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 Plan-Wing 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 ' Hager
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 Rich, field -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 and parking 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.