07-870�+.t�35Tr
RESOLUTION
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Presented by
Council File # Q_��
Green Sheet #
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA
3a
NATIONAL GREAT RIVER PARK
A NEW CHAPTER OF THE SAINT PAUL ON THE MISSISSIPPI
DEVElOPMENT FRRMEWORK
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework is the City's vision for downtown
revitalization and reconnecting to the Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS, the Development FrameworKs ten principies were endorsed by the Saint Paul City Council in
1998 as guiding principles for public and private development activities in all of Saint Paul's
neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Framework's vision, goals and objectives were incorporated, as appropriate, into the
1998 updates of the Land Use and Mississippi River Corridor chapters of the Saint Paul Comprehensive
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the current Framework has provided the basis for investing $110 million in the public reaim
and $1.8 billion in private development over the past nine years, as well as a sustained commitment to
plan for the future consistent with the Framework; and
WHEREAS, given the success of the Framework in guiding the revitalization of downtown and the central
riverfront, it is the community's desire to extend application of the Framework's vision, goals and
objectives to the entire 26 miles of riverFront throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, the concept of the National Great River Park is about all of Saint Paul's neighborhoods
embracing the Mississippi River, forging a connection to and relationship with this remarkable asset and
resource, and celebrating the shared sense of piace the river bestows on Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park is about transforming the existing collection of parks, natural
resources, cultural amenities and community sites into a single National Great River Park, as well as
neighborhood economic development throughout the Mississippi River valley; and
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park represents the next phase of riverfront rebirth in Saint Paul,
bringing together Saint Paul's unique natural systems and recreational resources with community and
economic development in adjacent neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed National Great River Park
chapter on June 29, 2007, at which all interested persons were heard; and
NfHEREAS, based on pubtic comment, the Ptanning Commission recorrmmended fo tfie City Council on
July 27, 2007, Resolution File # 07-54, that text and map changes be made to the National Great River
Park chapter, as well as approval of the document as guiding policy for public and private investment
along the 26 miles of Mississippi riverfront within the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river;
and
o�-��o
46 WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed National Great River Park chapter on
47 September 19, 2007, at which all interested persons were heard.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby approves the following
text and map changes to the National Great River Park chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi
Development Framework:
1. On page 6, amend Goai 1, Objective 7 to read: "Protect unique and fragile natural features,
such as slopes, bluffs and wetlands, by controiling erosion; avoiding sensitive sites for
development; acauirinq bluffs for preservation, open sqace and qreen corridors; and
minimizing the impact of human activity."
2. On page 7, add a new Objective 4 under Goal 5 as follows: "Continue to acquire bluff areas for
3.
�
On page 10, add a new Objective 6 under Goal 1 as follows: "Continue to suqqort and
I�L t� 1L� 1�11: . ..�.�: 19: . 1...��1.:.�� �:..�.. � �II�...:��. L .� .Y :�1 �.�J :�J..�l
development that has a need for a river location and /or enhances the river environment."
On page 18, add a new paragraph: "The followinq paqes (20-27) describe each Reach in
5. Add the Smith Avenue view corridor to the Capitol to the map on page 25.
6. On page 25, add a new buliet under More Connected as follows: "Investiqate davliqhtinp Trout
Brook and connectinq the Gatewav Trail to the Mississiopi River."
7. On page 25, add a new bullet under More Connected as follows: "Investiqate phvsicallv and
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On page 27, add a new bullet under More Natural as follows: "Naturalize more of the river's
edqe where appropriate and feasible."
On page 27, add a new bullet under More Natural as follows: "Dayliqht creeks where
appropriate and feasible."
On page 27, add a new bullet under More Natural as follows: "Review the Piq's Eve Park
Manapement Plan."
On page 27, amend the first bullet under More Connected to read: "Additional access from
neighborhoods across Highway 61 and Shepard/Warner Road."
On page 27, add a new bullet under More Connected as follows: "Explore development of a
trail connectinq Henrv Park to the communitv and river."
On page 33, replace the text at the top of the page with the following: "Brainstorminq Session
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, incorporating such changes, the Saint Paul City Council finds the
National Great River Park chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and other City development objectives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby approves the National Great River Park
chapter as a guiding document for public and private investment along the 26 miles of Mississippi
riverfront within the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council will use the National Great River Park chapter as a
basis for City development policy within the National Great River Park; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council supports the incorporation, as appropriate, of the
chapter's vision, objectives and guidelines into the Comprehensive Plan updates being prepared for
Metropolitan Council review and City Council adoption by the end of 2008; and
�� � U� �
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BE iT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Councii supports the use of the National Great River Park
chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework as the basis for the National Great
River Park Master Plan, a new Comprehensive Plan chapter currently being prepared by Saint Paul Parks
and Recreation staff.
Adoption CeRified by CounciLSecretary
l
BY � ////
Approved �IG ay Date p /�
By-
Requested by Department of:
Planning & Economic Development
�
Form Approved by City Attorney
By:
Form Approved by Mayor for Submission to Council
By:
Adopted by Council: Date ���� �ef�JjJ7
� Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet Green Sheet
6 � ��t�
DepartmenVo�ce/council: Date Ini[iatetl:
PE - Piannmg&EconomicDevelopmeut , 13-AUG-07 Green Sheet NO: 3042875
ConWct Person 8 Phone- Departmern SentTO Person Initi
LucyThompson � � 0 P3annine&EcouomicDevelopmei ��
266-6578 pssign 1 Plannine&EconomicDevelopme� DeDartmentD'uector
Must Be on Cou �I end by (Date): Num6er 2 Cttyqgamey Gry AttomeY
19-SEP-07 ��, � For
-� Routing 3 Mayor's O�ce Mayor/Assistant �
Ooc.Type: RESOLUTION Order � 4 Councii CiriCou�cil
, E-Document Required: Y , 5 C��v Clerk City Clerk __
�ocument Confact:
Contact Phone:
Total # of Signature Pages �_ (Ctip All Locations for Signature)
��
�
't4-O't
; AdopROn�of resoLution approving the National Great River Park chapter as a new chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi
Development Framework and as a guiding document for public and private investment along the 26 miles of Mississippi riverfront
' within the city ]imits and m neighborhoods adjacent to the river.
�� Recommendations: Approve (A) or Reject (R): I Personal Service Contrects Must Answer the Following Questions: I,
�, �_ Planning Gommission I 1. Has this persoNfirm ever worked under a contract for this tlepartment� �
CIB Committee I Yes No I
Qvii Service Commission 2. Has this person/firm ever been a city employee? ',
� Yes No I
" � 3. Does this person/firm possess a skill not normally possessed by any ��
� current cdy employee? �
� Yes No I
I Explain ap yes answers on separate sheetand attach to green sheet �'
! Initiating Probiem, Issues, OppoHUnity(Who, What, When, Where, Why):
I The Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework was first released in 1997. Since then, rt has been the basis for $110
I million in public cealm �nvesYment and $1.8 billion in private development within downtown and the central xivertront Sxtension of
'�, the Framework principles ro the entire riverfront wiLL guide the next phase of riverfront rebirth in Saint PauL.
�
' Advanfages If Approved:
� The City will have policies to guide p�ivaYe and public lnveshnent along Saint Paul's 26 miles of Mississ�ppi rivecfront and in
! neighborhoods ad�acent to the river.
�I Disadvantages if Approved:
i None.
,�iE�3 i s ��e��41
I DisadvantageslfNotApproved: �� � � �rt � � �o�.�
; The City will not be guided by its citizens' vis�on for renewal of the entSre Mississippi croelfront in Saint Paul. , �
i
�. Total Amo�nt of � CosURevenue Budgeted: I
Transaction: ��
,
�, Funding Source: Activity NumbeC I I
' Financiallnformation: �DU►1C1� �.eSP.c1rC�'1 �+P+fltP.r''
� (Explain) �
� au� 23 200� ;
�
�
August 13, 2007 9:42 AM Page 1
Council File # 0�-8�0
Green Sheet #
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Presented by
�'r
MINNESOTA
/ NATIONAL GREAT RIVER PARK
CHAPTER OF THE SAINT PAUL ON 7HE MISSISSIPPI
DEVELOPMENTFRAMEWORK
WHEREAS, the
revitalization and
WHEREAS, the Dev
guiding principles for
WHEREAS, the Frai
of the Land Use and
Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework is the City's vision for downtown
�necting to the Mississippi River; and
nt FrameworKs ten principles were endorsed by the Saint Paul City Council in 1998 as
and private development activities in a11 of Saint PauV's neighborhoods; and
goals and objectives were incorporated, as appropriate, into the 1998 updates
r Corridor chapters of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the current Frameworlcyias provided the basis for investing $110 million in the public realm and $1.8
billion in private development over the�ast nine years, as well as a sustained commitment to plan for the future
consistent with the Framework; and `��
WHEREAS, given the success of the Framei�9rk in guiding the revitalization of downtown and the central riverfront,
it is the communitys desire to extend appiication.of the FrameworKs vision, goals and objectives to the entire 26
miles of riverfront throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, the concept of the National Great River is about all of Saint Paul's neighborhoods embracing the
Mississippi River, forging a connection to and relationshrp with this remarkable asset and resource, and celebrating
the shared sense of p{ace the river bestows on Saint Paul; �and
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park is about transform'i�g the existing collection of parks, natural resources,
cultural amenities and community sites into a single National G�eat River Park, as well as neighborhood economic
development throughout the Mississippi River valley; and �,
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park represents the next
together Saint Paul's unique natural systems and recreational i
in adjacent neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the
June 29, 2007, at which all interested persons were heard; and
riverfront rebirth in Saint Paul, bringing
with community and economic development
National Great River Park chapter on
WHEREAS, based on public comment, the Planning Commission recommended o the City Council on July 27,
2007, Resolution File # 07-54, that text and map changes be made to the National reat River Park chapter, as well
as approval of the document as guiding policy for public and private investment alon the 26 miles of Mississippi
riverfront within the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed National Great River
19, 2007, at which all interested persons were heard.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby approves the
changes to the National Great River Park chapter of the Saint Paul on the M�ssissippi Deve%F
1. On page 10, add a new Objective 6 under Goal 1 as follows: `Continue to supporl
chapter on September
text and map
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2. On page 6, amend Goal 1, Objective 7 to read: "Protect unique and fragile natural features, such as
� sfopes, bluffs and wetlands, by controlling erosion, avoiding sensitive sites for development, and
3� minimizing the impact of human activity."
On page 7, add a new Objective 4 under Goal 5 as follows: `Continue to acquire bluff areas for open
\ space and qreen corridors."
4. �.. On page 27, add a new bullet under More Natural as follows: "Naturalize more of the river's edae where
`-------- —�r- ,_,_ n
5. Oi�page 27, add a new buliet under More Natural as follows: "Davliqht creeks where aooro�riate and
feas�ible."
6. Add t Smith Avenue view corridor to the Capitol to the map on page 25.
7. On pag 18, add a new paragraph: "The foilowina paqes (20-27) describe each Reach in more detail,
8. On page 33, ad�to the text at the top of the page: "Inclusion of these oroiects in this document does
nn4 nr�n�iit.�i�. /`f4�......l.�.e.........t ..t t4...... ��
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, th�incorporating such changes, the Saint Paul City Council finds the National Great
River Park chapter of the Saint Paul the Mississippi Development Framework consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan and other City development objec 'ves; and
BE lT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City ouncil hereby approves the National Great River Park chapter as a
guiding document for public and private invest ent along the 26 miles of Mississippi riverfront within the city Iimits
and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council 'll use the National Great River Park chapter as a basis for
City development policy within the National Great River ark; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council suppo the incorporation, as appropriate, of the chapter's
vision, objectives and guidelines into the Comprehensive Plan pdates being prepared for Metropolitan Council
review and City Councii adoption by the end of 2008; and y
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Council supports the use f the National Great River Park chapter as the
basis for the National Great River Park Master Plan, a new Comprehe sive Pla� chapter currently being prepared by
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation staff.
Yeas
Requested by Department
Planning & EGem3mic D
Thune
Adopted by Council: Date
Adoption Certified by Council Secretary
g
Approved by Mayor: Date
By:
Form Ap j roved by City Attomey \
By: ( b✓, l�%n.+ k '' 2{-�"t
Form Approved by Mayor for Submission to Coun�
gr �(�� 1��,��, �"'�3-
6'-870
L'I'I'Y �F'• s'AIN'I' PALJL, 390 City Hall Telephone: 651-266-8510
Christopher B Coleman, Mayor 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Facsimtle� 651-266-SS13
Saint Paul, MN 55102
AUb SY 2O, ZOO7
Council President Kathy Lantry and
Members of the City Council
320C City Hall
Saint Paul, MN 55102
RE: National Great River Park Chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi
Development Framework
Dear Council President Lanhy and Councilmembers:
It is my pleasure to forward to you the Planning Commission's recommendation to
approve a new chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework
focused on the National Great River Park. Given the overwhelming success of the Saint
Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework in guiding downtown and central
riverfront revitalization over the past ten yeazs, and the continuing support our citizens
have for the Framework's vision, it is entirely appropriate to extend its reach to the entire
26 miles of riverfront in Saint Paul.
I urge the City Council to approve the new National Great River Park chapter of the Saint
Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework as guiding policy for public and private
investment along the 26 miles of Mississippi riverfront in Saint Paul and in
neighborhoods adjacent to the river. I also support the Planning Commission's
recommendation that the document be incorporated into the updates of our current
Comprehensive Plan chapters and the creation of a new chapter, the National Great River
Park Master Plan.
I look forward to working with you to make riverfront development more natural, more
urban and more connected.
Sin,c�er�ely, �
r . �r / � ! r 0
; �' ^ ` r �
�`I, t�.�-'? `�,'�A a��.
Christophe"r B. Coleman
Mayor
Enclosures
�
PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF SAINT PAUL
Christopher B. Coleman, Mayor
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Brian A[tors, Chair
25 West Fourth Sfreet
Saini Paul, MN 55101
b�����
Q
Telephone: 651-266-6700
Facsimil e: 6� I -228-3220
August 13, 2007
Mayor Chris Coleman and Saint Paul City Councilmembers
Brian Alton, Chair, Saint Paul Planning Commission
Planning Commission Recommendation on the National Great River Park
Chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework
The Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework was adopted by the Saint
Paul City Council in 1998 as the guiding framework for planned, orderly and staged
development within downtown and along the central riverfront. At the same time, the
FrameworKs ten piace-making principles were endorsed by the City Council as guiding
principles for public and private investment in all Saint Paul neighborhoods, and
subsequently adopted as part of the Land Use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan.
Since the Framework was released, $110 million have been invested in the public realm
and $1.8 billion have been invested in private development consistent with the vision of
a revitalized downtown and mixed-use urban villages reconnected to the Mississippi
River.
With such success, it is Yime to broaden the application of the Framework's vision from
the city core to the 26 miles of Mississippi River shoreline that run through Saint Paul.
The concept of the National Great River Park is about all of Saint Paul's neighborhoods
embracing the Mississippi River, forging a connection to and relationship with the
Mississippi River and celebrating the shared sense of place the river bestows on Saint
Paul. {t is recognition that this unique resource holds the key to the city's prosperity and
future quality of life. The National Great River Park represents the next phase of
riverfront rebirth in Saint Paul. As such, the Planning Commission believes it is
appropriate that it be part of the Saint Paui on the Mississippi Development Framework.
THE NATIONAL GREAT RIVER PARK CHAPTER
The National Great River Park chapter is the result of a series of community meetings,
workshops and charrettes held throughout the city from March 2005 - January 2006.
Hundreds of Saint Paul citizens were engaged in visioning what the next phase of
riverfront development (public and private) should be. The meetings were jointly
sponsored by the City of Saint Paul and Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation. In these
sessions, we heard loud and clear that people want to balance environmental
preservation with economic development, celebrating Saint Paul's location on the banks
of the Mississippi River while protecting this precious natural resource.
07�S�U
Mayor Chris Coleman et al.
August 13, 2007
Page Two
In the new Framework chapter, a vision is set out for transforming the existing collection
of individual parks, natural resources, cultural amenities and community sites along the
Mississippi River into a single National Great River Park. The vision also includes
communiiy economic devefopment in the neighborhoods adjacent to the river. From the
document:
The National Great River Pa�k will link the natural systems and
recreational resources of Saint Paul's Mississippi River Valley with
community and economic redevelopment in adjacent neighBorhoods.
Recognizing Saint Paul's Mississippi River Valley as a regional asset of
nationa/ significance, the guiding principles of this document - to be More
Natural, More Urban and More Connected, and their attendant goals and
objectives — will help guide our collective work throughout the river
corridor in the next phase of Saint Paul's riverfront rebirth.
More Natural:
The National Great River Park is first and foremost a place of great
natural beauty and value. Every action should respect, protect and
enhance the ecology of the river corridor and valley.
More Urban:
With such high "place value,"the National Great River Park is an area of
great economic/real estate value. New urban development in the
National Great River Park should be high quality, sustainable and
strategically located to enhance the natural environment.
More Connected:
Being connected to the Mississippi River and making the river a part of
everyday life are fundamental values in Saint Paul. More physical and
visual connections should be created to bring more people to the river,
respecting the need to balance increased public access with
environmental protection.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF THE NGRP CHAPTER
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the proposed National Great River
Park (NGRP) chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework on
June 29, 2007. Comments were received from iwo organizations (Saint Paul Area
Chamber of Commerce and Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center) and three
individuals (Tom Dimond, Steve Komula and Larry Englund). In addition, the Saint Paul
Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a resolution on May 9, 2007 in support of
the document. A copy of aIl written comments, including the Parks and Recreation
Commission resolution, is attached.
On July 27, 2007, the Pianning Commission adopted a resolution (File #07-54), also
attached, recommending that the City Council approve the National Great River Park
chapter (with minor text and map changes that respond to public comment) as a guiding
document for public and private investment along the 26 miles of Mississippi riverfront
within the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river. A copy of the resolution
is attached.
l3�-$�0
Mayor Chris Coleman et al.
August 13, 2007
Page Three
The following text and map changes are recommended by the Commission for your
approval.
1. On page 10, add a new Objective 6 under Goal 1 as follows: "Continue to
s and celebrate the Mississipqi River as a`workinq river,' allowinq for
commercial and industrial develooment that has a need for a river location
and /or enfiances the river environment"
2. On page 6, amend Goal 1, Objective 7 to read: °Protect unique and fragile
natural features, such as slopes, bluffs and wetlands, by controlling erosion,
avoiding sensitive sites for development, and minimizing the impact of human
activity."
3. On page 7, add a new Objective 4 under Goal 5 as follows: "Continue to
acauire bluff areas for open sqace and qreen corridors."
4. On page 27, add a new bullet under More Naturai as follows: "Naturalize
more of the river's edpe where apqrooriate and feasible."
5. On page 27, add a new bullet under More Natural as follows: "Davliqht creeks
where apqrooriate and feasible."
6. Add the Smith Avenue view corridor to the Capitof to the map on page 25.
7. On page 18, add a new paragraph: "The followina oaqes (20-27) describe
8. On page 33, add to the text at the top of the page: "Inclusion of these
proiects in this document does not constitute Citv endorsement of them."
RECOMMENDATION
With the addition of the text and map changes noted above, the Planning Commission
made the following conclusions, findings and recommendations, which are reflected in
the attached resolution. The Commission recommends that the City Council approve
the proposed text and map changes, and adopt a resolution consistent with the
Commission's findings and conclusions.
1. The National Great River Park chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi
Development Framework is consistent with the Comprehensive P4an and
other City development objectives.
2. The National Great River Park chapter should be used as a guiding
document for public and private investment along the 26 miles of Mississippi
riverfront within the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river.
3. The City Council should use the National Great River Park chapter as a basis
for City development policy within the National Great River Park.
4. The chapter's vision, objectives and guidelines should be incorporated, as
appropriate, into the Comprehensive Plan updates being prepared for
Metropolitan Council review and City Council adoption by the end of 2008.
D�'$?D
Mayor Chris Coleman et al.
August 13, 2007
Page Four
5. The National Great River Park chapter should be used as the basis for the
National Great River Park Master Plan, a new Comprehensive Plan chapter
currently being prepared by Saint Paui Parks and Recreation staff.
Attachments
cc: Jody Martinez, Parks and Recreation
Bob Bierscheid, Parks and Recreation
Patrick Seeb, Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation
Tim Griffin, Saint Paui on the Mississippi Design Center
Gregory Page, Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation
Steve Komula, West Side resident
Larry Englund, Downtown resident
Susan Kimberly, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
Tom Dimond, Highwood resident
AA-ADA-EEO EMPLOYER
city of saint paul
planning commission resolution
file number 07-54
date ��iY ��. zoo�
D��8�0
NATIONAL GREAT RIVER PARK
A NEW CHAPTER OF THE SAINT PAUL ON THE MISSISSIPPI
DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Deve%pment Framework is the City's vision for downtown
revitalization and reconnecting to the Mississippi River; and
WFfEREAS, upon recommendation by the Saint Paul Pfanning Commission, the Development
FrameworKs ten principles were endorsed by the Saint Paul City Council in 1998 as guiding principles
for pubfic and private development activities in all of Saint Paul's neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, upon recommendation by the Saint Paul Planning Commission, the FrameworKs vision,
goals and objectives were incorporated, as appropriate, into the 1998 updates of the Land Use and
Mississippi River Corridor chapters of the Saint Paul Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the current Framework has provided the basis for investing $110 million in the public realm
and $1.8 billion in private development over the past nine years, as well as a sustained commitment to
plan for the future consistent with the Framework; and
WHEREAS, given the success of the Framework in guiding the revitalization of downtown and the
central riverfront, it is the community's desire to extend application of the FrameworKs vision, goals and
objectives to the entire 26 miles of riverfront throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, the concept of the National Great River Park is about all of Saint Paul's neighborhoods
embracing the Mississippi River, forging a connection to and relationship with this remarkable asset and
resource, and celebrating the shared sense of place the river bestows on Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park is about transforming the existing collection of parks, natural
resources, cultural amenities and commu�ity sites into a si�gle National Great River Park, as well as
neighborhood economic development throughout the Mississippi River valley; and
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park represents the next phase of riverfront rebirth in Saint Paul,
bringing together Saint Paul's unique natural systems and recreational resources with community and
economic development in adjacent neighborhoods; and
moved by Donnellv-Cohen
seconded by
in favor Unanimous
against
6�-S�D
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park is a regionaf asset of nationai significance that will be guided
by the concepts of "more natural," more urban" and "more connected;" and
WHEREAS, the National Great River Park is an opportunity to blend economy, community and
environment to create a healthy, vibrant Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the PlanniRg Commission hetd a public hearing on the proposed National Great River Park
chapter on June 29, 2007, notice of which was duly published in the Saint Paul Pioneer Press on June
17, 2007.
NOW THEREFORE BE 1T RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission recommends minor text and map
changes to the document, based on public comment; and
BE lT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, incorporating such changes, the Sai�t Paul Planning Commission
finds the National Great River Park chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and other City development objectives; and
BE iT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve
the National Great River Park chapter as a guiding document for pubiic and private investment along the
26 miles of Mississippi riverfront within the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council use the
National Great River Park chapter as a basis for City development policy within the National Great River
Park; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Planning Commission supports the incorporation, as appropriate,
of the chapter's vision, objectives and guidelines into the Comprehensive Plan updates being prepared
for Metropolitan Council review and City Council adoption by the end of 2008; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Plannirtg Commission recommends that the National Great River
Park chapter be used as the basis for the National Great River Park Master Pian, a new Comprehensive
Pian chapter currently being prepared by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation staff.
2
0�-8��
�AINT � f AUL OCSCtn
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
5tatement on the Proposed
National Great River Park Chanter of
the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Develoament Framework
Pulbic HearinE Before the Plannin� Commission
June 29. 2007
The discussions around the Creat River Park have been centered on the notion that the park
should enable the City to make its urban river&ont sixnultaneously "more green, more connected
and more urban " The "more urban" part of this conversation has consistently received short
shrift and the framework chapter before you today reflects this fact.
Ironically, the chapter includes this language: "This `more urban' density will create the engine
that will finance the development of a high quality public realm." The objectives which follow,
however, tend to place addi;ional3emands and restrictions on th� narue and qualiYy of this
development rather than create the kind of regulatory framework that wQUld encourage it.
The one objecrive in the document that might actually provide additional density in the area
suggests that the City should "strategically locate taller buildings to lessen the impact on views
to and from the river." The Critical Area Overlay District currently under consideration would
prohibit buildings of greater than 60 feet in height, so one wonders what "taller buildings" this
language refers to.
The Ford Plant Task Force and the Central Corridor Development Strategy both utilized
respected economic development consultants to scope out the market opportunities that migt�t
actually be realized within the scope of those projects. There is nothing in this framework
chapter language that suggests that snnilaz study or consideration was given to the goals and
objecfives of this document. Further considerarion of this document should be suspended unfil
sunilaz work is done in conjunction with it.
On an earlier occasion, the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce offered the following
comments and policy statement on the National Crreat River Park Chapter of the Saint Paul on
the Mississippi Development Framework:
While much of the rhetoric related to the Great River Pazk appeazs to be non-controversial,
inciuded in the dra8 principles are stat�nents that the Chamber cannot support, either because
they are directiy in conflict with our principles or there are perhaps unintended consequences that
are in conflict with our principles.
Far example, "design new private and public development with an understanding that ail actions
have both on-site and off-site 'unpacts," or "maintain views down pubiic nights-of-way," or
"retain industrial and commercial uses that have no adverse nnpact on water or air quality in the
p�-��D z
river corridor and adjacent neighborhoods and that do not substautially unpair the visual
chazacter of the river corridor from adjacent neighborhoods or the river itself."
Current plans for the Great River Pazk give slight acknowledgement to the river's long history
and current role as an economic driver. The "working river" supports hundreds of jobs and land
adjacent to the river corridor supports additional thousands of jobs. In addition,
commerciaUindustrial tax base in the corridor should be preserved and in certain areas, expanded
in order to support investments in the pazk. These important contriburions ta the river aze not
reflected in the Crreat River Park plan.
POLICY STATEMENT:
The Chamber supports plans to build further on the significant progress Saint Paul has made in
leveraging the Mississippi River as an itnportant asset. However, plans for the Great River
National Pazk don't appear to embrace this unique asset as an economic driver for the region and
instead appear to place greater restrictions on economic investrnent. A balance between the
natural and developed environment is criticai to the ongoing economic success of Saint Paul.
These comments still stand. Tlus document requires further work and the Planning Commission
should not approve it until that work is done.
Chamber of Commerce Center. 401 North Robe�t Street, Suite 150 . Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
Subwban Business Center . 1935 County Road B2, Suite 241 . Roseville, Minnesota 55113
Phone: 651223.5000 . Fax: 651223.5119 . saintpaulchamber.com
6�J8�0
Tom Dimond
2119 Skyway Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55119
651-735-66b7
January 28, 2fl07
RE: Narional Great River Pazk ChapYer
More Nalurat
GI-07 Protect unique and fragile naturat features, such as slopes, bluffs and wetlands.
Control erosion, avoiding sensitive sites for developmern, and minimizing the impact of
human activity.
GS-04 Continue to acquire bluff for open space and green corridors. Develop a timetable
for acquisitions.
More Connected
G2-03 Create connections along the river itsei� recognizing the bazge eompanies desire
for fleeting and the community desire for increased access along the river's edge.
G4-02 Delete - It should not be a goat of the National Grreat River Park to remove biuff
residernial in order to e�ctend commercial to the biuff edge.
The Gorge
More Nate�ral
Eaplore ways to restore the natural flow of the river.
The Valley
More Natural
E�lore adding some or all ofIsland Station to the Regional Pazk.
Downtown
More Natura2
Delete Trout Brook Parkway - ECBD
Daylight Tmut Brook ereek and connec# Gateway trail to river.
More Connected
Physically and visually open ug the raikoad structure betiveen Lowertown and the river.
To the greatest e�ent possible develop the river's edge trail.
d�-g�0
Flaodplain
More Natural
Complete acquisitioa of bluffs for preservation, open space and green corridors.
Implement I�ighwood trail plan.
Acc�uire I�'ighwood Pond.
Naturalize more af the rivets edge.
Update and implement ihe Pig's Eye Lake Park Plan.
Day ligirt creeks
More Connected
Develop the trail from Henry Park through Pig's Eye to the River.
Develop the Fish Hatchery Bridge trail and road connections aiong with river's edge
enhancements.
Develop rivers edge trails
Page 1 of 2
Lucy Thompson - comments on national great river park chapter �7-g7�
�� ���� � - ��
From:
To:
Date:
Subject:
CC:
6/29/2007 12:37 AM
comments on national great river park chapter
Dear Lucy Thompson:
First of all, I want to thank you for all the great work you and your office are doing to
preserve and enhance the wonderful natural, cultural and historic resources we in St. Paul
are blessed with.
I have a couple of concems, however, with the National Great River Park Framework
Chapter. I wish there was more specific attention given to the preservation of the view of
the State Capitol Building from the Smith Ave. corridor on the West Side. While there
are general calls for maintaining views down public rights of way, I'd like to see this
specific ca:rivar mentioned, if o�ly be�ause of its ur.ique b�auty and historic conn�ction
to architect Cass Gilbert. Such a mention could go Under Goal 3 on page 1 l. Also, I
would suggest specifically indicating the Smith Ave. view of the Capitol on! the ma ps
appearing on pages 19 and 25.
I was very happy to accidentally come across the 7 Corners Gateway Development
Evaluation Tool, that you heiped create, on the web. I have just one small concern with it,
however. I get the impression that the West Side reference point in that document for
viewing the Capitol is the overlook near the top of the bridge. The overlook is actually
slightly east of Smith Ave. I think a better place to gauge how the view of the Capitol
might be affected by tall buildings in the Cleveland Circle area would be the center of the
intersection of Smith Ave. and George Street, which is just one block south of the bridge.
Gilb? ert's c entral axis vista of the Capitol from the West Side was centered on Smith
Ave. It is from the center of the avenue where the symmetry of the view of the building is
achieved. I fear that a tall building built in the Cleveland Circle area might ciear the view
of the Capitol from the overlook, but actually slightly overlap the Capitol if viewed from
the center of 5mith Ave., and that would be very unfortunate. Thank you for soliciting
comments. I plan to attend the hearing Friday.
5incerely,
Steve Komula
434 Cherokee Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-222-1159
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fii�://C:�Documents and Settings\Thompsla.STPAUL�I,oca1 Settings\Temp�YPgrpwise\4b8... 6/29/2007
Page 1 of 1
Lucy Thompson - National Great River Park
d��7�
.. . � � x . � ao.�.� �a�., �.. _,
From: "Larry Englund"
To: "'Lucy Thompson"'
Date: 6/29/2007 6:56 AM
Subject: National Great River Park
Members of the Planning Commission:
i am writing to express my wholehearted support for the National Great River Park Framework Chapter. I have
served on the CapitolRiver Council for seven years, the last two as its chair. i, along with numerous other
residents of the city, was privileged to take part in the workshops at which the goals and objectives of the chapter
were deve{oped. As 1 result, I am convinced that the goals and objectives of the chapter are a reflection of tfie
hopes, dreams, and aspirations of residents and others in Saint Paul..
The principles of More Natural, More Urban, and More Connected will provide a guide for future development of
the Park and its surrounding neighborhoods. They will allow us to celebrate Saint Paul as a river city, recognize
the river's rofe in our past, and create an amenity that serves residents and visitors. I urge its adoption.
Regards,
Larry Englund
162 College Avenue, #4
Saint Paui, MN 55102
file:/(C:�Docuxnents and Settings\Thompsla.STPAUL�I,oca1 Settings\Temp�XPgrpwise\468... 6l29/2007
o?�?D
J paui Parks and Recreation Commissian
306 City Aali Aaneac, 25 W. 4th Steet, Saini Paul, MI I 55102 -{651)266-G400
RESOLUITON 07-08
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission is an appointed body established to advise
the Mayor and Ciry Council on long-range and city-wide matters related to Parks and Recrearion; and
WIIEREAS, the Division of Parks and Recrearion and the Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation have been
engaged in a 2 year plannnig process to develop the National Cneat River Park, and
WHEREAS, the Design Center of the River&ont Corporafion has developed the Narional Csreat River
Park: A New Chapter of the Saint Paul on the 1YI'usissippi Development Framework, and
WIIEREAS, the National Crreat River Park chapter is the result of a series of community meetings,
workshops and charrettes held throughout the city from Mazch 2005 - January 2006, and
WIIEREAS, a vision is set out for transforming the eicisting collection of individual parks, natural
resources, culhual amenities and community sites along the Mississippi River into a single National Great River
Park, and
WFIEREAS, the National Great River Pazk chapter of the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development
Framework is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and other City development objectives,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul Parks and Recrearion Comxnission
recommends to the City Council and Planning Commission that The National Great River Park chapter should be
used as a guiding document for public and private investment along the 26 miles of Mississippi riverfront within
the city limits and in neighborhoods adjacent to the river, that the National Great River Pazk chapter be the basis
for City development policy within the National Great River Park, that the chapter's vision, objectives and
guidelines should be incorporated, as appropriate, into the Comprehensive Plan updates being prepared for
Metropolitan Council review and City Council adoprion by the end of 2008 and that the National Great River
Park chapter should be used as the basis for the Nafional Great River Park Master Plan, a new Comprehensive
Plan chapter currently being prepazed by Saint Paul Pazks and Recreafion staff.
Adopted by the Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Commission on May 9, 2007:
Approved: Yeas 8
Nays 0
Absent: 1
Resolution 07-08 Attested to by:
��C��„ ��l't�C�4-��v�u�>'`------
Staff to the P and Recreation Commission
g:\div\wp\pazkscommission�resolutions�2007�OSgrea�iveiparkframework
�� �� �
Friends of the Mississippi River
360 NorthRobert Street,Slrite400 • Samt PauI,MN 55101 • 65 U222-2193 • Fax 65 U222�005
�i River and its watershed in the Twin !
September 19, 2007
Saint Paul City Council
C/o Lucy Thompson
City of Saint Paul PED
1300 City Hall Annex
25 W Fourth St
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Dear City Council Members,
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a citizen-based organization that works to protect and enhance
the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Ciries azea. On behalf of 1,400 members and
thousands of volunteers, FMR would like to express its support for the National Great River Pazk
concept and to urge the Ciry Council to approve the proposed new chapter for the Saint Paul on the
Mississippi Development Framework.
As the proposed chapter emphasizes, the Mississippi River is a narionally significant, world-class
resource that provides opportunities to enjoy nature and recreation close to home and to leverage the
river's scenic beauty and amenities to enhance the economic success of the city. The Mississippi River
provides our region with a strong sense of place, history and pride. A healthier and more inviring river in
St. Paul will lead to a healtrrier and more inviring quality of life for our community.
FMR believes the proposed new chapter is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan, critical area
plan and development objectives. We encourage the City to formalize the new chapter by incorporating
its goals into the comprehensive plan updates currenfly underway for 2008 and to guide development in
the corridor with these goals in mind.
The Mississippi River in the'Itvin Cities was designated as a unit of the Narional Pazk Service almost 20
years ago, yet St. Paul will be the fust corridor city to identify the river's national status as a core
component of their own comprehensive and pazk planning efforts. We applaud this approach and
believe it will open new opportunities for promoting and funding St. PauPs riverfront pazks.
Thank you for the opporiunity to submit these comments. Please contact us if you have questions.
Sincerely yours,
� ��
Whitney L. Clazk
Executive Director