Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Development Visioning Discussion - Part 2
Background
At the February 8, City Council Workshop, the City Council discussed their visions for the future of Blaine. Each councilmember provided several ideas which generally fell into the following categories:
• Sports - Capitalize on the sport/athletic activity in Blaine and continue to be a sports destination. Attract businesses/uses that can benefit from the sports activity in Blaine.
• Unique Spaces and Identity - Create unique destinations and developments in the community for people to gather, eat, and be entertained. This could include a city core and utilizing other unique spaces and assets in Blaine such as the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, Aquatore Park, etc. Create our own identity instead of trying to be like others.
• Housing and Redevelopment - Provide a variety of housing for all ages and income levels. Invest and focus on redevelopment in the older parts of Blaine to keep those areas part of a cohesive community.
• Infrastructure - Complete Highway 65 upgrades and have a connected community with trails, sidewalks, etc.
There were several focus areas also discussed by the council. Based on the discussion on February 8, and priorities outlined in the Strategic and Comprehensive Plans, staff believes there are four specific areas that need immediate focus as we plan for the future:
1. Southwest Corner of Main St, and Lexington Ave.
There are currently 40 acres for sale on the corner. The zoning is B-2 Community Commercial and the property is guided for Commercial in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. This property was not discussed during the 2040 Comprehensive Plan so the existing zoning and land use is historic. We have received inquiries from developers that have wanted to do housing of varying densities, commercial, and community uses.
The historic approach by the City would be reactive to a developer’s proposal via reviewing it at workshop and providing feedback. Staff’s recommendation would be a proactive approach and have a “planning” discussion with the City Council/Planning Commission about how they would like to see the property develop. This provides staff information to share with developers that are interested in the site and would involve rezoning the property specifically for how the City would like the property to develop.
This process can be completed with existing staff resources. Development of northeast area of Blaine is identified as a priority in the Strategic Plan.
2. Northtown Area
The Northtown area is a critical commercial center in Blaine. The mall owner is vested in making Northtown a viable asset to the community. The mall owner and management staff have reacted to changing retail trends in an effort to continue to keep the mall relevant. Other commercial centers in the nearby area have struggled with vacancies. Cities such as Minnetonka, Burnsville, Roseville and Edina have been involved in various levels of planning for the areas around their regional malls.
Staff’s recommendation would be to work with a consultant and various stakeholders to create a plan for the area that addresses land use, redevelopment options, multi-modal transportation, public improvements, etc. Developing a plan for Northtown is identified as a priority in the Strategic Plan.
3. 105th Ave. and Nassau St./Land in Front of City Hall
The EDA has been active in acquiring older industrial buildings along Nassau St. as part of a redevelopment plan. The Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan identify this is a priority redevelopment area.
The EDA has assembled enough land that could now start to be looked at to sell. Staff would recommend a planning process involving an architect to lay out the vision for this area as the City begins to market the area to developers.
The City owns 5.66 acres on Town Square Drive near city hall. Staff believes a similar planning process as described with the 105th Ave. area should be completed for this parcel. This would allow staff to market the property and potentially request a development RFP to get the site developed.
4. 72 Acres between 99th Ave. and 105th Ave. on the West Side of Highway 65
Approximately 72 acres of (mostly) vacant land exists on the west side of Highway 65 between 99th Ave. and 105th Ave. There are eight different property owners, including the Blaine EDA. Various property owners have expressed a desire to sell for development. The property is guided for Planned Commercial in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
This is the largest vacant piece of commercially guided property remaining in Blaine. Staff would recommend having a future discussion on land use for the entire 72 acres, specifically related on whether there is interest to allow some medium/high density housing, as staff has had this request and anticipate to get further requests in the future.
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies this entire area as a Redevelopment Area. The comprehensive plan states that the site may need to be redirected to a mix of housing opportunities from the current retail direction.
Staff Recommendation
Discuss the various priority areas and provide staff the necessary direction to move forward.
Attachment List
Map showing priority areas