Loading...
CR 2014-030 Approve Resolution 2014-015, in Support of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ) Finding for Downtown Hopkins Station Park and Ride-4m City of Hopkins March 19, 2014 Council Report 2014-30 CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CMAQ) FUNDING FOR DOWNTOWN HOPKINS STATION PARK AND RIDE Proposed Action Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve Resolution 2014-015 in support of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funding for Downtown Hopkins Station Park and Ride. With this motion, the resolution of support will be included in the grant application. Overview The proximity of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) Downtown Hopkins Station to the heart of Downtown Hopkins provides an opportunity to attract LRT riders to historic Mainstreet. Several barriers exist today that make it difficult to attract those potential customers, including the crossing of Excelsior Boulevard and the land uses that are in place today. Redevelopment is desired to bring more destinations and first -floor activity that will act as a draw. In addition to the City's redevelopment goals, the desire to offset the tax base loss associated with the siting of the Operation and Maintenance Facility in Hopkins by realizing new tax base growth has led to the discussions about a park-and-ride facility on the corner of Excelsior Boulevard and 8th Avenue. Under the current scenario, the proposed park-and-ride ramp will be wrapped with private development that will meet the City's development vision of the Artery as well as offset the tax base loss. A grant of $7 million in 2017 federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds, combined with $1.75 million in local match and $3.45 million in SWLRT project funds would provide the necessary funds to implement this vision by opening day. Primary Issues to Consider Passing the resolution of support does not obligate the City of Hopkins to accept the money or the project as proposed, but rather confirms that it is supportive of the concept. If successful in securing the funds, additional work will be needed to determine how to best use the funds and the site to meet the City's goals for redevelopment. Supporting Information �esoluti 0 -015 Kers n Elverum Dir ctor of Planning & Development Financial Impact: $_0 Budgeted: Y/N Source: Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): Notes: CITY OF HOPKINS HENNEPIN, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2014-015 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CMAQ) FUNDING FOR DOWNTOWN HOPKINS STATION PARK AND RIDE WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins has long realized the need to improve the connection between Excelsior Boulevard and Mainstreet; and WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins has envisioned redevelopment of Eighth Avenue South as the ARTery; and WHEREAS, the Southwest Light Rail Transit (Green Line Extension) project will extend the Green Line from downtown Minneapolis through the communities of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie; and WHEREAS, the plan for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) Downtown Hopkins Station's proximity to the heart of Downtown Hopkins provides an opportunity to attract LRT riders to historic Mainstreet; and WHEREAS, the Downtown Hopkinsstation offers an attractive transportation option for Hopkins residents while promoting increased LRT ridership; and WHEREAS, the proposed park and ride ramp will be wrapped with private development that will meet the City's development vision of the ARTery as well as off -set the tax base loss associated with the SWLRT Operation and Maintenance Facility, anticipated to be located in the City of Hopkins; and WHEREAS, a grant of $7 million in 2017 federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) funds would provide the necessary funds to implement this vision by opening day. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, after appropriate examination and due consideration, the governing body of the City: 1. Supports the request to the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) for 2017 Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program federal funding to construct a 240 -space park-and-ride structure at the Southwest LRT Downtown Hopkins Station; and 2. Commits to providing the $1.75 million local match that is required as part of the approval of the grant funds. Adopted by the City Council of the City of Hopkins, Minnesota, this 1St day of April, 2014. Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor ATTEST: Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk