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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-22 PACKET 06.2.STAFF REPORT CASE: M2021-078 ITEM: 6.2 PUBLIC MEETING DATE: 11/22/21 TENTATIVE COUNCIL REVIEW DATE: 12/1/21 APPLICATION APPLICANT: City of Cottage Grove REQUEST: A Park and Land Use Master Plan for the former Mississippi Dunes Golf Course site. SITE DATA LOCATION: ZONING: GUIDED LAND USE: South of 103rd Street and North of the Mississippi River R-1, Rural Residential Transitional Planning Area LAND USE OF ADJACENT PROPERTIES: CURRENT GUIDED NORTH: Rural Residential Medium Density Res. EAST: Rural Residential Trans. Planning Area SOUTH: Mississippi River Mississippi River WEST: Agricultural Parks/Open Space SIZE: Approximately 165 Acres DENSITY: N/A RECOMMENDATION Provide feedback and consideration of approval to the City Council on the Mississippi Dunes Master Plan. Cottage Grove COTTAGE GROVE PLANNING DIVISION � here Pride and Prosperity Meet Planning Staff Contact: Emily Schmitz, Senior Planner; 651-458-2874; eschmitz(o-)_cottagegrovemn.gov Application Accepted:. N/A 60-Day Review Deadline: N/A City of Cottage Grove Planning Division • 12800 Ravine Parkway South • Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Planning Staff Report Mississippi Dunes Master Plan November 22, 2021 Site Background The Mississippi Dunes Golf Course property as it is known today, located south of 103rd Street adjacent to the Mississippi River, was maintained as tilled field until the early 1990's when it was mass site graded into a golf course. The course operated from the 1990's until around 2017/2018 when the course closed permanently. The site sat vacant since that time and eventually went into foreclosure. The property was purchased sometime in 2019 by the current property owner. Land Use Background The previous Mississippi Dunes Golf Course site (approximately 165 acres) was approved for golf course development in 1992 at such time the parcel(s) were guided as agricultural/rural residential. In 2011, as part of the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan update, the golf course site was guided as "Golf Course" while the surrounding properties, aside from the SNA, were guided as Transitional Planning Area. The intent of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update guiding the Mississippi Dunes Golf Course as "Golf Course" was established to differentiate land use for golf courses which have potential for future development, from areas designated for parks and open space. In 2018, as part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan update, the Golf Course was guided as "Transitional Planning Area." Areas guided within Transitional Planning Areas require additional planning efforts to review and establish future land use designations. Given the Golf Course had been closed in 2017, there was the understanding of potential proposals for use of the site and the City wanted to be sure there were additional efforts completed and a Master Plan proposed to provide clear direction to future potential redevelopment of the site. Discussion Master Plan Given the site is guided as Transitional Planning Area within the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, a Master Plan process is required to be completed to better understand the most appropriate guid- ance for the site. A Master Plan process is a document used to outline future vision, goals, and policy for potential development. This Plan helps communities create a vision of what they want an area to look like in the future as part of community growth. The Mississippi Dunes Master Planning process includes two components: Park Master Plan and Land Use Master Plan. The master planning began in early 2021 with the hiring of the City's consultant, ISG, to facilitate the master planning process. ISG assisted in developing the Master Plan project statement and/or vision, which included: • Capitalizing on a unique opportunity to provide additional access to the Mississippi River and water trail network, • Reserve valuable river front area as part of the redevelopment of the site to single-family and medium -density housing, Planning Staff Report — Mississippi Dunes Master Plan November 17, 2021 Page 2 of 6 • Provide programming and design to ensure enough open space is reserved for useful, high - quality recreation space and river access where housing and open space benefit each other-, and • Coordinate and collaborate with adjacent landowners including the SNA and DNR. 1 4c" 4� rr J +�` �1�� 4 I.SELIL V.S� •.. • • ,.f HOU&NG F ` FLNISING - r�'w" i ooe rI. � � I' I ��•+ 3� r .�\ � „ter J• Vg * �'�,�?r.� �',+. ••_ �SAYGLEFAMRY �S ei � IrousrNc J + Additionally, as part of the master planning process, ISG and staff needed to consider: • The existing vehicular roadway corridor for future development and park access, • Review of existing mature native plant communities to be protected as an asset, • Use of the elevation changes and existing grades throughout the site to take advantage of viewsheds, stormwater conveyance, and to establish a greenway trail corridor network, • Provide amenities and recreational activities to encourage people of all abilities to engage with the river and nature, • Identify interpretative and educational opportunities to highlight the natural resources and cultural history of the land, • Provide enhanced natural landscape to create additional riverfront habitat-, and • Utilize the site as an opportunity to connect to other surrounding recreational areas and water trails. Land Use Considerations Land use planning considers site constraints, land use guidance in the surrounding area, transpor- tation, and infrastructure. The Master Plan considered: Planning Staff Report — Mississippi Dunes Master Plan November 17, 2021 Page 3 of 6 • Guiding proposed land use to include low- (2-4 units per acre) and medium- (5-13 units per acre) density. o Adjacent property (former driving range) is guided in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as medium -density and the railway through the site. • Creating buffers from existing highly active railway (approximately 37 trips per day), • Evaluate PFC impacts to land development, • Available utilities (sanitary sewer and water main) at 103rd Street to serve potential devel- opment, • Opportunity to provide public access to the Mississippi River, which is a goal of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan (Goal 3: Parks and Open Space Chapter). • Proposed two entrance points to provide for ease of access for future residences, park visi- tors, and emergency response. • Focus on preserving existing wooded buffers, specifically along the western edge adjacent to existing development. Park Use Considerations Park master planning works to identify and develop a comprehensive vision for a park system in context to the recreation needs of the whole community and consider future park demand in relation to the overall community park system. The park portion of the Master Plan evaluated the following elements: • Service area and park classification appropriate for this area • Recreational features • Acquisition resources • Operational needs In reviewing the above site considerations, evaluating the existing land uses in the area as well as patterns of development taking place in the community, the outlined framework has helped to pro- vide a Master Plan vision with the above noted elements. The plan has been reviewed by all City advisory committees and amended several times, specifically clarification on park amenities and a reduction in medium density guided areas. Master Plan Review Process To date, the following tasks have been completed to aid in formulating the final plan. Current Timeline Date Event 2020 Recreation and Natural Resources Commission (PRNRC) and Council adopt Mississippi River Access Strategy Report which identified Mississippi Dunes property as a top priority for public access opportunity. March 8, 2021 PRNRC recommended hiring of ISG to consult on develop- ment of Mississippi Dunes Master Plan Planning Staff Report — Mississippi Dunes Master Plan November 17, 2021 Page 4 of 6 May 10, 2021 PRNRC reviewed Mississippi Dunes draft master plan of iden- tified park space and provided recommendations to plan. May 19, 2021 City Council reviewed Mississippi Dunes draft master plan, gave direction on park acreage (30-40 acres) and provided other recommendations to the recreational amenities of the plan. August 9, 2021 PRNRC reviewed revised master plan draft and took guided walking tour of the site. September 13, 2021 PRNRC reviewed plan again and received update regarding City's plans for public engagement. Staff also provided PRNRC response to questions/concerns heard from public at previous meetings. September 24 — Mississippi Dunes online public engagement program. October 15, 2021 October 6, 2021 City Council passed a resolution to engage with Washington County on land acquisition with Land and Legacy Funds. October 7, 2021 Mississippi Dunes Master Plan Open House October 11, 2021 Planning Commission guided walking site tour and plan review. November 3, 2021 Council Workshop review of the Master Plan, public engage- ment results, and environmental assessment worksheet. The Council requested reducing the area proposed for medium density residential November 8, 2021 PRNRC final review of draft Master Plan and public engage- ment results. Future Schedule Date Event November 22, 2021 Planning Commission final review of draft master plan and pub- lic engagement results. December 1, 2021 City Council final direction on Mississippi Dunes Park Master Plan. Once approved, the Master Plan will be placed on file to be a resource for future planning needs. December 14, 2021 Advisory Commission on Historic Preservation evaluation of the Cowan/Oke House 10301 Grey Cloud Trail Public Engagement Results The two components of the public engagement process were a public open house event and an online engagement platform. The results of the feedback garnered from those efforts are attached. In summary, most feedback requested more natural or passive recreational land for the site and less or no housing. In response to comments received, the City Council requested the total acreage to include 40 acres of Mississippi River riverfront. Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program Request The City Council adopted a resolution to request funding partnership from Washington County's Land and Water Legacy Program for park land acquisition at Mississippi Dunes. The next steps include City staff presenting and providing details on the park portion of the Mississippi Dunes Master Plan to the County Board at a workshop prior to the end of the year. Planning Staff Report — Mississippi Dunes Master Plan November 17, 2021 Page 5 of 6 Environmental Assessment Worksheet Minnesota State Statute requires residential development within the seven -county metro greater than 250 unattached units to complete an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) to assess any environmental impacts that may be associated with a potential project. A draft EAW has been completed and reviewed by the City's hired environmental consultant. The City Council authorized distribution of the document on November 17 and the document will be submitted to the EQB and posted in the EQB Monitor for the mandatory 30-day review and public comment period. The EAW process is separate from the Master Plan process and will require individual review and recom- mendation by the Planning Commission and City Council. Historical Review The William Cowan/Okey House located at 10301 Gray Cloud Trail has been identified as a priority site in the City's Historic Preservation Strategy Report. The City's report indicates the structure embodies the distinguishing characteristics of architectural type or style, or elements of design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship. The house was built circa 1850s and is of Greek Revival archi- tecture. A Finding of Significance was completed by the Cottage Grove Advisory Committee of Historical Preservation in 1990 and submitted to Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The City's historic consultant, New History, is completing historical research study and will be providing the City with a professional opinion of significance on the subject site. Zoning Process The Master Plan process is the first step in the zoning process, the next steps include: • A Master Plan after consideration and recommendation by the Planning Commission is reviewed and considered for approval by the City Council. o The park portion of the Master Plan would be required to be used as a guide in plan- ning for park, open space, and trail corridors with a proposed future development. • A Comprehensive Plan Amendment to amend the land use for the Master Planned area. o This process requires Metropolitan Council review and approval. • A zoning amendment to show the new land use designation. Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area The subject property is also located in the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) overlay district. The MRCCA is a corridor of land along each side of the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area with coordinated state, regional, and local land use planning, and zoning. The MRCCA was designated a critical area in 1976 by Executive Order following passage of the Minnesota Critical Areas Act of 1973. The Executive Order was the governing regulation until it was superseded by MRCCA rules in 2017 (Minnesota Rules Chapter 6106). The rules more consistently protect habitat, scenic views, and water quality, and allow redevelopment to address contemporary needs. Parks and Recreation Review The Cottage Grove Parks Commission reviewed the proposed park portion of the Master Plan at their meetings on May 10, 2021, September 13, 2021, and November 8, 2021. Park and Recreation Director Zac Dockter has provided a detailed outline of the discussion and plan evaluation. The memo is attached. Planning Staff Report — Mississippi Dunes Master Plan November 17, 2021 Page 6 of 6 Public Safety Review Cottage Grove Public Safety Department has reviewed the proposed Master Plan and provided a memo outlining their review as it relates response time within this area of the community. The memo is attached. City Attorney Cottage Grove's City Attorney has provided a memo (attached) providing guidance for review of the Master Plan, purpose of a Master Plan, and the limitations to park land dedication requirements. Action Requested • Open and hold a public hearing. • Approve the Master Plan as presented. Attachments: — ISG Master Plan — Memo from Kori Land and Amanda Johnson, City Attorneys — Park and Recreation Memo from Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director — Public Safety Memo from Pete Korner, Police Chief — Public Engagement Results SITE CONTEXT QHAMLA..PARK w ¢. z ¢¢ o 5 •. % UPPER GREY j ... F5 CLOUD ISLAND O PINEGLEN PARK C BAILEY ' a ♦ "psi `o NURSERY ••.: iooTH STa[fT "o °m ♦♦♦♦� JOSEPH LABATHE'S ISLAND SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL �P so MISSISSIPPI DUNES GRAvcLouD DUNES SNA HAZEN P. MOOERS PARK LOWS LOUD/SS/SS/AA SLAND FUTURE ­T\ REGIONAL PARK BALDWIN LAKE MISSISSIPPI DUNES PARK MASTER PLAN 200TOTAL ACRES 1 43.8 Acres Southwest of RR Corridor 38.2 Acres Northeast of RR Corridor 8.3 Acres Development Property Expansion 21779 LINEAL FEET OF SHORELINE WAG FARMS DOG PARK I: ........., . ENT MNDNR (off OF CNATURAL 23 V SCE TIIFICA DACRES AREAS SITE LEGEND ............•• USBR 45 Mississippi River Trail Bikeway ............•• Paved Trail .............. Water Trail Nature Area Property Boundary N O SITE INVENTORY PROJECT STATEMENT • Capitalize on a unique opportunity to provide additional access to the Mississippi River and Water Trails Network • Reserve valuable river front area as part of the redevelopment of the site to single family and medium - density housing • Provide programming and design to ensure enough space is reserved for useful, high -quality recreation space and river access where housing and open space benefit each other. • Coordinate and collaborate with adjacent land owners including the SNA and DNR. OPPORTUNITIES + CONSIDERATIONS • Utilize existing vehicular roadway corridor for future development and park access. • Existing mature native plant communities should be protected and seen as an asset. • Use elevation change and existing grades throughout site to take advantage of viewsheds, stormwater conveyance, and to establish a greenway Vail corridor network. • Provide amenities and recreational activities to encourage people of all abilities to engage with the river and nature. • Identify interpretive and educational opportunities to highlight the natural resources and cultural history of the land. • Provide enhanced natural landscape to create additional riverfront habitat. • Utilize the site as an opportunity to connect to other surrounding recreational areas and water trails. PARCEL + ACCESS DATA FLOOD / ELEVATION DATA MISSISSIPPI DUNES PARK MASTER PLAN �o��a Py�.� n��a�wy �.a �,�. ��ry,•,a MLCCS / PLANTCOMMUNITV DATA OVERALL SITE PLAN KEY HIGHLIGHTS Residential Development • 83 Acres Single Family Housing- 281 Lots • 7 Acres Medium Density Housing - - — Residential Development Property Expansion 1 42 Acres Medium Density Housing ....... SNA Expansion • 123 Acres ....... Riverfront Park • 37.2Acres Connection To Grey Cloud Drive Central Greenway i Community Trails Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Stormwater Management Area or Delineated Wetland 90ACRES RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT 37ACRES RIVERFRONT PARK 12 ACRES SNA EXPANSION MILES COMMUNITY TRAILS AND 1,5GREENWAY I L ■- PLAN NOTES: Potential future roadway re -alignments of Grey Cloud Trail & County Road 103rd Street, in addition to lot lines & roadways for the proposed residential development, are forrepresentaaon purposes only. Final desigt and layout for these projects will be reined as both projects move forward. MISSISSIPPI DUNES PARK MASTER PLAN V" MEDIUM DENSITY HOUSING zoo _ T A ENLARGEMENT PLAN KEY HIGHLIGHTS 4 Wayfinding / Pub Iic Art Four Season Building (4,000 SF) Nature -Based Playground (6,000 SF) Open Lawn Area aTerrace / Patio Parking Lot (40 Stalls) Future Parking Expansion Boat Trailer Parking Lot (15 Stalls) 0 Boat Launch QBoat and Kayak Dock Tiered Seating Area / Outdoor Classroom ® Multi -use Bituminous Trail (12` Width) Crushed Stone Trail (6Width) Mowed Trail (5' Width) Overlook / Picnic Area Stone Steps Down to River SNA Trailhead QStormwater Management Area PLAN NOTES: Potential future roadwayre-alignments of Grey Cloud Trail & County Road I03rd Street, in addition to lot lines & roadways for the proposed residential development, are forrepresentaaon purposes only. Final design and layout for these projects will be refined as both projects move forward. MISSISSIPPI DUNES PARK MASTER PLAN N i -ion ioo wo O MISSISSIPPI DUNES PARK MASTER PLAN RIVERFRONT PARK SECTION ELEVATION River Access Shoreline Riverfront Hiking Woodlands Outdoor Native Prairie Housing Restoration Recreation Education Preservation 1, OP" -- - - 12 Wide Bituminous Trail , ---------- Neighborhood Street Gushed r _ Stone Path r ..a...T— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ——— — ——— —— — X-- — -- -- — — — — — MISSISSIPPI RIVER LOWER RIVERFRONT PARK EXISTING WOODLAND UPPER RIVERFRONT PARK RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD Prairie Restoration Oak Trees Oak Savannah /Praise Private Lawns /Greenway Connection MISSISSIPPI DUNES PARK MASTER PLAN RIVERFRONT PARK AMENITIES y y , FOUR SEASON BUILDING NATURE -BASED PLAYGROUND WAYFINDING - _ '� .- rim ni_,•T ai, F porol!. � IL 000' TIERED SEATING / OUTDOOR CLASSROOM BOAT LAUNCH BOAT AND KAYAK DOCK - � t y I OVERLOOK / PICNIC AREA BITUMINOUS TRAIL CRUSHED STONE PATH MOWED TRAIL NATIVE LANDSCAPE RESTORATION I • LEVANDER, GILLEN MILLER,, P. A. ATTORNEYS AT LAVA MEMO TO: Cottage Grove Planning Commission FROM: Kori Land & Amanda Johnson, City Attorney's Office DATE: November 22, 2021 RE: Mississippi Dunes Master Plan TIMOTHY J. KUNTZ ANGELA M. LUTZ AMANN KORINE L. LAND DONALD L. HOEFT BRIDGET McCAULEY NASON PETER G. MIKHAIL SCOTT M. LUCAS DAVID L. SIENKO AARON S. PRICE CASSANDRA C. WOLFGRAM AMANDA J. JOHNSON CHRISTOPHER J. KRADLE GRETA L. BJERKNESS This memo is intended to provide guidance as you review the Mississippi Dunes Master Plan. It is important to remember that this meeting is the beginning stage of the review process for the Mississippi Dunes property (the "Property"). Because we are in the initial stages of review and we are not currently considering a project or plat from a developer, the Planning Commission's review is a high-level review regarding the types of uses for the Property and general layout of the overall site. Details for a specific project will come later after more research and analysis is completed and the City understands the full scope of the project. There are many due diligence activities that are currently taking place, including an environmental assessment worksheet ("EAW"), that may flush out issues and concerns, all of which will be appropriately addressed in the later stages of the planning process. In other words, there is more to come. Purpose of a Master Plan A Master Plan is a concept plan (similar to a sketch plan for smaller developments). The City's Comprehensive Plan guides the Property as Transitional, which is a temporary zoning designation, and provides direction to go through a Master Plan process, which is a thoughtful analysis of what uses work best for this Property and a possible location for those uses. The Master Plan for the Property demonstrates the potential for various types of residential products as well as a large park. The acreages, locations, lot sizes and specific layout of the uses are not in final form. The purpose of the Master Plan review is to confirm conceptually and generally, that the appropriate zoning uses for the Property are: Residential and Parkland. The next step would be for the developer to submit planning applications, including the request for a new zoning classification that is consistent with the Master Plan, the City's ordinances, and the City's subdivision regulations. At that point, the City Council, after a recommendation from the Planning Commission, will consider 633 SOUTH CONCORD STREET • SUITE 400 • SOUTH SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55075 • 651-451-1831 • FAX 651-450-7384 OFFICE ALSO LOCATED IN SPOONER, WISCONSIN the planning applications and approve or deny the applications based on its findings, abiding by all of the City's regulations and due process, including public hearings. Purpose and Limitations of Parkland Dedication There have been suggestions and strong ideas from some of the neighbors, as well as residents of Cottage Grove and even groups outside the City urging the City to turn most of, if not the entire Property into a regional park. The only way this can be accomplished is through acquisition of the Property for fair market value, which means the City would need to authorize an appraisal, find a source of the funds to purchase the Property, develop a plan for the regional park and adopt a budget for implementing the plan as well as the ongoing maintenance of such regional park. None of this has occurred. It is noteworthy that many months of thoughtful planning went into the City's recently adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which was vetted by the City's commissions, committees and the City Council. The Mississippi Dunes Property was not considered, contemplated or guided as parkland or a regional park in any of the public meetings or final recommendations or final adoption. To change course now due to neighborhood pressure appears arbitrary and without proper planning, documentation, policy or support. As a matter of law, the City can require a portion of the Property be used as parkland due to the parkland dedication requirements in City Code. The City has an ordinance regulating the amount of parkland dedication that is required for a development project: "As a general rule, land dedicated for public use shall be a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the buildable land within the development." Based on the City Code, the City's parkland dedication for the Project requires that a minimum of 14 acres of the project be dedicated as parks/open space pursuant to the ordinance calculation. In addition, the draft MRCCA Overlay District would require 18.5 acres to remain in a natural vegetative state, this would include the dedicated parkland in its calculation. The proposed Mississippi Dunes Master Plan shows approximately 35 acres of parkland, mostly on the river front, which is more than double the City's parkland dedication requirements and more than the MRCCA requirements. At this time, the City is seeking funding partners for the financial compensation that would be needed to acquire the extra park and open space shown on the Master Plan. While cities can have open space requirements in its ordinances, such as is legally allowed by Minn. Stat. § 462.358 subd. 2b for parkland dedication, cities cannot take more land than is authorized by law, without compensating the property owner. Minn. Const. Art. 1, § 13; see also Collis v. City ofBloomington, 310 Minn. 5, 19-20, 246 N.W.2d 19, 27 (1976) (holding that a statute which authorizes municipalities to require, as a condition for subdivision approval, dedication of a "reasonable portion" of subdivision property for parks and playgrounds, is not an unconstitutional taking, provided the amount taken is reasonable and proportionate to the subdivision's impact.). Likewise, it should go without saying that the City cannot require additional land beyond the park dedication amount as a condition of approval, without compensating the property owner. See 2 Minn. Stat. § 462.358, subd. 2c (requiring an "essential nexus" between the dedication requirement and the municipal purpose sought to be achieved and requiring that the dedication amount bear a rough proportionality to the need created by the proposed development.); see also Kottschade v. City of Rochester, 537 N.W.2d 301, 307 (Minn. Ct. App. 1995) quoting Dolan v. City of Tigard, 512 U.S. 374, 385, 114 S.Ct. 2309, 2317 129 L.Ed.2d 304 (1994) ("The government may not require a person to give up a constitutional right —here the right to receive just compensation when property is taken for a public use —in exchange for a discretionary benefit conferred by the government."). If the City were to require more parkland than it can legally justify under the Dolan test, the property owner would be entitled to compensation. Planning Commission's Next Steps The Planning Commission is currently being tasked with the sole purpose of reviewing the Master Plan as a conceptual analysis of the uses for the Property to confirm that the uses and general development style conform with the City's established goals and approved Comprehensive Plan. After this step, future approvals focusing on the details of a specific project will come before the Planning Commission for review. 3 MmCottage Grove here Pride and Prosperity Meet To: Planning Commission From: Zac Dockter, Parks and Recreation Director Cc: Jennifer Levitt, City Administrator Christine Costello, Community Development Director Emily Schmitz, Senior Planner Mike Mrsola, Senior Planner Date: November 10, 2021 Subject: Mississippi Dunes Park Master Plan Introduction Cottage Grove's Comprehensive Plan states within its' Parks and Open Space (chapter 5) that recreational facilities are a major asset in the community and important features to maintain and expand as the City develops. With any park master planning process, deliberation is necessary to assure the acquisition, buildout and maintenance of parks, open space, trails and recreational facilities consider both present and future resource needs to assure the plan can meet its service objectives for the enjoyment of many generations. The Mississippi Dunes project is unique in that it falls into a transitional use zoning area. As such, the City had not forecasted a future park for this area in its 2040 Comprehensive Plan due to the unknown land use intent by the property owner at the time. Historically, the land was mostly used for agriculture from the early 1900's (perhaps sooner) through the late 1990's. From late 1990's, the land was primarily used as an 18-hole golf course and large event center entitled Mississippi Dunes Golf Links. The golf course was closed in 2018 and the land has sat mostly vacant since. Because of this transitional use, the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission and City Council ranked Mississippi Dunes as the top priority in its' Mississippi River Access Strategy Report. As a result of that report, the Commission and City Council also gave direction to staff to begin master planning the site to assure any future reuse of the property took into account the City's clear desire for park and open space. The best master plans need careful analysis and direction on the following elements: 1. Service Area 2. Park Classification 3. Land Use Categories and Size 4. Recreational Features 5. Acquisition Resources 6. Construction Resources 7. Operational Needs Service Area The first step in park master planning is to determine the service area recipients. This is done in a variety of ways including recreational service area mapping and service demographic targeting. By identifying the intended users for the park, park classifications can be made. Because City Council's Strategic Plan directive to improve access to the Mississippi River is coupled with the unique ability of this property to deliver on that strategy, the Mississippi Dunes master plan aims to serve recreational needs for all Cottage Grove residents and visitors to the community. This will result in a park master planning strategy that involves deeper analysis into achieving appeal to this very broad range of intended users. As service area intents are concluded, the master plan can begin to categorize the park type in order to benchmark against past best practices for park acquisition and services levels. Park Classification The Comprehensive Plan categorizes parks in several ways but the most notable categories when considering a park such as Mississippi Dunes would be neighborhood versus community parks. A neighborhood park is designed to serve as the recreational and social focus of a neighborhood and includes active and passive activities geared specifically for those living within a half mile service area. Five to ten acres is considered optimal for a neighborhood park. There are 22 neighborhood parks in Cottage Grove averaging land size of 13 acres. Based on the service area identified for Mississippi Dunes, the master plan does not consider this a neighborhood park but rather a community park. The Comprehensive Plan defines community parks as 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 -function design and facilities are found within the boundaries of these parks and focus on meeting the recreation needs of large sections of the community. The site should exhibit physical characteristics appropriate for both active and passive recreation uses. Potential active recreation facilities include play structures, creative play attractions, game courts, ballfields, ice skating areas, archery ranges, disc golf courses, aquatic features and amphitheaters. Passive activity facilities include extensive recreation and nature trails, individual and group picnic/sitting areas, general open space and unique landscape/features, nature study areas and ornamental gardens. Distribution of land area and facilities between active and passive recreation is determined on a site -by -site basis. There are currently five community parks in Cottage Grove: Hamlet Park — 158 acres Oakwood Park — 37 acres Highlands Park — 37 acres Kingston Park — 57 acres Woodridge Park — 63 acres The City is set to add an additional Community Park called Glacial Valley Park to service the upper east ravine development area. Glacial Valley Park is only 8 acres but is adjacent to approximately 250 acres of open space owned and managed by the South Washington Watershed District that provides recreational opportunities in the form of paved trails, interpretive elements and habitat restoration/protection. The Mississippi Dunes property is not being considered as a Washington County Regional or State Park. Washington County has clearly focused its vision for a regional park in this area to be along the northern shores of Grey Cloud Island. They have acquired and continue to acquire property and have developed infrastructure plans that assure this is the sole focus for a regional park. However, Washington County has expressed interest in aiding the City to acquire property at Mississippi Dunes for parkland protection. The County has explicitly stated they do not intend to own or maintain property at Mississippi Dunes as it would divert resources away from their future regional park plan but would rather be a partner for acquisition of public land. With the exception of the 12-acre prairie remnant in the master plan to be acquired by the MN DNR SNA program, the State of MN has expressed no interest in owning or maintaining any type of state park at this site. Similar to the County, there may be potential partnerships for public land acquisition with the State as long as there is a local owner and operator. It should be noted that this property was for sale over 2018 and 2019 so there was opportunity for any public or private entity to purchase this piece of property and propose reuse of the land as so desired. Land Size and Use The draft master plan of the Mississippi Dunes Park is designed as a community park. Because of its unique location and land/river features, the majority of the park focus is on passive recreational use. Those passive recreational uses are highlighted in the plan as preserved open space habitat, nature trails, scenic view, distinct landscape features and picnic/sitting areas. In order to appeal to as many users of the park as possible, both now and in the future, there must be a good compliment of active recreational use within the park as well. As such, the plan includes a four -season building, playground, outdoor classroom/amphitheater, fire pit, boat launch, fishing, parking lots and paved trails. In order to keep the focus of the park on the natural beauty of the land, the plan does not include athletic fields, courts, ice rinks and other such high -use and large footprints that may take away from habitat protection opportunities. Every park site is unique and must be planned for on a case -by -case basis. The master plan identifies the following key opportunities and considerations for Mississippi Dunes: 1. Utilize existing vehicular roadway corridor for future development and park access. This minimizes disturbance to the property while also assuring community -wide access to the park in that park users to not need to drive through a neighborhood to reach the park. 2. Existing mature native plant communities should be protected and seen as an asset. 3. Use elevation change and existing grades throughout site to take advantage of viewsheds, stormwater conveyance, and to establish a greenway trail corridor network. 4. Provide amenities and recreational activities to encourage people of all abilities to engage with the river and nature. 5. Identify interpretive and educational opportunities to highlight the natural resources and cultural history of the land. 6. Provide enhanced natural landscape to create additional riverfront habitat. 7. Utilize the site as an opportunity to connect to other surrounding recreational areas and water trails. Based on this analysis, 49 acres of the property are recommended to be acquired for a future Mississippi Dunes Park (12 acres of which would be incorporated into the DNR SNA site). It would be further recommended that another 1.5 or more acres of greenway and trailway property is acquired should any development occur adjacent to the site. This acreage fits within the Comprehensive Plan's guidance on community park size. The draft Mississippi Dunes Master Plan identifies land use as approximately: Active Recreational Areas 7 acres Passive Recreational Areas 30 acres Passive areas include preserved shoreline, wetland, woodland and prairie areas. A natural resources management plan would be created for these natural areas upon acquisition of park land. This plan would inventory both native and invasive plant and wildlife communities and provide recommendations for protection and restoration. This is common practice for Cottage Grove parks to assure longevity in promoting native habitats. It is important to note that this future park would run adjacent to the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area. This connection is a fantastic and truly unique opportunity to connect people and nature to an additional 237 acres of protected and maintained natural habitat. We should not dismiss this connection simply because it is state owned and operated property; the relationships of these two parks will increase usage of both public spaces and compliment each other by balancing recreational and natural opportunities. When combining both site sizes, these two public and contiguous properties become the second largest park and open space in Cottage Grove only behind Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. Recreational Features In light of the City Council and Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission's goals of improving access to the Mississippi River, recreational features have been added to encourage use and quality experiences at this public park. We know that usage of the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area is low compared to our municipal parks. There are many residents who are unaware of or have not visited the Grey Cloud Dunes SNA because of its remoteness and lack of appeal for users who desire more active or inclusive features. As such, the Mississippi Dunes Master Plan attempts to provide recreational amenities that will attract users of all ages and abilities to compliment that purely natural area of the SNA. In analyzing trends of community use of existing park facilities, the following recreational improvements are strongly recommended for a future park at Mississippi Dunes: 1. Vehicular Access and Accessible Parking 2. Four -Season Building 3. Nature -Based Playground 4. Open Lawn Area 5. Terrace/Patio 6. Boat Launch/Kayak Dock 7. Fishing Opportunities 8. Outdoor Classroom/Tiered Seating 9. Paved Trails 10. Crushed Stone Trails 11. Mowed Trails 12. Scenic Views/Picnic Areas 13. Wayfinding, Interpretive and Public Art Opportunities Recreational features are to be built in a manner that consolidates highly active uses to the approximately 7 acres to the west of the property. The multi -use and multi -experience trails will meander through the over 30 acres of open and natural space of the property. Unlike the adjacent Grey Cloud Dunes SNA, these trails allow users of all abilities to enjoy nature and the river up close. And for those that desire a purely organic hike, the Grey Cloud Dunes offer 237 acres of this opportunity next door. The proposed recreational features will certainly increase interest in the park. They open opportunities to the public that a purely natural site simply will not attain. This balanced approach to the park plan will make it a gem of the community's park system for many generations to enjoy. Acquisition Resources Currently, the City has not budgeted any resources for acquisition of park property at Mississippi Dunes. It is fairly rare for the City to purchase park property. Most park property is acquired through its park dedication ordinance which requires that when land develops or is subdivided, land shall be dedicated to the City for public use. 10% of the buildable land is required to be dedicated or cash in lieu of land may be dedicated based on fair market value. However, because of this properties adjacency to the Mississippi River, the anticipated draft Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA) Overlay District, anticipated to be adopted before the end of this year, would require 18.5 acres to remain in a natural vegetative state, which can include the dedicated parkland in its calculation. The City has worked with the current landowner and the MN DNR SNA staff to encourage purchase of the 12 acres proposed in the master plan as SNA expansion. Those 12 acres were specifically noted by DNR staff as the most valuable property for habitat protection and was the land in which they most desire to purchase. Although not complete at the time of this report, we expect that transaction to be complete in the coming months as appraisals and proper filings are completed. Of the remaining 37 acres in the park plan, the City has authority to require the landowner/developer to dedicated 18.5 acres to the City of Cottage Grove. This leaves a gap of 19 acres the City will have to fund for acquisition. Staff believes the uniqueness of this property and the master plan will rank high in gaining partnerships for land acquisition. Such partners may include Washington County Land and Water Legacy Funding, MN DNR Legacy Funding, Friends of the Mississippi River, Ducks Unlimited and more. Each potential partner has specific criteria and program intents that must be considered to assure they align with Cottage Grove's vision for park use. For example, some programs require public hunting opportunities, some programs do not allow paved trails and some programs require extensive long-term commitments that may bind the City into an agreement that curtails future use options. Each program must be evaluated in detail and consider present and future needs of the park. However, the ability to find funding partners for acquisition allow the City to use its financial resources towards the development and maintenance of Mississippi Dunes, Cottage Grove's other 33 parks and any future parks across the community. Construction Resources ISG (master planning consultant), estimates construction costs of this park at approximately $7 Million. Cost breakdown is as follows: 1. Mobilization, Erosion Control, Stormwater $469,500 2. Four -Season Building $2,500,000 3. Building Support Areas (Lawn, Walkways) $225,000 4. Parking $100,000 5. Playground $750,000 6. Security Lighting $150,000 7. Boat Launch, Road, Parking, Dock $454,000 8. Canoe/Kayak Accessible Platform System $80,000 9. Open Space/River Front Habitat Managment $264,000 10. Tiered Seating/Classroom $200,000 11. Overlook, Picnic Area Pads & Trailhead $70,000 12. Paved Trails $332,500 13. Crushed Stone Trails $108,625 14. Site Furnishings $150,000 Construction Costs $5,853,625 10% Contingency $585,362 10% Soft Costs $643,898 TOTAL PROJECT COST $7,082,885 As with property acquisition, it will be imperative the City find partners to help in funding this important park opportunity. The MN DNR has specific grant programming that may be good resources for habitat restoration/preservation, boat launch, trails, and fishing elements. Additionally, the MN DNR has an Outdoor Recreation grant program that can help fund general recreational improvements of this plan (playground, building, trails, outdoor classroom, etc.) that encourage our residents to get outdoors. There are several partners that can help in habitat restoration efforts including MN DNR, Friends of the Mississippi River and Great River Greening. There may also be partnerships with groups such as MN Conservation Corps and Mississippi River Connection and others that can help in other ways such as labor, volunteer efforts or best practices analysis. This is perhaps one of the most unique parks Cottage Grove has the opportunity to develop to date. It will be important to study all opportunities to build a park that serves present and future needs. However, Cottage Grove has a proud history of taking care of all its parks and has many future parks to build and maintain (including more along the river) so it must be wise in how the resources are acquired and used for this one community project. But rest assured, the benchmarking data provided from the National Recreation and Parks Association merits Cottage Grove's commitment to providing exceptional public park opportunities to its residents. i, .` !` •` # i .•` i �` •` i` • • i • Operational Needs All parks need on -going operational support. This plan would result in the following on -going maintenance and service support of the park: 1. Active Park Areas: building maintenance, equipment maintenance, turf maintenance, waste service, dock/launch maintenance, landscaping maintenance and snow removal. 2. Passive Park Areas: tree care, native plant restoration, invasive species control, paved/rock/grass trail maintenance, picnic and scenic viewing platform maintenance. The Mississippi Dunes Park plan does not include many of the athletic features of a typical community park such as ball diamonds, turf fields, irrigation, courts and ice rinks. Thus, the overall maintenance resources necessary for this park will be less. However, the park will be substantial in size and use and will certainly require more labor and material resources than a neighborhood park so its significance must be considered. Parks are ever -changing organic systems that need care. And Cottage Grove has a proud history of maintaining all its parks to a high standard to assure the oldest or smallest park is as well -kept as the newest or largest park. It is wise to forecast future park service needs to balance all resource needs for today, tomorrow and 100 years from now. The map below details each current or planned park location followed by a brief narrative of each side. 1. Mississippi Dunes — future Cottage Grove community park (37+ acres) 2. Grey Cloud Dunes — current Minnesota State Scientific and Natural Area (237+ acres) 3. Hazen P Mooer Park — current Cottage Grove mini park (0.5 acres) 4. Joseph LaBathe Settlers Island — current Cottage Grove mini park (3 acres) 5. Grey Cloud Regional Park — future Washington County regional park (100+ acres) 6. Unnamed — future Washington County regional park (acreage TBD) 7. Unnamed — future Cottage Grove community park (40+ acres) MmCottage Grove here Pride and Prosperity Meet To: Emily Schmitz, Senior Planner From: Peter Koerner, Director of Public Safety Date: November 15, 2021 Subject: PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONSE — FUTURE MISSISSIPPI DUNES DEVELOPMENT Introduction Recently, citizens have raised concerns about public safety response to the future development of the Mississippi Dunes. As the City of Cottage Grove grows, Public Safety continues to review response models and we have strategically placed both the Public Safety Building and Central Fire Station near the city's geographical center. The response to a fire at the Mississippi Dunes Clubhouse was also questioned. Police Response The Public Safety building is approximately 1/2 mile from the geographic center of the city. The location was thought about during the initial planning of the building. Police response comes from the Public Safety building on Ravine Parkway when officers are at the station. Often, officers are out on patrol, so response times can vary. As the city grows, police will continue to review response times and will evaluate patrol zones to ensure adequate coverage throughout the city. Mississippi Dunes is closer to the Public Safety Building than other developments in the city. Fire/EMS Response Fire and EMS currently station at the Central Fire Station on 80t" Street. With the addition of the Central Fire Station, fire and EMS changed their response model and have coverage 24/7 to respond to calls. Currently, we staff for two ambulances, or we can respond to a fire call without requesting additional staff. The railroad bridge on 103rd makes it necessary for our aerial ladder truck to go through St. Paul Park to respond. Our ambulance and fire engines can respond under the bridge. An engine is designed and outfitted with equipment to be an initial, all purpose response unit to all hazard emergencies involving fires, medicals, accidents, rescues, and hazardous materials incidents. Engines also carry 750 gallons of on -board water. Fire Response to Former Mississippi Dunes Clubhouse Arson On August 1, 2021, Cottage Grove Public Safety received a call of smoke in the area of the Mississippi River. The caller reported seeing smoke and thought it may be coming from the Grey Cloud Scenic Dunes SNA or the former golf course. Responding officers launched the drone and found the former Mississippi Dunes Clubhouse was fully engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, the former Clubhouse did not have an alarm and was not sprinkled. The initial call came into Washington County Dispatch at 6:39 am and the first fire truck was in service at 6:42 am. Fire arrived on the scene at 6:54 am and found the clubhouse was fully engulfed in flames. The building was a total loss on arrival and fire worked on keeping the fire from spreading. After finding the location of the fire, there were no significant delays in the fire response. The State Fire Marshal's Office determined the fire to be an arson and has concluded their investigation. Summary Public Safety Command does not have concerns about responses to any future developments at the former Mississippi Dunes Golf course site. Public Safety participates in the technical review meetings where site plans are reviewed and we are able to provide input on access points, fire hydrant locations, etc. As we prepare budgets, we consider growth with future staffing plans as well. With development, there will also be fire hydrants, which is a significant improvement for the safety of the area residents. Mississippi Dunes Open House Public Feedback Report 7-Oct-21 Log/Nail Poll Rankings (votes) 1 Preservation of Natural Areas (12) 2 Nature Trails (7) 3 Nature -Based Playground (6) 3 No Houses (6 write-ins) 5 Tiered Seating/Outdoor Classroom (5) 6 Boat Launch (3) 7 Boat/Kayak Dock (2) 7 Overlook/Picnic Area (2) 9 Paved Trails (1) 9 Canoe/Kayak Seasonal Storage (1) 9 IStone Steps to River (1) 9 Four -Season Building (1) 9 Less Houses (1) 9 Don't Touch It, Leave it (1) 15 Open Lawn Area (0) 15 Wayfinding/Public Art (0) Comment Card Summaries Christine Fugate -Grams, Cottage Grove More park, less houses. More education on how this land serves an environmental purpose for preserving the river. Please do extensive geotechnical engineering survey and refer to research from savethedunes.org Andrew Marz, Cottage Grove Development of this area as anything but park, natural space and public access is a betrayal to the people of CG. The existing residents do not want this. Corrine Marz, Cottage Grove The quality of life will be forever destroyed with this construction. They Mayor and Council were most likely aware that this property was available long before city residents. It could have been purchased or efforts made to secure this large parcel of land for all of us. Remember the large blackboard installed outside? People asked for green and open spaces, parks, and a public boat landing. But this note, like all of the comments written on the blackboard will be crumpled up and discarded. Does every square ince of open land need to be gnawed at and ruined? Jean Rozinka, Cottage Grove This is a crown jewel not to be wasted on another "build anywhere" housing development. I would gladly contribute to a Go Fund Me campaign. l'll bet HS classes, civic groups, etc. would too. All kinds of activities besides picnics, boating, swimming, etc, would rent a large pavilion (weddings, anniversaries, birthdays). An amphitheater for concerts and plays, school activities would get booked. Dream large. Darlen Garsteig, Cottage Grove I like the separation of the trails from the park. Appreciate that if housing were approved it would not be on the water Marilyn Witzel, Cottage Grove Would prefer less housing on the Dunes property. Also want a good buffer between our property line and the housing. Do not want to be assessed for sewer and water for development Zach Hartfiel, Cottage Grove Park is a good idea. The whole area should be park/preserve. No more homes. Would ruin the natural appeal of the area. Bonnie Matter, Cottage Grove Prefer national wildlife refuge or state park without development. Leave natural. No to minimal development by the Mississippi River. Save and protect the bio diversity, native lands, natural habitat, wildlife, butterflies and bees, trees, floral and fauna, migrating birds. The natural world is very important to human species. Cottage Grove residents have this very special place in its backyard. Please do not allow it to be destroyed. Developing this property is like cutting off one of your limbs. It's that important. Mississippi Dunes development plans should be put on hold until alternative avenues can be explored. Beyond that, the City needs to be transparent in all dealings with the residents regarding current and future development. This is an example of the City not being transparent; 9127121 - Mississippi Dunes proposed 90 acres to residential, Zoned Rural R1 with minimum 3 acre lots would equal 30 homes. Zoned R2, minimum 1.5 acre lots would be 60 homes (source; 9115121 City Council Meeting, Olsen). How did they get from this math to the number of homes in the master plan? The City plan shows 72 acres with 232 lots (0.31 acre - must include street allowance in this #) and 18 acres with medium density housing. Medium density housing quantity is not defined. Too many things going on in Cottage Grove right now for residents to look at one more thing. There is a pandemic that has been and is going on for the last 18 months. There are housing developments going up everywhere. There is increased road traffic all over Cottage Grove. due to road construction. There is a school board referendum. There is a $30Mf community center under consideration. There is too much going on atone time for people to give the attention needed for this project. The City Council needs to slow down and let the people breath and be able to think through this stuff. Jeanne Caturia, St Paul Park More space for wildlife habitat, less housing, concerned about pollution and invasive species Need bird migration habitat. Volunteers at Grey Cloud Dunes a lot. Mississippi Dunes Online Public Engagement Results First and Last Name Address Resident? Submission Date Comments: 6622 96th Street S, Cottage I would like to see Mississippi Dunes land turned into a nature preserve. There are plenty of open options for 1 Kaila Moore Grove, MN 55016 yes 9/24/20210:53 housing in the city, we do not need riverfront opportunities. We need to restore the wildlife! Resident for 40 years. Any housing will ruin our little piece of the Mississippi River. Please lets do all we can stop 21 Rick Pihl 7244 Innsdale Ave So I yes 9/24/20213:54 any house building on that land. Thank you for asking for residents input. I have lived in CG for over 30 yrs & would like to see the land utilized for people to enjoy the natural beauty we have been given with the Mississippi River right here! It would be great to have quiet space with benches and swinging benches to relax by the river & enjoy the peacefulness! It would also be nice to have a picnic area and walking trails to explore the area. Pickleball courts & a playground would be fun additions too. As far as housing goes, we have so many expensive homes being built, that it would be nice to have more affordable homes built here. By having smaller homes, it would also allow more people to live in this area to enjoy the beauty! We must conserve as much green space as possible because once it is 8496 Hyde Ave S Cottage gone, there is no getting it back & we are already loosing too much in CG. It would be fantastic to have this new 3 Dawn Bremer Grove MN 55016 yes 10/3/202111:31 space be a legacy to leave to future generations to enjoy the green space! Thank you! Dawn 41 Lou Pena 9698 DUNES AVE yes 10/3/202114:26 How much is this going to cost the city and its citizens? The community trails are minimal in comparison to how much housing you are wanting to add. I don't see a point of adding more and more housing and ruining the natural preserve that presents itself to the community. You've done enough attempting to compete with Woodbury, and the housing market north of 70th St. Not only will this turn off the existing community members, but will also destroy natural habitat, landscape and views this place offers or has potential to offer if given a chance other than a money foundation for all the money hungry 8 Mike Wallace 7436 Upper 26th no 10/6/20214:12 council members. I think it looks like a decent plan which provides access to the river front and more parks / green space while providing more housing. Always include more biker / walker friendly access both in and out of the new 9 brent karjala 7945 Grafton Ave S yes 10/6/20218:55 development if possible. I am disappointed that, despite active opposition from residents and broader community members, this construction project continues to move forward. Continuing to build single family homes, especially in valuable 4511 Pleasant Ave natural areas, is not the right move. Please consider protecting areas like this and investing in existing 10 Annika Bergen Minneapolis, MN 55419 no 10/6/202110:06 infrastructure/housing options. Thank you! As someone who grew up in Grey Cloud Island I can't stress enough how horrible of an idea a housing development would be! In February we bought a home back in Grey Cloud I'm hopes of giving our children the life I had growing up with land to run on and woods to play in. Along with getting away from the typical suburban lifestyle that is most of cottage grove. There are enough developments going up in Cottage Grove as is. Please don't destroy the beautiful land that's left for those of us that actually want to enjoy it and call it our 111 Elizabeth Schrenkler 10515 Grey Cloud Tri S Iyes 10/6/202110:30 home[ I do not want housing on this property. There is funding available to purchase this entire property for parkland from the Minnesota DNR, The Friends of the Mississippi River and the $20 million 3M settlement. I want the area to be a park for all the public to enjoy. The river levels in Mooers Lake do not support large boat traffic. This is a beautiful, pristine natural space along the Mississippi River in a historical, ecological and culturally significant location. I want you to protect the unique habitat (river sand dunes) and endangered species (rusty patched bumblebee) habitat located on the property. I want the city to slow this process down and assess the environmental impacts of a development to this property and the river. Consider putting this up for a public 963 Goodrich Avenue, Sit Paul ballot vote. I want the city to look at parks like Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, and Lebanon Hills in Eagan 12 Eva Lily Maxson MN 55105 no 10/6/202110:51 to understand the value of having natural park spaces like this and what an asset it would be. Have you heard of "realtor speak"? "Realtor speak" is a language used by realtors to make houses that are in bad shape sound like they're a great little gem. For example: a house with a leaking roof, 60 year old windows, pealing paint, and poor plumbing becomes "a quaint little fixer -upper". Well, what I see in your "master plan" is really nothing more than "realtor speak". When you say "new and revised transportation networks to access the proposed development", you really mean you're just going to build more roads and create more traffic issues. And when you talk about the riverfront park providing more amenities for recreational traffic, you're really just saying more noise and damage being done to the shoreline and otherwise natural areas. I am opposed to your "master plan" because it will not benefit the greater good or the greater many citizens of Cottage Grove. 13 David Bork 8939 89th Street Cir S yes 10/6/2021 10:51 Rather, it will benefit only the city coffers at the expense of the natural area. I like that the park is planned for along the river and that housing won't be going all the way to water. I wish the park was bigger - it looks like about three house -lengths from the water, which isn't that much. The natural 14 Terri Tufte 7666 Irish Ave. Ct. So. yes 10/06/202113:44 PM playground looks neat. I want the City to SLOW this process down and take seriously the generational impact using this land for high density housing will have on the trust of current and future citizens of this city. I would prefer that the city work harder and longer with FMR, MN DNR and other non-profit groups to find the funding to purchase this land and make a 180 acre natural park that is available for everyone in our community and is a destination park such as Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. This area DOES have critical environmental concerns for the rusty patch bumblebee, the Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area and our neighboring communities downstream. I also have serious concerns about the archeological importance of this area for the indigenous peoples who originally 6720 Meadow Grass Lane settled this area. If it must be developed, it is currently zoned R1 and SHOULD remain R1. The city should use the South, Cottage Grove, MN Low Impact Development ideas from FMR to mitigate any possible consequences of housing development. PLS 15 Kelli Redington 55016 yes 10/06/2021 14:00 PM LISTEN While I am not a resident of cottage grove, I am a potential visitor and homebuyer in the greater metro area. I am absolutely agains this massive housing plan. This area should be conserved as natural land. It would bring in visitors to cottage grove, and would make the area a MUST see place. With the rusty patch bumble bee and countless bird species living on the land, demolishing the habitat is not only irresponsible, but it will have 635 Grand Ave, Saint Paul MN, ino devastating effects on the environment. The city should be ashamed that it is even considering rezoning this 16 Michaela Leach 55105 10/06/2021 15:04 PM land for housing so close to the Mississippi river. This entire enterprise is an atrocity. NO HOUSING should be allowed to be built on this land, and DEFINITELY not rezoned for high -density housing. It is absurdly insulting to the community of Cottage Grove residents that live in the neighborhood. This would DESTROY the area, both its character and its current state. Purchase the property from owner and develop the WHOLE THING into a natural park for all Cottage Grove and regional residents. Where will the water come from for these new residents? Who will pay for these road "realignments"?? The current residents of this area better not see one single assessment letter in the mail 17 Andrew Marz 10647 Grey Cloud Trail yes 10/06/2021 15:06 PM charging us to pay you to destroy our neighborhood. Absurd. Simply absurd. Please consider at least a larger acreage park size; and to achieve it, utilize low impact development planning and design; i.e. smaller lots, narrower streets, duplex or apartments, less large homes, shorter driveways, 18 Cole Williams 7987 River Acres Road, CG yes 10/06/2021 15:47 PM maintain natural ecology, and integrated conservative design elements. We are completely opposed to ANY housing going on this site. It will destroy the sanctity of the Dunes SNA next 19 Trevor Tanning 6977 99th Street Court S yes 10/7/20219:59 to it. Find another spot for houses, not on one of our only sections of the Mississippi River for crying out loud. 7563 Aspen CV S. Cottage I would much prefer the whole thing a combination wildlife corridor and park as described. Upsetting to see 20 Tamara Mittelstadt Grove MN 55016 yes 10/07/2021 15:27 PM that housing will be the lion's share of the space. Seems to be a bit of a sellout to turn the majority of this pristine space in to unaffordable housing; specifically medium density housing nearest the SNA. It would seem more responsible to dedicate more of this land to park/natural space and include amenities that could be used/accessed by a wider range of people. Things like a Campground, interpretative center, better water access, etc would be a better use of the land. This opportunity to reimagine this type of land with access to natural areas like this shouldn't be botched by overdeveloping it 21 Adam Vnuk 1634 Waterloo Ave, SSP no 10/8/20210:31 with low and medium density housing 30 acres for the only park with river access Cottage Grove will have is pretty small. This is more like a small neighborhood park not a park for the entire community. The housing density is very dense. Does Cottage Grove really want this type of density in its neighborhoods? Most of Cottage Grove has been built on larger lot sizes and the public seems to want that type of development, not high density. Take a look at the neighborhoods in Cottage Grove people like the best. Most have larger lot sizes not high density. Looking where the current Mayor and Council live, none are in a density of the proposed development. Ask yourself why is this? It is like the city staff itself is proposing this high density development. As the Council has said many times they have not formally 9600 Geneva av so, Saint Paul recieved a proposal from the developer. This area is / was zoned low density when the current owner purchased 22 Richard Polta Park, MN 55071 no 10/8/202112:47 it. This parcel would be better suited for a development similiar to the Kingsborough neighborhood. 23 1 Krista Van Beusekom 6456 Highland Hills Curve S yes 10/08/2021 16:27 PM No housing. Preserve the natural environment with park space. I disagree with the majority of the proposal, especially the housing aspect and rampant destruction of nature. Cottage Grove does not need another clear-cut, grid layout, two inch diameter tree, artificial suburban neighborhood especially not at this critical site. What I agree with are the pictures on page\tab three and four. Water, mature trees, grasses and no houses are shown which should be your master plan for the entire site. I suggest looking right across the river to Schaar's Bluff for a perfect case study. We should be bold and not 9209 Harkness Ave Cottage default to the played out suburban model and instead preserve nature in Cottage Grove after years of 24 Michael Hines Grove yes 10/08/202123:20 PM destroying it across the city especially at Hamlet park. Thanks for your time and asking for the public input. My 92 y/o mother Alice Robinson was born on Grey Cloud. My great great grandfather is Joseph Labathe a Grey Cloud Island settler. My grandmother, great-grandparents and ancestors are buried on Grey Cloud. The Dunes is part the Grey Cloud Island area which is a hidden gem and of great concern for those of us who grew up here. Alice & the community worked from 1970-2010 to conserve the riverfront with a mix of success and failure. The aggregate company continues to chew up Grey Cloud. Grey Cloud city council sold the Town Hall & riverfront to the aggregate company for nominal gain. There are few natural riverfront areas left in this region. The Dunes should not be permanently destroyed as housing project where lawn chemicals will flow to the river and a motorized boat launch creates noise and pollution. CG doesn't need this for home tax base. Let FMR restore this ino site, create walking paths and non -motorized boat access for general the public. Please don't fail us. It is heart 25 Joy Robinson 1221 SUMMIT AVE 10/11/202111:36 breaking. Not enough green space! Big warehouses on Ideal going up also. Where are the animals going to go! City 26 Beverly Sargent 7647 98th St S yes 10/11/2021 13:16 PM councils are only looking for the money! Given the opportunity presented by this unique parcel of land, I find the size of the park disappointing. I am disappointed that the City appears to have prioritized development over protection of natural resources. I am disappointed that the City has not used its leverage as the zoning authority or pursued the opportunity to work with Friends of the Mississippi River, to preserve more of this riverfront land. I am concerned that the plan has too many amenities for the size of the park. As a boater, the size of the boat trailer parking suggests limited usefulness. As a fitness walker, the length of proposed trail also is of limited use. Frankly, the park as planned seems to be an amenity for the proposed development rather than the community draw that this piece of land could and should be. Finally, I am gravely concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed 27 Maureen Walton 11821 Lockridge Ave S yes 10/13/2021 8:17 development, including the park, and I urge the City to proceed with care and caution. My wish, Pleas leave the buildable portion of the "Dunes" property at the larger R1 lots as originally planned; Leave the natural area just that with gravel parking spaces , designated trails /signage and nothing else. You'll have all the proposed amenities potentially at the proposed new community center. You will NEVER get this natural ecosystem back once it's gone! Nature is depending on you to get this one-time opportunity right !! 28 Jim Thommes 8583 HILLSIDE TRL S yes 10/14/2021 13:55 PM Thank you back As one who works for a parks department, I know that senior leadership will eventually realize the error in not keeping this landscape natural. There is a chance here to help keep open space in a metro area that is loosing 29 Ben Humlie 9012 Grey Cloud Trl no 10/14/202120:33 PM that at an exponential rate. Its is not always about the money in taxes, please remember that. What if the City told the speculator, NO? What is the worse thing that could happen. In fact, the out come may be worse if we are told no. People have had enough, the water, the mega warehouses, and the Dunes. On top of that TIF put in the fast lane! More Power, Huh? Cottage Grove may reflect their comments in how they vote for you all. It would be wonderful if you all would use your current power to make the Dunes an area that could be ban example of our valuing nature for other cities. Do the Right Thing! What would happen if the City told the developer no? I watched Docter's interview of Mayor Daily about the proposed Community Center. I was taken 8041 113th St. S. Cottage back by the excitement and enthusiasm expressed. Not one iota of the energy was seen relative too the existing 30 Barbara Schwartz Grove, MN 55016 no 10/14/202121:14 PM area that we have been blessed with at the river! The current version of the proposed layout does a poor job of providing public access to the river. With the park, waterfront and all entry points encased by housing, it is difficult to see how this will be viewed as anything but a neighborhood park reserved for residents of the proposed development. In this version of the plan, the only natural path to the park and waterfront would be to enter through the SNA property which would not be a feasible approach for nearly all visitors. Roadways in and out of the park are lined by a minimum of 40 houses which does not present a welcoming perception to the general public. I discussed this point with the design consultants at the recent open house event and they agreed with this point. I would recommend at a bare minimum to revert back to the plan proposed at the Sept. 13th meeting of the parks commission, in which there 10659 Grey Cloud Trl S Cottage were no houses proposed on the southwest side of the southern entrance. This would provide a natural 31 Mike Wiechmann Grove, MN 55016 yes 10/15/2021 12:12 landscape on at This property, the former Mississippi Dunes Golf Site should be: (1) Only park - no housing, open to the public, and preserved as an open and green space. (2) This option will protect the river, offer a place for wildlife and various bird species to continue to thrive, (3) Offer this spectacular property to everyone. And it would serve as a link to possible park development on the Lower Grey Cloud Island and across the river to Dakota County and their Spring Lake and Schaar's Bluff area. There are funds available and we want to know why our city leaders 10647 Grey Cloud Trail S. are not acting on what we are asking. We should not have to even make any request regarding saving this Cottage Grove, Minnesota property for a park. You should know this. this land is not needed for housing. Us ethe funding available to 32 Corinne L. Marz 55016 yes 10/15/2021 15:29 PM purchase this land and do what is right. I'm a former resident of Woodbury (I grew up along the southern edge near Cottage Grove) and currently attend the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities. This is an extremely valuable place along the Mississippi River that is far from existing housing developments. This master plan is a rare opportunity for the city to take full advantage of its location on the Mississippi River. Allowing a development of this kind to be built on the site is not only an irreparable misuse of this land, but also permanently damages the scenic value of the Grey Cloud Dunes SNA. There is immediate potential for the golf course to instead be conserved as public land and a major destination within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The City of Cottage Grove should recognize this 1059 20th Ave SE, Minneapolis, potential and purchase the entire parcel for development as a city or regional park, while focusing housing 33 Blake Slette MN 55414 no 10/15/202121:46 PM development closer to existing development and away from valuable space along the Mississippi River. No Housing. Make it all a park and save the animals. If housing must go up. keep it R1 zoning, otherwise you completely destroy the charm of the area. Not to mention the environmental impacts that are being ignored. I'm 34 Christine Fugate -Grams 10655 Grey Cloud Trail S yes 10/15/202122:41 PM Ijust advocating for our kids here.thank you. Nanette LaChapelle 11973 Grey Cloud Trail South Cottage Grove, MN 55016 6-Oct-21 Mayor Myron Bailey 12800 Ravine Parkway South Cottage Grove, MN 55016 Dear Mr. Bailey �. I am writing to you regarding the plans forthe former Mississippi Dunes Golf Course property, I understand that the property is under private ownership and there are choices to be made. This property holds a once in a lifetime 1er; opportunityto save natural areas that could benefit current and future growth of Cottage Grove and access to the Mississippi. There is a need to slow the process down as the decisions will last a life time. Choices made will leave a C4 CONCERNS: • Zoning Changes- I Do Not believe the current zoning code should change. The property owner bought the property zoned Rural -Residential and that should not change. r' • lnfrastructure- The density of the proposed Master Plan will require many changes to the roads, traffic, water, sewer/septic etc. These changes will cause many problems and impact the natural landscape, run off in the river, 1 wildlife, woodlands/plant life and current residents. • Residential to Park Proportion -The current Master Plan percentage of housingto park is too dense in housing. In my experience, developers come in and set down a predefined plan. The current proposed plan shows this and, the development shows that trees and the natural contour of the land will be forever altered. Dense housing will elevate noise, light pollution, loss of habitat, stress on water and more pollution on the Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA). We need to have low -density sustainable development within the current zoning code. _ • Disruption of Native Species and Habitat - This area is a wealth of native trees, plants, animals and natural resources including river life. When a habitat is destroyed or altered by construction and dense housing there is a loss of the bio-diversity and endangerment of losing species. Human intervention is key here and will impact the future of the river and land. OPPORTUNITIES: • This is a defining moment for Cottage Grove to become a stand out RIVER CITY. And why notl The 2040 Vision Plan showed that the residents of Cottage Grove did not want to become Woodbury. Ifthe park space pales in shadow ofjust another single family housing development, Cottage Grove will have missed the perfect opportunity and this will be how the current "decision makers" will be remembered. Let's be standout] Lets have this beautiful space be a park with river access with minimal housing or none at all. • Why is a bigger park important you ask? City parks provide access to recreational opportunities, increase property values, spur local economies, combat crime and protect cities from environmental impact. Open space and parks attract new residents and businesses to an area, increasing sales and revenue. Parks help build healthy stable communitiesl l • The former Mississippi Dunes Golf Course is on the Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA). This is not news, but protecting the bio-diversity isl We must worktogether to plan and manage this special stretch ofthe riverthat's best both for the long-term health of the river and Cottage Grove as a River Front City. We have the opportunity to address dense housing and environmental Impacts associated with travel, accommodation and recreational activities. High density housing impacts on parks and reserves include soil erosion, damage to vegetation, disturbances to wildlife, water pollution, increased fire frequency, vandalism and noise. • Benefits of open space conservation should bean integral aspect of planning for a sustainable Cottage Grove. Lets look at and plan for a sustainable future with protection of an asset that has a history and character of place on the Mississippi. Weighingthe choice of housing density and the cost of protecting our community's natural MU" open space may seem high, but the cost of not protecting this natural open space will be much higher. Thank you for your consideration and the opportunity as a Cottage Grove citizen to have my voice heard. Sincerely, Nanette LaChapelle Zac Dockter From: Richard Pihl <pihl@usfamily.net> Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2021 2:06 PM To: Zac Dockter Subject: The Dunes EXTERNAL EMAIL WARNING: This email originated from an outside organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Zac, I have told this to Mayor Bailey as well ... any housing built on the Dunes property will be a black eye for Cottage Grove I I I don't know the details of how Mr. Gustafson has become the owner, but possibly CG missed an opportunity to step in and offer some direction. It seems the City Council of late has taken on a combative attitude concerning the Dunes. Have they forgotten their purpose is to serve the public not fight them. The Mississippi River is a national treasure. Cottage Grove is very fortunate to have this land within our city limits. In this day and age when destruction of natural space is so common, Cottage Grove has an opportunity to save this river property. I realize the property is privately owned. But, there must be some type of transaction that can satisfy Mr. Gustafson and keep all of the Dunes property in a natural state. A raw, natural park space should be the goal of Cottage Grove. Whoever can help make that happen will be a local and national hero. Thank you, Rick Pihl Cottage Grove Sent from Rick's iPhone Zac Dockter From: Rachel Van Heel <rtvanheel@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 15, 2021 12:56 PM To: Zac Dockter Subject: Mississippi Dunes Master Plan EXTERNAL EMAIL WARNING: This email originated from an outside organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I'm writing to encourage the City of Cottage Grove to preserve a more substantial portion of the property as an undeveloped natural area. This unique piece of land is an asset to the city and should be preserved for future generations. Once you allow extensive development on the land, you will have permanently damaged one of the East Metro's most unique environmental resources. Please think to the future and preserve more of this asset for our children's children. Rachel Van Heel Zac Dockter From: Sharon 0 Boyle <sharonoboyle27@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 15, 2021 8:01 PM To: Zac Dockter Subject: Mississippi Dunes Master Plan EXTERNAL EMAIL WARNING: This email originated from an outside organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. To whom it may concern, I am AGAINST ANY Master Plan that includes a Housing Development. This acreage is adjacent to the Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific Natural Area (SNA) on one side and on the other side is adjacent to the Grey Cloud Island Regional Park. There is funding available to purchase the land. This is a " no brainer" that the most appropriate use of the Mississippi Dunes Golf Course acreage is to preserve the land as a County/ Regional/ State Park. That would benefit the surrounding Communities, Families, the Environment, Wildlife habitat as well as future generations. We Must preserve what Open Spaces we have left for ourselves, Families, children and future generations. This land is also in the Mississippi River Critical Corridor. We know that Global Change is a fact. We MUST be good Stewards of the land and preservation of the land as a Park will help mitigate the effects of Global Change. The LAST thing we need is another Housing Development which would be disastrous for the Environment, endangered wildlife species and the surrounding Communities. I grew up on the Mississippi Dunes land in the stone farmhouse on the corner until I was 8 years old. I have had my roots in Grey Cloud Island Township for my entire life. My Grandma O'Boyle owned the land. When my family made the decision to sell the land they looked for a buyer whose business would be compatible with Nature and the Environment. A Golf Course met those specifications. I walked the land as both a child and as an adult. We have an opportunity to do the right thing and make sure that the Mississippi Dunes acreage becomes a Park that will benefit EVERYONE as well as the Wildlife that live on the Mississippi Dunes acreage. We also know that this land has both historical, cultural and Scientific value.( Meteorite impact on the site) Cottage Grove needs to think about future generations instead of only seeing dollar signs. We do not need to become a Woodbury clone. A Housing Development is of NO value to the Community or Children or the Environment. I am STRONGLY OPPOSED to ANY Housing Development being included in the proposed Cottage Grove Master Plan. The surrounding Communities are AGAINST ANY Housing Development. LISTEN to your Constituents and Minnesotans regardless of what the Real Estate developer wants. We Vote. The Real Estate developer won't be a voter in Cottage Grove. Sincerely, Sharon M. O'Boyle 9300 Grey Cloud Tr. S. p.o. box 251 St. Paul Park, MN 55071 651-983-8986/651-214-0856 sharonoboyle27@gmail.com FRIENDSTNE RIMISSISSIPPIV Dear Mayor Bailey and Council Members: Working to protect the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities area. 101 East Fifth Street 651-222-2193 Suite 2000 www.fmr.org Saint Paul, MMI 55101 info@fmr.org October 7, 2021 Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is proud to have a longstanding partnership with the City of Cottage Grove. Together, we have restored many places that are jewels in the City's park system (Cottage Grove Ravine Park, Settler's Island, Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, River Oaks Park). We hope to continue working together, and we hope our partnership will extend to a new park at Mississippi Dunes. At our September 24 meeting with Mayor Bailey, Jennifer Levitt, and Zac Dockter, we shared more details about FMR's available funds to assist with land acquisition and restoration at Mississippi Dunes. We want to share this same information in writing with you. At this time, FMR has the following funds available: Outdoor Heritage Fund: $250,000 FMR regularly applies for and receives appropriations from the state Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF, or "Legacy Amendment" funds). We have $250,000 appropriated for habitat acquisition at Mississippi Dunes. For FMR to demonstrate the expected outcomes to the Lessard -Sams Outdoor Heritage Council and remain eligible for future funding, the City's Mississippi Dunes park would need to include at least 15 acres of wildlife habitat. This is based on the assumption that these funds would be, at a minimum, matched by County Land and Water Legacy funds, effectively doubling the habitat acres our OHF grant can acquire. These funds are eligible only for land that will be permanently managed as natural habitat, and cannot be spent for the acres that will include paved trails, playgrounds, picnic tables and other typical community park features. With FMR's track record of securing OHF funds (including for several other sites in Cottage Grove), we have strong confidence we could secure additional OHF funding in subsequent appropriations to create a natural resource management plan and implement restoration for any acres acquired and designated for habitat at Mississippi Dunes. As with most fund ers, an independent appraisal is required for the use of OHF funds. The acquisition price must be aligned with the appraised value, not a property owner's asking price. FMR Land Protection Fund FMR also has its own modest fund to support the acquisition of valuable habitat near the Mississippi River. In order for us to consider contributing this resource to the Mississippi Dunes property, we would expect the City to expand its planned 33-acre city park by at least an additional 15 acres of wildlife habitat beyond those acquired with OHF funds. FMR's Land Protection Fund dollars would not have all of the restrictions as OHF funds (e.g. OHF restrictions on paved trails), but we would still expect it to secure meaningful acres of property that would be permanently managed as wildlife habitat and open for public use. Again, we assume these funds would leverage Washington County Land and Water Legacy dollars for habitat. Other Potential Funding Sources As we have discussed, other public and private funding sources are likely available to support park acquisition, restoration, and management. Potential funders include the Washington County Land and Water Legacy Program, 3M's PFAS settlement for natural resources, and DNR Natural and Scenic Area grants. Regarding the 3M settlement funds, as you know, priority two of the settlement agreement designates $20M for "projects that restore and enhance aquatic resources, wildlife, habitat, fishing, resource improvement, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the East Metropolitan Area". Recent conversations with the trustees lead us to believe that these funds will likely be available within a few months. The acquisition and development of the Dunes would appear to be an excellent fit for the intended uses of these funds. A partnership with The Conservation Fund or a similar entity could help bridge timing gaps during acquisition. The Conservation Fund has indicated an interest in supporting this project. We know that pursuing the funding needed will take time and effort. FMR is very experienced in assembling funds for land protection and remains willing to assist you. If the City can demonstrate a strong commitment to acquiring additional open space at Mississippi Dunes, FMR will be happy to provide our expertise, staff time, and relationship network to help make your goal a reality. We continue to urge you to extend the Mississippi Dunes master planning timeline. A longer planning process would allow more resident engagement with the plan as well as more time to fully explore funding options. We know that you share our belief that Mississippi Dunes is a very rare opportunity for Cottage Grove. The City may not have another chance to create a marquee waterfront park of this size for decades to come. The Mississippi Dunes represents a once -in -a -lifetime opportunity to secure significant public open space along the river for the use and enjoyment of future generations of Cottage Grove residents. Very few large undeveloped parcels of land with Mississippi River frontage remain in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This decision about the future of the Dunes falls at a time of surging demand for public parks and natural areas. At the same time, habitat loss is driving steep declines in many species of wildlife, especially the native grassland birds now using the site who require larger habitat areas for breeding. As you proceed with planning and development at the Mississippi Dunes, your constituents will be counting on you to do everything in your power to secure public access and environmental values in this very special place. We stand ready to assist you in this effort and look forward to partnering with you to create a beautiful new public park that we can all be proud of. Sincerely, Whitney L. Clark Executive Director Cc: Jennifer Levitt Zac Dockter