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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-09-10 PACKET 06.A. TO: Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation FROM: John M. Burbank, Senior Planner DATE: September 10, 2019 RE: Grey Cloud Lime Kiln/River Access project Introduction This spring, the City Council authorized staff to pursue partnerships for the acquisition and operation of 7.20 acres of land along the Backwaters of the Mississippi River on Grey Cloud Channel as a public water access and education center. The memorandum related to this approval is attached. This directive is ongoing as staff continues to work with the executors of the Schmaltz estate. Some of the potential partners that have been engaged in the project discussion are Washington County, Minnesota DNR, The Trust for Public Land, and the South Wash- ington Watershed District. Potential Project Partners Recommendation That the ACHP receive the update from staff and hold an additional discussion on the components of the acquisition project in relation to historic preservation. TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Jennifer Levitt, City Administrator FROM: John M. Burbank, Senior Planner DATE: March 28, 2019 RE: Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration Proposal Authorization to pursue partnerships for the acquisition and operation of 7.20 acres of land along the Backwaters of the Mississippi River on Grey Cloud Channel as a public water access and education center. Planning Considerations The 7.20-acre property is located at 10398 Grey Cloud Trail and consists of two taxing parcels (3002721240009 and 3002721240002). The homestead site is 5.31 acres, and the smaller lot is 2.09 acres and contains a detached accessory structure. Location Map Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 2 of 8 Per the CitStrategic Plan, one of the goals is to make Cottage Grove a recreation destination. Furthermore, creating and expanding Mississippi River access through this project syncs with the C goal of making Cottage Grove a recreation destination. 2019 Council Initiatives Background In March, the current property owner, Marge Schmaltz, contacted the Community Development Department regarding the sale of her property and potential acquisition by the City since her needs for the property have transitioned. During previous discussions with Mrs. Schmaltz, City staff had indicated the potential interest in the property given the Councils directive per the Strategic Plan to create and expand river access. An appraisal for the property was completed in January 2018 and identified the value of the parcels at $455,000. The current taxable value of the property by Washington County is $488,400. The location of the site is adjacent to other land owned by the City including Joseph LaBathes Settlers Island, the Urmann Ries Estate site, and the Hazen P. Moores Park. All these properties are located along the planned local river access trail that is currently being planned by the Citys Parks Department and the National Park Service. This local water trail will link to a segment of the State Water Trail between St. Paul and Nininger. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 3 of 8 Draft Local River Trail Detail Property Characteristics The site contains a single-family home and associated outbuildings that are set in a park-like set- ting surrounded by mature trees and positioned on a bluff/plateau that is 28 feet above the water elevation of the Grey Cloud Channel. Principal Structure Images Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 4 of 8 Neighborhood Location Detail Site Details Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 5 of 8 Site Topography Proposed Uses The uses for property could include the following: Small watercraft access point Kayak share rental station A historic interpretive site Water quality education and interpretive center A civic retreat and meeting venue Birdwatching classes Recreational programs Public rental facility Fishing The proposed uses and programing that would be developed for the site would enable stakehold- ers of the community access to the river for education and recreational opportunities. Mississippi River and Associated Backwaters Adjacent to the Site Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 6 of 8 Land Use The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies the site as being located within the Transitional Planning Area, which requires that a small area master plan be completed. Acquisition of this property would most likely guide the site as Public Open Space in that plan. The Minnesota Trust for Public Lands has a library online with over 85 studies referencing the benefits of being located adjacent to or near parkland. https://www.tpl.org/how-we-work/research-library#sm.00003lmqz9q90dzh11vskmnj43bmy . 2040 Land Use Map Detail Historic Preservation The historic Grey Cloud Lime Kiln is located on the site. The Kiln is on the Sites and Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places. Historic Information Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 7 of 8 The Kiln was used to produce agricultural lime, but in 2014 it collapsed due to extreme rain events that summer. APreservation (ACHP) determined that the Kiln still qualified as a local site with historic significance since it continues to visually showed the history of early development activities in Cottage Grove. Historic Lime Kiln Details Project Partners Below are a number of organizations that have been identified as potential project partners for the acquisition and management of the property. Outreach to these organizations has begun, and several have stated interest, but in order to further discuss the potential partnership with the City, Potential Project Partners Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Jennifer Levitt Authorization for River Access Acquisition Exploration March 28, 2019 Page 8 of 8 Summary The acquisition of the site meets the Council goal of creating and expanding access to the Mississippi River. The potential for quality programing and activities at the site could make this location and Cottage Grove a regional recreation destination. The site has existing improvements conducive to the public uses identified for the site. An appraisal completed in January 2018 identified the property value at $455,000. The property owner is a willing seller. Recommendation Adopt the resolution authorizing staff to pursue partnerships for the acquisition and operation of 7.20 acres of land along the Backwaters of the Mississippi River on Grey Cloud Channel as a public water access and education center.