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2018-09-25 Planning Comm Agenda Packet CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 25, 2018 7:00 PM- Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights MN 55118 1. Call to Order / Roll Call 2. Adopt Agenda 3. Approval of the July 24, 2018 regular meeting minutes 4. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update PUBLIC HEARING - discuss the Land Use Plan and Transportation Plan elements of the proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the City of Mendota Heights - Planning Consultant Phil Carlson with Stantec - presenting 5. Adjourn Meeting Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Hall at 651.452.1850 with requests. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 1 of 15 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 24, 2018 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 PM. The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Jr., Commissioners John Mazzitello, Patrick Corbett, Michael Noonan, Mary Magnuson, Michael Toth, and Brian Petschel. Those absent: None Moment of Silence Chair Field called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Commissioner Doug Hennes, who served on the Planning Commission through December 2017 and passed away earlier this week. Approval of Agenda The agenda was approved as submitted. Approval of June 26, 2018 Minutes COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 26, 2018, AS PRESENTED. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Hearings A) PLANNING CASE #2018-18 ROBBIE AND COURTNEY BLUHM, 1629 DODD ROAD / 694 WENTWORTH AVE. LOT SPLIT (LOT COMBINATION) Working from materials provided to the commission prior to the meeting, Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that Robbie and Courtney Bluhm requested approval to subdivide their single-family residential property into two separate parcels. This item requires City Council approval and was being heard under a public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting. A notice of the public hearing was published in the Pioneer Press newspaper and notice letters were mailed to all property owners within 350-feet of the affected parcels. No comments or objections were received as of the date of this meeting. The main parcel, 1629 Dodd Road, is a flag-shaped lot consisting of 1.26 acres. It is approximately 350 feet in depth with 101.27 feet in width along Dodd Road; it then expands to approximately 188 feet of width in the back lot area. The property contains a 1,453 square foot one-story July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 2 of 15 residential home with an attached tuck-under 3-car garage. Abutting this main parcel, in the rear, is the 0.42 acre (18,150 square feet) lot located at 694 Wentworth Avenue, which Mr. and Mrs. Bluhm also own. There is an existing shed on the Dodd Road parcel. If this lot split/combination were approved, that shed would be located on the newly created Wentworth parcel, which is not permitted by city code. Therefore, a condition should be added that this stand-alone shed must be removed within one year of this approval; or a building permit must be applied for on the new created lot to maintain that shed’s existence. Mr. Benetti shared images of the subject parcels in relation to their location near surrounding homes and streets, pointing out the area of the Dodd Road parcel they would like to split off and combine with the Wentworth parcel. The easterly parcel would retain the existing residential home and address off of Dodd Road. The remaining would be joined or legally combined with the Wentworth parcel, thus creating a new 56,191 square foot or 1.29 acre parcel. Until the legal combination occurs, the parcel being split from the main lot would be considered a non-conforming parcel due to its lack of frontage on a city approved street. The property owners know and understand that no new building rights will be granted unless the parcel has some form of legal street frontage for access. Therefore, a condition and requirement of approval is that the new parcel created by this subdivision action is immediately combined with the other adjoining property along Wentworth Avenue. Once the split is approved, the easterly lot (along Dodd Road) would not meet the city’s rear yard setback requirements nor would the existing driveway; however, since these encroachments are pre- existing, the dwelling will remain as a legal, nonconforming use in the R-1 zone. The applicants have agreed to provide the city with the necessary drainage and utility easements along the front and rear yard area of both parcels; plus easements along the interior/side parcel boundaries. The only exception would be an easement along the north line of the easterly parcel. The city has also requested a 20-foot wide trail easement along the front edge of the Dodd Road parcel. The Public Works Director has found the easement dedications to be acceptable. Mr. Benetti also noted that since this application is entirely initiated by the applicants and due to their own action and preference, any approval of this lot split and lot combination does not in any way provide a future hardship or automatic allowance to the applicant, or any future owners of the 1.29 acre parcel, to allow this area to be subdivided in the future with a reduced roadway design or any other variations to city code standards. Mr. Robbie Bluhm, 647 Manomin Avenue in St. Paul, came forward to answer questions from the Commission. Mr. Bluhm had nothing new to add to the staff report. Commissioner Corbett asked how Mr. Bluhm came up with the sizes for the two lots, the boundary locations. Mr. Bluhm replied that the newly created lot is the one where he and his wife intend to build a home on and the ratio of the division allows him more land for his own use. Chair Field asked, since it was not in the initial staff report, if Mr. Bluhm had any questions or concerns on the added condition #5. Mr. Bluhm asked if there would be a chance that the keeping July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 3 of 15 of the shed could be extended to a longer amount of time. Commissioner Noonan stated that he believed that if Mr. Bluhm made a bona fide effort to obtain a building permit and an issue came up where it would not be made available within one year, that he could work with staff to obtain an extension. Mr. Benetti replied that this is something that could be handled administratively if the extension was for a short amount of time. Commissioner Magnuson, noting that the address provided was different than the Dodd Road address, asked if anyone was living in the existing house right now. Mr. Bluhm replied that at this time no one was living in the house as the tenants moved out at the end of May. It is now on the market for sale. When questioned he noted that he has a few items in the shed. Commissioner Toth asked for the current condition of the shed. Mr. Benetti replied that he did not walk back to the shed; however, the applicant could answer. Mr. Bluhm replied that it was in a stable condition and that he sees no reason why anyone would consider it an eyesore or in need of being razed. It has been well maintained. Commissioner Corbett asked how the current home is being marketed in respect to this application. Mr. Bluhm replied that the survey provided to the Commission is being made available to any potential buyers so they are aware of the subdivision of the property. Chair Field opened the public hearing. Mr. Matt Ziemer, who lives next to the lot, expressed his concern and asked for confirmation that on the newly created lot only one residence could be built and that it could not be subdivided in the future – or would that have to come back to the commission. Chair Field replied that any further splitting of the lot would have to come back to the Planning Commission and the City Council. Commissioner Magnuson asked, since the newly created lot only has 121 feet of frontage – and the minimum allowable is 100 feet of frontage – is it necessary to have condition #3 since the only thing that could be built on the lot is a single family residential home. Mr. Benetti replied that this case is almost identical, although smaller, than the Mike Bader request heard last month. There is the possibility that someone could put in a cul-de-sac on the 121 x 464 foot lot. The intent of the split today is to combine it and if there were any other subsequent action, it all has to come back through another entitlement process on its own merits and also meet all of the requirements of the code. So condition #3 was put in there as more of a belt and suspender condition because the zoning ordinance is the overriding factor for doing anything in future years. Commissioner Toth, referencing past lot splits where the split was right down an existing building, asked if the city requires the destruction of the building prior to granting the lot split or is that dealt with at the time of sale of that lot. Staff confirmed that the shed is not bordering or lying on the lot line once this split occurs. The reason for discussion of the shed being removed is because the city code does not allow the existence of a secondary structure on a lot without a primary structure. Commissioner Toth asked for clarification on whether or not the city requires the bringing of a property into compliance every time the city grants a lot split. Mr. Benetti provided an example of a lot split where the current home would have been straddling the lot line and there was a condition July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 4 of 15 that this home be removed. Also, the intent of that lot split was to allow for the construction of two new homes. Ms. Dianne Berfelz, 688 W. Wentworth, shared an image of the lots that she received from the county a number of years ago. She pointed out her property and the surrounding properties and asked how much will the city allow Mr. Bluhm to fill up the new lot, how far back can he set his new home, and could he potentially build another house towards the back of the lot without an access point. Chair Field replied, that based on the current proposal, there could be one house placed on that entire property. How large of a home depends upon how big of a house he submits for a building permit. Flag shaped lots are not permitted in Mendota Heights and if a case came in requesting a flag lot, it would have a long shot of being approved. Chair Field asked for a motion to close the public hearing. COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 COMMISSIONER MAGNUSON MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING CASE 2018-18, LOT SPLIT SUBDIVISION (LOT COMBINATION) BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT: 1. The proposed lot split and combination meet the purpose and intent of the City Code under Title 11 - Subdivision Regulations and can be considered consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 2. The proposed lot split and lot combination will not create any negative impacts to the surrounding uses or neighborhood. 3. The requirement to have the Applicant legally combine the two parcels eliminates any nonconforming issue or status of the westerly parcel created by the original split. AND WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. The westerly parcel to be created by the split of the 1629 Dodd Road parcel ((PID No. 27- 03800-37-113) shall be combined with the existing 694 Wentworth Avenue Parcel (PID No. 27-03800-37-020. 2. The applicant shall dedicate all new drainage and utility easements as denoted on the certificate of survey prepared by Bohlen Surveying & Associates, dated March 11, 2018 or a recordable document approved by the city and filed with Dakota County. 3. The new 1.29 acre parcel to be created after the lot split and lot combination process can only be used for one (1) single-family residential dwelling development; unless the Owner receives full consideration and approval by the city of a new subdivision under separate application(s), per City Code Title 11 – Subdivision Regulations. 4. Since this application is entirely initiated by the Applicant and made by their own action and preference, any approval of this lot split and lot combination does not in any way provide a future hardship or allowances for reduced standards related to platting, street/right-of-way designs, or any other subdivision or zoning standards adopted at that time, should the owners elect to further subdivide this parcel in the future. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 5 of 15 5. The existing shed on the newly created westerly parcel must be removed within one year of this approval date, or a building permit must be applied for on the new created lot to maintain that shed’s existence Commissioner Mazzitello asked if Condition #3 be edited to read “The new 1.29 acre parcel to be created after the lot split and lot combination process can only be used for one (1) single-family residential dwelling development per City Zoning Code; . . .” Both commissioners of the motion agreed to this amendment. Commissioner Mazzitello also asked if language could be inserted about development taking place on the new westerly lot after the split, where it is stated that ‘no development can take place on the westerly lot until after the two lots are jointed’. Both commissioners of the original motion agreed to this amendment and it was agreed that this language would be added to the end of Condition #3. Commissioner Mazzitello then proposed adding Condition #6 that the combined joined lot be one continuous lot with no gaps; there being a gap identified on the survey; to clean up the survey. Again both commissioners of the original motion agreed to this additional condition. Chair Field noted for the record that his mother lives just across Wentworth Avenue so he received a notice letter regarding this application; however, he perceives no conflict of interest. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its August 7, 2018 meeting. B) PLANNING CASE #2018-19 GERALD ZIEBOL, 650 BROOKSIDE LANE VARIANCE Working from materials provided to the commission prior to the meeting, Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that Gerald Ziebol was seeking variances from the front-yard (corner side-yard) setback and an allowance to keep or retain an existing detached garage subject to the approval of the variance. A notice of the public hearing was published in the Pioneer Press newspaper and notice letters were mailed to all property owners within 350-feet of the site. No comments or objections were received as of the date of this meeting. Mr. Benetti shared an image of the subject property in relation to surrounding properties and city streets. It is generally located at the southeast corner of Brookside Lane and Laura Street. The lot measures 125 feet by 120 feet or 15,000 square feet (0.34 acres) in area. The property does contain a 706 square foot (foundation) dwelling with 994 square feet of finished floor area. The site also contains an existing two-car detached garage with access off Laura Street. The current home does not meet the 30-foot required setback from Laura Street nor from Brookside Lane. The garage is also set very closely to the right-of-way line. For all intent and purposes both July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 6 of 15 structures are considered legal non-conforming. Mr. Benetti shared photographs of the subject property. The applicant wishes to construct a 1,008 square foot addition to the living space to the east side of the building, along with a full-extension deck, plus a new two car attached garage addition. The setback from Laura Street would decrease from approximately 23 feet down to 10 feet. Mr. Benetti shared the three test qualifiers (standards) that must be met or warranted when considering a variance request and noted that none of these determinants were findings to approve a variance in this case. Commissioner Noonan asked for clarification on what was being asked for with respect to the existing garage. Mr. Benetti replied that the request is to retain the current detached garage. He then asked if there wasn’t a provision in the code that limits the amount of garage space that a single family home could have. Mr. Benetti replied that the maximum allowable size of an attached garage is 1,200 square feet without a Conditional Use Permit. The maximum allowable size for a detached garage is 750 square feet without a Conditional Use Permit. To have both a detached and an attached garage the lot size must be at least 3/4 of an acre. Due to the size limitation on this lot, they could have only one garage – either attached or detached – but not both. If the Commission were to grant the allowance of the attached garage, either the detached garage has to go or the Commission would have to grant the variance to keep it. Commissioner Magnuson asked for confirmation that if, in the future, they wanted to add onto the detached garage, they would require a variance request due to the non-conformity of the setback requirements. Commissioner Corbett asked if staff had discussed an alternate layout or plan with the applicant. Mr. Benetti replied in the affirmative. Commissioner Toth asked what would be characterized as a practical difficulty associated with either matching the face of a house or even having the second garage at all. Mr. Benetti replied that the practical difficulty test lies with the Commission. Mr. Gerald Ziebol, 650 Brookside Lane, came forward to address questions from the Commission and provide comments. Mr. Ziebol shared examples of properties near his home that have an attached garage and a detached garage and the lot size is smaller than 3/4 of an acre. Commissioner Noonan asked if the examples were older structures or newer. Mr. Ziebol replied that they were older and are now non-conforming. Commissioner Noonan noted that they were a different situation than Mr. Ziebol’s as he is looking to build. Mr. Ziebol shared his rationale for presenting the plans the way he did. After exploring multiple options with the architect they decided that their request would be the best spot due to the fact that they do not have much of a view because of the large expanse of trees towards Laura Street. Additionally, building the attached structure back further would hinder the sight lines. They would like to maintain the look and the space that they currently have for children to play in the back yard. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 7 of 15 Commissioner Magnuson noted that having an attached garage is a nice amenity and then asked if they had thought about eliminating the garage from the plans; it would solve the problem of the sight lines and solves the problem of the back yard. Mr. Ziebol replied that they had considered it; however, they would like to retire here and the distance of the existing garage to the house is approximately 50 feet. It would be really nice to be able to pull into an attached garage for bringing in groceries directly into the house. He also believes it would match the existing properties in the neighborhood. Commissioner Magnuson asked if they would be willing to make the attached garage a single car garage. Mr. Ziebol replied that he believes that a single car garage would detract from the value of the home and he would prefer to have a two-car garage. He would use the current detached garage for woodworking, etc. Commissioner Noonan noted that one of the conditions of approval – if approved – is that the applicant shall remove the detached garage once the new attached garage structure and addition is complete. Therefore, Mr. Ziebol’s desire to use the detached garage for woodworking, etc. is inconsistent with the recommendation. Mr. Ziebol replied that he did the math and the cost of removing the detached garage would be approximately $40,000 – just to get rid of the existing structure and adding in all of the money he put into it. His request includes the keeping of the detached garage and build an attached garage. Commissioner Corbett asked if some of the existing trees would be removed since they would be up against the new attached garage structure. Mr. Ziebol replied that the trees would be removed but would be replaced with pine trees and use any existing rocks removed to clean up the front of the home. Therefore, the screening would be year-round rather than seasonal, as it is now. Chair Field opened the public hearing. Ms. Rachel Lind, 647 2nd Avenue, explained that she would be in support of this request. When someone chooses to improve their home and stay in the neighborhood, it affirms the neighborhood. She would rather have them stay there than move away to some other place. Chair Field asked for discussion from the Commission before closing the public hearing. Commissioner Corbett noted that he did not wish to limit something to be done; however, he asked that the new setback lines be penciled in or shown on the survey. Mr. Benetti complied. Additional discussion occurred regarding the backyard view and how the desire to keep that view is not a ‘practical difficulty’. Chair Field asked if it were correct that if the Commission were to deny this request at this point that it could not come back before the Commission for some period of time. Mr. Benetti confirmed and noted that this time period would be for one year. Chair Field noted that this was why he left the public hearing open as it would be nice to find a happy compromise and/or even take another month, if the applicant was willing, to try and sort out and find a better footprint that more closely mirrors the existing zoning code. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 8 of 15 Commissioner Petschel agreed with Chair Field and suggested they be provided some guidance with respect to the individual points. Chair Field stated that it is not the responsibility of the Commission to tell them where to put things, the applicant has suggested where they would like to put things. However, it is his sense that if the Commission proceeds down this path they could deny their application. A month to review and possibly come up with alternatives is better than one year. Commissioner Noonan shared his views on ‘practical difficulty’ and that the desires and wishes of an applicant do not meet the criteria of a practical difficulty. It is the Commissions responsibility to maintain the sanctity of the zoning to the extent that they can; providing the individuals the ability to apply for variances provided they meet the statutory tests that have been prescribed by the courts. He would strongly support Chair Fields’ recommendation that the matter not be decided at this time, but to be held for a period of time to allow the applicant and staff to see if there are alternatives that could be worked out. Chair Field asked the applicants to return and asked them if they were willing to work with staff and come up with possible alternatives and come back in a month, or if they wanted to move forward and risk their request being denied and then having to wait one year before being able to apply again. COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO, TO TABLE PLANNING CASE 2018-19, VARIANCE AND TO EXTEND THE REVIEW PERIOD AN ADDITIONAL 60 DAYS IN COMPLIANCE WITH MINNESOTA STATE STATUTE, WITH THE DISCRETION THAT THE REQUEST COULD BE BROUGHT BACK IN LESS THAN 60 DAYS. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 C) PLANNING CASE #2018-13 KRISTIN ELMQUIST (OWNER – FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS) ZONING CODE AMENDMENT – DOG TRAINING IN THE I-INDUSTRIAL ZONE Working from materials provided to the commission prior to the meeting, Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that Ms. Kristin Elmquist was returning to ask that the city consider an amendment to City Code Title 12-1G-1, which would allow “dog training facility” uses as a conditional use in the I-Industrial district. This item was originally presented at the Commission’s regular meeting on June 26, 2018 where the public hearing was held over and the motion was made to make suggestions for City Council consideration. At the July 2, 2018 City Council meeting, discussions were had that revolved around the specific dog-training use; and the possible expansion or additional allowances under this or similar animal related uses. After continued discussion the Council determined to focus only on the needs of Ms. Elmquist for the dog training facility as a Conditional Use Permit in the Industrial Zone. If any other businesses or interested parties wanted to allow other animal related activities, the city would consider them under a separate application review process. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 9 of 15 Mr. Benetti presented proposed Ordinance No. 529 and noted that the language provided was just the language that centered on Dog Training Facility; which were very consistent with what was discussed at the June 26, 2018 Planning Commission meeting and also consistent with the West St. Paul ordinances that staff felt was a very ideal ordinance to utilize as a guide. Staff recommended approval of this draft ordinance. Commissioner Noonan, understanding the directions from the City Council, asked for confirmation that a kennel is only permitted in the Business District as opposed to the Industrial District. Mr. Benetti replied that no kennels are allowed in the city currently. There is a definition of a kennel in the zoning code; however, there are no permitted uses identified in any of the city’s zoning districts. The only similar use is an animal hospital; and that is only in the Business District. Commissioner Noonan also noted that the proposed ordinance has Dog Training Facility; however, there is no definition provided. He suggested that this be fleshed out. Commissioner Magnuson echoed the same concern as Commissioner Noonan. She also noted that there is nothing in the ordinance that expressly forbids dogs from staying overnight. Chair Field agreed that without a definition, all kinds of unintended consequences could occur. Mr. Benetti pointed out the definition of a Dog Training Facility that was included in the original request presented at the June 26, 2018 Planning Commission meeting and asked if that would be an acceptable definition. After discussion, it was agreed that the definition was acceptable; however, provisions for accessory services need to be spelled out (i.e. dog massage, dog grooming, not including boarding, etc.). Commissioner Noonan asked if Condition H was really necessary (Parking. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided, as determined by the Zoning Administrator) since there are parking standards within the Industrial zone. Mr. Benetti replied that, knowing the extent of Ms. Elmquist’s proposed activities, he wanted the ability to limit the amount of parking to what would be available on the site. Upon being asked, Commissioner Mazzitello opinioned that typically in the zoning code, the parking determination is done by facility usage. He did not believe there was anything in the code that talks about parking requirements for a dog training facility. If they are in a traditional industrial building, they are going to have part of their facility be an office. Square footage would be used to determine parking based on the office area; the indoor training area could be considered as industrial or warehouse space and a parking calculation based on that square footage could be added, and see if that fits what the tenant of the building needs to have parking for their business. If it is not adequate, then that would be the reason for Condition H to be listed; the zoning administrator would have discretion to differentiate from those calculations in code to allow for a parking ratio that works for the user that is still reasonably close to what is codified. Ms. Kristin Elmquist came forward to answer any questions the Commission would have and to add comment to the staff report. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 10 of 15 Chair Field asked what services she would be offering that would be consistent with a ‘day training facility’. Ms. Elmquist replied that her facility caters to not only family pets but to performance dogs and; therefore, she provides massages or chiropractic services that are performed by trained staff. Something like day care really has nothing to do with the training classes and the services provided so it is not something she is interested in. She may occasionally have ancillary things like photographers that show up at events, but that is not a regularly occurring thing. Grooming is not something she is looking at. Although performance dogs need grooming, that is not her primary focus. Chair Field asked if she could theoretically groom a dog before a competition. Ms. Elmquist replied that if it were confirmation, then yes that would be correct. However, she is not training for confirmation and she does not hold confirmation shows. Commissioner Noonan asked if she were to reconsider, for the organized training of domestic animals, is that broad enough to cover the athletic training of the dogs she spoke about in terms of the training, nutritional guidance, chiropractic, and massage therapy – is ‘training’ broad enough to cover all that she would think of doing. Chair Field suggested ‘training and care of’. Commissioner Magnuson, indicating that they are dealing with performance animals, noted that these animals require a different level of care or training. If the city had something that said that an indoor or outdoor facility used exclusive for the organized training of domestic and performance dogs. Part of the performance dog notion may be that performance dogs do have some additional requirements, much like elite athletes. Then the city would not need to deal with ‘ancillary services’. Commissioner Petschel asked if there was an advantage to defining it extremely narrowly versus it being slightly broad and avoiding services like kennels and boarding and basically allowing any dog service. Commissioner Magnuson replied that the City Council said they wanted to limit it to training facilities. Commissioner Noonan noted that this is why he liked the suggestion ‘and care of’, knowing full well that they are not looking to kennel. Commissioner Mazzitello, referring to Condition F, noted that the suggestion from the City Council that outdoor areas ‘be completely enclosed with a fence that is at least four feet in height’. He then asked how that would affect training in an outdoor area if they were let off of their leash in a fenced area. Ms. Elmquist replied that this was one of the things that she would like to have removed. In her opinion, when a fence is set up it encourages owners to unsnap that leash. She does not want any dog loose and that is not the intent of the potty area; she wants dogs to go out, do their business, and come back in. Having a fenced in area, even with signs saying no dogs allowed off their leash, it happens. Then there is the issue of people opening gates and dogs get loose, and all of those things that come with an area like that. This is not a play area, it is not an exercise area, and it is just for going potty. Commissioner Mazzitello asked for confirmation that she requires dogs to be leashed at all times. Ms. Elmquist confirmed; except when they are competing inside the building. Commissioner Mazzitello suggested that Condition F be modified by adding that the fence could be exempted if the operator requires animals to be on a leash at all times in outdoor areas. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 11 of 15 Commissioner Toth asked if the owner of the dog must be present at all times or could they drop the dog off and have it be trained without them. Ms. Elmquist replied that at this facility the owner, or responsible party, must be present with the dog at all times and take the dog with them when they leave. No dog is allowed to stay overnight. An owner / responsible party can have multiple dogs on site. Commissioner Noonan asked what the capacity was on the proposed facility. Ms. Elmquist replied that would depend on the type of class being held. Obedience classes are typically limited to six or eight puppies; nose-work classes are typically four to six; dog diving classes are typically four to six; all are relatively small class sizes. Some classes are run concurrently. Commissioner Noonan asked how many parking spaces are available on the site. Ms. Elmquist replied that there are approximately 13 spaces in front of the building and approximately 20 spaces up on top. She believes that would be sufficient for her needs. Commissioner Toth asked about waste removal and the practice for that. Ms. Elmquist replied that in the outdoor relief area they plan to have a waste container with bag dispenser, similar to what is available in the parks. That waste container would be emptied every night, into the garbage dumpster. Commissioner Toth asked about ventilation and sanitary measures as there may be times when a dog relieves themselves inside the building. Ms. Elmquist replied that since this is not a boarding facility, she does not anticipate that dogs would regularly be relieving themselves inside. As accidents do happen, a clean-up station will be provided inside as well. A kennel disinfectant is used in the water for those accidents that happen. Chair Field reminded the Commission that the item before them is an ordinance to allow a dog training facility as a conditional use in the industrial zone. The specific questions that have been brought up should be during the conditional use permit application, which follows. Commissioner Magnuson asked, if they were to define a dog training facility the way they have been discussing, would that be satisfactory to Ms. Elmquist. She indicated that she would be satisfied with that definition. Chair Field opened the public hearing. Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the public hearing. COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CORBETT, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 12 of 15 COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING CASE 2018-13, ORDINANCE NO. 529 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 12, CHAPTER 1, ARTICLE G, INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT TO ALLOW DOG TRAINING FACILITY AS A CONDITIONAL USE, SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS: 1. The zoning ordinance include in the Definition Section the definition of Dog Training Facility as “An indoor or outdoor facility utilized for the organized training and care of dogs” 2. In the body of the provision, include Provision F a clause that says “. . . shall be completely enclosed with a fence . . . or require that all dogs utilizing the outdoor facility be leashed at all times” 3. Add Provision I that reads “The overnight boarding of dogs shall not be permitted” AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its August 7, 2018 meeting. D) PLANNING CASE #2018-20 KRISTIN ELMQUIST, 1415 MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – DOG TRAINING FACILITY Working from materials provided to the commission prior to the meeting, Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that Ms. Kristin Elmquist has applied for a Conditional Use Permit to provide a new “dog training facility” use in a vacant space within an existing multi-tenant building located in the I-Industrial district. A notice of the public hearing was published in the Pioneer Press newspaper and notice letters were mailed to all property owners within 350-feet of the site. No comments or objections were received as of the date of this meeting. The subject property, located at 1415 Mendota Heights Road, is approximately 5.85 acres in size and the building itself is just over 66,000 square feet. The dog training facility would occupy the far-east end of the building, consisting of 10,706 square feet of floor space. Mr. Benetti shared an image of the building, highlighting the area to be occupied by the dog training facility. Activities and services to be provided include training / discipline classes, pool, competitions, and workshops. The pool would be used for dock diving training and competitions. The hours of operation would be 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on weekends or during special events. Now that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of draft Ordinance 529, they can proceed with this Conditional Use Permit application. Mr. Benetti shared the standards to be met July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 13 of 15 when considering a Conditional Use Permit and explained how this application meets those standards. Staff recommended approval of this application. Commissioner Mazzitello, referencing Condition #7, asked if on-street parking was permitted for the public on Pilot Knob Road or on Mendota Heights Road at this time. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that he did not believe that on-street parking was permitted in the immediate vicinity of this area. Commissioner Mazzitello noted that if it is prohibited by ordinance, then there is no need to say it in the condition. Mr. Benetti replied that he wanted it as part of the condition to ensure that the applicant is clear that, if an event is being held that they need to self-manage the parking themselves instead of the police being called. Commissioner Corbett, in reference to the loading areas, asked if any discussions had taken place with the building owner. Mr. Benetti replied that the owner was asked if the adjacent tenant would be able to have continuous loading and unloading to their facility. The owner indicated that he believed they could with this use being in the building. Ms. Kristin Elmquist returned to answer questions or provide comment. In reference to the question about the loading dock, she indicated that one of those would be hers. She also indicated that the entrance and exit to the potty area is on the potty area side, away from the loading dock. The loading dock is really just an elevated garage door with no stairs or any way for dogs or people to come out that side of the building. Commissioner Mazzitello asked if she would see any need to utilize on-street parking at any time. Ms. Elmquist replied in the negative and noted that the site has the ability to hold a lot of cars if really needed to. Chair Field opened the public hearing. Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the public hearing. COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CORBETT, TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 COMMISSIONER NOONAN MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO, TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF PLANNING CASE 2018-20, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – DOG TRAINING FACILITY BASED ON THE FINDING OF FACT THAT THE PROPOSED USE WILL BE COMPLIANT WITH THE PROPOSED CITY ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO BE CONSIDERED UNDER ORDINANCE NO. 529; AND WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS: 1. All standards and regulations adopted or amended under proposed Ordinance No. 529 shall be complied with during the operations of this dog training facility on the subject property. July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 14 of 15 2. All training activities and events shall be conducted entirely within the enclosed building. 3. Outdoor storage and display of materials is prohibited. 4. A sign permit shall be required prior to installation of any additional tenant signage on the subject parcel/building. No banner or temporary signs will be allowed. 5. A building permit shall be required prior to any applicable demolition or tenant space improvements. 6. Hours of operation shall be from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm Monday through Friday; and 7:00 am to 10 pm weekends or special events. 7. The Owner of the training facility shall notify all other building space tenants at least 14- days in advance of any planned weekend events; and must ensure that all parking for clients and guests for said events are accommodated on the subject site. No on-street parking or blocking of loading areas is allowed. Commissioner Magnuson asked if they needed to include a condition that the Conditional Use Permit is subject to the Adoption of Ordinance 529 by the City Council. The reply was that if the City Council were to deny the adoption of the ordinance, then this request would not be a permitted use. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its August 7, 2018 meeting. Staff Announcements / Update of Developments Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided the following verbal updates: • Planning Case 2018-12, Conditional Use Permit for Erick Schmidt to install an oversize garage at 1133 Delaware Avenue was approved by the City Council • Planning Case 2018-15, Critical Area Permit for Jackie and Mike Chase to install a new swimming pool and patio/deck at 1680 Mayfield Heights Road was approved by the City Council • Planning Case 2018-14, Lot Split Subdivision (Lot Combination) for Mike and Michelle Bader at 1673 Delaware Avenue was approved by the City Council with an added provision that he had to enter into a Developers Agreement that reinforced that he could only do one single-family lot on the 8.5 acre lot that was created and any other entitlements would have to go through the review process • Planning Case 2018-16, Lot Line Adjustment, Lot Split/Combination, and Variances for Sarah & Jason Barrett / John & Deanne Bennett, 754 and 760 Upper Colonial Drive – lot line adjustment was approved; however, the sale of the parkland parcel was tabled. Staff was instructed to work out some type of alternative. Currently, they are looking at some type of agreement (easement or licensing) that would permit the encroachments to possibly stay with the understanding that the city kept the ownership of the land. Mr. Benetti also shared that he and Consulting Planner Phil Carlson (Stantec) have been speaking and they have nailed down a few dates for a possible Comprehensive Plan workshop meeting; Wednesday, August 22 or Thursday, August 23. After discussion, the Commission agreed to meet July 24, 2018 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting – DRAFT Page 15 of 15 on Wednesday, August 22 at 3:30 p.m. Additional discussion occurred about obtaining written feedback, suggestions, and comments from the public. Night to Unite will occur on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. Additional information is available on the city’s website. The City Council meeting will start at 8:00 p.m. that same evening. In response to a question regarding the status of the Michael Development, Mr. Benetti replied that building will start on Monday, July 30, 2018. Adjournment COMMISSIONER MAZZITELLO MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER NOONAN, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:57 P.M. AYES: 7 NAYS: 0 DATE: September 21, 2018 TO: Chair Litton Field and Planning Commissioners FROM: Tim Benetti, Community Development Director SUBJECT: September 25, 2018 Regular Meeting – Public Hearing 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Please note the Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 25, 2018 starting at 7:00 PM – City Hall Council Chambers. Attached for your review and consideration is an updated draft copy of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update, which at this time only includes the Introduction, Land Use Plan, Transportation Plan, Parks & Trials Plan; Housing Plan and Economic Development sections only. This packet also includes reduced copies of the proposed “display boards” that Stantec will be presenting at the Open House – starting at 4:30 pm on September 25th, just prior to the regular meeting/public hearing regarding this comprehensive plan item. The meeting and hearing next Tuesday night will focus primarily on the review of Ch. 1-Introduction, Ch. 2 - Land Use and Ch. 3 Transportation. The Commission will receive a brief presentation/update from city’s planning consultant Phil Carlson of Stantec. Following Mr. Carlson’s presentation, the Commission will open the advertised public hearing, and allow or take initial comments from the public. After all comments have been heard, the commission will be directed to table this matter to the October 23, 2018 meeting, where the remaining elements of the Plan (e.g. Parks, Housing, Economic Development, Natural Resources, Resiliency, etc.) will be presented and opened up for discussion, and the public hearing will be continued to allow additional comments as necessary. Remember you will also be provided another pre-meeting update at the Joint City Council-Planning Commission Workshop Meeting, scheduled for Monday, October 15th, starting at 6:00 pm, City Hall Council Chambers. A separate agenda packet will be provided prior to this meeting. Please also note that staff is continuing our efforts to completing/editing the final drafts of the Natural Resources Plan and Resiliency Plan; and we hope to have those ready by the Oct. 15th workshop. As always, please let us know if you have any questions, comments or concerns prior to the meeting; and also let us know if you are unable to attend this next meeting. Thank you. 1-1 1 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND The City of Mendota Heights has a long history and commitment to planning, resulting in unique residential living environments and business centers . The City’s first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1960, many years before the Metropolitan Land Planning Act went into effect, which required communities to incorporate regional policies and guidelines into their plans. The City has used its Comprehensive Plan to guide decisions for these past 68 years. The community looks much like it was envisioned in 1960, with an emphasis on high quality residential neighborhoods, open space and parks, and well-planned commercial and industrial areas. The community is almost fully developed and is enjoying the fruits of its long- range vision and development policies. Infill properties will continue to be built out, following the community’s successful development philosophy, and redevelopment is now happening in select areas, also following the City’s commitment to provide a high quality of life for its residents and businesses. The City understands its role as part of the greater Metropolitan Region and will continue to plan accordingly. The City has adopted the following Vision and Mission Statements to guide planning and development: Vision Statement Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family-oriented residential community, with a spacious, natural feel and the amenities of a city. Mission Statement Our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Mendota Heights by providing quality public safety, infrastructure, and planning for orderly and sustainable growth. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-2 Plan Organization This 2040 Comprehensive Plan is organized in chapters similar to the previous 2030 Comprehensive Plan, but with new chapters on Economic Development and Resilience, arranged as follows: 1 Introduction & Background 2 Land Use 3 Transportation 4 Parks & Open Space 5 Housing 6 Economic Development 7 Natural Resources 8 Resilience 9 Implementation 10 Mississippi River Critical Area Corridor Plan Goals and policies for each chapter are included within that chapter and also as one combined set in the Appendix. Setting Mendota Heights is located in northern Dakota County, bordering the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The City of Lilydale and the City of Mendota border the City on its northwest side. Across the rivers are the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Fort Snelling and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). The east is bordered by Delaware Avenue and the cities of West St. Paul and Sunfish Lake. Interstate 494 divides Mendota Heights from Eagan to the south. Interstate I-35E crosses the City north to south. Despite being near to these major business centers, much of the community maintains a natural, open appearance. The river bluffs, Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-3 rolling topography, and wooded areas have provided an excellent setting for residential development. The topography has led to the creation of a curvilinear local street system and allowed for intimate residential neighborhoods to be nestled amongst mature wooded settings, lakes, wetlands, nature preserves, and the Mississippi and Minnesota River bluffs. Mendota Heights is a premier suburb, offering high-quality residential and business areas. Per capita income and property values are among the highest in the area, but homes in more moderate price brackets are also available. The residents of Mendota Heights enjoy close proximity to an extensive system of regional and local parks, and convenient access to the regional highway system, international airport, and metropolitan employment centers. These factors have helped make Mendota Heights an attractive place to live. While it is centrally located in the metropolitan area, the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers form a natural green belt around it, allowing the community to maintain a quiet, private way of life, unique in the Twin Cities. Mendota Heights achieved its successful business community and exceptional residential neighborhoods by following the comprehensive plans set forth many decades ago. Innovative and forward thinking on the part of community officials has Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-4 resulted in a planned community, which affords a high-quality lifestyle for its residents while providing a full array of services and employment opportunities. The community has preserved an abundance of parks and open spaces, encourages spacious residential development, and has planned for diversified, high technology offices and business areas. Excellent schools and a well- educated populace complement the traditional but progressive character of the City. Civic pride and aesthetic excellence are high priorities in Mendota Heights. The community set out early in its incorporated history to create attractive residential neighborhoods by planning for aggressive protection and wise use of its abundant environmental assets. The rich abundance of woods, wetlands, and open space areas that provide the natural feel of the community today, are a testament to the forethought and planning of Mendota Heights’ forefathers. As the Twin Cities metropolitan area has grown up around it, Mendota Heights has actively pursued its objective of preserving open spaces, which have made the community one of the region’s most attractive places to live. Whether these efforts have been concentrated in active or passive uses, the environment has played a central role in the City’s land use planning. Mendota Heights has many spacious, green neighborhoods Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-5 Process The process of updating the Comprehensive Plan for Mendota Heights was initiated in late 2016 when Stantec, the City’s planning consultant, began updating background information and demographics for the Plan. They also worked with Tangible Consulting who prepared a report analyzing the market and development context of the City. A background report was shared with the Planning Commission in early 2017. In a series of meetings later that year, the Planning Commission reviewed and adopted the draft Vision, Mission, and Goals & Policies for the Plan. This material was shared with the Parks Commission and with the larger community in four community open house meetings in the fall of 2017. There was also an online survey and an invitation for comments on the City website and Facebook page. Facebook was used to share information and invite comments on the planning process Discussion at a community open house Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-6 Key Planning Issues The initial discussion with the Planning Commission, grounded in the background information and analysis, was condensed into seven key planning issues: • Character, Natural Feel, Design Mendota Heights is open, spacious, green, and natural. The character and design of our community is important to maintain our quality of life. The environment and green space is essential to this character. • Commercial/Retail Options Many people wish there were more restaurant and shopping options in Mendota Heights. • Development & Redevelopment Sites The City is almost fully developed, but there are a few sites where new development or redevelopment can occur and there is keen interest in how to maximize their potential. • Housing Mendota Heights is mostly high-end single-family homes, but the City also needs a range of housing choices to provide life-cycle opportunities for people of all generations and stages of life, and work force housing to support people working in a wide range of careers. • Vikings Facility The Vikings football team is building its new headquarters and practice facilities nearby in Eagan, within a 200-acre mixed use development featuring offices, retail, and housing. Many are concerned about traffic impacting Mendota Heights. On the business side, the Vikings development could be competition for City businesses or an opportunity for Mendota Heights businesses to support activities there. • Airport The MSP Airport is conveniently located nearby across the river, but also poses a nuisance with aircraft noise. • Infrastructure Like many communities, Mendota Heights’ roads, bridges and other infrastructure is aging and in need of maintenance. The City must plan for this in order to preserve quality of life and safety. The key planning issues are interrelated Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-7 Community Input There were over a hundred comments and stories offered in the various open house meetings and the online survey at the beginning of the planning process. All of the comments and survey results are summarized in the Appendix. The comments have been grouped into eight topics as illustrated below in the blue boxes: Character, Environment, etc. These topics relate strongly to the Key Planning Issues identified above, as indicated by the arrows connecting similar ideas. Taken together, these issues and topics represent the ideas that will be the guiding force shaping the Comprehensive Plan Update. These issues are reflected in the Goals and Policies in the Plan as well. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-8 Regional Planning Designation The following narrative and policies (gray type) are excerpted and paraphrased from the Metropolitan Council’s Thrive MSP 2040 Plan: The regional planning area designation and related policies identify the Metropolitan Council’s expectations for the amount, location, and standards for development. A community’s planning area designation is based on its location, amount of developable land, existing development patterns, planned land uses and availability of infrastructure. The Metropolitan Council’s Thrive MSP 2040 Plan designates Mendota Heights as “suburban.” Suburban communities experienced continued growth and expansion during the 1980s and early 1990s, and typically have automobile-oriented development patterns at significantly lower densities than in previous eras. Figure 1-1: Community Designation Map for Mendota Heights (Metropolitan Council) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-9 Developed Communities Community designations are intended to guide regional growth and development to areas that have urban infrastructure in place and the capacity to accommodate development and redevelopment and establish land use expectations including overall densities and development patterns. The Metropolitan Council forecasts that “Suburban” communities will account for 22 percent of the region’s population growth, 27 percent of its household growth, and 43 percent of employment growth over the next three decades. The 2040 Thrive MSP policies for Suburban communities are available on the Metropolitan council website, and include the following: • Orderly and Efficient Land Use o Plan for new growth at overall average densities of 5 units per acre1 o Look for development and redevelopment opportunities that link jobs, housing and transit o Plan local infrastructure to accommodate future growth • Natural Resources Protection o Integrate natural resource conservation and restoration into the comprehensive plan and ordinances o Identify contaminated land for reclamation. o Plan for restoration of natural features and functions 1 The Met Council policy only applies to new residential development in the City and does not affect existing development or neighborhoods. All new single -family, medium density and high density residential development combined is expected to be 5 units/acre or more. Existing residential of all kinds in the City is currently about 2.3 units/acre. Metropolitan Council policies for Suburban commuities: https://metrocouncil.org/Planning/ Publications-And- Resources/Thrive-MSP-2040- Plan- (1)/7_ThriveMSP2040_LandUseP oliciesbyCD.aspx LeMay Lake Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-10 • Water Sustainability o Implement BMPs to control and treat stormwater in redevelopment • Housing Affordability and Choice o Support the community’s share of the region’s affordable housing need o Plan for a mix of housing affordability o Use various sources of funding and financing tools to facilitate the development of lifecycle and affordable housing, including the needs of multigenerational households • Access, Mobility, and Transportation Choice o Focus growth, if possible, around regional transit o Support improved pedestrian and bicycle circulation o Consider policies that reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles o Adopt Complete Streets policies Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-11 • Economic Competitiveness o Identify appropriate areas for business and industrial expansion o Support the cleanup and reuse of contaminated land o Preserve the industrial base for higher-intensity employment and new industries o Protect sites for highway-, river-, and rail-dependent manufacturing and freight transportation needs o Plan for land uses that support the growth of businesses that export goods and services outside the region o Preserve locations for employment, manage growth, and minimize land use conflicts • Building Resilience o Identify potential vulnerabilities in local infrastructure as a result of severe weather o Participate in programs that incentivize wind and solar power o Consider a property-assessed clean energy (PACE) program for conservation and renewable energy o Promote community solar gardens o Encourage travel demand management (TDM) policies and ordinance o Consider development standards that increase vegetative cover and increase the solar reflective quality of surfaces. o Participate in urban forestry assistance programs Mendota Office Center Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-12 Community History Mendota Heights has a long and rich heritage, which serves as a source of identity for the community. Mendota Heights is located near the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Native Americans view the area as an important meeting place. Pilot Knob (now City-owned property) overlooks the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. It was considered sacred by the Dakota who called it Oȟéyawahe, “the hill much visited.” Pilot Knob was named by riverboat pilots as the landmark overlooking Fort Snelling, the first American fort. The Europeans called the area St. Peter, or St. Pierre, during the time that Fort Snelling was constructed in the 1820s. However, the name of the area was later changed to Mendota, which in Dakota means, “meeting of the waters.” Fur traders established a trading post in the early 1830’s within what is now Mendota Heights. The trading post, coupled with Fort Snelling located across the river, formed the basis for one of the first settlement areas in Minnesota. During the period from 1837 to 1853, the Dakota ceded large tracts of land to the United Pilot Knob, Mouth of the St. Peters River, painting by Seth Eastman ca. 1866 Taoyateduta, chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota, ca. 1850 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-13 States, which was then deeded to settlers who tilled the land and operated dairy farms. Gradually, individual homes began to appear along the St. Paul border in the north and in the hills above Mendota Township in the west. Between them were farms, country schools, and estates. The population of Mendota Township in 1860 was 454. The area grew slowly to 1,360 at the start of World War II. St. Peter’s Church was built in 1853 atop the bluff overlooking the rivers and is the oldest church in continuous use within Minnesota. Several trails crossed the area, including the Mission Trail. It connected the river to the Dakota Village at Kaposia, located at present- day South St. Paul. Dodd Road, the first military road through the region, was completed in 1849 and connected the community to St. Peter. Dodd Road currently bisects the City and continues to provide a north-south travel artery throughout the community. The Old Mendota Road, which is now Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110), provided for east-west travel through the area. The Minnesota Central, the first Dakota County railroad, later the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, ran through Mendota Township, crossing the Minnesota River, and carried supplies to Fort Snelling. The Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha Railway was also an early railroad in the area. Following World War II, farmers began to sell lots for individual homes and acreage for residential subdivisions. Home construction increased rapidly, particularly in the northern section of the township and by 1950, the population totaled 2,107. The Township of Mendota was established in 1858, and was eventually divided into two separate towns. Mendota was chartered in 1887 and incorporated in 1936. The remainder of the township was incorporated as Mendota Heights in 1956. Interstate 494 comprises the southern border of Mendota Heights. Its intersection with Interstate 35E acts as a primary “gateway” into the community, as does Highway 55 as it crosses the Mendota Bridge, the Interstate 35E/Mississippi River crossing and Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110), as it enters the community from the east. Minnesota Highway 13 traverses the west and northwest edge of the City near the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. Steep bluffs along those rivers include the natural open spaces of Fort Snelling State Park, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and Lilydale Regional Park, and together with the Dodge Nature Center provide a greenbelt that surrounds and Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad depot in Mendota, ca. 1890 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-14 infiltrates Mendota Heights. The location of these features is illustrated on the Community Facilities map. The natural and open space areas, when combined with the 290 acres of community parks, three golf courses, Rogers, Augusta, and LeMay Lakes, and with the naturally rolling terrain and mature woodlands, create the appealing “natural open” setting of the City. These features and spaces are located adjacent to the major roadways and as such, create a unique, natural setting for intimate neighborhoods. The views of the River Valleys from adjacent bluffs and bridge crossings are nothing less than spectacular. The predominance of scenic, natural vistas and corridors within a community located so close to the core of the Twin Cities is truly unique within the Metropolitan Region. This being the case, the City of Mendota Heights considers it paramount to protect and enhance the natural living environment for its residents. Rogers Lake in Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-15 Development History Early History The river topography and landscape of bluffs, ravines, views, lakes, and wooded areas have provided attractive settings for residential settlement. Mendota Heights was a part of Mendota Township until the Village of Mendota Heights was incorporated in 1956. 1957 to 1977 The first Land Use Plan for Mendota Heights was adopted in 1959 . Its purpose was to guide public and private development to achieve balanced residential and commercial/industrial growth, in order to assure the availability of tax funds for schools and public services. At that time, 21% of the land (exclusive of golf courses and cemeteries) was developed. The City’s history of early land planning established a clear and well-defined pattern for future land uses. The 1959 Plan identified the following needs: • The need for additional east-west thoroughfares; • The need for community connections across future I-35E; • The designation of a business/industrial area in the southwest corner of the City; • The desire to limit commercial “strip” development; and • The decision to continue the semi-rural character of the residential areas. Many of the major objectives of the 1959 Plan came to fruition as the Plan was largely followed over the ensuing years. In the twenty-year period from the late 1950’s to the late 1970’s, St. Thomas and Visitation schools were established (1955-56); Fort Snelling State Park was established (1961); the I-35 bridge into St. Paul was built (1965); Henry Sibley High School was built (1971); and in 1974, Mendota Heights became a city. Overall, an additional 40% of the land area was developed, most of it to establish new residential areas. 1977 to 1997 The land use pattern initially laid out by early comprehensive plans was clearly established along with several transportation improvements. Both I-35E and I- 494 were built during this period. I-35E was extended in both directions, into downtown St. Paul and south into Burnsville. I-494 was constructed along the southern border of the City and replaced Highway 110 (now Highway 62) as the primary east-west route. In this period, United Properties began the development of the Mendota Heights Business Park, and several areas designated as residential were developed throughout the City. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-16 The availability of the Interstate routes did relieve local roadways of some traffic, particularly in the cases of Highway 110 and Highway 149. The accessibility of the Interstate routes also more clearly established distinct neighborhoods in the community. The 1959 Land Use Plan emphasized the importance of east-west routes and planned crossings at Marie Avenue, Mendota Heights Road, and Wagon Wheel Trail, all of which were built more than 20 years later. Aircraft traffic noise from flights over Mendota Heights dramatically increased in this period as well, due to the growth and expansion of the airline industry and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The increasing number of flights, larger aircraft, and expanded use of the runways over the Mississippi River corridor, continue to impact the land use and living environment of the southern part of the community. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) actually bought out one neighborhood and created a flight path corridor, near Acacia Cemetery, within Mendota Heights. Homes were removed and the area was re-developed for industrial uses. Other residential areas were part of the Part 150 Sound Insulation program, receiving funds to upgrade windows and insulation in existing homes. New residential neighborhoods have been built with additional sound insulation and modified building techniques. Total operations at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) increased from 230,793 in 1972 to 483,013 in 1998, more than doubling. This increase in flights, along with expansion of the flights over the new residential areas and outside of the flight corridor, has adversely affected many neighborhoods of the City. The City put forth considerable time and effort to reduce aircraft noise and operations over the City, establishing an Airport Relations Commission (ARC), participating in the Dakota County Airport Relations Commission (DCARC), and the Metropolitan Aircraft Sound Abatement Council (MASAC) and adopting a Noise Attenuation Ordinance. MSP International Airport, located across the Minnesota River west of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-17 1998 – 2007 From 1998 to 2006, the City issued 436 residential building permits. Of those, 259 were for single family homes. In 2003, the City saw the most development during this period, with a total of 125 residential permits issued during that year. A number of significant projects reshaped Mendota Heights during this time. The most visible is the Village at Mendota Heights, a mixed-use development at the northeast intersection of Trunk Highway 110 (now MN 62) and Dodd Road. The City acquired the property to create an urban town center that includes a senior residential facility, townhomes, and intensive commercial surrounding an open space plaza. The second significant change is the Summit of Mendota Heights, a mixed residential development consisting of townhomes and a multi-story condominium. This facility is located on the former site of the Ecolab research building at Sibley Memorial Highway and Wachtler Avenue. Another residential project is the Hidden Creek development, a residential plat of generally one-acre lots on a portion of the “superblock”, an area of larger acreage properties which have had minimal previous development activity. Two other projects have involved the City’s activity in avoiding development, and retaining existing open space. The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course had operated as a privately-owned facility for many years, until the owners proposed to close the 17-acre facility and develop the property into approximately 30 single family lots. After some struggle, ending with a successful referendum, the City purchased the golf course and is now operating the facility as a municipal course. Perhaps the most important project also involves the City’s decision to spend public dollars to preserve the Pilot Knob area, just off the Mendota Bridge The Village at Mendota Heights (Photo: Damon Farber) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-18 between Acacia Cemetery and Highway 55. After a series of development proposals for this property were turned away or withdrawn, the City joined with other public entities, including Dakota County and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and purchased a number of large parcels totaling 25.5 acres . The land will be retained as open space, and is currently being res tored to its pre-development environment. The property has historical and cultural significance on many levels, including a sacred site for native people, a nearby gathering area for the 1862 transfer of the Minnesota Territory lands to the U.S. government, and the “pilot knob” landmark for steamboats approaching the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. 2008-2018 Since the last Comprehensive Plan was prepared a number of significant developments have taken place in Mendota Heights. The economic recession from 2007 to 2012 impacted development cross the Twin Cities, including Mendota Heights and there was little development activity during those years , but coming out of the recession there was some significant activity. The Mendota Plaza Shopping Center at Highway 110 (now MN 62) and Dodd Road saw a major renovation during this period, with a 15,000-square-foot Walgreen’s pharmacy added in 2012 and the 50-unit assisted living complex, White Pine Senior Living, in 2014. Also at Mendota Plaza, a new 4-story 139-unit apartment project is being constructed in 2018 by Paster Properties and At Home Apartments. It is the first new market-rate project in Mendota Heights in thirty years. The project will also include 11,000 square feet of commercial space in two buildings sharing the site with the apartments. A new 70-unit apartment project is being developed in 2018 by Michael Development on the site of the former Mendota Motel and Lawson Garden Center at Highway 13 and Acacia Drive. New apartments at Mendota Plaza (rendering courtesy of At Home Apartments) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-19 The Vikings football team’s new headquarters and surrounding development in nearby Eagan has generated considerable discussion and may affect Mendota Heights with traffic, noise and light, but also with potential increases in economic activity and property values . Located just off the southeast edge of Mendota Heights, it will include the teams’ corporate offices, practice facilities, 6,500-seat stadium, athletic clinic, team Hall of Fame, and ancillary offices, hotels, retail, restaurants and housing on the 200-acre site. While no major roadway projects have been built recently, one of the major highways in Mendota Heights has been renamed. In the summer of 2018, Highway 110 was renamed Highway 62, acknowledging it as an extension of Highway 62 that now starts on the west side of the Mendota Bridge and extends west through Minneapolis and other suburbs to I-494 in Eden Prairie. Vikings facility in Eagan under construction, 2017 (photo: Leila Navidi) Map courtesy MnDOT Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-20 Natural Resources Inventory The natural environment is an important asset to the residents of Mendota Heights. During the City’s developing stages, a strong emphasis was placed on preserving high quality open spaces and wooded areas. This has provided tremendous benefits to the residents and is an important focal point of the community. Residents enjoy numerous lakes and wetlands, open spaces, parks, trails, and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The following lists specific environmental features within the City of Mendota Heights: General Topography and Drainage The topography of the City of Mendota Heights varies greatly, from floodplains of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers to the primary and secondary bluffs of the rivers. The maps that follow illustrate the topography and location of floodplains within the community. The majority of the City lies relatively flat at an elevation approximately 200 feet above the river. Many of the lakes and ponds in the City are entirely controlled by percolations, precipitation, and evaporation. The original terrain and vegetation of the area were altered for purposes of farming. Marshes and wetlands were left relatively undisturbed except for a few ditching projects. More detailed information on the drainage system of the city can be found in the Local Surface Water Management Plan. Soils The Soil Conservation Service has identified the following soil associations within the City of Mendota Heights: • Nearly Level Soils on the Floodplains. This area is on the floodplains of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, mostly located in the Fort Snelling State Park. Much of it is frequently flooded and is generally too wet to be farmland. • Light Colored, Rolling to Hilly Soils. This general area is in the Morainic part of Dakota County. It is characterized by steep slopes and numerous poorly drained depressions. The soils are extremely variable in depth, texture, and productivity. • Light Colored to Moderately Dark Colored, Rolling to Loose Hilly Soils on Till. In topography and texture, this soil association is mostly the light colored rolling high soils described above. Most of the soils develop from calcareous materials. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-21 Floodplain Although the City of Mendota Heights is located in such close proximity to the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River, there is no floodway within the City boundaries. As the Floodplain map portrays, there is floodway on both sides of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River, within the cities of St. Paul, Lilydale, Mendota, and Eagan. The floodway basically follows the northwest boundary of the City. Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands The following is a list of lakes and rivers located within the City of Mendota Heights: Gun Club Lake Lake Augusta Lake LeMay Rogers Lake Friendly Marsh Copperfield Ponds Mississippi River Minnesota River Lake LeMay, Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-22 Watersheds Mendota Heights is part of two watersheds: Lower Mississippi and Lower Minnesota River. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) encompasses 50 square miles in Dakota and Ramsey Counties. Other surrounding communities include: Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, St. Paul, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. The LMRWMO was established by a Joint Powers Agreement in 1985. The watershed is well-drained with many small depressions and steep slopes. Issues of concern include water quality, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and water recreation. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is located in the southwest part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area along the Minnesota River. The District boundaries encompass an area of 64 square miles of Carver, Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, and Ramsey counties, which includes the Minnesota River Valley from Fort Snelling, at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, upstream to Carver, Minnesota. The width of the District includes the bluffs on both sides of the Minnesota River within this reach of the river. The City of Mendota Heights entered into an agreement with the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District in 2005. Issues of concern include dredging, spoil site acquisition, and bank erosion control. Significant Vegetation The City of Mendota Heights contains a variety of wooded areas and explicit forested areas. There is a large amount of floodplain forest along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. There is a large area of altered, non-native deciduous forest on the east side of Gun Club Lake. A variety of vegetation also surrounds Lake Augusta and Lake Le May, including the following: altered/non-native deciduous forest, altered/non-native deciduous woodland, oak forest, native dominated disturbed upland shrubland, and aspen forest. The east side of 35E within the City of Mendota Heights, just before entering Lilydale, contains a variety of vegetation, from altered/non-native deciduous forest, altered/non-native deciduous woodland, altered/non-native mixed woodland, oak forest, floodplain forest, and lowland hardwood forest. There are also pockets of a variety of forests and woodlands between 35E and the boundary with West St. Paul and Sunfish Lake, especially surrounding the water features. The Significant Vegetation map illustrates the location of wooded and forested areas within the City of Mendota Heights. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE900'850' 8 0 0 '750'950'700'1000'750'900' 900'850'850'850'900'900'900' 9 5 0 '900'850' 75 0 '900'850' 900'850'850'800'900'900'7 0 0 ' 9 0 0 '900'900'850'850'850' 8 5 0 '900'950'900'850'900'950'850'900'8 5 0 '900'900'900' 850'950'900'850'900'850'700'900'700'8 5 0 ' 85 0 ' 9 0 0 '900'950'900'850'900'1000'900'950'700'850'750' 800' 900'900'850'700'8 5 0 '900'900' 850'900'900'900' 850' Topography City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet 50' Contour Lines Elevation up to 700' Elevation 700' - 750' Elevation 750' - 800' Elevation 800' - 850' Elevation 850' - 900' Elevation 900' - 950' Elevation 950' - 1,000' Elevation above 1,000' City Boundary Land Parcel Line Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE FEMA Floodplains City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Open Water 100-Year Floodplain 500-Year Floodplain September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2018 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Water Features City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Open Water Wetland September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2018 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDCAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT DODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION EAGAN-INVER GROVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZTION LOWER MINNESOTA WATERSHED DISTRICT Hydrography City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Watershed Boundary Open Water Wetland 100-Year Floodplain 500-Year Floodplain September 17, 2018 Source: FEMA, City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2018 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Significant Vegetation City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Open Water Wetland Altered/Non-Native Deciduous Forest Altered/Non-Native Deciduous Woodland Altered/Non-Native Mixed Woodland Aspen Forest Floodplain Forest Lowland Hardwood Forest Maple-Basswood Forest Oak Forest White Pine-Hardwood Forest Mesic Prairie September 17, 2018 Source: Dakota County MLCCS, 2013 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-28 Community Facilities The City of Mendota Heights currently retains a full co mplement of administrative services, including Administration, Engineering, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire, Finance, and Code Enforcement. The City contracts with private consultants for planning and legal services. City Hall provides administrative office space and public meeting facilities . City Hall is located at 1101 Victoria Curve, northwest of the intersection of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Lexington Avenue. Police and Fire The City of Mendota Heights provides police protection for its residents. The police station is located in the lower level of City Hall. Police are dispatched from Dakota Communications Center, which is located in Empire Township. The City also provides police services to the communities of Lilydale and Mendota. The Police Department consists of 18 officers and 2.5 non-sworn civilian employees. Fire protection is also provided by the City. The department is located on Dodd Road, one-quarter mile south of Highway 62. Fire and Rescue Service consists of 36 volunteers and has a fully equipped station consisting of a 2,000-gallon tanker, three pump trucks (one with a 65’ ladder), a rescue vehicle, a brush truck, a boat, an ATV, and other equipment and services. Renovations are planned for the Dodd Road facility with a $4.5 million upgrade to relieve overcrowding in the apparatus bay, administrative space and storage areas, plus technology and HVAC upgrades. The City also provides fire services for the cities of Sunfish Lake, Lilydale, and Mendota. The average response time to fire calls ranges from six to eight minutes. The Fire and Rescue Services was last rated as providing Class 4 services (1-best, 10-worst), as defined by the Insurance Services Office. Specific residential fire ratings are determined based upon a combination of factors, including the individual rating for the Fire Department, availability of water services, and the level of communications (i.e., 911 call system, fire alarms, pagers, and dispatch systems), available in the community. Schools Minnesota Independent School District #197 serves all or parts of the communities of Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake and West St. Paul. The District is comprised of five elementary schools (two neighborhood schools and three magnet schools), two middle schools, and one high school. In addition, the District serves birth -to-age five children with an Early Learning Program. Total enrollment for District schools in the 2015-2016 school year was estimated at 4,343 students. This is down from 4,885 students in the 1998-1999 school year. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-29 There are six public and private schools offering kindergarten through 12th grade located within the City of Mendota Heights: Mendota Elementary School, Somerset Elementary School, Friendly Hills Middle School, Henry Sibley High School, St. Thomas Academy, and Visitation School. The following table provides a breakdown of enrollment of the K-12 public schools located within the City at the start of the 2007 - 2008 school year compared with the 2015-2016 school year. Table 1-1: Public School Enrollment for K-12 Schools within the City of Mendota Heights: 2007-08 vs. 2015-16 School Years School Grades 2007-08 Total Enrollment 20015-16 Total Enrollment Percent Change 2007-08 to 2015-16 Mendota Elementary School K - 4th 360 388 8% Somerset Elementary School K - 4th 318 419 32% Friendly Hills Middle School 5th - 8th 597 727 22% Henry Sibley High School 9th - 12th 1,462 1,330 -9% Source: ISD 197 The number of students enrolled in private schools within the City was 1,201 during the 2015-16 school year, down from the 2007-2008 school year, when 1,295 students were enrolled in private schools. Table 1-2: Private School Enrollment for K-12 Schools within the City of Mendota Heights: 2007-08 vs. 2015-16 School Year School Grades 2007-08 Total Enrollment 20015-16 Total Enrollment Percent Change 2007-08 to 2015-16 St. Thomas Academy 7th - 12th 695 600 -14% Visitation School Montessori -12th 600 601 0% Source: St. Thomas Academy and Visitation School websites Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-30 Parks, Open Space, and Trails The City of Mendota Heights boasts a variety of recreational opportunities , including access to regional trails, riverside and lakeside parks, scenic bluffs and a nature preserve. These facilities represent unique features in a park system that helps to shape the character of Mendota Heights. The City has 295 acres of city-owned parks and open spaces, which includes active and passive recreation areas, along with other state and private parks and open spaces. These facilities are detailed in the Parks, Open Space and Trails chapter of this plan. Cemeteries There are two cemeteries in Mendota Heights – Resurrection and Acacia – which occupy a significant amount of land on the west side of the community. Wastewater The City's Public Works Department operates and maintains the City’s sanitary sewer system. The responsibilities of the sanitary sewer system include maintenance of the sanitary sewer lift stations, sanitary sewer main repair, and sanitary sewer hook-up inspections. Water Supply The St. Paul Regional Water Services provides water to Mendota Heights and owns the water towers and distributions system. St. Paul maintains the water lines and hydrants and bills its customers directly. A two-million-gallon water tower, located on South Lexington Avenue, next to the City's Public Works Facility, provides reserve water capacity. The Community Features Map illustrates the location of the various public, semi- public, institutional, and private uses within the City of Mendota Heights. While the Community Facilities map illustrates specific locations of public buildings, schools, churches, synagogues, golf courses, parks, and major employers. Surface Water & Stormwater Management Handling stormwater runoff, both to reduce flooding and to protect water quality, is an important issue for Mendota Heights. The city is completing a Surface Water Management Plan which will be made part of this Comprehensive Plan Update, detailing the programs and policies for stormwater management in the City. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALEPI CKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE SOMERSETGOLF COURSE(PRIVATE)ISLANDREG IO NALTRAILF ortSnellingStateParkRESURRECTIONCEMETERY CITY HALL\POLICE PUBLICWORKS FIRE STATION MENDAKOTA GOLF COURSE(PRIVATE) ST. THOMASACADEMY VISITATION HENRYSIBLEYSENIORHIGH MENDOTAELEM. FRIENDLY HILLSMIDDLE SCHOOL PAR 3 (PUBLIC) ACACIA PARKCEMETERY VENTO'S VIEW(WILDLIFE VIEWING STATION) ÊÚ SCENIC OVERLOOK(DAKOTA COUNTY) M E N D O TA BRID G E SOMERSETELEM. OLIVIA T. DODGENATURE CENTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PROPOSED NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL BIGRIVERSREGIONALTRAIL14 13 15 LILYDALE-HARRIETDODDRDÊÚ ÊÚÊÚ ÊÚ PILOT KNOBPRESERVATION BUS GARAGEÊÚ DODDRDDELAWAREAVEMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRLHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDS IVY FALLS AVE Community Facilities City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 Off Street Bituminous Trail (6' to 8' wide) Proposed North Urban Regional Trail (Dakota County) Wide Shoulders/On Street Parks Cemetery City Park State Park Golf Course Nature Preserve Municipal Facility School Open Water Wetland 1) Friendly Hills Park 2) Friendly Marsh Park 3) Hagstrom King Park 4) Ivy Hills Park 5) Kensington Park 6) Marie Park 7) Mendakota Park 8) Rogers Lake Park 9) Valley Park 10) Victoria Highland Park 11) Wentworth Park 12) Valley View Heights Park 13) Copperfield Ponds 14) Sibley Park 15) Civic Center Ball Park Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-32 Socio-Economic Profile The purpose of the social and economic inventory is to identify past trends, document current conditions, and help identify issues to be addressed in planning policies. These policies will help the community address a broad base of land use and development issues. With the help of a solid information and policy base, decision makers can evaluate and prioritize proposals for the community while fulfilling the City’s long-term goals and objectives. Growth Trends: Mendota Heights The following graph illustrates the estimated and projected growth in the City of Mendota Heights for population, household, and employment from 1970 through 2040. The table on the following pages expands this information with comparisons to Dakota County. Figure 1-9 Mendota Heights and Dakota County: Population, Household, & Employment Estimates & Forecasts 1970-2040 Source: Metropolitan Council, US Census After a significant increase between 1980 and 2000, City population decreased slightly after 2000, but is expected to remain relatively stable in the decades to come. In the meantime, the number of households is expected to grow at a slow pace, indicating a further decline of household sizes. Employment, however, has continued to grow in the past ten years despite the recent economic downturn, and is expected to continue, but at a slightly slower pace in the next 20 years. 6,565 7,288 9,381 11,434 11,071 11,300 11,300 11,400 1,641 2,210 3,302 4,178 4,378 4,600 4,710 4,8001,140 2,998 5,805 8,549 11,550 12,600 13,400 13,700 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Population Household Employment Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-33 Growth Trends: Mendota Heights Versus Dakota County Communities The following table shows population, household, and employment estim ates and forecasts for the City of Mendota Heights and Dakota County, 1970 through 2040. The table shows how the City has grown slower in all three measures than the County as a whole over several decades, with the exception of employment between 1970 and 2000. The City saw its largest population percent growth from 1980 to 1990. Dakota County also experienced its highest percentage growth in population from 1980 to 1990. City population is projected to remain more or less unchanged out to 2040, whereas the County is projected to continue to grow steadily for the next three decades. Table 1-3: Mendota Heights and Dakota County: Population, Household, and Employment Estimates & Forecasts 1970 – 2040 Population/Percent Change 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Mendota Hts 6,565 7,288 9,381 11,434 11,071 11,300 11,300 11,400 Decade change - 11% 29% 22% -3% 2% 0% 1% Dakota County 139,808 194,279 275,186 355,904 398,552 435,870 474,670 514,050 Decade change - 39% 42% 29% 12% 9% 9% 8% Household/Percent Change 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Mendota Hts 1,641 2,210 3,302 4,178 4,378 4,600 4,710 4,800 Decade change - 35% 49% 27% 5% 5% 2% 2% Dakota County 37,560 64,087 98,293 131,151 152,060 170,940 187,980 204,750 Decade change - 71% 53% 33% 16% 12% 10% 9% Employment/Percent Change 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Mendota Hts 1,140 2,998 5,805 8,549 11,550 12,600 13,400 13,700 Decade change - 163% 94% 47% 35% 9% 6% 2% Dakota County 31,100 62,134 106,029 154,242 170,192 203,330 219,860 236,500 Decade change - 100% 71% 45% 10% 19% 8% 8% Source: Metropolitan Council, US Census Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-34 Population The following line graph illustrates the estimated and forecasted population for Mendota Heights and four other communities within Dakota County – Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul, and South St. Paul. Mendota Heights and its neighbors West St. Paul and South St. Paul are mostly developed and will grow slowly; Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, with room to grow, will see larger population increases. Figure 1-10 Mendota Heights and Dakota County Communities: Population Estimates & Forecasts 2000-2040 Household Growth Trends The following graph illustrates the growth trend in the number of households, actual and projected, in Mendota Heights and area communities within Dakota County, from 1970 to 2040. As the graph illustrates, households in West St. Paul and South St. Paul will continue to steadily increase from 2010 until 2040 . As with population, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights will experience more dramatic increases between 2010 and 2040. Mendota Heights is expected to experience a modest rise in the number of households, similar to West St. Paul and South St. Paul. 11,434 11,071 11,300 11,300 11,400 63,557 64,206 67,400 69,800 72,300 29,751 33,880 37,300 42,000 46,700 19,405 19,540 20,800 21,900 23,100 20,167 20,160 21,500 21,500 21,800 0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040Population Mendota Heights Eagan Inver Grove Heights West St. Paul South St. Paul Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-35 Figure 1-11 Mendota Heights and Dakota County Communities: Household Estimates & Forecasts 2000-2040 Household Size The graph below illustrates average household size in Mendota Heights compared to Dakota County from 1970 to 2040. Household size has declined steadily since 1970 but is expected to flatten out in the next couple decades. Figure 1-12: Average Household Size Mendota Heights & Dakota County 1970-2040 4,178 4,378 4,600 4,710 4,800 23,773 25,249 27,400 28,700 30,000 11,257 13,476 15,400 17,600 19,800 8,645 8,529 9,200 9,600 10,100 8,123 8,186 8,900 9,200 9,400 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040Households Year Mendota Heights Eagan Inver Grove Heights West St. Paul South St. Paul 4.00 3.30 2.84 2.74 2.51 2.45 2.46 2.40 2.38 3.72 3.03 2.80 2.71 2.60 2.58 2.…2.53 2.51 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040Persons per HouseholdYear Mendota Heights Dakota County Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-36 Household Type Two types of householders are distinguished in the 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census: a family and a non-family householder. A family householder is a householder living with one or more people related to him or her by birth, marriage, or adoption. The householder and all people in the household related to him or her are family members. A non-family householder is a householder living alone or with non-relatives only. The table below illustrates the demographic profile of the households in Mendota Heights. The table separates households by information pertaining to family and non-family households; households with or with or without children; and the number of households in each category. Table 1-4: Mendota Heights Household Types 2000 & 2010 Total households HHs with Children HHs without Children Household Type 2000 2010 2000 2010 2000 2010 Married Couple Families 2,902 2,821 1,356 1,068 1,546 1,753 Female Householder 253 281 151 155 102 126 Male Householder 83 102 37 46 46 56 Total Family Households 3,238 3,204 1,544 1,269 1,694 1,935 Percent 77.5% 73.2% Total Non-Family Households 940 1,174 Percent 22.5% 26.8% Total Households 4,178 4,378 Source: 2000 and 2010 US Census The number of households held fairly steady between 2000 and 2010 but the significant changes is in households with and without children – the trend being fewer households with children. This likely indicates a societal trend but also the presence of more retirees in Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-37 Age Distribution The following bar graph compares the percentages of the age distribution in the City of Mendota Heights in 2000 and 2010 and 2014. The median age of Mendota Heights’ residents in 2000 was 41 years old. By 2010, the median age climbed to 47.5 years old. By 2014, the Census estimated it rose again to 49 years old. Figure 1-13: Mendota Heights Age Distribution 2000, 2010, & 2014 Source: US Census 2000 & 2010, ACS 2014 The largest age cohort in Mendota Heights are 45-to-64-year-olds, rising from about 29% in 2000 to over 37% in 2014. The share of children 14 and under has decreased from about 22% in 2000 to under 15% in 2014. 5.8% 16.5% 11.1% 6.9% 15.8% 18.9% 10.6% 8.3% 6.2% 4.6% 13.0%11.4% 7.2% 9.8% 18.1%18.2% 9.1%8.7%3.9% 11.5%11.7% 6.4% 10.0% 17.0% 20.2% 9.2%10.0% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% 14.0% 16.0% 18.0% 20.0% 22.0% Under 5 years 5 to 14 years 15 to 24 years 25 ot 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 years + 2000 2010 2014 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-38 Age Distribution The graphs to the right depict this aging trend in Mendota Heights in a focused way. In just 14 years, the share of the population over and under 45 years of age has flipped – from just under half to just over half. Mendota Heights’ age trends have been following the age composition trends of the Twin Cities Metro Area. The greatest population gains in the 1990s in the Seven- County Metro Area were in the forty-five (45) to fifty-four (54) year old age group, which is the same as Mendota Heights’ largest percentage category. This was a result of the Baby Boom generation moving into an age category previously occupied by the smaller Depression and World War II generation. The generation after the baby boom generation, also known as Generation X, 35-to-44-year-old age group, also grew significantly in the 1990s, just as in Mendota Heights. The continued aging of the population creates new challenges for the Seven- County Metro Area, as well as for the City of Mendota Heights. It is expected to increase the demand for a wider range of services and housing choices, such as townhomes, one-level housing, assisted living, and so on, rather than traditional single-family homes. The Metropolitan Council has estimated that between 2000 and 2030, the population under the age of 55 is projected to increase by nineteen percent (19%) in the Twin Cities Seven County Metro Area, while the number of people 55 and over is expected to more than double, an increase of 111%. If the City of Mendota Heights continues to follow the population trends of the greater Metropolitan Area, the needs of the aging population will need to be recognized and addressed. Education The graph on the next page illustrates education levels for Mendota Heights residents ages 25 and over in 2010, compared to Dakota County, the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, and the State of Minnesota. Compared to the County, State and Metro area, Mendota Heights’ residents are very well educated . The City has more than 20 percent more residents with Bachelor’s degrees than either Dakota County and the Metro Area, and the highest percentage of high school graduates. 44%56% 2000 45 years and older 44 and younger 56%44% 2014 45 years and older 44 and younger Figure 1-14: Mendota Heights Age 45+ 2000 & 2014 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-39 Sources: ACS 2014, Metropolitan Council Employment Occupations Information from the 2010 Census regarding employment demographics for Mendota Heights is depicted in the table below. The statistics provided include employment information for residents over the age of 16. The majority of those employed in the City in 2010 were in Management, employing 62 percent of the population. The second largest employment category was Sales and Office, employing 23 percent of the population. Table 1-5: Occupation of Residents in Mendota Heights Management, business, science, and arts occupations 3,567 Service occupations 501 Sales and office occupations 1,342 Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations 110 Production, transportation, and material moving occupations 259 Total Civilian employed population 16 years and over 5,779 Source: ACS 2014 97%95%92%92% 62% 40%41%33% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Mendota Heights Dakota County 7 County Metro Minnesota High School Grad or higher Bachelor's Degree or higher Figure 1-15: Educational Attainment – Mendota Heights, Dakota County, Metro Area & Minnesota Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 1-40 Income The median household income for the City of Mendota Heights in 2000 was $81,155. The City’s median household income has increased since then to $98,098 in 2014. The median household income for the City is higher than that of Dakota County, the entire Twin Cities Metro Area, and the State of Minnesota. Figure 1-16: Median Household Income 2000 & 2014 Source: ACS 2014, Metropolitan Council Poverty Rates According to the 2000 Census and 2015 Census estimates, the City has a relatively low percentage of individuals below the poverty level, compared to Dakota County and Minnesota as a whole. Federal guidelines for 2015 considered the poverty level to be $12,071 annually for a single person, $24,230 per year for a family of four. For 2018 these increased to $12,140 and $25,100, respectively. The number more than doubled by 2015 to 431 Mendota Heights residents living below the poverty level. Table 1-6: Mendota Heights Poverty Rates 2000 & 2015 Below Poverty Level in 2000 Below Poverty Level in 2015 Number Percent Number Percent Individuals Dakota County Minnesota 212 1.9% 431 3.9% 5.4% 9.9% Individuals 65 years and over 33 2.0% 86 3.9% Families 43 1.3% 170 3.7% Families with children under 18 years 28 0.9% 77 3.3% Source: ACS 2015 $81,155 $61,863 $54,300 $47,111 $98,098 $74,995 $68,000 $60,828 $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 Mendota Heights Dakota County 7 County Metro Minnesota 2000 2014 2-1 2 Land Use Although Mendota Heights is almost completely developed, there are substantial areas of public and private open space, wetlands, lakes, bluff and wooded areas that give the feeling of very low density of development in much of the community. The land use pattern is well established, with the strong residential neighborhoods throughout the City, business and industrial development in the southwest corner, several major institutional uses (cemeteries, schools, golf courses), and protected natural areas (Dodge Nature Center, bluffs and ravines along the river). The Community Facilities Map illustrates the specific location and type of natural areas, open space, and recreation areas located within and around Mendota Heights (see Figure 2-1). This Plan identifies “focus” areas, or remaining parcels to be developed or redeveloped (see attached Figure 2-2 Focus Areas). These areas range from small isolated parcels to larger sections of the city which may be developed with different lot sizes or land uses at some point. Attention will also be given to protecting the high quality natural and built environments which is addressed in many of the goals of this Plan. The intent is to continue to protect the quiet, secluded feel of its mature neighborhoods by preserving natural features and the environment, promoting high quality and well- functioning developments, and continuing to work to decrease airplane noise over the City. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALEPI CKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE SOMERSETGOLF COURSE(PRIVATE)ISLANDREG IO NALTRAILF ortSnellingStateParkRESURRECTIONCEMETERY CITY HALL\POLICE PUBLICWORKS FIRE STATION MENDAKOTA GOLF COURSE(PRIVATE) ST. THOMASACADEMY VISITATION HENRYSIBLEYSENIORHIGH MENDOTAELEM. FRIENDLY HILLSMIDDLE SCHOOL PAR 3 (PUBLIC) ACACIA PARKCEMETERY VENTO'S VIEW(WILDLIFE VIEWING STATION) ÊÚ SCENIC OVERLOOK(DAKOTA COUNTY) M E N D O TA BRID G E SOMERSETELEM. OLIVIA T. DODGENATURE CENTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PROPOSED NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL BIGRIVERSREGIONALTRAIL14 13 15 LILYDALE-HARRIETDODDRDÊÚ ÊÚÊÚ ÊÚ PILOT KNOBPRESERVATION BUS GARAGEÊÚ DODDRDDELAWAREAVEMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRLHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDS IVY FALLS AVE Community Facilities City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 Off Street Bituminous Trail (6' to 8' wide) Proposed North Urban Regional Trail (Dakota County) Wide Shoulders/On Street Parks Cemetery City Park State Park Golf Course Nature Preserve Municipal Facility School Open Water Wetland 1) Friendly Hills Park 2) Friendly Marsh Park 3) Hagstrom King Park 4) Ivy Hills Park 5) Kensington Park 6) Marie Park 7) Mendakota Park 8) Rogers Lake Park 9) Valley Park 10) Victoria Highland Park 11) Wentworth Park 12) Valley View Heights Park 13) Copperfield Ponds 14) Sibley Park 15) Civic Center Ball Park ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Focus Areas City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet Dodd/Highway 110 Lot Size Study Area Somerset Area St. Thomas/Visitation Infill Sites City Boundary Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: Dakota County, 2016, City of Mendota Heights 2018 Infill/Redevelopment Areas Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-4 Goals and Policies GOAL 1: The land use plan will serve as the foundation for land use decisions in Mendota Heights. Policies: • Develop in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for land use, housing, transportation, parks and other community facilities. • Review and amend the Comprehensive Plan as necessary to ensure consistent development policy in current and future development decisions. • Zoning and rezoning decisions shall conform to the Land Use Plan. • The Land Use Plan will be updated to reflect changing priorities and conditions or as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. • Balance land use designations to meet projected growth demand. GOAL 2: Preserve, protect, and enrich the mature, fully developed residential environment and character of the community. Policies: • Subdivision and zoning standards will emphasize high quality site and building design. • Emphasize quality design, innovative solutions, and a high gener al aesthetic level in community development and building. • Parks, trails and open spaces will be planned within walking distance of all residential areas. • Encourage development and planning of land that provides for reasonable access to surrounding properties. • Public buildings and properties will be designed, constructed and maintained to be a source of civic pride and to set a standard for private property owners to follow. • Historic preservation will be considered in land use decisions. Goal 3: Support industrial and commercial development in designated areas. Policies: • The City will use available resources to meet redevelopment needs. This will include cooperation with the Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council to achieve redevelopment objectives. • Encourage appropriate transitions and buffering between potentially incompatible land uses. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-5 Goal 4: Reduce the impact of aircraft noise within the community. Policies: • Increase public participation and representation through the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). • Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures and corridor compliance. • Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable runway use system. • Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport Comprehensive Plan. • Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational changes and advance technology. • Encourage establishment of a physical capacity for the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor and transfer of general aviation use to other reliever airports. • Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace obstructions are encountered. • Consider aircraft noise and safety issues as in applicable land use and zoning decisions. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-6 Existing Land Use The following table illustrates how the existing land use is distributed within the City of Mendota Heights, illustrated on the attached Existing Land Use map. Note that these categories are not the same and do not correspond to the Future Land Use categories further below: Table 2-1 2017 Existing Land Use 2017 Existing Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres Rural Residential 147.36 115.86 Low Density Residential 1,792.12 1,727.75 Medium Density Residential 63.79 59.80 Medium Density Residential - PUD 14.17 14.17 High Density Residential 127.19 126.52 High Density Residential - PUD 6.42 6.42 Business 21.78 21.78 Limited Business 98.38 96.71 Mixed Use - PUD 38.66 37.20 Industrial 386.17 384.76 City Facilities 37.79 31.99 Schools (Public Private) 288.06 282.21 Churches Synagogues 32.59 30.53 Cemetery 239.67 238.47 Parks/Open Space 1,032.68 526.46 Golf Course 292.47 281.95 Right-of-Way 1,222.47 1,202.42 Open Water 591.03 551.02 Wetland 0.00 696.80 Total 6,432.81 6,432.81 Future Land Use Categories Residential Single family housing is the predominant land use in the City, although in recent years there has been an increase in the development of multi-family housing. Eight percent (8%) of the residentially-designated land in the City is utilized for multiple family homes or medium to high-density development, as opposed to one percent (1%) in 1979 and five percent (5%) in 2002. The Land Use Plan identifies six categories of residential uses: rural, low density in three ranges, plus medium density and high density. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-7 Rural Residential This land use is generally located in the east central part of the City. This designation is intended for large lot single family residences with and without City sewer. The Residential Estate areas are planned with a density not to exceed 1.08 units per acre. The corresponding zoning district classification is R-1A (One Family Residential). LR 15 – Low Density Residential This land use is the most prevalent land use category in the City and provides for single family development. This designation is intended for a density not to exceed 2.9 units per acre, corresponding to the R-1 district minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet and lot width of 100 feet. LR 9 – Low Density Residential This land use designation is new to this update and applies to the Friendly Hills neighborhood in southeastern Mendota Heights. These lots were developed mostly before 1970, and are typically less than 10,000 square feet in size. This designation is intended for single family development at a density not to exceed 4.5 units per acre, corresponding to a new zoning district to be created with a minimum lot size of 9,000 square feet and lot width of 80 feet. LR 5 – Low Density Residential This land use designation is new to this update and applies to the northeastern corner of Mendota Heights. These lots were developed mostly before 1970 and many lots are less than 6,000 square feet in size. This designation is intended for single family development at a density not to exceed 8.8 units per acre, corresponding to a new zoning district to be created with a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet and lot width of 50 feet. MR – Medium Density Residential This land use provides for townhome and attached housing development at urban densities of up to 8 units per acre. New areas of Medium Density Residential are added in this update to include existing townhouse and duplex projects that were previously designated Low Density and zoned R-1. The corresponding zoning district classifications are: R-2 (Medium Density Residential District) and MR-PUD (Medium Density Residential Planned Unit Development). HR – High Density Residential This land use provides for multi-family and apartment development at densities of up to 25 units per acre, which might be allowed to increase within a planned unit development (PUD). Most of this land use is in a few large apartment projects. The corresponding zoning district classif ications are: R-3 (High Density Residential District) and HR-PUD (High Density Residential Planned Unit Development). Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-8 MU – Mixed Use The intent of the district is to allow for mixed use developments that combine residential, retail, and commercial uses into a coordinated, planned development project. This land use designation is located both north and south of the Highway 62 and Dodd Road intersection, the City’s only significant retail area. The northeast quadrant of this intersection has been developed into a mixed use center known as The Village at Mendota Heights. The southeast corner of this includes the Mendota Plaza shopping center which has seen renovation and redevelopment in recent years, including a new Walgreen’s pharmacy; White Pine Senior Living, a 50-unit assisted living complex, and a 4-story 139-unit apartment project developed by Paster Properties and At Home Apartments . Commercial Commercial land uses are typically divided into two general categories; (1) office and (2) retail. The office category includes land uses generally considered to be of a limited business nature, typically a daytime office use. The Land Use Map identifies these areas as “LB - Limited Business”. The corresponding zoning district classifications are B-1 (Limited Business), B-1A (Business Park) and B-2 (Neighborhood Business). The second category of commercial uses expands the uses to include retail, restaurants, hotels and other commercial uses. This includes neighborhood type convenience stores and shopping centers. The Land Use Map identifies these areas as “B - Business”. Limited Business There are presently four locations where most Limited Business uses in Mendota Heights are currently located or planned: • In the southwest quadrant of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Lexington Avenue; • Either side of Mendota Heights Road, between I-35E and Dodd Road; • On the south side of South Plaza Drive, east of Dodd Road near the Mendota Plaza area; and • On the south side of Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) at the northern city boundary, east of I-35E. Business There are two locations where most Business uses are planned: • In the southeast quadrant of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Lexington Avenue; • North of I-494 between Highway 55 and I-35E, although Commercial land uses share much of this area with Industrial guided uses. The largest concentration of commercial or business uses in the City is not guided Business, but rather Mixed Use, at Highway 62 and Dodd Road, in the Mendota Plaza and Village of Mendota Heights developments. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-9 Industrial The Industrial land use category is concentrated in the City’s industrial and business park in the southwest part of the City, north of I-494. The vast majority of the 400-plus acres of Industrial land is west of Highway 55, with a portion east of Highway 55 and west of I-35E. This land use includes manufacturing, office, and warehousing uses, but also hotels, restaurants and other commercial uses. Public/Semi-Public The Public/Semi-Public land use designation includes various land uses that are generally outside the commercial, industrial and residential categories. Among these are city buildings, such as City Hall, public works and fire stations; schools, both public and private; churches and synagogues; and cemeteries. Park & Open Space The Park and Open Space land use designation includes City parks, State parks, golf courses and nature preserves. Future Land Use The following table summarizes future land use for the City of Mendota Heights: Table 2-2 2040 Future Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres RR - Rural Residential 218.88 176.62 LR 15 - Low Density Residential 1,581.39 1,518.32 LR 9 - Low Density Residential 138.55 134.54 LR 5 - Low Density Residential 61.17 61.17 MR - Medium Density Residential 187.64 179.66 HR - High Density Residential 65.57 65.27 LB - Limited Business 143.86 142.09 B - Business 30.87 30.83 MU - Mixed Use 47.41 45.05 I - Industrial 401.01 399.33 P/S - Public/Semi-Public 515.51 502.56 P - Park & Open Space 1,227.47 727.13 Right-of-Way 1,222.47 1,202.42 Open Water 591.03 551.02 Wetland 0.00 696.80 Total 6,432.81 6,432.81 The City’s previous 2030 Land Use Plan map is attached on the following page, followed by the 2040 Future Land Use Plan. Changes in land use between the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and this 2040 Comprehensive Plan are illustrated on the attached Changes in Land Use map. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Existing Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Rural Residential Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential Medium Density Residential - PUD High Density Residential High Density Residential - PUD Business Limited Business Mixed Use - PUD Industrial City Facilities Schools (Public Private) Churches Synagogues Cemetery Parks/Open Space Golf Course Right-of-Way Open Water Wetland September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2017 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2030 Planned Future Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet Residential: Commercial: Industrial: HR-PUD LB-PUD LR-II MR-PUD B - Business HR - High Density Residential I - Industrial LB - Limited Business LR - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential RR - Rural Residential Other: CC - City Hall/Public Works/Fire Hall PS - Private School S - School CS - Churches & Synagogues MU-PUD - Mixed Use P - Parks SP - State Park Water GC-S - Small Golf Course GC - Golf Course CEM - Cemetery NP - Nature Preserve September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2040 Planned Future Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2017 City boundary RR - Rural Residential LR 15 - Low Density Residential LR 9 - Low Density Residential LR 5 - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential HR - High Density Residential LB - Limited Business B - Business MU - Mixed Use I - Industrial P/S - Public/Semi-Public P - Park & Open Space Open Water ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2040 Planned Future Land Use for Parcels with Land Use Change from 2030 Plan to 2040 Plan City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2017 City boundary LR 15 - Low Density Residential LR 9 - Low Density Residential LR 5 - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential HR - High Density Residential MU - Mixed Use I - Industrial P - Park & Open Space Open Water Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 2-14 Lot Size Study Areas Two areas on the Focus Areas map are noted as Lot Size Study Areas. These are areas of the City where single family home lots are generally much smaller than the rest of the City and smaller than the minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet – the northeast corner of the City and the Friendly Hills area in the southeast part of the City. A map showing the size of residential lots is attached on the following page. The smaller lots were developed before the current zoning standards were in place. When this happens, these lots become legal non-conforming lots in terms of size which can pose problems when homeowners want to expand their homes and may run into setback or lot coverage issues. Another concern is that in many other neighborhoods of the City larger lots can be split into two lots that conform to the prevailing size in the neighborhood. In the smaller-lot neighborhoods, a larger lot might be subdivided into two lots that would be in keeping with the character of that neighborhood, but the zoning ordinance minimum lot size prevents it. For example, a 30,000-square-foot lot can be divided into two 15,000-square-foot lots that meet the zoning code. But a 15,000-square-foot lot in a small-lot neighborhood of mostly 7,500-square-foot lots cannot be further subdivided. This has the effect of inhibiting investment in the neighborhood and preventing people from more or less equal treatment compared to larger lot neighborhoods. The NE Corner and Friendly Hills areas are shown on the Future Land Use Map as LR 5 and LR 9, respectively, to indicate the proposed 5,000-square- foot and 9,000-square-foot lot size minimums. An implementation step coming out of this Plan will be recommendations on new zoning districts and specific standards in the zoning ordinance to address this issue. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Lot Sizes for 2030 Planned Single Family Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 City Boundary Lot Size < 5,000 sqft Lot Size 5,000-7,500 sqft Lot Size 7,500-10,000 sqft Lot Size 10,000-12,500 sqft Lot Size 12,500-15,000 sqft Lot Size 15,000-20,000 sqft Lot Size 20,000-30,000 sqft Lot Size > 30,000 sqft Open Water 3 Transportation Mendota Heights is strategically located within the regional roadway system, with access to major highways connecting to both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul, MSP Airport, and all parts of the region in all directions. The completion of Interstates 494 and 35E in the late 1980s altered the physical environment of Mendota Heights. The highway systems have connected the community to the region, and this improved access has contributed to growth of the residential, commercial, and industrial base of the community. But these major transportation systems have also increased air, noise, and water pollution in parts of the community. This chapter of the plan addresses transportation in many forms – automobiles, transit, bicycles and pedestrians, aviation, and freight. Goals and Policies GOAL 1: Provide a safe, high quality, and cost effective multi-modal transportation system Policies • Transportation improvements will be coordinated with the plans of MnDOT, Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, and adjoining communities. • The City will support regional improvements to major transportation facilities serving the city when feasible. • New construction techniques, technologies, and environmental sustainability will be considered in planning new transportation facilities. • A network of sidewalks and trails will be constructed in all new developments and redevelopments, where practical and feasible. • Developers will be required to provide the transportation facilities within and adjacent to new subdivisions, including rights-of-way, roadways, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities necessary to support their development. • Existing transportation facilities will be maintained so as to preserve or improve service levels and minimize life-cycle costs. This includes an ongoing pavement management program for city streets. • Where practical and feasible, planning for roadway improvements will include landscaping, street lighting, and other aesthetic improvements. GOAL 2: Expand transit options serving Mendota Heights Policies • The City will continue to support and participate in efforts to implement improved transit service in the City. • The City will seek county, regional, state or federal funding to expand transit services in and around the city. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-2 Transportation Analysis Zones In order to develop forecasts and plan for regional roads and highways, the Metropolitan Council needs to know the demographic forecasts for smaller geographic areas known as Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ). The Traffic Analysis Zones Map illustrates the eighteen zones currently located within the City of Mendota Heights. Within each zone the allocation of the Metropolitan Council’s 2040 population, household, and employment forecasts are shown for each TAZ. The distribution of future growth within these areas reflects the communities overall land use planning efforts. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE TAZ: 409 2040 Population: 10 2040 Household: 0 2040 Employment: 1,140 TAZ: 411 2040 Population: 1,040 2040 Household: 440 2040 Employment: 3,160 TAZ: 412 2040 Population: 590 2040 Household: 210 2040 Employment: 930 TAZ: 413 2040 Population: 1,270 2040 Household: 540 2040 Employment: 720 TAZ: 402 2040 Population: 650 2040 Household: 320 2040 Employment: 380 TAZ: 396 2040 Population: 380 2040 Household: 200 2040 Employment: 360 TAZ: 414 2040 Population: 1,640 2040 Household: 700 2040 Employment: 90 TAZ: 410 2040 Population: 0 2040 Household: 0 2040 Employment: 5,900 TAZ: 397 2040 Population: 1,370 2040 Household: 560 2040 Employment: 480 TAZ: 403 2040 Population: 780 2040 Household: 380 2040 Employment: 80 TAZ: 407 2040 Population: 680 2040 Household: 280 2040 Employment: 580 TAZ: 399 2040 Population: 810 2040 Household: 330 2040 Employment: 60 TAZ: 398 2040 Population: 320 2040 Household: 130 2040 Employment: 150 TAZ: 406 2040 Population: 200 2040 Household: 80 2040 Employment: 0 TAZ: 405 2040 Population: 470 2040 Household: 180 2040 Employment: 20 TAZ: 404 2040 Population: 800 2040 Household: 380 2040 Employment: 100 TAZ: 408 2040 Population: 370 2040 Household: 140 2040 Employment: 50 TAZ: 400 2040 Population: 550 2040 Household: 220 2040 Employment: 140 Traffic Analysis Zones with Metropolitan Council Projected 2040 Population and Employment City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: Metropolitan Council, 2016 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-4 Functional Classification System Mendota Heights’ street system consists of Principal Arterials, “A” Minor Arterials, “B” Minor Arterials, and community collectors, and a series of local streets. The Transportation System Map illustrates the classification of the roads within the City of Mendota Heights. Principal Arterials Interstates 494 and 35E, State Trunk Highway (TH) 55, and the western part of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) – from 35E to TH 55 – are all designated Principal Arterials. Interstate 494 forms the southern boundary of the City, while Interstate 35E bisects the City from east to west. Highway 62 bisects the community from north to south, with TH 55 further dividing the southwestern part of Mendota Heights. Arterial Roadways “A” Minor Arterials are further classified has minor argumentor, minor reliever, and minor expander roads. The definitions of these classes are outlined in the Metropolitan Council’s 2040 Transportation Policy Plan. The major function of an arterial road is to move traffic from the smaller community collector roads to principal arterials as efficiently as possible. The “A” Minor Arterials within the City of Mendota Heights are Highway 62, (35E to Delaware Ave), Dodd Road, TH 13 (TH 55 to Interstate 494), and Pilot Knob Rd or County Road 31 (Interstate 494 to TH 13). Wentworth Ave W (Dodd Road to Delaware Ave) is the only roadway currently classified as a “B” Arterial Roadway. Arterial roadways, except county roads, are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Traffic on both principal and arterial roadways within the city limits has increased steadily over the last ten years. Community Collectors Community collector streets are broken down by major collectors and minor collectors. The City of Mendota Heights does not have any minor collectors. Delaware Avenue functions as a major collector on the City’s eastern border. It is otherwise known as County Road 63. Other roads within Mendota Heights that are designated as Collector Streets are: Lexington Ave or County Rd 43, Mendota Heights Rd, Marie Ave, Sibley Memorial Hwy, and TH 13 (TH 55 to Sibley Memorial Hwy). County Roads 63, 43 and 31 are all maintained by Dakota County. Traffic Volumes The Transportation System Map illustrates the current daily traffic counts, the forecasted 2040 traffic volumes, both in average annual daily trips (AADT), and the existing number of lanes for each roadway. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRD5,6006,0009701,0403,2003,4304,6004,9306,0006,4305,4005,7903,6503,9102,6003,900101,000108,000 1,7501,880 3,4003,650 105,000113,000 28,50037,500 9501,0201,1001,180 1,5 5 0 1,6 6 0 8,40010,5007,80010,5004,3004,6006907401,0501,130 33,50035,700 7708307 9,00084,7007,0007,5103,4003,6502,3502,5206,6007,080 96,000103,000 3,3503,590 26,00027,900 2 5,5 0 0 2 6,7 0 0 9 ,2 0 09,6 5 0 5,0005,36014,20015,2005,2005,5802,2002,3601,0501,130 29,50031,60056,000 60,000 5,2005,5804 5 5490 4,0004,2902,2502,4201,1501,230 1,6001,720 3,1003,3206,6007,08086,00092,20093,00099,7003,3005,000 2,6002,790 9,90011,4007,4007,9402,6002,790 3,5505,5005,8006,2209,3009,9706,3006,7603,5503,810DELAWAREAVEDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MEN DOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DRSIBLEYMEMORIAL NORTHL AND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Transportation System City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet 2-Lane Roadway 4-Lane Roadway 6-Lane Roadway Principal Arterial A Minor Augmentor A Minor Reliever A Minor Expander B Minor Arterial Major Collector Minor Collector Local Road Railroad City of Mendota Heights Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: MNDOT, 2016; Stantec 1,230 1,230 2016 Traffic Volumes (AADT) Projected 2040 Traffic Volumes (AADT) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-6 Transportation Issues Minnesota Vikings Headquarters The City of Eagan, MN completed an Alternative Urban Area-Wide Review (AUAR) analyzing a potential site for a new Minnesota Vikings headquarters and training facility. The location of the site is in the Southeast quadrant of the intersection of State Highway 149 and I-494 between Oak Parkway and Ames Crossing Road. With full build-out of the site the intersections of Dodd Road/Mendota Heights Road and Dodd Road/I-494 North Ramps would be impacted. The study looked at three possible scenarios. Scenario 1 represents the current allowable development for the City of Eagan. Scenario 2 represents additional land uses proposed in addition to the current plan and Scenario 3 represents the maximum build-out potential of the site. The study indicated Scenario 1 would warrant signal timing adjustments for Dodd Road/Mendota Heights Road and the conversion of the west-bound right-turn lane into a shared left/right turn lane at Dodd Road/I-494. Full build out of the site, as represented in Scenario 3, wouldn’t require an y additional intersection adjustments already not warranted by Scenario 1. The City of Mendota Heights will continue to follow the MN Vikings Headquarters Development and assess its impact on the city. Potential I-494 Interchange A Regional Roadway System Visioning Study was conducted to identify a plan which supports long-term growth and development within the region. This study discusses plans for a new interchange at I - 494/Argenta Trail (Delaware Avenue) and the need for improvements to Delaware Avenue. The City of Mendota Heights’ adopted resolution on this study states their support to the recommendation of an I-494 interchange ¼ mile east of the current Delaware Ave interchange. However, an interchange at Delaware Avenue will not be supported. The City Council also specified that any future improvements to Delaware Avenue must be driven by the City of Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-7 Access Management Access management is the planning, design, and implementation of land use and transportation strategies that maintain a safe flow of traffic while accommodating the access needs of adjacent development. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has set up access management guidelines which provide numerous benefits such as, reduce congestion and crashes, preserve road capacity and postpone the need for roadway widening, improve travel times for the delivery of goods and services, ease movement between destinations, and support local economic development. To provide safe and convenient travel within the City, access management guidelines will be applied when making development decisions. MnDOT access management guidelines will be incorporated into this Comprehensive Plan update. MnDOT Access Management Guidelines 1. Think land use AND transportation. Before approving a subdivision or rezoning, consider what road design and improvements will be needed to support the development and link it to the surrounding area. 2. Identify and plan for growth areas. Incremental and uncoordinated development will not lead to a livable community or a healthy business climate. Support economic growth by planning and investing in a local road network to support development. 3. Develop a complete hierarchy of roads. A viable community requires a variety of roadways organized as an integrated system. Highways and arterials are needed for longer, higher speed trips. Local streets and collectors provide access to homes and businesses. Recognize that different roads serve different purposes. 4. Link access regulations to roadway function. Access requirements in zoning and subdivision regulations should fit each roadway’s functional classification. Recognize that the greatest access control is needed for those roads intended to serve longer, higher speed trips. 5. Avoid strip development. Promote commercial nodes. Commercial development can be located adjacent to and visible from the highway, but should be accessed via a system of parallel local roads and side streets that complement the state highway system. 6. Connect local streets between subdivisions. Give residents convenient options for travel from one neighborhood to another by connecting local streets from one subdivision to the next. 7. Design subdivisions with access onto local streets. Avoid lot designs with driveways that enter onto major state or county highways. Orient business and residential driveways to local streets that feed onto the highway at a few carefully designed and spaced intersections. 8. Practice good site planning principles. Locate entrances away from intersection corners and turn lanes. Provide adequate space on the site for trucks to maneuver and for vehicles to queue at drive-through windows without backing or stacking on the roadway. Adjacent businesses should provide shared driveways and cross access, so customers can make multiple stops without entering the arterial. 9. Correct existing problems as opportunities arise. Adopt a long range vision for improving access along older, developed corridors. Correct unsafe accesses as individual parcels expand or redevelop. Work with affected property owners to consolidate driveways and provide internal access between parcels. Fill in the supporting roadway network with local access roads as part of the redevelopment process. 10. Coordinate local development plans with Mn/DOT and county road agencies. Share plans for subdivisions, rezonings, and site plans with affected road authorities early in the development process. Contact Mn/DOT and the County Highway Department to talk about long range plans and development needs. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-8 Bicycles and Pedestrians The Regional Bicycle Transportation Network (RBTN) consists of a series of prioritized Tier 1 and Tier 2 corridors and routes. The goal of the RBTN is to establish an integrated network of on-street bikeways and off-road trails which move bicyclists more efficiently and encourage the implementation of future bikeways. Mendota Heights has approximately 6 roadways within Tier 1 RBTN alignments and 1 roadway within Tier 2 RBTN alignments. The bikeway inventory data for Mendota Heights was last updated in 2007. This inventory identifies a section of the Fort Snelling Park Trail located east of the Minnesota River and Cheyenne Lane located near Wagon Wheel Trail as planned for future improvements. As of 2016 neither of these sections have been altered. Metropolitan Council polices identify specific regional employment clusters” and “activity center nodes”. Mendota Heights does not have either of these. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Bicycle Facilities and Plan City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Metropolitan Council Tier 1 RBTN Alignments Metropolitan Council Tier 2 RBTN Alignments Metropolitan Council Tier 1 Priority Regional Bicycle Transportation Corridor USBR 45 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Bikeway Inventory: Existing Bike Lane Planned Bike Lane Existing Non-Paved Trail Existing Paved Trail Planned Paved Trail Existing Roadway with Shoulder >= 5' Other Bicycle Facilities Paved Trail, N September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2018 Metropolitan Council, 2016 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-10 Transit Plan Public Transit Service Mendota Heights is within Market Area II and Market Area III of the Transit Market Area classifications. Market Area II provides a network of local buses accommodating different trip purposes as demand warrants. Limited stop services connect major destinations. Market Area III emphasizes commuter express bus service with suburban local routes providing basic coverage. General public dial -a-ride services supplement where regular-route service is not available. Regularly scheduled transit route service is provided by the Metropolitan Council Transit Operations (MCTO). There are six (6) transit routes that operate within the City of Mendota Heights. These bus routes provide service to downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, the University of Minnesota, the Mall of America, as well as other suburban areas, including Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul. Several express routes, as well as local limited routes, are available for use by community residents. The City does not have designated Park and Ride facilities or MnPASS lanes. Metro Mobility, which serves people who need specially-equipped vehicles for transportation, is offered throughout the Twin Cities and within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area. Dial-a-ride service for seniors and persons with disabilities is provided by Dakota Areas Resources and Transportation for Seniors. Roberts Street Corridor Transit Feasibility Study (Prepared for Dakota County Regional Rail Authority by URS Corporation, CR Planning, Connetics Transportation Group, 2008) The Robert Street Corridor in Dakota County extends from Union Depot in St. Paul to Rosemount. The corridor is bound by I-35E on the west and the Mississippi River on the east. Existing and projected conditions such as population and employment growth, changing demographics, limited transit service coverage, increased roadway congestion, and lack of planned roadway improvements drove the need to consider transportation alternatives. Short and medium term recommendations were formulated to correspond with the long term vision for the Robert Street corridor. Short term recommendations focus on enhancements to the existing bus service and commencing studies of land use and parking policies. Medium term recommendations require additional sources of funding to significantly expand bus services. The long term vision of the Roberts Street Corridor is to build a transit way from downtown St. Paul to Rosemount linking major destinations. The proposed Robert Street transitway alignment is east of the City of Mendota Heights. However, the long term vision would directly affect the roadways within city limits. The plan presents a limited stop Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Highway 62 and an express bus route on TH 55 which would connect to the existing Light Rail Transit (LRT). The citizens of Mendota Heights would also benefit from additional park and ride facilities within nearby cities. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRD417 417 415446 436 436 446 415 470470446 452 452 480 484 489 446 75 417 436 446 446 417 446 417 DELAWAREAVEDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W LEXINGTONAVELILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRLHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDS IVY FALLS AVE Existing Transit City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet Transit Stops Transit Routes Planned Express Bus Corridor City of Mendota Heights Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: Metropolitan Council, 2016 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-12 Aviation Plan Mendota Heights benefits from its close proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) but is also directly affected by aircraft operations. Residents and businesses have easy and quick access to a major international airport. However, aircraft noise is a major issue for some in Mendota Heights because of the detrimental impacts of increased operations on the quality of life in existing neighborhoods and the impact of land use compatibility guidelines and noise contours on development options. Since the opening of the “North-South” runway, previous issues with the distribution of air traffic have been reduced. All residential areas in Mendota Heights were in conformance with the original aviation guidelines and their previous projections of air noise and air traffic. Mendota Heights was the only city that adopted the original Metropolitan Council noise zones and guidelines and is the only city to adopt and enforce a Noise Attenuation Ordinance. The Runway Use System at MSP relies heavily on “land compatibility” as a guiding principle for departure determination, thereby increasing the volume of traffic and the percentage of exclusive use of the southeast corridor, which was zoned commercial/industrial in cooperation with regional and local planning agencies. This increased traffic has impacted existing compatible residential neighborhoods in Mendota Heights. The City of Mendota Heights has worked strenuously to address airport noise issues. A citizen Airports Relations Commission has been established by Mendota Heights to provide recommendations to the City Council on airport issues. This plan is a compilation of the City’s work and history regarding the airport, a set of policies and actions to guide future decisions on airport, a description of the conflicts with other agencies responsible for airport impacts, and a discussion of the potential land use impacts from agency requirements. In addition to these local efforts, the City has adopted a zoning ordinance consistent with federal requirements for height control jurisdictions. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY DODDRD65 D NLin 2014 60DNLin2014 65DNLin2030 991'1090'DODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MEN DOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BL EYMEMORIALNORTHL AND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WA GON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 60 DNLin 2014 65 DNLin2014 60 D NLin 2030 65DNLin2030 7 0 DNL i n 2 0 3 0 1010'1030'1070'1060'1050'1080'960'950'940'930'920'910'900'950'960'940'930'991'970'920'910'890'890'880'880'870'870'860'900'980'MSP Airport Safety Zones, Noise Contours, and Airspace Height Limits City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet 2014 Actual Noise Contour 2030 Preferred Alternative Noise Contour Airspace Zone Limit AirSpace Contours MSP Safety Zone B MSP Safety Zone C City Boundary Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2015 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-14 Airport-Related Goals and Policies The overall goals in relation to airport related issues are as follows: 1. To reduce negative airport impacts in Mendota Heights. 2. To reduce aircraft noise through equitable distribution of flights among all communities located adjacent to MSP. 3. To work diligently with all noise issues and agencies to decrease aircraft noise in volume and to decrease the area of noise impacts. Aircraft Noise Policies To address the issues described herein and to pursue the goals of the City, the following are the policies of the City of Mendota Heights: 1. Increase public participation and representation through the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). 2. Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures and corridor compliance. 3. Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable runway use system. 4. Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport Comprehensive Plan. 5. Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational changes and advanced technology. 6. Establish a physical capacity for the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor and transfer general aviation use to other reliever airports. 7. Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace obstructions are encountered. History of Noise Reduction Efforts The City of Mendota Heights has addressed aircraft noise issues in several ways, including the following formal actions: 1. Membership in the NOC. 2. Modification of the Land Use Plan consistent with the established aircraft flight corridor. 3. Adoption of the Aircraft Noise Attenuation Ordinance. 4. Establishment of the citizen Airports Relations Commission (ARC) to study airport issues and make recommendations to the City Council. 5. Agreement to a contract with MAC prohibiting construction of a third parallel runway. The City has worked through the various agencies on issues including: modification of aircraft landings and departures, supporting the installation of ANOMS, supporting the prohibition of Stage II aircraft, and educating homeowners about the Part 150 program. The City of Mendota Heights planned its land use according to the flight corridor, as originally established, and adopted land use guidelines into an ordinance format in 1987. Operations have strayed to existing residential areas outside of the planned corridor however, significantly impacting several neighborhoods. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-15 Impacts of Future Land Use Planning Mendota Heights has planned its land uses in relation to the City’s experience with air craft noise and the airport’s aviation guidelines. New development and redevelopment in the areas affected by air noise is closely scrutinized and has been accomplished with success through strict adherence to site planning and building design regulations. The City of Mendota Heights has adopted the Metropolitan Council’s model Sound Attenuation Ordinance and has enforced the provisions of this ordinance for all building permits in the Noise Zones since 1986. Town home projects are considered to be consistent with the Aviation Policy compatibility guidelines for Noise Zone 4, which allows residential land uses, as a conditional use. The conditional use for residential land use in Noise Zone 4 is satisfied through the enforcement of the City’s Sound Attenuation Ordinance, thereby, allowing residential construction to meet the Aviation Guide Plan’s land use compatibility guidelines. The City of Mendota Heights considers town home development to be consistent with these guidelines for the following reasons: The experience of the City of Mendota Heights with the Sound Attenuation Ordinance has shown that single family homes and multiplex residential structures (in Noise Zone 4) can be sound attenuated as successfully as larger buildings with shared entrances. 1. A continuing reduction in experienced air noise, as evidenced by the airport’s planning documents, new runway construction, and enhancements in aircraft technology, will result in the protection of current Mendota Heights residential areas from the prospect of new negative air noise impacts. 2. The City of Mendota Heights will allow for the development of town home projects, consistent with the policy direction associated with the City’s recent housing developments around Lake Augusta, provided the project demonstrates compliance with the following: a. Future town home developments shall be required to limit the exterior use on the site through unit design and the layout of the site plan. b. Future town home developments shall be designed compliant with the building requirements of the City’s Sound Attenuation Ordinance. c. Future town home developers shall file notice against the property deeds notifying all future property owners that the parcels exist within the Metropolitan Council’s Air Noise Zones. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-16 Freight Plan Freight is an important aspect in supporting a community by providing residents and business with the goods and materials they need. The Twin Cities area is a primary freight hub for the upper Midwest region. Roadways, railroads, barges, and air are the four modes of freight transportation within the Twin Cities Metro area. Mendota Heights does not have any Air/Truck, Barge/Truck, or Rail/Truck freight terminals. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 3-17 Truck freight primarily impacts the city with two US Interstates located within the city limits. I -494 and -35E both carry large amounts of commercial commerce to and from the downtown Minneapolis/St. Paul area (see Existing Roadway Functional Classification Map for HCAADT volumes). No local roadways have been identified as creating significant issues for the movement of goods within the city of Mendota Height 3-18 4-1 4 Parks and Trails The City of Mendota Heights boasts a variety of recreational and open space opportunities. Few cities can claim access to regional trails, riverside and lakeside parks, scenic bluffs and a nature preserve among their recreation facilities. These facilities represent unique features in a park system that helps to shape the character of Mendota Heights beyond the ordinary. They offer a visual identity to the city, in addition to contributing to the quality of life for those who live here. Mendota Heights has 771 acres of parks and open space, which includes City parks, active and passive recreation areas, along with other state and private parks and open spaces. The 33 miles of city trails and bicycle facilities located adjacent to roadways or meandering through the bounty of open space in the community offer an excellent opportunity for exercise and relaxation. Opportunities are available for walking, bicycling, bird watching and nature hikes. In addition to parks, the City is also home to three golf courses: Mendakota Golf Course, Somerset Golf Course, and the Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course. Goals and Policies GOAL 1: Provide a park system that is safe, accessible, and equitable in its offerings to all Mendota Heights residents and visitors. Policies: • Create and maintain a park system that provides the optimum amount of active and passive open space for the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents. • Provide facilities and programs that allow people of varying abilities to participate. • Build, maintain and retrofit park facilities and equipment to be safe for all users. • Plan and build safe connections for pedestrians and bicyclists within and between park facilities and major destinations in the community. • Strive to make all facilities and programs open and welcoming to people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 4-2 GOAL 2: Provide a park system that assures high quality facilities, buildings, grounds, trails, amenities, and natural settings. Policies: • Keep the park system up-to-date in terms of facilities, activities and programs that are responsive to the community’s needs and wishes. • Support the park system adequately for the facilities, activities and programs offered. • Provide bicycle amenities in parks and along trails. • Provide a sustainable funding stream and operate the park system in a fiscally sound manner, including taking advantage of available grants. Goal 3: Use the park system as a means to enhance and sustain the environment of each neighborhood and the city as a whole. Policies: • Provide facilities, programs and opportunities in the park system that bring people together and create community. • Protect and enhance the environment by promoting native species and pollinator friendly plantings, preventing and removing invasive species, and reducing salt on roads and sidewalks. • Protect and enhance native wildlife by considering their needs and habits in our stewardship of park property and facilities. • Ensure that stormwater is managed in park facilities in a manner that protects and preserves water quality and the ecology of the watershed. • Strive to make all park facilities, equipment and construction projects and materials environmentally friendly and sustainable. Goal 4: Cooperate with Dakota County and surrounding communities in park and recreation facilities and programming. Policies: • Support the Dakota County 2030 Greenway Corridors Plan/Vision. • Continue to cooperate with South St. Paul, West. St. Paul and other neighboring communities on park and recreation programs and facilities. • Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the City. • Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District #197, St. Thomas, Visitation, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication. • Improve and expand safe bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other community destinations. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 4-3 Previous Development Previous Comprehensive Plans and Park Plans have guided the City in the development of its park system. As development has occurred, parkland has been dedicated to provide residents with recreational opportunities. Since the adoption of the 1979 Comprehensive Plan, the City has made improvements to all parks and has developed the following new parks: Copperfield Ponds, Hagstrom-King, Kensington, Mendakota, Sibley, Valley View Heights, and Victoria Highlands. The location of these new parks closely resembles Plan recommendations and reflect the City’s commitment to providing park services to all residents as opportunities arise. Not only has the City made improvements and developed new parks, it has also made efforts to maintain and protect existing open space. The City purchased the 17-acre Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course after the private owners proposed to develop the property into approximately 30 single family lots. The City also joined with other public entities and purchased the 25.5-acre Pilot Knob area, which will be retained as open space. Protection of the Pilot Knob area as an important Dakota site has been identified as a critical issue for many residents in the city. Existing City Park Facilities and Types Mendota Heights currently has 756.7 acres of City parks, golf courses, and open space. The city also features part of the Fort Snelling State Park within their boundaries, totaling an additional 771.2 acres. A brief discussion of the three types of parks that typically comprise a local park system is provided below. The descriptions and standards should serve as a guide. Other factors, such as proximity to regional or county parks, financing, or major trends in recreation, will also influence the evolution of the City’s park system. Regional and State parks are discussed later in this chapter. 1) Neighborhood Park Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of the park system and serve as the recreational and social focus of the neighborhood. They accommodate a wide variety of age and user groups, including children and adults. They create a sense of place by bringing together the unique character of the site with that of the neighborhood. Mendota Heights should seek to achieve a balance between active and passive neighborhood parks. Neighborhood parks range from 5 -30 acres and serve a ½ mile area. Communities often will operate a joint neighborhood park with the school district and elementary schools. The City’s neighborhood parks include Friendly Hills, Hagstrom -King, Ivy Hills, Marie, Valley View Heights, Victoria Highland, and Wentworth. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 4-4 2) Community Park Community parks are designed to meet the recreational needs of several neighborhoods or larger segments of the community. They are intended for lit ballfields and larger athletic facilities or community gatherings. They can also be designed to preserve unique landscapes and open spaces. They serve a ½ mile to 5-mile radius. The City’s community parks include Kensington, Valley, Roger’s Lake, Mendakota, and Sibley Athletic Complex. 3) Natural Resource Area Natural resource areas are areas set aside to preserve significant or unique landscapes. They are often, but not always, properties unsuitable for development with steep slopes, drainageways, and ravines or wetlands. In addition, there may be locations where local tree protection, shoreland and critical area ordinances, or state and local wetland ordinances restrict development in some way. Natural Resource areas include Friendly Marsh, Copperfield Ponds, Valley Park, Pilot Knob Preservation, and Dodge Nature Center. City parks and natural resource areas are illustrated in Figure 4-1: Parks and Trails. State, Regional, and Private Parks and Open Spaces In addition to the City’s parks, there are numerous regional, county and private facilities within or near the City’s borders. Fort Snelling State Park As noted earlier in this chapter, Fort Snelling State Park is the largest park in Mendota Heights with 771 of its 2,642 acres located in the city. It provides outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resource conservation for the public and is considered part of the regional recreational open space system. Fort Snelling State Park is a recreational state park offering swimming, large group and family picnic grounds, a boat launch, interpretive center and historical areas, trails, and scenic overlooks. Most of the park’s active facilities are located on the Bloomington side of the River, requiring most Mendota Heights residents to drive or bike across the I-494, I-35E, and Mendota bridges to access the park. The Mendota Heights portion of the park is left primarily as a natural area as it contains extensive floodplain marsh habitat. Facilities located in Mendota Heights support less intensive uses, such as biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and fishing. The Sibley and Faribault historic sites are also located on the Mendota Heights side of the River. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 4-5 Trail Facilities Trails for biking, walking, and roller blading are very popular. There are 28.5 miles of off-road trails and 4.9 miles of wide shoulders and on-street bicycle facilities currently in portions of the City’s neighborhoods. These trails are both off- and on-road and serve as important connections for recreational opportunities and travel. Improved trail connections are important in Mendota Heights because many residential areas are divided by highways and arterial roads. Access to the Big Rivers Regional Trail is difficult due to the significant elevation changes. As a result, many areas of the community cannot be easily accessed on bikes, roller blades or foot from other areas of the community. Additional or improved trail connections are needed to provide residents access to City parks and other recreational opportunities in the region. Regional Trails Big Rivers Regional Trail: Developed in 1996 by Dakota County along the old Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, this trail enables residents to bike, walk, and roller blade along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. This trail serves as an important link to other communities and has greatly improved the awareness and accessibility of the River. River-to-River Greenway: This trail serves as a link from Big Rivers Regional Trail through Valley Park to West St. Paul and to South St. Paul. Local Trails and On-street Facilities Mendota Heights has a network of paved and on-street bicycle facilities connecting different neighborhoods in the city. Most bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the city are off-street six to eight-foot-wide bituminous trails. There are also a few on-street bicycle facilities in the community, along Dodd Road, Delaware Avenue, and Decorah Lane. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 4-6 Future Park and Trail Needs Future Park Needs The City of Mendota Heights is committed to developing and enhancing their park and open space system. City Park needs can be determined by evaluating the number, size, and accessibility of parks. It is often recommended a park system contain 25 acres of park for each 1,000 population, which is equal to 1,089 square feet per person. To meet this standard, the City would need to provide 285 acres of parkland (based on the projected year 2040 population of 11,400 persons when fully developed). The City already meets these standards. Future Trail Connections As part of their 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan, the Metropolitan Council identified future regional trail opportunities and priority trail corridors. Providing connections north-south and east-west through Mendota Heights will be critical, as well as, a route along the Minnesota River. There are three planned trail connections and improvements within Mendota Heights. These trail segments are listed below and illustrated in Figure 3-3: Bicycle Facilities and Plan. Planned Paved Trail: Under the Mendota Bridge, along the Minnesota River connecting to the Sibley Historic Site Planned Bike Lane: Along Cheyenne Street between Apache Street and Huber Drive Planned Bike Lane: Along Annapolis Street at the City’s northern border. Regional and local park and trail facilities are illustrated in Figure 4-1: Parks and Trails ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALEPI CKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE SOMERSETGOLF COURSE(PRIVATE)ISLANDREG IO NALTRAILF ortSnellingStateParkMENDAKOTA GOLF COURSE(PRIVATE) PAR 3 (PUBLIC) VENTO'S VIEW(WILDLIFE VIEWING STATION) SCENIC OVERLOOK(DAKOTA COUNTY) M E N D O TA BRID G E OLIVIA T. DODGENATURE CENTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PROPOSED NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL BIGRIVERSREGIONALTRAIL14 13 15 LILYDALE-HARRIETDODDRDÊÚ ÊÚ ÊÚ PILOT KNOBPRESERVATION DODDRDDELAWAREAVEMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRLHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDS IVY FALLS AVE Parks and Trails City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 Off Street Bituminous Trail (6' to 8' wide) Proposed North Urban Regional Trail (Dakota County) Wide Shoulders/On Street City Park State Park Golf Course Nature Preserve Open Water Wetland Parks: 1) Friendly Hills Park 2) Friendly Marsh Park 3) Hagstrom King Park 4) Ivy Hills Park 5) Kensington Park 6) Marie Park 7) Mendakota Park 8) Rogers Lake Park 9) Valley Park 10) Victoria Highland Park 11) Wentworth Park 12) Valley View Heights Park 13) Copperfield Ponds 14) Sibley Park 15) Civic Center Ball Park 5-1 5 Housing The health and character of a community may best be measured in its housing stock. Vital cities provide a variety of housing choices and work to ensure that existing housing is well maintained. The City of Mendota Heights must also ensure that new housing meets the changing needs of the community. Existing and future residents are looking for more services and amenities near where they choose to live, including convenient shopping options and easily-accessible walking and biking trails. Housing has evolved into more than a place to live, but a community in which to thrive. Where people live is important. For many Americans, a high-quality environment, walkable neighborhoods and diversity make a neighborhood a great place to live. Mendota Heights needs to provide housing options for current residents to stay in the city regardless of changes in family size, income, aging, or other issues. The City should also be welcoming to others who wish to live in Mendota Heights. This chapter includes goals and policies to promote housing opportunities in Mendota Heights, followed by an assessment of existing housing stock, tenure, and affordability. Goals and Policies Goals, policies, and programs shall be identified to assist the City of Mendota Heights in decision-making regarding the preservation of its current housing stock and the development of new units. Goals and policies typically address development and redevelopment expectations, housing maintenance and preservation, and density and diversity of housing type. GOAL 1: Preserve and improve existing neighborhoods and housing units. Policies: • Continue to enforce housing maintenance and zoning codes. • Explore options for flexibility in Zoning Code standards to encourage and allow expansion and reinvestment in existing houses. • Partner with Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, the State of Minnesota and other agencies that provide housing rehabilitation programs and services. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-2 • Protect public safety by requiring owners to repair substandard housing or as a last resort, abate and demolish dangerous housing. • Develop a housing maintenance program that promotes and requires safe homes and attractive neighborhoods. GOAL 2: Meet future needs with a variety of housing products. Policies: • Encourage life-cycle housing opportunities in Mendota Heights of various forms and tenures that allow residents to remain in the community throughout their lives. This includes: o Maintenance of existing entry level housing. o Construction of move-up single family housing. o Construction of various types of senior housing, including senior ownership units, senior rental units, memory care and assisted living units. o Providing a mix of affordable housing opportunities for all income levels, age groups, and special housing needs. • Encourage environmentally sustainable housing developm ent and construction practices. • Provide for housing development that maintains the attractiveness and distinct neighborhood characteristics in the community. • Support the maintenance and rehabilitation of the community’s existing housing stock. • Periodically assess the housing needs in the community, including the elderly, disabled, active retirees, and other groups with special housing needs to determine development priorities and to formulate strategies to meet those needs and maintain an adequate and quality housing supply. Assessment of Housing Stock The following includes an assessment of the current housing stock within the City of Mendota Heights. It includes information on the tenure of occupants; the number, type, and age of housing units; and housing costs. The remainder of the Housing Plan addresses affordable housing needs, goals and policies of the City, and an implementation section identifying ways to address the City’s housing needs. Housing Types and Tenure Table 5-1 illustrates the existing housing types by the units in the structure. According to the 2016 American Community Survey, 98.5 percent of the total housing units in Mendota Heights were occupied, while only 1.5 percent were vacant. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-3 Out of the occupied housing units in the City, 88 percent are owner-occupied, while only 12 percent are renter-occupied. This is compared to the national average of 63.4 percent of the occupied housing units in the United States being owner-occupied, while 36.4 percent are renter-occupied. (Source: American Community Survey, 2012-2016 estimates). Mendota Heights is well above the national average for owner-occupied housing units. The majority of housing units in the City are single-family, detached structures, with multi-family properties and single-family attached homes being other common unit types in the city. Table 5-1: Housing Type by Units in Structure Single Family Two Unit Three + Unit Mobile Home Total Detached Attached Number of Units 3,362 623 19 680 9 4,693 Percent of Stock 71.6% 13.3% 0.4% 14.5% 0.2% 100% Source: Metropolitan Council, American Community Survey, 2016 Age of Housing Mendota Heights experienced a rapid pace of housing construction, starting in the 1940s and continuing through the 1950s. During this time period (1940 to 1959), 850 housing units were constructed. This pace slowed in the 1960s, but starting picking up again in the 1970s, when 662 housing units were constructed. Housing construction peaked in the 1980s when 1,162 housing units were built. This number accounts for twenty-seven percent (27%) of the total housing units that were constructed in 2000 and prior. Between 1990 and 1998, another 910 housing units were constructed within the City. The number of housing units slowed in the 2000s, as the amount of vacant land available within the City was minimal. Housing stock age is mapped in Figure 5-1. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Age of Housing Stock City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet Built before 1970 Built between 1970 and 1980 Built between 1980 and 1990 Built between 1990 and 2000 Built after 2000 City Boundary Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: Dakota County, 2016 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-5 Housing Value and Rent The median home value in Mendota Heights is $351,100, which is much higher than the Dakota County median value of $226,900 and much higher than the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area median of $212,600. Compared to other communities in the region, Mendota Heights’ housing values are above average. Housing values in Mendota Heights are mapped in Figure 5-2. Table 5-2: Median Housing Values in and around Mendota Heights Community Median Housing Value Mendota Heights $351,100 Eagan $251,500 Inver Grove Heights $216,400 Dakota County $226,900 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area $212,600 Source: American Community Survey, 2016 The median rent in Mendota Heights is $1,097 per month, which is higher than the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area ($916) and higher than Dakota County ($1,003). Compared to other communities in the area, Mendota Heights’ median rent is slightly higher. This may be attributed to the large number of single family homes that are rented in the City as well as the development of new, market rate apartment units in the Village neighborhood. Table 5-3 includes median monthly rents in nearby communities. Table 5-3: Median Rent in and around Mendota Heights Community Median Monthly Rent Mendota Heights $1,097 Eagan $1,074 Inver Grove Heights $990 Dakota County $1,003 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area $916 Source: American Community Survey, 2016 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-6 Housing Affordability Affordable Housing Stock in Mendota Heights The Metropolitan Council defines an “affordable” home as one costing $85,500, for households making less than 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), a home costing $153,000 for households making 31-50 percent AMI, and a home costing $240,500 for households making 51-80 percent AMI. In Mendota Heights, the median home value is $351,100, indicating that much of the City’s housing stock is unaffordable at 80 percent AMI or lower. Housing affordability is discussed later in this chapter. These characteristics are summarized in Table 5-4 for homes in Mendota Heights. Table 5-4: Affordable Housing Stock in Mendota Heights Total Number of All Housing Units 4,693 Number of Affordable Units At or below 30% AMI 31-50% AMI 51-80% AMI 50 311 1,053 Number of Publicly Subsidized Units Senior Housing People with Disabilities All other publicly subsidized units 110 0 24 Source: Metropolitan Council Cost Burdened Households Many residents in communities across the Twin Cities experience challenges affording their housing costs. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines housing to be affordable if the residents do not pay more than 30 percent of their income towards housing costs. Housing costs can include rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, HOA fees or other fees associated with living in the home. Residents who pay more than 30 percent are considered “Cost-burdened”. In Mendota Heights, over seven hundred households (16.8 percent of households) are considered to be cost-burdened. Table 5-4 describes the cost burdened households by median income level. Table 5-4: Housing Cost Burdened Households Household Income Level Number of Cost-burdened Households At or below 30% AMI 229 31 to 50% AMI 270 51 to 80% AMI 237 Total Households 736 Source: Metropolitan Council Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-7 Housing Projections and Need Although the City of Mendota Heights is relatively buil t out, it will still need to accommodate for new residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The Metropolitan Council encourages Mendota Heights to supply 23 new units of affordable housing (at or below 80 percent AMI) by 2040. The units are to be affordable at different levels, described below in Table 5-5. Table 5-5: Affordable Unit Allocations for Mendota Heights Household Income Level Number of Units At or below 30% AMI 18 31 to 50% AMI 2 51 to 80% AMI 3 Total Households 23 Source: Metropolitan Council Strategies to Promote a Diverse Housing Stock In order for Mendota Heights to meets its goals and policies pertaining to housing, and especially to accommodate the projected needs of affordable housing units, the City can rely on a number of existing programs and policies to promote housing stock diversity. Numerous efforts are available for Mendota Heights to employ in order to facilitate the construction of affordable housing and to expand local housing options including regional, state, and national programs, fiscal devices, official controls, and land use regulation. Livable Communities Act In 1995, Minnesota Legislature created the Livable Communities Act (LCA) as defined by MN State Statute 473.25. The LCA is a voluntary, incentive-based approach to help the Metro Area communities address affordable and lifecycle housing needs. The LCA provides funds to communities to assist them in carrying out their development plans for affordable hou sing and creation of new jobs. Participation in the Local Housing Incentives Program portion of the LCA requires communities to negotiate housing goals with the Council and prepare a Housing Action Plan. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-8 Livable Communities Demonstration Accounts (LCDA) LCDA funds support regional growth strategies promoting development and redevelopment that make efficient and cost-effective use of urban lands and infrastructure; improve jobs, housing, transportation, and service connections; and expand affordable and lifecycle housing choices in the region. The funds are available to municipalities that participate in the Local Housing Incentives Program of the Livable Communities Act (LCA). The LCDA is open to local housing and redevelopment authorities, economic development authorities or port authorities in LCA-participating cities, or to counties on behalf of projects located in LCA-participating cities. As the name of the account suggests, LCDA funds are intended to be used for projects that demonstrate innovative and new ways to achieve and implement the statutory objectives, not merely to fill project funding needs. Local Housing Incentive Account (LHIA) LHIA grants help to produce new and rehabilitated affordable rental and homeownership, promote the Council’s policy to expand and preserve lifecycle and affordable housing options to meet changing demographic trends and market preferences, and support the region’s economic competitiveness. Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA) The TBRA provides funds to clean up polluted land to make it available for economic redevelopment, job retention, and job growth, or the production of affordable housing to enhance the tax base of the recipient municipality. TBRA funds are raised by a legislatively authorized levy capped at $5 million annually. If the TBRA project includes a housing component, a portion of the housing is required to be affordable. Ownership units are considered affordable if they can be purchased by buyers earning 80% of the area median income (AMI). Affordable rental units are those renting at the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit rent limits based on 50% of the AMI. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program The CDBG Program is provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CDBG program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 5-9 Fiscal Devices Fiscal devices, such as revenue bonds, tax increment, financing, or tax abatement can be used to help ease the construction and availability of affordable housing in the City of Mendota Heights. Official Controls Official controls and land use regulation can be used to assist in the construction of affordable housing units. Controls and regulations can also be used to simplify the process of expanding local housing options also. The following is a list of official controls that the City of Mendota Heights can use to implement its housing goals and policies: Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Building Codes, Design Requirements, lot splits and new home construction, and the actual approval process itself. These regulatory tools impact the type and cost of new housing. 6-1 6 Economic Development A strong community is not simply about housing and parks but also economic vitality. Mendota Heights seeks to support its community through a diverse mix of commercial offerings, retention and expansion of job-generating businesses, and preserving land for commercial and industrial activities that is adequately buffered from nearby residential areas. Regional Context The Metropolitan Council recommends including an economic development element in local comprehensive plans, to achieve regional goals for economic competitiveness. Providing great locations for businesses to succeed, particularly industries that export products or services beyond our region and bring revenue and jobs into the region, is a significant need. The Metropolitan Council defines two key terms related to this element: • Economic Competitiveness – Examining and strengthening the ability of the region to compete effectively and prosper in the global economy. • Economic Development – Activities that directly aim to retain, attract, and grow businesses that bring wealth into a community or region. While the City focuses its efforts on growing businesses within its own boundary, it is also important to understand the context for that growth within the region and work with regional partners to achieve shared success. Part of the regional context for Mendota Heights is its excellent location within the regional roadway network and its proximity and easy access to MSP International Airport. Both are critical to the City’s within the regional economic environment. Economic Development topics addressed in this chapter include : • Economic Overview • Redevelopment and Business Development • Education and Workforce • Economic Information, Monitoring, and Strategic Initiatives Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 6-2 Goals and Policies GOAL 1: PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS NEEDS. Policies: • Manage growth and land resources to ensure an appropriate mix of development and, where possible, land to secure new business investments. • Retain the present industrial and commercial base and assist companies with their expansion needs where appropriate. • Attract quality businesses consistent with the City’s target market to areas available for development. • Explore options for sites and buildings to meet the demand for commercial and industrial development. • Maintain an infrastructure system to meet the needs of current businesses and facilitate future growth. • Address unique development challenges including the reuse and redevelopment of vacant buildings. • Foster private investment and economic activity without compromising community objectives to maintain and enhance Mendota Heights’ environment. GOAL 2: PROMOTE BUSINESS ATTRACTION, RETENTION, AND EXPANSION IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS. Policies: • Identify target markets and prepare and implement a marketing plan to attract businesses that fit this market. • Work with local businesses and industry to ensure needs for expansion and development are adequately met and maintain an open line of communication with the business sector through the Business Retention and Expansion Program. • Continue to actively market Mendota Heights to commercial brokers and retail businesses to expand retail opportunities in the City. • Work cooperatively with local business groups, the school district, and area colleges and universities to provide training for workers with the skills needed for existing and future Mendota Heights businesses. GOAL 3: PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PUBLIC FINANCING TOOLS. Policies: • Periodically review economic development opportunities, such as incentive programs from the county, regional and state. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 6-3 • Review new and innovative economic development incentives for application in Mendota Heights. • Pursue outside funding sources to develop or redevelop land for commercial and industrial uses, such as Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Demonstration Account and Tax Base Revitalization Account, Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and other applicable grants. GOAL 4: CONTINUE TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AREAS THAT SERVE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. Policies: • Provide and support commercial areas to supply convenience goods and services for residents of Mendota Heights. • To mitigate conflicts between commercial and residential development, require appropriate land use transitions at the edges of residential neighborhoods through the use of setbacks, screening, buffering and fencing. • Require sidewalk connections along major streets leading up to neighborhood commercial centers and direct connections from the public sidewalk to the storefronts. GOAL 5: CONTINUE TO DEVELOP BUSINESS PARK AREAS THAT PROVIDE JOBS AND SERVE THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMY. Policies: • Provide opportunities for new industrial development and expanded employment opportunities to create livable-wage positions in Mendota Heights and the redevelopment of existing industrial uses to serve existing businesses in the community. • Provide attractive, planned environments as means to induce employers to locate within the city. • Continue to provide and enforce standards for industrial developments that improve the appearance and character of industrial properties. • Provide high quality public services and infrastructure in all commercial and industrial districts. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 6-4 Economic Overview A 2016 report by Tangible Consulting Services evaluated the market and development conditions in preparation for the comprehensive plan update (see Appendix X). It overviewed the unique demography and economic base that characterizes the city and investigated the market and development factors that will shape future growth in housing, retail, and industrial development. Mendota Heights is a fully developed suburb. While that status limits opportunities for new development, there is a need to stay viable and attractive as the demographics of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area shift. The population is growing, it is aging, and more households will be renters. Choices about purchasing and employment will also evolve. Decisions about housing redevelopment, retail support and location, and office and employment opportunities will influence Mendota Heights’ character as a desirable place to live. Redevelopment and Business Development Opportunities for business investment will likely include retail, business, office and industrial uses. Retail areas in Mendota Heights benefit from their visibility from the heavily traveled Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) corridor. They also benefit from their distance from other retailers. Their distance from retail centers in the nearby communities of Eagan and West St. Paul gives Mendota Heights retailers a corner on neighborhood goods and services for residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. These locational characteristics are likely to keep the areas strong into the future. Mendota Heights is more limited in its prospects for destination retail given its competition in this category in surrounding communities. The Mendota Heights Industrial District (MHID) is an important contributor to the tax base compared to nearby competing areas. It is in the South Central industrial submarket of the Twin Cities which encompasses West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Eagan, Apple Valley, and Burnsville. New industrial development in the South Central Submarket is coming online more slowly than in the metro area overall. 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 Land Value per acre Taxes per acreValue Compared to Mendota HeightsMendota Heights Industrial District Burnsville Cliff Road Eagan Dodd Road Cottage Grove Business Park Figure 6-1: Industrial Comparison Areas Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 6-5 The Mendota Heights Industrial District is attractively positioned for continued business occupancy due to its central location in the region, proximity to the airport, flat topography, diversity of existing tenants, and available utilities. A major challenge is the limited opportunity for on-site facility expansion and very few sites for new industrial development. The office buildings in the Mendota Heights Industrial District and the Centre Pointe Business Park operate in a different competitive environment than the industrial facilities. Vacancy rates tend to be higher in office properties. Office development clusters into districts within the metropolitan area due to transit availability and proximity to amenities. Office buildings in Mendota Heights’ two districts are 20 years old on average and together offer around 1.4 million square feet of floor area. Market indicators are mixed for office buildings in Mendota Heights – the 2016 vacancy rate is lower than the metro as a whole but rents are also lower. Retail Redevelopment Opportunities While there are limited opportunities for additional retail in Mendota Heights, two exist: • Expanding retail opportunities beyond what is already planned at Mendota Plaza and The Village at Mendota Heights along Highway 62 at Dodd Road. • Better capturing the daytime population at the Mendota Heights Industrial District. Small footprint retail and restaurants could better serve these employees. Industrial Redevelopment Opportunities The Mendota Heights Industrial District Redevelopment Plan makes several recommendations for actions to strengthen the area’s attr activeness to industrial users and invite building renovation and improvement. These include: • Explore ways to communicate, brand, and promote the Industrial District • Consider city policies toward redevelopment incentives to potentially implement on future projects • Consider investments in broadband and other technology infrastructure as necessary to ensure the area is competitive and serves the business needs. Office Redevelopment Opportunities To support continued viability of the office areas in Mendota Heights, consideration could be given to actions such as: • Strengthen the office identity and branding of the southern part of the Mendota Heights Industrial District. Let the district be part of the broader Eagan/Mendota Heights office district. • Build the amenity base of the area with the addition of some retail and restaurants, even if the opportunities to do so are limited. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 6-6 Education and Workforce A strong, educated workforce supports local businesses and gives Mendota Heights residents an opportunity to work and go to school close to home. If a community has daytime workers, it leads to more retail and restaurant offerings since those businesses can now capture a daytime crowd in addition to evenings and weekends. Additionally, residents who can work close to home reduce transportation costs and gain more time in their day that would have otherwise be spent on a long commute. Education Mendota Heights is in Independent School District 197 and served by public schools Somerset Elementary, Mendota Heights Elementary, Friendly Hills Middle School and Henry Sibley High School. The City is also home to St. Thomas Academy and Convent of the Visitation School. There are currently no post-secondary schools located in Mendota Heights, but the city’s central location in the Twin Cities means there are many easily accessible post-secondary options. Workforce Mendota Heights has a unique employment profile for a Twin Cities suburb. Businesses in Mendota Heights offer a high number of good-paying jobs and there are almost two jobs in Mendota Heights for every employed person who lives in the city. However, most Mendota Heights workers commute to jobs outside of the city. Of the roughly 5,500 workers who live in Mendota Heights, almost 95% go to work at a location outside the city limits. Only around 300 residents work at a business in Mendota Heights. While some jobs are in neighborhood serving retail businesses and the community’s educational institutions, the great majority of jobs in Mendota Heights are in the industrial facilities and offices in the city’s industrial and office areas. The majority of employment in Mendota Heights is focused in two distinct areas – the Mendota Heights Industrial District and the Centre Point Business Park. Figure 6-1: Office and Industrial Context Source: Mendota Heights Assessor Data Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft September 2018 6-7 Businesses in the Mendota Heights Industrial District (MHID) offer over 7,000 principal jobs. The MHID is home to a mix of industrial and office developments. The Centre Pointe Business Park offers around 800 jobs. The business park was developed in the 1990s and 2000s and is comprised entirely of office buildings. Industrial and office jobs tend to pay a living wage which are higher on average than jobs in some other sectors such as retail stores and services. Economic Information, Monitoring, and Strategic Initiatives Through a partnership with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), the City makes available a certified “Open to Business” consultant to offer free services to local businesses. The service is free to any Mendota Heights business or resident. Experts help businesses plan by providing information of business start-up or acquisition, creating a business plan, evaluating financials, and analyzing the viability of commercial sites. The West St. Paul WorkForce Center is a valuable tool for local job seekers and businesses searching for em ployees in the surrounding communities. Part of a larger initiative sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), job seekers have access to job search coaching, information for veterans and people who require special services, training programs for in-demand occupations, and a free online job bank. Businesses can get help finding workers, developing a workforce strategy, locating and expanding their business, and data analysis on the local labor market. The City also partners with the Dakota County CDA on strategic initiatives such as: • Investing in transportation • Coordinating strategic infrastructure and land development • Linking workforce development and economic development • Building the capacity to respond to business prospects • Providing quality workforce housing • Strengthening development-related research and policy capacity MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN About the Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan is an official statement by the City Council establishing major goals and policies concerning the desirable physical, social and economic development future of the city. The Plan represents the Community’s vision for how it wants to grow, change and renew itself. The plan outlines how it wants to develop its land, redevelop older areas, ensure adequate housing; provide roads, water, sewer, protect natural areas and meet other community goals. The Metropolitan Land Planning Act requires every 10-years that all cities, counties and towns in the 7-county metro area review, update and amend if necessary their Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is... • Broad in Scope: Covers the entire City • Comprehensive: Address all the essential elements of the City. • Long Range: Covers the period 2020-2040 • General: Provides general direction, not detailed operational plans • Internally Consistent: The parts of the plan work together. • Amendable: When circumstances change the plan can change. The Plan sets forth a long-term vision to guide growth over time and identifies policies, projects, and other investments that will move Mendota Heights ahead. The Comprehensive Plan is used to guide decisions regarding... • Land Use: Each parcel is designated for be used in some way. • Public Investment: This consequently guide where and when public infrastructure ought to be provided. • Private Investment: This in turn determines the timing and location of private investment. • Social and Economic programing: The Plan also addresses the social and economic opportunities and challenges facing Mendota Heights and its residents. What is the Comprehensive Plan? The Planning Process What will the Comprehensive Plan be used for? Data Gathering Data Analysis Goals + Policies Alternatives Implementation MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Vision and Mission for Mendota Heights The Comprehensive Plan is guided by an all-encompassing vision statement, which expresses what we want the City to be. The statement helps to support the Plan’s goals and policies and serves as the main theme for all chapters and elements of the Plan. The Planning Commission has developed a draft vision statement for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Please add your thoughts and comments on the statement to this board using a post-it note. The Mission Statement expresses how we intend to achieve our Mission. It serves as the guidance for the future development of the City of Mendota Heights. Like the vision statement, it is all-encompassing and will be integrated into each chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission has developed a draft mission statement for the Plan. Please add your thoughts and comments on the statement to this board using a post-it note. What is the Vision Statement?What is the Mission Statement? “Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family-oriented residential community, with a vibrant business and industrial base, highly regarded educational and religious institutions, a spacious, natural feel, and the amenities of a city.” “Our mission is to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the Mendota Heights by providing quality public safety, infrastructure, and planning for orderly and sustainable growth.” MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Land Use á½ßà ûú½ø ûúºø áHßà áoßà áHßà ûú½ø ÓÛÒÜÑÌß Ô×ÔÇÜßÔÛ ÎÑÙÛÎÍ ÔßÕÛÙËÒ ÝÔËÞ ÔßÕÛ Û¨·¬·²¹ Ô¿²¼ Ë» Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ k ð íôððð êôððð Ú»»¬ Ý·¬§ Þ±«²¼¿®§ Î«®¿´ Î»·¼»²¬·¿´ Ô±© Ü»²·¬§ Î»·¼»²¬·¿´ Ó»¼·«³ Ü»²·¬§ Î»·¼»²¬·¿´ Ó»¼·«³ Ü»²·¬§ Î»·¼»²¬·¿´ ó ÐËÜ Ø·¹¸ Ü»²·¬§ Î»·¼»²¬·¿´ Ø·¹¸ Ü»²·¬§ Î»·¼»²¬·¿´ ó ÐËÜ Þ«·²» Ô·³·¬»¼ Þ«·²» Ó·¨»¼ Ë» ó ÐËÜ ×²¼«¬®·¿´ Ý·¬§ Ú¿½·´·¬·» Í½¸±±´ øÐ«¾´·½ Ð®·ª¿¬»÷ Ý¸«®½¸» Í§²¿¹±¹«» Ý»³»¬»®§ Ð¿®µñÑ°»² Í°¿½» Ù±´º Ý±«®» Î·¹¸¬ó±ºóÉ¿§ Ñ°»² É¿¬»® É»¬´¿²¼ Ú»¾®«¿®§ êô îðïè Í±«®½»æ Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ô îðïé Land use describes areas where certain activities (uses) take place in a city. This includes areas for housing, shopping, working, recreating, and conserving natural environments. Existing land use in Mendota Heights is included in the map. It is important to note that these land use categories have been established by the Met Council. Some communities have established their own existing land use categories. What is Land Use? MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Land Use ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGH TS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER D R SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHL AN D DR WENTWORTH A VE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON W HEEL TRL MEN DOTA R DHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2040 Planned Future Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2017 City boundary RR - Rural Residential LR 15 - Low Density Residential LR 9 - Low Density Residential LR 5 - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential HR - High Density Residential LB - Limited Business B - Business MU - Mixed Use I - Industrial P/S - Public/Semi-Public P - Park & Open Space Open Water Future Land Use Plan The Future Land Use Plan map shows how the City is intended to develop with various land use categories, described in more detail in the Plan. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Land Use ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMA RIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGH TS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER D R SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHL AND DR WENTW ORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON W HEEL TRL MENDOTA R DHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2040 Planned Future Land Use for Parcels with Land Use Change from 2030 Plan to 2040 Plan City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2017 City boundary LR 15 - Low Density Residential LR 9 - Low Density Residential LR 5 - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential HR - High Density Residential MU - Mixed Use I - Industrial P - Park & Open Space Open Water Land Use Changes The Land Use Changes map shows properties where the land use designation on the Future Land Use map has changed between the previous 2030 Land Use Plan and the current proposed 2040 Land Use Plan. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Lot Size Study Areas Lot Size Study Areas Two areas on the Focus Areas map are noted as Lot Size Study Areas. These are areas of the City where single family home lots are generally much smaller than the rest of the City and smaller than the minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet – the northeast corner of the City and the Friendly Hills area in the southeast part of the City. A map showing the size of residential lots is attached on the following page. The smaller lots were developed before the current zoning standards were in place. When this happens, these lots become legal non- conforming lots in terms of size which can pose problems when homeowners want to expand their homes and may run into setback or lot coverage issues. Another concern is that in many other neighborhoods of the City larger lots can be split into two lots that conform to the prevailing size in the neighborhood. In the smaller-lot neighborhoods, a larger lot might be subdivided into two lots that would be in keeping with the character of that neighborhood, but the zoning ordinance minimum lot size prevents it. For example, a 30,000-square-foot lot can be divided into two 15,000-square-foot lots that meet the zoning code. But a 15,000-square- foot lot in a small-lot neighborhood of mostly 7,500-square-foot lots cannot be further subdivided. This has the effect of inhibiting investment in the neighborhood and preventing people from more or less equal treatment compared to larger lot neighborhoods. Lot size of most properties in this neighbor- hood are less than the minimum required lot size in the City Zoning Code. By mak- ing this proposed change, most properties in the neighborhood would become con- forming, rather than non-conforming prop- erties. Butler Ave W Winston Ct Delaware Ave Chippewa Ave Huber DrDodd RdCreek Ave R-1 Zoning: 15,000 sq ft min lot size 30,000 sq ft large lot Split into 2 lots Each 15,000 sq ft R-X Zoning: 7,500 sq ft min lot size 15,000 sq ft large lot Split into 2 lots Each 7,500 sq ft Conforms to the neighborhood character Conforms to the neighborhood character The NE Corner and Friendly Hills areas are shown on the Future Land Use Map as LR 5 and LR 9, respectively, to indicate the proposed 5,000-square-foot and 9,000-square-foot lot size minimums. An implementation step coming out of this Plan will be recommendations on new zoning districts and specific standards in the zoning ordinance to address this issue. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LR-9, LR-5 & LR-6 Study Areas Dodd RdD e c o r a h L n Ke o k u k L n A p a c h e S t Cheyenne Ln Creek Ave Aztec LnHuber Dr Junction Ln Dodd RdWinston Ct Miriam S t Chippewa AveHiawatha Ave Sibley Mem. HwyButler Ave Junction Ln Dodd RdWinston Ct Miriam S t Chippewa AveHiawatha Ave Sibley Mem. HwyButler Ave Friendly Hills Proposed LR-9 9,000 sq ft lot size minimum, 80’ lot width minimum Properties able to be split for new lots if proposal is adopted: 2 / 278 total NE Corner Proposed LR-6 6,000 sq ft lot size minimum, 60’ lot width minimum Properties able to be split for new lots if proposal is adopted: 34 / 227 total NE Corner Proposed LR-5 5,000 sq ft lot size minimum, 50’ lot width minimum Properties able to be split for new lots if proposal is adopted: 60 / 227 total MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Housing á½ßà ûú½ø ûúºø áHßà áoßà áHßà ûú½ø ÓÛÒÜÑÌß Ô×ÔÇÜßÔÛ ÎÑÙÛÎÍ ÔßÕÛÙËÒ ÝÔËÞ ÔßÕÛ ß¹» ±º Ø±«·²¹ Í¬±½µ Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ k ð íôððð êôððð Ú»»¬ Þ«·´¬ ¾»º±®» ïçéð Þ«·´¬ ¾»¬©»»² ïçéð ¿²¼ ïçèð Þ«·´¬ ¾»¬©»»² ïçèð ¿²¼ ïççð Þ«·´¬ ¾»¬©»»² ïççð ¿²¼ îððð Þ«·´¬ ¿º¬»® îððð Ý·¬§ Þ±«²¼¿®§ Ñ°»² É¿¬»® ß°®·´ ïîô îðïè Í±«®½»æ Ü¿µ±¬¿ Ý±«²¬§ô îðïê á½ßà ûú½ø ûúºø áHßà áoßà áHßà ûú½ø ÓÛÒÜÑÌß Ô×ÔÇÜßÔÛ ÎÑÙÛÎÍ ÔßÕÛÙËÒ ÝÔËÞ ÔßÕÛ Ô±¬ Í·¦» º±® îðíð Ð´¿²²»¼ Í·²¹´» Ú¿³·´§ Ô¿²¼ Ë» Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ k ð íôððð êôððð Ú»»¬ Ò±ª»³¾»® îô îðïé Í±«®½»æ Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ô Ü¿µ±¬¿ Ý±«²¬§ô îðïê Ý·¬§ Þ±«²¼¿®§ Ô±¬ Í·¦» ä ëôððð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» ëôðððóéôëðð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» éôëððóïðôððð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» ïðôðððóïîôëðð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» ïîôëððóïëôððð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» ïëôðððóîðôððð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» îðôðððóíðôððð ¯º¬ Ô±¬ Í·¦» â íðôððð ¯º¬ Ñ°»² É¿¬»® Housing in the Comprehensive Plan Housing directly impacts many aspects of individual and community quality of life. At its most basic level, housing provides human shelter. But housing also provides private space for family life, and is the conduit of connection to the larger community, including access to schools, jobs, social networks, parks, transportation, and commerce. Safe and stable housing that is in good condition is essential for the social and economic success of families. Viable housing choices allow households to find housing affordable to them in the places where they want to live. Housing preferences also change along the continuum of a person’s lifecycle, so maintaining a variety of housing choices allows individuals to remain in their community of choice throughout their life. Lot Sizes Mendota Heights housing and single-family lots vary greatly throughout the community. Many lots in the northern part of the City are small, at times less than 5,000 square feet. Others are much larger, over 30,000 square feet. This has implications for policies, regulations, and future development in the city. See Lot Size Study Areas. Housing Stock Mendota Heights housing is predominantly single family homes (84.9%) and much of the housing was built in the 1950s - 70s. However, new construction has slowed down due to the financial recession in the late 2000s and the fact that much of the City has already been developed. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/comm_planning/affordablehousing/ What is housing affordability? According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Housing is affordable to a resident if they pay less than 30% of their income towards housing costs. For people who own their homes, a general rule of thumb: A mortgage is affordable if it is less than 2.5 times the gross salary of the homeowner. What is included in housing costs? What is cost burden? A resident is considered cost-burdened if they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. In Mendota Heights, 13.6% of residents are cost-burdened. Cost Burden Level Number of Households Income at or below 30% AMI*167 Income 31-50% AMI 251 Income 51-80% AMI 211 *AMI or Area Median Income is a way to measure the income in a community. In Mendota Heights, the AMI is based off the entire metro and determined by household size. For a family of four, the AMI is $90,400. If you own a home: • Mortgage(s) • Property Taxes • Insurance • HOA fee (if applicable) • Utilities If you rent: • Contract rent • Utilities Housing Cost and Affordability National Trends in Housing Housing Costs Housing costs in Mendota Heights tend to be higher in the City than surrounding county and metro. The following two charts show median home value and rent comparisons. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Goals: Land Use and Housing GOAL 3: SUPPORT INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN DESIGNATED AREAS. • The City will use available resources to meet redevelopment needs. This will include cooperation with the Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council to achieve redevelopment objectives. • Encourage appropriate transitions and buffering between potentially incompatible land uses. GOAL 4: REDUCE THE IMPACT OF AIRCRAFT NOISE WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. • Increase public participation and representation through the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). • Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures and corridor compliance. • Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable runway use system. • Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport Comprehensive Plan. • Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational changes and advance technology. • Encourage establishment of a physical capacity for the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor and transfer of general aviation use to other reliever airports. • Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace obstructions are encountered. • Consider aircraft noise and safety issues as in applicable land use and zoning decisions. GOAL 1: PRESERVE AND IMPROVE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS AND HOUSING UNITS. • Continue to enforce housing maintenance and zoning codes. • Explore options for flexibility in Zoning Code standards to encourage and allow expansion and reinvestment in existing houses. • Partner with Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, the State of Minnesota and other agencies that provide housing rehabilitation programs and services. • Protect public safety by requiring owners to repair substandard housing or as a last resort, abate and demolish dangerous housing. • Develop a housing maintenance program that promotes and requires safe homes and attractive neighborhoods. GOAL 2: MEET FUTURE NEEDS WITH A VARIETY OF HOUSING PRODUCTS. • Encourage life-cycle housing opportunities in Mendota Heights of various forms and tenures that allow residents to remain in the community throughout their lives. This includes: • Maintenance of existing entry level housing. • Construction of move-up single family housing. • Construction of various types of senior housing, including senior ownership units, senior rental units, memory care and assisted living units. • Providing a mix of affordable housing opportunities for all income levels, age groups, and special housing needs. • Encourage environmentally sustainable housing development and construction practices. • Provide for housing development that maintains the attractiveness and distinct neighborhood characteristics in the community. • Support the maintenance and rehabilitation of the community’s existing housing stock. • Periodically assess the housing needs in the community, including the elderly, disabled, active retirees, and other groups with special housing needs to determine development priorities and to formulate strategies to meet those needs and maintain an adequate and quality housing supply. Land Use Goals Housing Goals GOAL 1: THE LAND USE PLAN WILL SERVE AS THE FOUNDATION FOR LAND USE DECISIONS IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS. • Develop in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for land use, housing, transportation, parks and other community facilities. • Review and amend the Comprehensive Plan as necessary to ensure consistent development policy in current and future development decisions. • Zoning and rezoning decisions shall conform to the Land Use Plan. • The Land Use Plan will be updated to reflect changing priorities and conditions or as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. • Balance land use designations to meet projected growth demand. GOAL 2: PRESERVE, PROTECT AND ENRICH THE MATURE, FULLY DEVELOPED RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT AND CHARACTER OF THE COMMUNITY. • Subdivision and zoning standards will emphasize high quality site and building design. • Emphasize quality design, innovative solutions, and a high general aesthetic level in community development and building. • Parks, trails and open spaces will be planned within walking distance of all residential areas. • Encourage development and planning of land that provides for reasonable access to surrounding properties. • Public buildings and properties will be designed, constructed and maintained to be a source of civic pride and to set a standard for private property owners to follow. • Historic preservation will be considered in land use decisions. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transportation Transportation System The transportation network connects places that people live to where they shop, attend school, go to work, and recreate. The Transportation plan element considers all of the different ways that people move throughout the city to ensure that there are numerous options for getting around. Types of Roadways Roads can be classified by their size, the volume of traffic, or roadway use. Functional classification is a way to classify roads based on their function. Different categories are listed below and shown on the map. Principal Arterial: Major roadways with limited access, serving primarily through traffic. These roads have very high traffic volumes. Minor Augmentor/Reliever/Expander: Like an arterial, a major roadway with some access points serving as way to get through the community. Minor Arterials/Collectors: Main roads within the community that serve local traffic with many access points. Local Streets: Small, low volume roadways that serve as access to homes and neighborhoods within the community. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRD5,6006,0009701,0403,2003,4304,6004,9306,0006,4305,4005,7903,6503,9102,6003,900101,000108,000 1,7501,880 3,4003,650 105,000113,000 28,50037,500 9501,0201,1001,180 1,5 5 0 1,6 6 0 8,40010,5007,80010,5004,3004,6006907401,0501,130 33,50035,700 7708307 9,00084,7007,0007,5103,4003,6502,3502,5206,6007,080 96,000103,000 3,3503,590 26,00027,900 2 5,5 0 0 2 6,7 0 0 9 ,2 0 09,6 5 0 5,0005,36014,20015,2005,2005,5802,2002,3601,0501,130 29,50031,60056,000 60,000 5,2005,5804 5 5490 4,0004,2902,2502,4201,1501,230 1,6001,720 3,1003,3206,6007,08086,00092,20093,00099,7003,3005,000 2,6002,790 9,90011,4007,4007,9402,6002,790 3,5505,5005,8006,2209,3009,9706,3006,7603,5503,810DELAWAREAVEDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMA RIE AVE W MEN DOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DRSIBLEYMEMORIAL NORTHL AN D DR WENTW ORTH A VE WWACHTLERAVE WA GON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA R DHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Transportation System City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet 2-Lane Roadway 4-Lane Roadway 6-Lane Roadway Principal Arterial A Minor Augmentor A Minor Reliever A Minor Expander B Minor Arterial Major Collector Minor Collector Local Road Railroad City of Mendota Heights Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: MNDOT, 2016; Stantec 1,230 1,230 2016 Traffic Volumes (AADT) Projected 2040 Traffic Volumes (AADT) MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Transit Transit While providing roads to move autos and goods is important, it is also essential to plan for systems that move people via transit, walking, and biking. The Plan will look at opportunities to enhance public health, the environment, and address the needs of specific groups that include seniors, persons with disabilities, children and households that may have limited or no access to an automobile. Transit Routes Numerous local and express routes serve Mendota Heights with stops most frequent along major roads in the community. There are also routes that serve the business/ industrial park, though they have limited service. Into the future, the Robert Street transitway could impact the City, with a connection to downtown St. Paul. This route is in the planning phase and no alignment has been established. á½ßà ûú½ø ûúºø áHßà áoßà áHßà ûú½ø ÓÛÒÜÑÌß Ô×ÔÇÜßÔÛ ÎÑÙÛÎÍ ÔßÕÛÙËÒ ÝÔËÞ ÔßÕÛ ìïé ìïé ìïëììê ìíê ìíê ììê ìïë ìéðìéð ììê ìëî ìëî ìèð ìèì ìèç ììê éë ìïé ìíê ììê ììê ìïé ììê ìïé Û¨·¬·²¹ Ì®¿²·¬ Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ k ð íôððð êôððð Ú»»¬ Ì®¿²·¬ Í¬±° Ì®¿²·¬ Î±«¬» Ð´¿²²»¼ Û¨°®» Þ« Ý±®®·¼±® Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ Ñ°»² É¿¬»® ß°®·´ ïîô îðïè Í±«®½»æ Ó»¬®±°±´·¬¿² Ý±«²½·´ô îðïê MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Parks and Trails Parks in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights enjoys a park, open space, and trail system with over 290 acres of City parkland. The City also has Fort Snelling State Park, Big Rivers Regional Trail, North Urban Regional Trail (Mendota- Kaposia Trail), and other park facilities located within or near its boundaries. The park system is recognized as an important asset to the community because it provides opportunities for residents to relax, recreate, and enjoy nature, while also enhancing the physical landscape and improving property values. Trails The City’s 21-mile trail system provides safe, enjoyable connections from where people live to parks, schools, jobs, and shopping destinations. Along with sidewalks, an interconnected trail system can make a way for people to move around the city without needing a car. á½ßà ûú½ø ûúºø áHßà áoßà áHßà ûú½ø ÓÛÒÜÑÌß Ô×ÔÇÜßÔÛ ÎÑÙÛÎÍ ÔßÕÛÙËÒ ÝÔËÞ ÔßÕÛ ÍÑÓÛÎÍÛÌ ÙÑÔÚ ÝÑËÎÍÛ øÐÎ×ÊßÌÛ÷ ÓÛÒÜßÕÑÌß ÙÑÔÚ ÝÑËÎÍÛ øÐÎ×ÊßÌÛ÷ ÐßÎ í øÐËÞÔ×Ý÷ ÊÛÒÌÑùÍ Ê×ÛÉ øÉ×ÔÜÔ×ÚÛ Ê×ÛÉ×ÒÙ ÍÌßÌ×ÑÒ÷ ÍÝÛÒ×Ý ÑÊÛÎÔÑÑÕ øÜßÕÑÌß ÝÑËÒÌÇ÷ ÑÔ×Ê×ß Ìò ÜÑÜÙÛ ÒßÌËÎÛ ÝÛÒÌÛÎ ï î í ì ë ê é è ç ïð ïï ïî ïì ïí ïë VF VF VF Ð×ÔÑÌ ÕÒÑÞ ÐÎÛÍÛÎÊßÌ×ÑÒ Ð¿®µ ¿²¼ Ì®¿·´ Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ k ð íôððð êôððð Ú»»¬ Ú»¾®«¿®§ êô îðïè Í±«®½»æ Ý·¬§ ±º Ó»²¼±¬¿ Ø»·¹¸¬ô Ü¿µ±¬¿ Ý±«²¬§ô îðïê Ñºº Í¬®»»¬ Þ·¬«³·²±« Ì®¿·´ øêù ¬± èù ©·¼»÷ Ð®±°±»¼ Ò±®¬¸ Ë®¾¿² Î»¹·±²¿´ Ì®¿·´ øÜ¿µ±¬¿ Ý±«²¬§÷ É·¼» Í¸±«´¼»®ñÑ² Í¬®»»¬ Ý·¬§ Ð¿®µ Í¬¿¬» Ð¿®µ Ù±´º Ý±«®» Ò¿¬«®» Ð®»»®ª» Ñ°»² É¿¬»® É»¬´¿²¼ Ð¿®µæ ï÷ Ú®·»²¼´§ Ø·´´ Ð¿®µ î÷ Ú®·»²¼´§ Ó¿®¸ Ð¿®µ í÷ Ø¿¹¬®±³ Õ·²¹ Ð¿®µ ì÷ ×ª§ Ø·´´ Ð¿®µ ë÷ Õ»²·²¹¬±² Ð¿®µ ê÷ Ó¿®·» Ð¿®µ é÷ Ó»²¼¿µ±¬¿ Ð¿®µ è÷ Î±¹»® Ô¿µ» Ð¿®µ ç÷ Ê¿´´»§ Ð¿®µ ïð÷ Ê·½¬±®·¿ Ø·¹¸´¿²¼ Ð¿®µ ïï÷ É»²¬©±®¬¸ Ð¿®µ ïî÷ Ê¿´´»§ Ê·»© Ø»·¹¸¬ Ð¿®µ ïí÷ Ý±°°»®º·»´¼ Ð±²¼ ïì÷ Í·¾´»§ Ð¿®µ ïë÷ Ý·ª·½ Ý»²¬»® Þ¿´´ Ð¿®µ MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Goals: Transportation and Parks and Open Space Transportation Goals Parks and Open Space Goals GOAL 1: PROVIDE A SAFE, HIGH-QUALITY, AND COST EFFECTIVE MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM • Transportation improvements will be coordinated with the plans of MnDOT, Dakota County, Metropolitan Council, and adjoining communities. • The City will support regional improvements to major transportation facilities serving the city when feasible. • New construction techniques, technologies, and environmental sustainability will be considered in planning new transportation facilities. • A network of sidewalks and trails will be constructed in all new developments and redevelopments, where practical and feasible. • Developers will be required to provide the transportation facilities within and adjacent to new subdivisions, including rights-of-way, roadways, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities necessary to support their development. • Existing transportation facilities will be maintained so as to preserve or improve service levels and minimize life-cycle costs. This includes an ongoing pavement management program for city streets. • Where practical and feasible, planning for roadway improvements will include landscaping, street lighting, and other aesthetic improvements. GOAL 2: EXPAND TRANSIT OPTIONS SERVING MENDOTA HEIGHTS • The City will continue to support and participate in efforts to implement improved transit service in the City. • The City will seek county, regional, state or federal funding to expand transit services in and around the city. GOAL 1: PROVIDE A PARK SYSTEM THAT IS SAFE, ACCESSIBLE, AND EQUITABLE IN ITS OFFERINGS TO ALL MENDOTA HEIGHTS RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. • Create and maintain a park system that provides the optimum amount of active and passive open space for the enjoyment of all Mendota Heights residents. • Provide facilities and programs that allow people of varying abilities to participate. • Build, maintain and retrofit park facilities and equipment to be safe for all users. • Plan and build safe connections for pedestrians and bicyclists within and between park facilities and major destinations in the community. • Strive to make all facilities and programs open and welcoming to people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. GOAL 2: PROVIDE A PARK SYSTEM THAT ASSURES QUALITY OF FACILITIES, BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, TRAILS, AMENITIES, AND NATURAL SETTINGS. • Keep the park system up-to-date in terms of facilities, activities and programs that are responsive to the community’s needs and wishes. • Support the park system adequately for the facilities, activities and programs offered. • Provide bicycle amenities in parks and along trails. • Provide a sustainable funding stream and operate the park system in a fiscally sound manner, including taking advantage of available grants. GOAL 3: USE THE PARK SYSTEM AS A MEANS TO ENHANCE AND SUSTAIN THE ENVIRONMENT OF EACH NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE CITY AS A WHOLE. • Provide facilities, programs and opportunities in the park system that bring people together and create community. • Protect and enhance the environment by promoting native species and pollinator friendly plantings, preventing and removing invasive species, and reducing salt on roads and sidewalks. • Protect and enhance native wildlife by considering their needs and habits in our stewardship of park property and facilities. • Ensure that stormwater is managed in park facilities in a manner that protects and preserves water quality and the ecology of the watershed. • Strive to make all park facilities, equipment and construction projects and materials environmentally friendly and sustainable. GOAL 4: COOPERATE WITH DAKOTA COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES IN PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMING. • Support the Dakota County 2030 Greenway Corridors Plan/ Vision. • Continue to cooperate with South St. Paul, West. St. Paul and other neighboring communities on park and recreation programs and facilities. • Encourage the preservation of open space by private property owners and the City. • Explore new opportunities and continue to work cooperatively with School District #197, St. Thomas, Visitation, Fort Snelling State Park, and other entities to provide maximum recreational opportunities and avoid duplication. • Improve and expand safe bicycle and pedestrian connections to City parks and other community destinations. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Economic Development and Jobs The goal of local economic development is to preserve and increase all residents’ standard of living through human and physical development that is based on principals of equity and sustainability. A rising standard of living is achieved through the creation of jobs that provide a living wage. This allows for the consumption of better goods and services and quality housing. I-494HWY 55H W Y 1 3 HWY 110 PILOT KNOB RDLEXINGTON AVESIBLEY MEMORIALMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD NORTHLAND DR LE M A Y L A K E R D CENTRE POINTE CUR W A TE R S D R ENTERPRISE DRVICTORIA CUR SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWYACACIA DRLE MA Y A VE ACACIA BLVD CENTRE POINTE DR MEDALLION DR B O U R N L NCOMME R CE DR KENDON LN EXECUTIVE DRVALENCOUR CI RLEMAY LAKE DR CENTRE POINTE BLVDLAKEVIEW AVE FURLONG AVE VIC TORY AVE I-494 H W Y 1 3 H W Y 55 Industrial Zoning D istric t Redevelopme nt Plan 12/8/2015 0 1,000 2,000 Feet Flex Hotel Land Office Greenhouse Convenience Store Office W arehouse Bulk Warehouse Public Works Source: Dako ta C ounty Octob er 20 15 City of Mendota Heights Build ing T ype V:\1938\active\1938032 60\G IS\Projec ts\Bu ild ing Typ e.mxd Figure 6 Mendota Heights Industrial District The Mendota Heights Industrial District is located in the southwestern part of the city, bordered by the Minnesota River, Highway 55 and Interstate 494. The district is a contiguous 425 acres and includes offices, warehouses, and industrial uses, as well as supporting commercial uses, and vacant, developable parcels. In 2016, the City of Mendota Heights conducted a redevelopment study of the district and identified the following recommendations: • Maintain the zoning and guidance for office, industrial, and related uses in the district. • Explore ways to capitalize on the new Vikings facility in Eagan to the advantage of the Mendota Heights Industrial District. • Continue to discuss and explore improvements to transit service in the park. • Explore ways to communicate, brand, and promote the Industrial District. Jobs and Employment The City of Mendota Heights’ strong employment base has helped create an economically stable community. Information from the 2011- 2015 American Community Survey regarding employment demographics for Mendota Heights is depicted in the table below. The statistics provided include employment information for residents over the age of 16. The majority of those employed in the City were in Management. The second largest employment category was Sales and Office. Occupation Number Percent Management, professional, and related 3,569 66% Service 510 9% Sales and office 1,087 19% Natural resources, construction, extraction, and maintenance 799 2% Production, transportation, and material moving 241 4% Total 5,779 100% MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Goals: Economic Development GOAL 1: PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS NEEDS. • Manage growth and land resources to ensure an appropriate mix of development and, where possible, land to secure new business investments. • Retain the present industrial and commercial base and assist companies with their expansion needs where appropriate. • Attract quality businesses consistent with the City’s target market to areas available for development. • Explore options for sites and buildings to meet the demand for commercial and industrial development. • Maintain an infrastructure system to meet the needs of current businesses and facilitate future growth. • Address unique development challenges including the reuse and redevelopment of vacant buildings. • Foster private investment and economic activity without compromising community objectives to maintain and enhance Mendota Heights’ environment. GOAL 2: PROMOTE BUSINESS ATTRACTION, RETENTION, AND EXPANSION IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS. • Identify target markets and prepare and implement a marketing plan to attract businesses that fit this market. • Work with local businesses and industry to ensure needs for expansion and development are adequately met and maintain an open line of communication with the business sector through the Business Retention and Expansion Program. • Continue to actively market Mendota Heights to commercial brokers and retail businesses to expand retail opportunities in the City. • Work cooperatively with local business groups, the school district, and area colleges and universities to provide training for workers with the skills needed for existing and future Mendota Heights businesses. GOAL 3: PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PUBLIC FINANCING TOOLS. • Periodically review economic development opportunities, such as incentive programs from the county, regional and state. • Review new and innovative economic development incentives for application in Mendota Heights. • Pursue outside funding sources to develop or redevelop land for commercial and industrial uses, such as Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Demonstration Account and Tax Base Revitalization Account, Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA), Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and other applicable grants. GOAL 4: CONTINUE TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL AREAS THAT SERVE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. • Provide and support commercial areas to supply convenience goods and services for residents of Mendota Heights. • To mitigate conflicts between commercial and residential development, require appropriate land use transitions at the edges of residential neighborhoods through the use of setbacks, screening, buffering and fencing. • Require sidewalk connections along major streets leading up to neighborhood commercial centers and direct connections from the public sidewalk to the storefronts. GOAL 5: CONTINUE TO DEVELOP BUSINESS PARK AREAS THAT PROVIDE JOBS AND SERVE THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL ECONOMY. • Provide opportunities for new industrial development and expanded employment opportunities to create livable-wage positions in Mendota Heights and the redevelopment of existing industrial uses to serve existing businesses in the community. • Provide attractive, planned environments as means to induce employers to locate within the city. • Continue to provide and enforce standards for industrial developments that improve the appearance and character of industrial properties. • Provide high quality public services and infrastructure in all commercial and industrial districts. MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Water and Natural Resources ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDCAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT DODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMA RIE AVE W MEN DOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHL AN D DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON W HEEL TRL MENDO TA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION EAGAN-INVER GROVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ORGANIZTION LOWER MINNESOTA WATERSHED DISTRICT Hydrography City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Watershed Boundary Open Water Wetland 100-Year Floodplain 500-Year Floodplain September 17, 2018 Source: FEMA, City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2018 Natural Environment in Mendota Heights The natural environment is an important asset to the residents of Mendota Heights. During the City’s developing stages, a strong emphasis was placed on preserving high quality open spaces and wooded areas. Residents enjoy numerous lakes and wetlands, open spaces, parks, trails, and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The majority of the City lies relatively flat, out of the floodplain, approximately 200 feet above the river. The original terrain and vegetation of the area were altered for purposes of farming. However, marshes and wetlands have been left relatively undisturbed. Rivers, Lakes, and Wetlands The City is home to the following lakes and rivers: • Gun Club Lake • Lake Augusta • Lake Le May • Rogers Lake • Friendly Marsh • Copperfield Ponds • Mississippi River • Minnesota River