Agenda - Council Work Session - 05/26/2015 - Joint CC & Planning Comm

Home

Transit Overview The COR is designed to be a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in a variety of ways that go beyond providing a walkable public realm and connected street grid. The Master Plan also includes a multimodal transit station, with dedicated commuter parking, integrated with other uses at the heart of the retail, restaurant and entertainment district. This station functions as a hub where local circulator transit comes together with regional transit service and the Northstar Corridor. The COR is the Twin Cities' first and only transit-orientedNO'RTHTR development along the new Northstar Commuter Rail Line. Ramsey Station COMMUTER RAIL at The COR will open for riders boarding the train in November 2012. As Northstar's most visible station, The COR will immediately bolster the ridership on the line and continue to build recognition for this regional service. Transit components include the following: • Ramsey Star Express service provides peak period, peak direction bus service between downtown Minneapolis and Ramsey until the Northstar Commuter Rail station stop is complete • Northstar Commuter Rail provides train service between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis • 350 park and ride parking spaces are provided for commuters adjacent to the transit station • Pedestrian and bicycle connections are emphasized in the Master Plan as major links between the transit station, various districts within The COR and into the surrounding neighborhoods • The COR can accommodate Metro Mobility, citywide circulator bus or town trolley connections as part of local and regional service to the transit station The COR also encourages developers to participate in a Travel Demand Management (TDM) program to both assist and encourage residents and visitors to take advantage of the various modes available for their commuting and travel needs. The TDM program draws from incentives and services available through Anoka County and Metro Commuter Services that match riders with carpools and vanpools, provide discounted transit passes and manage work hours among other functions. • Developers shall submit a TDM plan with their site plan application for new development and work with the City to implement their plans. Transit Guideline Recommendations Transit is an important component of the overall plan, with expectations for more ridership, using a greater range of transit options as they become available. More people, together with the mix of activities and amenities in The COR, encourages better designed, better connected transit service. It is a shared responsibility between city, county and developer to promote transit use, with both policy and bricks -and -mortar attention to the following framework: • Understand and take advantage of opportunities to use existing and proposed transit components Design Framework — The COR Page 8 February 28, 2012