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10-10-16 PC Agenda AGENDA Planning Commission Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Chambers Monday, October 10, 2016 7 pm 1. Approval of Minutes September 12, 2016, Regular Planning Commission Meeting 2. Discussion — Outdoor Storage in Non-Residential Zoning Districts 3. Discussion — Comprehensive Plan — Land Use 4. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings 5. Other Business • Council Liaison Report 6. Adjournment � � This�locurn�nt is�v�ril�laie i�aEterr�at�t�rr�iai�s u�ac��a 72-l�r�ur rer�u�s�, Please c�ll �� 7G�a-5�:�-��06 (TTV: 7fa3-i93-396�)to �r��ke a r€:�L��st. E�ta�nples c�f�(t�r��ate formats ''�� ti�° '�� n��y� �t��lucle la��g� ��rit��,�lecfror�ic, Br�ille,a��di�r��ssette,�tc. Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 12, 2016 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall, Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesota, on Monday, September 12, 2016. Chair Segelbaum called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Those present were Planning Commissioners Baker, Blum, Johnson, Kluchka, Segelbaum, and Waldhauser. Also present were Planning Manager Jason Zimmerman, Associate Planner/Grant Writer Emily Goellner, Public Works Specialist Eric Eckman, and Administrative Assistant Lisa Wittman. 1. Approval of Minutes August 22, 2016, Regular Planning Commission Meeting MOVED by Kluchka, seconded by Johnson and motion carried unanimously to approve the August 22, 2016, minutes as submitted. 2. Informal Public Hearing —Zoning Code Text Amendment— Section 11.60: Floodplain Management Zoning Overlay District—ZO00-108 Applicant: City of Golden Valley Purpose: To consider updates to the Floodplain Management Zoning Overlay District. Eckman stated that the City has a floodplain management code that guides and regulates the orderly development of land within the floodplain of Bassett Creek and its tributaries. He stated that the code needs to be updated as a requirement of the City's participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Eckman explained that the code includes an official flood zone map and profile consisting of the Flood Insurance Rate Map panels and Flood Insurance Study provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA requires that the City update its floodplain management code whenever the flood zone maps and profiles are updated which occurs approximately every 10 to 15 years. Eckman referred to a map of the flood boundaries in Golden Valley and discussed what the floodplain looks like when there is a 1% annual chance flood which means there is a 1% chance in any given year where there might be inundation equal to or exceeding what is shown on the map. He added that properties in that area are mandated to get flood insurance. Eckman noted that there are no significant changes and that the Bassett Creek Watershed map boundaries and flood elevations are roughly the same as the existing map. He stated that no new properties have been added to the 1% annual chance flood areas, but that there were some new properties added to the .2% annual chance flood Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 12, 2016 Page 2 area, which will not require flood insurance. He stated that even though there are no significant changes staff will be sending a letter to adjacent property owners to make sure they are aware and have advanced warning if they need flood insurance. Baker asked if the new floodplain map will be on the City's website. Eckman said the map is not currently on the City's website, but it will be once it becomes effective. He added that the DNR, the City Attorney, and the Bassett Creek Watershed Commission have reviewed the proposed revised ordinance and that the proposed changes will be consistent with Watershed policies. Segelbaum asked Eckman to highlight some of the more significant changes. Eckman stated that the spirit and intent of the Code remain the same. However, several definitions were added, deleted, or modified as recommended by the DNR. Revisions were made to reflect the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission's policies regarding "no net loss in floodplain storage" and "no increase in floodplain elevations." Provisions were added allowing non-residential parking lots to be located in a floodplain area. Language was clarified to state that no new structures are allowed in the floodplain, and provisions were added to ensure that subdivisions and building sites within or near flood prone areas are suitable for development. Segelbaum asked if the Medicine Lake Road/Winnetka Avenue area is in the floodplain. Eckman said it is not a large enough area to be in the federally mapped floodplain, which would require property owners to have flood insurance, but it is a known localized flooding area. Baker asked Eckman if he knows how many homes are in the floodplain. Eckman said there are approximately 500 properties, including some public property, in the floodplain. Baker noted that there is a definition listed for the 1% annual chance flood, and questioned why there isn't a definition for the .2% annual chance flood. Eckman said staff will consider adding that definition. Kluchka asked if there is a version of the floodplain map showing what the floodplain used to be compared to what it will be. Eckman said staff can make the 2004 map and the current map available. He reiterated that the 1% annual chance flood boundary didn't change and that is where flood insurance is required. Kluchka referred to a survey done last year in the DeCola ponds area that caused confusion because it was done at the same time as the Liberty Crossing proposal. He asked about the communications plan for the floodplain map versus the survey information. Eckman said staff will be working with homeowners and sending letters to affected property owners. Baker questioned if the City should add the DeCola ponds area to the floodplain map. Eckman said that has been a discussion in the past, however property owners would then be required to purchase flood insurance which is quite expensive. Baker stated that building in floodplains is a chronic problem and he thinks it is in the public's interest to point out where these areas are. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 12, 2016 Page 3 Segelbaum questioned why manufactured homes have been stricken from the proposed ordinance. Eckman said it was practical to remove that language because there are no manufactured homes in Golden Valley. Waldhauser stated that during public hearing for subdivision proposals the Planning Commission often hears from residents about water problems being aggravated and open space being taken away. She questioned if allowing commercial parking lots in the floodplain which can store water, but won't take water away, is a conflict. Eckman explained that there is a different section of City Code pertaining to stormwater for developments. Segelbaum opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one wishing,to comment, Segelbaum closed the public hearing. Kluchka said he thinks for the purpose of the overlay district itself the proposed changes are appropriate but he thinks there is value in having an overlay of properties where there are different requirements because the City knows there are properties in flood prone areas that are not on a floodplain map. Baker added that the City could also present other sources of information about other areas of concern. Kluchka said he is guessing that the City only studied the DeCola neighborhood because of the development in the area and that it hasn't studied other areas. Eckman clarified that the DeCola study was underway before development was proposed in the area, but agreed that the City could study other areas. He added that the Bassett Creek Watershed has been working on a watershed-wide model and that maps could be generated to assist in identifying areas that are at risk of ftooding once the modeling effort is complete. Waldhauser stated that Golden Valley is fully developed so there is some danger and implications to property values if these maps are imposed on property owners. She added that the City should provide information for buyers, but it is really a buyer beware issue. Kluchka stated that providing additional data helps people make decisions and that he would rather have data on what is actually happening in an area rather than blaming developers or builders during the subdivision process. Baker suggested including a disclaimer in the letter to residents, or on the website stating that the floodplain map doesn't include all areas of the City that are prone to flooding. MOVED by Kluchka, seconded by Blum and motion carried unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed updates to the Floodplain Management Zoning Overlay District. --Short Recess-- 3. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings Johnson gave an update on the August Board of Zoning Appeals meeting that he and Commissioner Kluchka attended. Zimmerman stated that staff will be working on producing an end of year summary of all the proposals/projects that have been reviewed. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 12, 2016 Page 4 Kluchka asked if there are any updates regarding the Central Park West Art Task Force. Goellner said no and that she will probably have more information next month. Zimmerman gave an update on the Hello. Apartments and noted that the Three•Nine•Four Apartments have been renamed Talo Apartments and that demolition on the Mayfair apartments should start soon. 4. Other Business • Comprehensive Plan Land Use Discussion Zimmerman reminded the Commissioners that the Comprehensive Plan Kick-Off Open House will be held on September 19 from 6:30 to 8:30. He explained that in order to get feedback from the public at the open house, he would like to get the Commissioner's input regarding the Land Use Map and areas likely to change as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update process. He showed the Commissioners several different maps that included all of the areas identified previously by the Commission, areas where there could be additional residential intensity, areas that could include mixed use or retail nodes, areas that are misguided or may need to be revised, areas with unique land use ideas, and the common themes between all of the Commissioners suggestions. Segelbaum stated that residents often get nervous when they see development in their area pointed out on a map. He suggested that staff call out what they think might happen in certain areas instead of just highlighting an area on the map. Zimmerman said staff could call out areas that are likely to change and be more specific about the potential changes. Baker stated that the map showing areas of likely change is awfully safe and that he would like to call out more areas that could potentially change. Zimmerman stated that during past comprehensive plan updates the City has had to accommodate growth and now some of the pressure is off because that growth has been accounted for with all of the recent apartment developments. He suggested asking people at the open house what they would like Golden Valley to look like in 10 years, or what they feel is missing, or have maps available that people can draw on. Baker suggested asking people what kinds of changes in livability they would like to see as a way to get more input such as where they would like to see retail, or areas where they would like to see no change. Blum noted that a lot of the discussion so far has been around areas for more mixed use, or more development, but they haven't discussed character preservation. He said there has been a lot of frustration from people who want to preserve the character of their neighborhood. He suggested there be discussions about small area plans, or overlay districts, or other types of tools in order to get those ideas funded in a democratic way by the neighbors in particular areas and not by the entire city. Zimmerman stated that discussions haven't been about preserving neighborhood character partly because the last plan focused heavily on that. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission September 12, 2016 Page 5 Waldhauser said she thinks it is important to address areas that they think will change or be enhanced that are not necessarily density driven. Blum stated that it is hard to determine if the City is hearing from a vocal minority or the majority, so he would like to focus on tools that could be implemented like neighborhood associates for example, or requiring a certain number of signatures to prove the majority of people want a proposed change, etc. Johnson said there might be something the City can display to show what happens when cities don't plan. Blum explained that he highlighted the Golden Valley Road corridor on the land use map because he is interested in corridor preservation for vehicles, bikes, bus lanes, etc. so people who live locally can use it without having to get on a highway. He stated that for transit, the first and last mile is important and he wants to make it easier for people not to use their cars. Waldhauser discussed missing east-west connections in the City. Blum noted that the Planning Commission has discussed gateway areas in the past and questioned what they want them to look like and how they can be visually appealing. Zimmerman asked what areas the Commission considers to be gateways and if they think that should include the edges of the City or major roads, etc. Waldhauser said Highway 55, Baker said I-394 and Theodore Wirth Park could be highlighted more. Blum suggested there be signage about what makes Golden Valley special. Kluchka suggested thinking about wayfinding and not just signs that say "you've entered Golden Valley." Zimmerman discussed the Metropolitan Council's projections and forecasts and explained the census information. Blum said it would be helpful to see some analytics and percentage changes rather than just numbers. Zimmerman agreed that knowing the types of housing would be helpful. Goellner showed the Commissioners the Comprehensive Plan Survey and the interactive Bicycle/Pedestrian map on the City's website and explained that it is another opportunity for people to provide input. Kluchka asked how those are being promoted. Zimmerman said there have been stories in the newsletter, postcards have been mailed out, and stories have been on the Northwest Community Television station. • Council Liaison Report 5. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 pm. John Kluchka, Secretary Lisa Wittman, Administrative Assistant � g ��g 1 � � �,' � �� °„ `'''k .s' O i '� � /n� ��,� �/�/ � ii �,�� . i� �/,� ,,, :f„�,�. , , . , �..,, ,,,.. .;.,�i��, �:G/ '.,, , .. . 9 a:. .. � ��. � :Fd s,� �. . �� h�sic�l I��vc�+a�a�ncnt I�e�►ar� c��.� �"Y 763-�93-8�?95/Tfr3-593-8]09(fax} Date: October 10, 2016 To: Golden Valley Planning Commission From: Chloe McGuire Brigl, Planning Intern Subject: Discussion of Zoning Code Text Amendments—Outdoor Storage in Non-Residential Zoning Districts Summary Staff is seeking feedback from the Planning Commission regarding an inconsistency in outdoor storage regulations and screening requirements in the City's non-residential districts, including Commercial, Business and Professional Office, and I-394 Mixed Use Districts within the Zoning Code. Staff often receives resident complaints surrounding outdoor storage and clear regulations will ensure that residents' concerns are addressed effectively. Staff brought this topic to Planning Commission on August 22, 2016, in order to gain initial thoughts and feedback. The discussion at this meeting will focus on solutions for non-residential districts. The next discussion will focus on solutions for residential and institutional districts and the final discussion will focus on the storage of auto dealership inventory. All changes recommended by staff will be presented to the Planning Commission later this fall with an informal public hearing. Careful reading of the Zoning Code reveals that the regulations surrounding outdoor storage on non-residential properties are mixed at best. This makes it difficult to consistently apply requirements to various properties around Golden Valley. Three areas that staff feels need attention are the screening of materials from the view of those passing by on the street; the screening of materials (or equipment) from the view of adjacent properties (both residential and non-residential); and the permissibility of the storage in parking lots of vehicles or equipment not associated with the principal use. The Planning Commission feedback from the August 22, 2016, meeting was: • Agreement on the need to apply consistent screening standards to the storage of building supplies and materials in non-residential districts • Agreement on the need to screen outdoor storage that abuts residential properties to a higher degree than non-residential properties Definitions Outdoor storage is not defined in the Zoning Code. Many cities give examples of outdoor storage in their Zoning Codes, such as materials, supplies, merchandise and other similar materials. Staff recommends a similar approach, while making a distinction between items regulated under outdoor storage and items regulated under property maintenance. The International Property Maintenance Code regulates outdoor storage of rubbish, waste, garbage, yard trimmings, woodpiles, etc. and these cases are managed by the City's Fire Department. Items regulated by the Planning Division are not garbage or waste; they are commercial items, vehicles, materials, supplies, merchandise, etc. Recommendations After evaluating the issues and the range of solutions discussed at the previous meeting, staff is offering the following regulations related to outdoor storage in non-residential zoning districts and asking for feedback from the Planning Commission. Light Industrial/Industrial Properties • There may be no storage of items unrelated to the principal use • Materials and equipment associated with the principal use must be screened from the ground level of adjacent properties and adjacent right-of-way with 90% opacity • All properties must be screened if adjacent to a Residential or Institutional property • 8 foot fence maximum, 12 feet permitted if used for screening outdoor storage Commercial/Business and Professional Offices/I-394 Mixed-Use Properties • There may be no storage of items unrelated to the principal use • Materials and equipment associated with the principal use must be screened from the ground level of adjacent properties and adjacent right-of-way with 90% opacity • Only in-use vehicles related to the principal use may be stored on-site and do not require screening • 6 foot fence maximum, 8 feet permitted if used for screening outdoor storage Attachments: Comparison with Other Cities (1 page) 2 Comparison with Other Cities City Regulations Golden Valley • Outdoor storage must be screened by a wall, fence, or vegetation at least 6 feet in height and 90%opacity • Light Industrial and Industrial Districts must be fenced or screened from adjacent Residential or Institutional Districts St. Louis Park . Outside vehicle storage must be screened from any abutting R district (More regulation) . No parking lot can have any storage of materials, equipment, etc. • Outdoor storage prohibited in commercial unless specifically allowed Richfield . Outdoor storage in commercial districts must be in a storage enclosure � Outdoor storage must be obscured from public view • No front yard storage Edina . No motor vehicles except used for principal use can be parked for more (More regulation) than 48 hours • Automobile and boat sales must have landscaping and screening of at least 5 feet and 100% opacity (from all lot lines and streets) • All materials, supplies, merchandise and other similar materials not on display for direct sale, rental or lease to the ultimate consumer shall be stored within a completely enclosed building or within the confines of a completely opaque wall or fence capable of completely screening all the materials from adjoining properties. The wall or fence under no circumstances shall be less than five feet in height. • Screened from all lot lines and streets Bloomington . parking lots must be screened or landscaped (Less regulation) . No material or equipment may be stored outside except those directly related to the principal use or those being used for construction on the premises. • Where storage within a building is not practicable,tow trucks and snow plowing equipment may be stored outside but not within the setback area. Minnetonka . Must screen from all public view (Less regulation) . Shall not have outside storage of materials or trucks • A combination of landscaping and berming to screen views of the exterior sales, display or storage area from adjacent properties shall be provided; 3 �;�� y �� t ��{�� .� � �' � r.� ,�. �� d f� � //// �. �� F? a i. �. � � . f' € . � �.. F, '4.��,.� ., / ; i//,. � �., ,i.: � s.` � .,.� .,,-� 6i�i� ;:i��'i,'�. Rt ' ., :: „ , ,, i„ � �.�� r � ,,,, r„ . ..:. ,.. , . � ~�� "l��ic�� I�e�+��c�parr�+��t D�partm+�Y�t ��-��-st��t��-s��-��{��x� Date: October 10, 2016 To: Golden Valley Planning Commission From: Jason Zimmerman, Planning Manager Emily Goellner, Associate Planner/Grant Writer Subject: Comprehensive Plan Land Use Discussion Community Feedback on Land Use Goals Staff received a number of written comments at the Kick-off Open House on September 19, as well as a number of on-line comments. These will be discussed in more detail at the meeting, but the general themes that emerged were: • Minimize conflicts between residential and non-residential areas • Continue to strengthen the downtown area • Support and enhance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure • Protect the environment/green space • Preserve single family neighborhoods • Integrate transit options A number of these issues can be addressed within the four main focus areas, or districts, that are emerging through land use discussions with the Planning Commission and City Council: • Greater powntown • Douglas Drive Corridor • I-394 Mixed Use Corridor • Light Rail Station Area Each of these districts, while posing some challenges, holds the opportunity for additional redevelopment and intensification, which may help strengthen the bicycle and pedestrian environment and provide residential densities that are better able to support transit. Additionally, focusing on these areas removes some of the pressure on single family neighborhoods and avoids impacting desired green space. Staff will present information on land use densities (measured in units per acre) and how assigning varying densities to these districts can help the City meet the long term goals that were identified by the public. Attachments • Land Use and City Vision Comments from the Comprehensive Plan Kick-off Event (3 pages) • On-line Comprehensive Plan Survey Results (6 pages) � COMMUNITY COMMENTS '�� Comprehensive Plan Kick-off Event, September �9 GV2040 Land Use "Votes" on 203o Comprehensive Plan goals: 2030 Goal Sticker Count Plan for active living to improve community health 14 Protect the environment with sustainable land use 19 patterns and policies Develop commercial corridors and a recognizable town 23 center Integrate alternative modes of transportation 23 throughout the city Provide a variety of housing options to work at any 12 stage of life Preserve elementary schools, employment centers, 13 and open space Implement multi-use areas 15 Respect traditional neighborhoods 18 Arrange land uses to minimize conflicts, create buffers 27 between residential and commercial or industrial areas Preserve and enhance the natural environment; 19 reduce air pollution Other "Continue to fine-tune and improve the ordinances for 1 subdivisions and construction to preserve neighborhood character and trees/green space" • Total number of stickers = 184 • Most number of stickers = "Arrange land uses to minimize conflicts, create buffers between residential and commercial or industrial areas" (27) • Least number of stickers = "Provide a variety of housing options to work at any stage of life" (12) Other Comments What uses or amenities are currently lacking in Golden Valley? • "North/South bike and pedestrian pathway and walkways" • "� level living single family-seniors and disabled" • "Affordable housing and diversity" • "Need for mixed use near light rail stop. i.e. to create a small city center area" �t}r�dt�Jt �` valley COMMUNITY COMMENTS Comprehensive Plan Kick-off Event, September�9 GV2040 What does Golden Valley need to become more "livable"? • "Safe crossings for bikes and peds over 55" • "Ways to promote interaction and exchange - even sharing-among residents -and spaces to promote!" • "Bike lanes to downtown Golden Valley from anywhere in the city" • "Preserve the green space" • "Comprehensive bus service for at least 2o hours/day„ Are there parts of Golden Valley that are in need of change? • "Downtown needs to a central spot to draw people to it for errands" • "Valley View Park is currently being used only to fly kits, feedgeese, and raise the land value of adjacent houses. I propose the park is used for commercial, sports, or apartments." • "Do we need any "regional destination"locations to draw patrons (customers) from beyond Golden Valley? Theater?Arts?Park amenity?" Are there parts of Golden Valley that should NOT change? • "Certain neighborhoods are beautiful and should be maintained without density" • "Neighborhoods" • "Preserve neighborhoods with large lots and lots of trees! That's what we moved to GV for!" • "YES!!! Neighborhoods and green space (all of it)" • "No big box stores, please!" • "In anticipation of the old shopping center owner at some point deciding to sell the land on 55.... I live across the street and don't want the city to allow a high rise to go in there! We'll never see the sun again in Wesley Commons!" City Vision What important changes does Golden Valley need to make in the next �o years? • "Continued progress in creating diverse housing options" • "Increased density without losinggreen space" • "North south bike and ped trails" • "Not let Hwy 55 divide us!" • "Make sure the play equipment is safe to play on" • "Safe connectivity by foot, bike, wheelchair to amenities from all neighborhoods" • "More welcoming to people of other cultures" • "Transit friendly; more emphasis on bike and pedestrian access" • "More downtown mixed use dev" • "Push people to downtown - meaning traffic and daily errands" • "A fun splash pad for little kids" • "Diversity" • "Enhance town square �places for kids to climb on and play" ;tt} cJ �, ' golden �' ` valley COMMUNITY COMMENTS Comprehensive Plan Kick-off Event, September�9 GV2040 • "Splash pad in town square!" • "Update laws to be in line with new needs;public transit, renewable energy for homes, conservation" In the next 2o years? • "Embrace a true downtown" • "Vibrant downtown!" • "Create a more central downtown" • "Stockman Park baseball field repairment" • "Balance transitions and density with retaining what we love about GV" List three words you feel best describe Golden Valley: • Neighborhood, friendly,green • Near the action • Accessible, inviting, poised for positivity • Convenient, quiet, somewhat resistant to change • Centralized, parks, quiet • A sylvan jewel, most beautiful suburb • So much potential, beautiful streets, trees • Good, awesome, nice What do you value most about Golden Valley? • "The ambiance!" • "Parks, central" • "The number of parks„ • "Its beautiful sylvan character- do not lose it!!!" • "The people! The parks!" • "Parks and proximity to downtown Minneapolis" • "People and neighborhoods" �r y��;�� g"O�G��YI `� � valley .�' SURVEY RESULTS Comprehensive Plan On-line Community Survey GV2040 (As of October 2, 20�6) List three words you feel best describe Golden Valley: • Friendly, Nappy, Peaceful • green,thinks too small, neighborhoods • Transitioning, Aesthetic, Tolerant • Close to everything. • Friendly, beautiful, safe • Suburban Wirth Parkway • Close, Comfortable, Green • Safe, clean, quiet. • Families, Neighborhoods, Friendly • Small Nomey Old-fashioned • there are more than 3 words: great central location safe beautiful nice standard of living • Clean Safe First ring suburb • Safe, accessible, welcoming • Green Clean Safe • quiet, safe, spacious • Quiet, safe, green • Beautiful Great location • Inclusive, Friendly, Growing • Neighborhood Safe Green • Inclusion-oriented, progressive, gay • Safe, nice place to live, • close knit community • Beautiful, convenient, transforming • conservative urban planning • Apartments---storage lockers----re-zoning • Transitioning Central Green �``"�valley SURVEY RESULTS Comprehensive Plan On-line Community Survey GV2040 • comfortable, green, outdated • Lush, Pedestrian-Unfriendly, Lack of Identity • Bucolic, Quiet, Friendly What do you value most about Golden Valley? • The friendly neighborhoods and community feeling. • location • Respectful Neighbors, City Services, and appearance of the City • Close to everything. • safety. • Wirth Parkway • Preserving and maintaining good neighborhoods; quiet, safe and clean streets; large lots close to the city. • Quiet neighborhoods, safe streets, sense of community. • Great parks, neighborhoods, close to Downtown. • Nice, small community. • great central location safe nice clean neighborhoods • Location Generous lots Low crime • Location • I love getting up in the morning to get the paper and being able to see the stars, especially this time of year when Orion is just peaking above the horizon. In our neighborhood, we do not have the garish lights that are in other parts of the city. Instead we have lanterns that put out sufficient light for seeing people in the street and the stars. It's actually been proven to be safer to have light which is not so bright because you can see people even if they are not in the direct light of the lantern. Check out the book "The End of Night". I believe the parents of the author are Golden Valley residents. • Quiet, safe, green • The location, we have had an excellent experience with the Robbinsdale school district, we love the Nature Area behind General Mills. The neighborhoods are lovely and well-maintained. • I value the parks and the fact that neighbors take pride in the community and want to keep the city clean and safe. Golden Valley is very family friendly with most families staying for decades, which provides a strong community connection. • The number of parks, the opportunity to be close to downtown but still in a neighborhood, the safe neighborhoods. gOt�en `� � valle� SURVEY RESULTS Comprehensive Plan On-line Community Survey GV2040 • Now close it is to the city, that I can run into people I actually know at stores, that it is the gayest suburb of the Twin Cities, and how the progressives seem to far outweigh the conservatives! • Do a great job on keep riff raff out, keeping land values up • My neighbors and my neighborhood. Nearness to downtown Mpls without BEING mpls. • My husband and I just moved to Golden Valley in May 20�5 after almost 8 years living in the North Loop in Minneapolis. There were three key factors that kept us coming back to look at Golden Valley in our search to buy a house: �. Old/established neighborhoods with big trees. It doesn't look like a newer development, and that is a good thing. The large yards, unique architecture, and variety of large trees and greenery made us fall in love. 2. It was a hard choice to leave life downtown. Moving to Golden Valley is, I believe, the closest suburb to the city! It's so easy and fast to get downtown for work, restaurants, bars, sports, and everything else we love about Minneapolis. 3. The community is really growing younger. I did a ton of research about the city before we committed and was excited to see that they city is actually getting younger as the city "turns over" to the next generation. We are hoping to have kids, and are happy to know that we are going to have many other young families in our town to raise a family with. • close proximity of natural environments • Safe and clean ......for now!!!!! • Proximity to downtown. Central location within Twin Cities. Mature neighborhoods and quiet streets. Lots of parks. • a suburban atmosphere with close proximity to Downtown and Uptown • Parks, greenspace, proximity to Minneapolis, Down in the Valley! • Quality homes, diverse, location, convenience What important changes does Golden Valley need to make in the next �o years? In the next 20 years? • put the traffic lanes back on Winnetka and take out the bike lanes that are not being utilized. the heavy traffic makes it very difficult to turn into my driveway and I often find myself playing chicken with oncoming traffic in the passing lane. There are too many driveways and turnoffs and buses on Winnetka and people do not know how to use the passing lane. and traffic backup so I have to wait more than 5 minutes to turn out of my driveway. • Add more sidewalks. Go through and make sure that there are traffic restrictions where they are needed in all communities. • - better connections across busy streets - re-building of the ped bridge across 55 as a integrated part of the park system and downtown master plan (having a master plan would help) - get ready for light rail for real - get the development engines started for station area transformation - get as serious about buckthorn eradication as we are about cutting down ash trees. make it a strategic priority, fund it,get a program going,just like the street reconstruction - it's woodland reclamation. �;r y��J ;e_ �A �; �� °�`�valle Y SURVEY RESULTS Comprehensive Plan On-line Community Survey GV2040 - Make kayaking down bassett creek a more encouraged park and rec activity. Or boat rentals on the lakes. • �o years -Now to keep GV a suburban community versus an extension of the Minneapolis. Lack of open space forces City to rely on multi-family housing and transitory residents which destabilizes the community, increases crime and traffic loads. 2o-years - Now to keep the tax burden from the City, State and County at a level where housing stays affordable for new families that will move into the city and stay. The inefficient transit options forced on the city by the Met Council does not benefit the city as a large majority of people still have to drive to get to work. • Public swimming pool. More tree lined streets, like St, Louis Park. Modernize Golden Valley Shopping Center. • We need more senior housing. A lot of us would like to stay in the area when we can no longer remain in our homes. It would be nice to have restaurants and shops within walking or biking distance. • Careful planning regarding strip malls. Limit overbuilding of single family homes Preservation of greenspace • Preserve good neighborhoods by encouraging upgrades and maintenance to the existing housing stock while keeping out low-quality development; increase funding the pavement rehabilitation program and ice & snow removal (my family & my neighbors would happily pay more property taxes to support this); further encourage walkability by developing sidewalks on primary residential streets as they're replaced such as Douglas, Mendelssohn, etc. • Don't sacrifice housing quality for the sake of affordability; there are too many section 8 developments and rentals already. Making housing more "affordable" only hurts homeowners' investments in their property by decreasing property values of households who already live and vote here. Work to prevent owner-occupied homes from becoming rentals and enforce inspections on all properties. • World class Community Center, better Park & Rec programs, Christmas Lights and decorations around the Noliday season. • The road map was hard to fill out. an indoor walking track or larger/ better community center more park rec/ fitness activities don't build more large houses and subdivide lots don't keep building in ouropenspaces • More bike paths Lower taxes More urban • Work toward better mass transit options, create affordable housing opportunities, and grow industrial/commercial tax base. • Picking up compost/organics recycling like other neighboring cities, ST.L.P., Mpls, etc... Nopefully much sooner than the next �o yrs. • I think Golden Valley needs to work to retain its community spirit. A lot of the changes have to do with keeping what we have and not rushing toward more development -- more apartments, city sidewalk, garish lights, etc. It would be better to invest in little things that bring people together -- t.,�� J � � � golden �� valley SURVEY RESULTS Comprehensive Plan On-line Community Survey GY2040 programs at the library, safety camp, the ice cream social, coffee with a cop, the arts & music festival, concerts in the park, etc. My kids grew up with Mary Steinbicker and all are now avid readers. They loved to go to the library and pick out books. They loved the reading area just for kids. They loved having an adult other than their parents take interest in them. It's important to look not just at what should change but also at what should not change. • Continue work on best use of resources (especially water and green space) in view of accelerating climate change. Encourage tree-planting. Discourage use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. Prepare for light-rail. Prepare for aging-in-place population. Encourage young families. PERNAPS think about "structured garbage collection", to avoid wear-and-tear on streets and much additional racket (as long as "my favorite garbage hauler" can bid on a portion of the city). (This worked just fine in Minneapolis, where I lived for over 25 years. Also, in Minneapolis, if we recycled, we got a REDUCTION on our garbage bill.) • PARKS!!!! The neighborhood parks are lack-luster when compared to the nearby New Nope and Crystal parks (with the exception of Brookview and Lions). We moved from Crystal and and were in walking distance of 3+ parks that were appealing to kids from � year-middle school. Our two closest parks in GV have less equipment and less appeal to kids of all ages. The two big parks are great, I'm sure, but I also want to be able to enjoy the parks that are walkable to us. Other things to consider, in the realm of business development-- a grocery store? A coffee place in the NW area of the city (maybe even with a drive-thru). Mighty Tidy day - arrange trucks to haul items from peoples yards instead of a drop site (like New Nope and Crystal) • I would really like the city to look into composting, possibly partnering with Minneapolis if it is not possible for our city to run their own composting program. I feel greener living and sustainability is very important right now. I would also like to see Golden Valley and the surrounding communities be connected to downtown Minneapolis through the light-rail system. And I would love to see more local, small businesses enter the community varying from the restaurant industry to retail. • Embrace diversity, density, and changing demographics. I would also love to see Golden Valley embrace a more true downtown location or main street for city gathering and events. Through the next 2o years, Golden Valley should build up existing locations and keep the many open spaces and parks empty. • Make housing more affordable for low income families so that they can live in a safer community. • Improve traffic flow on Winnetka and poor water drainage is ruining the road • Protect our open and green space ALWAYS. Upgrade infrastructure such as water mains etc. City wide free internet. • Infrastructure! Let's keep the charm of an established community but invest wisely in updating existing roads, utilities, etc. adding curbs and sidewalks to foster the sense of community, and providing conveniences for the new generations. Demographic studies show the trend toward urban areas--it's no longer as appealing to live in a far-flung suburb. Let's develop and enhance modern conveniences to make Golden Valley the very best suburb in the metro! gUlderi�_ `� � valley SURVEY RESULTS Comprehensive Plan On-line Community Survey GV2040 • Investment in neighborhoods rather than business and real estate development. Change of city policy: welcoming of friendlier environmental practices: allowing limited bee-keeping (not business or industrial), greater attention paid to water purity in our streams, ponds, lakes, promoting rain gardens and native plantings, replacing ageing trees Greater investment made in bike paths - lanes, walking trails connecting neighborhoods. Consideration of code changes that allow for small businesses such as a cafe, or bookstore to be integrated into neighborhood settings. Limiting house sizes to avoid massive Woodbury-type of residences. Look to cities such as St. Louis Park, Minneapolis and Maplewood for urban policies that are more forward in thinking and support the public more than business / industry. • Slow down on all these new apartments, SNEP!!!!!!!! Let Golden valley develop itself without interference from Met Council and County Comissioners, SNEP!!!!!!!!! STOP political pressure and favors SNEP!!!!!!! • In an effort to remain competitive with other suburbs, Golden Valley MUST address education. There is a "great divide" at Nwy 55, with property values soaring and remodels taking place south of Nwy 55 (Nopkins school district) and north of Nwy 55 lagging behind. The Robbinsdale school district has a reputation (whether real or perceived) as not being of the same quality of other west and southwest metro school districts. Golden Valley needs to either work to change that reputation or consider moving on as this is holding back property values north of Nwy 55. Golden Valley should also look to encourage development beyond residential and office. Golden Valley should work to encourage commercial and hospitality development - especially restaurants and bars. Golden Valley is behind adjacent suburbs such as St. Louis Park in this regard. • Continue to improve the core "village" with more local shops, cafes and a small/med grocery. Assure we maintain the green space, mature trees, parks and spacious yards. Improve safe and easy pedestrian and bicycle traffic crossings on busy streets. • Creating, a. more cohesive, walkable, contemporary town center. "There is no 'there'there". • Bicycle and pedestrian friendly, slow down traffic especially on Glenwood. Local Grocery Store (Wedge Coop store please!). Development along 3q4 in a good way. Avoiding cookie-cutter redevelopments and tear downs. (avoid looking like Plymouth). Wetland, rainwater management. More friendly police detectives. Invest in training and outreach to ensure that our local police treat people with dignity and calmness. I want to feel proud of my police department. Do police all live in Golden Valley? Dog Park and fitness center so I don't have to pay Lifetime $2oo/month. Develop Golden Valley Shopping Center into something residents want. Start a shop local Golden Valley promotion with coupons. Nelp Breck get better road access so they can grow and traffic flows better on Glenwood. More locally owned businesses like Good Day, Patina, Kuipers. golden c:`� � val l ey