hours of every day and evening. First- floor uses activate the street. New retail and service businesses utilize small storefronts so that streets and sidewalks are pedestrian-&iendly. Design and Appearance Vision: Fitzgerald Park is a human-scaled neighborhood that is clean, beautiful and well- maintained, where historic buildings are preseroed and new buildings are designed to be compatible with them. Mavement Vision: Fitzgerald Pazk is a neighborhood with a pedestrian-friendly street character and block pattern that also has safe and convenient connections to the skyway system. The needs of pedestrians, bikes, cazs, transit and those of limited physical mobility are balanced and met. Public RealmlPublic Safety Vision: Fitzaerald Park is a neighborhood that has a central geen or pazk where residents and visitors alike can meet and shaze the common experience of being part of the neighborhood. Streets, sidewalks, plazas and parks aze visible, well-maintained, safe and welcoming. Natnral Environment Vision: Fitzgerald Park is a"geen" neighborhood that manages the visual, noise and air quality impacts of its location overlooking a major freeway and connected to the Mississippi River. Neighborhood Identity/ Commnnica&on Vision: Pitzgerald Park is a neighborhood that has a strong sense of place and identity, with numerous opportunities for communicating, marketing and publicizing neighborhood news. Public places to gather and share information are abundant. Fitzgeratd Park Precinct Plan Page 2 � / / Prioriries for Citv Action The following actions have been ident�ed by the community as priorities that require leadership or significant participation by Ciry govemment. Community gcoups and City depaztments should implement the projects identified in this suuunary by applying for appropriate public funding resources in competitive processes (such as the Capital Improvement Budget and Sales Tas Revitalization Program) and working though the regulaz operating programs of relevant City departments. Land Use 1. New development on Blocks 2, 3 and 5 should provide a mix of residential, office and retail uses, with the mazket determining the final mix (Figure 1). (Housing and Redevelopment Authoriry) 2. In general, pazking should be provided underground to allow for masimum densities appropriate in a downtown. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) 3. A diverse range of housing types and prices should be available in Fitzgerald Pazk. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) ` ��e � �, F �� ��. ��� - -� � � �- ,y > � i 6, G ! - Si+iN}1"i.- - � � i m Figure 1 °- ,1 i Design and Appearance 4. Buildings of historical and/or azchitectural value should be retained, protected and preserved. (Hezitage Preservation Commission) 5. Existing buildings of historic and/or architectural value should be incorporated into new development. The Public Safety Buildiug should be retained when the block is redeveloped. (Hous3ng and Redevelopment Authority) 6. The maximum height of new buildings on Blocks 2, 3 and 5 should be I50 feet (Figure 1), including HVAC equipment. Taller buildings may be permitted where necessary to further the visions and strategies in this plan, as long as a strong relationship to the street is maintained. (Planning and Economic Development) Movement 7. The City and Minnesota Public Radio should cooperate in the construction of a pedestrian-only pathway between Centrai Presbyterian Church and the new MPR building. Should Naomi Family Center ever close at its current location, the pathway should be extended east on a straight line to Minnesota Street (Figure 2). East ofMPR, the street should serve both vehicles and pedesh (Public Works) 8. Ninth Street should be realigned between Robert and Minnesota streets to provide an edge to the new full-block park and provide a luger redevelopment site north of the former Northem Furniture building. The street should be extended west of Minnesota Street should Naomi Center ever close at its cu�ent location, where it would connect to a pedestriau-only pathway bete✓een Minnesota Public Radio and Central Presbyterian Church (Figure 2). (Public Works) � = --�+ — �--- � �- � ��" �'i5F �.r _..."" t �'�`�� � A g✓ s"., - �` � i 3 �1 . � j� �: � ` �c � I Fitzgerald Papk Preeinet Plan Page 3 �G-7�3 9. The skyway system should be open during regulat, predictable hours and for more hours into the evening. Safe, convenient and visible access into and out of the system should be provided during all hours it is open. Extensions of the skyway system should be considered — north from the World Trade Center rawp, north from Ciry Walk/MPR, north from the 7'� Street ramp and north through the Block 19 ramp (Figure 2). (Public Works) 10. Light rail transit should be implemented to increase transit options, beautify Cedar Street and provide an impetus to redevelopment. (Public Works, Planning and Economic Development) ll. All existing street segments should remain open; no fiuther street closings should be pernutted to accommodate new development. (Public Works) 12. The extension of Exchange Street west of 5�'/6"` streets should be explored. (Public Works) 13. Ninth Street should be improved to allow a safe and convenient connection to the regional trail system. (Public Works) 14. Traffio-calming techniques, as well as streetscape amenities, should be installed on 7�' and Jackson streets. (Public Works, Pazks and Recreation) 15. The narrowing of the curb-to-curb width of Wabasha Street between Exchange Street and I-94 should be explored. (Public Works) Public RealmlPublic Safety 16. Ornamental paving, mazked crosswalks, pedestrian lighting, wider sidewalks and street trees should be extended north of 7�' Street. (Public Works, Pazks and Recreation) 17. Ninth, Cedar between MPR and Exchange, Exchange and St. Peter streets should be redesigned as "pazk streets" to extend the downtown pedestrian loop through the neighborhood. (Public Works, Parks and Recreation) 18. Exchange Street between Cedar and Wabasha streets should be redesigned as a"convertible" street to allow for large community gatherings. (Public Works) 19. For planning purposes only, the preferred fuhue land use on Block 10 is a full-block City park. Until such time as the City is able to take the necessary actions to assemble land and build a pazk, parcels on the block may be used for any legal use permitted under their current zoning classification, provided that the proposed use meets all applicable conditions and/or standards. Any future use may not be denied exclusively on the basis that the vision for the block is of a public park. (Figure 2). (Parks and Recreation) 20. A comprehensive lighting plan should be prepared for the neighborhood, with an emphasis on avoidinglightpollution. (PublicWorks) 21. The 10`� Street gateway should be enhanced to signal it as major entrance to the neighborhood. (Public Works, Pazks and Recreation) 22. An adequate level of community policing should be maintained. (Police) Figure 2 Fitzgerald Park Precinct Pdan Page 4 Qb �7�3 Natural Environment 23. Trees and landscaping should be planted wherever possible on public property. (Public Works, Parks and Recreation) COIt1II11SS10II Note: This section wi11 be completed after precinct plan summnry. Process Commission has completed its review The Fitagera[d Yark PrecinctYlan was prepared, at the request of Capltoliliver Council (llistnct 17) and a coalition of neighborhood institufions, by a Planning Commission task force co-chaired by a Planning Commissioner and a Fitzgerald Park resident. T(te task force met from April 2004 throu� Febmary 2006, holding tluee community workshops in April and May 2004. In March 2006, the task force and CapitolRiver Council co-sponsored a community meeting to get broader feedback before sending the plan on to the Planning Commission. In Apri12006, CapitolRiver Council forwarded the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan to the Planning Commission and asked that it be adopted as an amendment to the Ciry's Comprehensive Plan. Fitzgerald Park Precinet Plan Page S ��- 7�3 CITY OP SI�]NT Pf1UI. Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor DATE TO: 13;�i�i August 4, 2006 390 Ciry Ha11 I S West Kellogg BouZevard SaintPaul, MN SSIO2 Telephone: 651-266-8.i10 Facsimile: 651-2b6-8513 Council President Kathy Lantry and Members of the Saint Paul City Councii Christopher B. Coleman Mayor SUBJECT: Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary At the request of the downtown community, the Planning Commission initiated a precinct planning process for the Fitzgerald Park neighborhood, including creation of a community task force, in March 2004. After more than two years of committed, creative work, the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force presented its plan to the Commission, asking that it be adopted as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The Pianning Commission has compieted its review of the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary, and is now recommending adoption of it by the City Council as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. I concur with the Planning Commission's recommendation. I am attaching Commission Chair Brian Alton's memo to me, which contains more detail about the planning process and plan content. Thank you for your consideration. Attachments � SAINT PAOL � AAAA CITY OF SAIN'T PAUL Chrislopher B. Coleman, Mayor DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION Briars Alton. Chair 25 Wes1 Founh Stree[ SaintPau{ MN55102 August 1, 2006 Mayor Chris Goleman Brian Alton, Chair �{j��1 Fitzgeraid Park Precinct Plan Summary � o� Telephane: 6� 7-166-h700 Facsimile: 651-718-3220 It is my pieasure to forward to you the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary, laying out the communitys 10-year vision for the area between 7`" Street, I-94, Main Street and Jackson Street in downtown Saint Paul. A Planning Commission task force, co-chaired by Commissioner Matt Mejia and resident Bob Spaulding, worked diligently for more than two years on the plan, listening to residents, business owners, major property owners and other stakeholders in the neighborhood. The Planning Commission is impressed with their work, confident that it captures the vision the community has for its future, and urges you to forward the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary to the City Council with a recommendation to adopt it as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. BACKGROUND In late 2002, several institutions in the Fitzgerald Park neighborhood (e.g. Minnesota Pubiic Radio, St. Joseph's Fiospital and the State of Minnesota} were planning major expansions, and the housing market was acceierating. The Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center held a workshop with major stakeholders in January 2003 to begin a dialogue on shared opportunities and an overall vision for the area. At the conclusion of the workshop, there was greai interest in continuing to work together on a precinct plan. Accordingly, the Saint Paul Downtown Development Strategy, adopted by the City Council in March 2003, called for a Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan to be prepared. In November 2003, CapitolRiver Council (CRC) and a coalition of neighborhood institutions each requested that the Planning Commission initiate a precinct planning process, which the Commission did in February 2004. The task force was co-chaired by Commissioner Mejia and Sob Spaulding, a neighborhood resident and CRC Board member. The task force began meeting in April 2004, starting with three visioning and strategy workshops in April and May. At each workshop, 75-100 neighbors shared their vision for the neighborhood and how that vision could be achieved. From this base of creative ideas, the task force worked intensefy for aimost a year to draft a plan. The task force took a break for several months in mid-2005 while CapitolRiver Council worked with 0� -7�3 Mayor Chris Coleman August 1, 2006 Page Two prospective developers of the Public Safety Buiiding block. In December 2005, the task force reconvened and completed a draft plan in February 2006. ln March 2006, the task force and CapitolRiver Councii co-sponsored a community meeting to get broader feedback before sending the plan on to the Planning Commission. There was general consensus that the pian appropriatefy captured the vision of those living, working and recreating in Fitzgerald Park, and the task force sent the Fitzgeraid Park Precinct Plan to CapitolRiver Council. After committee and Board review, CapitolRiver Council forwarded the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan to the Planning Commission in April 2006, and asked that it be adopted as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Pfan. VISION The overall vision for the Fitzgerald Park neighborhood is that of a diverse, mixed-use sustainable, human-scaled downtown community that is pedesfrian-friendly, transit-oriented, safe, beautiful and well-mainYdined. Historic buildings are maintained, and new buildings are designed to be compatible wifh fhem. The needs of pedesfrians, bikes, cars, transit and those of limifed physical mobility are balanced and met. A centrai green provides residents and visitors with a place to gather. The neighborhood has a strong sense of place and identity. The precinct plan also contains more specific vision statements in the areas of land use, design and appearance, movement, public realm/pubiic safety, natural environment and neighborhood identitylcommunication. Deve{opment strategies are recommended to implement the visions. THE "B1G MOVES" The Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary has iwo key recommendations, both dealing with public space in the neighborhood: 1. A fuil-block park should be built on the block bounded by 10�', Robert, 9` and Minnesota streets. The park should be designed, in part, to provide for the active recreation needs of the burgeoning residential population in the neighborhood. 2. Ninth Street should be realigned between Robert and Minnesota streets to provide an edge to the new full-block park and provide a larger redevelopment site north of the former Northern Furniture building. The street should be extended west of Minnesota Street shoutd Naomi Center ever close at its current focation, where it would connect to a pedestrian-only pathway belween Minnesota Public Radio and Central Presbyterian Church. In addition to the block identified as the appropriate location for a new pa�k, the task force identif+ed three blocks south of I-94 between 10�' and 11`" streets as those most likely to undergo ma}or redevelopment within the next 10 years. The bfocks are recommended for a mix of residential, o�ce and retai� uses, with the market determining D�-7b3 Mayor Chris Cofeman August 1, 2006 Page Three the final mix. Maximum building heights are recommended to be 150 feet, including HVAC equipment, with taller buildings alfowed where necessary to further the visions and strategies in the precinct plan and as long as a strong relationship to the street is mainfained. PLANNiNG COMMISSION REVIEW The key issue raised during the Planning Commission's review came from a propert� owner affected by the proposed designation of the block bounded by 10'", Robert, 9 and Minnesota as a park. After reviewing a recent Minnesota Supreme Court ruling regarding future land use desiqnations in comprehensive plans, the City Attorney's office advised the Planning Commission to modify the language in the Plan Summary to indicate that, for planning purposes only, the preferred future land use on the block is a full-block City park, and that untii such time as the City can begin acquiring land and building a park, parcels on the block may be used for any legal use permitted under their current zoning classification. The new language is reflected in Strategy #19 in the attached Fitzgeraid Park Precinct Plan Summary. Once the City Council has acted, the ful4 plan wiil be amended to reflect this language. PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION The Planning Commission recommends that the Saint Paul City Council adopt the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary, attached, as an amendment to the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan. Attachments: • Planning Commission resolution • Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary, as modified by the Commission • Full Fitzgerald Park Precinct Pian, as prepared by the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force AA-ADA-EEO EMPLOYER city of sain# paul pianning commiss�on reso{ution file number � date 1,,,� 2g_ ,006 F{TZGERALD PAR4C PREC{NCT PLAN StlMMARY �� -�y3 WHEREAS, at the request of CapitolRiver Councii (District 17) and a coalition ofi neighborhood institutions, the Saint Paul Planning Commission in February 2004 initiated a precinct planning process for the Fitzgerald Park precinct, bounded by {-94 on the north, 7"' Street on the south, Main Street on the west and Jackson Street on the east; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission named Commissioner Mejia and Bob Spaulding, a neighborhood resident and CapitolRiver Counci( (CRC) board member, as task force co-chairs; and WFIEREAS, the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force met from April 2004 through February 2006, empioying a variety of inethods for public input on neighborhood issues, goals and improvement strategies; and WHEREAS, the task force was assisted by statf from City departments and the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center; and WHEREAS, the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force forwarded its draft pian to CRC in March 2006; and WHEREAS, CRC forwarded the Fitzgerald Park Precinct P1an to the Planning Commission in April 2006 and asked that it be adopted as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, PED staff prepared a summary of the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan, identifying priorities for City action, and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission re�eased a summary of the plan for public review on June 2, 2006 and set a public hearmg date of June 30, 2006; and OVER moved by �elson seconded by in favor nran;m �„�,� against ��-1�� WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was published in the Saint Paui Legal Ledger on June 15, 2006, and hearing notices, along with a Plan Brief, were sent fo all properLy owners in the study area, the Early Nofification System List, the Filzgerafd Park Precinct Pian Task Force, and those who attended workshops and community meetings held during the planning process; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held its public hearing on June 30, 2006, at which aft interested persons were heard; and WHEREAS, additional written testimony was received prior to the cfose of business on June 30, 2006 and duly entered into fhe public record; and WHEREAS, in response to public testimony, the Planning Commission recommended a change to the precinct plan regarding the vision for a fuli-block park on the block bounded by 9 10 Minnesota and Robert streets; NOW,THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul Planning Gommission recommends adoption by the City, Council of the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Summary as an amendmsnt to the Comprehensive Pian, with supplemental language to cfarify the task force's recommendation regarding the vision for a full-block park on the bfock bounded by 9`", 10"', Minnesota and Robert streets; and BE iS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Pianning Commission gratefuliy acknowledges the hours (years!) of exceilent, dedicated work on the part of the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Task Force, CapitolRiver Counci� and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center, and thanks them for their public service. o�- �� Area Plan Summary Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Addendum to the Comprehensive Plan for Saint Paul Adopted by the City Council on on This summary appends to the Comprehetuzve Plarc the community's vision of a diverse, miced-use sustainabte, human-scalecl neighborhood that ispedestrian-jiiendly, tr¢nsit-oriented, safe, beautifut and we11-maintained. Historic buildings are maintained, and new buildings are designed ta be compatible with them. The needs of pedestrians, bikes, cars, transit and those of limited physical mobility are balanced and met. A central green provides residents and visitors with a place to gather. The neighborhood has a strong sense of place and identity. Copies of the fu11-length plan are av¢ilable at the Saint Paul Department ofPdanning and Economic Development, Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center and CapitolRiver Council (Dis�-ict 17). lrie Nrtzgerald Yark nelghborhood is located in downtown Saint PaW. `1he study area ibr the r'itzgeraid Park Precinct Plan is bounded by I-94 on the north, Seventh Street on the south, Ma9u Street on the west and 7ackson Street on the east. Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Page I e�-7� The Fitzgerald Pazk neighborhood is a diverse, mixed-use sustainable, human-scaled downtown community that is pedestrian-friendly, transit-oriented, safe, beautiful and well-maiutained. Historic buiidings aze maintained, and new buildings aze designed to be compatible with them. The needs of pedestrians, bikes, cazs, transit and those of limited pfiysical mobility aze balanced and met. A central green provides residents and visitors with a place to gather. The neighborhood has a sirong sense of place and identity. Plan Visions The plan is informed by the Saint P¢ul on the Mississippi Developmenf Framework and the Downtown DeveZopment Strategy chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Each chaptet — land use, design and appearance, movement, public realm/puhlic safety, natural environment and neighborhood identityfcommunication - contains a vision statement and development strategies to accomplish the vision. Land Use Vision: Fitzgerald Pazk is a diverse, mixed-use, human-scaled neighborhood that celebrates culture, education and the arts, while providing for the needs of a growing residential population during a71 hours of every day and evening. First- floor uses activate the street. New retail and service businesses utilize small storefronts so that streets and sidewalks are pedestrian-friendly. Design and Appearance Vision: Fitzgerald Pazk is a human-scaled neighborhood that is clean, beautiful and well- maintained, where historic buildings aze preserved and new buildings aze designed to be compatible with them. Movement Vision: Fitzgerald Pazk is a neighborhood with a pedestrian-friendly street character and block pattern that also has safe and convenient connecfions to the skyway system. The needs of pedestrians, bikes, cars, traztsit and those of limited physical mobility aze balanced and met. Public Reslm/Public Safety Vision: Fitzgerald Park is a neighborhood that has a central green or pazk wheze residents and visitors alike can meet and shaze the common experience of being part of the neighborhood. Streets, sidewalks, plazas and pazks are visible, well-maivtained, safe and welcoming. Natural Envu�onment Vision: Fitzgerald Park is a"green" neighborhood that manages the visual, noise and air quality impacts of its location overlooking a maj or freeway and connected to the Mississippi River. Neighborhood Identity/ Communication Vision: Fitzgerald Park is a neighborhood that has a strong sense of place and identity, with numerous opportunities for communicating, marketing and publicizing neighborhood news. Public places fo gather and shaze information aze abundant. Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Page 2 e� Priorities far Citv Action The following actions have been identified by the community as priorities ffiat require leadership or significant participation by City government. Community groups and City departments shouid implement the pro,jects identified in this summary by applying foz appropriate public funding resources in competitive processes (such as the Capital Improvement Budget and Sa1es Tax Revitalizarion Program) and working though the regulaz operating programs of relevant City departments. Land Use 1. New development on Blocks 2, 3 and 5 should provide a mix of residential, office and retail uses, with fhe mazket determ;n9ng the final mix {Figure 1). (Fiousing and Redevelopment Authority) 2. In oeneral, pazking should be provided undergound to allow for mazimum densities appropriate in a downtown. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) 3. A diverse range of housing types and prices should be available in Fitzgerald Pazk. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) ">�,�'^:. _ —� ____ �� �,, -_ ._-�''- �� : �'�-N � � � � - � : � =- __ ;;��, : .��-�;.,.� � � � e s , , �� '.�� ,. _____- '_- '� a s � z � �; ° dd F .�'~�,-� i�i .. �'�:� .�a,� � -- Figtu�e 1 Design and Appearance 4. Buildings of historical and/or azchitectural value should be retained, protected and preserved. (Heritage Preservarion Commission) 5. E�cisting buildings of historic and(or architecturat vaiue shoutd be incorporated into new development. The Public Safety Building should be retained when the block is redeveloped. (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) 6. T'he maznnum height o£new buildings on Blocks 2, 3 and 5 should be 150 feet (Figure i), including HVAC equipment. Taller builclings may be permitted where necessary to furkher the visions and strategies an this pian, as long as a strong relationship to the street is maintained. (Planning and Economic Development) Movement 7. The City and Ivlinnesota Public Radio should cooperate in the construction of a pedestrian-only pathway between Central Presbyterian Church and the new MPR building. 5hould Naomi Family Center ever close at its current locarion, the pathway should be extended east on a straight line to Minnesota Street (Figure 2). Fast of MPR, the street should serve both vehicles and pedestrians. (Public Works) 8. Ninth Street should be realigned betcveen Robert and Miuuesota streets to provide an edge to the new full-block park and provide a lazger redevelopment site north of the former Northem Fumiture buiiding. The street should he extended west of Minnesota Street should Naomi Center ever close at its current location, where it would connect to a pedeshian-only pathway between Minnesota Public Radio and Central Presbyterian Church (F awre 2). (Public Works) Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Page 3 0�-7�3 9. The skyway system should be open during regulaz, predictable hours and for more hows into the evening. Safe, convenient and visible access into and out of the system should be provided during all hours it is open. Extensions of the skyway system should be considered — north from tfie VJorld Trade Center ramp, north from City Wa1k/MPR, north from the 7`� Street ramp and north through the Block 19 ramp (F aaure 2). (Public Works) 10. Ligbt rail transit should be implemented to increase transit options, beautify Cedar Street and provide an impetus to redevelopment. (Public W orks, Planning and Economic Development) 11. All e�sting street segments should remain open; no fiu ther street closings should be permitted to accommodate new development. (Public Works) 12. The extension of Exchange Street cvest of S�'/6`� streets should be explored. (Public W orks) 13. Ninth Street should be improved to allow a safe and convenient connection to the regional trail system. (Public Works) 14. Traffic-calmiug techniques, as weli as streetscape ameniries, should be installed on 7'" and Jackson streets. (Public Works, Parks and Recreation) 15. The narrowing of the curb-to-curb width of W abasha Street between Exchange Street and I-94 should be explored. (Public Works) Public RealmlPublic Safety 16. Ornamental paving, marked crosswalks, pedestrian lighting, wider sidewalks and street trees should be extended north of 7`" Street. (Public Works, Pazks and Recreation) 17. Ninth, Cedaz between MPR and Exchange, Exchange and St. Peter streets should be redesigned as "puk streets" to extend the downtown pedestrian loop fluough the neighborhood. (Public Works, Parks and Recreation) 18. Exchange Street between Cedar and Wabasha sh�eets should be redesigned as a"convertible" street to allow for latge community gatherings. (Public Works} 19. For plamiittg purposes only, the preferred future laud use on B1ock 1� is a full-block City pazk. Until such time as the City is able to take the necessary actions to assemble land and build a park, parcels on the block may be used for any legal use permitted under their current zoning classification, provided that the proposed use meets all applicable conditions andlor standards. Any future use may not be denied exclusively on the basis that the vision for the block is of a public park. (Figure 2). (Parks and Recreation) 20. A comprehensive lighting plan should be prepared for the neighborhood, with an emphasis on avoiding light poliution. (Public Works) 21. The 10�` Sireet gateway should be enhanced to signal it as major entrance to the neighborhood. (Public Works, Pazks and Recreafion} 22. An adequate level of community policing should be maintained. (Police) Figure 2 Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plttn Page 4 0�-7�3 IVahtral Environment 23. Trees and landscaping should be planted wherever possible on public property. (Public Works, Pazks and Recreation) COIII1T11SS10Il Note: TYeis section will be completed after the precinctplan summary. its Plan.ning Process The Fitzgerald Park Precinct PZan was prepazed, at the request of CapitolRiver CouncIl (Dishict 17) and a coalition of neighborhood institutions, by a Planning Commission task force co-chaired by a Plauuin.g Commissioner and a Fitzgerald Pazk resident. The task force met from Apri12004 through February 2006, holding three community workshops in April and May 2004. In March 2006, the task force and CapitolRiver Council co-sponsored a communiry meeting to get broader feedback before sending the pian on to the Planning Commission. In Apri12006, CapitolRiver Council forwazded the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan to the Planning Commission and asked that it be adopted as an amendment to the City's Comprehensive Plan. Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan Page 5