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02-12-08 HRA Special Workshop AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Special Workshop February 12, 2008 - 5 PM Golden Valley City Hall -Council Conference Room 1. Roll Call 2. Golden Hills Redevelopment Area A. Existing Area and Relationship to TIF District B. Overview of Existing Redevelopment Objectives C. 1-394 Corridor Study Area Objectives 1. Alignment of planning objectives 2. Defining geographic area 3. Model for Business Improvement District 3. Other redevelopment objectives A. Other Redevelopment Areas/Districts 1. Valley Square 2. North Wirth B. Douglas Drive Corridor 4. Adjournment Hey o Housing & Redevelopment Authority 763-593-8002/763-593-8109 (fax) 7800 Golden Valley Rd. Golden Valley, MN 55427 763-593-8014 Date: February 8, 2008 To: Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commissioners From: Jeanne Andre, Assistant Director Through: Thomas D. Burt, Director Subject: Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan The Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan was created in 1984 and amended in 1998. The 1998 Amendment was done largely to provide for a new objective, the extension of Xenia Avenue. However at that time the full plan was updated to incorporate elements already accomplished and specific objectives in play at that time. The Plan is attached for review by the Commissioners. In the past few years the City has undertaken the 1-394 Corridor Study which is meant to be a special chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. The Council is currently evaluating the adoption of the Plan and zoning activities that would implement the plan. Planning and Development Director Mark Grimes has indicated that the adoption of the Corridor Study impacts the existing Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan, and has recommended that the Redevelopment Plan be amended to better reflect the recent study. Certain sections of the plan relevant to the current discussion are attached for review by the Commissioners. The Redevelopment Plan as amended has been adopted by the City Council following review by the Planning Commission. Although it is not a part of the City's zoning provisions, staff relies on it to advise property owners and developers seeking direction on the City's objectives and preferences regarding proposed development. It is appropriate for the Redevelopment Plan to be compatible with the 1-394 Corridor Study. As it has been ten years since the Plan was last amended, and the Corridor Study elicits Guiding Principles that are in keeping with the current Council objectives, staff recommends that the Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan be updated to align with the Corridor Study objectives. This review could also contemplate the need for public improvements to implement the plan and the possibility of including business improvement districts as one of the plan's objectives. A related issue is the geographic area covered by both plans. The Council must still review the area to be encompassed by the proposed Mixed-Use Zoning District recommended in the Corridor Study Plan. The HRA may also wish to consider if the geographic area of the Redevelopment Plan should be revised. Section 1: Introduction 1-1 Section 1: Introduction C':::-"P_J he City of Golden Valley has been a leader among first-ring communities of the Twin Cities in reinventing itself to meet changes In transportation patterns, housing preferences, and market trends in office, industrial and com- mercial uses. The City responded to the opening of Interstate 394 in the 1990S with a regional 1-394 zoning overlay district that links new development to traffic demand management and intersection im- provements. The City proactively recreated a new downtown at Hwy 55 and Winnetka Ave, incorpo- rating mixed use and mixed-income housing (Wes- ley Commons) on the site of an aging strip mall. Most recently, the Envision Golden Valley effort set a new standard in citizen involvement, bring- ing more than 600 residents together to develop comprehensive vision statements and supporting themes/ideas that will guide the City in updating its Comprehensive Plan. t~eed for Project While these vision statements provide a strong foundation for subsequent planning, they were not linked to specific 10- eations, planning efforts, or zoning districts within the city. Clty of Golden Valley , 1-394 Comdor Study 1-2 SectlOn 1: Intmduction This 1-394 Corridor Study is the first planning study to make this link. The study is an initial installment of the City's 2008 Comprehensive Plan, and it' will eventually be integrated into that document. There are several.reasons this effort is needed. Commercial/lndustriallssues Forty percent of the City's tax base consists of older commercial/indus- trial uses, which are gradually be- ing eclipsed by newer development elsewhere. There appears to be a low market demand for vacant industrial space. How can these uses and their settings be improved to remain viable enterprises? How can the City encour- age smaller commercial businesses, rather than the typical "big box" re- tail? The City's commercial and industrial uses are concentrated in several high- way corridors, including Hwys 55 and 169 in addition to 1-394. A number of these corridors are beginning to show signs of obsolescence and will be stud- ied in the future for potential introduc- tion of new uses or revitalization strat- egies. However, the 1-394 corridor is the location that appears most suscep- tible to change. Essentially, access and visibility from 1-394, a principal arte- rial, have tended to raise land values, increasing pressure for conversion to more intensive uses. At the same time, the proximity to residential neighbor- hoods and concerns about traffic could impact growth potential. 1-394 Traffic Management Issues The 1-394 Zoning Overlay District was developed in 1989 to address traffic management issues associated with the upgrade of former State Highway 12 to the current 1-394. The ordinance requires traffic studies and manage- ment plans for new dense develop- ment in the interchange areas. The or- dinance has been effective in identify- ing needed improvements, but traffic increases may soon begin to limit the ability to develop or redevelop land to the intensity that the area's assets might otherwise support. Linkages and Connections There are few direct north-south roads or paths between 1-394 and Hwy 55, especially through the residential neighborhoods in the northern part of the corridor. Better pedestrian and bike connections across 1-394 and Hwy 55 are needed, as well as trail connec- tions to the regional multi-use Cedar Lake and LRT trails in St Louis Park. 1-394 is already a high-service transit corridor with two park-and-ride facili- ties in this area: the Louisiana Transit Center, on the south (St Louis Park) side of the Louisiana interchange, and a smaller facility on the south side of the Xenia/Park Place inter- change. However, demand for parking exceeds supply, and improved local connections to the park-and-rides are needed. Future transit improvements could reduce the level of congestion new development may bring. Housing Issues Envision Golden Valley indicates that there is increasing demand for differ- ent housing types that don't yet exist in the City. Resident surveys complet- ed in 1999 and 2001 also call for an increase in the diversity of housing in Golden Valley. Higher-density hous- ing is becoming more acceptable, but protection of existing neighborhoods is also a key issue. TheI-394 corridor may be a suitable location for higher- density housing that could serve as a buffer between single-family housing north of Laurel Ave and highway-ori- ented uses to the south. Environmental Issues Much of the 1-394 corridor is built on wetland, primarily peat soils, result- ing in problems with settling of build- ings, roads, and parking lots. Contin- ued improvements to area stormwater management are needed, and there is also strong interest in restoring natu- ral systems like streams and wetlands throughout the area. Regulatory Issues The City has encouraged the use of Planned Unit Development (PUD) standards for most office development in the 1-394 corridor. Each PUD is a unique project, with its own devel- opment standards that relate to an approved development plan. While PUDs can provide needed flexibility on a case-by-case basis, PUD regula- tions often fail to articulate the plan- ning principles and design standards that should apply across a corridor or entire community. The study process will result in updated development codes that establish design standards, improve the transitions/buffers be- tween different land uses, and bring some consistency to streetscape treat- ments along the corridor. An initial assessment of these and other issues in the corridor is shown on Figure 1. How this Study Will be Used The Corridor Study will be implement- ed using three primary tools: . Ongoing planning-the study will be considered in reviewing develop- ment proposals and site plans. . Zoning updates-as discussed in the Implementation section of this report, zoning changes will encour- age mixed use and a high quality of Clty of Golden Valley 1-394 Corridor Study Section 1: IntroductlOn 1-3 site planning and building design within the corridor. . Public improvements-as the City makes improvements to streets, public open space, stormwater facil- ities, and other infrastructure in the study area, the principles and rec- ommendations of the study will be considered. 5 tudy Process and Publ k Involvernent The City initiated the 1-394 Corridor Study in Winter 2005 by selecting a consultant team and developing a communications plan to guide the ef- fort. This plan, developed by City staff, was designed to build public aware- ness about the study and its mission, and to communicate directly with af- fected businesses and people who live and work in the area. A Joint Task Force consisting of two City Council members and two Plan- ning Commission members met reg- ularly with staff and the consultant throughout the process to provide oversight and direction to the study. The City Council and Planning Com- mission were briefed regularly. Outreach methods used throughout the study process included a resident survey, business survey, resident roundtable, visual preference survey, an open house, and various public in- formation pieces. Resident Survey City staff developed a brief resident survey, which was sent in Spring 2005 to all households in the area east of Brook.view Parkway, west of Hwy 100, south of Hwy 55 and north of 1-394. The survey asked residents what ac- tivities draw them to the area, whether they would support more transporta- tion alternatives in the area, and the key issues that the study should ad- dress. A total of 1,200 surveys were sent, of which 119 were returned. Resi- dents were asked what they liked and disliked about the area, the ways in which they use the area, and sugges- tions for change. Some highlights of the responses are: . Positive comments focused on the diversity of retail/commercial busi- nesses in the area, the newer office buildings, the Laurel Avenue Ponds, the paths and open space, attractive landscaping on many properties, and the overall ease of access to the highway system. · Negative comments tended to fo- cus on the overall appearance of the area-unattractive or rundown buildings, "hodgepodge" of building types and appearances, and lack of consistency in terms of street and building design. Other comments focused on traffic congestion, traffic noise, the amount of surface park- ing, and the interface between in- dustrial and residential uses. · Residents use the area primarily for shopping, dining, walking, and driv- ing through. The majority would support more bike trails, and many would support improved pedestrian access and transit choices. · Residents feel that key issues the corridor study should address in- clude landscaping, building height, building design, density, aesthetics, and stormwater management. Survey results are summarized in Ap- pendix A Business Survey A detailed business study was pre- pared by City staff and sent to the 190 businesses in the study area. Staff then followed up with phone calls. A total of 47 surveys were completed, for a 26% response rate. The survey focused on reasons for locating in the area, future plans, where their employees live and their modes of travel to work, and re- lationship with the City. Some high- lights of responses are: . About three-quarters of businesses view Golden Valley as an above aver- age or excellent place for business. . The majority of their employees live outside Golden Valley and do not use public transportation. . Businesses were asked a series of questions about future plans. Ten companies (21 percent of respon- dents) considered expansion or re- modeling and five companies (10 percent of respondents) considered relocation. . The primary reasons that deter com- panies from remaining/expanding in Golden Valley are cost to lease, accessibility to their site, and avail- ability of land space. Survey results are summarized in Appendix B and in a more extensive background report. Resident Roundtable For a more in-depth discussion of is- sues raised in the resident survey, about a dozen residents were selected from those who included addresses in their surveys, with the goal of geographic balance and diversity. These residents met in an informal workshop setting in which they identified strengths/as- sets and problems or challenges facing the study area, and made suggestions for specific improvements. Strengths of the area include: . The Laurel Avenue Greenbelt, other green space and landscaping within the corridor, the convenience of many retail destinations, and specif- Clty of Golden Valley , 1-394 COI ndOl Study Section 3: Guidmg Pnnclples 3-1 Section 3: Guiding Principles ~ s a first step in formulating the Corridor ii Plan, eight guiding principles were de- /;-,," veloped. The principles are concise sbite- ments that establish the direction and intention of the plan. They were adopted by the City Council in December 2005. 1. Enable the corridor to evolve toward a diverse mix ofland uses, including residential as well as commer- cial and industrial. A mix of activities, uses, and densities will help sustain the corridor through changing economic cy- cles, consumer preferences, and housing trends. Mixed uses can create synergies and increase the level of pedestrian activ- ity. Active uses (such as retail) at ground floor level can help to create activity after working hours. At the same time, the corridor should complement, not compete with, the Hwy 55/ Winnetka district, now the City's true 'downtown.' 2. Maximize integration rather than separation of land uses, where appropriate. Many land uses can ben- efit from increased integration with one another, including neighborhood-serving retail, multi-family and senior hous- ing, offices, and low-impact services. Other land uses, such as auto-oriented commercial or industrial uses, can benefit from integration with similar uses but need to be buffered from residential neighborhoods. 3. Maintain the corridor as an employment center. Jobs within the corridor help maintain Golden Valley's jobs- housing balance while sustaining commercial enterprises. Re- taining 'living wage' jobs should be a priority. Clty of Golden Valley 1-394 COI ndol Study SectlOn 3: GUlding PnnClples 3.2 4. Improve the visual coherence and attractiveness of the corri- dor. Improvements in streetscapes, landscaped areas, open spaces, build- ing aesthetics, and parking/service areas all contribute to a more unified and visually appealing environment, with an increased sense of identity. Buildings and other private improve- ments should make positive contribu- tions to the district and the broader public realm, while public improve- ments should set the standard for pri- vate investment. 5. Improve connectivity for all modes. The development of 1-394 and subsequent road realignments have resulted in a discontinuous and confusing circulation system. Im- provements in east-west vehicular cir- culation and north-south pedestrian circulation are most needed; how- ever, roadways should be designed to be attractive and safe for all modes of travel. 6. Foster neighborhood-serving retail and services. Commercial development should include a variety of small independent businesses and larger enterprises that serve City resi- dents, supplementing and broadening the current mix of commercial uses. 7. Maintain or improve the func- tioning of intersections and highway interchanges. The func- tioning of the 1-394 interchanges at Xenia and Louisiana Aves, and other key intersections within the corridor, is critical to maintaining commercial viability and neighborhood quality of life. New development must be care- fully planned, evaluated, and designed so that interchanges and intersections continue to function at an adequate level. 8. Foster sustainable develop- ment and work to establish a bal- ance between urban and natural systems. Encourage the application of green building and infrastructure techniques. Examples include low- impact development that maintains the natural functions of the land, re- duces stormwater runoff, and fosters resource conservation and the use of renewable systems in new construc- tion. City of Golden Valley" r 1.394 Corndor Study , SectlOn 5: Framework Plan 5-1 Section 5: Frarrlework Plan he primary land uses that are recommend- ed in the 1-394 Corridor are a variety of res- idential, office, and commercial uses that are can be combined compatibly with one another and will contribute to a more cohesive, diverse and walkable environment. t.and Uses~-- Prin~lary and Secondary Primary land uses include: . medium- to high-density housing in a variety of con- figurations (multi-story multifamily buildings, the upper floors of mixed-use buildings, attached single-family units such as townhouses) and ranging from rental to owner-oc- cupied (condominium or cooperative) housing. Many would be appropriate for senior housing. . commercial retail and service uses that are integrat- ed into mixed or multi-use developments, gradually mov- ing away from the current pattern of small free-standing convenience retail. A grocery store is also encouraged as a medium-sized freestanding retail facility that would meet neighborhood needs. . business and professional office uses. It is under- stood that office use can have significant traffic impacts, as regulated by the 1-394 Overlay district, and that large office uses will typically require traffic analyses and actions that will minimize congestion. . open space. The development plan does not identify any sites for new public parks or plazas, but large developments Clty of Golden Valley 1-394 COrrJdor Study 5-2 Section 5: Framework Plan would be required to provide im- proved open space as part of their site plans. Enhanced streetscape treatments along major streets will also improve the area's appearance. Secondary land uses include the fol- lowing (these are mainly existing uses that could remain in the area, but could also be replaced by primary land uses): . existing industrial and com- mercial uses. These uses could re- main in the area indefinitely, but the City will consider redevelopment or reuse proposals for sites that may be ready for more intense and market- responsive uses. These include the auto dealerships in the Louisiana Ave area. . institutional uses. Currently the study area includes two large churches and a sheltered workshop north of Laurel Ave. While these uses could certainly remain in the area, if they choose to relocate, their sites should be considered for sin- gle-family attached or other types of medium-density housing, as well as restoration and expansion of the Laurel Avenue Greenbelt wetlands and ponds. Assisted living facilities would also be appropriate within the corridor. Illustrative Developrnent Plan-m Louisiana Avenue Area Figure 9 (Illustrative Development Plan) depicts the potential develop- ment scenarios shown in Figure 8A (Site-Based Alternatives), focusing on the Louisiana Ave interchange area, where most redevelopment opportu- nities are located. Proposed land uses include medium to high-density resi- dential uses, office and manufactur- ing uses, limited new commercial use, and structured parking to serve all tl:\ese uses. Some uses are combined in mixed-use buildings with ground- floor retail. Test development sites are shown in detail in Appendix E, Con- ceptual Plan Drawings. In reviewing Figure 9, it is important to remember that the ultimate devel- opment plans for each site will depend on market factors, individual devel- opment decisions, and on the zoning. The proposed land uses are just one example of desirable development patterns for these sites. As discussed below under Implementation, the pro- posed zoning district for the corridor would allow all of the land uses shown in the plan, as well as allowing for the continuation of existing land uses. Building Height Ull1its Building height needs to be regulated to achieve a development pattern that maximizes visibility from 1-394 while achieving suitable transitions to sur- rounding lower-density office and res- idential development. Three proposed building height 'zones' are shown in Figure 10 : . high-rise buildings-up to 10 sto- ries-in the area south of Golden Hills Dr and Market St, and on both sides of Xenia Ave . mid-rise buildings-up to six sto- ries-primarily south of Laurel Ave and north of Golden Hills Dr/Mar- ket St. These heights represent a moderate change from existing building heights in those areas. . low-rise buildings-up to three sto- ries-in locations around the edges of the corridor where transitions to adjacent single-family neighbor- hoods are needed Figure 11, Illustrative Development Vi- sualization, shows the same develop- ment scenarios as Figure 10, but from a birds-eye perspective that shows the range of building heights. Traffic Impact Analysis The development scenarios shown in the Illustrative Development Plan were evaluated by the City's consult- ing traffic engineer to determine the change in travel demand that should be expected as a result of these poten- tial changes in land use in the corri- dor. The parcels, identified as Sites A through M in Figure 8 (Site-Based Al- ternatives), were analyzed to compare the traffic generated by existing land uses with traffic generated by planned land uses. The majority of existing land uses are commercial and retail establishments, along with office space. The planned changes would result in a shift to a mix of residential, office and commercial! retail uses. Table 5-1 summarizes the cumulative change between the exist- ing and proposed land uses for Sites A-M and describes the general effect of the change on traffic patterns. The resultant mix of land uses would increase the overall number of daily trips generated. However, the peak- ing characteristics and an associated change in the direction and distribu- tion of trips would focus more trips to the Louisiana Ave/I-394 interchange, with moderate increases on local col- lectors and arterials like Winnetka, Jersey, or Xenia Aves. The commercial establishments cur- rently in the study area generate both inbound and outbound traffic during all times of the day, since they are open during normal business hours and provide services to customers that Clty of Golden Valley 1-394 Comdor Study Section 5: Framework Plan 5-3 Commercial/Retail o (dwelling units) 547,418 (square feet) 210,687 (square feet) 2,660 14,370 Office Source: Memorandum, SEH Inc, September 8, 2006, No. AGOLDV980l.OO can occur at any time (ie, auto maintenance, convenience retail, etc).As these uses are gradually replaced, the volume of traffic entering the study area for those services would decrease. The offices in the study area tend to attract inbound traffic in the morning and generate outbound trips in the after- noon. They may also generate traffic over the lunch hour but not on weekends or weekday evenings. The planned land use changes in the area will result in an increase in residential units and office space with a reduc- tion in commercial uses. Residential land uses generate trips throughout the day, evenings, and weekends. In summary, the land use changes will reduce traffic flow to and from local destinations and result in an increase in commuting trips to job centers elsewhere in the metro re- gion and to office space within the study area. This change tends to reduce traffic demands on the local arterials and increase demands on the regional roadways (ie, 1-394 and Hwy 100). Streetscape Treatments Figure 12, Roadway and Intersection Treatments, presents a conceptual plan for public improvements in the study area, with the goal of improving wayfinding, visual cohesiveness, pedestrian comfort and safety, and aesthetic appeal. Streets are grouped into four general streetscape categories, A through D, based on their function within the area, their current and future volume of vehicular and pedestrian use, and proposed land use changes along these streets. . Treatment A-Applies to the primary north-south inter- change streets of Louisiana and Xenia, as well as Win- netka Ave (recently landscaped). Improvements include gateway treatments at major intersections and a heavily 4,440 -400,428 ~9,930 9,520 945,313 6,860 landscaped median. . Treatment B-Applies to Market St, Golden Hills Dr, and the remainder of the 1-394 frontage road. Improvements are designed to create visual continuity and encourage pe- destrian movement. . Treatment C-A parkway type of design that would ap- ply to Laurel Ave and to the north-south streets that carry lower volumes of traffic than the "A" streets. . Treatment D-A narrower internal street, shown bisecting the block between Rhode Island and Pennsylvania Aves, to provide local access to smaller blocks proposed for me- dium-density townhouse and multifamily development. This street type could be used to divide otherlarge 'super- blocks' if these are redeveloped. All streets are intended to be designed with sidewalks on both sides as a general rule. Potential sites for gateway treat- ments are identified at major entry points to the corridor. Gateways are essentially designed entry points, intended to foster civic and neighborhood identity, orient visitors, link people to the natural or built environment, and establish themes that are carried out in other city districts. Gateway treatments can combine public art, monuments, markers, or decorative sign, landscape treatments, decorative light- ing, and other street furniture. The graphic indicates major and minor gateways-major gateways would likely include several of the above-listed elements, while minor gateways would mainly consist of signs or markers and related land- scaping. Design Standards Future development within the 1-394 Corridor will largely be initiated and implemented by private landowners and developers. The City's role is to help shape this develop- ment by applying design guidelines as part of the develop- Clty of Golden Valley ~ 1-394 Comdor Study 5-4 SectlOn 5: FI amewOI k Plan ment review process. Design guidelines are used by many communities in development review to improve the quality, character, and coherence of new development in a particu- lar area. Guidelines can help: · guide property owners wishing to expand, renovate, or construct new buildings or parking · assist City officials, staff, and the general public in review- ing development proposals . establish a framework for public improvements to streets, parks, and other public facilities The following guidelines are intended to be integrated into the proposed 1-394 Mixed Use zoning district (see discus- sion under Implementation), and are also intended as a general guide to inform residents, landowners, and others who live, work, or own property in the corridor. . Locate surface parking to side and rear of buildings where feasible. . Encourage or require shared park- ing between complementary land uses. . Divide large parking areas into smaller increments and introduce an internal pedestrian-orientated circulation system. .. q ~fr-!Jr~"~ @....~!I ,lgln~1iI1i.1 ~1iB5~! . Encourage a specified percentage of 'liner' storefronts along street frontages. . Encourage trellis or other green fea- tures on roofs/sides of structures. . Place entrances to parking struc- tures on side streets, not primary street, where possible. . Surface parking and service/loading areas should be screened where vis- ible from street. . Screening may consist of hedges, low walls or decorative fencing high enough to screen parked cars but low enough to allow visibility (3 - 3lf2 feet). A berm with low plant- ings and canopy trees may also be effective. Even "big box" buildings can be grouped in a manner that minimizes the amount ot parking adjacent to the street and encour- ages walking within the complex Clty of Golden Valley 1-394 COI ndol Study Section 5: Framework Plan 5-5 · Encourage interconnected circu- lation within the block. (In this example, rear entrances and shared parking in a traditional downtown setting provide a high degree of interconnection.) . Use natural stormwater manage- ment by directing water to natural systems, such as landscaped plant- ers, swales, and gardens, to reduce and filter stormwater runoff. . Building heights 2-8 stories, with careful placement of taller build- ings closer to 1-394 . Buildings 'step down' to neighbor- hood scale . Front setbacks of 10-20 feet · Variety of roof types . Building heights 2-10 stories, with placement of taller buildings closer to 1-394 . Percentage of active retail at ground floor . No front setback for storefront-type buildings . Flat roofs typical Clty of Golden Valley \ ,c 1-394 Corndor Study 5-6 Section 5: Framework Plan · No front setback for storefront-type buildings · Height: minimum 1.5 stories · Long facades should be divided into smaller increments by architectural elements, variation in materials, etc. · Buildings should have a defined base, middle, and top. The base or ground floor should include elements that relate to the human scale and appeal to the pedestrian, such as awnings, windows, and arcades. · Building tops should be articulated with cornices or parapets. Transparency · Building facades should include windows and doors allowing views in an dout of building interiors. · Commercial and office uses: at least 30% of the front facade, ground floor, should consist of window and door openings. · Residential: 15-20% of front facade should consist of window and door openings. · Masonry and other durable materi- als are encouraged. Pre-fab metal and concrete block are discouraged. Clty of Golden Valley , 1-394 COlTldol' Study Section 5: Framework Plan 5-7 · Limit bright, primary, accent, or highly contrasting colors to a small percentage of facade and roof (ie, 15%). · Entrances should be clearly visible and accessible from the street. · Street-facing entrances should be architecturally prominent. · Rear facades should be well-main- tained and welcoming in appear- ance. A well-defined rear entrance is encouraged where there is rear yard parking. Pedestrian connections between rear yard parking and front entrances are encouraged. · Service areas should be screened from view, preferably by walls or fences of materials that are compatible with the principal building. Signage · Encourage wall signs and monu- ment signs that are well-integrated with building's design. Pylon signs are discouraged. Projecting signs designed for pedestrian viewing are encouraged. . Signs inside windows should not block more than 40% of the total window area. Sign colors and ma- terials should echo or complement those of the building. Clty of Golden Valley' ,,' 1-394 Corndor Study Section 6: Implementation 6-1 Section 6: hllplementation c~::=-:.",:'::] he 1-394 Corridor Study will be imple- mented through several mechanisms, the most immediate and significant of which is a change in the area's zoning. The other prima- ry mechanisms will include public investment in streetscape and other public realm improvements, review of development proposals, and cooperation with property owners who wish to develop or rede- velop their properties consistent with this plan. Zoning: I~ 394 Mixed Use District As part of the corridor study, an 1-394 Mixed Use District was developed to replace the current combination of industrial, commercial, office, and institutional districts. The district is intended to apply to the entire corridor between Rhode Is- land Ave and Turners Crossroad, as well as several parcels north of Laurel Ave and east of Turners Crossroad, as shown in Figure 10, Building Height Limits. The proposed ordinance includes: . references to the Guiding Principles of this study as part of the statement of purpose . permitted and conditional uses, including the primary and secondary land uses discussed earlier in this section. Per- mitted uses include attached and multifamily dwellings, commercial uses in mixed-use buildings, offices of limited size, and related uses. Conditional uses include larger free- standing commercial and office uses and light industrial uses. Clty of Golden Valley 1-394 Corndor Study 6-2 Section 6: ImplementatlOn . requirements for a mix of uses in specific areas, minimum densities for residential development, required open space for larger projects, and a maximum .floor area ratio that is consistent with the 1-394 Overlay District (Section 11.56 of the Zoning Code) . development standards that apply within the district. These are based on the Design Guidelines in this report, but are written in more specific and measurable terms. Development standards are to be applied as part of a site plan review process, with some flexibility to accommo- date alternative approaches or site-specific physical con- ditions. . site plan review-this process is established to allow for review by the Planning Commission of development pro- posals in the 1-394 Mixed Use District, but may poten- tially be applied elsewhere in the city, if desired. . signs-revisions will be made to the Sign Ordinance to al- low projecting signs within the corridor and to encourage signs that are pedestrian- rather than highway-oriented. Public Improvements As streets are rebuilt and other public works improvements undertaken within the corridor, street design will follow the general principles laid out above under Streetscape Treat- ments, with refinements and adjustments based on actual site conditions and neighborhood input. Stormwater Management arld Low In1pact Development (LID) As discussed earlier in this report, most soils within the cor- ridor are former wetland soils that present difficulties for development and for stormwater management. Low Impact Development (LID), as mentioned in Guiding Principle 8, offers one way to improve stormwater management by mimicking natural systems. LID is based on the philosophy that stormwater should be treated as a resource, not a waste product. Rather than us- ing one or two large, costly treatment facilities at the base of a drainage area, LID uses small cost-effective features at the lot level. These are designed to store and treat rainwa- ter where it falls. If done correctly, LID features are viewed as an amenity by landowners. LID can be incorporated into new development as well as redevelopment projects. Hard surfaces like roads, rooftops, and parking lots, are the biggest cause of stormwater problems, and reducing them is a key element of LID. More important, however, is to break up the connections between the hard surfaces and nearby water resources. This can be done by using LID features like pervious pavements and green roofs, or simply by redirect- ing runoff to vegetated areas and exposing polluted water to plants and soil. The site-based development alternatives shown in this study rely on stormwater management on site, rather than on regional solutions. In evaluating on-site management practices, the City will encourage LID techniques such as green roofs, rain gardens, bioswales, and pervious pave- ment in parking areas. The City may also choose to pursue more regional treatment methods, such as the Laurel Av- enue stormwater ponds, if opportunities become available. Development Review Review of development proposals within the 1-394 Cor- ridor will occur through the site plan review process that proposed zoning changes would establish. 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UUIOU va ey 7ff ~ \..'" ~ GOLDEN HILLS REDEVELOPMENT PLAN ORIGINAllY ADOPTED IN 1984 -- HRA Approval Date (No Resolution): September 10,1984 -- City Council Approval Date (Resolution 84-120): October 16, 1984 AMENDED IN 1998 h Initial HRA Approval Date (HRA Resolution 98-7): September 8, 1998 -- City Council Approval Date (Resolution 98-100): December 1, 1998 -- Final HRA Approval Date (HRA Resolution 99-2): February 9, 1999 . ~,.... \ . , GOLDEN HILLS REDEVELOPMENT PLAN Part I: OVERVIEW Area Location and Extent The Golden Hills redevelopment area (Exhibit A) abuts Golden Valley's southerly city limits for almost a mile between Trunk Highway 100 on the east and Colorado Avenue on the west. Except for a small "panhandle" at Highway 100, the area lies entirely north of 1-394. As established in 1984, the northerly boundary of Golden Hills generally ran behind a row of single family houses and a nursing home on Circle Down and then jogged north to follow Laurel Avenue west from Turners Crossroad. That original redevelopment area included about 91 acres of land. The main purpose of this 1998. plan amendment is to expand Golden Hills by drawing in additional land area lying between Turners Crossroad and the Soo Line Railroad, extending northward to a point just beyond Glenwood Avenue. Because of a 1997 boundary adjustment between Golden Valley and neighboring St. Louis Park, a thirty-foot-wide strip of land running from Xenia to Colorado Avenue is also being added to Golden Hills at this time. Total land area as amended is about 129.5 acres. Golden Hills incorporates a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. The boundaries of the TIF district are contiguous with the boundaries of the original Golden Hills redevelopment area except that the district excludes the portion of the redevelopment area lying south of 1-394. The newly added land in the redevelopment area will not become part of the TIF district. Exhibit A: Golden H ills Redevelopment Area III I . -. . "'1 1 I . Location and Extent N ._. -.. -- ~~ ~~ .0;;,- .~ . l' ~ ~ . . I' I Background One of the reasons for establishing the Golden Hills redevelopment area was to provide a means for addressing issues and opportunities arising in connection with plans to upgrade old Trunk Highway 12 (now 1-394) to interstate highway status. Golden Valley opposed the highway upgrade for many years, but began positioning itself for dealing effectively with the accompanying land use impacts once the decision to construct 1-394 became inevitable. The City's first step was to enact a construction moratorium along the entire Highway 12 corridor from September 1979 to September 1980 while waiting for the final 1-394 design plans. Following a period of background research and documentation, Golden Valley's 1982 comprehensive plan update identified part of the highway corridor as a "study area" due to "signs of deterioration within the area and potential for redevelopment in conjunction with anticipated upgrading of Highway 12 to 1-394." Another moratorium from April 1984 to April 1985 allowed the HRA to establish the Golden Hills redevelopment area, Golden Hills TIF district, and related plan documents for both. The original Golden Hills redevelopment plan examined then-existing land use conditions, determined appropriate long-term land use categories, and established more specific redevelopment uses that corresponded to the land use categories. The plan also defined the area to be covered by the Golden Hills TIF district, . provided an outline for development or redevelopment within the TIF district, and connected proposed development or redevelopment to local land use objectives. Because the redevelopment plan indicated general land uses appropriate to replace the "study area" designation in the comprehensive plan, it was considered a base for amendment of the comprehensive plan and the related City zoning map. All of those elements have been retained with the current Golden Hills plan amendment, except for such changes as necessary or desirable to bring the plan up to date. The original Golden Hills plan anticipated programming of redevelopment activities over a period of five to ten years. A real estate market decline in the late 1980's resulted in several years of unsuccessful marketing attempts on the part of the HRA and unfeasible proposals by interested developers. The situation was exacerbated by temporary access and circulation disruptions while the new interstate highway was under construction. With 1-394 complete and the real estate market going strong again, the redevelopment plan for Golden Hills is back on track, delayed by several years but still providing a valid blueprint for successful revitalization of this area. 3 Findings in Support of Redevelopment To use the redevelopment powers authorized for local HRA's under state law, a city must first make certain "findings" about any area proposed for redevelopment. For the Oriainal Redevelopment Area Findings for the original Golden Hills area were outlined in summary form in the body of City Council Resolution 84-120, adopted on October 16,1984. They were spelled out more fully within the redevelopment plan Itself, and consist of the following statements: . Land in the Golden Hills Redevelopment District would not be made available for redevelopment without public financial aid. Provision of redevelopment lands in the Golden Hills Redevelopment District requires removal of deteriorated and obsolete buildings, clearance of overdeveloped parcels, correction of soil conditions on vacant land, and assembly of existing lots into redevelopment parcels of appropriate size and configuration. Assembly and development of property requiring clearance or soil correction is not economically feasible for private developers without public subsidy. . Redevelopment plans for the Golden Hills Redevelopment District afford maximurT! opportunity for redevelopment by private enterprise. The Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan encourages private redevelopment in the area and promotes cooperation or participation of existing landowners in redevelopment projects. Several current property owners in the Golden Hills Redevelopment District are in contact with the City concerning cooperation with the HRA in assembly and redevelopment of land or sale of property to the HRA for assembly and redevelopment by developers. The role contemplated by the HRA in redevelopment includes acquisition, assembly, and clearance of parcels, with sites subsequently transferred to private developers, thus involving private enterprise in the construction phase of redevelopment in all cases. . . The Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan conforms to the adopted City of Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan, adopted November 16, 1982, designates the Golden Hills area as a study area for potential redevelopment activity. The Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan outlines redevelopment uses which reflect appropriate long-term land uses for the area. Long-term land use designations shall be incorporated into the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map in an amended City of Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan. With the current amendment to the Golden Hills plan, the HRA finds each of the above points still valid as generally applied to the redevelopment area. . 4 For the Added Redevelopment Area A recent traffic study by SEH, Inc., revealed a need for improved north/south access into and through Golden Hills to accommodate and facilitate the full extent of redevelopment activity contemplated in the plan. The existence of excess railroad right-of-way located just north of the Golden Hills Central Area offers an opportunity to provide such improved access by expanding overall area boundaries and undertaking certain additional Cictivities as outlined later in this amended plan. With regard to the newly added area, the HRA finds the following: . Land in the Golden Hills Redevelopment District would not be made available for redevelopment without public financial aid. Completion of redevelopment activities requires improved north/south access. The provision of such access requires close coordination with the railroad company and substantial public investment in order to acquire the necessary right-of-way and design and build the new road. . Redevelopment plans for the Golden Hills Redevelopment District afford maximum opportunity for redevelopment by private enterprise. . The Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan conforms to the City of Golden Valley Comprehensive Plan. The Golden Hills plan contemplates no redevelopment activities that would alter long-range uses identified in the land use element of the comprehensive plan. The transportation element of the comprehensive plan has been amended to reflect the new road corridor, which is being incorporated into a new land use plan map as part of a general land use element update currently underway. Redevelopment Objectives Specific redevelopment uses and activities are identified in Part" of this plan. Broader objectives are identified in seven categories as follows: 5 Coordination With '-394 Proiect . Take advantage of the incentive that 1-394 construction provides for upgrading land use as a catalyst to further area redevelopment. . Coordinate the upgrading of land uses and area redevelopment with the conversion of Highway 12 to interstate status. . Minimize public costs of 1-394 right-of-way acquisition and redevelopment site acquisition through joint MnDOT/HRA purchases. . Coordinate redevelopment time schedules with 1-394 project time schedules in order to minimize construction period inconvenience. . Integrate 1-394 acquisition parcel remnants into redevelopment sites. Blight Removal . Remove and replace dilapidated, deteriorated, and vacant buildings which constitute a blight on the area. . Remove and replace, or rehabilitate and upgrade, obsolete and code deficient buildings which have a blighting influence on the area. . Redevelop or upgrade properties which are unsightly due to lack of aesthetic amenities including landscaped yards, paved parking areas, and curb-separation between pavement and landscaping, or due to loading docks facing the street. . Remove buildings that are overcrowded on small lots, resulting in inadequate parking, nonconforming landscaped yard areas, and lack of space for normal business expansion. . Clear and assemble overdeveloped small lots into larger redevelopment sites allowing space for adequate parking, required landscaped yards, and anticipated business expansion. . Eliminate unsightly land uses, including unscreened outside storage of equipment or materials, which constitute a blight on the area and adversely impact land value and marketability of surrounding properties. . Replace deleterious and inappropriate land uses incompatible with surrounding land uses and detrimental to area property values. . Develop or redevelop underutilized properties with potential for greater contribution to the tax base and economic welfare of the community. . Develop vacant and potentially useful land blighted by virtue of difficult physical character ofthe ground, including poor soil conditions. . Eliminate or correct undesirable soil or topographic characteristics, including poor soil conditions, to allow development of affected property. 6 Redevelopment land Use . Achieve the highest and best use of Golden Valley properties bordering 1-394 in the vicinity of Turners Crossroad. . Assemble redevelopment sites to accommodate more intense land uses directly adjacent to 1-394. . Provide desired expansion space for the Golden Hills Shopping Center. . Assemble redevelopment sites to accommodate industrial operations with future expansion potential. . Rearrange area land uses to result in more functional and complementary land use relationships. Private Investment . Minimize public redevelopment costs by encouraging private redevelopment of the area and by promoting cooperation or participation of existing land owners in redevelopment efforts. . Encourage upgrading by owners and tenants of existing commercial and industrial buildings and properties not targeted for redevelopment. Circulation . Redesign local traffic circulation patterns and intersections in order to eliminate existing traffic hazards and points of traffic congestion, including inadequate frontage road separations from 1-394 ramps. . Reorient building fronts to adjust to changes in street frontages resulting from the 1-394 project. Relocation . Provide nearby sites and opportunities for expansion to existing businesses displaced by redevelopment but still compatible with designated redevelopment uses in the area. . Minimize potential hardships created by relocation of conflicting or incompatible land uses. The current plan amendment does not require any new redevelopment objectives. The HRA's aims for the expanded area are already encompassed by statements . in the seven categories above. With regard to circulation in particular, The Xenia Avenue extension is planned as a traffic redesign project to eliminate existing hazards and points of congestion along Turner's Crossroad from Golden Hills Drive to Glenwood Avenue. 7 Part II: REDEVELOPMENT PLAN COMPONENTS Golden Hills is divided for planning purposes into five sub-areas (Exhibit B). Included in the originally-established boundaries are the West Area, the Central Area, the East Area, and the South Area. The current plan amendment adds a Xenia Avenue Extension Area. The following pages describe each sub-area in turn, outlining land use characteristics and summarizing planned and completed redevelopment activities. A substantial amount of additional documentation on initial property conditions can be found in the original Golden Hills plan and in other records maintained by the H RA. West Area Although serious redevelopment activities did not get off the ground in the West Area until the 1990's, it is now closer to being completely rebuilt than any of the other five Golden Hills sub-areas. Construction on the last of its redevelopment sites is expected to be finished by the year 2000. (Exhibit C) Boundaries and Size Bounded on the west by Colorado Avenue, on the south by the adjusted city limits/l-394 fence line, on the east by the Soo Line railroad, and on the north by Laurel Avenue. Approximately 31.7 acres in size. Initial Land Use Characteristics (1984) . Large scale outside asphalt and gravel processing operations resulting in noise, dust, and odors in addition to visual blight. . Widespread, and sometimes large scale, unscreened outdoor storage of equipment, materials, and junk, often on unpaved surfaces or deteriorating paved surfaces with weedy overgrowth. . Widespread zoning nonconformities, including commercial use of industrial structures, inadequate on-site parking, inadequate or nonexistent landscaped areas, and structures too big for sites. . Increasing building and fire code violations, structural decline, and building vacancy. . Most of area never platted, some parcels with no direct street access, several parcels of inadequate size or poor configuration for optimized site use. 8 . Many parcels encumbered by numerous overlapping public and private easements for a variety of access and utility purposes. . L..imited number of structurally sound buildings on sites mostly conforming with building, fire, and zoning codes. Known/Anticipated 1-394 Impacts (1984) . Minimal, if any, permanent right-of-way acquisitions. . Substantial limiting of highway access, with nearest access point at Xenia Avenue, requiring careful attention to planning for local traffic circulation between West and Central Areas. Planned Characteristics Mix of large scale office, office/warehouse, office/ industrial, light industrial, and related service uses. Higher-density office development preferred adjacent to 1-394. Lower-impact, lower-density uses along Laurel Avenue, with adequate buffering to protect residential neighborhood to the north. Provision of adequate access and circulation system. Activities Completed or Underway to Date . Acquisition and clearance of all previously-existing West Area properties. . Platting of all previously-existing parcels to establish appropriate development sites with clear title, and to reserve rights-of-way for improved street system. . Minor adjustment of Golden Valley/St. Louis Park city limits. . Construction of regional storm water detention pond. . Construction of redesigned internal street system. . Remediation of soil and groundwater pollution generated by former uses. . Holiday Inn Express development - 83-unit motel, now expanded to 109 units, with plans for additional future expansion. . CyberOptics development - 91,000 square foot office/industrial facility. Current Action Plan Components . Completion of any necessary soil corrections as part of site development work. . Development of 70,000 to 80,000 square foot office/industrial facility on site north of Golden Hills Drive. . Development of 65,000 to 90,000 square foot office/industrial facility or office building on site south of Golden Hills Drive. 11 Central Area This sub-area was the earliest focus of activity in Golden Hills, with proposals under consideration for today's Colonnade office tower as soon as the redevelopment plan was in place. Redevelopment efforts lost steam as the real estate market took a downturn in the late 1980's, but market recovery and the completion of 1-394 have combined to make the area very attractive to developers' once again. (Exhibit D) Boundaries and Size Bounded on the west by the Soo Line railroad, on the south by the adjusted city limits/I-394 fence line, on the east by Turners Crossroad, and on the north by Laurel Avenue. Approximately 42.7 acres in size. Oriainal Land Use Characteristics (1984) . Mix of industrial, commercial, and hospitality/service uses, not always correctly zoned. . Numerous other zoning nonconformities, including inadequate on-site parking, inadequate or nonexistent landscaped areas, structures too big for sites; and unscreened outdoor storage of equipment or materials. . Increasing building and fire code violations, structural decline, and building vacancy. . Traffic congestion on Turners Crossroad approaching Highway 12. . Very limited east-west circulation options. . No part of area ever platted, extreme variation in parcel sizes, several parcels of inadequate size or poor configuration for optimized site use. Known/AnticiDated 1-394 ImDacts (1984) . 1-394 interchange at Xenia Avenue with associated detachment of local frontage road segment, requiring significant right-of-way acquisition. . Change in north/south traffic circulation patterns, and associated change in orientation of some building "fronts" due to highway approach route shifting from Turners Crossroad to Xenia Avenue. . Reduced traffic congestion, but potential negative impacts on businesses abutting highway, due to detached location of new frontage road. 12 Exhibit 0: Golden Hills Central Area . ~:) .~.~,-:l. 1!J ,.:t, ..... /.~:/ \~ t ': ',/ (-;.) I:,: LAUREL ",'t, .....,' ..... w GOLDEN ~ Development ~ (/) Site II \\ ~ Site ~ HILLS \\., DR. 25 CIRCLE DOVlN (/) D: l.&J Z 0:: F ~ TO BE REMOVED ~ TO BE RECONSTRUCTED _ PROPOSED ROAD V' AREA 42.7 ACRES Planned Characteristics Mix of medium to high density office, service, and light industrial uses. Highest densities and greatest emphasis on office uses immediately adjacent to 1-394. Structured parking encouraged in order to maximize site density without compromising green space. Provision of improved access and circulation system. Some existing buildings may be suitable for retention with aesthetic and code compliance improvements. Activities ComDleted or Underway to Date . Construction of missing Laurel Avenue segment. . MnDOT construction of 1-394 access elements. . HRA acquisition of excess 1-394 right-of-way remnants. . Minor adjustment of Golden Valley/St. Louis Park city limits. . Colonnade office development - 409,000 square feet of office and related service uses in 15-story-high building with associated parking ramp. Current Action Plan ComDonents . Minor acquisition of additional Xenia Avenue right-of-way between detached frontage road (Golden Hills Drive) and Laurel Avenue, plus completion of road and signalization work to accommodate new development. . Acquisition of properties in block bounded by Xenia Avenue, 1,.394, the railroad tracks, and Golden Hills Drive. . Potential acquisition of properties lying north of Golden Hills Drive on both sides of Xenia Avenue. . Completion of development on Colonnade block. . Development of 220,000 or more square foot office building with associated parking deck and related service uses at southwest quadrant of Xenia/Golden Hills Drive. . Potential cooperation with owner of Olympic Printing on expansion/upgrading or demolitionlredevelopment of printing facility at northwest quadrant of Xenia/Golden Hills Drive, or redevelopment of the site by others. . Development of 130,000 to 230,000 square foot office building, not to exceed six stories in height, on the block northeast of the Xenia/Golden Hills Drive intersection. 14 East Area When Golden Hills was first established, and again in the late 1980's, there was some discussion of possibly expanding the East Area to take in some or all of the residential neighborhood to the north, but the idea had little serious potential. There has been almost no redevelopment activity in this sub-area to date, partly due to the impact of the adjacent 1-394 construction process. (Exhibit E) Boundaries and Size Bounded on the west by Turners Crossroad, on the south by the city limits/l-394 fence line, on the east by the Highway 10011-394 interchange, and on the north by the nursing home and row of single family lots lining the south side of Circle Down. Approximately 9.6 acres in size. Original land Use Characteristics (1984) . Golden Hills strip shopping center (source of redevelopment area name) and other commercial or service uses on poorly differentiated individual land parcels. . Two-building apartment complex containing 24 dwelling units. . Vacant land with poor soil conditions. . Numerous zoning nonconformities, including inadequate on-site parking, inadequate or nonexistent landscaped areas, structures too big for sites, and unscreened outdoor storage of equipment or materials. . Increasing building and fire code violations and structural decline. . Traffic congestion on Turners Crossroad approaching Highway 12. Known/Anticioated 1-394lmoacts (1984) . Significant right-of-way acquisitions along south side of commercial properties. . Substantial limiting of highway access to commercial properties with shift of access route from Turners Crossroad to Xenia Avenue. Planned Characteristics Continued commercial use, including office or service facilities, with continued medium density residential use an acceptable alternative for existing apartment site. Provision of adequate buffering to protect adjacent residential neighborhood to the north. 15 ~ 0'1 -v' l' Exhibit E: Golden Hills East Area (I) ~ o 0:: (I) (I) o GOlDEN HILLS D~.~ CIRCLE (I) Q: LLJ % 0:: F Acquisition 1-394 AREA 9.6 ACRES Activities Comoleted or Underway to Date . MnDOT construction of 1-394 project elements. . Acquisition of former Emergency Veterinary Clinic property. . HRA-assisted turn-back of excess 1-394 right-of-way to owners of Golden Hills Shopping Center. ' Current Action Plan Comoonents . Improvement or redevelopment of Golden Hills Shopping Center, incorporating former Emergency Veterinary Clinic property and excess 1-394 right-of-way into a Planned Unit Development with office, hotel, restaurant, and/or retail uses served by adequate and well-located public access and parking. South Area This sub-area constitutes one end of a large redevelopment site that spans the Golden Valley/St. Louis Park city limits. For many years, the entire site has been held by a developer whose long-range plans inClude eventual demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new office park. Discussions between the developer and both cities have been intermittent but generally ongoing since the establishment of Golden Hills. (Exhibit F) Boundaries and Size Bounded on the west and south by the city limits, and on the east and north by the Highway 100/1-394 interchange. Approximately 7.1 acres in size. Original land Use Characteristics (1984) . Office uses in three buildings on poorly differentiated land parcels. . Parking area for restaurant building located in St. Louis Park. . Moderate zoning nonconformities, including inadequate on-site parking and inadequate or nonexistent landscaped areas. Known/Anticioated 1-394 Impacts (1984) . Minimal, it any, permanent right-ot-way acquisitions. . Substantial limiting ot highway access, with nearest access point at Xenia Avenue (known as Park Place on St. Louis Park side ot 1-394). 17 -: as e <( .I: ..... ~ o en CI) - - -- :::I: c:: CD -c - o CJ . . u.. ..... :is -- .I: >< W e.- ~ ~ Jll1Ui1J "OS "3AV VMVllO. - 18 (f) W cr:: U <( '""" . ('.. II <( w cr:: <( Planned Characteristics Continued office use as part of larger, medium to high density office park. Activities Completed or Underway to Date . 1-394 frontage road system is in place. Current Action Plan Components . Coordination of redevelopment process with St. Louis Park, including possible detachment and annexation between cities. ' Xenia Avenue Extension Area This new sub-area of Golden Hills, as its name implies, will allow for the extension of Xenia Avenue northward from Laurel Avenue to a new terminus at Turners Crossroad north of Glenwood Avenue. The street extension will alleviate a hazardous intersection at Glenwood Avenue and Turners Crossroad as well as simplifying the poorly-defined north/south access route between the Central Area and the rest of Golden Valley. (Exhibit G) Boundaries and Size Bounded on the west by a westerly branch of the Soo Line railroad, on the south by Laurel Avenue, on the east by Turners Crossroad, and on the north by Glenwood Avenue and an easterly branch of the Soo Line Railroad. Approximately 38.3 acres in size. Oriainal Land Use Characteristics (1998) . Mix of low to high density residential uses, not always correctly zoned, plus a chur<?h campus and City fire station. . Unplatted and oversized single-family residential parcels, resulting in inefficient use of available land; two parcels with no street access. . Rarely-used spur segment of Soo Line Railroad located in close proximity to alternate branch of same line, with associated excess railroad right-of-way. Planned Characteristics Medium to high density residential use except for church campus, City fire station, and possible expansion of adjacent school campus. Some land may be reserved for regional storm water detention pond to serve adjacent Central Area. 19 Activities Completed or Urlderway to Date . Preliminary design study for Xenia Avenue alignment. . Acquisition of two single family properties. . Acquisition of excess railroad right-of-way. Current Action Plan Components . Partial or complete acquisition of other parcels as necessary to provide adequate Xenia Avenue extension corridor or to accomplish other redevelopment purposes. . Construction of Xenia Avenue extension. . Construction of regional storm water detention pond, if determined to be feasible and in the best interests of the Golden Hills area. . Partial closure of access to and from Turners Crossroad, limiting it to neighborhood use. . Potential sale of excess land to Independent School District 270 for use by Meadowbrook School. . Sale, and incorporation into appropriate adjacent sites, of any excess land not needed for public improvements or other redevelopment purposes. 21 Part III: IMPLEMENTATION Plan Amendment The Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan may be amended from time to time as required for adjustment to changing conditions. Approval of any such amendment must be undertaken in accordance with applicable provisions of state law. A plan amendment may be made at any time before or after the lease or sale of property within the redevelopment area as long as both the HRA and City Council take formal action to approve the amendment following notice and public hearing as required for adoption of the original plan. Where the HRA determines that a change in the plan is necessary, and further determines that such change does not alter or affect overall redevelopment area boundaries, nor does it depart substantially from the general land uses established in the plan, such change shall not constitute an amendment to the approved Golden Hills Redevelopment Plan and shall not require City Council approval. Relocation The HRA will provide relocation benefits and assistance to owners and tenants displaced by Golden Hills redevelopment activities. To ensure full compliance with applicable state and federal statutes and regulations, the HRA will secure the services of qualified relocation experts to carry out the relocation work. Relocation personnel will conduct interviews with each affected owner or tenant to determine relocation needs, and will be conveniently available to any affected owner or tenant for the purpose of providing information regarding owner and tenant rights relative to relocation services and compensation. Financing of Activities Costs incurred by the Golden Valley HRA in its Golden Hills redevelopment activities fall into several categories. These include land acquisition, building demolition, business and household relocation, environmental remediation, public improvements such as streets and utilities, and administrative costs. The original 22 redevelopment plan identified four funding sources that might be used to cover certain types of costs: tax increment financing, joint acquisition of properties between MnDOT and the HRA, Community Development Block Grants, and sale of land to developers. To varying extent, as discussed in the following paragraphs, most of those four sources are still available today. Tax Increment Financim:w (TIF) The Golden Hills redevelopment area includes a formally designated TIF district. The TIF mechanism allows Golden Valley's HRA to finance its activities throughout the redevelopment area from taxes generated by "captured" increases in taxable value. In most cases financing occurs in the form of tax increment bonds issued at the onset of any given redevelopment project. The detailed TIF plan required by state law is contained in a companion document to this redevelopment plan, but a brief explanation of TIF may be helpful here. The taxable valuation of a TIF district is "frozen" when the district is created. Over the life of the district, taxes on this base valuation continue to be collected and distributed among all authorized taxing jurisdictions as usual. As redevelopment activities generate increased valuation for properties within the district, taxes on the amount of valuation over and above the base valuation are disbursed directly to the HRA on an annual basis. These captured moneys are known as tax increment. The debt service on the bonds issued to finance the redevelopment activities is repaid from the annual tax increment. Tax increment not needed for debt service on the bonds can be used to directly finance additional redevelopment expenditures. When the TIF district expires, taxes on total current valuation are once again collected and distributed among all authorized taxing jurisdictions just as they were before the creation of the district. Joint Acquisition Certain properties in Golden Hills were so situated as to be candidates for both HRA redevelopment activities and MnDOT 1-394 right-of-way. During the 1-394 final design and acquisition stages, the HRA worked with MnDOT to identify such properti~s and acquire them jointly, with MnDOT retaining possession of the portion of each affected property needed for highway purposes and the HRA taking the remainder for assembly into suitable redevelopment sites. This coordinated approach allowed the two agencies to share costs for appraisals, relocation, site clearance, and other related activities in addition to actual land and building purchase costs. Now that 1-394 is finished, this funding source has terminated; however, the HRA and MnDOT continue to cooperate on such activities as fine-tuning the highway right-of-way limits to maximize the redevelopment potential of adjacent sites. 23 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) The City of Golden Valley receives an annual allocation of federal COBG money by way of Hennepin County. Those funds can be used for redevelopment activities that serve to eliminate urban blight. Through the late 1970's and the 1980's, Golden Valley's HRA put COBG money into all three of the City's redevelopment areas. By the late 1980's, increasing regulatory strings on the use of COBG funds and ongoing federal debate over the future of the entire program caused the City to divert its annual allocation to other purposes, but the possibility of using COBG money in Golden Hills remains open today. Sale of Land to Developers In order to promote redevelopment in accordance with the Golden Hills plan, the HRA's practice is to sell assembled sites to developers at values approximating the prevailing market rate for vacant land. Although the income from such land sales does not cover all HRA costs of acquisition, clearance, and site preparation, land sales are a source of income contributing to financing of ongoing HRA activities. 24 APPENDIX: PARCELS IN REDEVELOPMENT AREA Parcels in TIF District Parcels outside TIF District 04-117-21-23-0008 0~117-21-23~011 04-117-21-23-0012 0~117-21-23~017 ~117-21-23-0018 ~117-21-23-0019 ~117-21-23-0026 ~117-21-2~027 ~117-21-23~028 ~117-21-23~029 04-117-21-2~030 04-117-21-23-0031 04-117-21-23-0032 04-117-21-23~033 ~117-21-23~040 0~117-21-23~041 0~117-21-23~042 ~117-21-23~044 0~117 -21-23-0045 ~117 -21-23~047 ~117-21-23~048 0~117-21-24~006 ~117-21-24~007 ~117-21-24-0oo8 ~117-21-24-OO09 0~117-21-2~21 ~117-21-2~0024 ~117 -21-24~025 04-117 -21-24~026 04-117-21-2W027 04-117-21-24-0028 ~117-21-24-0029 04-117 -21-24~030 30~29-2~23-0001 30~29-24-23~002 30~29-2~23-0004 30~29-2~23-OO06 3~29-24-23-0007 3~29-24-23~008 30~29-2~2~9 3~29-24-23-OO50 3~29-24-23-0057 30~29-2~23-OO58 3~29-24-23~034 3~29-2~23-0033 3~29-24-23~032 3~29-24-23-oo31 30~29-24-22~082 3~29-24-22~0069 3~29-24-22~072 30~29-2~22-0073 3~29-2~22-0074 3~29~24-22-0075 30~29-24-22~076 30~29-2~22-0077 3~29-2~22-oo78 3~29-2~22-0079 3~29-24-22-OO80 3~29-2~22-0081 30~29-24-22-0059 19~29-24-33-0011 19-029~24-33-0012 19~29-2~33-oo13 19~29-24-33-OO15 04-117-21-21~001 04-117-21-21-0002 ~117-21-21-0oo3 ~117-21-21~004 ~117-21-21~005 ~117-21-21-0006 ~117-21-21-0007 ~117-21-21-0008 04-117-21-21~009 ~117-21-21~010 04-117-21-21-0012 04-117-21-21-0013 ~117-21-21~014 ~117-21-21~015 ~117-21-21-OO16 ~117-21-21-OO18 ~117-21-21~021 ~117-21-21~023 ~117-21-21-0024 33-118-21-34-0004 33-118-21-34-0005