Loading...
09-26-95 agendaCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL AND HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WITH PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING 8:00 P.M. RICHFIELD CITY HALL 6700 PORTLAND AVENUE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA CALL TO ORDER I. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR LYNDALE AVENUE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN COUNCIL LETTER NO. 269 HRA LETTER NO. 57 ADJOURNMENT Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Requests must be made at least 96 hours. in advance to the Administrative Services Director at 861-9702. CITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA Council Letter No. 269 HRA Letter No. 57 Agenda September 26, 1995 Issue Statement: Presentation and discussion of guiding principles for the Lyndale Avenue Strategic Development Plan. Background: The Planning Commission has begun developing alternative plans for the Lyndale Avenue business area from West 77th to 74th Streets. The Hoisington, Koegler Group Inc. has been hired to facilitate the process. The first step has been to gather input from the neighborhood. In the first half of September, the Planning Commission held public information meetings and personal interviews with the neighborhood residents and businesses. Several guiding principles have been derived from the public's input to guide development of the plans. It is important at this early stage in the process for the City Council and HRA to have the opportunity to share in the planning and discussion of the results of the process to date. Recommended Motion: No motion necessary. Basis of Recommendation: Participation by City policy makers is an important part of this planning process. Alternative Recommendation: None. Discussion/Decision Mode: Participation in the discussion at the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, September 26, 1995 at 8 p.m. is requested. Respectfully submitted, Jams .Prosser City ager JDP:cak Guiding Principles Lyndale Avenue Strategic Development Plan High traffic, good visibility and low rents have created an excellent environment in which to live and conduct business in the 7400 - 7600 blocks of Lyndale, Aldrich and Garfield Avenues. The diversity of businesses and length of time they have been in business has created a strong client base which serves the needs of both the local community and south-central region. While there are many factors which make the Lyndale Avenue Corridor a fairly successful business and residential area, it is also experiencing many difficulties including parking, traffic, access and aesthetics. The following guiding principles are intended to set a positive direction for improvements to the corridor, recognizing the need for some change. The guiding principles were derived from empirical observations, the review of background information and listening to both businesspersons and residents talk about the Lyndale Avenue Corridor. They are based on what we learned by seeing; listening and reading. These guiding principles are established early in the. process as a way to guide the development of the plan, and ultimately, serve as criteria by which development proposals can be judged. ~ Open the Gateway to Richfield -This area introduces residents and visitors to Richfield at one of the few points of entry from the outside. It should welcome and invite people, revealing the true character and spirit of the Richfield community. ~ Make it Connect -The Lyndale Corridor includes a wide array of individual businesses. These should be knit together into a commercial district, creating a sense of unity and cohesiveness.' ~ Involve People -Both residents and businesses have a stake in the results of this process. Involvement throughout the process is a key ingredient for successful outcomes. All parties should be continuously involved to identify the full range of perspectives. ~ Improve the Function of the Area -Business accessibility is made possible through the relationship of the transportation corridors, sidewalks, alleys andparking areas. Safe and effective streets, parking areas and alleys will reduce congestion and parking problems; will improve safety and access; and will encourage people to park in one spot and shop at several stores. ~ Invite the Pedestrian - While a business district may receive most of its "traffic" in the form of the automobile, the pedestrian mode is the primary form in which customers directly access businesses. A corridor should be active, inviting and confusion free to the pedestrian, allowing all persons the opportunity to reach and explore the business area. Make Good Neighbors -The Lyndale Avenue Corridor encompasses a range of uses including a variety of businesses and dwelling units. An environment which fosters compatibility and harmony between uses will result in a healthy, vibrant community. Make it Happen -Any project needs to demonstrate the economic feasibility to both business persons and the City. Any plans for the Lyndale Avenue corridor should include well planned, feasible options. ~ Serve the Neighborhood -This area is comprised of a commercial area, embraced almost entirely by neighborhoods; establishing aclosely-knit district. Services which meet the local neighborhood needs should be encouraged to maintain a connection between these areas. Make Existing Business Persons and Land Owners a Part of the Solution -There are some business persons and land owners who will be affected by this process more than others. No matter the outcome of the planning process, some businesses and owners may not be able to be part of the solution. To the extent possible, consideration should be given to having existing business persons and owners play a role in the redevelopment of the commercial area. Keep the "Smallness" Feel -The Lyndale Avenue corridor is defined by the small, independent buildings, distinctly different from the large box anchor store developments along I-494. This smallness feel should be maintained as a character of the corridor to make it feel like Richfield.