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Home My WebLink About2018-05-29 PACKET 06.3.STAFF REPORT CASE: CP2018-036 ITEM: 6.3 PUBLIC MEETING DATE: 5/29/18 TENTATIVE COUNCIL REVIEW DATE: 6/20/18 APPLICATION APPLICANT: City of Cottage Grove REQUEST: Hold the public hearing on the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan. SITE DATA LOCATION: ZONING: GUIDED LAND USE: LAND USE OF ADJACENT PROPERTIES: CURRENT NORTH: EAST: SOUTH: WEST: SIZE: DENSITY: RECOMMENDATION Approval. GUIDED Cottage Grove COTTAGE GROVE PLANNING DIVISION � here Pride and Prosperity Meet Planning Staff Contact: John McCool, Senior Planner; 651-458-2874; jmccool cottagegrovemn.gov John Burbank, Senior Planner; 651-458-2825; jburbank(a�cottagegrovemn.gov Application Accepted:. 60 -Day Review Deadline: City of Cottage Grove Planning Division • 12800 Ravine Parkway South • Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (3 Stantec MEMORANDUM Date: May 29, 2018 To: Cottage Grove Planning Commission From: Phil Carlson, AICP RE: Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing INTRODUCTION After many months of discussion and review the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan is ready for a public hearing and recommendation by the Planning Commission. BACKGROUND The current 2030 Future Vision Comprehensive Plan was adopted in March 2011. The proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update will extend the current plan's growth outlook from 2030 through 2040. The Plan is updated periodically to consider changes in markets trends, revise development forecasts, and adjust community goals and policies used to guide development decisions. In order to align with the Council's goals of positioning the community for growth, the City Council appointed 22 people to serve on the Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee This Committee included members from each City advisory commission, a representative from the Economic Development Authority, business representatives, and city residents. The process of updating the 2030 Comprehensive Plan has been underway for a little over two years. In addition to the Steering Committee, the My Future Cottage Grove Housing Focus Group and Bike and Pedestrian Forum Group have also been involved. The Planning Commission and City Council have also provided comments and recommendations at various points throughout the process. Design with community in mind C4y of Cotta c Grow k .'FUTURE VISIO 030 f umpreLen Wve F]an 2030 Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plan Discussion at Housing Focus Group, February 2018 ® Stantec May 29, 2018 Cottage Grove Planning Commission Page 2 of 5 Re: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN The comprehensive plan provides a strategic vision and goals that are crucial in guiding the overall development in the community. Cities in Minnesota are granted the authority to regulate land use by the Municipal Planning Act (Minn. Stat. 462.351). The Municipal Planning Act and the Metropolitan Council provide the framework and road map that all cities within the seven -county metro area must follow. Pian Highlights The 2040 Comprehensive Plan is an update from the 2030 Plan, but new priorities were identified by decision -makers and the community to customize the update process and content, including new chapters on Economic Development and Resilience. The Plan is organized in ten chapters as noted to the right. Below is a summary of highlights and significant changes in the 2040 plan. Vision The Steering Committee reviewed and revised Cottage Grove's vision as the over -arching focus of the Plan: Cottage Grove is a welcoming city with convenient access to urban opportunities while enjoying recreational amenities, open spaces, high-quality schools, and a close-knit community. We strive to address our key themes in planning for the future. • Commercial/Retail Offerings • Business & Jobs • Transportation Connections • Housing Options • Great Schools • Parks, Trails, & Recreation • Serving All Generations • Mississippi River Access • Environmental Stewardship • Defining Our Character COTTAGE GROVE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN C56- 2040 Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plan, cover above, and Table of Contents, below TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION 2 LAND USE 3 HOUSING 4 HISTORIC PRESERVATION 5 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 6 TRANSPORTATION % WATER RESOURCES 8 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 9 RESILIENCE 10 IMPLEMENTATION APPENDIX A - MARKET AND DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT APPENDIX 6 - CRITICAL AREA PLAN ® Stantec May 29, 2018 Cottage Grove Planning Commission Page 3 of 5 Re: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update New Topics The Metropolitan Council requires a standard list of chapters or elements in the Plan, but also recommends that 2040 Comprehensive Plan updates include chapters with guidance on Economic Development and Resilience. The Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan includes new content on these topics, including policies and programs the City is already moving forward but have not been memorialized in the comp plan. Significant Land Use Changes The Future Land Use map will govern planning and development decisions in Cottage Grove for the next twenty years. While the map identifies the location of future land uses, it intricately connects to the rest of the Plan's topical elements and their priority policies — providing more housing options, support job growth, improve transportation amenities, prioritize parks and open space, and others. All of these issues are outlined in policy but memorialized through the Future Land Use Map. The major differences in land use guidance between the 2030 and 2040 Plans include: • Mixed Use district — The Mixed Use land use district has been redefined to provide more specific direction and locations. This designation is identified near the proposed BRT stations and in areas where the City is prioritizing housing growth that should also offer retail services. New Mixed Use areas are highlighted in the Plan S 2040 Future Land Use o � � ®. N D iiaMk. ry A ; F�.;hway 61 8 80Th Stn=et South Design with community in mind The new Economic Development chapter analyzes retail, office and industrial potential in Cottage Grove 1 i PBfk P -k � �Y �trk Hy-V9G ' 1 re r �¢P rt NMI • � iii o I The Resilience chapter looks at connecting older residents with parks and trails in the City Highway 61 & Jamaica Avenue South r 7410 Street South & Kea[es Avenue ® Stantec May 29, 2018 Cottage Grove Planning Commission Page 4 of 5 Re: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update • East Ravine area — The City has been building infrastructure over the last ten years to implement the vision for the East Ravine Parkway and surrounding properties. The 2040 builds on these improvements and better directs expected parcels and land uses. Transitional Planning Area — This future land use designation was used extensively in the 2030 Plan to represent areas in the southern part of the city as a recognition of an uncertain future. The 2040 Plan pares this area down to Lower Grey Cloud Island along with the Mississippi Dunes Golf Course and areas to west of it. This is again a recognition of uncertainty and a need for the City to do further study focused on these specific areas. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS Cottage Grove's website included upcoming meetings and presentation materials that the public could view. The City's Facebook account and Cottage Grove Report (monthly flyer distributed in the City's utility billing statements) were also media resources used to inform community members of future public meetings. All the meetings were open to public attendance and opportunities to provide comments. Staff also convened various meetings and outreach meetings with stakeholder groups to report on the plan update. These groups included, but are not limited to: • City of Woodbury • Cottage Grove Environmental Commission East Ravine Area • Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest (2016) • Chamber of Commerce (Urban Land Institute's: "Navigating Your Competitive Future") • Community Engagement Steering Committee and Town Hall Meetings • #FutureFriday Questions Series • My Future Cottage Grove Visioning Sessions and Facebook Live Town Hall Session • Open Houses (April 17, 2017 and February 26, 2018) • Cottage Grove Business Park's Areawide Urban Alternative Review (AUAR) • Harkness Area Study Plan and Comprehensive Plan Amendment • Cottage Grove Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Commission • Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority • Cottage Grove Planning Commission • Cottage Grove City Council Workshops • My Future Cottage Grove Housing Focus Group • My Future Cottage Grove Bike and Pedestrian Forum Group Design with community in mind ® Stantec May 29, 2018 Cottage Grove Planning Commission Page 5 of 5 Re: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update NEXT STEPS May 29, 2018: Planning Commission holds a public hearing on the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Make a recommendation(s) to the City Council. June 20, 2018: City Council workshop to review the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan and comments received at the May 29, 2018 Planning Commission public hearing. July 18, 2018: City Council will be asked to authorize city staff to distribute the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan to other jurisdictions and Metropolitan Council for their comment. The notice to other jurisdictions will include a request that they return their comments to the City by October 18, 2018. November 2018: Responses to comments received at the end of the October 18, 2018 comment period are presented to the City Council. City Council will be asked to approve the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for formal submittal to the Metropolitan Council. January — March 2019 timeframe: After the Metropolitan Council completes their review and accepts the 2040 Comprehensive Plan in December 2018, the City Council will be asked to officially adopt the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES Property owners with land use designations that are recommended to be changed in the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan were mailed a notice of the public hearing scheduled for May 29, 2018. The public hearing notice was also published in the South Washington County Bulletin on May 16, 2018. RECOMMENDATION The Community Development Department staff and Stantec recommend the Planning Commission review the draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan and hold the scheduled public hearing for public comments. At the conclusion of the public hearing, we recommend the Planning Commission make a recommendation to the City Council that authorizes the City to distribute the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to other jurisdictions and agencies for their review and comment. These other groups will be asked to submit their comments to the City of Cottage Grove within a 90 -day period. Design with community in mind COTTAGE GROVE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 0 DRAFT PLAN Cottage Ut'�? PREPARED FOR THE CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA Stantec f�;p5`efYMep TABLE OF CONTENTS 11 COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION 3 LAND USE 13 HOUSING 32 A HISTORIC PRESERVATION 45 5 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 52 6 TRANSPORTATION 68 7 WATER RESOURCES 93 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 105 RESILIENCE 117 10 IMPLEMENTATION 128 APPENDIX A - MARKET AND DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT APPENDIX B - CRITICAL AREA PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION Chapter 1: Community Growth and Vision serves as an overview to Cottage Grove. The chapter begins with a vision and key themes for the City. It also includes information about the City, its growth, and its development. The chapter also includes a summary of demographics and compares the City to Washington County and neighboring communities. The chapter concludes with projections for populations, households, and employment through 2040. j'A i COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION INTRODUCTION The Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plan (Plan) sets forth a long-term vision to guide growth overtime and identifies policies, projects, and other investments that will move the city ahead. The Plan evolved through the exchange of information, analysis and response between the citizens, community leaders, staff and public officials of Cottage Grove through a planning process undertaken in 2016 through 2018. Communities within the 7 -County Metropolitan Area are required to complete comprehensive plans by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. Comprehensive plans are required to be completed every ten years and reviewed by neighboring jurisdictions and the Metropolitan Council. The City of Cottage Grove approved their 2030 plan in February 2011. Community Planning Process Comprehensive planning is a systematic, ongoing, forward-looking process of analyzing opportunities and constraints to accomplish a community's goals and objectives. The planning process in Cottage Grove was divided into multiple phases: Background Analysis, Goal and Issue Identification, Alternatives, and Plan Development and Approval. The organization of each chapter in this document includes each of these aspects of the planning process. The planning process began with the overall study of existing conditions and key issues. Data related to land use, community facilities, demographics, housing, economic development, environmental features and economic development in Cottage Grove was collected, analyzed, mapped where appropriate. Once issues and priorities were identified, the City developed a vision for the community for future growth and development. Numerous stakeholder groups helped to shape the vision and key themes that guide the Plan. After the basic studies were completed, the community formulated goals and policies on how to reach their vision for the future. This phase of the process focused on the preparation, evaluation and refinement of issues, goals and policies. The ideas generated by City staff, Steering Committee members, and the public were analyzed in conjunction with the background data and a review of the adopted goals and policies to develop new draft goals and policies. These goals were further refined and are included in each chapter of the Plan. Alternative plans and recommendations were prepared and evaluated based on the stated goals and policies and options that best achieved them. These were selected and refined to best implement the City's vision and goals. The final phase of the project involved the preparation of the draft Plan and the final Comprehensive Plan document. External review, as required by the Metropolitan Council was also completed. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION Plan Organization This plan is organized into chapters addressing each of the major systems within the City. The Plan begins with an overview of key issues and opportunities as well as a vision for Cottage Grove. This chapter highlights the community vision and key themes, which serve as guiding principals for the other chapters in the document. This chapter also addresses the population and demographic characteristics of Cottage Grove. It includes an assessment of historic growth, Cottage Grove's regional context, the population today, and projections into the future. Understanding who lives in Cottage Grove today and who will be its future residents are critical to planning facilities and services that meet the needs of all residents. The Plan addresses land use, including the City's existing land use and zoning as well as proposed future land use. Given that Cottage Grove is a growing community, this chapter addresses critical development and redevelopment areas in the community such as the Harkness neighborhood, the Business Park, BRT station areas, and the East Ravine neighborhood. The next five chapters address major human and natural systems in Cottage Grove including housing, historic preservation, parks and open space, transportation, and water resources. These chapters include an assessment of existing conditions and goals for the future. The Plan then addresses economic development. This element is critical to the successful growth and future development of the community. The chapter includes information on existing market conditions in the city as well as goals and policies to promote economic growth that serves current and future residents of Cottage Grove. The last topical chapter of the plan addresses resiliency. The City of Cottage Grove and its residents are committed to environmental sustainability, healthy communities, alternative energy, and hazard mitigation. The resiliency chapter addresses these topics and served as a lens throughout the entire planning process. Because of the broad scope of resilient planning and development, resilient goals and policies can be seen throughout this Plan. These sections of the plan are denoted with: For any plan to be successful, it must be actionable. The final chapter in this Plan addresses implementation. This section addresses issues and goals identified by the community and sets timelines for implementation of solutions. Plan Chapters include: • Community Growth and Vision (Chapter 1) • Land Use (Chapter 2) • Housing (Chapter 3) • Historic Preservation (Chapter 4) • Parks and Open Space (Chapter 5) • Transportation (Chapter 6) • Water Resources (Chapter 7) • Economic Development (Chapter 8) • Resilience (Chapter 9) • Implementation (Chapter 10) COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION COMMUNITY VISION Through the planning process, the City of Cottage Grove developed a vision and key themes. The vision and themes were developed by identifying key issues with different stakeholder groups: the Steering Committee, the Chamber of Commerce, ULI Navigating your Competitive Future, the healthy living survey, and the My Future Cottage Grove process. The vision statement serves as a guiding framework for the entire plan. The themes and vision help to shape the goals and policies identified in each chapter. Cottage Grove is a welcoming city with convenient access to urban opportunities while enjoying recreational amenities, open spaces, high-quality schools, and a close-knit community. We strive to address our key themes in planning for the future. KEY THEMES Key themes are critical to the current and future quality of life in the City of Cottage Grove. These themes embody the core philosophy and vision expressed by the community. Though the local context and approach for achieving these goals may change over time, the key themes should endure for generations to come. • Commercial/Retail Offerings — work to develop a greater variety of retail, restaurant and entertainment options • Business & Jobs — expand the City's economy with living wage jobs, a strong workforce and ample land for business development • Transportation Connections — continue to develop walking, biking and transit as important complements to local and regional roadway access serving the City • Housing Options — strive to provide a diverse mix of housing types that are needed to serve all income levels and stages in the life cycle • Great Schools — work with the school district to support strong schools, to attract and retain families • Parks, Trails, & Recreation — continue to build the City's parks and trail systems as a source of pride for residents • Serving All Generations — continue to create diverse and vibrant neighborhoods with equal access to services and amenities for all residents • Mississippi River Access — work to provide public access to the river and appropriate development opportunities on Lower Grey Cloud Island • Environmental Stewardship — continue to protect and enhance the natural environment, including air quality, groundwater resources, stormwater management and energy usage • Defining Our Character — preserve and enhance the variety of neighborhood experiences in the city LOCAL CONTEXT Cottage Grove is a suburban community located in Washington County, ten miles southeast of St. Paul. Neighboring communities include Grey Cloud Island Township, St. Paul Park, and Newport on the west, Woodbury on the north, and Denmark Township on the east. Cottage Grove's southern boundary is the Mississippi River. In its 2015 System Statement, the Metropolitan Council classified Cottage Grove as a Suburban Edge Community (see Figure 1-1). This designation refers to growing suburban communities with a significant amount of land available for future development. A map of Cottage Grove and surrounding communities is included in Figure 1-2. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION Figure 1-1: Cottage Grove Community Designation I I West St. PaulMaplewood St. Paul South ti-----�--"- - St. Paul I Sunfish t 1 Newport Lake �- LL �.J Inver Grove Heights Woodbury I 1 I I Afton I I I l I l Nininger Rosemount Twp. r' I � L 3 A o Source: Metropolitan Council COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION Denmark Twp. 1 1� fto n r - -Wp- t r * � � Prescott Hastings j 4 Ravenna T +r Community Designations Outside Council planning authority Agricultural Rural Residential Diversified Rural Rural Center Emerging Suburban Edge Suburban Edge Suburban Urban Urban Center County Boundaries City and Township Boundaries Lakes and Major Rivers Figure 1-2: Cottage Grove in the context of the region St. Francis Bethell ' �I. Nnwaa'tl Twp. 40 East Bethel Nawthen Oak Grave AN KA G.lumbu, m' Ramsey Antlaver Ham Lake Faresf Lake �ia / cra I Man'ne]an S£. iz Rogers Dayfan - - _ �IJn Lakes L Caan Rapitls,p� Champlin Blaine Viii" cent _le HIS. May iw p. 'anover G IePnes WAS INGTON gfan Osseo Spring Lok Park Shoreview G' c....... Maple G ave Brooklyn Pah Wi to BeariwLLp: G eenfieltl M untls V ew N th 0 k IV De lwaatl Stillwater Twp. Raekf tl HENN PIN Ftll y 4 °� N Gmnf —_ Brooklyn c'gn'fe At— H'lls bite Bear La ke N Brig htan `W Mahfametli Loretta Vatln H ghts GemL k B'rchw aatl V'll Sfllw of Calu b H�'ghf 9e Metlina New Hape Cryf I I P Spn'ngs Intlepe tl ce �i Plymau th R bb tl St.A th y Nttle Canatla OakP kHeighf Rasev'lle Narfh St. P _ �'a ypart Maple Plain I Bayfawn Tw p�� M ticne Lake tlertlale Maplewaatl; Lan Lake Galtle Voll, Frlcan Heights r g Ooktl le Lak Elmo y■ est Lak tlT p Wa�e�to n ® Minn p.l= _ RAE Y ■■ tll tl f St,Louis Park Lan tlfa�l� Minnetonka BeachJ■ L k l tl-Sh.�es Hollywaatl iwp. Watertown iwp. Minn-- MaundS Park �Sf. Paul ■ J L�k ritl prng Deephaven M'nnef ka Ha kns 16/ P Lake St.Cro'?B ach Tonka Bay Greenwaatl Sf anifacius Llytlale Sharewaatl Ezcelsiar / Waatlbu ry Afton . est Sf. Paul ew� e0" - - Etlin° jFhftS nelling(unarg. ata SouthayrRtl entlafa He'ghfs `..irT�� " �r New W atonia Twp � Vcfan'a Chanhassen \Sof s, Lak port `J Comtlen Twp. W Ed Pra- a/ __ St Paul Park a r Lok --n Twp Blaamngton Inv Gave Heghfs CO}fage Chaska ej'Ir' E.gon Grave A --Twp. GA E.R G,yClod Islontl Twp. Narwaatl Young Am-- Shakopee --��Ealaqm acksan Twp, Burnsville Benton e Dahlgren Twp. carve L— Savage Young America Twp. Apple Valley aRosemounf Nininger Tw p.. Hombur Louisville Twp. 9 astings Pn'ar Lake C Gaates San Francisca Twp. Hon--- Vermillion Twp. Ravenna iwp. Lantl Creek Tw p. GretlifR eriwpjLok-11, Empire Tw p. Velm' Marshan Tw. Jartlaf,�� Spn'ng Lake Twp . pian p St. Lawrence Twp. S SCOTT m Farmingt. DAI( TA Belle Plaine New Mahet Tw p. Ha pNTn' r— Miesville Helena Twp. -do, Laker Blakeley Twp Belle Plaine T--' I Eurek\a 1wp. Castle Rack Twp: H Ipf\Twp. Douglas Twp. • u Elka I�ew- Mapkef j 1 LLr / Pl Ra tlap Rontlalph Twp. G—nvole Twp. Scuta Twp 8 0 8 Miles Wot fodTwp. Nb 8 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT Cottage Grove, established in 1843, was one of the first areas to be settled in what became Minnesota. For the next 100 years, the community remained rural in character, with most people living on dispersed farmsteads. In 1958, the suburbanization of the community began in earnest with the development by Orrin Thompson Homes of the Thompson Grove subdivision located south of Trunk Highway 61. This development was followed by other single family subdivisions in the 1960s, most built by Orrin Thompson Homes. Suburban development continued at a steady and moderate pace until the present, with 200 to 300 new households added in a typical year. Moderate growth in the community did not begin until the 1950s, discussed in detail on the following pages. DEMOGRAPHICS Demographic Characteristics There are currently 35,250 residents in Cottage Grove, a growing suburban community outside of St. Paul, MN. Since the 1950s, the City has grown rapidly, with population growth rates over 20 percent. Washington County has experienced similarly rapid growth, more than tripling in population between 1970 and 2014. This growth is described in Table 1-1. Table 1-1: Population Growth in Cottage Grove and Washington County Year Cottage Grove Population Growth Rate Washington County Population Growth Rate 1950 833 - 34,544 - 1960 4,850 482.2% 52,432 51.8% 1970 13,419 176.7% 83,003 58.3% 1980 18,994 41.5% 113,571 36.8% 1990 22,935 20.7% 145,896 28.5% 2000 30,582 33.3% 201,130 37.9% 2010 34,589 13.1% 238,136 18.4% 2014 35,250 3.8% 251,597 5.7% Source: US Census and American Community Survey 2010-2014 Not only has Cottage Grove been growing, it is becoming more diverse. In 2000, 8.9 percent of the population was non-white. In 2014, that number had grown to 16.5 percent. The largest racial group in the city is the Asian population, comprising over six percent of the total population. Figure 1-3 represents the growth of the City and its changing population. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION Figure 1-3: Racial Groups in Cottage Grove ■ Hispanic/Latino Black/African American ■ Asian 2000 ■ Native American and Other ■ 2 or More Races White Source: US Census and American Community Survey 2010-2014 2014 Compared to neighboring communities and the surrounding metropolitan region, Cottage Grove is more diverse than Washington County, but less diverse than the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Newport, Inver Grove Heights and Woodbury are all more racially diverse than Cottage Grove, with minorities making up at least 20 percent of the population. This relationship is shown in Figure 1-4 on the following page. Age The median age in Cottage Grove is 35, three years younger than the median age in Washington County. Age cohorts in the community are fairly evenly split among children, young adults, middle aged residents, and seniors. In 2014, 43 percent of residents were over the age of 40 years old. In the coming twenty years, the City will have to address the needs of this senior population. These needs may include more diverse housing options, unique services, and amenities targeted to an older population demographic. Age cohorts are summarized in Table 1-2. Table 1-2: Age Profile for Cottage Grove Age Cohort Percent of Population Under 5 8% 5 to 19 23% 20 to 39 26% 40 to 59 29% 60 and older 14% Source: American Community Survey 2010-2014 35% r- .2 301% 25% cL 20% 0 CL 15% D 10 %4 .� ■Q% Under E. 5 to 19 24 to 39 40 to 59 60 and older Age Cohort COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION Figur 1-4: Race and Hispanic/Latino Satus of Minority Population in and around Cottage Grove 25.0976 20.07o 1523 1027 522 Oa% ■ H%poRc/Lafi o KN °� 7 � x ■Rack/ric�or»me«c�or E Aslar Source: American Community Survey 2010-2014 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION O Native Amer»or Ord Other 0 orlsore Races ƒ � ■ H%poRc/Lafi o KN °� 7 � x ■Rack/ric�or»me«c�or E Aslar Source: American Community Survey 2010-2014 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION O Native Amer»or Ord Other 0 orlsore Races Population, Household, and Employment Projections Through Thrive MSP, the Metropolitan Council projected population, household, and employment numbers for Cottage Grove. As illustrated in Table 1-3, the Council projects that the City will continue to grow steadily, adding approximately 4,000-5,000 new residents every ten years. By 2040, the Council projects the population will be 47,000. Households and jobs will also increase in the community during this time. New housing and employment opportunities will be needed to accommodate this growth. Table 1-3: Population and Employment Projections for Cottage Grove Source: Ivletropolltan L;ouncli Conclusion The following Comprehensive Plan chapters recommend goals and policies that are reflective of the community's changing demographics and corresponding needs and desires. These changing demographics, coupled with trends in such topics as housing, transportation, and community livability, point toward increasing opportunities for residents to live in housing that is affordable and comfortable for their lifestyle and have options for commercial and recreational activities. Projected Growth in Cottage Grove 50,404 47;004 45,000 42,200 40,404 38,400 35,250 35,400 30,000 25,040 24,000 17,300 15,200 15,040 11,869 13,340 14,440 6,808 7,700 8,4DG 9,040 5,000 . , 1 11 110 2414 2420 2030 2040 ■Population ■Households ■Employment 12 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION 2014 2020 2030 2040 Change Population 35,250 38,400 42,200 47,000 11,750 additional residents Households 11,869 13,300 15,200 17,300 5,431 additional households Employment 1 6,808 1 7,700 1 8,400 1 9,000 12,192 additional jobs Source: Ivletropolltan L;ouncli Conclusion The following Comprehensive Plan chapters recommend goals and policies that are reflective of the community's changing demographics and corresponding needs and desires. These changing demographics, coupled with trends in such topics as housing, transportation, and community livability, point toward increasing opportunities for residents to live in housing that is affordable and comfortable for their lifestyle and have options for commercial and recreational activities. Projected Growth in Cottage Grove 50,404 47;004 45,000 42,200 40,404 38,400 35,250 35,400 30,000 25,040 24,000 17,300 15,200 15,040 11,869 13,340 14,440 6,808 7,700 8,4DG 9,040 5,000 . , 1 11 110 2414 2420 2030 2040 ■Population ■Households ■Employment 12 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMUNITY GROWTH AND VISION LAND USE The Land Use Plan is the critical element of the Comprehensive Plan, presenting the blueprint for how Cottage Grove will grow. The plan establishes the land use designations for properties throughout the city and a schedule for staging new development. The Land Use Plan also serves as the basis for future decisions on transportation improvements, utility extensions, and expansion of the park and open space system. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 13 INTRODUCTION The Land Use Plan is the blueprint for how Cottage Grove will grow and develop. The plan establishes the land use designations for properties throughout the city and a schedule for staging new development. The Land Use Plan also serves as the basis for future decisions on transportation improvements, utility extensions, and expansion of the park and open space system. Land uses and growth staging are projected in the Plan through 2040. It is expected, however, that periodic updates and amendments will be necessary to reflect changes in community goals and priorities. As part of the adopted Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to land use: • Commercial/Retail Offerings — work to develop a greater variety of retail, restaurant and entertainment options. • Business & Jobs — expand the City's economy with good jobs, a strong workforce and ample land for business development. • Housing Options — strive to provide a diverse mix of housing types that are needed to serve all income levels and stages in the life cycle. • Serving All Generations — continue to create diverse and vibrant neighborhoods with equal access to services and amenities for all residents. • Mississippi River Access — work to provide public access to the river and appropriate development opportunities on Lower Grey Cloud Island. • Defining Our Character — preserve and enhance the variety of neighborhood experiences in the city. GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: The Land Use Plan will serve as the foundation for land use decisions in Cottage Grove. • POLICY 2.1 All rezoning decisions must conform to the Land Use Plan. • POLICY 2.2 New development must conform to the Staging Plan established in this chapter. • POLICY 2.3 The Land Use Plan will be updated to reflect changing priorities and conditions or as required by the State Metropolitan Land Planning Act. • POLICY 2.4 Land Use designations must be balanced to meet projected growth demand plus some to allow for flexibility. Goal 2: To preserve and enhance the unique character of Cottage Grove. • POLICY 2.5 Goals for historic preservation will be considered in land use decisions. • POLICY 2.6 Parks, trails and open spaces will be planned to be within walking distance of all residential areas. • POLICY 2.7 Subdivision and zoning standards will emphasize high quality site and architectural design. • POLICY 2.8 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 • POLICY 2.9 Define various character districts within the City — urban, small town, suburban, rural and natural — and strive to preserve and enhance this character in land use decisions. • POLICY 2.10 Plan for enhanced access to the Mississippi River, recognizing its importance in the City's and the region's environment. • POLICY 2.11 Plan for the future development of Lower Grey Cloud Island with both public and private uses, respecting its unique place in the City's geography and natural setting. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Goal 3: Existing residential, commercial, and industrial areas will continue to be maintained and revitalized. POLICY 2.12 The City and Economic Development Authority will use available resources to meet redevelopment needs. This will include cooperation with the Washington County Community Development Agency and the Metropolitan Council to achieve redevelopment objectives. Goal 4: Environmental sustainability will be sought in land use decisions and investments in infrastructure. • POLICY 2.13 The City will encourage energy efficient design in all public and private construction. • POLICY 2.14 The City will take in to account impacts on air quality in land use and infrastructure decisions. • POLICY 2.15 The City will follow best practices in land use and infrastructure decisions that impact stormwater runoff. EXISTING LAND USE The Metropolitan Council maps existing land use for communities across the region. In order to establish consistency across cities, the Metropolitan Council has established a series of generalized land use categories. These categories include: • Single Family Residential Industrial and Utility Right -of -Way • Farmsteads Extractive Agriculture • Multi -family Residential Railway Undeveloped • Mixed Use Institutional Open Water • Commercial Parks, Recreation, and Preserves The Metropolitan Council's 2016 existing land use for the City is mapped in Figure 2-1 and acreages are listed in Table 2-1. Table 2-1: 2010 Existing Land Use Acreage in Cottage Grove Residential Total 3,283 5,129 1,846 +560/0 Single Family Residential 3,040 4,679 1,639 +5=', Farmsteads 174 168 -6 -3`� Multi -Family Residential 69 283 21- +3101, Mixed Use N/A 12 N/A N/A Commercial 196 297 101 +510/a Industrial Total 857 1,000 143 +170/a Industrial & Utilite 85- 7L9 -138 -16`� Extractive WA. 182 ll:;i. N/A Rail�.vav fd;� 99 hd;+\ N/A Institutional 209 424 215 +103% Parks, Recreation & Preserves 714 2,152 1,438 +201% Major Vehicular Rights -of -Way 266 336 70 +26% Airports ❑ 0 ❑ 0% Agriculture & Undeveloped Total 16,411 11,990 -4,021 -25% :agriculture N;A 7,584 N/A NEA Undeveloped Land N/A 4,407 N/A N/A Agricultural & Vacant 15,938 N/A N/A N/A Industrial Parks not Developed 70 N/A NIA N/A Public & Semi -Public Vacant 3 N/A N.'A NIA Open Water 2,625 2,644 219 +8% Total 24,161 24,184 23 +0% Source: Metropolitan Council COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Figure 2-1: 2016 Existing Land Use in Cottage Grove Cottage v.nw nee, 2016 Generalized Existing Land Use ••1 City Boundary Farmstead Seasonal/Vacation Single Family Residential Multifamily Residential Manufactured Housing Parks Retail and Other Commercial jb Mixed Use Office Extractive Industrial and Utility Institutional Airport Golf Course Park, Recreational, or Preserve Agricultural Open Water Undeveloped Right -of -Way Source: Metropolitan Council I�`/�plY ............... >,_.. .._.._...._.._.>,_.. Ra................ 1............... ............... L1.._.. _.._.' �.. _.._..1 110th Sts �-- °ar Mississippi River May 14, 2018 0 4,500 9,000 Feet '�. i N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\2016 Existing Land Use.mxd 00th St EI 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 16 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE PREVIOUS PLANS In addition to previous Comprehensive Plans, the current update is informed by four important planning studies in the City: the Harkness Avenue Small Area Plan, Business Park Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR), Red Rock Bus Rapid Transit Station Area planning, and the East Ravine Master Plan. 2030 Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2008 with resounding community support for keeping the small town character of Cottage Grove. Since the city has plenty of undeveloped land and therefore opportunities for growth, the Plan balanced these two potentially conflicting directions by focusing on building and maintaining strong, cohesive neighborhoods. As the city grows, the ability of residents to identify with individual neighborhoods will increase in importance. The Comprehensive Plan 2030 also highlighted the following: • Adding a new commercial area at Keats Avenue and 70th Street to support future needs in the East Ravine area. • Increasing employment options by adding opportunities for new commercial and industrial development. • Increasing access to the Mississippi River through more open space options. • Improving environmental sustainability through better options to walk or bike, increasing transit service, and promoting best practices in energy efficiency in new construction. Business Park AUAR The Business Park Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) was conducted in 2017 as part of a statewide competitive process to site a large industrial user needing 200-300 acres of land (see Figure 2-2). The City evaluated the existing Business Park and an expansion area to the south with a total of 1,767 acres in the AUAR area. The AUAR allowed the City to analyze scenarios and adopt a Mitigation Plan that anticipated the environmental effects of two very different types of major businesses — a Technology Center and a Distribution Center. Both uses were consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Since the AUAR land uses were not analyzed in the context of the whole city, small adjustments to the land uses were required with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update. The City of Cottage Grove understands one major impediment to successfully becoming the recipient of a business of statewide significance is the time necessary to complete a required environmental review on a case-by-case basis and a site large enough to accommodate these users. This AUAR made land available for large industrial businesses outside the boundaries of the existing Business Park, and it also better positions the City and new users for a timelier entitlement process, since any new use would not need to prepare its own environmental study (EAW or EIS) if it stays within the thresholds established by the AUAR. Red Rock Corridor Station Area Planning The Red Rock Corridor is a proposed 20 -mile transitway, connecting the Twin Cities' southeastern suburbs to St. Paul and Minneapolis (see Figure 2-3). The transitway will originate in Hastings and stop in Cottage Grove in two locations before heading to Newport and finally to the St. Paul Union Depot. In 2017, the Washington County Regional Rail Authority began work with Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park to develop small area plans for each of the proposed station areas in each city. The line will travel along Highway 61 through Cottage Grove and stop at 80th Street and Jamaica Avenue. The small area planning is looking at land use, economic development, and redevelopment opportunities in the station areas to make them more transit friendly. These areas are guided for a mix of uses (as described below in the future land use plan) and connect to direction in the Economic Development chapter. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 17 Figure 2-2: Business Park AUAR Figure 2-3: Red Rock Corridor and Planned Stations aunds Boulevard Eta Earl n union Street Depot Lower Afton --�"j Newport Paul Park 2016 Existing Land Use Business Park Project AUAR Cottage Grove, Minnesota N 0 2,000 4,000 Feet October 2, 2017 Stantec Source: Red Rock Corridor Commission V.\1938\active\193804031\GIS\Projects\Existing Land Use. mxd Both Street bi Jamaica Avenue Hastings Depot Hastings#3 Hastings d#2 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE East Ravine Master Plan The East Ravine planning area is a major section of the city open for urban development. Anticipating development in the East Ravine, a master plan for the area was completed in 2006 (see Figure 2-4). While this plan has yet to be realized, its guidance is still timely and relevant. The master plan describes land use designations, major roadway alignments, parks and open space locations, and the types of utility extensions necessary to serve the area. In addition, a staging plan was established for the sequence of development in the East Ravine. The key principles included in the plan for guiding development in the East Ravine are: • Preservation of the natural features in the area as open spaces, notably the East Ravine landform itself. • Create a system of green corridors in the East Ravine for walking and bicycling. • Maintain the unique and historic character of Old Cottage Grove and Cedarhurst Mansion. • While allowing for a range of housing densities in the East Ravine, most land in the area will be designated for low density residential development. • To balance the supply of housing in Cottage Grove, provide expanded opportunities for move -up housing in the East Ravine. The City is in the process of constructing Ravine Parkway in order to implement the vision in this plan. Figure 2-4: East Ravine Master Plan, 2005 Neighborhood Neighborhood PHASE 1 PHASE 3 i -� 1 Neighborhood ? North ' O d Cott e rove i' Land Use Legend PHASE 2 JRural Residential (Less Than 1 UnU/Aare) JI Low D nsity Residential 11.5 Unfs/Acre) ' 'I Me_diuhDensity mmo�se st m Residential (8-12 Units/Acre) 80th St, High Density Residential (+12 Uni15 /Acre) Civic/a lnstitutianale� Lcommerniai _ _ �_ _ J Neighborhood 2 Mixed Use ' 1 Park I Open Space r iiiiiiiiiiiiiiir r ■ Parkway PHASE 1 Waterbody Figure 6-2 Phasing Plan Neighborhood ? South 3200' COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 19 LAND USE DESIGNATIONS As a part of this 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Cottage Grove established a future land use plan for the City. It reflects a continuation of previous comprehensive plan policies and also the Metropolitan Council's classification of Cottage Grove as the "Suburban Edge". This land use plan includes the following land use designations: Agricultural Commercial agricultural uses are the principal land use of the property. May also contain a residence and other associated outbuildings at a minimum gross density of one unit per 40 acres. Low Density Residential Residential development in areas within the MUSA at gross densities of 1 to 4 units per acre. Medium Density Residential Residential development in areas within the MUSA at gross densities of 4.1 to 10 units per acre (density limit can be adjusted up on a case-by-case basis). High Density Residential Residential development in areas within the MUSA at gross densities of 10.1 to 20 units per acre. Rural Residential Residential development in areas outside the MUSA boundary with lots served by private wells and on-site sewer systems. Cluster development will be encouraged in this area to preserve open space and natural amenities. Commercial Commercial development including retail, service and office uses. With few exceptions, areas designated for commercial development are within the MUSA. Industrial Industrial development including research, manufacturing, distribution, assembly, and office uses. With the exception of the 3M Cottage Grove facility, industrial development will occur within the MUSA. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Mixed Use Areas designated "Mixed Use" are intended to provide flexibility to allow complementary uses within a district. A mixed use land use pattern generally includes any combination of higher density residential, commercial services, employment opportunities, and transit. The most visible and accessible parcels are intended to be reserved for commercial uses at street level, not residential, and a standard will be adopted in the zoning for the Mixed Use are to require only commercial, retail or office uses on the ground level within 300 feet of an major roadway. This would apply to the areas highlighted in Figure 2-5. The uses within a Mixed Use district support one another and the use of walking, biking, and transit. The City of Cottage Grove seeks to achieve Mixed Use Districts by: • Allowing development of multiple, complementary uses that support one another. • Promoting a walkable, sustainable development pattern that supports alternative forms of transportation (walking, biking, and mass transit) while still accommodating the automobile. • Demanding high quality design to ensure compatibility between residential and commercial uses. • Ensuring adequate service and retail opportunities to meet the needs of major employment areas and businesses. • Enhancing the local labor supply through provision of higher density housing in close proximity to major employment areas. • Creating attractive, community -oriented development that positively reflects on the image and identity of Cottage Grove. Figure 2-5: Planned Mixed Use Areas Z 2040 Future Land Use --I L. City Boundary ---- Major Future Roadways ® Agriculture Preserve Rural Residential Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential - High Density Residential - Commercial - Mixed Use ® Mixed Use within 300' of Arterial Roadways CIndustrial - Public/Semi-Public Agricultural Parks/Open Space - Golf Course Transition Planning Area 0 Open Water Street and Railroad Right -of -Way Highway 61 & 80th Street South COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Highway 61 & Jamaica Avenue South 70th Street South & Keates Avenue Park and Private Open Space Public parks and private land designated for preservation as open space. Transitional Planning Area Areas designated transitional planning area need additional planning efforts prior to establishing future land use designations. Master plans will be completed for each transitional planning area which include the Mississippi Dunes Golf Course, the area west of the golf course and the train tracks, and Lower Grey Cloud Island. Allowable uses in areas designated transitional planning area include commercial agriculture and residential uses on lots of a minimum of 20 acres. Golf Course Areas used for public or private golf courses. Agricultural Preservation Land Use While not an official future land use designation, the future of a number of properties in Cottage Grove is influenced by their inclusion in the Metropolitan Agricultural Preservation Program. The Agricultural Preserve Program was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1980 as a tool for protecting farmland in the Twin Cities. Local governments first identify long-term agricultural lands and the zoning to protect them, and then landowners can opt into the program through restrictive covenants that limit land use to agriculture or forestry for at least eight years. Land owners receive property tax credits, protection for normal agriculture practices, and other benefits for being part of the program. Twenty-seven parcels in the hands of approximately a dozen families are included in this program within Cottage Grove — all the properties are east of Kimbro Avenue except 58 acres east of Ideal Avenue and south of 100th Street that is within the area of the AUAR. Land in the agricultural preserve program is illustrated in Figure 2-6. T. i �: _ y• moi/ 0� COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Figure 2-6: Agricultural Preserve Properties I' Cottage �a g �j•_.._.._.._.._ _.._.._.._.._ _.._.. • o � BSth-StS � Agricultural Preserve Land i 1 City Boundary 70th -St -S ® Agriculture Preserve yo J 9 ..._.._.._..1 1 `!W •�..�• Mississippi River r ' May 14, 2018 '�•...�' 0 4,500 9,000 Feet V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\2018AgPreserve.mxd COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE (1 a 1 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 23 PLAN MODIFICATIONS Land Use Plan Modifications The update to the Land Use Plan includes numerous revisions to the land use designations included in the Comprehensive Plan 2030 and subsequent amendments. The major modifications to the plan are described below. Figure 2-7 illustrates the 2030 Land Use Plan and major areas of change. Figure 2-8 illustrates the 2040 Proposed Future Land Use Plan. East Ravine Master Plan (Staging Area 3) The basic pattern of land uses in the East Ravine area will remain essentially the same as previously master planned in 2006. Several changes in the intervening years, however, affect the plan for this area: • A significant part of area west of Keats and north of 70th (identified as Neighborhood 1 North Master Plan in the 2006 plan) has been either developed or planned in concept. Therefore, only about half of the property in that area is still available for future development. • There has been considerable study of stormwater management in this part of the City, resulting in most stormwater being handled by pipe to the ravine vs. the large storm ponding areas reserved in the previous plan. • Washington County has studied the two major roadways crossing through the area — 70th Street and Keats Avenue, both County roads — and determined appropriate intersection spacing along them. This is important in establishing a realistic arrangement and scale of land uses and the access to them. • The major north -south roadway in the East Ravine area, Ravine Parkway, is now planned to cross 70th Street at Old 70th Street, one half mile east of Keats Avenue, not at Kirkwood Avenue, which is about 7/10 mile east of Keats. • The Cottage View area, on the south side of the East Ravine Area near Highway 61 west of Keats Avenue (identified as Neighborhood 1 South in the 2006 plan), is also planned to be very similar to the previous master plan, although, again, some development has happened there and refinement of the planned roadway system has resulted in a more realistic land use plan. Otherwise the overall plan is similar to what was intended for the East Ravine area: a concentration of commercial, multi -family, and mixed use development around 70th and Keats, with medium density residential in the next ring of properties, the remainder as single family residential. Business Park Expansion Area (Staging Area 4) The Cottage Grove Business Park and an expansion area to the south were the subject of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) that was approved by the City Council in January 2018. It analyzed one scenario with a major technology center and another scenario for a major distribution center. While both uses are considered industrial, the AUAR reconsidered future land use designations for the whole area south of the existing Business Park at 100th Street. The 2030 Future Land Use Plan identified the area south of 100th Street and west of Ideal Avenue South as Transition Planning Area. The land to the east of Ideal Avenue South was designated as Industrial with a small section on the south end as Transition Planning Area. The AUAR revised the future land use designations to eliminate Transition Planning Area within the AUAR boundary. Instead, the properties between 100th and 110th Streets are proposed for future Industrial with a section of Low Density Residential, areas east of Ideal Avenue are preserved for Agricultural, and areas west of Ideal Avenue are mostly guided for Rural Residential with a section of Industrial. 24 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Bus Rapid Transit Station Areas (Developed Area) The station area located at Highway 61 and 80th Street is referred to as the Gateway North District and the station area known as the Cottage View District is at Highway 61 and Jamaica Avenue. The current guidance is for primarily Commercial uses but the 2040 Plan is revising the future land use to Mixed Use in support of the transit stations. Pedestrian -oriented businesses and housing should be emphasized along with new pedestrian and bicycle connections to and from these transit -focused and mixed use districts. Harkness Avenue Area (Developed Area) In 2017, the City Council conducted a small area plan for the areas surrounding Harkness Avenue as a potential location to add some higher density housing choices to support economic development and boost ridership for the nearby proposed Bus Rapid Transit station. The 2030 Land Use Plan guided the properties for Low Density Residential. The City Council approved the most intense of three land use scenarios — Medium Density Residential east of Harkness Avenue, High Density Residential west of Harkness Avenue, and a small section of Commercial on the southern portion of the study area. The City was approved for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment by the Metropolitan Council prior to completion of this Comprehensive Plan. The land use modification is reflected in the 2040 land use plan. Langdon Area (Staging Area 3) This area is along portions of West Point Douglas Road and includes the Majestic Ballroom. The vision for the area, called Langdon Village, is for a walkable mix of commercial and community businesses and activities, serving a new higher density neighborhood as well as the broader city. It could expand Cottage Grove's retail, both in terms of land area, and in terms of offering a different character of retail development. The last two comprehensive plans assumed a Red Rock station in this area but that transit amenity has subsequently been moved north of Highway 61. The current plan maintains the Mixed Use land use designation for Langdon but benefits from the revised land use definition on page 21that characterizes a mixed use district with a focus on pedestrian orientation and complementary uses. North Ravine Area (Staging Area 1) This area was identified as Neighborhood 1 in the East Ravine Master Plan and is developing with mostly single-family residential plats along and near the extension of Ravine Parkway. It is one of the major areas left for single-family development west of Keats Avenue. Cottage View Area (Staging Area 2) The former Cottage View drive-in theater once occupied this area on Highway 61 northwest of the Innovation Road interchange. It was planned as the southern portion of the East Ravine Master Plan. A new Wal Mart superstore was developed here in 2013 and additional commercial, mixed use and residential development is anticipated to anchor this interchange. Oltman Middle School Area (Developed Area) A new middle school at 65th Street and Geneva Avenue will open in the fall of 2018, and is expected to attract new housing development around it. Mississippi Dunes Golf Courses (Staging Area 5) The Mississippi Dunes Golf Course, located in the southwestern section of the city, is currently for sale with market interest in residential units. More specific study needs to be undertaken to identify density, layout, and infrastructure requirements. Once more detail is known for the use and potential physical elements of the site, the City can recommend a change in land use and potential comprehensive plan amendment to achieve the desired development. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 25 Lower Grey Cloud Island (Staging Area 8) Previous Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plans designated Lower Grey Cloud Island for rural residential development. The 2030 Plan and now the 2040 Plan will guide the island for the Transitional Planning future land use category. There have been plans developed by Washington County and the Metropolitan Council to establish a regional park on the Island and various discussions of the future of the current sand and gravel mining but no consensus has been built on the island's future. Future plan updates will determine the appropriate mix of development and park and open space uses on Lower Grey Cloud Island. FUTURE LAND USE ACREAGES AND LAND USE CHANGE This section identifies the proposed changes in future land use and include a table identifying those changes from existing to future land use. These acreages will appropriately reflect future housing, transportation, and park and open space needs in Cottage Grove. Table 2-2: Future Land Use Acreages 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres Agricultural 3,081.84 3,076.84 Commercial 220.94 216.79 Golf Course 104.54 103.44 High Density Residential 193.49 192.99 Industrial 2,900.03 2,855.00 Low Density Residential 5,091.58 5,080.61 Medium Density Residential 669.96 662.99 Mixed Use 356.07 354.93 Open Water 2,990.31 2,990.31 Parks/Open Space 2,789.83 2,562.10 Public/Semi-Public 438.43 435.24 Right -of -Way 2,240.45 2,216.72 Rural Residential 1,961.70 1,941.47 Transition Planning Area 11160.67 1,140.07 Wetland - 370.36 Total 24,199.85 24,199.85 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Figure 2-7: 2030 Future Land Use and Areas of Change Cottage am Grove • Future Land Use Change Areas C.1 City Boundary 2030 Future Land Use: Rural Residential Low Density Residential Med Density Residential High Density Residential Commercial Mixed Use Industrial Golf Course Parks/Open Space Agricultural Transition Planning Area Open Water Areas of Future Land Use Change: 1. East Ravine Master Plan Area 2. Business Park Expansion Area 3. BRT Station Areas 4. Harkness Avenue Area 5. Langdon Area b. North Ravine Area 7. Cottage View Area 8. Oltman Middle School Area 9. Mississippi Dunes Area 10. Lower Grey Cloud Island i a v •] l o � r ! �.. _.._..i.. ,_l.l Oth. St.S r 7y LSI ...��, � �` `��..�• Mississippi River May 14, 2018 ��••..._�•��'• •a••�••�• 0 4,500 9,000 Feet ., N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Future Land Use Change.mxd •� „•r..� COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 1 i 1 27 Figure 2-8: 2040 Proposed Future Land Use Cottage 2040 Future Land Use �• —r City Boundary Major Future Roadways ® Agriculture Preserve Rural Residential Low Density Residential - Medium Density Residential - High Density Residential - Commercial - Mixed Use ® Mixed Use within 300' of Arterial Roadways Industrial - Public/Semi-Public Agricultural - Parks/Open Space - Golf Course Transition Planning Area Open Water Street and Railroad Right -of -Way v ti ._. �.._ ---— . _.ii _ .._.._a'._.. z (-LJ c 6 7..` i 5th -StS -. � _ � � • _ � �� ♦%\ if �Ji■7i� ♦— L J 1 0 ,1 1 1 1 1 J 1 28 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 1 `.._. ._., �.._ 110th-StS G,ey 61 Al j .. Mississippi River . E7.-------------- ..,. •�•.�••—..�' '�• May 17, 2018 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •��'�..�• °� �� N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\2040 Future Land Use.mxd 0 ,1 1 1 1 1 J 1 28 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE STAGING PLAN The staging plan (Figure 2-9) establishes the sequence of urban development in various areas of the city. The purpose of the staging plan is to allow for the efficient extension of urban services. New areas will not be opened for development until previous areas are approximately 80 percent developed. The following tables identify the land use categories and acreages planned for each of the seven staging areas. These tables illustrate how land uses will grow and change across the city as it develops into the future. Table 2-3: Current Growth Boundary Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Commercial 119.34 High Density Residential 76.63 Industrial 540.68 Low Density Residential 3,751.71 Medium Density Residential 360.67 Mixed Use 204.05 Open Water 106.08 Parks/Open Space 1,231.68 Public/Semi-Public 382.35 Right -of -Way 1,558.32 Rural Residential 224.87 Table 2-4: Staging Area 1 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Commercial 37.08 High Density Residential 55.20 Low Density Residential 84.61 Medium Density Residential 22.13 Mixed Use 61.76 Parks/Open Space 40.04 Public/Semi-Public 4.52 Right -of -Way 25.35 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Table 2-5: Staging Area 2 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Commercial 0.16 High Density Residential 61.66 Industrial 2.65 Low Density Residential 543.74 Medium Density Residential 163.56 Mixed Use 90.25 Open Water 27.27 Parks/Open Space 316.99 Right -of -Way 79.01 Rural Residential 30.61 Table 2-6: Staging Area 3 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Industrial 156.91 Low Density Residential 483.14 Medium Density Residential 48.99 Open Water 179.21 Parks/Open Space 235.91 Right -of -Way 59.94 Technology Center 361.14 Transition Planning Area 0.05 Table 2-7: Staging Area 4 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Agricultural 507.65 Commercial 59.67 Golf Course 104.54 Industrial 181.82 Low Density Residential 227.56 Medium Density Residential 74.47 Open Water 129.88 Parks/Open Space 33.54 Public/Semi-Public 23.86 Right -of -Way 168.20 Rural Residential 863.53 Transition Planning Area 307.98 Table 2-8: Staging Area 5 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Agricultural 827.50 Commercial 4.68 Low Density Residential 0.80 Open Water 8.24 Parks/Open Space 130.94 Public/Semi-Public 1.86 Right -of -Way 70.93 Rural Residential 444.06 Table 2-9: Staging Area 6 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Agricultural 1,746.70 Medium Density Residential 0.14 Open Water 41.36 Parks/Open Space 514.67 Public/Semi-Public 25.85 Right -of -Way 103.41 Rural Residential 228.69 Table 2-10: Staging Area 7 Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Open Water 1,593.65 Parks/Open Space 285.72 Public/Semi-Public 15.80 Right -of -Way 164.08 Rural Residential 852.65 Transition Planning Area 852.65 Table 2-11: Private Sewer System Area Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Industrial 1,656.82 Low Density Residential 0.03 Open Water 904.63 Parks/Open Space 0.34 Right -of -Way 159.48 Rural Residential 5.86 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE Figure 2-9: Utility Staging Plan Cottage ,,, a oa Grove w `—v v Id— I— a o 3 � x c W 65th -St S Utility Staging Areas V(�Zl z City Boundary Toth -St -S QCurrent Service Area y QDevelopment Stage 1 9s. v 2 QDevelopment Stage 2 Q Development Stage 3 Pullman.Ave$ 7th -St S 'a QDevelopment Stage 4 aotn St- S_ QDevelopment Stage 5 Q Development Stage 6 Tr Q Development Stage 7p, " tW QPrivate System Area o " a E a r a 90tHSt'S 6 'a E Y a95th -St -- NO lUUthIS$S 61 v Priv 3� a 4 -, 0th-StS Syste Gr eyxC/a 7 Garr Mississippi River May 14, 2018 0 4,500 9,000 Feet N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\UtilityStaging.mxd COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE 31 HOUSING The health and character of a community may best be measured in its housing stock. Livable cities provide a variety of housing choices and work to ensure that existing housing is well maintained. The City must also ensure that new housing meets the changing needs of the community. 32 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING INTRODUCTION The health and character of a community may best be measured in its housing stock. Livable cities provide a variety of housing choices and work to ensure that existing housing is well maintained. The City 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. While Cottage Grove expects to grow, it wants that growth to support livable and healthy communities. Where people live is important. For many Americans, a high-quality environment, walkable neighborhoods and diversity make a neighborhood a great place to live. Not only does Cottage Grove need to provide housing options for current residents to stay in the city if their family size or income changes, but the city should be welcoming to those who desire to live in Cottage Grove. More housing options means accommodating empty nesters and seniors in their own single-family homes or apartments, while also promoting move -up housing opportunities for younger families. As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to housing: • Housing Options — strive to provide a diverse mix of housing types that are needed to serve all income levels and stages in the life cycle. • Great Schools — work with the school district to support strong schools to attract and retain families. • Serving All Generations — continue to create diverse and vibrant neighborhoods with equal access to services and amenities for all citizens. • Defining Our Character — preserve and enhance the variety of neighborhood experiences in the city. HOUSING ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN COTTAGE GROVE On February 26, 2018, the City of Cottage Grove hosted a Housing Forum, identifying key issues and opportunities for housing in the city. The forum was attended by a variety of stakeholders including members of the Housing Task Force, Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, and Planning Commission. The forum began with an open house, educating attendees on existing housing stock in Cottage Grove and affordable housing issues. Participants believe that there is a need for multi -family and townhome properties that have access to transit, additional senior housing facilities, and housing at a range of price points. Some challenges the city faces include negative perspectives on new development and the cost of construction for new homes. Next, participants were able to participate in real-time voting. Generally, participants feel that the quality of life in Cottage Grove is very high (92 percent responded good or excellent) and have chosen to stay in the city because of this high quality of life. However, participants also agree that the city has too few rental units (86 percent) and too few senior units (79 percent). However, participants in the forum also believe that the city should prioritize low density development at one to four units per acre over other types of development (64 percent). This process was replicated in an online survey. Twenty members of the public completed the survey. Like housing forum participants, survey participants were generally satisfied with the quality of life in Cottage Grove (75 percent responded good or excellent). Participants agreed that there should be more senior single- family housing (70 percent) but that there was disagreement about the need for other types of senior units. The main challenges inhibiting the development of affordable housing are the cost of land and construction. The in-person polling and online survey revealed some misconceptions about the cost of rental units. Specifically, in-person participants voted that they would pay $1,000 to $1,200 per month for a two-bedroom apartment in Cottage Grove. Online participants voted that they would pay $800 to $1,000 per month for the same unit. In 2018, two-bedroom units in Cottage Grove rent for $1,200 to $1,500, depending on the unit and amenities. There should be additional education about housing costs and affordability as development occurs. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: Preserve and improve existing neighborhoods and housing units • POLICY 3.1 Continue to enforce housing maintenance and zoning codes. • POLICY 3.2 Add flexibility to the Zoning Code in areas such as building setbacks which allow expansion and reinvestment in existing houses. • POLICY 3.3 Partner with the Washington County Community Development Agency and other agencies that provide housing rehabilitation programs and services. • POLICY 3.4 Encourage the safety of the general public by requiring owners to repair substandard housing or as a last resort, abate and demolish dangerous housing. • POLICY 3.5 Develop housing maintenance program that promotes and requires safe neighborhoods. Goal 2: Meet future needs with a variety of housing products • POLICY 3.6 Encourage life -cycle housing opportunities in Cottage Grove 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. • POLICY 3.7 The 2040 Housing Policy Plan prepared on December 10, 2014 will continue to be used as an implementation tool in accomplishing the City's Livable Communities Act housing goals. • POLICY 3.8 The City will strive to encourage environmentally sustainable housing development and construction practices. • POLICY 3.9 Provide for housing development that maintains the attractiveness and distinct neighborhood characteristics in the community. • POLICY 3.10 Support the maintenance and rehabilitation of the community's existing housing stock. • POLICY 3.11 Periodically assess the housing needs of current and prospective residents, including the elderly, disabled, active retirees, and other groups with special housing needs to determine development priorities and to formulate specific strategies and activities to meet those needs and maintain an adequate and quality housing supply. 34 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING Goal 3: Encourage the development of sustainable housing options that have access to amenities, use land efficiently, conserve natural resources, utilize resource -efficient design and constructions, and incorporate the use of renewable energy generation. • POLICY 3.12 Support the design of residential neighborhoods with mixed land use at a scale appropriate to residential development and with convenient access to neighborhood shopping or larger commercial areas. • POLICY 3.13 Encourage a mix of residential housing to be near pedestrian, bicycle, and transit or high capacity transportation routes, community facilities and services, and employment to ensure that the benefits of public investment in those facilities are available to as many households as possible. • POLICY 3.14 Provide opportunities for alternative housing types and patterns, such as planned unit developments, mixed -uses, and other techniques that reduce development costs, increase density, and achieve projects that are flexible and responsive to the site and surroundings, including the conservation and enhancement of areas having special, historic, architectural, or cultural value. • POLICY 3.15 Encourage the infilling of housing in urban areas that make more efficient use of existing infrastructure. • POLICY 3.16 Encourage the use of resource efficient technologies and materials in housing construction that meet adopted codes and increase the useful life of new and existing housing. 0 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Prior to the late 1950's, all housing in Cottage Grove was on scattered rural parcels served by private wells and on-site septic systems. In 1958 the suburbanization of the community began with the development by Orrin Thompson Homes of the Thompson Grove subdivision located south of TH 61. This development was followed by other single family subdivisions in the 1960's, most also built by Orrin Thompson Homes. The most common housing style of this era was the single story rambler, typically with a detached single car garage. By the 1970's, housing subdivisions began to include the split-level design in addition to earlier rambler and Cape Cod style houses. In the 1990's, and continuing to the present, larger two-story houses became the most common form of new construction. Figure 3-1 illustrates the residential housing age throughout the city, with the oldest neighborhoods located near St. Paul Park and the newest neighborhoods in the northeast part of the City. As discussed in the demographics section of this Plan, Cottage Grove has seen an increase in population since the 1970s, with an associated increase in housing needs. Single family residential development has continued steadily in the community, even in the wake of the economic downturn. However, there has been minimal multifamily or senior housing development since 2010. Table 3-1 describes residential unit types for permits issued in each year between 2007 and 2015. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 35 Cottage Grove Figure 3-1 Residential Housing Age j-'! City Boundary ■ Open Water Building Year Pre -1950 ■ 1951 - 1960 l� 1961 - 1970 1971 -1980 ti= 1981 - 1990 1991 -2000 2001 -2010 2011 -2015 U 7•,� �••�•• •• •• ••�••�•• 11 Oth-StS y c� 61 9 R •�,.�• Mississippi River <\� E7., May 14, 2018 '�•.�.._,./' \ 0 4,500 9,000 Feet N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Housing Age.mxd •�„�•,�„/• 36 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING ti= =1 ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 1 1 �••�•• •• •• ••�••�•• 11 Oth-StS y c� 61 9 R •�,.�• Mississippi River <\� E7., May 14, 2018 '�•.�.._,./' \ 0 4,500 9,000 Feet N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Housing Age.mxd •�„�•,�„/• 36 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING Table 3-1: New Residential Units Permitted Year Number of Units Permitted Single Family Detached Single Family Attached Multifamily or Senior Total 2007 65 2 187 254 2008 87 2 - 89 2009 54 12 - 66 2010 45 - 44 89 2011 50 - - 50 2012 53 - - 53 2013 46 10 - 56 2014 73 4 - 77 2015 59 6 - 65 2016 98 - 1 99 2017 111 4 2 117 Total 741 40 234 1,015 Source: City of Cottage Grove HOUSING STOCK Cottage Grove's demographic mix is heavily shaped by the residential development patterns of the community. The vast majority of residential development is in single family detached homes and townhomes, which were built in the 1950s and later. As a result, households tend to be families with an income that supports home ownership. The predominance of owner occupied homes is one of the reasons there are relatively few older residents. And it is consistent with the low rates of unemployment and poverty. Single family homes comprise 81 percent of 12,521 units in the community. This is much higher than the average in Washington County (68 percent) or the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (61 percent). The next most common unit type in Cottage Grove is the single-family attached home, also known as townhomes. Townhomes make up about nine percent of Cottage Grove's housing stock. Other housing types in Cottage Grove include small apartments (two to nine units), medium or large apartment buildings (ten or more units) and mobile homes. The Metropolitan Council defines home ownership affordability as $85,500 for households making less than 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI), $153,000 for households making 31-50 percent AMI, and $240,500 for households making 51-80 percent AMI. In Cottage Grove, the median home value is $204,600, indicating that much of the City's housing stock is affordable at 80 percent AMI. Housing affordability is discussed further later in this chapter. These housing characteristics are summarized in Table 3-2 on the following page. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 37 Table 3-2: Housing Stock Characteristics Total Number of Units 12,407 Number of Affordable Units At or below 30% AMI 31-50% AMI 51-80% AMI 146 11,441 7,314 Number of Units Owner Occupied Rental 10,792 1,615 Number of Units Single Family Multi -family 11,316 989 Number of Publicly Subsidized Units Senior Housing People with Disabilities All other publicly subsidized units 0 0 1388 Source: Metropolitan Council The neighboring community of Woodbury provides an interesting comparison to Cottage Grove. Fifty-five percent of Woodbury's housing stock is single family homes, much lower than Cottage Grove. This is due in part to the large number of townhomes in Woodbury. Twenty-seven percent of Woodbury's housing stock is townhomes, one of the highest percentages in the Twin Cities region. These housing stock characteristics are illustrated in Figure 3-2 on the following page. HOUSING TENURE About 88 percent of residents in Cottage Grove own their home. This is a much higher number than either Washington County (approximately 80 percent) or the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (approximately 70 percent). In Cottage Grove, renters live in an array of housing types, though about 40 percent live in medium to large apartment buildings (10 or more units). Because of the high percentage of single family homes in the City, many renters also rent single family homes and townhouses (43 percent of renters). 38 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING Figure 3-2: Housing Unit Types in and around Cottage Grove 100 90% 80% 70 a 607. `Hi 14 ..c -Oge C-r0.e WDodtxwry Has?ings Inter Ge4,,.e Heights Lakev a Rosemount Newport St. Faul Pork Afton Washingion County Twn C'i'es Metro ■ KAc)biie horse 1.3% 0.1% 6.0% 6.5% 4.30% 250% 0.0% 5.4% 0.0% 1.49 1.7% ENAparlmentBuldings, 10+ Unit 4.89 10.69 13.19 19.7% 2.90% 6.007D 20.1% 459 0.(39 9.19 19.3% ■AporlrnentBLAdings,2-9Unit 3.1% 6-% 3.3% 3.9% 350r9 220% 9.0% 9.9% 0.0% 5.1% 7.1% ■ 1-unat, attached 9.0% 27.3% .6 21.9`Po 17.30% 22.60% 5.1% 6.8% 0.9% 15.8% 105% ■ 1 -unit. detached 81.7% 555% 51.09 47.9% 71.709 66.60% 65.7% 76.5% 99.1% 63.5% 612% Source: American Community Survey, 2014 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 39 HOUSING VALUE AND RENT The median home value in Cottage Grove is $204,600, which is lower than the Washington County median value of $240,200 and slightly lower than the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area median of $212,600. Compared to other communities in the region, Cottage Grove's housing values are fairly average. Afton is the only nearby community with significantly higher housing values (median value of $409,700). Table 3-3 includes median housing values in nearby communities. Housing values in Cottage Grove are mapped in Figure 3-3. Table 3-3: Median Housing Values in and around Cottage Grove Community Median Housing Value Cottage Grove $204,600 Woodbury $267,500 Hastings $175,200 Newport $168,400 St. Paul Park $157,500 Afton $409,700 Washington County $240,200 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area $212,600 Source: American Community Survey, 2014 Median Housing Value $450,000 $400,C00 $350 000 $300, 000 $250,000 $200,C00 $150,000 ' $100,000 $50,000 �o Cio• �o cip� 491 G The median rent in Cottage Grove is $1,098 per month, which is higher than the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area ($916) but lower than Washington County ($1,125). Compared to other communities in the area, Cottage Grove's median rent is slightly higher. This may be attributed to the large number of single family homes that are rented in the City, which tend to be more expensive to rent than apartments. This may also be the case in Afton, the neighboring community with the highest median monthly rent ($1,479). Table 3-4 includes median monthly rents in nearby communities. Table 3-4: Median Rent in and around Cottage Grove Community Median Monthly Rent Cottage Grove $1,098 Woodbury $1,344 Hastings $825 Newport $722 St. Paul Park $758 Afton $1,479 Washington County $1,125 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area $916 Source: American Community Survey, 2014 Median Monthly Rent $1,600 $1,400 51,200 $1,000 $800 $600 $400 $200 $0 cpp�� G COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING Cottage �;,G v Figure 3-3 Owner Occupied Single Family c Residential Housing Values City Boundary Open Water Estimated Total Market Value: Up to $148,000* $148,000 to $180,500* $180,500 to $235,000* a $235,000 to $500,000 Above $500,000 * Metropolitan Council Affordable Housing Guideline: g 2016 Home Ownership Household Income Affordable Home Price j 80% AMI ($65,700) $235,000 - 60% AMI ($51,480) $180,500 50% AMI ($42,900) $148,000 j 30% AMI ($25,750) $85,500 1 May 14, 2018 '�•.�••—,.�''�♦ 0 4,500 9,000 Fee N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Housing Value.mxd I L 80th -St -S `■ FJ��de Tri 1 A - 95th -St -S Fl..th-St S r 1 IN t Mississippi River\ �. ii I •�.._' ._ _.._.._.._ _. Dole 8 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 41 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 30percent are considered "Cost - burdened". In Cottage Grove, over two thousand households (16.9 percent of households) are considered to be cost-burdend. Table 3-5 describes the cost burdened households by median income level. Table 3-5: Housing Cost Burdened Households Household Income Level Number of Cost -burdened Households At or below 30% AMI 698 31 to 50% AMI 663 51 to 80% AMI 648 Total Households 2,009 Source: Metropolitan Council HOUSING PROJECTIONS AND NEED With a growing population, Cottage Grove will need to accommodate for new residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The Community Vision, Goals and Policy Consistent with Metropolitan Council requirements, Cottage Grove must supply 568 new units of affordable housing (at or below 80 percent AMI) by 2040. The units must be affordable at different levels, described below in Table 3-6. Table 3-6: Affordable Unit Allocations for Cottage Grove Household Income Level Number of Units At or below 30% AMI 333 31 to 50% AMI 221 51 to 80% AMI 14 Total Units 568 Source: Metropolitan Council LIVABLE COMMUNITIES Cottage Grove has placed an emphasis on not only increasing housing supply and options but on creating communities that are healthy and livable. The City received a grant from Washington County in 2016 as part of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) that evaluated key indicators of community health and surveyed residents on their desires for where they live. The survey found that residents in Cottage Grove believe that their parks and trails system is one of the most valuable assets in their community and 35% of residents bike or walk daily. However, safety and accessibility remain major concerns for residents. The healthy and active living survey, as well as associated goals and policies, are discussed further in Chapter 9: Resiliency. 42 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE A DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK In order for Cottage Grove to meet 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 Cottage Grove 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 housing and creation of new jobs. Participation in the Local Housing Incentives Program portion of the LCA requires communities to negotiate housing goals with the Metropolitan Council and prepare a Housing Action Plan. 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. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 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. 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 Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove can use to implement its housing goals and policies: Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, Building Codes, Design Requirements, and the actual approval process itself. These regulatory tools impact the type and cost of new housing. CONCLUSION Cottage Grove will continue to focus short-term and long-term efforts on improving housing options for all residents. This will be accomplished through maintenance of the existing housing stock, working with developers who want to provide varied housing models, and partnering with Washington County, Metropolitan Council, and Minnesota Housing to accommodate people who are cost -burdened. 44 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOUSING 1 HISTORIC PRESERVATION Chapter 4: Historic Preservation in the City of Cottage Grove is intended to be the guide to be used by city officials and citizens responsible for implementing the City's historic preservation program. The chapter includes goals and policies to promote historic preservation and inventories existing historic resources, both of local and national significance. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION 45 INTRODUCTION The residents of Cottage Grove are heirs to a legacy of historic sites and landmarks, which together form a unique set of heritage resources. These heritage resources are scarce and they are non-renewable. The mission of the City historic preservation program is to protect and enhance Cottage Grove's significant heritage resources for the benefit of present and future generations. This plan for historic preservation in the City of Cottage Grove is intended to be the guide to be used by city officials and citizens responsible for implementing the City historic preservation program. Authorized under Title 9 Chapter 9 of the City Code, the plan provides the basis for integrating historic preservation with other community development planning and establishes goals and policies for preserving, protecting, and using the City's significant heritage resources. The City preservation code provides for design review of development projects and compliance with established preservation treatment standards. Whenever a property listed in, or eligible for inclusion in, the City Register will be affected by a development project, the City will explore ways to mitigate the effects on the heritage resource. The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, provides for the certification of local government historic preservation programs by the Secretary of the Interior. The City historic preservation program was certified in 1985 and as a Certified Local Government (CLG). Since the City enacted its first historic preservation ordinance in 1981, the heritage resources inventory lists almost 300 historic buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts within the city limits, of which more than forty had been evaluated as significant and eligible for historic site designation. Figure 4-1 illustrates the Cordenio Severance House (Cedarhurst Mansion) which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the City's Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks. The City historic preservation plan integrates heritage resource management into community development planning by establishing goals, policies, and procedures as part of the comprehensive planning process. Properties that can be shown to represent significant heritage resources may be listed in the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks by City Council resolution. Wherever possible, the City advises and assists property owners, developers, and contractors in historic preservation matters; provides public information and education in historic preservation; and cooperates with other units of government in the national preservation program. Figure 4-1: Cedarhurst Mansion Source: Cedarhurst Mansion 46 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: The City will be actively involved in the documentation, promotion, and preservation of history of the community. POLICY 4.1 The City Historic Preservation Program will be coordinated with the general public, the State Historic Preservation Office, Washington County, other government entities, regional non-profit preservation organizations and neighboring communities. • POLICY 4.2 Historic preservation policies will be implemented through integration with other city activities and projects. • POLICY 4.3 To be effective and focus on preservation of documented significant resources. Goal 2: The City will periodically review all historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources within the city limits and integrate data into the preservation archiving and planning process • POLICY 4.4 Thorough and systematic background research, including archival research, will precede all field surveys. Whenever possible, identification of heritage resources will be based upon primary, rather than secondary sources of documentary information, or field surveys, or both. • POLICY 4.5 A heritage resources inventory will be maintained by the City and made accessible through the City's website. • POLICY 4.6 Public access to information on the precise location of archaeological sites and Native American traditional cultural properties will be restricted in cases where the City has reason to believe that the integrity of the resource may be threatened by the release of that information. • POLICY 4.7 In evaluating the significance of an historic property, the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation shall apply the City's Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks eligibility criteria contained in City Code Title 9, Chapter 9. • POLICY 4.8 The Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation shall issue a Finding of Significance in relation to any heritage resource which it determines eligible for nomination to the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks. Goal 3: Historic properties that have been evaluated as significant by the Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation are nominated to the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks. Dual listing of historic properties in the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places is encouraged, but not required. POLICY 4.9 Properties considered for nomination to the City's Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks must meet the established criteria for evaluation. To qualify, a property must represent a significant facet of local history, and must retain integrity of the physical characteristics necessary to convey its historic significance. POLICY 4.10 Prior to a City Council resolution designating a heritage resource as an Historic Site or Landmark, the City Historic Preservation Officer shall prepare a Preservation Planning Report that documents supporting evidence for the registration. Whenever appropriate, the Preservation Planning Report will also include site-specific design review and treatment recommendations which may guide decision makers in the future. These recommendations will be based upon existing city policies and procedures required by City ordinances. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION Goal 4: Every public or private application for a city permit for planning, zoning, demolition, or exterior building work on a property that is eligible for or listed in the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks shall be reviewed by the City Historic Preservation Officer for determination of appropriate action by the City. • POLICY 4.11 Building permits for minor work may be reviewed administratively by City staff and a Certificate of Appropriateness issued by the City Historic Preservation Officer. • POLICY 4.12 In cases involving historic properties that are eligible for listing in the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks, a reasonable effort will be made to preserve and protect or at a minimum document historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources through the administrative process. • POLICY 4.13 In cases involving historic properties which are listed in the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks, all efforts will be made to preserve and protect historical, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources through a Public Hearing process conducted before the City Council. Goal 5: To the extent possible, the City will proactively assist private property owners in their efforts to preserve and enhance significant heritage resources. • POLICY 4.14 The City shall provide owners of historic properties with information, guidelines, education, and training in the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction of historic buildings, structures, and sites. • POLICY 4.15 The City has adopted the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation as an informative guide for historic preservation program decisions. The standards and guidelines are worded in a flexible manner and are neither technical nor prescriptive. • POLICY 4.16 Like the Secretary of the Interior's standards, the local guidelines cannot, in and of themselves, be used to make essential decisions about heritage resource management. • POLICY 4.17 The use of modern construction materials and methods is encouraged when the historical design or purpose is effectively conveyed. 48 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION Figure 4-2: John P. Furber House INVENTORY Source: City of Cottage Grove Sites of National Significance There are four sites in Cottage Grove listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites include two homes, one lime kiln, and one archaeological site. They are described below. Cordenio Severance House (Cedarhurst Mansion) 6940 Keats Ave. S. Listed: June 3, 1976 The Cordenio Severance House, also known as the Cedarhurst Mansion, is located on ten acres of land in Cottage Grove. The estate served as the summer home of Cordenio Severance, a prominent attorney and political figure, in the early 1900s. The home was designed in the classical revival style in 1868 and remodeled by Cass Gilbert in 1917. The home currently serves as an event venue for weddings and events. John P. Furber House 7310 Lamar Ave. Listed: April 20, 1982 The Furber house, built in 1871, is one of the first homes in the original village of Cottage Grove. It was occupied by John Furber and his family, notable town residents at the time. In 1871, Furber surveyed and platted the official village of Cottage Grove, a forty acre settlement adjacent to the town. The house is illustrated in Figure 4-2. Grey Cloud Lime Kiln Grey Cloud Island Trail Listed: December 18, 1978 The Grey Cloud Limestone kiln built in the 1850s was for the processing of lime. The materials burned in the kiln were used in building construction throughout the region. Schilling Archaeological District Listed: December 22, 1978 This archaeological site includes a series of 34 conical mounds, a settlement site from the Woodland Period (1000 BCE to 1700 CE). Through numerous archaeological surveys, pot sherds, stone tools, and fire cracked rocks were discovered. Fire and refuse pits have also been discovered at the site. Archaeologists believe that the site was occupied through many periods and climatic shifts. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION Sites of Local Significance There are a number of sites throughout Cottage Grove that have been listed on the City's Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks. These sites are listed below: • Atkinson Cemetery; next to McDonald's Restaurant (1982) • Cottage Grove Town Hall; 9540 Islay Avenue South (1982) • Old People's Home of the Northwest (Church of God) Cemetery Historic Site, Section 7 (1982) • Arthur H. Steen House/Forest Home; 7405 Lamar Avenue South (1983) • John Watson House; 8919 — 70th Street South (1984). See Figure 4-3. • Historic First Congregational Church/Accacia Lodge No. 51; 11094 — 70th Street South (1987) • William W. Furber House; 7697 Lamar Avenue South (1987) • Cottage Grove Cemetery; Sections 2 and 11 (1989) • Roberts House; 8348 Keats Avenue South (1998) • Hope Glen Farm/Healy House; 10287 Point Douglas Road South (2001) • Grey Cloud Lime Kiln Historic Site, 10398 Grey Cloud Trail South (1982) • John P. Furber House, 7310 Lamar Avenue South (1983) • First Congressional Church Historic Site, 11094 70th Street South (1987) • Harry Roberts House, 8394 Keats Avenue South (1998) • Cedarhurst District, 6940 Keats Avenue South (2001) • Shepard Farm Historic District, 8896 70th Street South (2017) Figure 4-3: John Watson House ...............:. Source: City of Cottage Grove The City is exploring unique opportunities to protect the character of the Old Cottage Grove area that contains the John Watson House and other homes. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUTURE PRESERVATION VISION 2040 The City of Cottage Grove historic preservation program is a successful local preservation program, and it reflects the past and present and ideologies of the community. The education of the general public about the significance of people, places and events of the past will be a key factor in the success in the future of our history and should be planned for. It is expected that the City and its residents will continue to shape a vision of where their historic preservation program is going and the steps necessary to carry this vision forward. The goals and policies outlined earlier in this chapter will help to implement this vision. In the future, Cottage Grove will be a thriving community with a connection to its rich history. The following outcomes will guide preservation activities as the city continues to grow and change. • Historic preservation will continue to stress empowerment of individuals and the community through stewardship, advocacy, education, and partnership. • Cottage Grove will be a distinctive and recognizable community where preserved historic buildings and sites provide physical links to the past and foster a sense of community and personal identity. • Core historic preservation program areas will continue to emphasize comprehensive planning, identification and evaluation of heritage resources, the City Register of Historic Sites and Landmarks, and design review, with important initiatives in the areas of heritage education and tourism, economic development, and treatment of historic properties. • Historic buildings will be preserved as functional, useful parts of the modern city and will be a focus for important education, edification, recreation, and economic development activities (Figure 4-4). COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HISTORIC PRESERVATION Figure 4-4: Farmhouse in Cottage Grove Source: City of Cottage Grove PARKS AND OPEN SPACE The Parks and Open Space chapter provides information on existing and future parks, open space, and trail facilities in Cottage Grove. These facilities are a major asset in the community and important features to maintain and expand as the city develops. This chapter also addresses Cottage Grove as part of a regional system of parks, trails, and open space. 52 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE INTRODUCTION The Parks and Open Space chapter provides information on planning for acquisition, development, and functionality of a signature parks and open space system. Included is an inventory of existing parks, open space, and recreation facilities and a guide for future park land. This chapter builds upon previous park plans, the 2006 Park and Open Space Study, the East Ravine Master Plan, My Future Cottage Grove Bike/Ped and Parks Commissions, and incorporates new ideas and standards that reflect a shifting public expectation on design, function, and maintenance of public facilities. The Comprehensive Plan lays the ground work for assembling and maintaining a first-class park and recreation system for the city and presents some of the tools needed to make sound planning decisions. The acquisition, development, and maintenance of the Cottage Grove parks, recreation, and open space system should continue to be a community priority in the governing and development process. As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to Parks and Open Space: • Parks, Trails, & Recreation — continue to build the City's parks and trail systems as a source of pride for residents. • Mississippi River Access — work to provide public access to the river and appropriate development opportunities on Lower Grey Cloud Island. • Environmental Stewardship — continue to protect and enhance the natural environment, including air quality, groundwater resources, stormwater management and energy usage. TRAILS, BICYCLE, AND PEDESTRIAN ISSUES IN COTTAGE GROVE On March 26, 2018, the City of Cottage Grove hosted a Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum, identifying key issues and opportunities for recreation and alternative transportation in the city. The forum was attended by a variety of stakeholders including members of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, Parks Commission, and Planning Commission. The forum began with a presentation, educating attendees on the existing trail network in Cottage Grove and bicycling and walking issues. Finally, forum attendees used maps of the city to identify existing destinations and desired connections to those destinations. This was replicated online using an ArcGIS interactive mapping tool. The online tool and in-person map activity identified key barriers and opportunities in the bicycle and pedestrian network. The routes identified by the public have informed the future trail network, discussed later in this chapter. The City of Cottage Grove also hosted an online survey to replicate the Form online. The survey was open between March 27, 2018 and May 9, 2018. The online survey received 71 responses addressing bicycling and walking preference in the city and areas for improvement. Key highlights from the survey are listed below. • 45% of participants walk in Cottage Grove every day • 55% of participants walk for exercise, but only 3% walk to get to a destination • 67% of residents rank the trail system as good or excellent • A lack of sidewalks and destinations are too far are the biggest factors keeping people from walking • Participants support the development of a trail network and building off-road trails • 72% of participants would support a nominal or significant increase in funding to support trails COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 53 GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: Acquire and preserve necessary park and open space areas. • POLICY 5.1 Parkland and open space areas will be acquired through park dedication, purchase, or donation. Private developers will be required to dedicate a portion of their land for public use when a development includes areas planned for park and open space acquisition. Full dedication credit is not given for lands with steep slopes, tree preservation areas, wetlands, bedrock, or other areas that are development constrained. • POLICY 5.2 When feasible, the acquisition of parks, open space, and other recreational facilities should be accomplished at an early date, so that appropriate sites can be obtained to meet long-range public recreational needs before development pressures render the property too expensive. • POLICY 5.3 The City will coordinate its recreation plan with bordering communities, South Washington County School District 833, Washington County, South Washington Watershed District, Washington Conservation District, the Metropolitan Council, and the State of Minnesota. • POLICY 5.4 Whenever practical, parks shall include conservancy open space in areas that preserve and protect woodlands, wetlands, prairies, natural or cultural resources, and environmentally sensitive areas. Goal 2: Develop an integrated system of parks and open space areas that offers a variety of facilities and programs to all residents of the city throughout the year. • POLICY 5.5 The City will prepare a master plan for each component of the park and recreation system based on the criteria established in this comprehensive plan. The park master plans shall be the basis for site acquisition, development, and use, and upon establishment, be reviewed in connection with updates to capital improvement plans and budgets. • POLICY 5.6 All park and open space facilities wi be designed to be environmentally friendly. Appropriate measures will be taken during construction to mitigate any negative environmental impact. • POLICY 5.7 Design and maintain park facilities and programs to be as accessible as possible to all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles of Cottage Grove residents, with special consideration for the needs of young people and senior citizens. Best management practices will be utilized during all grading and construction activities. Goal 3: Create a coordinated network of trail routes that are designed to accommodate a variety of users while providing for integrated links to neighborhoods, the community, the Mississippi River and associated backwaters, the region, and other special points of interest. 0 • POLICY 5.8 New trail installations shall include the identification of future replacement and maintenance programs and appropriate funding sources for these programs. • POLICY 5.9 The trail system will be separated from roadways whenever feasible. • POLICY 5.10 For safety reasons, the trail system will include incorporate security lighting where needed. • POLICY 5.11 The trail system will include landscaping, informational signage, directional signage, educational signage, benches, bike racks, garbage receptacles, pet waste disposal bags, and other similar amenities where reasonable or necessary. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE • POLICY 5.12 The trail system will include a variety of surfaces, slopes, and linear distance that will accommodate the needs of all segments of the general population. The system will be implemented to conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act, except when topography or other environmental constraints prohibit meeting the majority of the standards. • POLICY 5.13 The trail system within the Mississippi River Critical Area will be limited to links to scenic overlooks, public property, and other points of interest unless the existing railroad right-of-way is abandoned and a linear trailway can be established along the river. • POLICY 5.14 Transportation sidewalks and trails shall be installed by developers along all collector and minor E i,erial streets, or on roadways that are determined to generate sufficient traffic to warrant concern for either pedestrian or bicycle use within the street . ight-of-way. • POLICY 5.15 The trail system will be implemented by creating links between all new and existing developments in the city, through the acquisition of easements, right-of-way dedications, purchase, eminent domain, or donations. • POLICY 5.16 The trail system will include the establishment of a set of rules of operation that is actively provided to the public and is periodically updated to reflect current usage needs, problems, and trends. • POLICY 5.17 The individual components of the trail system will be monitored for volumes of usage and safety factors to determine if additional improvements are required. • POLICY 5.18 Preservation of unique resources and amenities and provide for public enjoyment in an environmentally -friendly manner. • POLICY 5.19 The park system should provide a diversity of experiences. DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS Development of a Park Open Space and Trail System relies on standards for the systematic approach to providing facilities. Definitions and standards have been created to help communicate and coordinate park and open space facility development standards. It should be noted that standards are relative guidelines, not absolute requirements when dealing with unique park and open space components and Iandforms. A proper understanding of the following terms is essential for correct interpretation of this chapter: PARK AND OPEN SPACE CLASSIFICATIONS Public Park An area dedicated to recreational use and generally characterized by its natural, historic, topographic, or landscape features. It may be used for both passive and active forms of recreation and may be designed to serve a neighborhood, larger community, or as a local link with regional systems. Encroachment on lands within a public park by adjacent neighbors is not permitted. Public Open Space A relatively undeveloped area which may be located within or outside of the urbanized development area. Open space may include utility easements, drainageways, ravines, holding ponds, treed slopes, and steep slopes, and may also include any land unsuitable for building. Open space may be used general recreational activities. Encroachment on lands within a public park by adjacent neighbors is not permitted. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 55 Private Open Space Privately -owned land, which because of certain limiting conservation easements, are permanently protected from development. Privately owned recreational facilities, such as golf courses, would not be considered private open space because of future development potential. Mini -Park Mini -park is the smallest park classification and is used to address limited or specific recreational needs. Examples of where a mini -park may be located include areas of concentrated populations, isolated development areas, landscaped public use areas in an industrial/commercial area, scenic overlooks, and play areas in shopping districts. Although demographics and population density play a role in location, the justification for a mini -park lies more in servicing a specific recreational need or taking advantage of a unique opportunity. In a residential setting, the service area is usually less than a quarter mile in radius and the park is generally one acre or less in size. Site selection criteria should include ease of access from the surrounding area and ideally be linked to a community pathway system. Given their size, they are typically not intended to be used for programmed activities, and off-street parking is not provided. Neighborhood Park and Open Space The neighborhood park and open space is the basic unit of the City's park system and is designed to serve as the recreational and social focus of neighborhoods. They include active and passive recreation activities geared specifically for those living within a half mile service area. The park should be centrally located and easily accessible by way of interconnecting trails, sidewalks, or low-volume residential streets. Five acres is the accepted minimum standard necessary to provide space for recreation activities. Seven to ten acres are considered optimal. The site should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for both active and passive recreation uses including suitable soils, positive drainage, varying topography, and a variety of vegetation and natural resource areas. Sites should be connected to schools and other park system components such as natural resource areas, lakes, ponds, and greenways. Potential active recreation facilities include play structures, creative play attractions, game courts, ball fields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe courts, bocce ball, pickle ball, basketball, and general ice skating areas. Cedarhurst Park is illustrated in Figure 5-1. Passive activity facilities include networks of recreation and nature trails, individual and group picnic/ sitting areas, general open space and unique landscapes/features, nature study areas, and ornamental gardens. The ability to hold cultural activities, such as plays and concerts, is also appropriate for a community park. Distribution of land area between active and passive recreation is determined on a site - by -site basis. Parking lots of limited size should be provided as necessary to accommodate user access, and park lighting should be used moderately due to proximity to residential units. Figure 5-1: Playground in Cottage Grove Source: City of Cottage Grove 56 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Figure 5-2: Hazen P. Mooer Park Source: City of Cottage Grove School Commons A school commons allows for expanded recreation, social, and educational opportunities available to the community in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Depending on its size, one school site may serve in a number of capacities such as a neighborhood park, youth athletic fields, and the obvious outdoor active area for the school. The important outcome in the joint -use relationship is that both the school district and the park system benefit from shared use of facilities and land area. When planning efforts coincide, attempts should be made to coordinate the needs of the school district with that of the park and recreation system. The criteria established for neighborhood park and community park classifications is the basis for determining how a school commons site should function and be developed. Community Park and Open Space Community parks and open space are typically larger than 50 acres in size and serve a broad audience of users and purposes within the City park and open space system. Multi -functional design and facilities are found within the boundaries of these parks and focus on meeting the recreation needs of large sections of the community. Preservation of unique landscapes and open space is possible on a grand scale in community parks, and management of community parks require special attention and fiscal resources because of the size and amount of facilities and the intensive community use. A community park should serve two or more neighborhoods with a service area of one to three miles in radius. Ideally, the site should be serviced by arterial and collector streets and be easily accessible from throughout its service area by way of interconnecting trails. Selection of community park sites should take into consideration existing private conservancy areas, natural resource areas, and regional parks and schools, each of which may provide recreational opportunities normally provided in community parks. The site should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for both active and passive recreation uses. It should have suitable soils, positive drainage, varying topography, and a variety of vegetation and include natural resource areas, greenways, lakes, ponds, and woodlands. Potential active recreation facilities include large play structures, creative play attractions, game courts, ballfields, tennis courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe courts, bocce ball courts, ice skating areas, archery ranges, disc golf areas, aquatic features, and amphitheaters. Passive activity facilities include extensive recreation and nature trails, individual and group picnic/sitting areas, general open space and unique landscapes/features, nature study areas, and ornamental gardens. The ability to hold cultural activities, plays, and concerts, is also appropriate for a community park. Distribution of land area between active and passive recreation is determined on a site -by -site basis, and active field areas should be sized large enough to accommodate a field rotation maintenance program. Landscaped parking lots should be provided as necessary to accommodate user access. Park lighting should be utilized as appropriate for security, safety, lighting facilities, and extending the hours of use/ scheduling of active athletic areas. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 57 Regional Metropolitan Park Often a regional metropolitan park includes outdoor recreation such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and trail uses. The sites are normally contiguous to or encompass existing natural resources. The Metropolitan Council recommends that metropolitan regional parks shall be of 200 or more acres and service populations within 30 minutes driving time. Due to their size, they can provide a wider array of activities, some of which cannot be found in a community park. Their size also dictates that they have several parking areas and good access, and often they contain some type of park shelter. Regional Park Reserve An area of natural quality for nature -oriented outdoor recreation such as viewing and studying nature, wildlife habitat, conservation, swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, and trail uses. May include some minor active play areas. Generally 80 percent of the land is reserved for conservation and natural resource management. Desirable characteristics include unique or diverse natural resources such as lakes, streams, marshes, flora, fauna, and topography. An example is Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, 515 acres of varied topography and an usual variety of vegetation and habitats. The Metropolitan Council recommends that regional park reserves shall be of 2,000 or more acres and serve populations within one hour driving time. Greenway Linking Corridors Greenway linking corridors are lineal oriented public open spaces that are designed to provide buffering, transition, continuity and access between adjacent parks and open space areas, neighborhoods, and schools. The minimum cross dimension of greenway corridors is 30 feet in width, and shall contain a Class III recreational trailway. Larger corridors may contain a combination of trailway classifications. Spacing of major community wide greenway linking corridors is based on a square mile grid section offset one-half mile from the major transportation grid. Greenway Buffer Areas Greenway buffer areas are lineal oriented open spaces along minor arterials and major collector roadways that are designed to provide buffering, transition, and continuity along the roadway. The minimum average cross dimension of the corridors is 75 feet in width and shall contain a combination of trailway classifications. The buffer area can be publicly owned or under the control of a private homeowners association with an overlying public trailway/access easement. Buffer areas are required to be extensively landscaped with a variety of native or formal vegetation and may include existing natural areas, lakes, wetlands, and stormwater ponds. Natural Resource Areas The City's Natural Resource Inventory categorized local natural resources as compared to those found in the state and also based upon a local value categorization of natural resource areas identified as having significant natural resources woodlands or remnant landscapes. Many of these areas serve as habitat corridors. The natural resource areas identified as the highest quality in the Natural Resource Inventory should be given priority in access or preservation efforts. Development impacts should be kept to a level that preserves the integrity of the resource. One such example is the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area. Figure 5-2 on the previous page illustrates the unique, isolated location of Hazen P. Mooer Park on Grey Cloud Island on the Mississippi River. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Figure 5-3: Highlands Park Splash Pad Source: City of Cottage Grove Golf Courses One 18 -hole daily fee golf course is recommended for each 25,000 population. A daily fee golf course may include a semi -private facility that draws from the golfing element who use the public facilities. Approximately 75 acres are recommended for a 9 -hole course and at least 180 acres is considered necessary for regulation courses. An example is the River Oaks Golf Course near the Mississippi River. Swimming Pools and Splash Pads A standard of one pool per 20,000 population is recommended. The deck area should be twice the area of the water surface. Year-round swimming facilities should be considered when deciding to construct a pool in the community. Splash pads provide another unique water recreation opportunity for communities. Figure 5-3 illustrates the splash pad at Highlands Park in Cottage Grove. Recreation Buildings Sun Structure The sunshade structure is an open canopy of limited size that provides shade for a passive or waiting area. The shaded area may be hard surfaced. No kitchen facilities, electricity, water or restrooms are included in the design. Picnic Structure The picnic structure is a large open -sided facility of a size that provides shade and picnic activity areas for larger groups. No kitchen facilities are included in the design, but electricity, water, and restrooms may be included. Neighborhood Center The neighborhood recreation center is a smaller community-based recreation service facility in the City. It should serve the neighborhood in which it is located by providing a facility for general neighborhood organizations as well as supervised recreation programs. The building is approximately 3,000 to 5,000 square feet in size and typically includes meeting, game, and multi-purpose rooms; an office; limited kitchen facilities; a storage area; and restrooms. The mechanical equipment necessary for year-round use should be included in the design. Community Center A community recreation center provides opportunity for year-round programming of leisure time activities. A wide range of social, aquatic, cultural, and physical programs typically take place in community centers. Building size varies from 30,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet and typically includes multi-purpose rooms, gymnasium, swimming pool, racquetball courts, arts and crafts room, senior center, aerobic/ dance room, weight room, running track, kitchen facilities, and administrative offices. This facility serves the needs of the entire community. For that reason, location and access are keys to facility siting. Often a community center is in close proximity to other public buildings such as a city hall or sited to take advantage of attractive natural features. Aworking group from the My Future Cottage Grove initiative is evaluating this topic. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 59 Sports Complex A sports complex consolidates heavily programmed athletic fields and associated facilities at larger sites strategically located throughout the community. This allows for economies of scale and higher quality facilities, improved management and scheduling, and improved control of facility use, and reduces the number of areas dedicated to sports facilities. The greatest advantage, if planned appropriately, is the City's ability to control negative impacts to neighborhood and community parks such as overuse, noise, traffic congestion, parking, and in some cases, domination of facilities by those outside the neighborhood. Sports complexes should be developed to accommodate the specific needs of user groups and athletic associations within the community based on demands and program offerings. Sport complexes are community -wide facilities and attempts should be made to centrally locate the site. Because it serves the greater community, access from arterial collector streets is desirable. Sports complexes should be adjacent to non-residential land uses if possible and should be buffered These areas should be clearly identified prior to residential development to avoid long-term conflicts. Demographic profiles, age group population forecasts, and participation rates should be used to determine the types of facilities to provide. Sites should be a minimum of 40 acres with 80 acres being optimal. Potential sites should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for developing athletic facilities. Topography and soils are of the utmost concern. Although extreme topographical change should be avoided, some elevation is desirable to allow for drainage and to give the site some character. Natural vegetation along the perimeter of the site and in non -field areas is desirable to buffer their impact on surrounding land uses. Currently, there are several areas in the community located outside of the MUSA that would appear to meet the designated locational parameters for a sports complex. Sports complexes are intended for programmed athletic use, such as youth and adult softball, baseball, and soccer leagues and tournaments. Sports complexes increase tourism, drawing both tournament participants and spectators. Potential facilities include ballfields, soccer fields, football fields, outdoor and indoor skating rinks, tennis courts, play structures, hard courts, and volleyball courts. Internal trails should provide access to all facilities as well as connection to the citywide pathway system. Group picnic areas and shelters should also be provided along with support facilities such as multi-purpose buildings, restrooms, and common space. RECREATION STANDARDS Sound principles of recreation planning include standards and more general elements: • Designating areas for differing age groups and abilities, rather than just children; • Consideration of aesthetics in addition to function; and • Creating a proper balance between private and public recreation activities. Recreational activities are generally divided into two types — active and passive. Facilities for both active and passive recreation should be available to the public on three levels: • Neighborhood Level: Facilities intended for use by those within a half -mile radius and bounded by major streets. • Community Level: Major facilities designed for residents of the entire community. • Regional Level: Major facilities utilized by residents of the metropolitan area. Figure 5-4 shows the Existing Park and Open Space System and Table 5-1 shows an Inventory of Existing Facilities. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Figure 5-4: Existing Parks, Open Space, and Trails Cottage Existing Parks, Open Space and Trails Transportation Trails Recreation Trails Sidewalk Mississippi River Trail Bikeway I 1 .._r City Boundary Existi ng_Pa rks_and_O pen_Space Existing Parks and Open Space Community Park County Park Neighborhood Park Open Space Recreational Facility Peter The Family Pullman Ave 1 L _,' Belden` Park 1 Granada • Park t! •� T. Grove Hall (I v 65Th Sr S \n. Id®eal \ T A kOF07-41 lly = Park Ni -'s Palk r Ij 80th St S 00 Hemmingway \% ,He Par' d Park 3`► Park Hr//srge Tr Ideal \. P rk s- °'�i, II' � ��■11'1�� I S— I,A_lblbor Y I Aeadows v �Pgrk Q f N p j E R - o o -EE Y State Scientific and Natural Areas ry —1T %ea a „age Open Water 1 =a---1,thISPSvswRg Farms oc Rne ove Da�11ark Regional - 'a V C Park xl. a Glen P.,6-- � �S� 100th St S t00Ti sr 111111111 00 Mississip i Q j • Dune Grey Cloud .�� Golf Links Dunes SNA r • • Grey Cloud • County Park � River Oaks: ......••_.•■ 1••_•._••1 -. 't 10th'$}.$ - Municpal ".. • G I -- Golf Course l e 11 ryl Mississippi River I• ��• lolls •�. '`'.`. ��..�..�. �.. --— it � •`♦•`••�•.�,.�.. �..�••�..�..� May 14, 2018 ��•.�,•_..�' •�• 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�''�.,�♦ N V:\1938\active\193503560\GIS\Projects\Existing Parks and Trails.mxd ��.,�„�.•�� COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 1 L 1 I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 61 i3 O O a, a LL as m v� U)LL _ d U fo j m w LL LL O Q1 3 2 I1 C C0.3 O2 co N y d] N J m C7 r U d p u C/} C N N N > 7, v tti m O 0 3 N N p G 'v O u m Y O d G O Q Q CLI LCI CO in m Q LL LL D 0 Z J LL 4L U7 RA U) 0) F F 7 7 SCHOOLS FUTURE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Plans for future park acquisition and development are based on two basic assumptions. First, there will be a continued increase in demand for park and recreation services and facilities for our youth population and a dramatic increase in recreational demands from the adult segment of the population. Second, as the city continues to grow, parklands and open space areas will become more important for their growing recreational, aesthetic, and conservation values. Demographic data suggests that Cottage Grove will continue to be a community dominated by families with children. At the same time, the age structure of the community is changing; even though the proportion of children to adults is predicted to slowly decrease. If the city continues to grow, the total number of children will probably remain stable or increase. In light of this, future parks, trails, and open space acquisition and development plans are predicated on the vision of a city where both the total population and the average age of the citizens will continue to increase. Cottage Grove cannot afford to stop investing in parks, trails, and open space. The engagement found that the parks and open space system is a source of community pride and that residents approve of acquiring, developing, and maintaining a quality park and recreation system in Cottage Grove. The general public consensus appears to be that parks are a critical factor in assessing the "quality of life" in the community. Figure 5-5 shows the 2040 Future Parks and Open Space System. TRAILS Existing Trail Network The trail network in Cottage Grove consists of a combination of routes designed for pedestrian and non -motorized use that links neighborhoods, commercial areas, schools, parks, points of interest, scenic overlooks, unique natural and historical features, and other public gathering places. The trail network is accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, non -motorized uses, and persons with disabilities; and has connections with other transitway components of the network. The purpose of the trail network is to offer the residents of Cottage Grove the safest possible access route for pedestrian and non -motorized uses. The City has been actively working to improve the trail network to one that offers a greater variety of access opportunities. Each segment identified on the trail network is a vital component of the whole trail network. The major routing emphasis of the trails plan correlates directly with the future transportation network and ties higher class trails with collectors and minor arterials. However, roadways that function as residential collectors or provide access to schools, parks, and other gathering spots should also be considered for some type of pedestrian access. The trail network provides residents with not only recreational access, but also with alternative transportation options to the major destination points in the city. Where feasible, it is preferable to develop off-road trails, which provide facilities for both bicyclists and pedestrians. Trails along rivers and through parks and natural areas are always highly desirable routes, if and when they can be attained, as they provide a more scenic experience for the user. An off-road trail is one that is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier either within the road right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. According to AASHTO guidelines, the minimum width of a trail that provides for two-way bicycle traffic and allows for pedestrian use is eight (8) feet with two -foot shoulders on each side. Where traffic volumes are higher, ten (10) feet is the desired width. Adequate space is not always available within the existing right-of-way for an off-road trail. Where it is necessary to develop continuous trail segments, it is recommended that the City work with residential developers and owners of commercial properties to obtain easements in areas where the road right-of-way is insufficient or in areas with topography constraints. In cases where funding or right-of-way is limited, an on -road bicycle trail can present a more economical solution. The provision of an on -road bicycle trail can be accomplished through the restriping of existing roadways or with extra consideration during the design of a new roadway. Similar to a functional classification of roadways, trail facilities also have a hierarchy of structure. The following classification helps to define the different facilities available for trails. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 63 Figure 5-5: Planned Parks, Open Space, and Trails Cottage �� Z Planned Parks, Open Space and Trails Existing Recreation Trails - - - 2040 Planned Recreation Trail Existing Transportation Trails - - - 2040 Planned Transportation Trail Existing Sidewalk Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Community Park County Park Neighborhood Park Open Space Recreational Facility State Scientific and Natural Areas Planned Parks/Open Space City Boundary Open Water .._.._Q_.._.._.._ _ .... ._Q_..—&..._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._..y a PeF "illy omPson r ♦ ♦ - -' 1 , a ♦ 3° ry j y Family Par = 1• • ♦ c I 1 ♦ R - - -.�,♦ 1 �1 r �-� _ _-_ - -♦, •.--.1 11:''1 �:� .A♦i �♦ -_ -�� -, r 14 • Mead w / ♦ - \ 1 GrSssa:k H d oo�d'p 1 1;_� B ♦ Park ye Hi hl nd 1 11 1 11 ®W •"t L- - 70th st S �. 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N Y ,� adows 'park ♦� a al — ti ♦I> Et 1 a of ►1 N 11 5 11 ?a 11 tta S11 sac � nee � R ?i pppp a �R 9 al Park 11 s� �1 1 11 1 , � :�s = _= 1 � 1 1 1• 1 11 1 1 rl 11 River Oaks 1 �• Municipal Goll Course •�••�• Mississippi River 64 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Trail Facilities Sidewalks Sidewalks are installed on public right-of-way, constructed of concrete, five to six feet in width, and are located along local streets, sub -collectors, and collector streets. On neighborhood local streets, sidewalks may be located on only one side of the street. On collector and arterial streets, sidewalks or a combination of sidewalks and trails are required to be located on both sides of the street unless prohibited by topography or other engineering constraints. Pedestrian curb ramps are required at the terminus of the sidewalk with public or private roadways, driveways, and parking lots. Due to a sidewalk's width, pedestrian use has right-of-way over bikes and other non -motorized use. Transportation Trails Transportation Trails are installed in public right-of-way or in trailway easements adjacent to collector and minor arterial streets and are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic. Class II construction consists of asphalt bituminous material with a minimum width of eight feet. Microsurfacing is periodically performed on transportation trails. Pedestrian curb ramps are required at the terminus of the transportation trails with public or private roadways, driveways, and parking lots. Transportation trails are designed for bicycle, other non -motorized, and pedestrian uses. Recreational Trails Recreational Trails are installed in public parks and open -space and other natural areas of the community. Recreational trails are located in and adjacent to a variety of different landscapes in the community including wetlands, woods, prairies, and other passive areas. The recreational trail system also links the different active areas of the city park and open space system to provide for accessibility and cohesiveness of the facilities. Class III construction consists of asphalt bituminous material with a minimum width of eight feet. Microsurfacing is periodically performed on recreational trails. Pedestrian curb ramps are required at the terminus of the recreational trail with public or private roadways, driveways and parking lots. Recreational trails are designed for bicycle, other non -motorized, and pedestrian uses. Natural Trails Natural Trails are installed in public parks and open space and other natural areas of the community. Natural trails are located in and adjacent to a variety of different landscapes in the community including wetlands, woods, prairies, and other passive areas. Trail construction consists of woodchip, grass, or crushed rock material with a width of four to eight feet. Natural trails are located in areas of future Recreational Trail corridors that have yet to be completed, or in other areas that cannot be hard surfaced due to steep slopes, tree massing, water features, or other environmentally sensitive features. Tree trimming, erosion control, and surface restoration are required to be periodically performed on natural trails. These trails are designed specifically for pedestrian use and some limited bicycle use. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 65 REGIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities abound to connect regional systems with inter -community non -vehicular trailways. However, such linkages along minor arterial road systems and utility easements will only occur as urban expansion occurs toward the Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park or toward future federal or regional park acquisitions on Grey Cloud Island. Urban expansion can occur through upgrading of various roadway systems with associated sidewalk or trailways, through parkland dedication of utility easement areas, or future park bond land and trail acquisition and development programs. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Outside the time frame of this plan as urban development crosses Keats Avenue and development occurs contiguous to this regional facility, pathways and street access points will need to be coordinated with Washington County Park Department's interpark trail systems and park master planning. More than likely, future trail connections will occur along an NSP transmission line easement that enters on the northwest portion of park. Roadway connection opportunities also exist opposite the 90th Street and Keats intersection and at several other points along Keats Avenue. Washington County updated the Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park Master Plan in 2017 that established a new park entrance road and contact station, updating the existing network of bike/pedestrian and cross-country ski trails, and preserved remaining natrual areas for wildlife habitat. Lower Grey Cloud Island Lower Grey Cloud Island has been identified by Washington County, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a prime site for a state or county park. Existing access to this area is inadequate for park use due to winding narrow causeways, low railroad bridges, and older minimally designed rural roads. Any federal or regional acquisition and development of land on Grey Cloud Island must be accompanied with funds to upgrade the complete transportation system. Although the City's overall sanitary sewer study shows engineering potentials, present and future residents on the Island are not expected to receive sanitary sewer or municipal water without additional study of future land uses overall on the island. As the Island gradually receives more residents or other more intense land uses, further road and trail development is expected. If private development occurs on the Island, care should be taken to provide public access opportunities to areas of the Island, the Mississippi River, and associated backwaters. Mississippi River Trail The Mississippi River Trail (MRT) runs through the southern part of Cottage Grove on Hadley Avenue, 97th Street, Jamaica Avenue, 100th Street, Miller Road, and Keats Avenue. The Trail is a segment of a larger system that follows the Minnesota portion of the Mississippi River roughly 600 miles from its source at Itasca State Park to the Iowa border. The City is planning for an improved, more direct routing of the bicycle facility. The planned reroute would provide a bicycle/ pedestrian path or protected route along 100th Street South between Hadley Avenue South and Jamaica Avenue South that is more direct and reduces potential conflicts between vehicles and Trail users in an area for future industrial business development. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE UPCOMING PARK AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT The City of Cottage Grove and Washington County have developed capital improvement plans to identify future park and trail development. Projects taking place in the next five years are listed below. Cottage Grove Projects • Skate Park Maintenance - Hamlet Park • Fitness Trail - Kingston Park • Playground Equipment Replacement - Pine Glen and Old Cottage Grove Parks • Cottage Grove Trailway Corridor, Public Landscape Initiative - Citywide • Park Design and Master Planning - Citywide Washington County Parks • Pedestrian Trail - CSAH 18 to Ravine Park in Cottage Grove COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PARKS AND OPEN SPACE 67 TRANSPORTATION A well-planned transportation system is essential to facilitate the efficient operation and managed growth of the City. All aspects of community development from land use and property values to utility installations are directly related to current and future transportation systems. 68 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION INTRODUCTION The existing transportation system in the City consists of a combination of transportation modes and facilities including a planned network of roadways, from neighborhood based local streets to a regional principal arterial that bisects the community. Roadways are planned and constructed for differing classifications using established design criteria that will meet the current and future access needs of the community. The Transportation Plan is a living document that requires revisions as land use and other conditions change. The Goals and Policies Section of the Plan was established in order to give a direction to decision -makers to accomplish the efficient growth and management of the transportation system in Cottage Grove. The sections contained in this element of the Comprehensive Plan are listed in the Table of Contents and consist of the remaining facets of Cottage Grove's transportation system. These include: • Roadway System • Rail System • Water Ports and Terminals • Trail System (discussed in Chapter 5: Parks and Open Space) • Airports and Terminals • Transit • Access Management As the City's and the Metro Area's roads become more congested and more passenger vehicles are added to the roadway systems, alternate transportation options are becoming a higher priority. In the future, emphasis may be placed on multi -modal systems that can provide a seamless transit alternative for City commuters. The City desires to adequately plan for increased population and does not want growth to adversely affect existing and future transportation systems. From that perspective, the Plan takes into account the projected needs and desires within the City and those of adjacent communities, as well as metropolitan concerns. All of the components of the City's transportation system are dealt with in the present and future context and should be used as a whole when dealing with growth of the system. Cottage Grove is a growing suburb and there are decisions the City faces that affect existing and future transportation facilities in addition to affecting other transportation modes and systems. These decisions need to be made in the most informed manner possible. The establishment of transportation goals and policies helps to guide these decisions by guiding the development of the transportation system. As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to transportation: • Transportation Connections — continue to develop walking, biking and transit as important complements to local and regional roadway access serving the City Parks, Trails, & Recreation — continue to build the City's parks and trail systems as a source of pride for residents COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: Provide a safe, high-quality, and cost effective multi -modal transportation system. • POLICY 6.1 Transportation improvements will be coordinated with the plans of MnDOT, Washington County, Metropolitan Council, and adjoining communities. • POLICY 6.2 The City will support regional improvements to major transportation facilities serving the city when feasible. • POLICY 6.3 New construction techniques, technologies, and environmental sustainability will be considered in planning new transportation facilities. • POLICY 6.4 A network of sidewalks and trails will be constructed in all new developments and redevelopments, where practical and feasible. • POLICY 6.5 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. • POLICY 6.6 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. • POLICY 6.7 Where practical and feasible, planning for roadway improvements will include consideration of aesthetic improvements such as landscaping and street lighting. • POLICY 6.8 Study and monitor the development of transportation innovations, including autonomous vehicles. Goal 2: Expand transit options serving Cottage Grove. • POLICY 6.8 The City will continue to support and participate in the Red Rock Corridor Commission and its efforts to implement improved transit service in the Red Rock Corridor. This will include participating in all planning activities for potential transit service improvements in Cottage Grove. • POLICY 6.9 The City will seek regional, state or federal funding to expand transit services in and around the city. ROADWAY SYSTEM Existing Roadway Jurisdiction Roadways are categorized under the agency that is responsible for their maintenance. The State is responsible for the Federal Interstate, US Trunk Highway (USTH), Minnesota Trunk Highways (MNTH), and State Park Roads. The County is responsible for County State -Aid Highway (CSAH) and County Roads (CR). Other roadways including Municipal State -Aid Streets (MSAS), and Municipal Roads are the responsibility of the City. Figure 6-1 shows the roadway system in Cottage Grove according to its current jurisdiction. The breakdown of roadways in each jurisdictional type is shown in Table 6-1. The data is current as of 2017. 70 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-1: Existing Roadway Jurisdiction Cottage Existing Roadway Jurisdictions N U.S. Trunk Highway Minnesota Trunk Highway County State -Aid Highway Municipal State -Aid Street County Road City Street i._ "!City Boundary Open Water ._.._.._! i._.._.i 1' 46 1 i H �or ._.._.. �_.._ ._.. �.� �_ _ .._.._;._.•yRy _.._.._.._ .......... _ -------------- �v o 0 3° I x c 65th MIS S4W F Mississippi River May 14, 2018 '�..�. .�•' "—" 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�'•.• �� V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Existing Roadway J unsdictions.mxd •� , , �' Oth'St S COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 71 Table 6-1: Cottage Grove Roadway Jurisdiction and AADT Roadway Existing Cross -Section Previous Plan 2030 AADT Forecasted 2040 AADT Planning Level AADT Capacity* WC Ratio Volume Over/ Under Capacity State Roads TH 61/TH 10 - North of 80th Street 4 Lane Freeway N/A 64,500 60,000 - 80,000 0.81 TH 61/TH 10 - 80th Street to Jamaica Avenue 4 Lane Freeway N/A 52,700 60,000 - 80,000 0.66 TH 61/TH 10 - Jamaica Avenue to Kimbro Avenue 4 Lane Freeway N/A 41,200 60,000 - 80,000 0.52 TH 61/TH 10 - Kimbro Avenue to E. City Boundary 4 Lane Freeway N/A 43,300 60,000 - 80,000 0.54 County Roads TH 95 (Manning Avenue) 2 Lane Undivided Rural 8,700 - 9,800 5,920 - 7,940 14,000 - 15,000 0.53 CR19 (Keats Avenue) - North of Highway 61 2 Lane Undivided Rural 22,000 7,840 14,000 - 15,000 0.52 CR19 (Keats Avenue) - South of 80th Street 2 Lane Undivided Rural 13,400 10,400 14,000 - 15,000 0.69 CR19 (Keats Avenue) - North of 80th Street 2 Lane Undivided Rural 14,000 12,800 14,000 - 15,000 0.85 CR39 (Hadley Avenue) - North Grange Blvd. 2 Lane Undivided Urban 7,800 8,000 - 10,000 CR22 (70th Street) - Highway 61 to Hinton Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban 20,000 8,000 - 10,000 CR22 (70th Street) - Hinton to Jamaica Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban 12,900 8,700 - 10,500 8,000 - 10,000 CR22 (70th Street) - Jamaica to Keats Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban 7,400 5,000 8,000 - 10,000 CR22 (70th Street) - East City Boundary to Keats Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Rural 6,400 3,630 - 3,850 14,000 - 15,000 0.26 CR13 (Hinton Avenue) - 70th Street to N. City Boundary 4 Lane Divided Urban 9,700 8,120 28,000 - 32,000 0.25 CR20 (Military Road) - Keats Avenue to Jamaica 2 Lane Undivided Rural 9,500 3,140 14,000 - 15,000 0.21 CSAH74 (65th Street) - W. City Boundary to Hinton Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban 1,800 3,130 8,000 - 10,000 0.31 CSAH74 (65th Street) - W. City Boundary to Hinton Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban N/A 1,010 8,000 - 10,000 0.10 City Roads Jamaica Avenue - Military Road to 70th Street 4 Lane Divided Urban 8,700 4,320 28,000 - 32,000 0.14 Jamaica Avenue - 70th Street to 80th Street 4 Lane Divided Urban 10,500 8,050 28,000 - 32,000 0.25 Jamaica Avenue - 80th Street to Highway 61 4 Lane Divided Urban 21,000 12,000 28,000 - 32,000 0.38 Jamaica Avenue - South of Highway 61 4 Lane Undivided Urban 5,000 4,200 18,000 - 22,000 0.19 Hinton Avenue - 70th Street to 80th Street 4 Lane Undivided Urban 9,000 8,400 18,000 - 22,000 0.38 100th Street - Hadley Avenue to Ideal Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban 3,000 1,780 8,000 - 10,000 0.18 100th Street - Ideal Avenue to Jamaica Avenue 2 Lane Undivided Urban 4,500 4,830 8,000 - 10,000 0.48 East Point Douglas - South of Four -Lane Connection to 90th Street 2 Lane Undivided Urban 10,500 9,070 8,000 - 10,000 0.91 80th Street - East Point Douglas to Highway 61 4 Lane Divided Urban 25,000 32,500 28,000 - 32,000 1.02 80th Street - East Point Douglas to Hinton 4 Lane Divided Urban 21,000 25,200 28,000 - 32,000 0.79 80th Street - Hinton to Innsdale Avenue 4 Lane Divided Urban 14,500 16,800 28,000 - 32,000 0.53 80th Street - Innsdale Avenue to Jamaica Avenue 4 Lane Undivided Urban 14,500 12,300 18,000 - 22,000 0.56 80th Street - Jamaica to Keats 4 Lane Undivided Urban 7,000 11,400 18,000 - 22,000 0.52 80th Street - Keats to Kimbro 2 Lane Undivided Urban 3,500 1,420 8,000 - 10,000 0.14 *Derived from the Highway Capacity Manual 2000 72 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Municipal State Aid Routes The purpose of the State -Aid program is to provide resources from the Highway Users Tax Distribution Fund to assist local governments with the construction and maintenance of community -interest highways and streets on the State -Aid system. A City's State -Aid system includes roadways that have been designated following MnDOT's Municipal State -Aid Street guidelines. According to Minnesota State - Aid rules, each city is allowed to designate 20 percent of the total public roadway miles within the municipality as State -Aid streets. Cottage Grove MSA system is illustrated on Figure 6-2. A Municipal State -Aid Street can be selected based on the following criteria: • The street is projected to carry a relatively heavier traffic volume or is functionally classified as collector or arterial as identified on the urban municipality's functional classification plan. • Connects the points of major traffic interest, parks, parkways, or recreational areas within an urban municipality. • Provides an integrated street system affording, within practical limits, a state -aid street network consistent with projected traffic demands. Existing Traffic Volumes The most recent daily traffic volume information for the primary roadways in Cottage Grove were obtained from various sources including State and County traffic flow maps and the City of Cottage Grove. The most recent traffic volumes were counted in 2015. The existing traffic volumes and calculated 2040 projected volumes are provided on Figure 6-3 in annual average daily traffic units (AADT). Additional information regarding future traffic volumes is discussed in the following section. Future Traffic Volumes The Transportation Plan provides a look into the future with regard to roadway systems. The year 2040 is the horizon year for which travel demand on the area roadway system is forecast. MnDOT assigns a 20 -year growth factor by county. The latest 20 -year factor for Washington County is 1.3, which translates to 1.3% annual growth in traffic. The year 2040 daily volume projections using this Washington County factor are shown on Figure 6-3, along with the existing traffic volume data. These forecasts utilize the County projections for County and State facilities. The County's Base Scenario was used. The intent of the projections are to assist the City in assessing roadways that may exhibit potential capacity issues in the coming years. Land use and projections by TAZ are described in Table 6-2 (currently being developed by technical staff). COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-2: Municipal State Aid Roads is Cottage �5 Municipal State -Aid Routes NOON Municipal State -Aid Street Future State -Aid Street City Street i'—"!City Boundary Open Water _.._.. .._.._,._.. �•� .�_J_..�.._.. .. Oth-SPS ._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.•_.._.._.._.._.. . • fit• m•♦ ♦ t r im% 'coo `� _ •�••�• Mississippi River May 14, 2018 '�..� • • _•,�� 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�'•.,�'"'" V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Existing MSA Routes.mxd -o 74 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-3: Existing and Projected AADT Cottage Traffic Volume �• _•� City Boundary Open Water 5,600 Exisitng 2015 Traffic Volume (AADT) 7,900 Projected 2040 Traffic Volume (AADT) 100 2012 Heavy Commercial Traffic mom Route and Volume (HCAADT) 1 1 1 O O of N ,,, 2 00 QU i • O ami 1 r oa 0 max 11 1 1,100/ I.._..1 550 Source: MnDOT, Stantec �•• c i1 May 14, 2018 •.• �••�• •��'•�• 0 4,500 9,000 Feet ��• V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Traffic Volume.mxd •�• COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 120 w oo OH CO t► `x o f 17,5 12,300/ 9,000/, 3;900/ 900/ 77th-StS ` 24,30 1:7,100 12,500 0 00 ewhsts _-_._5,400 1,250 NCD 3 cOj vtri `�D� Oi} Hivary a' Q.Y ery a�N x N �9/ o oS�as 83 d� c,0,. r1 v o J 1700 " 95th St S 8.350 /f 500 110th St S W, '.•�..� Mississippi River i' .00,: 155 o� 1500, 75 .. .. ..�...a,�..�..�..�..�..�..�..�a ................................................... 14• > 2,200/ 2,150/ 3 s ,3t000 3 00 M o N M J _ _i I • 1 �'> 80 6,2 9,4 0 8600 / - 3'400/ 4;100. 1 2,950/ 4,100 _ ,00 �omst 1 1 1 O O of N ,,, 2 00 QU i • O ami 1 r oa 0 max 11 1 1,100/ I.._..1 550 Source: MnDOT, Stantec �•• c i1 May 14, 2018 •.• �••�• •��'•�• 0 4,500 9,000 Feet ��• V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Traffic Volume.mxd •�• COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 120 w oo OH CO t► `x o f 17,5 12,300/ 9,000/, 3;900/ 900/ 77th-StS ` 24,30 1:7,100 12,500 0 00 ewhsts _-_._5,400 1,250 NCD 3 cOj vtri `�D� Oi} Hivary a' Q.Y ery a�N x N �9/ o oS�as 83 d� c,0,. r1 v o J 1700 " 95th St S 8.350 /f 500 110th St S W, '.•�..� Mississippi River i' .00,: 155 o� 1500, 75 ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION Existing Functional Roadway Classification The functional classification of roadways provides guidelines for safe and efficient movement of people and goods within the City. Roads are categorized based upon the level of access and/or mobility provided. The functional classification of roadways in the City of Cottage Grove consists of the following types: • Principal Arterial • Minor Arterial • Major Collector • Minor Collector • Local Road The existing functional classification system is shown in Figure 6-4. Future Roadway Functional Classification Functional classification of a roadway system involves determining what function each roadway should be performing with regard to travel within and through the City. The intent of a functional classification system is the creation of a roadway hierarchy that collects and distributes traffic from local roadways and collectors to arterials in a safe and efficient manner. Such classification aids in determining appropriate roadway widths, speed limits, intersection control, design features, accessibility and maintenance priorities. Functional classification helps to ensure that non -transportation factors, such as land use and development, are taken into account in planning and design of the roadway system. It must be recognized that all intermediate facilities are not always needed for various trip types. The character of movement or service that is provided has a function, and these functions do not act independently. Thus, the travel categories become consistent with function and the classification of the function. Figure 6-5 shows the Proposed Functional Roadway Classification. Principal Arterials Principal arterial roadways serve major activity centers, higher traffic volumes, longer trips and carry a higher proportion of total urbanized travel on a minimum of mileage. Along these facilities, access needs to be limited in order to preserve the ability of the roadway to accommodate the volumes and to maximize safety. Spacing varies from 2-3 miles for a fully developed area to 3-6 miles for a developing area. The management criteria require that a 40 mph average speed be achieved during peak traffic periods. Also, little or no direct land access should be allowed within an urban area. Grade separated intersections are required for freeways and highly desired for other principal arterial roadways. The only principal arterial through Cottage Grove is U.S. Highway 10/61. Minor Arterials Minor arterial roadways connect the urban service area to cities and towns inside and outside the region and generally service medium to short trips. Minor arterials may also provide an alternate route for congested principal arterial roadways. Minor arterials connect principal arterials, minor arterials, and connectors. The spacing ranges from'/ to 3/ of a mile in metro centers to 1-2 miles in a developing area. The desired minimum average speed during peak traffic periods is 20 mph in fully developed areas and 30 mph in developing areas. Examples of minor arterials in Cottage Grove are Manning Ave (TH 95), 70th Street (CSAH 22), Keats Avenue (CSAH 19), Jamaica Avenue, 80th Street, East Point Douglas Road, 90th Street, and Hinton Avenue. The emphasis for minor arterial roadways is on mobility rather than on land access. In urban areas, direct land access is generally restricted to concentrations of commercial/industrial land uses. Minor arterials can be broken down further into'A Minor and 'B' Minor Arterials. 76 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 'A Minor Arterials are roadways that are of regional importance because they relieve, expand, or complement the principal arterial system. 'A Minor Arterials are categorized into four types, consistent with Metropolitan Council guidelines: • Relievers — Minor arterials that provide direct relief for metro highway traffic • Expanders — Routes that provide a way to make connections between urban areas outside the 1-494/1-694 beltway. • Connectors — Roads that provide good, safe connections to and among communities at the edge of the urbanized area and in rural areas. • Augmenters — Roadways that augment principal arterials within the 1-494/1-694 beltway. `B' MinorArterials The 'B' minor arterial roadways provide connections to the surrounding communities of Woodbury, Newport, St. Paul Park, Denmark Township, and Hastings. The 'B' minor arterial roadways typically serve medium to long distance trips. Collector Streets Collector streets provide more land access than arterials and connections to arterials, although not in all cases. As is the case with any roadway system, there will always be exceptions to the planning guidelines that are used to classify a roadway system. Collectors serve a dual function of accommodating traffic and provision of more access to adjacent properties. Mobility and land access are equally important and direct land access should predominately be to development concentrations. Collectors generally connect to minor arterials and serve short trips. Spacing for collectors range from'/ to 3/ of a mile in fully developed area to '/2 to 1 mile in developing areas. Major collector roadways within the City of Cottage Grove include Indian Boulevard, Hillside Trail, 65th Street (CR 74), Hadley Avenue, 95th Street, Kimbro Avenue, and several others. Local Streets The lowest classification of roadways is the local roadway where access is provided with much less concern for control but land service is paramount. Spacing for local streets is as needed to access land uses. Local roadways generally have lower speed limits in urban areas and normally serve short trips. Local streets will connect with some minor arterials but generally connect to collectors and other local streets. The development of local streets will be guided by the location of the existing and proposed minor arterials and collectors as well as by development and the expansion of local utilities. Table 6-3 depicts the previous discussion in a table format. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 77 Figure 6-4: Existing Functional Classification N Cottage �� Gro �gv.aw n.er Existing Roadway Functional Classification Principal Arterial A -Minor Augmentor A -Minor Reliever A -Minor Expander A -Minor Connector Other Arterial Major Collector Minor Collector City Street i'—"!City Boundary Open Water �> m y o ¢, 0 3 65th St S I �, S I? a' Puo llman Ave--"ffL411{--•CC\\--//// 77th'St'S L_ o I 80th St S " v F ° Qa L9jor a f � F� 90th',St S- - d h a G 95th St S I o� X105, •_.. _•._ L ...... 1 1 � —�& I •�„�� Mississippi River `�"N I• •�• 100th St S May 14, 2018 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�'•., �• V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Existing functional Classification.mxd •�•�� „i• 78 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-5: Planned Functional Classification L� Cottage AM 14, GtPo Planned Future Roadway Functional Classification Principal Arterial A -Minor Reliever A -Minor Expander A -Minor Connector Major Collector Minor Collector City Street i'—"!City Boundary Open Water �> a m o 0 3 x c , 65th St S � rx 7otn Sr s �9s > 9°Q a c- >1 • a man Ave — / L o �rI E 0 80th St 5 � w a C � o x o Ni 95th St S I _ ii St S May 14, 2018 '�..�•._.,��'�• �•'�. 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�'•., v:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Planned Functional Classificafion.mxd •�•�� Oth•St5 \ 77ih-Sf,S— Q N E � E R o a aE J t P� gas A 100th St S •�„�• Mississippi River NN,•� COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 79 Table 6-3: Roadway Classification Information This table summarizes characteristics for existing roadways to be used in evaluating functional classification and should not be used as design guidelines. Sniirr, 7040 Tr—nnrrarinn Pnliry Plan 80 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Principal Arterials Minor Arterials Collector Local Road Criterion Urban Service Area Rural Area Urban Service Area Rural Area Urban Service Area Rural Area Urban Service Area Rural Arca System Mileage FHWA suggests statewide FHWA suggests statewide mileage FHWA suggests statewide FHWA suggests statewide Suggested federal Suggested federal statewide range: Suggested federal statewide Suggested federal statewide mileage for other principal for other principal arterials at 2-6% mileagefor minor arterials in mileage for minor arterials in statewide range for 8-19% for major collectors, 3-15% range: 62-74% range: 62-74% arterials at 4-9% of system of system. urbanized areas at 7-14% of rural areas at 2-6% of system major and minor for minor collectors system collectors: 3-16% Percent of Vehicle FHWA suggests 16-33% of FHWA suggests 15-31% of FHWA suggests 14-270/6 of FHWA suggests 7-14% of Suggested federal statewide Suggested federal statewide range: Suggested federal statewide Suggested federal statewide Miles Traveled statewide VMT statewide VMT statewide VMT statewide VMT range for ma or and minor 10-23% for ma or collectors 1-8% range: 9-25% range: 8-23% Grade separated desirable High-capacity controlled at -grade Traffic signals, roundabouts, Roundabouts and cross- Four-way stops and some traffic Local street traffic should be As required where appropriate. At a intersections and cross -street stops street stops signals required to stop minimum, high-capacity Intersections controlled at -grade intersections Parking None Restricted as necessary Restricted as necessary Restricted asnecessary Unrestricted Permitted as necessary Permitted as necessary Large Trucks No restrictions Candidates for local truck Candidates for local truck May be candidates for local May be candidates for local truck Permitted as necessary Permitted as necessary network, large trucks restricted network, large trucks truck network, large trucks network, large trucks restricted as as necessary restricted as necessary restricted as necessary necessary Management Tools Ramp metering, preferential Access control, intersection spacing Traffic signal progression and Land access Number of lanes, traffic signal Land access management Intersection control, cul -de - treatment for transit, access spacing, land access management/control timing, land access management sacs, diverters control, median barriers, management/control, traffic signal progression, preferential treatment for staging of reconstruction, transit intersection spacing Typical Average 15,000-100,000+ 2,500 - 25,000+ 5,000-30,000+ 1,000-10,000+ 1,000-15,000 250-2,500+ Less than 1,000 Less than 1,000 Daily Traffic Volumes Posted Speed Limit 40-65 mph Legal limit 30-45 mph Legal limit 30-40 mph 35-45 mph Maximum 30 mph Maximum 30 mph Right -of -Way 100 - 300 feet 100 - 300 Feet 60-150 feet 60-150 feet 60-100 feet 60-100 feet 50-80 feet 50-80 feet Transit Transit advantages that None Transit advantages for reliable None Cross-sections and geometrics None Normally used as bus routes None Accommodations provide priority access and movement where needed designed for use by regular only in nonresidential areas reliable movement for transit route buses, transit advantages in peak periods where for reliable movement, where ossible and needed needed Bicycle and Pedestrian On facilities that cross or are On facilities that cross or are On facilities that cross or are On facilities that cross the On, along, or crossing the On, along, or crossing the collector On, along, or crossing the local road Accommodations parallel to the principal parallel to the principal arterial parallel to the minor arterial, minor arterial collector with higher emphasis arterial, with greater emphasis with greater emphasis along along transit routes and in along transit routes and in transit routes and in activity activity centers. Crossings activity centers. Crossings centers. Crossings should be should be spaced to allow for should be spaced to allow for spaced to allow for adequate adequate crossing opportunities adequate crossing crossing opportunities This table summarizes characteristics for existing roadways to be used in evaluating functional classification and should not be used as design guidelines. Sniirr, 7040 Tr—nnrrarinn Pnliry Plan 80 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION FUTURE ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS Arterial Streets Keats Avenue (CSAH 19) This county road serves as the main arterial for the developing East Ravine area. Traffic volumes along the four miles of Keats Avenue are projected to grow from the current 6,000 to 9,000 daily trips to 8,000 to 13,000 daily trips by 2040. Increased traffic volumes will require expanded capacity, improving the road to four lanes. In addition, intersection improvements will be required at the key intersections of Ravine Parkway, 80th Street, and 90th Street. It is expected that Washington County will make improvements to Keats Avenue in segments, with the likely first segment being between 80th Street and Highway 61. 70th Street (CSAH 22) 70th Street is a county road which serves as the main east -west arterial through the northern one-third of Cottage Grove. With development of the East Ravine area, traffic on 70th Street will grow from the current 3,000 to 10,000 daily trips to 4,000 to 13,000 daily trips by 2040. As development occurs on the east side of Keats Avenue, 70th Street will be extended through the area to create a continuous route. Planned improvements to existing segments of 70th Street include widening the roadway to four lanes and installing intersection improvements at Hinton Avenue (CSAH 13). Highway 61 Corridor From Innovation Road north through Cottage Grove, Highway 61 is built to freeway standard, with grade -separated interchanges. South of Innovation Road Highway 61 includes numerous at -grade intersections and serves local trips through the area. This segment of Highway 61 is projected to have traffic increases of approximately 40 percent by 2030, eventually carrying 36,000 daily trips. A study of this section in collaboration with MNDOT is recommended to determine the safety improvements and access controls necessary to accommodate the increased traffic. It is suggested that the study examine necessary improvements to the intersection with Manning Avenue, the best location of a future grade -separated interchange between Keats and Manning Avenues, and the feasibility of frontage roads in this area. Southwest Area Corridor In 2008 the City and Washington County completed a study of potential roadway improvements to the southwest area of Cottage Grove. The study included recommendations for an east/west alignment through the area and concept interchange improvements at Highway 61/Innovation Road to accommodate traffic generated by development on the north and south sides of Highway 61. Key considerations in selecting a potential county road alignment were maintaining a high level of access to the 3M Cottage Grove facility and minimizing impacts on future development of 3M property in the area. After discussions with 3M, an alignment for a future county road was recommended which connects to existing 100th Street near Jamaica Avenue and provides a connection to a future southerly extension of West Point Douglas Road. It is expected that segments of this road will be constructed in the future as warranted by traffic demand from development in the area. Upon connection of the road to 100th Street, it is intended that segments of 100th Street, lying east of the new road, and Innovation Road, lying south of the new road, be vacated for incorporation into the 3M site. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Collector Streets 65th Street (CR 74) This county road has been proposed to be turned back to the City. 65th Street is proposed to remain a two-lane collector street with future turn lane improvements at key intersections. Since 65th Street connects to future Ravine Parkway, it is proposed that elements of the parkway design be incorporated into future improvements to existing 65th and that the street eventually be renamed Ravine Parkway. Ravine Parkway The East Ravine Master Plan called calls for a collector street designed to parkway standards to link all new neighborhoods through the East Ravine area. The future two lane parkway will extend for over six miles from west of Jamaica Avenue to East Point Douglas Road connecting park and open spaces along the entire route. The design of the parkway includes extensive landscaping and sidewalks or trails on both sides of the road . New River Crossing The concept of a new crossing of the Mississippi River between the Wakota and Hastings Bridges has been discussed for a number of years. It is anticipated that Washington and Dakota Counties will soon conduct a preliminary study of the feasibility of such a crossing . This study would include potential locations for a new bridge. Early indications are that a bridge alignment located north of Lower Grey Cloud Island and connecting to the planned east -west county road in southwest Cottage Grove will be considered. Cottage Grove will participate in any planning for new river crossings and consider revising land use and transportation plans to reflect the results of the river crossing study. Future roadway and intersection improvements are included in Figure 6-6. TRAIL SYSTEM Trails and sidewalks are an important component to a transportation network. Providing an integrated system for pedestrians and bicyclists can help to alleviate congestion and allows residents to choose a more active lifestyle. Cottage Grove is home to many local and regional trails that serve transportation and recreational purposes in the city. Trails and other non -motorized facilities are discussed in detail in Chapter 5: Parks and Open Space. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-6: Future Roadway and Intersection Improvements amCottage Grove Future Transportation Improvements QIntersection Improvements EMPedestrian Enhancements at BRT Stations Corridor Improvements j ICity Boundary Open Water tiT P 0 ® x 6sm•SrS— I � s� Y `a x unan.Ave I III . Access Management Study(;)", in Conjunction with MnDOT 1 lit Railroad a --\ —M `ti• r] •.—.•—•.—.•—..—p.—..—..—..—..—..—.._.._.._.._. '1 -Li 00thStS / i 00th St S 61 a 1AW 0 v r,,,—„ a Proposed Interchange .—•.—,.— '-�.. � Reconstruction 4 �• ! _•+ 110th Sts / c,Py J oy i Interchange j Study Area `� - •�„�• Mississippi River'- s � �' •♦ May 14, 2018 '�. ,�•'�• �••., •—.._.._ .. 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�'•., N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Transportationlssues.mxd •�,•� „i' COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 83 RAIL AND FREIGHT SERVICE Existing Freight Rail System There are two commercial rail lines operating within the City of Cottage Grove. The Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad runs north of and parallel with the Mississippi River. According to data provided by the MnDOT's Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations there is an average of 40 trains per day on this rail line operating at a maximum train speed of 40 mph. The second rail track is operated by Canadian -Pacific Railroad. This track runs south of and parallel with Highway 61. There are approximately 28 trains per day on this track operating at a maximum train speed of 79 mph. The CP Rail serves the 3M Cottage Grove plant site and several businesses in the Cottage Grove Industrial Park. At this time, the railways function primarily for freight transportation. Met Council does not list Cottage Grove as having any freight terminals within the city. Existing rail infrastructure is included in Figure 6-7. Future Freight Rail System The use of the railroad in the Cottage Grove Industrial Park should be developed to its maximum potential and in a manner that is beneficial to the City and future industrial users. Rail operations that abut existing residentially -zoned areas should be carried out in a manner that is least disruptive to the intended character of the residential district. Development of vacant property that abuts a rail line, in any zoning district, should be done in a manner that will provide a buffer between the two uses, to the greatest extent possible. The City is currently in the process of reviewing and potentially implementing "quiet zones" at the Belden and 115th Street crossings. This provides for safer crossings that do not require train warning horns . The latest in safety technologies should be utilized at the three at -grade rail/roadway crossings whenever feasible in order to promote minimal conflict between the two modes of transportation. At no time in the future should any more at -grade rail/roadway crossings be approved without the extensive exploration into other, safer alternatives. The protection of the environment and the citizens of Cottage Grove from possible problems during the transportation of hazardous and other materials should be a high priority for all involved with the monitoring and regulating of such activity. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-7: Existing Rail Infrastructure COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION WATER PORTS AND TERMINALS Existing Water Ports and Terminals The City of Cottage Grove abuts one of the major waterway transportation routes in the metro and midwestern regions. The Mississippi River borders the southern portion of Cottage Grove and is the only transportation waterway that affects Cottage Grove. Its accessibility to other regions and waterways make it a valuable asset to the total transportation system of the City. The Mississippi River is used by commercial and recreational watercraft of all types. One of the heaviest users on the Mississippi River is commercial barge traffic. This traffic consists of commercial users originating and passing through the City. There is a barge terminal on Lower Grey Cloud Island that is operated by Aggregate Industries — Nelson Plant located on river mile 825.0 L. Aggregate is the primary commodity handled at this site. Access to the terminal by truck is on Highway 61 via Grey Cloud Trail. This site has a total storage capacity of 300,000 tons. The Mississippi River is also used as a transportation route by other commercial activities such as passenger paddlewheel crafts and a seaplane land zone located in the Baldwin Lake area. Smaller watercrafts on the river are mainly for recreational uses. There is only one public water access in Cottage Grove. This access is limited to smaller watercraft because of natural obstructions and site size. Future Water Ports and Terminals Transportation opportunities available on the Mississippi River are an important component of the state, regional, and local transportation systems and should be preserved and protected in the future. Cultural, scenic, environmental, and other aspects of the river are all affected by water transportation. Care should be given not to upset the balance between those systems and the river. The following agencies or governmental units are involved in the protection of the river and should be dealt with when expanding transportation use on the Mississippi River. Permitting by these agencies may be required. • Department of Interior— Mississippi National River Recreational Area • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Critical Area, Navigable River • FEMA — Flood Plain Area • DNR — Shoreland Management Act • Metro Council — Barging and Clean Water As long as the character of the Mississippi River is not compromised or degraded, the City will encourage controlled growth of existing and new barge traffic and fleeting along the river. Recreational traffic that utilizes the river responsibly will also be encouraged in Cottage Grove. The City may consider additional water access, either private or public, on Lower Grey Cloud Island upon a change in the existing land use. Public access may be facilitated by a City -owned landing or may be made available through other park and open space uses on the Island. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION AIRPORTS AND TERMINALS Existing Airports and Terminals The City does not have any active airports or landing fields at this time. The commercial agricultural areas of the City occasionally have private plane landing and take -off activity. Cottage Grove is served mainly by the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) International Airport. Air service is also available at the Lake Elmo, St. Paul Downtown, and South St. Paul Municipal airports. Small private planes, including motorized gliders, use the airspace over Cottage Grove, but do not result in any significant noise or visual impacts. The flight approach path for the larger commercial airlines landing and/or taking -off the northwest -southeast runways for MSP International is over the Mississippi River, but occasionally, these commercial airlines do fly over the urbanized area of the community. Obstruction to Air Travel Existing building structures within the City of Cottage Grove are currently less than 200 feet above the ground. According to both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Mn DOT Aeronautics safety standards, any applicant who proposes to construct a structure 200 feet above the ground level must get appropriate approval. If a structure over 200 feet is proposed, the City of Cottage Grove with notify both organizations. Seaplane Operations Seaplanes are permitted on the Mississippi River and represent the only area in Cottage Grove approved for aircraft operations. The river is not extensively used at the present time by seaplanes. The backwater area north and south of Lower Grey Cloud Island is quite shallow and tree stumps are near the surface. Other potential hazards should be identified. Future Airports and Terminals It is anticipated that any modifications to existing airports will not have an adverse effect to the City of Cottage Grove. The City will continue to monitor any proposed improvements to surrounding airports and ensure community growth is not adversely impacted by the changes. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION TRANSIT Demand for transit services varies throughout different regions. To represent these various demands, Met Council has divided the region into five districts called Transit Market areas. These Transit Market areas represent different levels of potential transit demand by accounting for differences in development density, urban form, and demographics. Cottage Grove is in Emerging Market Area III and Market Area IV. Market Area III has moderate density but tends to have a less traditional street grid, limiting the effectiveness of transit. It is typically Urban with large portions of Suburban and Suburban Edge communities. Further defining it as an emerging market area identifies it as a location with a higher potential for transit usage than the rest of the market areas surrounding it. These areas are currently too small or non-contiguous to support a higher level of transit service. Transit Market Area IV has lower concentrations of population and employment and a higher rate of auto ownership. It is primarily composed of Suburban Edge and Emerging Suburban Edge communities. Existing Transit Service Metro Transit is the regional transit provider for the Minneapolis -Saint Paul metropolitan area. Metro Transit operates fixed -route bus services, park-and-ride facilities, and regional commuter rail. Metro Transit currently operates fixed route service, metro vanpool, metro mobility, and metro link services within Cottage Grove. Private transportation services are limited to various taxicab companies which service a variety of locations within the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan region. Fixed -route services include only peak period express bus service operated by Metro Transit on routes 361 and 365 to St. Paul and Downtown Minneapolis respectively. These routes are only available during the morning and evening commute times on weekdays. Routes depart from the Cottage Grove Park and Ride located on the south side of Highway 61 between 80th Street South and Jamaica Avenue. Limited reverse commute service is offered on two buses a day. Service originates at the 550 -space park and ride lot located on West Point Douglas Road. Existing fixed transit routes and nearby attractions are included in Figure 6-8. Metro Vanpool is a regional program subsidized by the Metropolitan Council to provide additional transportation options for those who do not live within close proximity to Metro Transit fixed -route services. Metro Vanpool provides 7, 9, 12, or 15 person vans, depending on individual needs, to a primary volunteer driver who drives and coordinates services for others carpooling to the same general area. The lease of the van includes insurance, maintenance, repairs, 24-hour roadside assistance, and free ridership for the primary driver. Metro Mobility provides demand -responsive transit service to persons unable to ride fixed -route services due to a disability. Eligibility is determined by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and offers door to door service. Transit Link, previously known as Dial -a -Ride, is a service available for rides which cannot be accommodated by regular fixed -route transit services. Riders are asked to call ahead to reserve trips one week in advance. In general, a trip through Transit Link is not eligible if it starts and ends within '/ mile of a transit stop in winter, or'h mile of a transit stop in summer. This service is available weekdays from 6am to 7pm. Future Transit Service Improvements Necessary improvements to transit service in Cottage Grove include both short term expansion of bus service and long-term implementation of express bus service in the Red Rock Corridor. Short term bus improvements include: • Expanded Express Bus Service -Adding peak period trips and initiating midday service would provide more options for commuters, resulting in higher ridership. • Addition of Crosstown Service - Existing routes provide service only to the two downtowns. Providing crosstown routes will allow Cottage Grove residents to use transit to travel to other parts of the region without the need for a transfer in the downtowns. Potential crosstown routes could connect to the proposed Robert Street Transitway, the Hiawatha LRT Line, the airport, and Mall of America. 88 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Figure 6-8: Existing Transit Service Bus Stops OPark -n -Ride City Hall P Post Office Public Schools Library -Bus Route 361 Bus Route 364 - Bus Route 365 west Draw Park 9th Ave •, yoi Pullman Ave 1�9s,9 19 ` I •- PullmaniEL'i Belden *1( Park \\ 1 Granada Park ''<'•' ••'T.tr6eHall. Hidden Valley Park > �1:g7/R•1! Q NSrfM;'• Pine c ♦Ideal Tree — Park Valley Oakwood k = Nina's Park Park Crestview EL. park HS 80th St S Headhside Hemmingway Park Park Idecl "I"'vNe T� Park yF,�,cJ Hillside EL City Boundary 17ija Community Park Pine Hill ELi ml f Grov 1 ..�.._.._..�.. Qa ..... Q ..._.._....._.._.._....._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.._.Cottage o�ja Neighborhood Park , Peter Thompson a 3 Recreational Facility NI Family Park = v � State Scientific and Natural Areas 65th St S 1 a. Pine Glen Park" Cottage Grove EL. Existing Transit i Meadow Grass Park Hardwood Park - H�ns as 70th St S - Bus Stops OPark -n -Ride City Hall P Post Office Public Schools Library -Bus Route 361 Bus Route 364 - Bus Route 365 west Draw Park 9th Ave •, yoi Pullman Ave 1�9s,9 19 ` I •- PullmaniEL'i Belden *1( Park \\ 1 Granada Park ''<'•' ••'T.tr6eHall. Hidden Valley Park > �1:g7/R•1! Q NSrfM;'• Pine c ♦Ideal Tree — Park Valley Oakwood k = Nina's Park Park Crestview EL. park HS 80th St S Headhside Hemmingway Park Park Idecl "I"'vNe T� Park yF,�,cJ Hillside EL City Boundary _ 09 a Community Park Pine Hill ELi ml f _...j County Park 1 Neighborhood Park 1 Recreational Facility i v State Scientific and Natural Areas w 9srn sr s T ,9._ Pas+Orfic a. Pine Glen Park" 700th St Source: Metropolitan Council, City of Cottage Grove • /' Mississippi DunesGrey Golf Links Cloud Dunes SNA 1 • • • • • • • i Grey Cloud 1 County Pork .._.._..J ._.._.._ 1 1 May 14, 2018 ••��'�. __,�••�••�• �''�. 0 4,500 9,000 Feet ��'•., N V:\ 1938\active\ 193803560\GIS\Projects\Tra nsif.mxd '.., Cloud EL. OR� Cottage Grove MS ae l Arbor 0 l _ Meadows Park City Hall ri EL& i - y 0 90th St S S Washington Alt. HS Y y Cottage . . -- -� Grove 110th St S 40, Lamar Fields 00th St S River Oaks_ Municipal '- Mold Cottage Grove Park 77th St S Goll course Cio 61 oaT� 1 ••�'• Mississippi River i COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 89 Washington County Transit Study Washington County is currently in the process of completing a transit needs study focusing on the current and future travel needs of transit -dependent persons (older adults, individuals with disabilities and low-income individuals). A draft copy of this report, written in October 2017, was reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Plan update. Red Rock Corridor Cottage Grove has participated in the Red Rock Corridor Commission (RRCC) since its inception in the late 1990's. This Commission is made up of communities along the corridor from Hastings to St. Paul and includes the Regional Railroad Authorities in Washington, Dakota, Hennepin, and Ramsey Counties. The Red Rock Corridor is included as an "Express Bus" transitway in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan that includes three park-and-ride facilities at Lower Afton, Newport, and Cottage Grove. The Red Rock Corridor is also identified in the Counties Transit Improvement Board's Phase I Program of Projects, which means it is eligible for grant funding from existing sales tax resources. In January 2016, the RRCC recommended advancing a single preferred alternative for further evaluation based on the goals of the project and public input. The preferred alternative includes Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service along Highway 61 between Union Depot in Saint Paul and Hasting Depot with deviations from Highway 61 in Newport, St. Paul Park, Cottage Grove, and in Hastings. The portions of this alternative off Highway 61 aim to serve existing destinations and densities that are more likely to support all -day, bi-directional transit service than park -and -rides. The preferred alternative includes two stations within Cottage Grove, 80th Street Station and Jamaica Avenue Station. The 80th Street Station is located on East Point Douglas Road south of 80th Street, and the Jamaica Avenue Station is located on East Point Douglas Road west of Inwood Avenue. Services are proposed to include both weekday and weekend times. The Red Rock Corridor and planned BRT station locations are mapped in Figure 6-9. Figure 6-9: Red Rock Corridor Proposed Route Mounds Boulevard Etna Street Earl Union Street Depot Lower Afton Newport St. Paul Park 80th Street 61 Jamaica Avenue i Hastings Depot Hastings #3 Hastings #2 Source: Red Rock Corridor Commission COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION ACCESS MANAGEMENT The management of access along roadway systems, particularly arterial and collector roadways, is a very important component of maximizing the capacity of a roadway and decreasing the accident potential along those facilities. Arterial roadways have a function of accommodating larger volumes of traffic, often at higher speeds. Therefore, access to such facilities must be limited in order to protect the integrity of the arterial function. Collector roadways provide a link from local streets to arterial roadways and are designed to provide more access to local land uses since the volumes and speeds are often less than arterial roadways. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reports that studies have shown that as the density of access points increase, whether public or private, the traffic -carrying capacity of the roadway decreases and the vehicular crash rate increases. Well-designed access to commercial properties supports long-term economic vitality. As with many transportation related decisions, land use activity and planning is an integral part of the creation of a safe and efficient roadway system. Land use decisions have a major impact on the access conditions along the roadway system. Every land use plan amendment, subdivision, rezoning, conditional use permit, or site plan involves access and creates potential impacts to the efficiency of the transportation system. Properties having access rights and good design will minimize the deleterious effect upon the roadway system. Access management is a combination of good land use planning and effective property access design. Table 6-4: Washington County Access Guidelines (1) Distances shown are minimums. The county reserves the right to increase the minimum distances based on other criteria. The type of traffic control, turn lanes and bypass lanes required are determined based upon the projected traffic volumes on the type of access requested. (2) ADT is the 20 -year forecast for average daily traffic. (3) Spacing is based on criteria such as sight distance, speed, traffic volumes, etc. (4) Cul de sac or short -length streets (less than % mile) that do not cross a county highway. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 91 Functional Classification of County Highway Type of Access Minor Arteria 1(2) Principal Arterial Collector Local > 7,500 ADT < 7,500 ADT Private residential driveways No direct access No direct access variable(3) variable(3) variable (3) Commercial driveways or non -continuous No direct access No direct access 1/8 mile 1/8 mile variable(3) commercial streets Non -continuous residential streets (4) No direct access 1/8 mile with no 1/8 mile 1/8 mile variable (3) median opening Continuous local streets and collector 1/2 mile 1/4 mile 1/4 mile 1/8 mile 1/8 mile streets Minor arterials 1/2 mile 1/2 mile 1/2 mile 1/2 mile 1/2 mile (1) Distances shown are minimums. The county reserves the right to increase the minimum distances based on other criteria. The type of traffic control, turn lanes and bypass lanes required are determined based upon the projected traffic volumes on the type of access requested. (2) ADT is the 20 -year forecast for average daily traffic. (3) Spacing is based on criteria such as sight distance, speed, traffic volumes, etc. (4) Cul de sac or short -length streets (less than % mile) that do not cross a county highway. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION 91 The granting of access in Cottage Grove is shared by the City and by Washington County, with each having the permitting process responsibility over roadways under their control. Access to Highway 61 is the responsibility of MnDOT. Access control guidelines are used to preserve public investment in the roadway system and to inform developers for plan preparation. The guidelines balance the public interest (mobility) with the interests of property owners (access). Washington County's Access Spacing Guidelines should be followed on all roads that are under the County's jurisdiction. Access Guidelines for Washington County and MnDOT are described in Tables 6-4 and 6-5, respectively. Table 6-5: MnDOT Access Guidelines * This table is a summary of MnDOT Access Guidance for the Metropolitan Area. This chart does not reflect all the MnDOT guidance. Agencies should work with MnDOT, the appropriate county highway authority, and the local land use authority when planning new or modified access. **Community Designations are from Thrive MSP 2040, they are not MnDOT designations. 92 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION Public Street Spacing Facility Type or Functional Classification Community Primary Full -Movement Secondary Signal Spacing Designation** Intersection Intersection Interstate Freeway Interchange Access Only None Non -Interstate Freeway Interchange Access Only None Rural 1 mile 1/2 mile Only at Primary Intersections Principal Arterial Suburban 1/2 mile 1/4 mile Only at Primary Intersections Urban 300-600 feet, dependent on block length 1/4 mile Rural 1/2 mile 1/4 mile Only at Primary Intersections Minor Arterial Suburban 1/4 mile 1/8 mile Only at Primary Intersections Urban 300-600 feet, dependent on block length Rural 1/2 mile 1/4 mile Only at Primary Intersections Collector Suburban 1/8 mile Not Applicable 1/4 mile Urban 300-600 feet, dependent on block length 1/8 mile * This table is a summary of MnDOT Access Guidance for the Metropolitan Area. This chart does not reflect all the MnDOT guidance. Agencies should work with MnDOT, the appropriate county highway authority, and the local land use authority when planning new or modified access. **Community Designations are from Thrive MSP 2040, they are not MnDOT designations. 92 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TRANSPORTATION WATER RESOURCES Water is critical to the health and vitality of a community. This chapter describes three elements of water resources in Cottage Grove: • Water Supply • Waste Water and Sanitary Sewer • Surface Water Resources and Stormwater COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES 43 WATER SUPPLY Introduction The Metropolitan Land Planning Act (amended 1995) requires local governments to prepare comprehensive plans and submit them to the Metropolitan Council to determine their consistency with metropolitan system plans. One element of these plans must address municipal water systems. Minnesota Statute 473.859 requires Water Supply Plans to be completed for all local units of government in the seven -county Metropolitan Area as part of the local comprehensive planning process. Additionally, Minnesota Statute 103G.291 requires all public water suppliers that serve more than 1000 people to have a Water Supply Plan approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). An approved Water Supply Plan is also a requirement to obtain a Water Appropriations Permit Amendment from the DNR. Cottage Grove's Water Supply Plan will be submitted to the DNR by December 31, 2018. The Water Supply Plan consists of four parts: • Part 1: Water supply system description and evaluation • Part 2: Emergency preparedness procedures • Part 3: Conservation plan • Part 4: Items for Metropolitan Area Communities The City of Cottage Grove also regularly prepares a Water Supply and Distribution Plan (WSDP). This more detailed and comprehensive engineering analysis of the existing and proposed trunk water system serves as a planning document to guide Cottage Grove as it extends city water to urbanizing areas. The WSDP performs a more exhaustive scientific, engineering and financial analysis of the water system than is required to meet the minimum Metropolitan Council and DNR requirements. The most recent WSDP was prepared in 2006. The previous WSDP was prepared in 1995. A new WSDP is planned within the next two years. The purpose of this chapter of the comprehensive plan is to provide a summary of the Water Supply Plan and the more detailed WSDP. For brevity and security reasons, the more detailed documents will be included as an appendix to this 2040 Comprehensive Plan by December 31, 2018. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES Past Usage In order to establish future water usage within the City, it is first necessary to look at past usage. The usage for the past five years has been examined to determine how residential, commercial and industrial growth has impacted the overall water use in the City. This past usage also serves as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of previous conservation practices. As shown in Table 7-1, water usage has remained relatively steady during the last five years, even with the influx of new residents, businesses and employees. Over the past five years, the City of Cottage Grove pumped an average of 1.3 billion gallons of water into the system each year. The highest peak day water demand in the last 5 years was 11.3 million gallons per day (MGD). Cottage Grove's Water Supply Plan contains a detailed analysis of existing water usage, including historic water demand and high volume users. The water use for the last five years is shown in Table 7-1. Table 7-1: Past Water Usage Year Population Served Average Demand (MG/day) Maximum Demand (MG/day) Annual Demand (MG/year) 2011 35,105 3.5 8.57 1,275 2012 35,120 4.3 11.3 1,578 2013 35,500 3.6 10.2 1,323 2014 35,669 3.3 9.7 1,201 2015 36,615 3.2 7.2 1,187 Source: Annual DNR Water Usage Reporting, 2011-2015 Forecasts Past water usage within the City has been relatively steady, but the population has increased slightly from 35,105 to 36,615, or four percent. It is expected that this growth will continue to accelerate as the economy continues to recover from the housing crisis and recession. Housing starts are up in the City and it is expected that water usage will continue to increase accordingly. The projected water demand for 2040 is a daily average of 4.9 MGD with an estimated daily maximum of 14.8 MGD as shown in Table 7-2. Water conservation is discussed later in this chapter. Table 7-2: Projected Water Usage Year Population Served Average Demand (MG/day) Maximum Demand (MG/day) Annual Demand (MG/year) 2020 38,400 4.2 12.7 1,541 2030 42,200 4.5 13.6 1,656 2040 47,000 4.9 14.8 1,801 Source: Stantec COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES Water Supply, Storage and Distribution System The existing water supply and distribution system has served Cottage Grove's needs well. Previous studies have identified cost-effective and timely improvements for the system. The existing trunk distribution system is presented as part of the Existing and Future Trunk Water Supply and Distribution System Map (Figure 7-1) The system operates under three pressure zones. This approach provides satisfactory pressure to all customers. The City presently obtains its raw water supply from twelve wells in two well fields. All wells obtain water from the Jordan aquifer. The North Well Field supplies a total firm capacity of 8.9 MGD. The South Well Field supplies a total firm capacity of 1.7 MGD. Firm capacity is defined as the amount supplied with one out of every 10 wells out of service. Because Cottage Grove's water source meets or exceeds all Federal and State drinking water standards, minimal treatment is required. Water from the supply wells is pumped into the distribution system, after chlorine and fluoride are added to disinfect and prevent tooth decay, respectively. Several storage facilities stabilize pressures during peak water demand and also serve as a source of water during fires or power outages. There is a total existing usable storage volume of 4.65 million gallons. Other Water Supply Issues Emergency Response Procedures Cottage Grove has prepared a water system vulnerability assessment and emergency response plan in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, as modified by the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. These documents identify contacts for emergency situations, outline emergency response procedures, describe water sources and services areas, and provide procedures for augmenting water supplies in the event of an emergency. The Water Supply Plan identifies triggers for implementing demand reduction procedures in the event of a water system emergency. Water use is rationed in accordance with water use priorities established by state statute. These triggers and water use priorities are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed. Demand reduction measures are instituted by the City Administrator or City Emergency Management Director. Water Conservation Plan Water conservation programs are intended to reduce the demand for water, improve the efficiency in use and reduce loss and waste of water. Conserving water can be a cost-effective way to reduce the need to construct and operate additional water supply facilities. As shown by recent water usage rates, it does appear that the current water conservation efforts are having an effect. Both the average day demand and the maximum day demands have been decreasing in relation to the population served. Additionally, the City has prepared a separate stand-alone Conservation Plan. Water conservation planning is a relatively new concept in the metropolitan area compared with some of the drier regions of the country. Cottage Grove's first water conservation plan was a component of the 1995 WSDP. Since 1995, Cottage Grove has expanded existing conservation practices and implemented new water conservation measures. Cottage Grove's water conservation goals include the following: • Reduce unaccounted for water use • Reduce overall water use (residential and total per capita water use) • Reduce peak day water usage COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES Figure 7-1: Future Trunk Water System LEGEND EXISTING WATER SYSTEM FACILITY STORAGE TANK H PRV STATION - WATER MAIN -- PRESSURE ZONE BOUNDARY FUTURE WATER SYSTEM FACILTIY Q STORAGE TANK H PRV STATION BASE MAPPING PARCELS E3 CITY LIMITS C3 my F, N o % / ® MILE COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES Cottage Grove's Water Conservation Plan (contained in the Water Supply Plan) details each of the conservation goals and how Cottage Grove compares to "benchmark" metrics for each of the goals. The conservation plan also details existing and proposed conservation programs. These programs include: • Metering of water usage. All wells and customers in Cottage Grove are metered, so that Cottage Grove has an accurate account of water pumped and water sold. • Water audits. Cottage Grove intermittently compares water pumped to water sold, and estimates un -metered water use (such as construction and hydrant flushing). • Conservation oriented water rates such as Cottage Grove's increasing block rate. • Regulation and enforcement of federal, state and local regulations such as: plumbing codes, rain sensors on irrigation systems, water efficient plumbing fixtures and watering restrictions • Education programs such as billing inserts, Consumer Confidence Reports, newspaper and community newsletter articles, demonstration projects, information at schools, and utility buildings, as well as information on their website. Cottage Grove annually reviews the effectiveness of its existing water conservation programs. Adjustments to existing programs and new and innovative programs are evaluated regularly. Ground Water Health As this plan was bring written, the state of Minnesota settled its lawsuit against 3M Company, filed in 2010, in return for a grant of $850 million. The settlement depicts the top two priorities being: ensure safe drinking water and enhance natural resources. Nine cities, including Cottage Grove, and two townships in the east metro were named in the settlement as the communities damaged. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Department of Natural Resources were granted the funds with the intent that the state departments will work with the eleven communities to accomplish the priorities of the settlement. Perfluorochemicals (PFC) contamination treatment strategies: • Continue to track and monitor PFC levels and contaminants of emerging concern in City wells, in partnership with MDH. • Investigate treatment options to remove PFCs from drinking water. • Work to ensure no, or limited, decrease in service for water utility customers. • Partner with neighboring communities to treat water, if feasible. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT According to the Metropolitan Land Planning Act, a Local Comprehensive Plan is required to include a sanitary sewer element covering the collection and disposal of wastewater generated by the community. Similarly, the Metropolitan Sewer Act requires local governments to submit a Comprehensive Sewer Plan (CSP) which describes the current and future service needs required from Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). The Comprehensive Sewer Plan is attached to the 2018 Comprehensive Plan as an appendix. GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: Effective and efficient operation and maintenance of the city's sanitary sewer system. • POLICY 7.1 Cottage Grove will construct its system to facilitate operation and maintenance and prevent inflow and infiltration. • POLICY 7.2 Cottage Grove will maintain a detailed inventory of its sanitary sewer system including an up-to-date electronic map including location and specifications of all pipes, structures, and lift stations. • POLICY 7.3 Cottage Grove will clean a portion of its sanitary sewer system every year. • POLICY 7.4 Cottage Grove will regularly televise and clean its sanitary sewer system to determine whether it is performing adequately. • POLICY 7.5 During major street reconstruction projects, Cottage Grove will assess the system within the project area and makes improvements as needed. • POLICY 7.6 Cottage Grove is committed to training those responsible for managing its sanitary sewer system and ensures that staff has the equipment necessary to properly maintain the system. • POLICY 7.7 Cottage Grove will maintain an organizational chart of its sewer maintenance department and ensure that each staff member has a job description. • POLICY 7.8 Cottage Grove will rehabilitate sewers before their deterioration negatively affects residents, businesses, or the Metropolitan Disposal System. • POLICY 7.9 Cottage Grove will maintain a general emergency response plan that pertains to sanitary sewer overflows. • POLICY 7.10 The City will coordinate sanitary sewer utility services and development with surrounding communities, Washington County, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Metropolitan Council. Goal 2: To provide sanitary sewer service that is adequate to meet current and future development needs. • POLICY 7.11 The extension of sanitary sewers shall be programmed so as to achieve maximum benefit from the existing utilities. • POLICY 7.12 The sanitary sewer system shall be constructed to accommodate the proposed land use densities and uses identified in the future land use plan. • POLICY 7.13 Cottage Grove will provide a system reserve capacity in all trunk designs so that local occurrences of higher sewage generating uses or higher densities can be accommodated. • POLICY 7.14 When in -fill development or redevelopment occurs, Cottage Grove will evaluate existing sanitary sewer systems as to their capacity. • POLICY 7.15 Cottage Grove develops and regularly updates its sanitary sewer system Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). • POLICY 7.16 The City will encourage development densities that maximize the use of the existing sanitary system. Where existing facilities do not have capacities to accommodate the maximum allowable densities, the City reserves the right to restrict development to average density. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES • POLICY 7.17 For properties in the rural service area, subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) shall be allowed provided such systems conform to all local, state and federal requirements. • POLICY 7.18 When feasible, maintain sanitary sewer depth to provide maximum flexibility related to future development. • POLICY 7.19 When installing new sanitary sewer adjacent to properties on private well and septic, sanitary sewer services will be installed to allow for cost effective connection it the future. Goal 3: Cottage Grove provides a cost effective sanitary sewer system that is equitably financed. • POLICY 7.20 Cottage Grove finances new sanitary sewer trunks for new development through area and connection charges. • POLICY 7.21 Cottage Grove finances its existing system operation and maintenance through utility billings. • POLICY 7.22 Cottage Grove prepares for replacement of its sanitary sewer system by incorporating replacement costs into its utility billing rates. • POLICY 7.23 The extension of sanitary sewers shall be programmed so as to achieve maximum benefit from the existing utilities. This staging program will result in the most efficient expenditure of public funds while maintaining the City's growth pattern. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE SEWER PLAN Purpose of the Plan The purpose of wastewater management planning is to ensure that the regional wastewater system has adequate capacity to serve planned development and redevelopment projects. Additionally, a review of the wastewater system in the City will help ensure that excessive inflow and infiltration into the system is reduced to the maximum extent practicable. Should the City of Cottage Grove wish to proceed with a sanitary sewer extension, the Comprehensive Sewer Plan must be consistent with the Metropolitan Council's 2040 Water Resources Policy Plan. Background and History In May 2015 the Metropolitan Council adopted the 2040 Water Resources Management Policy Plan (WRMPP). The 2040 WRMPP includes the metropolitan wastewater system plan with which local comprehensive plans must conform. Cottage Grove will prepare this sewer element chapter of its Comprehensive Plan to demonstrate its conformance to the regional plan. This chapter will update previous sewer planning efforts and describe in detail the expansion of the City's sanitary sewer system to serve urban development. This sanitary sewer section provides the specific information needed to meet the 2040 WRMPP requirements. Cottage Grove's 2030 Comprehensive Plan included a wastewater section describing the expansion of the City's trunk system through 2030 and the demands this expansion would place on the Metropolitan Disposal System (MDS) operated by MCES. The wastewater section in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan will describe these demands out to 2040. MCES also uses this section to determine whether capacity upgrades will be needed at the Eagles Point Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which services all of Cottage Grove. Cottage Grove's sanitary sewer system is designed to carry wastewater from homes to the MDS, which is owned and operated by MCES. The MDS consists of interceptors and wastewater treatment plants and appurtenances to these including lift stations, siphons, valves and tunnels. Cottage Grove's sanitary sewer system consists of lateral sewer pipes that serve neighborhoods and businesses, trunk sewer pipes (larger than 10 -inch diameter) that collect wastewater from laterals, and lift stations that pump wastewater from lower areas of the City. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES Municipal sanitary sewer service was initially provided within Cottage Grove in 1961 as a replacement for the individual septic tank systems that were serving the Thompson Grove plats. The first stage of the Cottage Grove WWTP was constructed in 1962 in conjunction with this original municipal sewer installation. This plant continued to serve the wastewater treatment needs of Cottage Grove until it was replaced by the Eagles Point WWTP in 2002. The new treatment plant has a wastewater capacity of 10 Million Gallons per Day (MGD) to serve Cottage Grove and portions of Woodbury via the South Washington County Interceptor (SWCI) through approximately 2020, at which time it could be expanded to 20 MGD for added service capacity. Ultimately, the Eagles Point WWTP discharges effluent to the Mississippi River. Plan Organization As noted earlier in this chapter, the CSP is attached as an appendix to this document and is organized as follows: • Section 1 offers an introduction to the Plan. This section provides information on the physical setting of the City and the existing sanitary sewer system. • Section 2 of this Plan provides the Metropolitan Council's demographic projections for the City of Cottage Grove, as well as average wastewater flow projections. These projections are given for the City as a whole, and then for the different interceptor service areas, as well. • Section 3 includes information on land use and associated wastewater unit flow rates for each land use type. • Section 4 provides general information on the trunk system layout for the City of Cottage Grove, intercommunity flows, and any individual sewage treatment systems (ISTS) in the City. • Section 5 addresses issues relating to infiltration and inflow (I/I) within the City. Potential sources of infiltration and inflow include groundwater infiltration, high-intensity rain events, and subfloor drainage connections. This section provides goals, policies and strategies to address I/I. • Section 6 provides cost estimate and financing information for any sanitary sewer system improvements. • Section 7 covers goals and policies related to wastewater management in the City. • Section 8 provides a summary of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES SURFACE WATER The City of Cottage Grove and its residents place immense value on conserving, protecting, and managing its surface water resources. Through the planning process, community stakeholders identified water resource protection and access to natural amenities as critical issues for the future development of the city. As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to surface water: • Mississippi River Access — work to provide public access to the river and appropriate development opportunities on Lower Grey Cloud Island. • Environmental Stewardship — continue to protect and enhance the natural environment, including air quality, groundwater resources, stormwater management and energy usage. GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: Manage surface and groundwater resources using approaches that meet or exceed regulatory requirements by following the city's local surface water management plan, the local watershed plans, and permits administered by the MPCA, BWSR, USA CE, MN DNR, and any other governing agencies that are applicable and have jurisdictional authority within the City of Cottage Grove. • POLICY 7.1 Provide adequate flood protection for residents and structures and protect the integrity of conveyance channels and stormwater detention areas. • POLICY 7.2 Pursue the reduction of Total Phosphorus (TP) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) loading to water bodies by compliance, municipal management activities, and public education. • POLICY 7.3 Pursue the reduction of Total Phosphorus (TP) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) loading to water bodies by compliance, municipal management activities, and public education. • POLICY 7.4 Classify and effectively manage water bodies in the community to achieve watershed management organization, state, and federal regulatory Q agency standards. • POLICY 7.5 Classify, manage, and administer wetlands in the community. • POLICY 7.6 Regulate new development and redevelopment activities within the community including erosion control at construction sites. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES COTTAGE GROVE LOCAL SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN The City of Cottage Grove's Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) will be attached to the 2018 Comprehensive Plan as an appendix. The 2018 LWSMP serves as an update to the 2008 Plan. LSWMPs serve as a framework to manage the water resources within a city. The Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan update for the City of Cottage Grove. Previously, the updates to the SWMPs and Comprehensive Plans were asynchronous, but beginning with the 2018 LSWMP update, the LSWMP will exist either as an appendix to, or as a chapter of, the Comprehensive Plan, and the two will be updated simultaneously. The executive summary and scope of the 2018 Plan are provided in the following sections. Executive Summary The LSWMP has been created to meet the requirements detailed in Minnesota Statutes 1036 (Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act), Minnesota Rules 8410, and the requirements of the local watershed management organizations or watershed districts. The watershed district having jurisdiction in the City of Cottage Grove is South Washington Watershed District (SWWD). This document provides an inventory of water resource related information including the results of assessments conducted by other governmental units, both local and state. From this inventory and assessment, the City of Cottage Grove sets forth its goals and policies and implementation program. The LSWMP is organized as follows: • Section 1 offers an introduction to and purpose of this Plan, and includes organizational information on the location of components within this document. • Section 2 of this Plan provides an inventory of land and water resources within the City, including a description of the physical setting, available and pertinent water resources data, and land use maps. • Section 3 lists the City's goals and policies along with public agency requirements affecting surface water management in the City. This section also includes general information regarding the roles of the watershed management organizations with jurisdiction over Cottage Grove, as well as those of other state and federal regulatory agencies influencing surface water management in the City. • Section 4 outlines the City's approach to wetland management, in accordance with the standards and requirements of South Washington Watershed District and other agencies having jurisdiction over wetland management. • Section 5 presents and assessment of surface water quality issues in Cottage Grove. The section includes discussion regarding the NPDES permitting process, impaired waters and TMDL implementation, and non -degradation requirements. • Section 6 provides a current assessment of surface water management in Cottage Grove, including stormwater modeling, various design parameters, and identification of issues and corrective actions. • Section 7 covers regulatory responsibilities, priority implementation items, educational programs, operation and maintenance, and financing considerations. A plan amendment process is also identified and the distinction between major and minor amendment outlined. • Section 8 contains a summary of the LSWMP and makes recommendations for implementing the Plan. • Sections 9 and 10 include the list of reference documents and a glossary of terms, respectively. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES Scope The LSWMP serves multiple purposes including statutory and rule compliance. Minnesota Statute 103B.235 defines content for Local Surface Water Management Plans. According to the statute's text, each local plan, in degree of detail required in the watershed plan, shall: 1. Describe existing and proposed physical environment and land use; 2. Define drainage areas and the volumes, rates, and paths of stormwater runoff; 3. Identify areas and elevations for stormwater storage adequate to meet performance standards established in the watershed plan; 4. Identify regulated areas; and, 5. Set forth an implementation program, including a description of official controls and, as appropriate, a capital improvement program. Minnesota Rules 8410, administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources, (BWSR) provide more detail on local plan content. Though the BWSR guidance applies specifically to watershed management organizations, this guidance has historically been used to frame expectations for municipal plans. According to Rules 8410, local plans must provide or address: 1. Executive summary 2. Land and water resource inventory 3. Impact on other units of government 4. Establishment of goals and policies 5. Assessment of problems 6. Implementation program 7. Implementation priorities 8. Plan contents; amendments 9. Annual reporting requirements The reader will find that the City of Cottage Grove has structured its LSWP to provide the information required by 8410 without holding strictly to the outline contained in the rules. Through this document, the City provides signposts identifying where a statutory or rulemaking requirement might be addressed. The City of Cottage Grove's LSWMP must address requirements of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program. This program is designed to reduce the sediment and pollution that enters groundwater and surface waters to the maximum extent practicable. The MS4 program is regulated through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. These NPDES permits require the development of Storm Water Pollution Prevention Programs (SWPPP). The Cottage Grove LSWMP must also satisfy Metropolitan Council requirements as contained in their 2040 Water Resources Policy Plan. These requirements build on those of Minnesota Rules 8410. Beyond state level requirements and those of Metropolitan Council, this plan must be consistent with those of the watershed organizations having jurisdiction in the City. Often, watershed districts outline specific content for local plans that go beyond that required by statute and rule. 104 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WATER RESOURCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The economic development chapter of the plan builds on the land use inventory of areas within the community in need of revitalization or redevelopment. It goes beyond recognition of these areas by establishing a set of goals, policies, and planning components to encourage and enable redevelopment to occur. This chapter is the basis for a comprehensive economic development strategy to guide current and future work of the City to support existing business growth and attract new business investment. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 105 INTRODUCTION A strong community is not simply about housing but economic vitality. Cottage Grove seeks to supports its residents and economy with diverse employment options, business development opportunities, and a variety of places to shop or dine. The City must actively work to build its capacity to foster business growth to compete within the region for residents but also to support a regional economy that competes on a national level for significant businesses and employee talent. While the Metropolitan Council does not require Comprehensive Plans to include an economic development element, it is recommended to achieve regional goals for economic competitiveness. They highlight the need for 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. Cottage Grove is well positioned to support the growth of the region. 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 critical to understand the context for that growth within the region and work with regional partners to achieve shared success. As part of the established Community Vision, the City of Cottage Grove strives to address these key themes related to economic development: • Commercial/Retail Offerings — work to develop a greater variety of retail, restaurant and entertainment options • Business & Jobs — expand the City's economy with good jobs, a strong workforce and ample land for business development GOALS AND POLICIES Goal 1: Promote economic development in Cottage Grove through a comprehensive approach to business needs. • POLICY 8.1 Manage growth and land resources to ensure an appropriate mix of development and an adequate land supply to secure new business investments. • POLICY 8.2 Retain the present industrial and commercial base and assist companies with their expansion needs where appropriate. • POLICY 8.3 Attract quality businesses consistent with the City's target market to areas available for development. • POLICY 8.4 Encourage an adequate supply of sites and buildings to meet the demand for commercial and industrial development. • POLICY 8.5 Maintain an infrastructure system to meet the needs of current businesses and facilitate future growth. • POLICY 8.6 Work to maintain and grow a labor force in the immediate area that supports the growth of business and industry. • POLICY 8.7 Address unique development challenges including the reuse and redevelopment of vacant buildings. • POLICY 8.8 Foster private investment and economic activity without compromising community objectives to maintain and enhance Cottage Grove's environment. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Goal 2: Promote business attraction, retention, and expansion in Cottage Grove. • POLICY 8.9 Identify target markets and prepare and implement a marketing plan to attract businesses that fit this market. • POLICY 8.10 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. • POLICY 8.11 Continue to actively market Cottage Grove to commercial brokers and retail businesses to expand retail opportunities in the City. • POLICY 8.12 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 Cottage Grove businesses. Goal 3: Promote economic development through public financing tools. • POLICY 8.13 Periodically review economic development incentive programs such as the City's Public Finance Policy as well as the county, regional and state incentive programs. • POLICY 8.14 Review new and innovative economic development incentives for application in Cottage Grove. • POLICY 8.15 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, Washington County Community Development Agency, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and other applicable grants. Goal 4: Continue to develop community commercial areas that serve the whole community. • POLICY 8.16 Provide neighborhood commercial areas to supply convenience goods and services for residents of Cottage Grove. • POLICY 8.17 Require appropriate land use transitions at the edges of residential neighborhoods through the use of setbacks, screening, buffering and fencing to alleviate conflicts between commercial and residential development. • POLICY 8.18 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. • POLICY 8.19 Provide opportunities for new industrial development and expanded employment opportunities to create livable -wage positions in Cottage Grove and the redevelopment of existing industrial uses to serve existing businesses in the community. • POLICY 8.20 Provide attractive, planned environments as means to induce employers to locate within the City. • POLICY 8.21 Enact standards for industrial developments that are in keeping with the need to improve the appearance and character of industrial properties. • POLICY 8.22 Provide quality public services and infrastructure in all commercial and industrial districts. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC OVERVIEW A 2016 report by Tangible Consulting Services evaluated the market and development conditions in preparation for the comprehensive plan update (see Appendix). The report outlined the unique demography and economic base that characterizes the city and it investigated the market and development factors that will shape future growth in housing, retail, and industrial development. Overall, Cottage Grove is characterized by high quality development in its existing residential, commercial and industrial areas. It has experienced steady and moderately -paced growth over the past seven decades, and can expect that to continue. It is a community that is well -situated for future growth. It has ample land to support growth in its Business Park, to expand its successful retail areas, and to accommodate additional housing of various types. The high-quality environments that have been created have largely been responsive to the practices of suburban -oriented developers. For this reason, there are some development types that are not well represented: • The variety of place types and retail formats that is characteristic of older communities, and that have intentionally been created in some newer communities. • Housing Developments that are responsive to the needs of renters, a lower to middle income workforce, and seniors. Cottage Grove has a small job base for a city of its size. It offers 17 jobs for each 100 residents. The job base of Cottage Grove is centered around the retail centers, and its Business Park. This explains why its top two employment sectors, after educational services, are Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. The top employment sector is Educational Services, which encompasses those who work in the local schools (see Figure 8-1). Almost a third of the workers at businesses in Cottage Grove are residents of Cottage Grove. Retail and Commercial Development Retail development is focused at two of the Highway 61 interchanges. These retail districts, the Gateway North Area and the Jamaica/Langdon Area (see Figure 8-2) are well positioned for ongoing strength because: • They are located at some distance from competing retail areas in Woodbury and Hastings, which allows them to capture a sizable commuter -shed and destination market. • They have an established set of strong anchors that are well suited to the population in the trade area, and that creates an inviting environment for additional retailers. Land is available to accommodate retail growth, especially into the Cottage View area, which would be an extension of the Jamaica Area retail district to Keats Avenue. Visionary plans have been developed for two additional retail areas, Langdon Village and 70th & Keats. These areas provide the opportunity to create retail areas that are qualitatively different from the highway -oriented retail districts along Highway 61, in that they area envisioned to be of a mixed-use, pedestrian - oriented development character. An active role will be required from the public sector to establish these new retail areas. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Figure 8-1: Jobs per Thousand Resident by Type of Business in Cottage Grove and the Twin Cities Educational Services Retail Trade Manufacturing Accommodation and Food Services Health Care and Social Assistance Transportation and Warehousing Wholesale Trade Other Services (excluding Public Administration) Public Administration Construction Finance and Insurance Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Waste Management and Remediation Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Management of Companies and Enterprises Information 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 50.0 70.0 Cottage Grove Twin Cities Source: US Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 109 Figure 8-2: Existing Retail Development Areas in Cottage Grove Source: Tangible Consulting Services COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7C1 &Hinton' to 7© &Keats i' E@Sk Cottage G F Gatewa Area . .... St. Paul Bark Saint Paul Paric L age Grove . .� Jamaica Area Retail Areas 4 4-d Q.B. Source: Tangible Consulting Services COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Industrial Development The competitive landscape for industrial development is different from the competitive landscape for retail, in that industrial development in the Cottage Grove may be weighed against industrially zoned properties all over the Twin Cities. Industrial businesses in Cottage Grove are almost all located in the 300 -acre Cottage Grove Business Park, with the major exception of the 3M Campus. The positive attributes of Cottage Grove's Business Park are significant, and are expected to draw greater attention from the industrial business and real estate community overtime. In fact, new attention on Cottage Grove is already evident in the recent or proposed expansion of four businesses in the Cottage Grove Business Park, and a new development proposal on recently acquired property. The Business Park is well suited to both light manufacturing, and office warehouse facilities. In 2018, the City approved an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) for the Business Park and an expansion area to the south that adds 421 acres of industrial property to the existing Business Park (see Figure 8-3). The Business Park has a long list of assets that make it attractive for new business development. The most important of these are its strong connection to the regional highway network via Highway 61 and railroad access. It also boasts large, flat land with good utility infrastructure and the City has a reputation for being responsive and supportive to development proposals. The industrial development market is recovering and that has been observed in expansions of businesses in the Business Park and continued new business growth. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Figure 8-3: Industrial Areas in Cottage Grove Source: Stantec ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Based on the Goals and Policies outlined above as well as recommended content from the Metropolitan Council, the economic development strategy is based on five key topics: • Key Industries/Centers of Employment • Redevelopment • Education and Workforce • Business Development • Economic Information, Monitoring, and Strategic Initiatives The provision of various housing types and price points is also important in supporting economic vitality, as discussed in Chapter 3: Housing. Businesses are competing for workers, so they like to be situated in areas where a range of housing options are available to their workforce. Key Industries/Centers of Employment The top six employment sectors in Cottage Grove are: • Educational Services • Retail Trade • Manufacturing • Accommodation and Food Services • Health Care and Social Assistance • Transportation and Warehousing • Wholesale Trade Three of these sectors - manufacturing, transportation/warehousing, and wholesale trade - are rooted in the Cottage Grove Business Park which offers a location conducive to these industries. The two strongest sectors in Cottage Grove relative to their average presence in other Twin Cities locations, are: • Educational Services • Transportation and Warehousing The headquarters for the South Washington County Schools is located in Cottage Grove which acts as a contributor to Education Services as a strong business sector. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Of the roughly 5,600 primary jobs in Cottage Grove, around 1,800 of them are filled by people who are also Cottage Grove residents. In other words, Cottage Grove residents supply around a third of the workforce in Cottage Grove businesses. Figure 8-4 shows the inflow and outflow from home to work. Around 15,816 Cottage Grove residents work outside of Cottage Grove. Around 3,758 live elsewhere but work in Cottage Grove. The 1,814 people who are represented by the circle are those who both live and work in Cottage Grove. REDEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT The City assists business growth and expansion based primarily in a Business Subsidy Policy approved by the City Council in June 2017. The policy gives formal authority to the Economic Development Authority to publicly finance development projects and subsidize businesses consistent with City policies and regulations. Business subsidies include grants by state or local government agencies, contributions of personal property, real property, infrastructure, the principal amount of a loan at rates below those commercially available to the recipient of the subsidy, any reduction or deferral of any tax or any fee, tax increment financing (TIF), abatement of property taxes, loans made from City funds, any guarantee of any payment under any loan, lease, or other obligation, or any preferential use of government facilities given to a business. The City has identified a number of objectives for use in public financing: 1. Remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment in designated redevelopment/development area(s) per the goals and visions established by the City Council and EDA. 2. Expand and diversify the local economy and tax base. 3. Encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly or through secondary "spin-off' development. 4. Offset increased costs for redevelopment over and above the costs that a developer would incur in normal urban and suburban development (determined as part of the But -For analysis). 5. Facilitate the development process and promote development on sites that could not be developed without public financing assistance. 6. Increase the number and diversity of quality jobs and/or retain local jobs at high wages. 7. Provide the highest and best desired use for the property. 8. Improve or add public infrastructure such as roads, utility extensions, storm water ponding, etc. 9. Establish business interest that add to the diversity of the City's offerings. Geographically, most redevelopment will fall into the categories of Commercial/Retail and Industrial with the exception of the Mississippi Dunes Gulf Course. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Figure 8-4: Employee Location 'ft•; ❑dhury vi 71 _ 1 I r l�r$�� _ JJ Source: US Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application 70th and Keats The East Ravine Master Plan has identified an expansion of the retail at Keats and 70th Street into the other three quadrants of the intersection. This area takes on a new character, that builds on the activity and character of the Cedarhurst mansion. Since the Plan was approved, additional technical analysis has identified limited options for retail on the east side of Keats due to topographic and access issues. The 70th and Keates area can still offer opportunities for neighborhood oriented retail which would serve newly developed residential neighborhoods to the north and east, as well as higher density residential development in the blocks closest to the intersection. Langdon Village This area is along portions of West Point Douglas Road and includes the Majestic Ballroom. The vision for the area, called Langdon Village, is for a walkable mix of commercial and community businesses and activities, serving a new higher density neighborhood, as well as the broader City. It could expand Cottage Grove's retail, both in terms of land area, and in terms of offering a different character of retail development. Gateway North District The Gateway North District is located in the southeast intersection of Highway 61 and 80th Street. Currently it contains large floor plate anchor retail uses such as Hy -Vee and Kohl's but it has potential for additional smaller retail and some multifamily housing associated with a future station on the Red Rock bus rapid transit line. Pedestrian -oriented businesses and housing should be emphasized, given the proximity to the proposed 80th Street station. Cottage View District There is land available for retail expansion and potentially multifamily housing. The proposed Red Rock bus rapid transit service and proposed station offers an opportunity for the City to explore a higher -density, mixed use, development pattern on the north side of Highway 61. The Jamaica area along Highway 61 in particular is fortunate to have breathing room. With the development of Walmart, the area between Walmart and Innovation Road has become a natural location for new retail development to be constructed, as population and market demand grows. The Cottage View District is oriented primarily to Innovation Road but connected to Jamaica Avenue via the Highway 61 frontage road. Pedestrian -oriented businesses should be emphasized, given the proximity to the proposed Jamaica Avenue station. Business Park As described earlier in this chapter, a 2018 AUAR for the Business Park expands available land for industrial uses south of the existing boundary for the Business Park. While vacant land is still available in within the Business Park, sites of more than 400 acres are now designated for future industrial users. The adoption of the AUAR allows future projects that may trigger an environmental review on their own to be exempt from that process if their use and associated infrastructure improvements are consistent with the assumptions of the AUAR document and comply with the AUAR's plan for mitigation. Mississippi Dunes Golf Course The Mississippi Dunes Golf Course, located in the southwestern section of the city, is currently for sale with market interest in residential units. More specific study needs to be undertaken to identify density, layout, and infrastructure requirements. Once more detail is known for the use and potential physical elements of the site, the City can recommend a change in land use and potential Comprehensive Plan Amendment to achieve the desired development. 114 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Figure 8-5: Redevelopment Areas in Cottage Grove Cottage —.. ..— ...tiQ ... .. .1 —.ii. ..—..—��.... Ra .—..—..—.....— — — — .— —. Grovel °0 -LJ _ 60,-StS Redevelopment Areas" A Areas of Future Land Use Change: 1. 70th and Keates 2. Langdon Village 3. Gateway North District a 4. Cotta Y e View District r Cottage 5. Business Park Pullman.Ave t 6. Mississippi Dunes Golf Coursecntnsrs j E: — `^� p - 80th -SYS _ o City Boundary �� `4 � i �- Major Future Roadways ® Agriculture Preserve 0 Rural Residential 0 Low Density Residential o� Medium Density Residential sR, r o f o i High Density Residential r 1 E Commercial 90th`STS S 1 I' Mixed Use j E Industrial v y , 95th St -S Via' `0S• ' Public/Semi-Public 0 Agricultural Parks/Open Space Golf Course I _ �� I00tn Sts _ _ tooth W j [7] Transition Planning Area Open Water �. 0 Street and Railroad Right -of -Way > '. ` o I 1 ' 61 /j �r • • • Mississippi River OF May 17, 2018 �•. �'•�•• .�••�• 0 4,500 9,000 Feet N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Redevelop men t Areas.mxd COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 115 There are several roles the City can play to attract additional industrial development to its Business Park area. These are roles that the City is familiar with. The City is already taking assertive public action in these areas, and that is a major factor in the existing attractiveness of the Business Park. • Site readiness - The City can continue taking actions to ensure that industrial sites are served by a strong street and utility network. Clearance and grading of industrial land can also contribute to site readiness. Providing common stormwater facilities makes for more efficient utilization of land. • Marketing - The City can continue to take actions to highlight the desirable features of the Business Park, and to keep the Business Park on the radar screen of the commercial broker community. • Business friendliness - The City can continue to demonstrate that it values existing and prospective businesses, and will accommodate new business needs in appropriate ways in its development review process. • Increase industrially guided land - As discussed below, the City should be prepared to increase the size of the Business Park as needed. These actions establish a supportive foundation for attracting new business development to the Business Park. They are more fundamental and more important than the provision of public financial support. In fact, although it may be requested by some prospective businesses, it should not be necessary to provide public subsidy in order to attract business development to the Business Park. The attractiveness of the Business Park will continue to grow over time, as comparable Twin Cities properties become more distant from the metropolitan transportation network. The existing and growing attractiveness of the Business Park should also allow the City of Cottage Grove to set high standards for new development. EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE According to the US Census Bureau, Cottage Grove had 419 business establishments in 2014. These workplaces provided around 5,600 primary jobs and around 6,200 total jobs. This is a smaller business footprint than average for suburban communities. There are around 17 jobs offered in Cottage Grove for each 100 residents. The ratio for the Twin Cities Metro as a whole is about 49 jobs per 100 residents. The Metropolitan Council, perhaps relying on a different data source, estimated slightly greater employment in Cottage Grove in 2010 (6,484 jobs) than the Census Bureau. The Metropolitan Council foresees job growth in Cottage Grove on the order of 600 to 700 per decade, to 2040. With an abundance of land available in the expanded Business Park area for industrial development, job prospects can increase dramatically with one new large industrial user. ECONOMIC INFORMATION, MONITORING, AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES The City maintains helpful and relevant information about Cottage Grove economic development opportunities on the website. This information includes available buildings and sites, statistics about the local workforce, information specific to development in the Business Park, business incentive programs, and details on how to start or grow a business. The approved Business Subsidy Policy contains beneficial information on public financing objectives, strategies, and geographic priorities. The Washington County Cottage Grove WorkForce Center is a valuable tool for local job seekers and businesses searching for employees. 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 of Cottage Grove interacts with the WorkForce Center and DEED to certify sites in the Business Park as "shovel ready" and then coordinates marketing efforts to site selectors. The City also joined DEED's Minnesota Marketing Partnership to further strengthen marketing of the Business Park. With existing City tools and access to partner resources, economic information and support is readily -available. 116 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 41F RESILIENCE Resilience and environmental sustainability are critical for future development and growth in Cottage Grove. Many stakeholders in the planning process identified the natural amenities as one of the City's greatest assets. Chapter 9 identifies existing resilient programs and policies in Cottage Grove and opportunities to promote alternative energy, healthy living, and hazard mitigation. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE 1 1 7 INTRODUCTION Resilient land use and development will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in the Twin Cities region. In their Thrive MSP 2040 Plan, the Metropolitan Council outlines the importance of resilience and climate adaptation for the entire region. According to the Council's Thrive MSP, sustainability and resilience are related but have different purposes. Resilience: Away of looking at planning and policy though the lens of climate change and adaptation. Sustainability: A key outcome to strive for to 2040. This outcome looks like "protecting regional vitality for future generations by preserving our capacity to maintain and support our region's well-being and productivity." Although Resilience is not a required element for comprehensive plans in the region, Cottage Grove is committed to promoting resilient and sustainable development in all aspects of their community. This chapter addresses resiliency in land use, energy, and natural resources in Cottage Grove. Resilience topics addressed in this chapter include: • Existing Programs and Policies • Solar Access • Healthy Communities • Climate Change, Infrastructure, and Hazard Mitigation Resilience is also integrated throughout the entire Comprehensive Plan. It is a lens through which Cottage Grove will plan responsibly for the future, integrated with other key issues in the city. Resilient goals, policies, and strategies are denoted in other chapters with: GOALS AND POLICIES �J Goal 1: Support, plan for, and encourage the use of solar energy as an alternative energy source. Q • POLICY 9.1 Enforce subdivision regulations as necessary to ensure that as many new lots in the city as possible offer proper solar orientation (§10-4-4). • POLICY 9.2 Encourage residential solar development that maintains community character. • POLICY 9.3 Encourage the development of large-scale solar developments or "farms" in the eastern part of the City, where future residential development and utility extension is challenging. • POLICY 9.4 Encourage solar garden or farm development on marginal farmland rather than prime agricultural soils. • POLICY 9.5 Update the zoning map to reflect areas in which large-scale solar development is supported. Goal 2: Develop policies that support active living and healthy food options in Cottage Grove. Q • POLICY 9.6 Support community and residential gardens for food production. • POLICY 9.7 Develop trail and park facilities in areas lacking these amenities, especially areas with vulnerable populations such as seniors, young children, low income residents, and communities of color. • POLICY 9.8 Continue to support the City of Cottage Grove Farmers Market as an alternative source for local, healthy food. • POLICY 9.9 Investigate the policy and ordinance opportunities for residential animal keeping, such as chickens or bees, to promote healthy food at home. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE EXISTING RESILIENCE PROGRAMS MN Green Step Cities Cottage Grove has been a Green Step City since 2010. The Minnesota Green Step Cities program is a way for local governments to make a commitment to sustainability in all areas of the City. This includes participating in numerous best practices to reduce energy use, reduce waste, increase transportation options, manage natural resources, and plan for growth. To date, Cottage Grove has completed numerous actions to move the City in a sustainable direction. Some of those accomplishments include: • Conserving/protecting drinking and groundwater resources by creating a watering ordinance, water -wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, and guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use. • Replacing the city's existing traffic signals and street lights with LEDs. • Adopting a complete streets policy that also addresses street trees and stormwater. • Launching a Safe Routes to School campaign with Washington County. • Developing purchasing guidelines that encourage EnergyStar certified equipment and 30% post -consumer recycled goods. • Creating a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize enhanced stormwater management, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners. Cottage Grove will continue to participate in the program into the future and use the comprehensive plan to align sustainability goals with best practices and action steps identified through the Green Step Cities program. SOLAR ACCESS The City of Cottage Grove is committed to a resilient future, including promoting renewable energy. The City has existing code language supporting residential and commercial solar development throughout the community. As stated earlier in this chapter, large-scale solar development should be concentrated on non -prime agricultural lands, outside of the MUSA where existing development is limited. This Plan also includes information on gross solar resources to provide data context to these recommendations. Gross and Rooftop Solar Resources The Metropolitan Council has calculated the gross and rooftop solar potential for the City of Cottage Grove to identify how much electricity could be generated using existing technology. The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potential are expressed in megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr), and these estimates are based on the solar map for Cottage Grove. Developed areas with low building heights and agricultural and undeveloped areas have the highest potential for solar development in the City. This gross development potential is included in Table 9-1. Areas of high solar potential are included in Figure 9-1, for reference. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE 119 Cottageof7 Grve , -Meet* Figure 9-1 Gross Solar Potential City Boundary Gross Solar Potential (Watt-hours per Year) High : 1279188 Low: 900001 - Solar Potential under 900,000 watt-hours per year County Boundaries -_ City and Township Boundaries Wetlands and Open Water Features University of Minnesota U -Spatial Statewide Solar Raster. Map Data Source: Metropolitan Council la 120 January 30, 2018 0 4,500 V:\] 938\active\193803667\GIS\Projects\So IarPoten tia I. mxd COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE Table 9-1: Solar Potential in Cottage Grove ' There are a few communities where generation potential calculations could not be produced. There are areas within some maps where data was unusable. These areas were masked and excluded from gross rooftop potential and generating potential calculations. 2 In general, a conservative assumption for panel generation is to use 10% efficiency for conversion of total insolation into electric generation. These solar resource calculations provide an approximation of each community's solar resource. This baseline information can provide the opportunity for a more extensive, community -specific analysis of solar development potential for both solar gardens and rooftop or accessory use installations. For most communities, the rooftop generation potential is equivalent to between 30% and 60% of the community's total electric energy consumption. The rooftop generation potential does not consider ownership, financial barriers, or building -specific structural limitations. Source: Metropolitan Council HEALTHY COMMUNITIES In 2016, the City of Cottage Grove received a Living Healthy Grant from Washington County. This funding allowed the City to engage with residents about healthy living in their neighborhoods and issues and opportunities the City faces in the future. This engagement process included working with the Chamber of Commerce, seniors, communities of color, and residents of Cottage Grove. Mapping Disparities A critical component of active living is understanding how certain residents can access amenities in their neighborhood. In Cottage Grove, there are many parks and trails as well as healthy food options, but the suburban style development of the city and major barriers can make accessing these amenities by walking or biking challenging. The following series of maps (Figures 9-2 through 9-4) illustrate different vulnerable populations and their proximity to amenities in Cottage Grove. For example, some of the neighborhoods with a high proportion of senior citizens are located far from existing trails, making outdoor exercise challenging. These maps help to highlight areas that are lacking amenities to serve their residents, leading to priority areas for the City. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE 122 .........r.. .• .�..�..�..r.. ,...............1 A°° a •PeterPo I's _ . �' 11 'II J 1 1 ♦A 1 �i ID FariIIIY Par ♦ I A �A I 90.7 - -- - Active Living Access 1 Mga ow a .•.. - , ` — 1' I 1�•• 1 1, for People 65 and Older GFrk "ar'd r •� 1 Farmers ' Iiah-Srs 16onngard's _ _ Market _ _ Number of People 65+ by Census Block -D .w aHla en Family:Meats - L ar' 'r - (Adjusted to 2015) 21 to 30 9th Ave �•` 31 to 40 Ashland. ■ a' .,y;•,c' �ti� S✓ -i 1 ♦♦ 1 4�AVenue , '• O,,i��I I --�`-,q�.Grove Park i �' r ,gv.... � ♦ Old Co Over 40 Sp• �a wo d 5— k YeleY �: ♦ 11 Grocery s,• ♦• ■ S Nlna's Park Pa^ p s ••-Pullman Ave '�9s e ♦ P r —III r77th:St S— 1 711 Major Grocery Stores City Hall _ y` 1 . „a 1 •1 © Library _� Post Office ] _ �� ' r , �aornsrs _ _ _ �� A : �• - _ _ 1 i� LLbrary - Parkir Farmers Market l ,j IelJena�� "ePahk'de "e"po"kw°'� �_ 1 ♦A ��♦� ,� j �` L 'City Boundary Granaa —•— Transit Routes and Stops Park r� 1 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Existing Trails Planned Trails? , 1 °eioJ - eityaHall `A tv bi 1 — Transportation Trail - - - Transportation Trail' ♦ " e' gas `a' lo' — Recreation Trail - - - Recreation Trail Aldi A 90th.StS - t — Sidewalk �� ♦♦ - 1 Cub1FooI s I I ,'� `% 11 1 Existing Parks and Open Space �' ♦' - - l 1 ' •' 1 I . - - 1 Community Park ' ti Target y tia Cottage 1 Count Park i _ _ - - a.9stroshs ; WI _ ' /,8 Grave County , mm_Y � Far, 5 a Ravine 1 11 �♦ :N P 'rk '�•— C Regional Neighborhood Park ♦ o Post office .� „�� Park O en S ace = r,neGle Par .� Walma .. rt , i p p P Recreational Facility State Scientific and Natural Areas _ _-10Dthst,S'_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ = `ia'ofh stns_ : _ _ `♦ _ - _ _ _ J 1 ♦ �1 Planned Parks/Private Open Space �„_ �♦- , - - - ' {'�_ _ ; - � I � `;. j t I„ a t � g 1 ! ♦♦ � Mississippi t c I 1 ♦♦♦ 1: Source: US Census 2010, City of Cottage Grove ` ,� • •� D.— Grey Cloud ♦ v I - A♦ y O Golf Links Dunes SNA 1 — I. ♦♦� '••_'•—••—••' Gre Cloud 1 ; (1) ; ♦' ' 1 County Park . I� 1 ■ Rvee'Oaks 1 i— .......". .�.. �..J ■�i 110th-St3 n�tcL al—�7��ZZ XX - FI If - 1' -Sts- 61 C/O v alp -a_ y �'i •r •' •.� Mississippi River May 14, 2018 '�. •�' '�. i ..... 7. . 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles '�• i' N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Active Living - Older Adults.mxd COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE Cottage is. 7y:ia''•�"�" =�7 Grove O�, r 1 •1 ♦ �1 21 1 490 110, a PeimPso Fam`y Park , ` Figure 9-3 73`:6srn�sjti - Active Living Access for People below Poverty Level =P°k Hardw odic9 ..� Park �'■C ;,� Percent of Population Below * o t Nidd Poverty Level By Census TractFilJWII1Lvolley aFk Up to 3.7% 9th Ave •�� 1 4.9% Ashland. ■ hy�fOy .is r Q..''?a,............ \...................;..............is % fll��••�� sl..— • / �— — — — -; % ' i46 ,II � Farmers ,, 1 3 ds Par 1 h IBonngard's Market r r imnsfs _= WIN FamIIVr7M' eats Tf� lcmar 'Avenue Grocery °sq' 12 c d x N no's PaPark Parr Major Grocery Stores City Hall ^• -Pullman Ave 19f9` i Ilei Lv,ew( �p'rk Hs Library 0 Post Office ! PullmanjEL! e - Library IGO s+s rig Park -n -Ride PUbIIC $C h0015 I Beldenl Neadhside Nemmingway Park/ \ Park % Park +► Ideal ...City Boundary Farmers Market ; I Granada L:. Hy -`Vee Hi//S/ae rr Park —•— Transit Routes and Stops • ;• Park I F Mississippi River Trail Bikeway �,• • -• • r' �`OYe:all / p Hillside EL. i Existing Trails Planned Trails 1� 1 °L9�Or- ArmstrongEL. — Transportation Trail - - - Transportation Trail I! \\ Na ' t Aas r Iw \ Pine Hill EL: Par Aldi — Recreation Trail - - - Recreation Trail y —Sidewalk IF �•, Existing Parks and Open Space r\ ♦; — — — S Washington AIUHS - Community Park �\�� 91 / ® County Park�g.9s+hrs+rs_ __ two Farn Neighborhood Park PostoKce Da Pad Open Space `\ \ x 'ineGlen Park�� , 1 1 Recreational Facility State Scientific and Natural Areas % Planned Parks/Private Open Space \ N .�• ' \ j �• , Mississippi Source: US Census 2010, City of Cottage Grove ♦' �� Dunes Grey Cloud 6 v I•P + Goll Links Dunes SNA \ — i...........i Grey Cloud Ir ® \\ County Park �a J \ ,�........r r........ y110th St 1 • Gre V Cvo- aT. 1 1 May 14, 2018 ♦•�••�.._...•'�• •�•'�• 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Miles ��'•., i N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Active Living- People below Poverty Level.mxd '`'•�„-,,,..•�• 1 ,r .a Cub Foods 1 .11:7 arget Sill, 1 _---/ MS ii it 11 u U rr F Ids 11 Grey Cloud �EL. \ rI r 1 1 11 ■ n :� �1 I> Park Cottage Gr I°u I % � �% Park ' Irh[St '1 1, 1 ,r .a Cub Foods 1 .11:7 arget Sill, 1 _---/ MS ii it 11 u U rr F Ids 11 1 11 1 11 �• :� �1 1 11 'p `01 Old CodcggGrove % � �% Park ' Irh[St '1 1, f �.. 7 S 1 1, -LI- Z •1 �.•"•"'•,` Mississippi River �,�•, y. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE 123 1 �• :� ! ♦ 'p `01 'City Hall % � �% 1, 1, / J % 11 I ' 11 -----------`I 1. Caoagee Gr Ravine 1 ' Regional Park 1'1 11 'si. `1 11 ♦♦ 11 11 (\ ! 1 1 \\ 4 ♦ \1 1 1 ,\ Is % 1 1 %%% •` 1 , ,J, % %,, 1 rOaks* MunlclP I G _ ______ F - I.rrs % si �.•"•"'•,` Mississippi River �,�•, y. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE 123 •r• ��•� • >••r•• �u••r• Cottage �..�..`� � a .1_. a ► .�..�..�.r�..•�.. =� �..�..�..��—••—••—. —"—•I Grove � v r1 1 r..._01 — 1 .o ► ► ■ 1 � kn ProWeJR'Meel 1% Q l+�► v■lr�S!-I—•�--o-- --' - --- A '1 -,♦ ♦. y Famil =Par ♦�� 41 Figure9-4 1 9' _-.. a1.----- i t9 =65�Stt1 - _ � 1 1 1 - a ♦� Active Living Access � '- J L• � Cottage Grove EL. for People of Color `" - —Farmers u 1 — • rn�srs Bonngard's fiAarkgt---,. - Lr I Famfly,".Meats Number of People of Color by Census Block •I`' D a0 k -� F : �r� �► 11 1 .Grey Cloud EL. - ♦ 11 21 to 30 9th Ave .° r r 31 to 40 Ashland.• ■ a" H thl .. R ' -_ S 1 11 i ro Avenue t I P o '` j v ' ge G."nve MS ald Coff ad Grove Park Over 40 ti • k } I,r la> Cotta1 jl 1 Grocery °s. ►4 _ ,}rk ► Major Grocery StCit Hall Pullman Ave 9s 1 Crestview EL. o 77th�$t$ 1 ryores y 111 / �ParkHS _, 7( , Library Post Office 80th-5t Pullman EL•.LI ®Park-n-Ride Public Schools I Headhsl Hemming ay 1 H • ;' y •i • d Belden t-� 1 ,♦ 1�-- 1 4. —'City Boundary Farmers Market Granada �-, `Hy-Vee Hr{sjye�I _J � Park h , 'Y, .l 7r-� { , �l i r • Transit Routes and Stops I L- ! 1 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway i. Gra Hall prkw'—"°♦ r a� Existing Trails Planned Trails 1' 1 1_' sias 01 �w Amstrong _ cirHn �♦ E, —Transportation Trail - - - Transportation Trail ` Pine mill LL. Recreation Trail - - - Recreation Trail ♦. Aldi 9ti'rnsr s -- �.6 . —Sidewalk 1" ♦♦ - ` Cub Foods,, + Y ° 11 �4 R S Washington Alt. HS 5 1 ♦ 1 Existing Parks and Open Space ,�s 17— T e Community Parks 1 ��{ , arget IM °c Collage 1 1 ♦`t = — > J '�` ✓A v Grove 1 1 tYP County Park j . T.9stnestrs _ ; n....•Y.�,! W\ F i i may► o R°Ane 1 • s�� 1 1�• 1_ •1 •mac Regional Otice -�Neighborhood Park 6 1 Park 1 1 I • = IenlPark# �- ♦ WalmarF Open Space ♦ Recreational Facility r __ ` " '!_ _ ; ►♦- -toorn sr s; , - - - - - - = . r \� -loom §rs, = = - - State Scientific and Natural Areas 1 rte! >y' , - t , Planned Parks/Private Open Space Miss ss PP 1 .- a �\.`. :! 11 ♦♦ Source: US Census 2010, City of Cottage Grove sl' • �� Dunes Gray clouds !a -1 1 °te t F Golf Links Dunes SNA ° • • • • Grey Cloud 1' • County Pak •I ° ° RI oks . —- 1....... __-__---- \ GAN - _ :..♦ �C/ ►� Mississippi River May 14, 2018 ��`•�.. �� .�,•'` l �.._.._..� / \ 0 4,500 9,000 Feet •�- �� N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\Active Living - People of Color.mxd •�• • •• 124 COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE Community Survey The data analysis completed through the amenities mapping was matched with a qualitative, community survey about active living in Cottage Grove. The survey received over five hundred responses from residents across the City. Some of the key findings from the survey included: • Parks, schools and trails are top features that make residents proud • Transit, affordable housing, and aging population are important issues to plan for • More retail and entertainment venues are desired improvements • Over half of respondents bike or walk once a week or more • Barriers to walking and bicycling are connectivity and distance between destinations • People generally have access to the food they want, but prices, store location, and selection could improve These findings, with the data and policy analysis, helped to shape the goals and policies throughout this plan. Policy Analysis As part of the grant program, the City analyzed existing code and policies to support active living and health. This included an analysis of the zoning code, city ordinances, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and existing city -sponsored programs. The results of this analysis are included in Tables 9-2 and 9-3 on the following pages. Areas where the City is currently lacking policy guidance should be addressed in this and future plans. CLIMATE CHANGE, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND HAZARD MITIGATION In 2012, Washington County developed an All -Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan incorporated numerous cities and townships in Washington County and was developed to identify and prepare for a variety of hazards such as flooding or tornadoes before they occur. The purpose of the plan is to reduce the loss of lives and property damage in the event of a hazard occurring in the area. The All -Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a list of goals, objectives and strategies for the county to better prepare and coordinate efforts for disasters. This plan serves as a framework for managing public and private investment in the face of a changing climate and more severe storm events. Cottage Grove should continue to work with Washington County on future updates to the All -Hazard Mitigation Plan to be best prepared for these events. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE 125 Table 9-2: Healthy Living Ordinances in Cottage Grove ORDINANCES: CITY CODE Community Greenhouses Gardens or Farmer's Chicken Animal or Hoop Composting Sidewalks Trails Residential Markets Keeping Keeping houses Gardens N/A §11-8A-3-6 N/A: Code only 5-14-13 11-3-7 4-3-1 7-1-5 10-2-8 Farmer's markets refers to Chickens and other Farm animals are Compost is The City classifies Easements for or are permitted as an commercial poultry are permitted in permitted in sidewalks into the construction accessory use in greenhouses or permitted in any residential lots of residential yards so two groups: of trails may be the following nurseries. zoning district on 5 acres or long as it is stored safety and low- required as part districts: lots between 3 and greater. Each in a compost box use. Safety of the 5 acres in size. and screened from AG -1 Agricultural However the animal must have view of adjacent sidewalks are development Preservation principal use of the 1.5 acres of land. property owners. cleared by the review process. R-1 Rural property must be This number may City in the winter; Residential single family be exceeded by a low -use R-2 Residential residential. conditional use sidewalks are Estate An annual license is permit. Special closed. R-2.5 Residential required. setbacks are R-3 Single -Family No more than 4 required for pens, 10-5-5 R-4 Low Density birds are allowed. barns and coops Sidewalks are Residential Roosters are to house these required in R-5 Medium prohibited. Density Residential animals. residential R-6 High Density neighborhoods Residential with densities higher than Numerous site 10units/acre, and regulations are in along minor place to ensure arterial and that markets are collector streets. orderly and meet Developers may health codes. be required to Processing and cooking food on include additional site and generators sidewalks in their are prohibited. development. Source: Stantec COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE Table 9-3: Healthy Living Policies and Programs in Cottage Grove POLICIES AND PLANS: 2008 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Community Gardens or Residential Farmer's Greenhouses Chicken Keeping Gardens Markets or Hoop houses N/A N/A I N/A N/A Sidewalks Chapter 2: Land Use Policy 2.11 Calls for the construction of sidewalks in new developments. Chapter 5: Parks and Open Space Sidewalks are mapped. Goals: N/A Policy 5.12: Transportation sidewalks and trails shall be installed by developers along all collector and minor arterial streets, or on roadways that are determined to generate sufficient traffic to warrant concern for either pedestrian or bicycle use within the street right-of-way. EXISTING PROGRAMS Community Gardens or Farmer's Residential Markets Gardens Green Garden Award program awards residents and businesses for superior landscaping in a variety of categories. Source: Stantec The City currently has an organized farmer's market at the Cottage Grove United Church of Christ (CGUCC) in summer months on Thursday afternoons. Greenhouses or Hoop houses N/A COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RESILIENCE Chicken Keeping Regulations regarding keeping chickens are easily accessible on the City's Code Enforcement Page of the City's Website.. Animal Keeping N/A Trails Chapter 2: Land Use N/A Composting Policy 2.11 Calls for the construction of trails in new developments. Chapter 5: Parks and Open Space Trails are categorized into transportation, recreation, nature, regional laneways and bike routes and are mapped. Goal: Create a coordinated network of trailway routes that are designed to accommodate a variety of users while providing for integrated links to neighborhoods, the community, the region and other special points of interest. Policies include guidelines for safety, design, trail monitoring and evaluation, and connections to the Mississippi River at points of interest. Animal Keeping Regulations regarding keeping animals are easily accessible on the City's Code Enforcement Paee of the Citv's Website. Composting The Cottage Grove compost site is run by Rumpca Companies. The company buys compostable materials (leaves, garden materials, stumps etc.) and sells woodchips, mulch, soil etc. Sidewalks I Trails N/A Trail maps are available through the Park Department page of the City's Xniahcita 128 IMPLEMENTATION A strong plan is one that is actionable. The City of Cottage Grove's Comprehensive Plan includes a series of strategies and controls to make sure that the vision and goals outlined throughout the Plan are implemented. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION This section is underway and will be developed in the coming weeks. COTTAGE GROVE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 129 Background Report: Market and Development Context <1> TANGIBLE Consulting Services Stantec In support of: 2040 Cottage Grove Comprehensive Plan Prepared for: City of City of Cottage Grove, MN August, 2016 Prepared by: Tangible Consulting Services Stantec CONTENTS Executive Summary .......................................... 3 Demographic Overview ...................................... 8 Economic Overview ......................................... 13 Residential Market Context .................................. 15 Retail Market Context ...................................... 24 Industrial Market Context ................................... 32 Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 2 Executive Summary Purpose The purpose of this background report is to outline the market and development context that shapes the future growth of Cottage Grove. It overviews the unique demography and economic base that characterizes the city. And it investigates the market and development factors that will shape future growth in housing, retail, and industrial development. The report supports the Cottage Grove 2040 comprehensive and long-range planning process that will establish important parameters for future development. In General Cottage Grove is characterized by high quality development in its existing residential, commercial and industrial areas. It has experienced steady and moderately -paced growth over the past seven decades, and can expect that to continue. It is a community that is well -situated for future growth. It has ample land to support growth in its Business Park, to expand its successful retail areas, and to accommodate additional housing of various types. The high quality environments that have been created have largely been responsive to the practices of suburban -oriented developers. For this reason, there are some development types that are not well represented: ♦ The variety of place types and retail formats that is characteristic of older communities, and that have intentionally been created in some newer communities. ♦ Housing Developments that are responsive to the needs of renters, a lower to middle income workforce, and seniors. An active public sector role will be required If there is a desire to diversify the development landscape in these ways. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Demographic Overview Cottage Grove's demographic mix is heavily shaped by the residential development patterns of the community. The vast majority of residential development is in single family detached homes and townhomes, which were built in the 1950s and later. As a result, households tend to be families, with an income that supports home ownership. The predominance of owner occupied homes is one of the reasons there are relatively few older residents. And it is consistent with the low rates of unemployment and poverty. Notwithstanding these facts, there is something of a working class flavor to the community. Compared with many of the communities that are at a comparable stage of development, it has a fewer residents with bachelor's degrees, and home prices are more affordable. Cottage Grove Population Trend and Forecast 50,000 45,000 40,000 � 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Population Estimates - US Census Bureau --*—Population Forecast- Metropolitan Council The City is expecting continued population growth, at a pace that matches the growth over the last decade. 3 Economic Overview Cottage Grove has a small job base for a city of its size. It offers 17 jobs for each 100 residents. The job base of Cottage Grove is centered around the retail centers, and its business park. This explains why its top two employment sectors, after educational services, are Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. The top employment sector is Educational Services, which encompasses those who work in the local schools. Almost a third of the workers at businesses in Cottage Grove are residents of Cottage Grove. Jobs per Thousand Residents by Type of Business Educational Services Retail Trade Manufacturing Accommodation and Food Services Health Care and Social Assistance Transportation and Warehousing Wholesale Trade Other Services (excluding Public Administration) Public Administration Construction Finance and Insurance Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Waste Management and Remediation Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Management of Companies and Enterprises Information 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 Cottage Grove Twin Cities Source: US Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 50.0 60.0 70.0 4 Residential Market Context Residential development dominates the built environment in Cottage Grove. Housing Development by Decade Source: Assessor Data Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Observations about residential development include: ♦ Development began in earnest in the 1950s. So most of the development has been defined by subdivision ordinance and home builder practices that prevailed from the 1950s to the present. ♦ Lot sizes stayed fairly consistent over this period (at around a third of an acre), but the size of homes spiked in the last two or three decades to the current norm of over 2,500 square feet of floor area. ♦ The historic average of around 180 homes developed per year has dropped off during the past decade to around 50 homes per year. ♦ Cottage Grove is a well-established market for owner occupied detached homes and townhomes. There is a much smaller inventory of multifamily housing developments—although some senior housing development is currently occurring. Some public support or intervention will be needed to establish housing types that are not well represented in the current housing inventory. Land analysis. Around 1,500 acres of land will be needed to accommodate an estimated 3,500 new single family homes by 2040. Around 75 acres will be needed by 2040 to accommodate around 1,100 apartment units. This would encompass market rate and affordable housing development, as well as housing developments for general occupancy and for seniors. 5 r _r Year of Housing Development - 1930 - 1960 --� L 1901 - 1970 1971 - 1980 i� 1981 - 1990 d 1991 -2000 2001 - 2014 Source: Assessor Data Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Observations about residential development include: ♦ Development began in earnest in the 1950s. So most of the development has been defined by subdivision ordinance and home builder practices that prevailed from the 1950s to the present. ♦ Lot sizes stayed fairly consistent over this period (at around a third of an acre), but the size of homes spiked in the last two or three decades to the current norm of over 2,500 square feet of floor area. ♦ The historic average of around 180 homes developed per year has dropped off during the past decade to around 50 homes per year. ♦ Cottage Grove is a well-established market for owner occupied detached homes and townhomes. There is a much smaller inventory of multifamily housing developments—although some senior housing development is currently occurring. Some public support or intervention will be needed to establish housing types that are not well represented in the current housing inventory. Land analysis. Around 1,500 acres of land will be needed to accommodate an estimated 3,500 new single family homes by 2040. Around 75 acres will be needed by 2040 to accommodate around 1,100 apartment units. This would encompass market rate and affordable housing development, as well as housing developments for general occupancy and for seniors. 5 Retail Market Context Retail development is focused at two of the Highway 61 interchanges. These retail districts, the Gateway Area and the Jamaica Area, are well positioned for ongoing strength because: ♦ They are located at some distance from competing retail areas in Woodbury and Hastings, 70`h & Hinton Gateway Area I Saint Paul I ark which allows them to capture a sizable commuter -shed and destination market. ♦ They have an established set of strong anchors that are well suited to the population in the trade area, and that creates an inviting environment for additional retailers. 70t' & Keats Jamaica Area Source: Scan/US, Inc. and McComb Group, Ltd. Land is available to accommodate retail growth, especially into the Cottage View area, which would be an extension of the Jamaica Area retail district to Innovation Road. Visionary plans have been developed for two additional retail areas, Langdon Village and Cedarhurst. These areas provide the opportunity to create retail areas that are qualitatively different from the highway - oriented retail districts along Highway 61, in that they Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Cottage Retall Areas 0 0.3 0.8 1.2 7_. 1. area envisioned to be of a mixed-use, pedestrian - oriented development character. An active role will be required from the public sector in order to establish these new retail areas. Land analysis. An estimated 87 acres of land will be needed by 2040 to accommodate a growth in trade area purchasing power of around 40%. 6 Industrial Market Context Industrial businesses in Cottage Grove are almost all located in the 300 -acre Cottage Grove Business Park. Industrial Context Map Developed undeveloped – I Business par i II 3M Property a ' c a I" m a r - Source: Assessor Data, City of Cottage Grove The Business Park has a long list of assets that make it attractive for new business development. The most important of these is its strong connection to the regional highway network via Highway 61. But it also boasts large, flat land with good utility infrastructure. And the City has a reputation for being responsive and supportive to development proposals. The industrial development market is recovering, and that has been observed in expansions of businesses in the Business Park—and in the first new industrial development proposal in a decade. Land analysis. Although the Business Park is only about half developed, there are only a few undeveloped parcels that are larger than 10 acres. There is a good likelihood that these will be purchased and developed over the next decade or two. If the City wants to accommodate ongoing Business Park growth, it should consider steps to maintain a supply of suitable land. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report – Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Sources of Information This report is based on several types of information: ♦ Market research ♦ Review of existing reports ♦ Interviews with local developers and real estate professionals ♦ Direct observation Information is filtered against the previous experience of the authors. As the Cottage Grove planning process progresses, the findings in this report will be modified and augmented by further findings, and as a result of further communication with policy makers, stakeholders, and others. 7 Demographic Overview The demographic profile of Cottage Grove has an important bearing on how Cottage Grove will grow and develop in the future. The character of Cottage Grove's residents and communities says a lot about who will be attracted to live in Cottage Grove in the future. The needs and purchasing power of Cottage Grove households are important to retail development. They impact the amount of retail that is viable, as well as what retail stores and shopping center formats are likely to work. The demographics of the community are an important factor in attracting businesses to Cottage Grove. In the competition for talent, employers are looking for people with the right education, training, and household stability to meet their labor -force needs. General findings. Cottage Grove's demographic mix is heavily shaped by the development patterns of the community. Single family homes predominate, three- quarters of which were built in the 70s or later. The 1990s were the boom decade, when a full quarter of current Cottage Grove homes were constructed. Cottage Grove is, accordingly, a family-oriented community. Almost 80% of households are family households—either couples, or families with children. Because of this, the average household size is larger than nearby cities, and larger than the Twin Cities Metropolitan area as a whole. This also makes Cottage Grove skew younger in the age profile of its residents. It takes some wherewithal to purchase and own a home, and so Cottage Grove experiences a lower rate of poverty, and a higher median income, than the Twin Cities metropolitan as a whole. Population Cottage Grove achieved an estimated population of 35,600 in 2014, according to the 3 -year American Community Survey. This represents a growth of 55% since 1990. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report – Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Population Growth Since 1990 Cottage Grove Washington Minnesota County Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Census data showed a rate of growth that slowed a bit in the early 2000s, and then stayed fairly steady through the rest of that decade. The first half of the 2010s saw an additional modest slowing of population growth—although it's important to bear in mind that this is with the backdrop of the Great Recession. Cottage Grove Population Trend and Forecast 50,000 45,000 • 40,000 • 35,000 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 Population Estimates - US Census Bureau --*—Population Forecast- Metropolitan Council Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates 8 Cottage Grove is projected to continue growing over the next several decades. The Metropolitan Council forecasts population growth as follows. Forecast Year Population 2010 34,589 2020 38,400 2030 42,200 2040 47,000 This projection is roughly equivalent to a straight-line projection of growth at a rate that is equivalent to that which occurred between 2000 and 2010. Population and Household Characteristics There are currently around 12,000 households in Cottage Grove. The Metropolitan Council forecasts that number to grow to 17,300 by 2040. Household composition. Family households predominate, representing almost 80% of total households. 42% of all households have children under 18, compared to 36% in Washington County and 31% in the Twin Cities Metro. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Household Composition oto,¢ cao0 �5 ¢,\�e\Qat Poo oJc�J eto �aPoe °° �a ti �a� �e� �¢ QaJ � � o o w� M Married, With Children ❑ Married, Without Children ❑Single Parent and Other Family ❑ Living Alone ■ Roomates Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 The prevalence of family households in Cottage Grove is echoed in its large household sizes relative to neighboring cities. Average (Mean) Household Size 3.2 3.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 2.2 2.0 Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates It can also be seen in the age profile of residents. Almost a third (31%) of Cottage Grove residents are under the age of 20. The proportion of residents who are 60 or older is less than any of the neighboring communities. 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Age Profiles ¢,\�z\Qat oc �J eto c Z" \J�ec has A� ■ Under 5 ■ 5 to 19 ■ 20 to 39 ■ 40 to 59 ■ 60+ Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates 9 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 Median Age 6o e�K5 ¢,`\z s °J�` �Q°cc \Qat Poc °Jcwa e�to SyPy QaJ c e Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Minority population. Relative to the Twin cities average, Cottage Grove has a higher proportion of Asian residents, and proportionately fewer African American and Hispanic/Latino residents. 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Race and Hispanic/Latino Status of Minority Population �i°,e aaJc, yw°�Oe es p - \SDE P °c °Jc�J ®Hispanic/Latino ❑Black/African American ❑Asian ❑Native American and Other ■ 2 or More Races Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Education level. Cottage Grove residents have less formal education than the residents of many nearby and comparison cities. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Percent Bachelor's Degree or Higher Oto�e a�Jt� ��c�5 e�r5 ¢,`�z oJc'` ��ot� \Qas� P�oc oJcwa e�to o o ti fo' � � c Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Financial characteristics and employment. Development patterns in Cottage Grove bear on the financial characteristics of residents. Single family homes predominate, with most being built since 1980. So most householders have income and employment characteristics that support obtaining a mortgage. On the other hand, the homes built in Cottage Grove homes have tended to be more affordable than the average Twin Cities home. These factors may explain why the median household income in Cottage Grove is higher than the Twin Cities average. But it is a bit lower than many of the other populous cities in Washington County. Median Household Income $140,000 $120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000 $0 t°�e �JA C��`c40�ti5 �J\�e °Jc` Q QD �� apO �°oa �a5 , P o Lo�S�S c°� Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates 10 4.5% of families in Cottage Grove fall below the poverty line. That is a low proportion by metropolitan standards, but near the Washington County average. Families in Poverty °p, Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Cottage Grove residents suffer unemployment at a lower rate than Washington County or the Twin Cities as a whole. And in all likelihood the current rate is lower than what is shown, since the most recent American Community Survey data are drawn from 2012 to 2014 survey samples. 10°% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% Unemployment °Joy ��°tw \Qat P°c °JcwJ ¢so Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Housing Characteristics Types of housing. Cottage Grove has a markedly high proportion of single family homes, and a small number of apartments, relative to peer cities. Less than 10% of dwelling units are in apartment buildings. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% Housing Units - Building Type ooK. \Qay�°t` ®Single Family Homes ❑Town Homes ❑Apartment Buildings, 2-9 Units ❑Apartment Buildings, 10+ Units ■ Mobile home Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Tenure (ownership/rental status). The majority of housing units in Cottage Grove are owner -occupied. Only around 1,400, or 12%, of roughly 12,000 households are renting their housing units. This is partly explained by the dominance of single family homes and townhomes in its housing landscape, but it also means that few single family homes and townhomes are being rented. 11 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Household Tenure °�e a J� J�5 e ray ,`fie JJti V,` �t� P oc °c oto Q �� C ❑ Owner -occupied housing units: ❑ Renter -occupied housing units: Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Year built. Almost all Cottage Grove homes are of postwar construction—built in the 1950s or later. The 1990s were the boom years. A quarter of current Cottage Grove homes were built in the `90s. 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Housing Units - Year Built ��opo5 oJcti\Qat oc oJJ�J to Q foo �t'to,� �a�e� �¢0J o G ❑ Built 1949 or earlier ❑ Built 1950 to 1969 ❑ Built 1970 to 1989 ❑ Built 1990 to 1999 ■ Built 2000 to 2009 ❑ Built 2010 or later Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Home value. Homes in Cottage Grove are a little more modest, on average, than homes in comparison cities. The average home value in Cottage Grove is $205,000. This is below the average value of homes in both Washington County ($240,000) and the Twin Cities metropolitan area ($213,000). It's important to note that home sizes have varied greatly over time. Homes built since 2000 are markedly larger and more valuable/costly than those built in earlier decades. $400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $0 Median Home Value Poo oJcwa eto Z" o c o 1 .w Source: 2014 ACS 3 -Year Estimates 12 Economic Overview The economic and business base of Cottage Grove is relevant to the City's future growth and development. Workers are an important component of the daytime population of the City, and can support local restaurants and retail businesses. Future business growth, and the types of businesses that might be attracted to the City in the future, are influenced by the businesses that have already located in Cottage Grove. Even residential growth is impacted by the City's business inventory, since there are significant benefits to living close to one's workplace, and so Cottage Grove employees may well become Cottage Grove residents. Business Establishments and Jobs According to the US Census Bureau's OnTheMap application, Cottage Grove had 419 business establishments in 2014. These workplaces provided around 5,600 primary jobs, and around 6,200 total jobs. This is a smaller business footprint than average for suburban communities. There are around 17 jobs offered in Cottage Grove for each 100 residents. The ratio for the Twin Cities Metro as a whole is about 49 jobs per 100 residents. Number of Jobs per 100 Residents 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 e��\¢ °Jc�a 1, \ate �QaJ o C \cec tae �� Source: US Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 The Metropolitan Council, perhaps relying on a different data source, estimated slightly greater employment in Cottage Grove in 2010 (6,484 jobs) than the Census Bureau. The Metropolitan Council foresees job growth in Cottage Grove on the order of 600 to 700 per decade, to 2040. Forecast Year Employment 2010 6,484 2020 7,700 2030 8,400 2040 9,000 Employment Sectors The Employment Sector chart illustrates the industry sectors of workers in Cottage Grove businesses. The top six employment sectors in Cottage Grove are: ♦ Educational Services ♦ Retail Trade ♦ Manufacturing ♦ Accommodation and Food Services ♦ Health Care and Social Assistance ♦ Transportation and Warehousing ♦ Wholesale Trade Three of these sectors, manufacturing, transportation/warehousing, and wholesale trade, are undoubtedly rooted in the Cottage Grove Business Park, which offers a location conducive to these industries. The two strongest sectors in Cottage Grove relative to their average presence in other Twin Cities locations, are: ♦ Educational Services ♦ Transportation and Warehousing 13 Jobs per Thousand Residents by Type of Business Educational Services Retail Trade Manufacturing Accommodation and Food Services Health Care and Social Assistance Transportation and Warehousing Wholesale Trade Other Services (excluding Public Administration) Public Administration Construction Finance and Insurance Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Waste Management and Remediation Real Estate and Rental and Leasing Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Management of Companies and Enterprises Information 0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 Cottage Grove ■ Twin Cities Source: US Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application Employee Location Of the roughly 5,600 primary jobs in Cottage Grove, around 1,800 of them are filled by people who are also Cottage Grove residents. (US Census, OnTheMap application) In other words, Cottage Grove residents supply around a third of the workforce in Cottage Grove businesses. The chart at right shows the inflow and outflow from home to work. Around 15,816 Cottage Grove residents work outside of Cottage Grove. Around 3,758 live elsewhere but work in Cottage Grove. The 1,814 people who are represented by the circle are those who both live and work in Cottage Grove. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 iAPandbUry rr _ �I Ili PE 'K ° _ 15,S1fi n II 4 Source: US Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application 14 Residential Market Context Existing Conditions Single family housing. Housing in Cottage Grove was first developed in significant numbers in the post-war era. Less than 200 homes remain that were constructed before 1950. The 1950s launched the steady production of single family homes, and the creation of single family home oriented neighborhoods. Starting in the 1950s, over a thousand homes have been built in each decade. They are primarily detached homes, but townhomes have been a growing part of the City's housing stock. 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 N Single Family Homes Constructed by Decade 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s ❑Detached Homes ❑Townhomes Source: Assessor Data Homes and neighborhoods reflect the practices of the home builders who purchased and subdivided the land—in the layout of streets, the size and arrangement of lots, and the design features of the houses themselves. A color -coded map of Cottage Grove shows the progression of neighborhood formation over time. The earliest neighborhoods were built south of Highway 61 near the 801h Street exit. The newest neighborhoods are located north of Highway 61 in the northwest corner of the City. (Note that areas colored forest green are parks, not housing development.) Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Housing Development by Decade Source: Assessor Data The characteristics of single family homes and neighborhoods reflects the era in which it was built. Lot sizes have remained fairly consistent over the decades. Home sizes stayed relatively constant over four decades from 1950 until 1990. Homes built since 1990 are markedly larger. Lot Size and Floor Area by Decade 3,000 0.60 2,500 w 0.50 a 2,000 0.40 U IV 0.30 0 a J 0 0 � 1,000 0.20 r 2 500 0.10 1 phi a � r II�V ��" lel Jin' C Year of Housing Development - 1930 -1980 1961 - 1970 1971-1980 1951-1990 d 1991 -2000 2001 - 2014 Source: Assessor Data The characteristics of single family homes and neighborhoods reflects the era in which it was built. Lot sizes have remained fairly consistent over the decades. Home sizes stayed relatively constant over four decades from 1950 until 1990. Homes built since 1990 are markedly larger. Lot Size and Floor Area by Decade 3,000 0.60 2,500 w 0.50 a 2,000 0.40 a 1,500 0.30 0 a J 0 0 � 1,000 0.20 2 500 0.10 0 0.00 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s2000s2010s Median Floor Area =Median Lot Size (square feet) (acres) Source: Assessor Data 15 Townhomes. 1,300 of Cottage Grove's single family homes are attached homes in a townhome format. They are scattered in various locations around the City of Cottage Grove, as illustrated in the map below. Over half of all existing townhomes were built in the 2000s. 6TH STS �l�1f _ qqy RQ j �J� NBLVGSr <5 � 96 - BO'F S S 777-- T r Townhomes ��- — 1—sTS Townhome Developments Source: Assessor Data Multifamily housing. Cottage Grove has a small number of rental apartment and townhome developments. Costar, a market data provider, has records of seven rental apartment and rental townhome developments. These developments, constructed between 1973 and 1996, comprise a total of 716 rental units. In terms of format, they range from townhomes to garden apartments and low-rise apartments. Apartments buildings taller than three stories are not present—with the exception of a couple of senior housing developments. Three of the housing developments are rent -restricted affordable developments. The other four are market rate developments. Senior housing. Three senior -oriented developments, which are not in the Costar database, expand the multifamily options in Cottage Grove. Norris Square is a market rate senior housing development, with 146 apartment units. It is significant in that it is the only four-story development in Cottage Grove, and one of Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 only two with underground parking. It is the most recently constructed multifamily housing project, having been built in 2010. White Pine Senior Living is a low-rise development, also recently constructed (in 2008), with 86 housing units. Both of these senior developments offer assisted living and memory care. Cottages of Cottage Grove offers affordable/subsidized senior housing units in one-story buildings. A project by Dominium, called Legends of Cottage Grove, is in development, and will offer 184 affordable senior apartment units, with underground parking. 16 Market Dynamics Residential Market Characteristics. Cottage Grove has many attractive features for existing and prospective residents. Most neighborhoods have parks, many of which are interconnected via multiuse trails. Larger parks include Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, and Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area. Most neighborhoods are relatively new. Homes are well kept, and have held their value. Public schools are considered to be strong. Many residents value the semi -rural character of Cottage Grove. It is at the agricultural fringe of the metropolitan area, and yet it may be one of the closest areas to the metropolitan core where that semi -rural character can be found. Connections to the core cities, and the rest of the metropolitan area are strong, with a well-functioning Highway 61 connecting to the Interstate 494/694 freeway ring. Homes may be attractive to cost-conscious buyers, who are able to buy homes in a range of sizes at a price discount compared to homes in many other suburbs. There are also some factors that may dampen interest in living in Cottage Grove. Its distance from the urban center is a market negative (even as it may be seen as positive by some homebuyers). As a new city, Cottage Grove lacks an identifiable city center—an element that can contribute to a sense of community. And it is lacking in retail offerings in comparison with some peer cities. Housing demand. A Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment was completed for Washington County in 2013 by Maxfield Research. The study identified a Cottage Grove submarket of Washington County, which includes all of Cottage Grove, along with neighboring small cities Newport, St Paul Park, and Grey Cloud Island Township. The study estimated that, by 2030, the demand for housing in the Cottage Grove submarket would total: ♦ 5,800 for -sale housing units ♦ 1,100 rental housing units ♦ Additional senior -oriented rental housing The demand from 2013 (the time of the study) to 2020 was also estimated, and it was broken down into a range of housing products, as illustrated in the chart below. Senior housing would also be demanded, amounting to 603 additional units by 2020. Cottage Grove Projected General Occupancy Demand, 2013 — 2020 General occupancy 3,215 For -Sale Rental 2, 714 501 SF Note: means Multifamily MR Affordable Subsic 1,764Single Family 950 225 105 17 MR" means Source: Comprehensive Housing Needs Assessment for Washington County, Minnesota (2013) Note that rental housing demand is divided between subsidized, affordable, and market rate housing projects, with over half of the demand for affordable or subsidized products. The Needs Analysis recognized that a marked increase in the development of Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 affordable rental housing would be required to meet this demand. 17 The Needs Analysis suggested that overall housing growth could be higher if the Red Rock bus rapid transit service is developed. Single family housing—detached and townhome. The Needs Analysis offers information on the sale prices of homes in the Cottage Grove submarket of Washington County. ♦ From 2000 to 2006, the average sale price increased 56.5% ♦ From 2006 to 2012, the average sale price decreased 25.2% Taken together this is a somewhat stronger performance than what occurred in neighboring Woodbury, and in Washington County as a whole. Multifamily and senior housing. With its limited history of multifamily housing development, Cottage Grove is not a well-established apartment market. However, as is true in most parts of the Twin Cities, existing developments have low vacancy rates. The chart shows the vacancy rates for the four market rate developments in Cottage Grove that are in the Costar records. The current 1.4% vacancy rate in Cottage Grove is lower than both Washington County (2.5%), and the Twin Cities metropolitan area (3.4%). 3% 2% 1% Apartment Vacancy Rates 11 12 13 14 15 16 Source: Costar Cottage Grove's two seniors developments also have extremely low vacancy rates. Rents in the Costar -tracked properties have risen about 13% over the course of the last five years—a little over 2% a year. This is a smaller increase than in most parts of the Twin Cities. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 $1.00 $0.95 $0.90 Asking Rent Per Square Foot X0.85 r r i r r � 11 12 13 14 15 18 Source: Costar Rents in the two seniors developments are significantly higher, but more analysis would be required to understand how rents are impacted by the services that are available on site. 18 Development Considerations— Single Family Housing Single family home development is well established in Cottage Grove. It is on the radar screen of well-known national builders such as Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Pulte Homes. Both detached and townhome developments have shown notable success in Cottage Grove. The slower pace of development in recent years is due to a set of factors, many of which are widespread in the aftermath of the Great Recession. These include decreased builder capacity, more conservative lending practices in both construction loans and mortgages, and a macro shift in preferences toward rental housing and urban living. In Cottage Grove specifically, the pace of development is also highly dependent on the decisions of a dwindling set of individual landowners about when to sell their properties. If the land is providing an economic return from farming, the landowners may feel they can afford to be patient in waiting for a target land price. A countervailing factor relates to the metropolitan land supply for single family homes. As other locations that are suitable for single family home development are developed, there could be increased developer attention on Cottage Grove. Given this combination of considerations, we estimate an increased pace of single family home development in the coming years, although it may continue to lag the historically average pace of development. This is discussed in more detail below. Public sector role. The public sector's role in the development of detached home and townhome neighborhoods is primarily focused on maintaining subdivision regulations and review processes that result in the development of high quality neighborhoods, and coordinating the provision of infrastructure with the development process. More assertive steps may be needed, however, if there is a public goal of expanding the diversity of home offerings beyond what builders are delivering. These steps may include outreach to certain developers, or providing incentives. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Development Considerations— Multifamily and Senior Housing Cottage Grove faces some challenges in attracting multifamily housing development. Apartment and condominium developers are most comfortable building in established market areas, and in fact typically build very near other developments that have performed well and "proven the market." Cottage Grove lacks a development history that would support this market confidence. The rent levels in existing developments may give developers pause, since they are about half of the rents that would be required for a new building to make financial sense. Developers, whether urban or suburban, tend to seek high -amenity locations that have such characteristics as proximity to transit connections, high quality retail areas, or natural settings. It is possible to create a locational context with this kind of characteristics, but such settings are not currently established in Cottage Grove. Affordable housing development can bring multiple benefits to a city, including providing options for housing a City's diverse workforce, and establishing a high quality design standard. It is less sensitive to location, since rent levels are capped at defined levels. This makes it easier to attract, in some respects. On the other hand, it typically requires multiple layers of public financial support, which means that a supportive local context is extremely important in attracting this development. Senior housing will benefit from a high amenity location, but the quality of the site and in-house services are more important than the external context. It will typically require some public subsidy. Public sector role. Fostering a greater set of multifamily options in Cottage Grove is a more difficult challenge than supporting the ongoing buildout of single family neighborhoods. But the public sector's role will differ for different types of development. ♦ Building the context for market rate apartments requires a proactive set of activities that must be maintained over time. ♦ An affordable housing development proposal must be met with support that includes but is not limited to financial resources. 19 ♦ A senior housing development is also likely to require some public financial support. The following are strategies that can be pursued to increase the multifamily housing options in Cottage Grove. ♦ Rental townhome products could be an early focus, since they are most similar to the low density patterns that have already been established in Cottage Grove, and rents may come close to supporting the cost of construction. for a somewhat higher -income rental market. This could start to establish rent comps that build a financial case for new market rate apartments. ♦ The City might help to establish a high quality setting for new multifamily housing. Plans for the Cedarhurst and Cottage View areas, developed in the Ravine Master Plan, are examples of this, as are concepts for Landon Village, at a Red Rock BRT station area. ♦ Public attitudes can be a barrier to multifamily housing development. These concerns can be ♦ One or more high quality affordable housing softened over time through making opportunities developments might establish a high standard for to educate citizens. Options abound for design and good management, while setting the demonstrating how higher density housing can be stage for attracting market rate apartment good neighbors that support local businesses and developments. animate public places. The fiscal benefits of ♦ The City could seek and support the rehabilitation multifamily housing can also be explored. of one or more of the existing apartment buildings Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 20 Land Need Analysis Single family detached and townhome development. This historical pace of single family detached and townhome development is well documented in assessor data and building permit records. This diagram is offered again to illustrate the number of homes developed by decade. 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 Single Family Homes Constructed by Decade 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s ❑Detached Homes ❑Townhomes Source: Assessor Data Starting in 1960, the average number of for -sale homes constructed in Cottage Grove is around 180 homes per year, or 1,800 homes per decade. From 2007 to the present, by contrast, homes have been developed at the much -reduced pace of around 50 homes per year. Some of the reasons for the reduced development are outlined in the pages above. This analysis uses the following assumptions in projecting future single family detached and townhome development. ♦ The development market will recover from many of the conditions that have slowed the rate of single family home development. However, some of these conditions are more fundamental changes that will continue to exert influence over the long run. ♦ Single family development will continue to recover from the Great Recession, which we modeled by showing home production increasing by 10 units per year until a post -recession equilibrium is reestablished. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 ♦ The new equilibrium rate of development will be somewhat below the historic rate of development. We estimate 150 low density dwelling units a year will be the new equilibrium rate of development. Of course, in reality housing production varies greatly with the cycles of economic growth and recession. So the production rate would be expected to exceed 150 units a year in boom times, and underperform that number in recessionary years. It's also helpful to think in terms of a window of possibilities. Future housing growth could outperform or underperform these estimates by 30% or more. The following chart illustrates the estimated growth trajectory. Historic and Projected Single Family Housing Production 400 350 300 250 200 ISO---- 100 / / So 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040 —Historic # Units —Historic Average — Projected # Un -its 21 The following table shows the implications of this growth trajectory on the need for land for single family homes. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Calculation of the land needed to support single family housing growth is based on the following assumptions. ♦ Average (mean) lot size is 0.35 acres. This is consistent with a median lot size of 0.30 acres, which is the historic norm. Mean (average) lot size is commonly larger than median (typical) lot size, where some homes are developed on a large lot format. ♦ Lots cover 60% of total land. The remaining 40% is used for streets, parks, schools, trails, and common areas such as stormwater management features. Given these assumptions, the calculation of land from 2015 to 2020 is: 500 single family lots needed x 0.26 acres per lot 60% ratio of lot area to total land area = 220 acres of total land required The other calculations follow the same pattern. 22 Home Cumulative Production by Home Cumulative Decade Production Land Need (dwelling units) (dwelling units) (acres) 2015 to 500 500 220 2020 2020 to 1,470 1,970 850 2030 2030 to 1,500 3,470 1,500 2040 Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Calculation of the land needed to support single family housing growth is based on the following assumptions. ♦ Average (mean) lot size is 0.35 acres. This is consistent with a median lot size of 0.30 acres, which is the historic norm. Mean (average) lot size is commonly larger than median (typical) lot size, where some homes are developed on a large lot format. ♦ Lots cover 60% of total land. The remaining 40% is used for streets, parks, schools, trails, and common areas such as stormwater management features. Given these assumptions, the calculation of land from 2015 to 2020 is: 500 single family lots needed x 0.26 acres per lot 60% ratio of lot area to total land area = 220 acres of total land required The other calculations follow the same pattern. 22 Multifamily development. Land needs for future multifamily development is much more difficult to project than that for single family development. This is partly because the history of multifamily housing production in Cottage Grove has been very sporadic, as illustrated below. Multifamily Development (dwelling units) 300 250 200 150 100 so � IIII I 0 o0i m m m 0 0 0 ti m m m m m m m mm m m m m m 0 0 0 0 0 .-I .-I .-I .-I .-I .-I .-I .-I- .-I .-I .-I .-I .-I N N N N N Using data from the 2013 Housing Needs Analysis, it is possible to project cumulative demand for general occupancy apartments, and new senior housing, to be as follows. Cumulative Demand by 2030 General Occupancy Multifamily Housing Senior Housing 770 600 But demand estimates are different thanrg owth estimates, because multifamily housing development depends on more than the existence of demand. Multifamily development, whether for seniors or general occupancy, also requires supportive public policies, a constructive public partnership when project Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 proposals are received, and the availability of public financial support. If we make the assumption that a supportive policy framework and public financial resources are available to produce 50% of the development that the demand would support, we can estimate the following multifamily housing growth by decade. Cumulative Multifamilv Housine Production (dwelline units) The cumulative land need for multifamily production is: General Multifamily Housing Occupancy Senior Total 2015 (dwelling units) (acres) to 128 100 228 2020 15 2020 2020 2020 to 385 300 685 2030 2030 2030 to 1,142 76 to 642 500 1,142 2040 The cumulative land need for multifamily production is: Calculation of the land required to support the housing production is based on an assumed housing density of 15 dwelling units per acre. 23 Cumulative Multifamily Housing Cumulative Production Land Need (dwelling units) (acres) 2015 to 228 15 2020 2020 to 685 46 2030 2030 to 1,142 76 2040 Calculation of the land required to support the housing production is based on an assumed housing density of 15 dwelling units per acre. 23 Retail Market Context Existing Conditions According to the McComb Group report, Retail Market Analysis and Sales Potential (2015), Cottage Grove's retail areas encompassed 71 retail stores and 101 service establishments in 2015. Costar data puts the total retail footprint at 1.3 million square feet. Cottage Grove retail businesses are primarily located at two locations—the Gateway Area at the 80th Street exit and Highway 61, and the Jamaica Area at the Jamaica 1 I �\ `L 5t. Paut Park Saint Pal 'J I l 11 � 'm Avenue exit. Each of these retail areas support an array of businesses in freestanding and strip center formats, and from big box retailers to small stores. There are two small retail areas to the north, at 70th and Hinton Avenue, and at 70th and Keats Avenue. The map below, from the 2015 retail report, outlines the Gateway Area and Jamaica Area retail districts. We had added the two smaller retail nodes to the map. Source- Scan/US, Inc- and McComb Group, Ltd_ CottageGrove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report – Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 -Retail Areas 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 miles 24 Gateway Area. The Gateway Area at 801h Street and Highway 61 has a total of around 450,000 square feet of total retail floor area. If office developments are included, it is about 590,000 square feet of floor area. The total floor area has reduced by 200,000 square feet over the past 10 years by the closures of a Home Depot store in 2007, and a Rainbow Foods store in 2014. It will gain a new anchor this year in the form of a 95,700 square foot Hy Vee grocery store. Gateway Area Kont, K Fpm �'Kh's ,� w-ooe cts sc .� 3� eaxsts 91 � a 9�£ 4 s� e Source: Costar The map shows the Gateway retail area. In addition to identifying the multitenant shopping centers (as "SC"), the map calls out other existing anchor retailers by their logos. These include: ♦ Goodwill ♦ Kohl's The Hy Vee grocery store will be an important additional anchor store that will draw customers, and improve the performance of existing and future retailers in the area. Jamaica Area. The Jamaica retail area at Jamaica Avenue and Highway 61 has around 770,000 square feet of total retail floor area. Including office development, the total is 870,000 square feet. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Jamaica Area X 9L`,h51S © 90th st 5t 61 6 sc91st St �. m:tsxs z ; 8 b 921d St s 92nd St SC r 2 WPoint a {yy-77 a �Ou9 B s C5G ia•S7 ¢' 9@d T �4re5 m 10 vsrn sts E _ - = a1 }�" Langdon 9Eth St4 �� Source: Costar The map shows the Jamaica Avenue retail area. It identifies multitenant shopping centers and existing anchor retailers. Anchor stores are illustrated by their logos as: ♦ Target ♦ Walmart ♦ Aldi ♦ Cub Foods ♦ Menards Walmart opened in 2014. It is closer to the Innovation Road exit than to Jamaica Avenue, and should serve to attract additional retail development near Innovation Road. Keats & 70th Street. The neighborhood retail node at Keats & 70th is comprised of a SuperAmerica gas station/convenience store, a standalone retail building, and a strip center. Together they offer around 22,000 square feet of retail floor area. Hinton & 70th Street. The neighborhood retail node at Hinton and 70th Street offers around 56,000 square feet of commercial floor area -38,000 square feet of office space, and 18,000 square feet of retail. 25 Market Dynamics—Regional Metropolitan Area. The Twin Cities is a growing region with a vibrant and diversified economy—factors which support a positive long-term outlook for retail development in the region. Current market conditions are also strong. The economic recovery has supported store openings by established retailers and new entrepreneurs. This has resulted in steadily declining vacancy rates, and increases in retail rents. Retail Rents & Vacancies Twin Cities Metro Average Rental Rate !Vacancy Rate $14 $14 rl $13 d 0 v $13 a $13 c $13 rt $13 $13 2014 3q Source: Costar 2015 1 q 2015 3q 20161 q 6,0% ao m 4.0% u 1.0% > 0.0% Improving conditions are also seen in the positive absorption of retail space. And, while still nowhere near its pre -recession pace, an upward trend in the development of new retail space can clearly be seen. Retail Absorption and Construction Deliveries Twin Cities Metro 1.4 1.2 1.0 w O.8 C 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 (0.2) 2014 3q Source: Costar ■Net Absorption ■Deliveries 20151q 20153q 20161q Woodbury Submarket. Cottage Grove is in a southeast metro retail submarket which Costar has designated the "Woodbury Submarket". The majority of the Woodbury Submarket is in Washington County. This submarket is experiencing a very similar pattern to the metropolitan area as a whole. Vacancy rates have fallen from 5 %% to 4 %% since the beginning of 2013, and there has been positive absorption of retail space in 11 of the past 14 quarters. Average quoted rents are around $14.50 per square foot. Retail Vacancy, Absorption, and Deliveries Woodbury Submarket (Includes Cottage Grove) Delivered SP Absorption SP _Vacancy 0.250 6.0% 0.200- 5.M/ 0.150 4.0% 0.100- 0.050 3.0% 0.000 — — 2. GG (0.050)-- 1.0% (0.100)-- (0.1504 0.0% 2013 lq 2013 2q 2013 3q 2013 4q 2014 lq 2014 2q 2014 3q 2014 4q 2015 lq 2015 2q 2015 3q 2015 4q 2016 ]q 2016 2q Source: Costar Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 26 Market Dynamics—Cottage Grove Characteristics of existing retail areas. Cottage Grove's location relative to other retail areas has an important impact on the opportunity for additional retail development in Cottage Grove. One way to understand Cottage Grove's surrounding retail context is by viewing the array of shopping centers close to Cottage Grove. The map below illustrates shopping centers tracked by Costar according to type of center. Centers are given circular symbols that are illustrative of the size of the center. Large circles indicate regional centers. Small circles illustrate neighborhood -oriented retail centers. Source: Costar Retail areas along the northern edge of Woodbury are the destination retail focus of the east metro. Interstate 94, where the retail areas are primarily Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report – Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 situated, carries around 90,000 automobile trips each day, which is significantly more than Highway 61 in Cottage Grove. The retail areas in Woodbury benefit from a commuter -shed that extends north and south, and also well into Western Wisconsin. This has resulted in the presence of 4.4 million square feet of retail space in Woodbury, compared with 1.3 million square feet in Cottage Grove. Discounting for its greater population, Woodbury has a per capita retail footprint that is 1.8 times that of Cottage Grove. One effect of the retail primacy of northern Woodbury is that the many destination retailers who already have a presence in northern Woodbury may be reluctant to open a second store 10 miles away in Cottage Grove. But Cottage Grove has its own locational strengths. Woodbury's retail areas are 6 to 10 miles away by automobile. To the southeast, the nearest retail areas are a similar distance, and are smaller than the retail areas on Jamaica Avenue and 80th Street. Highway 61 is a commuter -shed highway in its own right. It is the most direct path to the central cities for most Cottage Grove residents, and for residents to the south and east of Cottage Grove, including those who live in Hastings, and in Prescott, Wisconsin. Around 35,000 automobile trips are recorded daily on Highway 61, and Cottage Grove's retail areas are highly visible from Highway 61. The cross streets carry important traffic volumes as well. The average daily traffic (ADT) on 80th Street is around 19,000 north of Highway 61, and 17,000 south of Highway 61. Jamaica Avenue carries 17,000 ADT north of Highway 61, and 10,000 south of Highway 61. Retail demand—trade area population and spending. Retailers understand their customer base in terms of a) numbers of, and b) preferences of, potential consumers. They ask a) how many consumers are likely to be drawn to or past a particular store location? And b), what are the shopping patterns of the particular groups of consumers that are in the vicinity of retail location? The Retail Market Analysis report defined a primary trade area for Cottage Grove retail areas. A primary trade area is the area from which 80% of the demand for retail goods and services is expected to come from. 27 Retail Trade Area Landfall_ L k.&.d S W , 1 Lak�. I Bexh -- � it West SY �IPau•'� ... All ren -.ply,.'■{,I South It P I � Merrclnln - — . dna He'aPubS _ — 1 - I 1' �. _ St. Paul Bark ` V [_ �nver Grove Hek]hls wk. Cottage Grove I: �� w — -- . ansemonM Cottage Grove Retail Areas l Hastings , Cottage Grove Trade Area I J N miles N L Source: Scan/US, Inc. and McComb Group, Ltd. On the basis of this trade area, the Retail Market Analysis estimated a trade area population of around 100,000 people, and households numbering around 36,000. Average household income in the trade area was estimated to be around $95,000 per year. These figures allow an estimate of the total retail purchasing power, or spending potential, of households in the trade area. The following table provides this spending potential, broken out by certain broad categories of store types. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Cottage Grove Trade Area Retail Purchasing Power, 2015 & 2020 (in thousands of dollars) Merchandise Category 2015 2020 Shopping Goods $506,198 $624,319 Food Service & Drinking $190,515 $234,970 Convenience Goods $288,188 $355,433 Gasoline Service Stations & Convenience $209,484 $258,366 Other Stores $502,330 $619,546 Total $1,696,715 $2,092,634 Source: McComb Group, Ltd 28 Note that total retail spending by households in 2015 in the trade area is estimated to be approximately $1.7 billion annually. Cottage Grove's retailers capture a "market share" of this spending, which varies by store type. For most categories the Cottage Grove market share ranges between 15% and 35%. That is above average for retail areas in the Twin Cities—which the Retail Market Report credits to the City's distance from competing shopping areas in Woodbury and Hastings. Retail demand—consumer segmentation. Consumer preferences and behavior in the Cottage Grove trade area are somewhat distinctive compared with consumer preferences and behavior in the core cities, or in rural parts of Minnesota. And that matters for the types of stores that may do well in Cottage Grove. One way retailers think about customer character is through identifying distinctive demographic and cultural groups that customers fall into—which are associated with distinctive spending patterns. This categorization of consumers is called segmentation. In ESRI's "Tapestry Segmentation" system, almost 70% of the trade area population falls into five segments (out of 67 ESRI segments). Their descriptions paint a portrait of the dominant demographic/cultural groups in the trade area, and their shopping behaviors. A brief profile of each segment is offered below. Much more detail can be obtained online. Tapestry Segments: Retail Trade Area Parks and Rec, Other 19% 31% Middleburg 17% Boomburbs 9% �- Green Acres Soccer Moms 9% i 15% Source: ESRI Business Analyst Online Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 ♦ Parks and Rec. This segment comprises 19% of trade area households. Most households are two - income families approaching retirement. They are "practical homeowners who have bought homes within their means." They budget wisely, and will carefully research big ticket items. ♦ Middleburg. This segment comprises 17% of trade area households. These households enjoy semirural subdivisions. They are conservative, family oriented consumers. Spending priorities are family goods and activities, and do it yourself projects. ♦ Soccer Moms. This segment comprises 15% of trade area households. It is an "affluent, family- oriented market with a country flavor." Mostly two income families, they look to a quiet suburban setting to offset life's pace. Households have higher than average incomes, and are active in family activities. Most households own at least two vehicles, and have the equipment to maintain their property. ♦ Green Acres. This segment comprises 9% of trade area households. They value country living and self-reliance. Most are homeowners. Many are empty nesters. Households are conservative, and active in their communities. They pursue gardening, and outdoor recreation. ♦ Boomburbs. This segment comprises 9% of trade area households. They are primarily young professional families with college educations, who opted to purchase a new suburban home. They appreciate new technology and leisure activities. Retailers know their markets, and those that sell products appealing to these to these demographic and cultural groups are likely to view Cottage Grove retail areas with interest. 29 Development Considerations Cottage Grove is well-positioned to continue building its retail sector. The Gateway and Jamaica Areas enjoy a well-defined locational niche between the commercial areas in Woodbury and Hastings. They capture a healthy commuter -shed and destination market, and there is no evident location for a new retail area to emerge that would take market share from them. In the future, these areas will benefit from further population growth in Cottage Grove, as well as in areas to the south. Retail development thrives where there are strong anchors. The existing anchors at the Gateway and Jamaica areas, with the addition of Hy Vee in the Gateway Area, are strong and well suited to the trade area population. There is potential for further anchor attraction. For example, a YMCA or similar large health club, and a movie theater complex are suggested in the 2015 Retail Market Analysis report. There is land available for retail expansion. The Jamaica area along Highway 61 in particular is fortunate to have breathing room. With the development of Walmart, the area between Walmart and Innovation Road has become a natural location for new retail development to be constructed, as population and market demand grows. This retail area, oriented primarily to Innovation Road, but connected to Jamaica Avenue via the Highway 61 frontage road, is called the Cottage View area in the East Ravine Master Plan. In addition to the Gateway, and the Jamaica/Cottage View Areas, City plans have identified additional areas for retail development. The commercial node at 70th and Hinton is built out, but two other areas have been explored for future retail development as part of a mixed use development vision. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 Cedarhurst. The East Ravine Master Plan has identified an expansion of the retail at Keats and 70th Street into the other three quadrants of the intersection. This area takes on a new character, and is dubbed "Cedarhurst" in the plan. It would offer neighborhood oriented retail which would serve newly developed residential neighborhoods to the north and east, as well as higher density residential development in the blocks closest to the intersection. It could further distinguish itself from the Gateway and Jamaica retail areas by offering some storefront or pedestrian -oriented retail formats—a retail character that is currently absent in Cottage Grove. Langdon Village. The proposed Red Rock bus rapid transit service offers an opportunity for the City to explore a higher -density, mixed use, development pattern on the south side of Highway 61 at Innovation Road. The vision for the area, called Langdon Village, is for a walkable mix of commercial and community businesses and activities, serving a new higher density neighborhood, as well as the broader City. It could expand Cottage Grove's retail, both in terms of land area, and in terms of offering a different character of retail development. New mixed use areas like Cedarhurst and Langdon Village have been created in suburbs like Cottage Grove, but they are challenging from a development perspective. Their distinctive character, and high amenity level, is important for achieving the rents that make the multifamily development work. And yet, retail stores require a certain amount of residential density and pedestrian traffic to do well. Assertive steps and patience are required on the public sector side. And an innovative master developer may need to be identified as a private sector partner. 30 Land Analysis With household numbers around 12,000 today, the Metropolitan Council's 2040 forecast of 17,300 households represents a 44% increase in number of households over that period. This analysis suggests a similar growth rate of 38% over that period. Metropolitan Council forecasted population growth over the current estimated population is a somewhat smaller 32% by 2040. Based on these estimates, this analysis makes the following assumptions. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 ♦ The growth in total retail purchasing power to 2040 will be around 40%. ♦ The trade area's growth in households and purchasing power will be at the same rate as Cottage Grove's. ♦ A 40% increase in overall purchasing power can be satisfied through a 35% increase in the retail land footprint, since efficiencies in land utilization and some more walkable retail formats are likely to be introduced over the time frame. The existing retail footprint in Cottage Grove is around 250 acres. An additional 87 acres of retail area should be identified to accommodate retail growth. 31 Industrial Market Context Existing Conditions Industrial development in Cottage Grove is focused in the Cottage Grove Business Park. The business park is south of Highway 61, and most easily accessible from Jamaica Avenue. Industrial Context Map Developed Undeveloped Business Fat i 3M Property r c a d � a l7 Source: Assessor Data, City of Cottage Grove 300 acres of property are developed in the Business Park, and there is room for facility expansion within some properties. Roughly the same amount of property is undeveloped. Aside from a 39 -acre parcel recently acquired for development, undeveloped property is in the hands of two property owners, one of which is the Soo Line Railroad Company. 115 acres of land south of the Business Park are also guided for industrial development. Rail access is available to some of the properties along the northern edge of the Business Park. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 The Cottage Grove Business Park offers a wide range of parcel sizes, with the largest being 73 acres. Land is fairly flat. Properties are well served by roads and utility infrastructure. Some regional stormwater facilities have been created, which reduces the extent of stormwater infrastructure that needs to be built on site, freeing up more of the land for development. Cottage Grove Business Park Source: Assessor Data, other information sources The property in the most northwesterly corner of the Business Park has received City approvals for an industrial development that would make use of an existing rail line spur. 32 Market Dynamics—Regional Metropolitan Area. The Twin Cities is a growing region with a vibrant and diversified economy—factors which support a positive long-term outlook for industrial development in the region. Current market conditions have strengthened in the industrial market. There has been positive absorption of industrial space in each of the past eight quarters. New development of industrial space region -wide is at around 2.5 million square feet per year over the last four years. That's up from around 0.5 million square feet per year in the preceding three years. But there's still room to grow, since the historic average is around 5 million square feet of new industrial space per year. Industrial Absorption & Deliveries: Twin Cities 20 1.8 1.6 1.4 w 1.2 O i.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 00 ■Jet Absorption ■llcli— 2014 3q 2015 Lq 2015 3q 2016 Iq Source: Costar The ongoing absorption of industrial space over the last few years demonstrates a growing demand, which manifests itself in two ways. The vacancy rate for industrial property has dropped over the past few years to under 5%. And industrial rents have been gradually rising. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 8.0% 7.0% 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% ti > 3.0 2.0% I.0% 0.0% Industrial Vacancy Rate: Twin Cities Minneapolis 40000olC"Ai'd Stales 2014:3q 20151q 2015:3q 20161q Source: Costar Industrial Rents: Twin Cities —Minneapolis --m—United states 2014 3q 2015 Iq 2015 3q 2016 Iq Source: Costar The tightening of industrial space leads to the development of new space. Increased rent levels also support new development, since higher rents are sometimes needed for new development to bring a financial return. East Submarket. Cottage Grove is in the "East" industrial submarket as defined by Costar. The East submarket aligns very closely with the boundary of Washington County. The East submarket is performing very similarly to the Twin Cities market as a whole, with a vacancy rate of around 5%. Average quoted rents are at $7.80, which is a little higher than the Twin Cities average rent of around $6.50. This could reflect a different mix of industrial building types. 33 Market Dynamics—Cottage Grove Strengths and weaknesses. While the regional focus of industrial development has been on other parts of the Twin Cities in recent years, the Cottage Grove Business Park has a number of characteristics that make it a strongly competitive location for industrial businesses. ♦ Connectedness. According to interviewees in the development and real estate community, the Business Park is understood to be very well connected to metropolitan freeway system as any vacant industrial land in the metropolitan area. ♦ Size of parcels. Large parcels are available for development. ♦ Topography. Properties are flat, which makes them suitable for large single -level facilities. ♦ Rail access. Rail access is available for some properties. ♦ Site readiness. Business Park properties are well served by the local street network and utilities. Some stormwater management is accommodated through regional facilities. ♦ Supportive local government. The City of Cottage Grove is known for its supportive stance toward business development, and for showing reasonable flexibility with regard to regulatory requirements. ♦ Residential options. Cottage Grove is a developing suburb that will continue to provide a range of home ownership options for employees of local businesses. ♦ Transit. The development of the Red Rock bus rapid transit line would provide opportunities for a reverse commute, which would expand the labor pool for businesses in the Business Park. ♦ Area amenities. There are nearby retail and restaurant amenities that employees of businesses can take advantage of. This is an impressive set of positive attributes, and there is little in the way of offsetting weaknesses— aside from the simple fact that "greenfield" industrial Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 development has reached this distance from the metropolitan center. Rents and Vacancies. The market strength of Business Park properties is demonstrated in the low level of property vacancies over the past 10 years. Industrial Vacancy Rate: CG Business Park 5% 06 08 10 12 14 16 Source: Costar Development of Business Park property took a pause during the great recession, but has now resumed with a set of facility expansions, and the recent acquisition of a 39 -acre property for new development. The following chart shows the incidence of new industrial development in the Business Park. The deliveries that are illustrated include both the physical expansion of existing facilities, and new development of industrial facilities. Construction Deliveries: CG Business Park 0 15 r 1 0.10 C 0 2 0.05 06 08 10 12 14 16 Source: Costar 34 Development Considerations Development context. The competitive landscape for industrial development is different from the competitive landscape for retail, in that industrial development in the Cottage Grove may be weighed against industrially zoned properties all over the Twin Cities. The positive attributes of Cottage Grove's Business Park are significant, and are expected to draw greater attention from the industrial business and real estate community over time. In fact, new attention on Cottage Grove is already evident in the recent or proposed expansion of four businesses in the Cottage Grove Business Park, and a new development proposal on recently acquired property. The Business Park is well suited to both light manufacturing, and office warehouse facilities. New industrial development in Cottage Grove may be initiated by developers, or by businesses that have need for new facilities. In either case, projects will normally be designed to meet the needs of a particular business user. In the current market context, we are less likely to see the development of an industrial facility "on spec"—that is, without an identified tenant It is common, however, for a business to occupy newly developed property on a tenant basis—even if the facility was built with their specific business needs in mind. Public sector role. There are several roles the City of Cottage Grove can play in order to attract additional industrial development to its Business Park area. These are roles that the City is familiar with. The City is already taking assertive public action in these areas, and that is a major factor in the existing attractiveness of the Business Park. Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 ♦ Site readiness. The City can continue taking actions to ensure that industrial sites are served by a strong street and utility network. Clearance and grading of industrial land can also contribute to site readiness. Providing common stormwater facilities makes for more efficient utilization of land. ♦ Marketing. The City can continue to take actions to highlight the desirable features of the Business Park, and to keep the Business Park on the radar screen of the commercial broker community. ♦ Business friendliness. The City can continue to demonstrate that it values existing and prospective businesses, and will accommodate new business needs in appropriate ways in its development review process. ♦ Increase industrially guided land. As discussed below, the City should be prepared to increase the size of the business park as needed. These actions establish a supportive foundation for attracting new business development to the City's Business Park. They are more fundamental and more important than the provision of public financial support. In fact, although it may be requested by some prospective businesses, it should not be necessary to provide public subsidy in order to attract business development to the Business Park. The attractiveness of the Business Park will continue to grow over time, as comparable Twin Cities properties become more distant from the metropolitan transportation network. The existing and growing attractiveness of the Business Park should also allow the City of Cottage Grove to set high standards for new development. 35 Land Analysis In contrast to the residential and retail sectors, the past rate of property development in the Business Park is not a good indicator of future business growth. Industrial land can reach tipping points at times of high economic activity, as similarly situated areas become built out, and as new development creates a buzz in the real estate community. These factors could lead to a succession of new development projects in the Business Park over the Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan Background Report — Market and Development Context Tangible Consulting Services, August, 2016 next five to ten years. Note that three or four additional large developments, similar to the one currently being pursued in the northwest corner of the Business park, would consume most of the remaining land in the Business Park. Given this, the City is advised to identify 300 acres of land that could serve as an expansion of the Business Park as needed, with options for further expansion in the coming decades. 36 APPENDIX B MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA PLAN COTTAGE GROVE, MINNESOTA May 18, 2018 Draft The layout, figures and formatting in this draft are preliminary. This document is included as an appendix in the Cottage Grove 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft INTRODUCTION The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) comprises 72 miles of river across 30 Twin Cities Metropolitan Area (TCMA) jurisdictions. The MRCCA is governed by special land planning requirements and land development regulations created to protect and preserve the natural, scenic, recreational, and transportation resources of this section of the Mississippi River. Local communities within the corridor are required to complete a MRCCA plan as a chapter of their Comprehensive Plan. History The was designated by Governor's Executive Order in 1976, following the passage of the 1973 Minnesota Critical Areas Act. On January 4, 2017, Minnesota Rules, chapter 6106 replaced Executive Order 79-19, which previously governed land use in the MRCCA. The rules require local governments to update their MRCCA plans and MRCCA ordinances for consistency with the rules. The MRCCA is important because of its many significant natural and cultural resources, including scenic views, water, navigation, geology, soils, vegetation, minerals, fauna, cultural resources, and recreational resources. The MRCCA is home to a full range of residential neighborhoods and parks, as well as river- related commerce, industry, and transportation. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Section to be developed. Future public meetings should address the Cottage Grove MRCCA. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS The Cottage Grove 2030 Comprehensive Plan described the Mississippi River Critical Area Plan and included the MRCCA Overlay District in 1 its Appendix. In 1982 Cottage Grove adopted the MRCCA Overlay District along the Mississippi River on the city's southern border. The critical area text includes the following sections: • Boundaries of the District • Permitted Uses • Accessory Uses • Existing Structures and Uses • Development Standards • Site Planning Requirements • Natural Resource Management =� U f S i Rver Surface Use • \- y - Mssiss ppi Rrver r-\ ' • Road, Utility and Pipeline Construction, and Routing Regulations Overlay District Boundary • Marinas; Barge Fleeting and Loading Facilities River Front Use and Access Sewage Treatment Plants, Sewage Outfalls and Water Intake Facilities Administration of Provisions The adopted boundary of the MRCCA 2018 MRCCA Boundary Overlay District within the city coincides with the current MRCCA boundaries. A key theme of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan as well as the 2040 Plan is Mississippi River Access. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 2 DISTRICTS Six districts are defined in MRCCA rules, based on the natural and built character of different areas of the corridor. Structure setbacks, height limits, and the amount of open space required for subdivisions vary by district. Four MRCCA districts are mapped for Cottage Grove. Rural and Open Space District (CA -ROS): Characterized by rural and low-density land uses and development patterns. In Cottage Grove, this district includes riparian lands or is visible from the river including Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, Grey Cloud Island, and undeveloped islands. River Neighborhood District (CA -RN): Characterized by primarily residential neighborhoods that are riparian or readily visible from the river or that abut riparian parkland. The district includes parks and open space, limited commercial development, marinas, and related land uses. In Cottage Grove, this district is applied in two areas along the river where the CA -ROS is not applied. Separated from River District (CA -SR): Characterized by its physical and visual distance from the Mississippi River. The district includes land separated from the river by distance, topography, development, or a transportation corridor. The land in this district is not readily visible from the Mississippi River. In Cottage Grove, this district covers the greatest acreages of the four districts. Urban Mixed District (CA -UM): Characterized by large areas of highly urbanized mixed use that are a part of the urban fabric of the river corridor. In Cottage Grove, this district includes the 3M plant. Figure 1: MRCCA Districts in Cottage Grove Sou`.h St Paul 4 1 c+a ury ii Newport � - ,ti reeeea ®eAe. Y T St noes I rave �I Helgh:s GFMBi Gray -,'loud lalanb T,.Yp.. k r Nlydnger T0?P. .i_1 Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft CONSISTENCY OF THE DISTRICTS AND THE 2040 FUTURE LAND USE MAP As part of their comprehensive planning process, the City of Cottage Grove has developed a future land use map. The map illustrates planned land uses including four categories of residential, commercial, mixed use, industrial, agricultural, park/open space, golf course, and transition planning area. The city is dominated by low density residential north of Highway 61. The land south of Highway 61 and north of the river is predominantly agricultural but mostly guided for industrial. Figure 2 depicts an overlay of the MRCCA Districts indicated by cross hatch and the 2040 Cottage Grove Future Land Use Map. Generally, the 2040 Future Land Use Map is or could be consistent with the MRCCA District mapping for Cottage Grove. Table x provides details. • CA-ROS areas are guided for Rural Residential and Low Density Residential. Existing land uses are generally consistent with the MRCCA and Future Land Use designations, but existing land uses include the excavation operation on the northerly end of Grey Cloud Island. • The two CA-RN areas within Cottage Grove are guided for residential neighborhoods with its Low Density Future Land Use designation. Today the easterly-most area includes low density residential land uses and farmland. • CA-SR areas are also guided for residential neighborhoods with its Low Density Future Land Use designation. • As described above, CA-UM areas are intended for areas of highly urbanized mixed use. The Future Land Use Map guides the area for "industrial development including research, manufacturing, distribution, assembly, and office uses. With the exception of the 3M Cottage Grove facility, industrial development will occur within the MUSA". Industrial uses are permitted by current zoning. Today, these 1,750 acres are occupied by 3M Cottage Grove, Cottage Grove's largest private employer, which employs more than 700 people in 35 buildings. Cottage Grove's Eagle's Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is also located in this area. Including additional policies in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan are required to address this area. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 4 Figure 2: MRCCA Districts in Cottage Grove 2040 Future Land Use with Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Program Districts ® kdnl L lP-. : sir=F I":rFCLI R. N. •agnbonocd Cls• t IL -=.fit~ ® Se �CA1 h;91.,)„ r —f CJ .RII is A II. -A: Rur`.1 Re -dell -1 u Lw'rut{rr�Je•I-- -rl �, f- ii ii 'Ym,ily R�Yclrr i _ 1 yl. r]r„ .,If P:a; d::r iA _:-vmm3C 31 I I I , sl ii I I ,.rrivuff .r, u P:rrwopvn. -arc n, iiii- sn i i ii ! N::u 15-r3nn,. Ka'Ir. 1 F7[,N c -onp Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 5 WATER SETBACKS AND HEIGHT LIMITS Table x indicates the Setbacks and Height Limits for the zoning categories represented within the MRCCA. As setbacks from water bodies are not included in these zoning categories, the rear setbacks are listed. Table 2 - Regulations Table 1 - Category Comparisons MRCCA District Future Land Use Map Rear Setback Existing Land Uses AGI Agricultural Preservation n/a Categories 30 feet AC2 Agriculture n/a n/a Rural Residential . Agriculture CA -ROS • Low Density Residential • Single Family Residential Rural and Open • Industrial . Extractive Space District • Park /Open Space • Park, Recreational or Preserve n/a 30 feet 35 feet • Undeveloped CA -RN • Low Density Residential • Single Family Residential 35 feet3 • Golf Course River . Undeveloped Neighborhood District Low Density Residential . Single Family Residential Rural Residential . Manufactured Housing Parks CA -SR . Commercial . Retail and Other Commercial Separated from • Industrial . Golf Course River District • Park, Recreational or Preserve • Agriculture • Undeveloped Industrial . Industrial and Utility CA -UM Urban . Undeveloped Mixed District . Agriculture WATER SETBACKS AND HEIGHT LIMITS Table x indicates the Setbacks and Height Limits for the zoning categories represented within the MRCCA. As setbacks from water bodies are not included in these zoning categories, the rear setbacks are listed. Consider amending the adopted zoning regulations to add text to the Development Standard sections to add a reference to the MRCCA part of the code. 1 Non-farm structures z Measured from normal high-water s With exceptions Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 6 Table 2 - Regulations Water Setback Rear Setback Height Limits' AGI Agricultural Preservation n/a 50 feet 30 feet AC2 Agriculture n/a n/a 30 feet R-1 Rural Residential n/a 50 feet 30 feet R2 Residential Estates n/a 50 feet 30 feet R3 Single Family Residential n/a 35 feet 30 feet R4 Low Density Residential n/a 35 feet 35 feet 11 Limited Industrial n/a 30 feet 35 feet 12 General Industrial n/a 60 feet 45feet MRCCA Districts 100 feet 2 n/a 35 feet3 Consider amending the adopted zoning regulations to add text to the Development Standard sections to add a reference to the MRCCA part of the code. 1 Non-farm structures z Measured from normal high-water s With exceptions Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 6 Policies • Guide land use and development and redevelopment activities consistent with the management purpose of each district. Implementation Actions • Amend existing or adopt new MRCCA ordinance overlay district compliant with the goals and policies of the MRCCA plan, and with Minnesota Rules, part 6106.0070, Subp - Content of Ordinances. • Update zoning map to reflect new MRCCA districts. • List any actions to be taken to pursue implementation flexibility (if any areas were identified as needing implementation flexibility during the planning process). • Ensure that information on the new MRCCA districts and zoning requirements is readily available to property owners to help them understand which ordinance requirements - such as setbacks and height requirements - apply to their property for project planning and permitting. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 7 PRIMARY CONSERVATION AREAS Primary Conservation Areas (PCAs) are defined as key resources and features that are given priority consideration for protection. PCAs include shore impact zones, bluff impact zones, floodplains, wetlands, gorges, areas of confluence, natural drainage routes, unstable soils and bedrock, native plant communities, cultural and historic properties, significant existing vegetative stands, tree canopies, and other identified resources. SHORELINE IMPACT ZONES The shore area is environmentally sensitive and needs special protection from development and vegetation removal. The shore impact zone is a "buffer" area between the water's edge and the area where development is permitted. The shore impact zone runs along the entirety of the length of the city along the Mississippi River and includes the shorelines of the city's islands. The shore impact zone is narrow in depth. Figure 3: Shoreline Impact Zones ._. =.._.._..__..=1 .:_.�_.. .._.._._. _.._.._.._.._ _.._.._.._.._ ......... —[�d51k£I 5 Mississippi River Corridor ✓' - Critical Area (MRCCA) — 1 Shore Impact Zones (SIZ) I_, City Boundary, ), I Share Impact Zones SIZ Open Water r�lemenwve 1�yi nnsrs �• �. - riansrs j P.— May .over 1 May I, 2111$ 0 4,506 4,090 Feet ✓�� r' Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 8 FLOODPLAINS AND WETLANDS The 100 -year floodplain areas are focused on a narrow strip along the river, the edges of a few islands and inlets. Wetlands in this area are limited. i mart - 5L nNIIMIs,3 . 11 ,f st P'fflr r. �ePk '• ISY9f k. G)- — a Fial�lke �'� �• �° � L � GroV'a f r r' Gr" Clflud 3IaW TYwp Y AI 4 Runt .x- i Y a. Natural Drainage Ways Natural drainage ways are linear depressions that collect and drain surface water. They may be permanently or temporarily inundated. Five natural drainage ways in the MRCCA area of the city flow towards the Mississippi River (Figure 5). They vary in size and all have many tributaries outside of the MRCCA. One is an impaired waterway (Figure 5). The most significant of these is the Cottage Grove Ravine. Features crossing these drainage ways include roadways. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 9 Figure 5: MRCCA Drainage Ways �swnt - P�ul '� I 4r�mom sur¥ - a s ..... ,.�_, I ' 03UI R3rk I3Igh'sGruvI -- a r f . y r �'I lAsnd Tip. a ry Y • � s h Ininggr T` R 1v;lna. Y ii NATIVE PLANT COMMUNITIES AND SIGNIFICANT VEGETATIVE STANDS As seen in Figure 6, most of the native plant communities in the city are located along the river's edge. Native plant communities identified in the Minnesota Biological Survey represent most of the quality native plant communities remaining in Cottage Grove. Significant vegetative stands are plant communities identified by the National Park Service as largely intact and connected and containing a sufficient representation of the original native plant community. This vegetation contributes to the scenic value of the MRCCA. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 10 Figure b: MRCCA Vegetation -S*uth `.. Paul " ' S 04 ��. I F;iul Inarar Groan i i�lgh`� I I l = r GrEY ckwd � -J Island Tapp. L _J k s _�� .. �, � r. _ •sir _ - — h lningar Rommount NP. %% HGsting '•, CULTURAL AND HISTORIC PROPERTIES Sites of National Significance There are four sites in Cottage Grove listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it appears that only one is within the MRCCA4.: Grey Cloud Lime Kiln Located at the east end of the MRCCA on Grey Cloud Island Trail This archaeological site includes a series of 34 conical mounds, a settlement site from the Woodland Period (1000 BCE to 1700 CE). Through numerous archaeological surveys, pot sherds, stone tools, and fire cracked rocks were discovered. Fire and refuse pits have also been discovered. Archaeologists believe that the site was occupied through many periods and climatic shifts. " National Register of Historic Places, on-line mapping. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 11 State Register of Historic Places The Hope Glen Farm, a property of local historic interest, is located just outside the MRCCA on the north side of Point Douglas Road South. UNSTABLE SOILS AND BEDROCK Soil is a mixture of sand, gravel, silts, clay, water, and air. The stability of soil can be attributed to the mix of these ingredients and other factors such as frost action, high saturation depth, steep slopes, low soil strength, ponding, high shrink -swell rates, subsidence, and other soil stability issues. Bedrock is lithified rock underlying loose deposits such as soil or alluvium. As seen in Figure 7, soil erosion in most of the MRCCA is low. Soils with higher erosion susceptibility are primarily located in the ravine areas. Figure 7: Soil Erosion Susceptibility - „ J r Mississippi River Corridor i Critical Area (MRCCA) Soil Erosion Susceptibility I..i City Boundary Open Water .: x t i MRCCA Soil Erosion Susceptibility Value =r High', ].96 Law:0.02 1' i..• i I � r „i 61 i 07 a 1 7 ', mi..i::iovrnYr t May 1. 2018 i 0 4.500 ..µ `+•G00 Feet N. z Policies • Protect PCAs including shore impact areas, wetlands and floodplain areas, native plant communities, and bluff areas and unstable areas subject to erosion. Minimize impact to PCAs from public and private development and land use activities (landscape maintenance, river use, walking/hiking, etc.). • Support mitigation of impacts to PCAs through, subdivisions/PUDs, variances, CUPS, and other permits. • Make restoration of removed Native Plant Communities and natural vegetation in riparian areas a high priority during development. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 12 • Support alternative design standards that protect the LGU's identified PCAs, such as conservation design, transfer of development density, or other zoning and site design techniques that achieve better protections or restoration of primary conservation areas. • Make permanent protection measures (such as public acquisition, conservation easement, deed restrictions, etc.) that protect PCAs a high priority. Implementation Actions • Ensure that information on the location of PCAs is readily available to property owners to understand how PCA -relevant ordinance requirements, such as vegetation management and land alteration permits, apply to their property for project planning and permitting. • Establish procedures and criteria for processing applications with potential impacts to PCAs, including: o Identifying the information that must be submitted and how it will be evaluated, o Determining appropriate mitigation procedures/methods for variances and CUPs, o Establishing evaluation criteria for protecting PCAs when a development site contains multiple types of PCAs and the total area of PCAs exceed the required set aside percentages. o Developing administrative procedures for integrating DNR and local permitting of riprap, walls and other hard armoring. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 13 PUBLIC RIVER CORRIDOR VIEWS According to the MRCCA, public river corridor views (PRCVs) are views toward the river from public parkland, historic properties, and public overlooks, as well as views toward bluffs from the ordinary high-water level of the opposite shore, as seen during the summer months. PRCVs are deemed highly valued by the community and are worth protecting because of the aesthetic value they bring to the MRCCA. Today, there are few opportunities for public river corridor views within Cottage Grove. There are few roads along the river and most of those are tree -lined or have homes along the river's edge, largely obscuring the shoreline. River corridor views are available on the bridges. Figure x illustrates the rare opening between trees where someone in a car or on a bicycle could see the river. The City has identified five significant public views of the river from Cottage Grove and two significant views of Cottage Grove from nearby bluffs that are illustrated in the photos and map below. Grey Cloud Trail South - This public view is on the northern end of the bridge leading to Lower Grey Cloud Island. It is looking north-northwest (Figure 8). 2. Grey Cloud Trail South - This public view is near Hazen P Mooers Park on the south end of the bridge leading to Lower Grey Cloud Island. It is looking east toward the Mooers Lake section of the river (Figure 9). 3. Schaars Bluff - This public view was taken from the trailhead parking lot of Schaars Bluff Trail. It is looking north toward Cottage Grove from Nininger Township (Figure 10). 4. Scientific and Natural Area - This public view is from the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area near 103rd Street South and Hadley Avenue South. It is looking south (photo will be incorporated). 5. River Oaks Golf Course - This public view is from the River Oaks Golf Couse clubhouse, owned by the City of Cottage Grove. It is looking south (photo will be incorporated). River Oaks Scenic Overlook - The River Oaks Scenic Overlook has public views of Spring Lake Regional Park and Lake Rebecca Park in Nininger Township. It is looking south (photo will be incorporated). 7. Nininger Boat Launch -This public view is of the river's bluff in Cottage Grove from Nininger Township. It is looking north (photo will be incorporated) . Figure 8: View #1 from Grey Cloud Trail S Figure 9: View #2 from Grey Cloud Trails S Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 14 Figure 10: View from Shaars Bluff Trail Figure 11: View from the Scientific and Natural Area Figure 12: View from the River Oaks Golf Course Clubhouse Figure 13: View from the River Oaks Scenic Overlook Figure 14: View from the Nininger Boat Launch Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 15 Figure 15: Location of Public River Corridor Views (PRCVs) 1 4 2V A Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 16 4 1 ® 7 3 Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 16 PRIORITIES FOR RESTORATION MRCCA rules identify the highest restoration priority as areas not currently in native vegetation. As Figure 16 illustrates, most of the vegetation along the River's edge is considered by the DNR to be either Native Plant Communities or Significant Existing Vegetative Stands. The MRCCA does include Vegetation. Figure 16: Native Plant Communities and Significant Existing Vegetative Stands St. pfll� °6JL � i�..— —�� _ A y�� BMP 1A#.. I•rl C. mma,Y. I�—rv.vnar�„w�L,�me 1 9...7 i St i11'1 1 r ,I I MEW � "pryru _ IN8f9d T51rp. 9 �� — F Inlnpr TIAR GBWTK Unt � 5 ® � H�ting�'°•5 Y r, Policies • Protect and minimize impacts to PRCVs from public and private development activities. • Protect and minimize impacts to PRCVs from public and private vegetation management activities. • Protect PRCVs located within the community and identified by other communities (adjacent or across the river). Implementation Actions • Ensure that information on the location of PRCVs is readily available to property owners to understand how PRCV-relevant ordinance requirements, such as vegetation management and land alteration permits, apply to their property for project planning and permitting. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 17 • Establish procedures for processing applications with potential impacts to PRCVs, including: o Identifying the information that must be submitted and how it will be evaluated. o Developing visual analysis approach for CUPS for additional height in the RTC and UM districts (if applicable), as well as for proposed PUDs and variances, and determining appropriate mitigation procedures/methods for variances and CUPs. • Actively communicate with other communities to protect views other communities have identified in your community that are valuable, and vice versa. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 18 RESTORATION PRIORITIES Restoration of natural habitat is important for local wildlife and providing valuable ecosystem services. Cottage Grove is home to native plant communities and significant existing vegetative stands, particularly along the river and on Grey Cloud Island. Figure 17: Restoration Priorities St. Paul i li c lny i se�ae.�a•nwv:,.s�a St I i Paul PBrh Inner II Grove li•3(�h`e •''�5 I r��g GrDVD G1111 C:l*ud I318nv 1)%p. , e hlning3r T5wp• � ' Easarnount Hasfingp\ Policies • Protect native and existing vegetation during the development process and require restoration if any is removed by development. Priorities for restoration shall include stabilization of erodible soils, riparian buffers and bluffs or steep slopes visible from the river. • Seek opportunities to restore vegetation to protect and enhance PRCVs identified in this plan. • Seek opportunities to restore vegetation in restoration priority areas identified in this plan through the CUP, variance, vegetation permit and subdivision/PUD processes. • Sustain and enhance ecological functions (habitat value) during vegetation restorations. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 19 • Evaluate proposed development sites for erosion prevention and bank and slope stabilization issues and require restoration as part of the development process. Implementation Actions • Ensure that information on the location of natural vegetation restoration priorities is readily available to property owners to understand how relevant ordinance requirements apply to their property for project planning and permitting. • Establish a vegetation permitting process that includes permit review procedures to ensure consideration of restoration priorities identified in this plan in permit issuance, as well as standard conditions requiring vegetation restoration for those priority areas. • Establish process for evaluating priorities for natural vegetation restoration, erosion prevention and bank and slope stabilization, or other restoration priorities identified in this plan in CUP, variances and subdivision/PUD processes. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 20 SURFACE WATER USES Even with its lengthy Mississippi River shoreline, Cottage Grove has few surface water uses. Included is some recreational boat traffic but no recreational marinas. There is barge traffic related to the Aggregate Industries - Nelson Plant (formerly- J. L. Shiely) on Grey Cloud Islands. Figure 18: Grey Cloud Island 5 Minnesota's River Terminals, March 2013 Figure 19: Barge Docking and Loading Facility Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 21 WATER -ORIENTED USES Even with its lengthy Mississippi River shoreline, water -oriented uses are very limited within Cottage Grove. Included are single-family residential docks, canoe launch facilities, camp sites, day use areas, picnic areas and the barge facilities related to the Aggregate Industries - Nelson Plant (formerly- J. L. Shiely) on Grey Cloud Island6. The current Planned Parks, Open Space and Trails document does not include any proposed water -oriented uses. Policies • Recognize the Mississippi River as a "working river" that is important to the economy of the Twin Cities metropolitan area and the Midwest. • Minimize potential conflict of water surface uses authorized under Minn. Statute, Chapter 86B (MR 6110.3000 - 6110.3800) . • Provide for barge fleeting (if applicable) and identify areas where barge fleeting could have a negative impact on PCAs and should be avoided. • Seek to balance commercial and recreational surface water uses. Surface Water Uses - Implementation Actions • Adopt surface water regulations authorized under Minn. Statute, Chapter 86B (MR 6110.3000 - 6110.3800) Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 22 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Open space and recreational facilities can include parks, trails, scenic overlooks, natural areas and islands. These add to the quality of a community and increase access for the public to enjoy. Open space and recreational facilities within Cottage Grove's MRCCA include the area of the Grey Cloud Park within the city, part of the Mississippi River Trail Bikeway and the Grey Cloud Dunes SNA. Both Transportation Trails and Recreational Trails are proposed within Cottage Grove's MRCCA. Extensions of the existing Transportation Trail system are proposed fin the 2040 Plan; one along the Grey Cloud Trail S bridge and another along E. Point Douglas Rd S. An additional extension is proposed just north of the MRCCA on Ideal Ave S. A short segment of the Recreational Trails is proposed on the east side of the Grey Cloud SNA. Figure x indicates their location. Utilizing part of Lower Grey Cloud Island as a state or county park is also in discussion. Figure 20: Open Space and Parks I pg � A{, Planned Parks, 651 ,15- S if {•, 4 -JT :Lt?t = • `Y ! r,• Open Space and Trails xii II W <rrirn i•,r I •in'•, ,.. rte`;iYo -- 2CAC'Irar ritad Re,.reo 9n Trci I � f r j*,r — =xs lnp-rancp,•t7tlan liails A - }si= ••r ---' )''44'Ior rlZ{i TrUiI wlr•,a,a.c 1 'V r .......' :rd r r y ,r �,•a,� 1 Ir y — =rrs"Ind Sldewdk .W -miopi kivc;r-ral Bikcw i _ I r . ,k - r_k I"-�� yyy, V -s :]FIs :alll :o:j':Ik 4 Y' d �� ,.. •r i v Wiper Sccce il I' r� fdz. 4r, <rrlr,a�n•n rar:I-tv d `�} -a � �I•.ISA r �� SMIF jr:iYr fit: ❑"id N❑ .n❑ Alea3 - -- - - -- . �la•ine.� Palks.lC7pen apcce , �*„ I - _ ,.� I - 4 ,SI • .r' i L4 r_ } AN Boundary i - II Viol - AL -1 i zY 1 h r r � I �.. _.._.. _..1 i J, — r S RYssWA[p kr+tt I� 17 1.5^D 9,� r�ct to I N�' 'ai.'... a..i%..-�r.':'.'.F:i..l.`.'l:�i:.:l:.. k. 'A I .r Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 23 Policies • Encourage creation, connection, and maintenance of open space, recreational facilities, including public access to the river. • Encourage that land dedication requirements be used to acquire land suitable for public river access. Implementation Actions • Develop a system for reviewing, tracking, and monitoring open space as development occurs. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 24 TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES Transportation and utility facilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, stormwater) can have negative impacts on scenic views, habitat, and soil stability. Proper design and development of these facilities can minimize their impacts on the MRCCA. Figure 21: Roads in the MRCCA Planned Future Roadway Functional Classificatiom with Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Program Districts R-1 & 0,, Space DM—i (CA-ROSi W—Neighborhood D,,t—t (CA -KN) Separated from River Disinct (CA -SR) ® Urban Mixed Didnct SCA -UM] Prncipol Artenal A -Mi— Relieve, A -Miner Expander A-Mi—Connector M q- Collector MSnor Collecior Crfv Street �• .. �Cd, B—d., ••Open Water _ N 4 �V- Ik- ka:0 RR N ------------------ MaV 14 2018 01 4,500 00 Feet ar Various Cottage Grove Road facilities cross or abut the MRCCA. These include the roadways show on Figure 20 and listed in Table x. Cottage Grove's Eagle's Point Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as the usual residential water, wastewater and electric lines are located within the MRCCA. In the 2040 Plan, two roadway extensions are proposed within Cottage Grove's MRCCA. One is an extension of Washington Co Hwy 19 and the other extends Hadley Ave S to 103rd St S and connects to Grey Cloud Trail S. Table 3: Roads in the MRCCA 1 E. Point Douglas Rd S - edge of MRCCA 2 100th St S 3 4 103rd St S 109th St ' —`` LJ� T1s I 951n 515 6 7 II tOtlAiSF I 5�I ka:0 RR N ------------------ MaV 14 2018 01 4,500 00 Feet ar Various Cottage Grove Road facilities cross or abut the MRCCA. These include the roadways show on Figure 20 and listed in Table x. Cottage Grove's Eagle's Point Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as the usual residential water, wastewater and electric lines are located within the MRCCA. In the 2040 Plan, two roadway extensions are proposed within Cottage Grove's MRCCA. One is an extension of Washington Co Hwy 19 and the other extends Hadley Ave S to 103rd St S and connects to Grey Cloud Trail S. Table 3: Roads in the MRCCA 1 E. Point Douglas Rd S - edge of MRCCA 2 100th St S 3 4 103rd St S 109th St 5 1 13th St S 6 7 1 15th St S Hadley Ave S 8 Innovation Rd 9 10 Miller Rd Ideal Ave S 11 Grey Cloud Trail S Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 25 Policies • Minimize impacts to PCAs and PRCVs from solar and wind generation facilities, public transportation facilities and public utilities. Implementation Actions • Incorporate specific design and placement conditions that minimize impacts to PCAs and PRCVs into local permits for solar and wind generation facilities and essential and transmission services. Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 26 KEY ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES To be developed Cottage Grove Critical Area Plan May 18, 2018 draft 27 °y;P �-J �c r — �- _ 65th-St'S 7. — Y 2040 Future Land Use b I '_ �••�r City Boundary \ 70tnStS — — — Major Future Roadways + L ® Agriculture Preserve Rural Residential Low Density Residential o Pullman -Ave •-� a -Medium Density Residential � � o �%\ � aotn st s - High Density Residential � ♦ Commercial CD Mixed Use F ® Mixed Use within 300' of Arterial Roadways p°joo i j Q ® Industrial ::F Public/Semi-Public Agricultural 96tn st s E_ 1 ♦ —Y F-- / Parks/Open Space Golf Course ; 5th- Transition th Transition Planning Area 01 i Open Water z _ ♦�� c i Street and Railroad Right -of -Ways N 100th'St'S 100th-StS� 7 + o . � v 1..�..� ter.! •rer..�..1 11othStS � 61 �1 0� A 4 > ((111�� ••�..�� Mississippi River 40 May 17, 2018 '�•�'�/��•• +'�•. 0 4,500 9,000 Feet N V:\1938\active\193803560\GIS\Projects\2040 Future Land Use.mxd �..�•,�.r�• 1 a 7 1 1 1 1 1 MmCottage Grove If -/,ere Pride and ?Vo5perity Meet TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: John McCool, Senior Planner DATE: May 25, 2018 RE: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update — Public Comments On May 18, 2018, the City mailed a notice to 649 property owners informing them that the future land use designation for their property is proposed to change on the 2040 Future Land Use Map. The property owners were also informed of the public hearing scheduled for May 29, 2018. As of May 25, 2018, three email messages and nine telephone calls were received. A copy of the three email messages are attached and a summary of the nine telephone calls are listed below: Phone Messages 1. Martha Schmaltz — 10398 Grey Cloud Trail South Ms. Schmaltz asked what the "Transition Planning Area" land use designation meant. She was informed that the future land use designation for her property (5.3 acres) is currently designated "Transition Planning Area" and the proposed 2040 Future Land Use Plan continues to show her property as "Transition Planning Area." The property is currently zoned R-1, Rural Residential District. (Receive May 21, 2018) 2. Ryan Finnegan, 212 Elm Street, Farmington, MN — PID 25.027.21.24.0001 (southwest of Lehigh Avenue and 100th Street) Mr. Finnegan explained they purchased farmland in 2014 and immediately applied to have the Agricultural Preserve Program terminated with future plans to subdivide the property into rural lots. Mr. Finnegan said he could not attend the public hearing. He was told he could submit his concerns/request in writing. (Received May 21, 2018) 3. Larry Holman — 7993 River Acres Road South Mr. Holman pointed out that some of the illustrations in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan labeled the Burlington Northern -Santa Fe Railroad tracks as Grey Cloud Trail. He interpreted this label to mean that the railroad track would in the future be a public trail corridor and wanted to know if the trail would be a gravel, paved, walking, and/or biking trail. (Received May 21, 2018) 4. Dennis Lindala — 10426 Grey Cloud Trail South Mr. Lindala asked what the "Transition Planning Area" land use designation meant. He was informed that the future land use designation for his property (0.75 acre) is currently designated "Transition Planning Area" and the proposed 2040 Future Land Use Plan continues to show his Planning Commission Members 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update — Public Comments May 25, 2018 Page 2 of 3 property as "Transition Planning Area." The property is currently zoned R-1, Rural Residential District. (Received May 21, 2018) 5. Chris Kirulin (Acorn Mini Storage) — 8625 West Point Douglas Road South Mr. Kirulin inquired what the difference is between the current "Industrial" land use designation on the 2030 Future Land Use Map and the "Mixed Use" land use designation for the proposed 2040 Land Use Map. The owner was satisfied that the proposed land use designation does not affect his existing commercial use. The property is currently zoned 1-1, Limited Industrial District. (Received May 22, 2018) 6. Steve Gies, 4280 Scenic Drive, Woodbury, MN — PID 11.027.21.12.0003 (south of 70th Street and west of the Cottage Grove Cemetery) Property owner acknowledged that his 130 acres of farmland continues to be designated (with some boundary modifications) as "Low Density Residential" and "Parks and Open Space." The property owner understood that his property is in the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA) and wanted to know when city water and sanitary sewer will be made available. He also acknowledged that the future Ravine Parkway alignment had shifted to the common boundary line adjoining Tom Goebel's land. (Receive May 23, 2018) 7. Jason with Zion Lutheran Church — 8500 Hillside Trail South Inquired what the difference is between the current "Low Density Residential" land use desig- nation on the 2030 Future Land Use Map and the "Public/Semi-Public" land use designation for the proposed 2040 Land Use Map. The owner was satisfied that the proposed land use desig- nation does not affect the continued Church use. (Received May 23, 2018) 8. Gary Zuckweiler, Farmers Insurance — 7449 80th Street South Inquired about the difference between the current "Commercial" land use designation on the 2030 Future Land Use Map and the "Mixed Use" land use designation for the proposed 2040 Land Use Map. The owner was satisfied that the proposed land use designation does not affect the continued commercial use for the property and that the existing B-2, Retail Business District, zoning is not proposed to change. (Received May 23, 2018) 9. Rhonda Fletcher — 8958 92nd Street South Inquired what the difference is between the current "Commercial" land use designation on the 2030 Future Land Use Map and the "Medium Density Residential" land use designation for the proposed 2040 Land Use Map. The owner was satisfied that the proposed land use designation accurately describes the existing townhouse neighborhood as a residential use. (Received May 24, 2018) Planning Commission Members 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update — Public Comments May 25, 2018 Page 3 of 3 Email Messages 1. Christine Martin — 10876 Ideal Avenue South Requested that the 7.5 acres of land at 10876 Ideal Avenue be designated "industrial" on the 2040 Future Land Use Map. The property was designated "Transition Planning Area" on the 2030 Future Land Use Map and is currently zoned AG -1, Agricultural Preservation, but is not enrolled in the agricultural preserve program. The property currently has one residential dwell- ing and is the A&F Auto Salvage site. (Received May 17, 2018) 2. Jim Hanson, JRH Properties of Cottage Grove (Perkins Restaurant) — 7165 East Point Douglas Road South Inquired what the difference is between the current "Commercial" land use designation on the 2030 Future Land Use Map and the "Mixed Use" designation for the proposed 2040 Land Use Map. The owner was satisfied that the proposed land use designation does not affect his exist- ing commercial use. The property is currently zoned B-3, General Business District. (Received May 21, 2018) 3. Karen Finnegan, 212 Elm Street, Farmington, MN— PID 25.027.21.24.0001 The Finnegans purchased approximately 75.5 acres of land in 2014. At that time, the property was enrolled in the Agricultural Preservation Program by the previous landowner. The Finnegans filed documents to terminate participation in the Agricultural Preservation Program, expiring on November 18, 2021. The Finnegans requested that their farmland be designated "High Density Residential" on the 2040 Future Land Use Map. (Received May 24, 2018) This information will be entered into the public record at the May 29, 2018 public hearing. Attachments: • Christine Martin — 10876 Ideal Avenue — email message dated May 17, 2018 • Jim Hanson, JRH Properties of Cottage Grove (Perkins Restaurant) — 7165 East Point Douglas Road — email message dated May 21, 2018 • Karen Finnegan, 212 Elm Street, Farmington, MN — PID 25.027.21.24.0001 — email message dated May 24, 2018 From: Christine <thunderette@live.com> Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2018 1:38 PM To: John Burbank <JBurbank@cottagegrovemn.gov> Subject: Fw: Zoning property Good Afternoon John — The family would like to go on record: We are requesting that 10876 Ideal Avenue So. Cottage Grove, be included in the future industrial zoning plan. Currently the 7.5 acre parcel has one acre of industrial use grandfathered in. We have been informed that the parcel is in transition. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely Christine Martin, daughter of Owner Dorothy Martin From: James Hanson [mailto:jrhprop@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, May 21, 2018 3:33 PM To: John McCool Subject: Hi John, I am Jim Hanson from JRH Properties of Cottage Grove, Perkins. I own the property there & received notice today, via the mail, about the DRAFT plan 240. 1 did try and go on-line, but didn't have much success. I am aware of the upcoming meeting on the 29th, but am kindly asking how this plan will affect my property, along with the respective timetable. As of now, I will not be able to attend that meeting. Perkins corporate is a tenant of mine in this location so any quick insight you can share would be much appreciated. I can then pass on anything of significance to them. In fact, I have a meeting there this coming Wednesday at around 12:30 and would be happy to stop by earlier for a few minutes if that option has any value. In addition to my email address that you now have, my phone number is 612-991-9644. Thank you in advance for your assistance! Kindest Regards, Jim Sent from my iPad WYA 2018 City Of Cottage ttag� e - q�_ ___ _ -rove Attention- John McCool 12800Ravine Parkway South Cottage Grove-, MN 55016 Re PID: 25.02-7.21.2-4.00701 PID: 25.027.21.22.000,1 Dear Mr. McCool, Planning Commission and City Council, This letter is in response to the DRAFT 2W Go Plan W6-wergjnfermedjh*-the current Future Land Use Designation fox- ourprop Y_proposed to be changedto Agrreuliuro Preserve - On Mitch 4, 2014 after-this--propmerty way purchased it.vms taken. outof A gdculture. Preserve; Refer to the enclosed notice initiating expiration of Agricult—um Preserve. The intent for ft property at that time was eventual mixed use development. We would like the Future Lajaclllse Designation to be,Fligh Density Residential in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. We have becQm aware of a potential problem with water in this area that may result in rural residential development, being cost prohibitive, This in tam could wan -ant higher density to offset development -costs. Thank:you, for matter. Karen Fipnqgan