Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/05/2013

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Regular Planning Commission 5. 4. Meeting Date: 09/05/2013 By: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Information Title: Review Calendar Upcoming Public Processes Related to Land Use Review Background: Highway 10 Access Planning Study The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) is preparing an Access Planning Study for the Highway 10 Corridor in the cities of Ramsey and Anoka. According to Mn/DOT: MnDOT and Anoka County, in cooperation with the Cities of Ramsey and Anoka, are conducting the Hwy 10 Access Planning Study to re-examine and identify the ultimate amount of access, types of access and locations of access to Hwy 10 between the Anoka/Sherburne County line and the Rum River. Based upon traffic volumes and safety concerns along this stretch ofHwy 10, project partners agree a freeway is the proper vision for this corridor. However, considering overall state and federal funding levels, it will be challenging to expand this portion ofHwy 10 to a freeway within the current 20 year planning horizon. Therefore, an alternative approach to incrementally improve safety and mobility on Highway 10 is needed in the short-term. The intent of this study is to identify high -benefit improvements that are fiscally responsible so that improvements can be funded, programmed and implemented incrementally to improve the corridor's mobility and safety, for motorists and pedestrians, in a timely manner. To supplement the Mn/DOT problem statement above, the City Council adopted the attached Highway 10 Policy Statements. More information on the project can be found at www.citvoframsev.com/Highwav10 and clicking on the 'Highway 10 Access Study' link. Thursday, September 12, 2013 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Alexander Ramsey Room Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA/Critical Area) Pre -Process Public Collaborative Process The 2013 Minnesota Legislature directed the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to update minimum standards in the Critical Area. The City Council directed Staff to host a collaborative process to gather public input before a staff/policy maker meeting with DNR Staff. The Critical Area is an existing State of Minnesota designation stretching along a 72 mile corridor from Ramsey to Hastings. Ramsey previously adopted an ordinance in order to remain in substantial compliance with the Statute in the 1980s. This upcoming rulemaking could potentially update minimum standards, at which time the City would need to amend its City Code. The intent of the Critical Area is to protect key natural, economic, cultural, and ecological resources and protect the scenic qualities of the river corridor. The purpose of the City's initial public process is to gather feedback on what resources and qualities the community would find important to protect (if any), what standards the community would feel comfortable supporting to protect these resources and qualities (if any), and gather questions and/or concerns from stakeholders to make the most out of the City's initial meeting with the DNR and make sure that stakeholders are involved early in the development of potential standards. Mailings have been sent to Property Owners within the Critical Area.