Agenda - Council - 08/24/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

ship, development, and use; focus less on use and more on the protection of features; and align districts with LGU future land use plans. NPS proposed separate districts for both river -dependent and non -river dependent commercial and industrial uses. The work groups generally concurred these districts should be folded into a proposed mixed use district. A number of work group mem- bers stated that they would like more time to review the proposed districts and narrative. Key Issues by Area Northwest Area: The Northwest work group's frequent themes included concern with how dis- tricts (Et subsequent standards) will correspond with existing local official controls including capi- tal improvement plans (in particular how varying standards by district would affect anticipated transportation and park development projects), comprehensive plans, and ordinances. LGU staff in the Northwest work group met prior to the MRCCA work group meeting and developed a hand- out of guiding principles and comments regarding proposed districts. Concern with how the rules could affect existing properties and the rights of riparian property owners was also prevalent. Urban West Area: Much discussion in the Urban West work group centered on the downtown and historic districts of Minneapolis, as well as the development of a regional park system along the Minneapolis riverfront. Many work group members felt that the proposed districts should align with the districts and district boundaries in the City's comprehensive plan. Debate also arose about whether the district for public parks should include all existing and planned future park- lands, and whether it should be folded into the mixed use district or other abutting districts with park standards that apply across all districts. The group also discussed the district designations around the gorge area, and whether there was a need for industrial versus mixed use districts. Urban East Area: The Urban East work group predominantly commented on several areas - in- cluding the gorge, the area just east of the confluence with the Minnesota River, West Side bluffs, and Highwood. Members felt these areas should be included in districts characterized as readily visible from the river. Several work group members were concerned that the new proposed dis- tricts and subsequent rules would not adequately protect some sensitive areas. Work group mem- bers were also concerned that the district for public parks may be inconsistent with future plans for regional park development (particularly in Lilydale Regional Park). Southeast Area: The Southeast work group commented on proposed districts and consistency with local plans and ordinances. Discussion took place regarding the reasonableness of districts for commercial and industrial use versus developing districts that do not specify uses but focus on the features to be protected, as well as future change and transition. The townships noted a pre- ference for a tiered district approach versus a blanket "rural" district as proposed. The DNR and NPS indicated they will be working to analyze the comments provided and make changes to the proposed districts and district boundary maps. A set of revised draft maps and de- scriptions is targeted for completion before the work groups meet again in August. DNR staff noted that additional comments were welcome, and any comments received would be distributed to all work group members. Development of Draft Standards Begins As the work group meetings concluded, MRCCA project staff indicated that the development of draft standards for the MRCCA will begin in July, and asked work group members to provide initial sugges- tions on potential standards to be included in the rules. Standards will add substance to the districts and take into account municipal ordinances and conditions as well as protecting and/or enhancing key resources and features. The DNR is researching existing standards and will be meeting with oth- er agencies as it develops the draft MRCCA standards. Stakeholders will have an opportunity to re- view and provide feedback on these draft standards at the next work group meeting on August 121H This will be a combined meeting of all four work groups. MRCCA Rulemaking Project - June Work Group Meetings Report - July 23, 2010