Agenda - Council - 06/25/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MUSA EXPANSION By: Merland Otto CASE Background: In 1989, the City initiated a request for expansion of the MUSA area. Initial discussions with MC staff indicated that MC was supportive of approximately a 70 acre expansion providing that the City conformed to MC policies. Of particular concern was that the City restrict rural development through implementation of "4 in 40" zoning. The City's position was that a MUSA expansion of approximately 1000 acres would be required to offset the restrictive rural development policy. A compromise was reached at 405 acres. On July 20, 1989, the MC approved a 200 acre expansion and conditionally approved the additional 205 acre expansion dependent on adoption of "4 in 40" zoning, on-site sewer system revisions, defining sewer availability and evaluating traffic impacts on TH10 in relation to land use. The City adopted necessary ordinances and amendments to the comprehensive plan to comply with the stated conditions. In fall of 1990, we requested approval of the additional 205 acres. The 205 acre expansion includes approximately 28 acres of residentially zoned land, 140 acres of industrially zoned land, and 37 acres of commercially zoned land. We originally were informed that this request would be approved, however, in April we were informed that MC staff would recommend denial due to the transportation impacts on TH10. Since that time, we have had several meetings with MC staff to try to resolve their concerns and to avert a denial. MC's final action on the request is expected in late July. Our evaluation of the transportation impacts on TH10 indicates that there will be traffic volumes in excess of MC's capacity. In the previous comprehensive plan submittals, it has been recognized that the City has responsibilities to alleviate local trips by strengthening the east-west arterials in the City, developing frontage roads along TH10 and other measures within the City's capabilities. Despite these efforts, projected volumes are expected to exceed capacity. The capacity of TH10 is estimated at 1200 vehicles/lane as a major arterial. Maximum capacity of TH10 with limited access is estimated at 1600 vehicles/lane. The City appointed a committee to review possible approaches to the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Gilbertson and Councilmember Petersen met with staff to review the background and possible options.