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06-09-1998r PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA June 9, 1998 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Study Session Items ITEM #1 PC- Letter #29 Community Apartment Program Presentation by Julianne Manship, CAP Director ITEM #2 PC- Letter #30 1-494 Rezoning Update ITEM #3 PC- Letter #31 Transit Vision Adjournment wiyggM Planning Commission Letter Item #: 1 Letter #: 29 June 9, 1998 GENERAL INFORMATION Type of Request: Presentation on the Community Apartment Program and the status of the apartment community in Richfield. ANALYSIS Proposal: The Community Apartment Program (CAP) was created in 1993. The goal of CAP is to help the City maintain strong, vital, stable apartment communities. CAP is the joint effort of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, apartment managers, owners, residents and other community members. Julianne Manship, CAP Director, will explain the initiatives that are part of CAP. Activities, in addition to CAP, are also occurring as part of the goal to maintain healthy apartment communities in Richfield. Information on the following apartment- related activities is also included for your information: CAP, the Richfield Apartment Managers Association, the Apartment Remodeling Program, Crime -Free Multi- Family Housing, and the Section 8 rental assistance program. ACTION TO BE TAKEN Recommendation: No action is being requested. The presentation is being provided for information purposes. inju FAIN :4 .711] :4 1.7 May 1998 PUMA: An Organization For Apartment Ovvners & Manage ts With A Mission To: T?ibance the image quality of •life and pnde in Richfield bj tsolatingand taliiri positive action on real and perceived; problems tlirougb'. cooperation betww ittlti- housing man ggement. owfiership the.City_of Richfielca anii;t6e business gin. A Publication of Ricbfield Apartment Owners & Managers Association REMODEL NEXT TO EVERYTHING! he Richfield Housing and Redevelop- ment Authority (HRA) is encouraging apartment remodeling now, for the following reasons: First, interest rates have never been so consistently low and stable. Whether you're refinancing to a lower overall rate, leveraging eq- uity, or just using your cash wisely, first and second mortgage ' financing combined with im- provemeits that good tenaiiis want allow for stronger returns. Secondly, new state tax law changes make apartment owner- ship and remodeling more attrac- tive. The 1997 Minnesota Legislature created a new, one - and -a -half -year Richfield pilot pro- ject called "This Old Apart- ment." Under this pilot pro- ject, owners who remodel buildings that are at least 30 years old will be able to ex- Make renicludethevalueofstructural improvements for ten years. The increased valuations are phased in during the last five years. The total cost of the quali- fying improvements must exceed $5,000 per unit. The pilot program runs through Jan. 1, 1999, and Richfield will seek to extend the program one year if owners want this benefit. Share your interest with Bruce Nordquist at City Hall, 861 -9777. Another great reason for remodeling now is the Richfield Rediscovered Apartment Remodeling Program. A full slate of free re- modeling services are being devel- oped for apartment owners. De- signed to make apartment remod- eling easier, these services include: I I1. Technical help and practical assistance from remodeling advi- sor Dave Schaffer. Dave can help with improvements for market- ing, image and liveability; energy savings; security; design; and cost estimates, bidding and contracting. He'll explain how the program works and help to develop an action plan, as well as work with apartment owners through- out the project, both on and off the site. Leave a message for Dave at 861 -9772. 2. Architectural design and drafting services are available by referral through Dave, to assist prop- erty owners with interior function, inte- rior updating and exterior facade im- provements. Continued on page 2) CRIME FREE" FOUNDER CONDUCTS TRAINING IN CHAMPLIN, MN rime Free Founder, Tim Zehring, of the Mesa Arizona Police Department, will be conducting Crime Free Multi - Housing training in Champlin on July 22 -23, 1998. If you are interested in this training, con- tact Officer Kevin Wagman at 421 -2971 ext. 222. Space is limited, so call now! AIRPORT IMPACTS - RICHFIELD CARE TEAM Q 8L A Q. There have been a lot of community meetings in the last month on airport is- r sues. What is going on? A. Richfield residents are con- cerned about the noise im- pacts that a new North -South Runway will have on the community. They have been gathering to talk about what they can do to educate others, to support a plan to lessen noise impacts and pro- vide MAC with the input it needs to under- stand Richfield's concerns. A citizens' group has evolved out of these meetings called the Rich- field CARE Team. Their long -term objective is to preserve the APIA community. Q. What do they do? The Richfield CARE TEAMPAX Caring pttzens Concerned Abont Eichfleld's Environment Q. What is the Richfield CARE Team? A. CARE stands for Caring Citizens Concerned About Richfield Environment and Team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. The team is open to everyone and it has four short -term ob- jectives: Raise awareness of low frequency noise and its im- pacts. Establish that low frequency noise is a legitimate problem. Support a mitigation plan that would lessen the negative impact upon the community. EL NEXT TO EVERYTHING! Continuedfrom page 1) 3. Financial advisor Jim Hasnik of the Center for En- ergy and Environment will help apartment.owners coordinate all the financial aspects of the remodel- ing project during planning, through construction, to completion. He'll discuss loan programs; help identify potential funding sources; help identify terms and conditions; and help with loan pre - qualification. Contact Jim at 335 -5858. . 4. Apartment Remodeling Deferred Loan, which pro- vides additional resources that focus on the exterior of the property. Designed to be used with the ser- vices listed above, this loan has a zero interest, with no monthly payment as long as you own your apartment building. On a case -by -case basis, the funds provide up to $2,500 per unit to: Update exteriors to provide a more modern appear- Rich- A. The CARE Team has residents working in several areas. You can participate in any that interest you: Door -to- Door — Deliver fliers; talk to neighbors; identify non - English- speaking resi- dents. Letter- writing —to legislators, candidates, etc. Worker Bees —Stuff packets; behind - the - scenes help, etc. Phone calls —to politicians, candidates, etc. Technology— Communicate via e-mail; design and maintain a website Research Redevelopment Review — Review citizens' com- ments; attend Planning Commission and City Council meetings Media Relations Q. How can I get involved? A. CARE, Team is open to everyone in fiche commu- 1LLT All you need to do is attend a meeting. If you have questions, feel free to call Audrey at 861 -9765 or call community organizers Vivian Hart or Julianne Manship at 491 -6153. ance, such as front entrances, windows and roof lines. Encourage adjacent buildings to work together to create a sense of neighborhood where a series of iso- lated buildings may exist. Improve landscaping and expand green space. Improve parking, pedestrian and traffic circulation. Improve exterior lighting for appearance and secu- rity. Keep the apartments transit (bus) friendly. Owners are required to match the loan dollar for dollar. The final reason is the June. addition of Dennis Daniels, 377 -1785, as the HRA's apartment remodeling program facilitator. Any questions not covered by the above referenced resources can be handled by Dennis. With all these reasons, it's easy to see why Richfield apartment owners should Remodel Next to Everything! SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM KEEPS KIDS BUSY! anagers —if young kids live in your apart- ment complex, the Summer Playground Program is something you should know about! The Summer Playground Program is a fun day- time program designed for kids ages 6-12. Lasting for seven weeks, June 15th through July 30`h, the playground program has been a staple of the Rich- field Recreation Department. In fact, the American Heart Association has been so impressed with the program, they awarded the Richfield Recreation Department, in partnership with the Bloomington Health Division, a small grant to get the word out to all the kids in Richfield. In addition, there is a brand new program for 13 -14 year olds - the Peer Leadership Program, that coincides with the sum- mer playground program. What are these programs? Basically, Planet Richfield is an opportunity for 6 -12 year olds to have fun this summer at area parks. They'll play games (both outdoors and indoors), enjoy arts and crafts, experiment with science projects, and go on four out -of- the -park field trips. They'll learn about healthy eating habits and have an opportunity to prepare and taste nutritious, low -fat snacks. The cost for the entire seven weeks is only $15.00 (this does not include the cost of the four field trips). Fi- nancial assistance is avail- able for those who qual- ify. The Peer Leadership; Program is based on the same criteria - promoting 1healthyhabitsto13 -14 year olds. It provides a 1 J volunteer opportunity for young people to learn and develop leadership skills, under the guidance of an adult mentor. Upon learning these skills, they can become positive role models and leaders among the younger kids in the neighborhood. What a great in- fluence for the Richfield Community! Why are these pro- grams important? Nu- merous reasons. With so many parents working during the day, children are left alone with no supervision. Too many of these children just stay inside and watch TV. Other parents are concerned about safety issues associated with area parks and will not allow their children to play outside. The Summer Play- ground Program can alleviate many concerns since the program offers supervised activities in a safe, non - competitive environment. Secondly, it's important for children to learn good health habits. Most kids do not get enough physical exercise - averaging less than one -half hour per day. Many young children (ages 6 -11) are al- ready overweight due to a diet high in fat. With heart disease having its origin in childhood, this combination of little physical activity and a high fat diet contribute significantly to heart disease. Since behaviors started in youth continue through to adulthood, it makes sense to begin prevention pro- grams, like Planet Richfield and the Peer Leadership Program, right now. How can you help? 1 One easy way is to post notices around your apart- ment complex (we provide the posters). You can also personally encourage fami- lies with children to go to the Summer Playground Program. We can even pro- vide program registrations for you to have on hand ... an interested family member can just fill it out and mail it in. If you're interested and would like to find out more, please call the Richfield Recreation Depart- ment at 861 -9387. June R AMA Coalition Event! Richfield . L 9 1998 'ners ` MaJuneO nient Association gets An PJrOJ3:30 — 5:00 M gagers & "ers, Richfield Community Center 'ELCO 7000 Nicollet Ave. S. Bring your current problems, questions, ideas- - and network with other man- agers and owners. J pi_n_ your peers in conversations that interest you, as you enjoy delicious finger food! Information from the Police Department about what to be on the look out for" will be avail- able for participants of this event. Remember, if you are interested in receiv- ng the Calls for Service reports from the Po- lice Department you may call Colleen Ramm at 861 -9800 to have them faxed or mailed to you. Hope to see you there! For more information, call Julianne Manship, CAP (Community Apartment Program) Director at 777 -8331. INTRODUCING JULIANNE MANSHIP CAP DIRECTOR ello! I am Julianne Manship, Richfield's new CAP (Community Apartment Program) Di- rector. My position involves working with apartment communities and all rental property owners, managers and residents. I have already had the opportunity to meet several of you at the April 14 RAMA Coalition Event. (Thanks for attending!) I look forward to meeting everyone. Until then, please call me with any needs, concerns, questions, or comments at: 777 -8331. A little background... I have worked in Crime Prevention (CP) since 1989 and now have life -time certification as a CP Practitioner in MN. I am also the President of the MN Crime Prevention Associa- tion and the state coordinator of the Crime Free Multi - Housing program. Before coming to Rich- field, I worked for the City of West St. Paul as the Neighborhood Development Director, where —in partnership —the City and citizens formed neigh- borhood associations throughout the community. Of course, these associations include residents living in rental properties as well as people in single family homes and the businesses. While working for Rich- field, I am eager to bring about an inclusive sense of community within the City. This means to foster changes (where needed) in attitudes, perceptions and day to day working relation- ships between the communi- ties of apartment /rental and ° single family residents. I am .r encouraging an interactive '? communication link to all those who wish to achieve the overall goal of the Com- munity Apartment Program, which is, "to encourage strong, vital apartment / JULIANIVE rental communities. MAN5HIP -- One way rental property owners and managers, like you, can benefit from all the CAP program offers, is to participate in the RAMA Coalition Events which will take place ev- ery other month on the second Tuesday. This newsletter contains information regarding the June RAMA event, which will be held on Tuesday, June 9. I hope to meet you there! SAFETY CAMP FOR 4TH GRADERS or two fun -filled summer days, Richfield chil- dren will be learning safety skills for bicycling, in -line skating, railroad crossing, water safety, wheelchair awareness, animal awareness, fire and burn prevention, and much more! The 1998 two -day Richfield Safety Camp is scheduled for June 9 -10, 9:00 am.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Community Education Center, located at 7001 Elliot Avenue South. This program is designated err' to give youth who will be entering fourth grade an opportunity for safety education in a camp setting. The cost of camp, which includes lunch, snacks, supervision, and a Safety Camp T- shirt, is just 30.00. For those in need, funds are available. Regis- tration for Richfield residents begins Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m., and registration for non- residents (and phone registration) begins Friday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m., at the Richfield Community Center (70`h and Nicollet). You may register your immediate family and one other family. Register early; this program is limited to 100 youth. Safety Camp is made possible be- cause of the generosity and collaborative efforts of many of Richfield's civic groups, busi- nesses, and organizations. For further information, contact MaryKaye of the Richfield Recreation Department at 861 -9387. RAM A REPORTER Richfield Apartment Owners and Managers Association 6700 Portland Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 -9998 MOST COMMON HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES FIRE AND CRIME PREVENTION/ PROTECTION: 1. Door into apartment, or firedoors won't close and latch on their own. 2. Smoke Detector not working, falling off wall /ceiling, or missing. 3. Fire extinguishers have not been serviced. 4. Improper storage of combustibles— boiler rooms, laundry rooms, closets under stairs. 5. Security doors that don't lock/latch. 6. Broken windows. 7. Unlicensed or abandoned vehicles. PLUMBING: 1. Leaks at sink faucets, spouts, and drains. Tape used to repair leaks in drains. 2. Leaks at bathtub faucets, spouts, and drains. 3. Clogged /slow sink and bathtub drains. 4. Toilet not secured and sealed to floor. 5. Water runs at toilets, batlitubs, and sinks. 6. Improper drain pipes — flexible pipe, radiator hose. 7. Kitchen sink sprayer broken or leaking. 8. New water heater installed without required permit. 9. Gas ranges not lighting properly and gas shutoffs missing. ELECTRICAL: 1. Broken and missing cover plates. 2. Broken switches and outlets 3. G.F.I. outlets in bathrooms and at the exterior that are inoperable. 4. Light fixtures that don't work — usually a burned out bulb. 5. Extension cords used as permanent wiring. 6. Exterior outlets without weatherproof covers. 7. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans that don't work. This partial list is written as a guide to common ques- tions and problems. It is not intended nor shall it be considered a complete set of requirements. More next issue! r RICHFIELD NEW AND IMPROVED APARTMENTS Program Features: 1. Technical assistance from the Richfield Remodeling Advisor, Dave Schaffer. Leave a message for Dave at 861 -9772. 2. Design assistance by referral to architects and architectural draft persons from the Remodeling Advisor. 3. Financial advice from Center for Energy and Environment, 335 -5858. 4. "This Old Apartment" legislation that allows owners who remodel buildings that are at least 30 years old to exclude the value of structural improvement for five years. The increased valuations will be phased in over the following five years. The total cost of the qualifying improvements must exceed $5,000 per unit, and runs through January 1, 1999. 5. Apartment Remodeling Deferred Loan. A zero interest, no monthly payment, as long as you own your apartment building, loan of up to $2,500 per unit with an owner match of $2,500. Designed to be used with services 1 through 4 listed above, it provides additional resources that focus on the exterior of the property. The funds, on a case by case basis are used to: update exteriors to provide a more modern appearance such as front entrances, windows, and roof lines. encourage adjacent building owners to work together to create a sense of neighborhood where a series of isolated buildings may exist. improve landscaping and expands green space. improve parking, pedestrian and traffic circulation. improve exterior lighting for appearance and security. keep the apartments transit (bus) friendly. Apartment Remodeling Program NEW AND IMPROVED APARTMENTS Case Study: 76th Street and Oliver The Challenge In a half block area near 76th and Penn, the following exists: right -of -way improvements have left a remainder vacant parcel that is marginally maintained. five separate owners exist for 40 units of housing. general transit systems exist and informal "park and ride" at an adjacent church parking lot and corner bus stops exist but no shelter or transit emphasis is provided. small owner resources are insufficient to facilitate change and apartments remain in the condition and serving the market place of the 1960's. The Opportunity a consortium of owners agree to improvements as partners. coordinated parking, landscaping, new units (from townhouse to a 6 to 8 unit apartment) are possible. Coordination of appearance improves the concept of neighborhood. new units, one and two bedroom choices, provide models and examples to emulate through remodeling. resources, incentives and property tax benefits support investment. a blighted corner becomes a gateway neighborhood of apartments. the apartments become a well maintain neighborhood to the community and apartment residents. transit becomes a feature of the neighborhood. Case Study: Hampton Place, 77th Street and Chicago Avenue The Challenge: the apartment complex (approximately 221 units in 13 buildings) is densely developed and prone to crime. One homicide occurred in July, 1997. the complex lacked good management practices in tenant selection. the complex is isolated between a major arterial street and 1-494 and has no neighborhood or direct access to transit. The Opportunity: create more green space and play areas for children, reducing off - street parking. create community spaces for positive informal gathering and organized programming; park programs are brought in, drop -in center is created. provide resources in exchange for good management. create a neighborhood out of an apartment community that some would prefer to see removed entirely. develop a transit information center and improved access to transit service. N i` r u I I a o cry G y..../ W Vim.! ray rl Q c w aj W O 0 O i` r u I I m o o L to cu bO cc to 0 8 O , fl C3 v OrVOtoc-, Q" v Fel yr O O O S].. O O O O i0 w O M O i 4! E cu 0 CL cu 0 0 v v O v Q m C..uj- 0 O cnO p > o cC a O u C1 v it - a) o O t v b0 aJ 14 O 'CS u m O ca v u p p O ¢, a) a1 Q1 •., i O b0 n G 3 > z; y + $-i h0 y 4.4 cu CA av cu ' m • ` Q ~ cz aJ cz U 0 v CU V aJ 'G a1 N_ 4 p (1) f.- -p L1 01. QJ .fl 4! u r.. 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REMODEL NEXT TO EVERYTHING.1 he Richfield Housing and Redevelop- ment Authority (HRA) is encouraging apartment remodeling now, for the following reasons: First, interest rates have never been so consistently low and stable. 7 Whether you're refinancing to a ,,';: lower overall rate, leveraging eq- M .I uity, or just using your cash wisely, first and second mortgage financing combined with im- provements that good tenants want allow for stronger returns. q qe Secondly, new state tax law changes make apartment owner- ship and remodeling more attrac- tive. The 1997 Minnesota Legislature created a new, one - and -a- half -year Richfield pilot pro- ject called "This Old Apart- ment." Under this pilot pro- ject, owners who remodel s(Tvices ell-, buildings that are at least 30 years old will be able to ex- clude the value of structural ) nake rein improvements for ten years. The increased valuations are phased in during the last five years. The total cost of the quali- fying improvements must exceed $5,000 per unit. The pilot program runs through Jan. 1, 1999, and Richfield will seek to extend the program one year if owners want this benefit. Share your interest with Bruce Nordquist at City Hall, 861 -9777. Another great reason for remodeling now is the Richfield Rediscovered Apartment Remodeling Program. A full slate of free re- modeling services are being devel- oped for apartment owners. De- signed to make apartment remod- eling easier, these services include: 1. Technical help and practical assistance from remodeling advi- sor Dave Schaffer. Dave can help with improvements for market- ing, image and liveability; energy savings; security; design; and cost estimates, bidding and contracting. He'll explain how the program works and help to develop an action plan, as well as work with apartment owners through- out the project, both on and off the site. Leave a message for Dave at 861 -9772. 2. Architectural design and drafting services are available by referral through Dave, to assist prop- erty owners with interior function, inte- rior updating and exterior fagade im- provements. Continued on page 2) CRIME FREE" FOUNDER CONDUCTS TRAINING IN CHAMPLIN, MN rime Free Founder, Tim Zehring, of the Mesa Arizona Police Department, will be conducting Crime Free Multi - Housing training in Champlin on July 22 -23, 1998. If you are interested in this training, con- tact Officer Kevin Wagman at 421 -2971 ext. 222. Space is limited, so call nowt. AIRPORT IMPACTS - RICHFIELD CARE TEAM Q & A Q. There have been a lot of community meetings in tA- e last month on airport is- sues. What is going on? A. Richfield residents are con- cerned about the noise im- pacts that a new North -South Runway will have on the community. They have been gathering to talk about what they can do to educate others, to support a plan to lessen noise impacts and pro- vide MAC with the input it needs to under- stand Richfield's concerns. A citizens' group has evolved out of these meetings called the Rich- field CARE Team. Their long -term objective is to preserve the Rich- field community. Q. What do they do? The Richfield NA ((,) A'-CARE TEAMPA cam co ea eeonc elmna a• EmrlROmaeat Q. What is the Richfield CARE Team? A. CARE stands for Caring Citizens Concerned About Richfield Environment and Team stands for Together Everyone Achieves More. The team is open to everyone and it has four short-term ob- jectives: Raise awareness of low frequency noise and its im- pacts. Establish that low frequency noise is a legitimate problem. Support a mitigation plan that would lessen the negative impact upon the community. NEXT TO EVERYTHING! Continued from page 1) 3. Financial advisor Jim Hasnik of the Center for En- ergy and Environment will help apartment.owners coordinate all the financial aspects of the remodel- ing project during planning, through construction, to completion. He'll discuss loan programs; help identify potential funding sources; help identify terms and conditions; and help with loan pre - qualification. Contact Jim at 335-5858. 4. Apartment Remodeling Deferred Loan, which pro- vides additional resources that focus on the exterior of the property. Designed to be used with the ser- vices listed above, this loan has a zero interest, with no monthly payment as long as you own your apartment building. On a case -by -case basis, the funds provide up to $2,500 per unit to: Update exteriors to provide a more modern appear- A. The CARE Team has residents working in several areas. You can participate in any that interest you: Door- to-Door— Deliver fliers; talk to neighbors; identify non - English - speaking resi- dents. Letter- writing —to legislators, candidates, etc. Worker Bees —Stuff packets; behind - the - scenes help, etc. Phone calls —to politicians, candidates, etc. Technology— Communicate via e-mail; design and maintain a website Research Redevelopment Review — Review citizens' com- ments, attend Planning Commission and City Council meetings Media Relations Q. How can I get involved? A. CARE Team is open to everyone in the commu- n ty All you need to do is attend a meeting. If you have questions, feel free to call Audrey at 8619765 or call community organizers Vivian Hart or Julianne Manship at 491 -6153. ante, such as front entrances, windows and roof lines. Encourage adjacent buildings to work together to create a sense of neighborhood where a series of iso- lated buildings may exist. Improve landscaping and expand green space. Improve parking, pedestrian and traffic circulation. Improve exterior lighting for appearance and secu- nty. Keep the apartments transit (bus) friendly. Owners are required to match the loan dollar for dollar. The final reason is the June. addition of Dennis Daniels, 377 -1785, as the HRA's apartment remodeling program facilitator. Any questions not covered by the above referenced resources can be handled by Dennis. With all these reasons, it's easy to see why Richfield apartment owners should Remodel Next to Everythingl SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAM KEEPS KIDS BUSYI anagers —if young kids live in your apart- ment complex, the Summer Playground Program is something you should know about! The Summer Playground Program is a fun day- time program designed for kids ages 6-12. Lasting for seven weeks, June 15th through July 30`s, the playground program has been a staple of the Rich- field Recreation Department. In fact, the American Heart Association has been so impressed with the program, they awarded the Richfield Recreation Department, in partnership with the Bloomington Health Division, a small grant to get the word out to all the kids in Richfield. In addition, there is a brand new program for 13 -14 year olds – the Peer Leadership Program, that coincides with the sum- mer playground program. What are these programs? Basically, Planet Richfield is an opportunity for 6-12 year olds to have fun this summer at area parks. They'll play games (both outdoors and indoors), enjoy arts and crafts, experiment with science projects, and go on four out -of- the -park field trips. They'll learn about healthy eating habits and have an opportunity to prepare and taste nutritious, low -fat snacks. The cost for the entire seven weeks is only $15.00 (this does not include the cost of the four field trips). Fi- nancial assistance is avail- able for those who qual- A ify. The Peer Leadership Program is based on the same criteria – promoting 1healthyhabitsto13-14 year olds. It provides a volunteer opportunity for young people to learn and develop leadership skills, under the guidance of an adult mentor. Upon learning these skills, they can become positive role models and leaders among the younger kids in the neighborhood. What a great in- fluence for the Richfield Community! Why are these pro- grams important? Nu- merous reasons. With so many parents working during the day, children are left alone with no supervision. Too many of these children just stay inside and watch TV. Other parents are concerned about safety issues associated with area parks and will not allow their children to play outside. The Summer Play- ground Program can alleviate many concerns since the program offers supervi=d activities in a safe, non - competitive environment. Secondly, it's important for children to learn good health habits. Most kids do not get enough physical exercise – averaging less than one -half hour per day. Many young children (ages 6-11) are al- ready overweight due to a diet high in fat. With heart disease having its origin in childhood, this combination of little physical activity and a high fat diet contribute significantly to heart disease. Since behaviors started in youth continue through to adulthood, it makes sense to begin prevention pro- grams, like Planet Richfield and the Peer Leadership Program, right now. 1 How can you help? One easy way is to post notices around your apart- ment complex (we provide w the posters). You' can also personally encourage fami- lies with children to go to the Summer Playground Program. We can even pro- vide program registrations for you to have on hand ... an interested family member can just fill it out and mail it in. If you're interested and would like to find out more, please call the Richfield Recreation Depart- ment at 861 -9387. 1 1 I' x June R AMA Coalition Event! Rich' q L June9 1998 Owners &$ agent Association gars 3:30 - 5:00 Meag & sZe, Richfield Community CenterLC411 7000 Nicollet Ave. S. _ Bring your current problems, questions, ideas — and network with other man- agers and owners. Join your peers in conversations'' that interest you, as you enjoy delicious finger food! Information from the Police Department about what to be on the look out for" will be avail- able for participants of this event. Remember, if you are interested in receiv- ng the Calls for Service reports from the Po- lice Department you may call Colleen Ramm at 861 -9800 to have them faxed or mailed to you. Hope to see you there! For more information, call Julianne Manship, CAP (Community Apartment Program) Director at 777 -8331. INTRODUCING JULIANNE MANSHIP CAP DIRECTOR ello! I am Julianne Manship, Richfield's new CAP (Community Apartment Program) Di- rector. My position involves working with apartment communities and all rental property owners, managers and residents. I have already had the opportunity to meet several of you at the April 14 RAMA Coalition Event. (Thanks for attending!) I look forward to meeting everyone. Until then, please call me with any needs, concerns, questions, or comments at: 777 -8331. A little background... I have worked in Crime Prevention (CP) since 1989 and now have life -time certification as a CP Practitioner in MN. I am also the President of the MN Crime Prevention Associa- tion and the state coordinator of the Crime Free Multi- Housing program. Before coming to Rich- field, I worked for the City of West St. Paul as the Neighborhood Development Director, where —in partnership —the City and citizens formed neigh- borhood associations throughout the. community. Of course, these associations include. residents living in rental properties as well as people in single family homes and the businesses. While working for Rich- field, I am eager to bring about an inclusive sense of community within the City. This means to foster changes (where needed) in attitudes, perceptions and day to day working relation- ships between the communi- ties of apartment/rental and single family residents. I am 0 encouraging an interactive communication link to all those who wish to achieve ` the overall goal of the Com- munity Apartment Program, which is, "to encourage strong, vital apartment/ JULIANNE. rental communities." MANSHIP One way rental property owners and managers, like you, can benefit from all the CAP program offers, is to participate in the RAMA Coalition Events which will take place ev- ery other month on the second Tuesday. This newsletter contains information regarding the June RAMA event, which will be held on Tuesday, June 9. I hope to meet you there! SAFETY. CAMP FOR 4TH GRADERS or two fun -filled summer days, Richfield chil- dren will be learning safety skills for bicycling, in -line skating, railroad crossing, water safety, wheelchair awareness, animal awareness, fire and burn prevention, and much more! The 1998 two -day Richfield Safety Camp is scheduled for June 9 -10, 9:00 " am. m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Community Education Center, located at 7001 Elliot Avenue South. This program is designated to give youth who will be entering fourth grade an opportunity for safety education in a camp setting. The cost of camp, which includes lunch, snacks, supervision, and a Safety Camp T- shirt, is just 30.00. For those in need, funds are available. Regis- tration for Richfield residents begins Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 a.m., and registration for non- residents (and phone registration) begins Friday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m., at the Richfield Community Center (70`h and Nicollet). You may register your immediate family and one other family. Register early; this program is limited to 100 youth. Safety Camp is made possible be- cause of the generosity and collaborative efforts of many of Richfield's civic groups, busi- nesses, and organizations. For further information, contact MaryKaye of the Richfield Recreation Department at 861 -9387. i -1 1-10 Richfield Apartment Owners and Managers Association 6700 Portland Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 -9998 MOST COMMON HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS IN RENTAL PROPERTIES FIRE AND CRIME PREVENTION/ PROTECTION: 1. Door into apartment, or firedoors won't close and latch on their own. 2. Smoke Detector not working, falling off wall /ceiling, or missing. 3. Fire extinguishers have not been serviced. 4. Improper storage of combustibles— boiler rooms, laundry rooms, closets under stairs. 5. Security doors that don't lock/latch. 6. Broken windows. 7. Unlicensed or abandoned vehicles. PLUMBING: 1. Leaks at sink faucets, spouts, and drains. Tape used to repair leaks in drains. 2. Leaks at bathtub faucets, spouts, and drains. 3. Clogged /slow sink and bathtub drains. 4. Toilet not secured and sealed to floor. 5. Water runs at toilets, batlttubs, and sinks. 6. Improper drain pipes — flexible pipe, radiator hose. 7. Kitchen sink sprayer broken or leaking. 8. New water heater installed without required perinit. 9. Gas ranges not lighting properly and gas shutoffs missing. ELECTRICAL: 1. Broken and missing cover plates. 2. Broken switches and outlets 3. G.F.I. outlets in bathrooms and at the exterior that are inoperable. 4. Light fixtures that don't work — usually a burned out bulb. 5. Extension cords used as permanent wiring. 6. Exterior outlets without weatherproof covers. 7. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans that don't work. This partial list is written as a guide to common ques- tions and problems. It is not intended nor shall it be considered a complete set of requirements. More next issue! Q. How does the program work? A. 1. The household needs to complete an application for rent assistance when the HRA takes applicants. Currently, the HRA is not taking applicants. Typically, the HRA takes applications every two years. 2. Once the application is approved, the family is placed on a waiting list until the family reaches the top of the waiting list. (Vouchers become available to people on the waiting list when another family leaves the Section 8 Program.) 3. Once selected the family will need to find a suitable rental unit. (The family may stay in their present unit provided the unit meets program requirements.) 4. After selecting the rental unit, the HRA will conduct an inspection of the unit and upon approving the lease, rent assistance will begin. Q. How long can a family expect to wait to receive assistance after applying for the waiting list? A. The wait is approximately 1 - 2 years. Currently Richfield HRA has 230 people on the waiting list. Q. Are all Section 8 families receiving public assistance or welfare? A. No. Many of the Section 8 families are working and do not make enough money to meet the expense of rent, child care, utilities, food, etc. Q. How does a family apply to live in Chicago Towers? A. The family must contact Chicago Towers by calling 866 -6600. They maintain their own waiting list. Q. What are the families like in Richfield? A. Here are some interesting facts about the Section 8 families in Richfield.... the Head of Household of 55% of the families in Richfield are handicapped /disabled or age 62 yeas or older. the average family size in Richfield is 2 persons. the Head of Household in 62% of the families in Richfield are white. Q . What is Section 8 housing? A. Section 8 housing is a federal government program that pays for part of the rent for people who meet income qualifications. Eligible people rent any market rate rental apartment that is decent, safe and sanitary and pay a portion of the rent to the landlord based on their income. The rest of the rent is mailed directly to the landlord from the Richfield Section 8 office. Q. Are there certain buildings the people need to live in to receive Section 8 rent assistance? A. In Richfield there aren't any specific buildings that are designated for Section 8 except for Richfield Towers at 77th and Chicago. The Towers are for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Q. What are the income limits of the Section 8 Program? A. A household may be eligible if their total gross income is at or below the maximum income limits shown below and the household is: A family of two more persons, or A single, elderly, handicapped, disabled, or displaced individual; as defined by HUD regulations. Family Size Maximum Income 1 20,050.00 2 22,900.00 3 25,800.00 4 28,650.00 5 30,950.00 6 33,250.00 7 35,550.00 8+ 37,800.00 arx:.::6ci2uv.Qaiasa:, Planning Item #: 2 Letter #: 30 June 9, 1998 GENERAL INFORMATION Type of Request: City Council request for further review of 1 -494 rezonings. ANALYSIS Proposal: On April 13, 1998 the City Council conducted a second reading of the I -494 rezonings. In response to public testimony, the Council tabled its discussion of the rezonings and asked staff and the Planning Commission to reconsider the impact of the rezonings on existing uses and properties. While they recognize the Comprehensive Plan goals, they want to provide current property owners with the ability to use their properties. Attached is a letter from the attorney for Minnesota Mini - Storage asking the City Council to consider the impact a rezoning would have on their property. Minnesota Mini- Storage has the following concerns: a nonconforming use cannot be enlarged, expanded, intensified or rebuilt; truck rental cannot be added to the existing facility (this concern is no longer an issue; the Council recently approved an amended off - street parking permit to allow the addition of truck rental); refinancing and selling becomes difficult because of the nonconforming status; the purpose of nonconforming use provisions is to encourage property owners to discontinue substandard or outdated uses; Minnesota Mini - Storage was constructed recently, in 1983, so isn't a substandard or outdated use; and the Council approved the use of the property for Mini - Storage in 1983; rezoning the Mini - Storage property would be inconsistent with this earlier decision. The attorney suggests three options that would lessen the impact of the rezoning on existing uses. The options are as follows: I . Change the Comprehensive Plan to consider existing industrial uses consistent with the Plan, as long as the use remains the same as it was on the date of adoption. 2. Amend the C -2 district ordinance to include a provision that "uses which existed on the date of the rezoning of property are allowed within the C -2 District ". 3. Amend the C -2 district ordinance to include the provision that would allow nonconforming uses to expand with a conditional use permit. Issues: • Comprehensive Plan: The intent of the rezonings is to encourage the development of uses that are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and to not allow the development of uses that would be inconsistent with the Plan. Industrial zoning would allow uses that are inconsistent with the Plan designation of Regional Commercial /Office. The Plan recognizes that, in most cases, the City will not rezone properties unless a redevelopment plan is in place; however, it was determined that the property along I -494 is valuable and warrants protection against inconsistent uses being developed. Expansion Potential- The Minnesota Mini- Storage property and the block to the east are the properties to be rezoned. These properties are both zoned and used industrially. An attachment provides information on as many of the existing uses and structures as was available in City files. In many cases, there is no room on these properties for expansion, regardless of the C -2 or I zoning designation. Transitional Activity Permits: Issues similar to those raised by Minnesota Mini- Storage were raised by property owners in the ILN District when properties were rezoned to the C -3 district (high density commercial). The Transitional Activity Permit (see ordinance language) was created to allow transitional or interim uses that do not meet the requirements of the C -3 district. The TAP recognizes that it may be several years before redevelopment can occur. In the meantime, nonconforming uses can continue to exist and be extended or expanded if certain standards are met. The TAP language could be added to the C -2 district and apply only to those properties that were rezoned from I. ACTION TO BE TAKEN Recommendation: Review the information and provide feedback and direction to staff. The Council has asked that the Planning Commission review of the issues be returned to them no later than the first Council meeting in August. Attachment A Proposed Rezonings - -1-494 Properties Property Address Business /Apartment Name Existing New Comp Plan Current Proposed Land Use Designation Zoning Zoning 1 7701 4th Ave S Premier Properties APT C -R/O I C -2 2 7715 4th Ave S Unknown COM C -R/O I C -2 3 7720 -7740 4th Ave S I Crestwood Apts APT C -R/O I C -2 4 7731 4th Ave S I Blaylock Plumbing Company IND C -R/6 I 1 C -2 5 7701 5th Ave S Parking Lot COM C -R/O 1 I C -2 6 1 7708 5th Ave S I Parking Lot COM C -R/O I C -2 7 7714 5th Ave SIBon Auto Works COM C -R/O I C -2 8 7744 5th Ave S Arby's COM C -R/O I C -2 9 345 77th St E Richfield - Bloom. Credit Union COM C -R/O I C -2 10 415 77th St E Richfield Wheel Alignment COM C -R/O I C -2 11 631 77th St E Boyum Properties APT C -R/O MR -3 C -2 12 701 -735 77th St E Hampton Place Apts APT RMH C -2 MR -3 14 710 -734 78th St E Hampton Place Apartments APT RMH C -2 MR -3 13 901 -1001 77th St E Heritage Square Apts APT RMH C -2 MR -3 15 900 -1000 77th St E Heritage Square Apts APT RMH C -2 MR -3 16 140 78th St E Burger King COM C -R/O I C -2 17 305 78th St E Assumption Catholic Church` CHURCH QUASI- PUBLIC I C -2 18 500 78th St E Khan's Mongolian Restaurant COM C -R/O I C -2 19 45 -99 77th St W1 New Orleans Court Apts APT RMH I MR -3 20 30 -80 and 90 78th St W1 New Orleans Court Apts APT RMH I MR -3 21 84 78th St W I Sherwin- Williams COM RMH I C -2 22 100 78th St W Viking Paints IND C -R/O I C -2 23 200 78th St WIMinnesota Mini - Storage COM C -R/O I C -2 24 7700 Nicollet Ave SIEmbers COM C -R/O I C -2 25 7701 Nicollet Ave S I Chi Chi's COM C -R/O I C -2 26 7717 Nicollet Ave SIMenards COM C -R/O I C -2 27 7720 Nicollet Ave S I Super America COM C -R/O I C -2 28 7700 Pillsbury Ave SICity Garage PUB C -R/O I C -2 29 7701 Pillsbury Ave S Carlson Construction IND C -R/O I C -2 Universal Power Conversion McCann and Associates Cool Stuff Brokerage Press Parts 30 7709 Pillsbury Ave SjAnchor Fence Co. of Minnesota IND C -R/O I C -2 31 7715 Pillsbury Ave S I Williams Drywall IND C -R/O I C -2 32 7717 Pillsbury Ave S I George Printing IND C -R/O I C -2 33 7721 Pillsbury Ave S I Direct Line IND C -R/O I C -2 34 7700 Wentworth Ave S Hollenbeck and Nelson IND C -R/O I C -2 35 7720 Wentworth Ave S Hoveco Janitorial Supplies IND C -R/O I C -2 36 7727 Wentworth Ave S Multiple Family Residential APT RMH I C -2 Rezoning 70 foot strip of land on east side of church property. Main portion of church property is zoned C -2. LAND USE KEY I COMP PLAN KEY ZONING KEY COM = commercial IRMH high density multiple housing C -2 = general commercial APT = apartment C -R/O = regional commercial /office 1 = industrial IND = industrial i I MR -3 = high density multiple housing RES = residential J •ate ;' is ati Y %id s y' }4Ng TjCi•jt, yes ; S{ 1%::i • . a k t r•j r M•_j y' }4Ng TjCi•jt, r• Yy. rc :Sr`i...r A 4:1 i a. b 0• p, • , pt y p Cp 3 yes ; S{ 1%::i • . a k r• Yy. rc :Sr`i...r A 4:1 i a. b 0• p, • , pt y p Cp 3 J JAMES P. IARKN LARKIN, HOFFMAN, DALY & LINDGREN, LTD. WILLIAM C. GRIFFITH. R. ROBERT L HOFFMAN JOHN R. HILL GERALD H. J. EDWARD DRI ATTORNEYS AT LAW LARRY MARTIN GENE N, FULLER JANE E. BREMER JUiN D. FU L ER j" J. STEFFEHAGEH FRANK I. HARVEY MICHAEL J. SMITH CHARLES s. MOOELL 1500 NORWEST FINANCIAL CENTER ANDREW F. PERRN CHRISTOPHER J. DIETZEN FREDERICIK W. NEBtAR LINDA H. FISHER 7900 XERXES AVENUE SOUTH WILLIAM G_ THORNTON THOMAS P. STOLTMNN DANIEL W. VOSS MICHAEL p.1 MAN BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA 55431 -1194 MJOHNE MEYER THOMAS J TELEPHONE (612) 835.3800 CHRISTOPHER E KK LARUS JAMES P. GUM MARCY R FROST TODD 1. FREEMAN FAX (612) 896.3333 DOUGLAS M. RAMLER GERALD L gUK KAMSKISTEPHENJ. N JOHN B. LUNDOUIST THOMAS F. ALExAN)ER DAYLE NOIAN' DANHEL T. KADLEC JOHN A COTTER' S/ARNA A W A IGREN PAUL B. PLUNCETT JOHN F. KLOS ALML KILOOW C. ERIK HAWES KATHLEEN M. PICOTTE NEWAAAN LYNNE MICHELLE MOORE MICHAEL B. LEBARON C. BRENT ROBBINS GREGORY E. KORSTAD JOHN E. YONKER GARY A VAN CLEVE' KRISTIN S, WESTGARD ' OWCL L BONZES JOVE S. FREDERICKrON TIMOTHY J. KEANE AMES M. SUSAG ALAN M. ANDERSON ANDREW D. RYAN - DONNA L ROBACK USA S. ROBINSON MICHAEL W. SCH LEY ROM B. KREPS OF COUNSEL TERRENCE E BISHOP AUK F. DALY USA A GRAY D. KENNETH LINO REN GARY A RENNEK13 ALLAN E MULLIGAN CHRISTOPHER J. HARRLSTHAL VW-NDE L R ANDERSON KENDEI J OHROGGE JOSEPH GTTHS BRUCE J. DOUGLAS ALSO ADMITTED IN WISCONSIN ONLY ADMITTED N MASSACHUSETTS March 19, 1998 Mayor Martin Kirsch Councilmember Susan Rosenberg 6725 Penn Avenue 6633 Thomas Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 Richfield, MN 55423 Councilmember Michael Sandahl 7601 Bryant Avenue S Richfield, MN 55423 Councilmember Russ Susag 7305 First Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 Councilmember Kristal Stokes 6733 - 17th Avenue Richfield, MN 55423 RE: Minnesota Mini - Storage at 200 78th Street West, Richfield, Minnesota (the Property); Our File No. 20,372 -00 Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers: This letter is written on behalf of our client, Two S Properties, Inc. (the "Owner ") which owns and operates "Minnesota Mini - Storage" at the above address. We have reviewed the City of Richfield's (the City ") proposal to rezone Property from the Industrial District (1) to the General Commercial District C -2). This letter addresses the Owner's concerns regarding the rezoning. As the City staff noted in its Planning Commission letter February 24, 1998, the proposed rezoning renders approximately 11 of the 35 uses or structures in the affected districts, including Minnesota Mini - Storage, "non- conforming "under the City Code. Given the Owner's level of investment in the Property and the fact that this use is not outdated, the proposed rezoning would have disastrous effects on long- term use of and investment in the Property. LAmim HOFFMAN, DALY & LINDGREN, LTD. Richfield Mayor and City Council March 19, 1998 Page 2 Back round The existing self - storage facility was constructed in circa. 1983. The self - storage use is part of the current generation of self - storage facilities which provide climate controlled units in a secured environment. The construction is of high quality materials, including landscaping and screening elements. In recent months, we have discussed with City staff the desire of Minnesota Mini - Storage to add truck rental as an accessory use. There has been a substantial increase in truck rental as accessory to mini - storage throughout the country. Truck rental supports the mini - storage use while providing a convenience to local residents and customers of the facilities. See our letter addressed to Julie Urban, dated January 5, 1998, along with her response, dated January 20, 1998.) Discussion The proposed rezoning results in severe economic consequences to the mini - storage use for the following reasons: 1. As noted by staff, the use is rendered nonconforming. While it is legally "grandfathered," it is still inconsistent with the C -2 Zoning District, and cannot be enlarged, expanded, intensified or rebuilt. 2. The proposal to add truck rental as an accessory use would be rendered inconsistent with the zoning district if the Property is rezoned to C -2 because it could be interpreted as an expansion or intensification of the use. 3. It would become difficult to refinance or resell the mini - storage use because virtually all lenders and buyers of commercial property today require zoning due diligence before closing on such transactions. If the Property is identified as nonconfomring by City staff, the purchase or refinancing of such property becomes more risky, which either increases the cost of financing or diminishes the market for such transactions. This has a direct and negative effect on the value of the Property. 4. Rendering the Property nonconforming will create a disincentive to investment in the Property. The purpose of "nonconforming use" provisions within a Zoning Code is to encourage property owners to discontinue substandard or outdated uses. Minnesota Mini- Storage is clearly not substandard or outdated. In fact, the useful life of this project is most likely 30 years or more. Once the Property is rezoned, the Owner will find it difficult to enhance the use, add appropriate accessory uses, refinance the property, or sell it; the result is a spiraling decline in property values and appearance. While this may hasten the removal of a substandard metal pole building, it is not appropriate for a mini - storage use which was approved in this location as recently as 1983. 5. When the City Council approved this long -term use of the Property in 1983, the City Council, by necessity, must have found that the use was appropriate in this location for the long- term.. Therefore, any rezoning to the contrary is inconsistent with this earlier finding. LARKIN, HOFFMAN, DALY & LrNDGREN, LTD. Richfield Mayor and City Council March 19, 1998 Page 3 Proposed Solutions We believe that there are a number of less severe measures that can be taken to soften the impact of land use changes in the area. For instance, the City could provide that Industrial zoning is not inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan as long as the use remains the same as it was on the date of adoption of the land use change. In other words, Industrial in this location will become a "holding category" until market forces, or City economic develop measures, force a change in use. At that time, the City can require that any change in use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and institute the rezoning as part of the change of use. Another approach is to simply include in the C -2 District a provision that "uses which existed on the date of the rezoning of property are allowed within the C -2 District." Mini - storage would be an allowed use in the C -2 District because it predated the change. Once the use is no longer viable, any change in land use would have to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and C -2 Zoning District. Another approach used in the Regional Commercial District in the City of Bloomington is to provide that expansion of existing uses which are not in conformity with District use provisions" can be accomplished by approval a conditional use. (See Section 19.3 1.0 1 (d)(5) of the Bloomington City Code) Each approach recognizes the significant investment in the Property based upon a relatively recent land use approval adopted by the City Council. It also recognizes that the City, while encouraging redevelopment of properties, must also allow viable uses to continue without undue impediment or economic harm. We request that the City Council continue the hearing on rezoning until such time as the impact of its proposed actions, along with any mitigation, can be adequately discussed. The development moratorium which is in place until September, 1998, clearly allows the City Council that latitude. We appreciate your careful consideration of the information provided in this letter. We will plan to attend the City Council meeting of March 23, 1998 to answer any questions you may have. Si erely, William C. Griffith, Jr., for LARKIN, HOFFMAN, DALY & LINDGREN, Ltd. cc: Bruce Palmborg Julie Urban Pat Stotesbery Todd Jones n qlr os IT y L O v L CA L h J. c 1 rr..i h a E:: N O y W i 3 d 4 O Q a C a x C's a C` c.. ` O b yCypyOCUO -` i ' ; C 0 to OE O D c0: C U O >s cl i i O jg 0 4y y i a OHc0 i E E i v N`. _ aO N 0 cd 3 w cd p g i i vi y C . E i 00 CD N: 4.. i U U G X C Ui bi i td y W U ch .a .., C p C>, C p cd ca a O d : ai N O UN 6 Y L: G fd - AN i to rA N U ww^ C's N cu cOi p E y 5 C C co era to N r) rvyi N C d = _ ppO Ni'y C C i.X i N b O T d C p V: U U 00 O U ip yC C,3 A CC_+; N p i N = y En Cp In yyN CA N N Cg O i O i y v pi i OU: U t 40. t O` W O O C b; W C. b V N C N U; W ed w. N N. > N N i N N N N N U U U U U U C C bo 7 N C C czw NU y N yU di V C W i O g O y O O CNC O' e•• S O E O C; O i 0 i • Cw a a o 6. o U a iUaU7y C i.L O E bOAy i 3 O C c-. ;C-. o L N C i bo o V cz o o NNO L V O O ed 3 cd : N a U ' cd 7 S. a. o a o y U n : N: o4 rr F LL! C. N poN rj) 3' 3 000 OG o, n O iN N iO iO N CITATIONS SECTION 526 - ZONING: COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS 526.63. Transitional activity permits. Subdivision 1. Pu ose. The Council recognizes that the development potential within the C -3 District may require an extended period of transition to be fully realized. The Council further recognizes that it may be appropriate and desirable to permit, subject to the conditions and limitations of this subsection, the owners of lands within the C -3 District to engage in certain activities with respect to the land, the structures or the uses during the transition period which will both permit commercial enterprises within the C -3 District to remain viable but which will not have the effect of either delaying the transition or increasing the public costs connected with such transition. This subsection is intended to establish the circumstances under which certain transitional activities may take place and to set forth the regulations, limitations and conditions applicable to such activities. Subd. 2. Transitional activities. The extension or expansion of a nonconforming use or structure or the development of a nonconforming parcel shall be referred to as transitional activities. Subd. 3. Permit required. It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupier of any land within the C- 3 District to engage in any transitional activity without having first obtained a permit to do so. It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupier of such land to engage in any transitional activity in contradiction to the terms and conditions of any issued transitional permit. Subd. 4. Application for a transitional activity permit shall be made to the Director on forms provided by the City and shall contain or be accompanied by the following: a) a site plan drawn to scale showing the dimensions of the parcel and the dimensions and locations of all structures; b) in instances where the site is to be utilized in connection with a use or structure located on a contiguous parcel, the site plan shall contain the same detail for the contiguous parcel; c) the proposed uses; d) the proposed modifications, alterations, renovations or improvements to be made in connection with the transitional activity, and the estimated cost of each; e) the time for completion of all modifications, alterations, renovations or improvements; f) evidence of ownership or interest in the property; g) the fee specified in Appendix D of the City Code; and h) the material they have to provide would include an estimated market value before and after, the change in taxes before and after, and change to potential cost of public development. Subd. 5. Public hearing. The provisions of subsection 526,43, Subd. 5 shall be applicable to public hearings concerning the issuance of transitional activity permits. Subd. 6., Criteria and standards. A transitional activity permit shall not be granted unless the Council makes the following findings: a) the transitional activity is in connection with an existing use or structure allowable in the district as either a permitted or nonconforming use or structure; b) the transitional activity will maintain the vitality and economic success of the applicant's business during the transition period of the C -3 District; c) the transitional activity will not have an adverse impact upon development of land within the C -3 District in the manner intended for the district under the City's land use regulations or its Comprehensive Plan; d) the transitional activity will not materially increase the potential public cost of development within the C -3 District; and e) the transitional activity will be compatible with surrounding uses, will have no adverse impact upon surrounding properties, and will be in full compliance with all standards and requirements contained in this code applicable to uses and structures in the C -2 District, Subd. 7. Duration of permit. Any transitional activity permit granted by the Council shall state on its face the expiration date of such permit. Subd. 8. Conditions. In approving a transitional activity permit the Council may place conditions and limitation upon the permit which, in the Council's discretion will assure: a) that the transitional activity will be compatible with surrounding uses; b) that the activity is merely of a transitional nature and will not impede the orderly development of the C -3 District; and c) that the public costs occasioned by the ultimate development of the C -3 District will not be materially increased as a result of the transitional activity. Subd. 9. Revocation. The City may revoke any transitional activity permit granted under this subsection. The procedure to be followed in considering such action shall be the same as the procedure described in Subsection 546.05, Subds. 12 -13 of this code. Subd. 10. Permit not assignable. The right to engage in transitional activities shall be the personal right of the person(s) named on the permit, Transitional activity permits may not be transferred or assigned to another even though such other person or entity may succeed to permittee's interest in the land. The permit shall terminate upon such transfer or assignment, and permittee's successor in interest in the land shall not engage in any transitional activity until such successor has obtained a new transitional activity permit. 3 mgg 62 Planning Commission Letter Item #: 3 Letter #: 31 June 9, 1998 GENERAL INFORMATION Type of Request: Review the attached draft of the Richfield Transit Vision and provide feedback to staff. ANALYSIS Proposal: The attached report is the result of a visioning session undertaken by City Public Works and Community Development staff regarding the role of transit in the City. The report lays out possible goals for transit in Richfield and suggests four options for accomplishing those goals. Staff would like the Planning Commission to review the document and provide feedback on both the goals and options. ACTION TO BE TAKEN Recommendation: No action is being requested at this time. 3 - 3 -10 -98 RICHFIELD TRANSIT "VISIONING" PROCESS A. OBJECTIVE The main objective of the Richfield Transit "Visioning" Process was to define and develop goals and a shared vision of the type of public transit service and facilities that will serve the City, its -residents; employers and visitors in the future. This process was undertaken in January 1998 and completed in March 1998 with the assistance and participation of Richfield City staff, including Mike Eastling, Tom Foley, John Melin, Bruce Nordquist and Bruce Palmborg. Throughout the process, discussions were held with extended stakeholders, including Richfield Lake Area Project developers and Land Use Consultant Fred Hoisington. Outside resources included Jim Lasher of LSA Designs, and Aaron Isaacs and Brian Lamb of the Metro Transit Division of the Metropolitan Council. The responses gathered from city staff participants of Transit Visioning exercise have been developed into outcome -based elements of a future transit hub and local service facility for Richfield. Elements of the proposed local services to be provided and the type of facility or facilities envisioned within Richfield would include, but are not limited to, the following goals: Service Goals Richfield transit services must be convenient for users — easily accessible, safe and cost - effective. Future transit services should be expanded to "collect" passengers living between main north/ south arterial grid service in a convenient manner. A high - quality level of service (i.e., 15- minute headways) is desirable during peak hours. Richfield passengers should have a full set of transit options to choose from: community circulator services, "express" or "high speed" mainline services, and "local" destination (MOA, Southdale, Vets Hospital) transit services. Good transit "service" includes a safe, aesthetically attractive, comfortable, climate - controlled, accessible place for Richfield residents and visitors to wait for or transfer buses. 1 3 -,q Richfield should encourage the use of smaller transit vehicles within city neighborhoods for ease of navigation within city neighborhoods. Richfield Transit Facilities Richfield transit facilities should be of scale suitable to the City and its transit users' needs. Facilities should be safe, accessible, climate - controlled and hospitable to users. Ongoing human activity will enhance security and ensures maintenance of the facilities. Primary transit facilities should be located at sites within the city that are accessible to the highest concentration of transit users and residents. Richfield transit facilities should have a visible "presence" in the community. Richfield transit facilities should be located near to existing and planned regional transit routes. Richfield transit facilities should be enhanced with the mix of compatible uses residential, commercial) near the facilities. Improvements in facilities increases transit ridership. B. METHODOLOGY The development of a transit vision for the City of Richfield by staff was accomplished by turning the local service and facility goal statements into a set of four (4) scenarios. Each of the scenarios addresses the logistics of local and regional service issues based upon a specific type of primary transit facility located within Richfield. City staff met to discuss the potential of each of the four transit facility and service scenarios, and to determine through concensus which scenario would function the best as a primary transit facility within Richfield. The following scenario overviews were presented to and reviewed by staff: 2 3-3 RICHFIELD TRANSIT FACILITY OPTION #1 FACILITY DESCRIPTION: Regional, on -line vehicle transfer lanes at I -35W and 66th Street. No building, no passenger waiting areas (no room); No commercially - linked development; four to six bus pullout areas on either side of ingress/ egress ramps. No park -and -ride facilities. SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Provides intermediate stop for I -35W express bus service to Downtown Minneapolis, with connections to local route service at 661h Street; 42nd or 46th Street in South Minneapolis; Lake Street; Downtown TAD Garages; 981h Street in Bloomington (future). All trips other than downtown and along 661h Street would transfer a minimum of one time. SERVICE POTENTIAL: Express bus service expansion along I -35W in future years; may increase east /west and "limited stop" route service along 661h St. Could link a future community circulator to express bus service. May slightly decrease arterial route or limited stop service along Nicollet, Lyndale and Penn Avenues due to passenger load changes. Possible slight ridership increase to downtown. ADVANTAGES: No facility to maintain. Few or little Richfield Lake neighborhood concerns associated with siting of a transit facility. Fast commuter trips to and from downtown Minneapolis. "Hidden" from public visibility. DRAWBACKS: No waiting area for passengers. "Hidden" from public visibility. No place for a human presence. An increase of bus traffic along 66th Street at I -35W could cause further traffic congestion and have related pedestrian safety, noise and air quality concerns. Would primarily benefit regional express bus service and could actually reduce local service options to certain neighborhoods in Richfield along the Penn, Lyndale and Nicollet arterials due to passenger load changes. 3 3 -q RICHFIELD TRANSIT FACILITY OPTION #2 FACILITY DESCRIPTION: Community - designated area located at major arterial intersection off of 661h Street on street level. Size of three or four bus shelters, with some bench seating and plexiglass surroundings. Unheated, no air conditioning, maintenance performed at regular intervals by Metro Transit. Passengers wait on one side of the street for buses on each side of 661h Street. Could be located within short walking distance to commercial development; two to four bus pullouts along arterial or 66th Street to pick up passengers. No park - and -ride facilities. SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Provides a sheltered waiting place for buses along 661h Street, which connect with all major north/ south arterials and potential 35W express buses. Depending upon arterial chosen, provides sheltered waiting place for bus riders on north /south routings. Trips may or may not transfer at various metro locations, including MOA, Southdale, Downtown Minneapolis. SERVICE POTENTIAL: Express bus service expansion along I -35W in future years would most likely not include facility. Would not affect 661h Street service frequency. Could link a future community circulator to express bus service along major arterials. Would not affect arterial route or limited stop service along Nicollet, Lyndale and Penn Avenues. No potential ridership gain. ADVANTAGES: Little maintenance of facility required. Inexpensive. Little right -of -way necessary. If located on a major arterial, would be convenient for walking passenger accessibility. Provides some measure of comfort for passengers. Some community visibility. DRAWBACKS: No climate - controlled environment due to open walls. No increased ridership. No increased transit frequency. Would not accommodate a human presence. Bus congestion along 66th Street and /or major arterial site could present traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. S-5 RICHFIELD TRANSIT FACILITY OPTION #3 FACILITY DESCRIPTION: Community - designated area located at major arterial intersection off of 66th Street on street level. Size approximately 60 feet by 60 feet or slightly larger. Climate - controlled. Maintenance provided by City or by private owner/ landlord of facility. Bench or chair seating for passengers. Passengers wait on one side of the street for buses on each side of 66th Street. Retail use could be attached or located inside facility. Could be located within short walking distance to commercial development; bus -only lane routes buses to facility and out again to street. No park -and -ride facilities. SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Provides a sheltered waiting place for buses along 66th Street, which connect with all major north/ south arterials and potential 35W express buses. Depending upon arterial chosen, provides sheltered waiting place for bus riders on north/ south routings. Trips may or may not transfer at various metro locations, including MCA, Southdale, Downtown Minneapolis. SERVICE POTENTIAL: Express bus service expansion along I -35W in future years may include facility if accessible for buses. Would increase 66th Street service frequency because of facility siting. Could link a future community circulator to express bus service along major arterials. May increase arterial route or limited stop service along Nicollet, Lyndale and Penn Avenues if a corresponding increase in 66t', Street ridership was documented. Potential ridership gain. ADVANTAGES: Provides security, comfort and convenience for passengers, especially if linked with retail. If located on a major arterial, would be convenient for walking passenger accessibility. Could accommodate a human presence. Eliminates bus congestion issues as right -of -way is provided for transit to access street. Provides community visibility. Could increase 6601 St. and arterial service frequencies. Could increase ridership. DRAWBACKS: Expensive unless built and maintained by private interests. Takes more space /right -of -way than a bus shelter. 5 3- RICHFIELD TRANSIT FACILITY OPTION #4 FACILITY DESCRIPTION: Community - designated area located within new or existing building in close proximity to a major arterial intersection off of 66th Street. Bus curb pullouts located in front of building. Size will depend on availability of space. Climate- controlled, because space is part of the development. Maintenance provided by City or by private owner /landlord of facility. Bench or chair seating for passengers. Passengers wait on one side of the street for buses on each side of 66th Street. Retail use could be attached or located inside facility. Could be located within short walking distance to commercial development; No bus -only lane; buses simply stop along street in pullouts located in front of building. No park- and -ride facilities unless attached to a parking garage. SERVICE DESCRIPTION: Provides a sheltered waiting place for buses along 66th Street, which connect with all major north/ south arterials and potential 35W express buses. Depending upon arterial chosen, provides sheltered waiting place for bus riders on north/ south routings. Trips may or may not transfer at various metro locations, including MOA, Southdale, Downtown Minneapolis. SERVICE POTENTIAL: Express bus service expansion along I -35W in future years may include facility if accessible for buses. Would increase 661h Street service frequency because of facility siting. Could link a future community circulator to express bus service along major arterials. May increase arterial route or limited stop service along Nicollet, Lyndale and Penn Avenues if a corresponding increase in 661h Street ridership was documented. Potential ridership gain. ADVANTAGES: Provides security, comfort and convenience for passengers, especially if linked with retail. If located on a major arterial, would be convenient for walking passenger accessibility. Eliminates need to designate right -of -way for buses only. Provides some community visibility. Could accommodate a human presence. Could increase 66th St. and arterial service frequencies. Could increase ridership. DRAWBACKS: Expensive unless built and maintained by private interests. Takes more space /right -of -way than a bus shelter. Somewhat "hidden" inside a building front. Space may have to be leased by city. C. DISCUSSION Staff discussed the four potential transit facility and service scenarios to determine which scenario or scenarios allowed the City to achieve the goals listed at the beginning of this document. Based on that discussion, Scenarios #3 and #4 were chosen by the group through consensus, as service capability within either facility would not compromise the service goals set forth by the City. In addition, transit hub facilities outlined in either Scenario #3 (freestanding) or Scenario #4 (part of an existing or planned commercial building) would provide adequate shelter, safety and accessibility as outlined within the transit facility goals section. During the staff discussion, another idea was brought forth to consider by the group. Scenario 43 outlines a small, street -level transit hub facility to be located somewhere along 66th Street at a main arterial location. It was proposed that another community transit hub facility be located directly across the street or in close proximity across the street) from the initial hub, so that two hubs would service transit users along 661h Street in both directions. Discussion also included the possibility of a facility with access to both westbound and eastbound 66th Street to be located just off of 66th Street in the general vicinity of Lyndale Avenue. There was agreement by staff members that Lyndale or Nicollet Avenue would serve as the best locations for a primary community transit hub within Richfield, due to the continued presence of local express bus services on both arterials and their proximity to planned regional I -35W express bus services to downtown Minneapolis and points south of Richfield. Conclusion Richfield staff agreed at the final meeting to consider a minimum of one 1) primary transit hub facility somewhere along 66th Street between Nicollet and Lyndale Avenues for the future, based on the transit visioning discussions and the goals and scenarios approved by the group. Local and regional transit services provided at this future facility would be negotiated with Metro Transit and other regional providers. Of concern to staff members was the lack of inter- community transit service, especially to high- density residential areas located north of I -494 and west of Cedar Avenue. Additionally, park- and -ride facilities that could be attached in some manner to a community transit hub did not appeal to staff, as they would most likely increase congestion during peak periods, decrease the availability of parking for the planned facility, and would be likely to draw commuters from further distances to park in Richfield rather than parking downtown, rather than servicing Richfield clientele. These issues must be further discussed with staff and Richfield residents in order to plan the appropriate level of community transit services and to eliminate the parking concerns of neighborhood and business interests in the vicinity of 66th Street. It is also clear that staff feel there are other secondary areas within Richfield where transit hub facilities of some sort may be placed. Although these types of facilities were not considered within the course of this discussion, secondary facilities could include existing commercial or public areas that are located near public transit routes, or could be oversized or special bus shelters that designate a clear community identity to users rather than a generic bus shelter that can be found in any part of the Twin Cities. There was some concensus that 77th Street should be a corridor for future secondary transit facility consideration, as it serves as one of the City's primary east -west traffic corridors. In addition, with the expected future construction of a tunnel underneath Cedar Avenue /TH 77 that would connect 77th St. to the 24f Avenue area of the Minneapolis -St. Paul Airport, this could mean the expansion of existing regional transit routes to service points west and east along 1-494 and the Airport area. 8