CR 08-016 Transit Oriented Deveopment Program, Blake Rd., BeardOITY OF
HOPKINS
February 19, 2008
Council Report 2008-016
HENNEPIN COUNTY TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM -Blake Rd
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Approve Resolution 2008-017
supportin an application to Hennepin County'sTransit Oriented Development Program
for the Blake Rd Corridor.
Overview
Hennepin County's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Program funds projects that
promote a mixture of housing, retail, and workplaces within walking distance of transit to
maximize access and use of that transit. TOD funds are intended to supplement
existing available resources and increase use of transit in Hennepin County. Blake Rd
is a county corridor, and the section of the road from the LRT trail to Highway 7 poses
many challenges for access to neighborhoods, retail, workplaces, and transit stops.
The LRT station planned along the trail and the Blake Rd Corridor will only exacerbate
access issues along the corridor for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
The time is ripe for physical redevelopment of the area and desperately needed
streetscape improvements will help catalyze redevelopment and prepare to
accommodate new users to the area. In addition to the new riders expected from LRT
construction, which is still at least 5 years away, the Atlas site has recently been
purchased with the intention of redevelopment. The size of the Atlas site (17 acres) is
such that a new use on the site will further burden a streetscape that is already
underserving existing residents, shoppers, and workers along the Blake Rd Corridor.
Primary Issues to Consider
• What will the application consist of?
Supporting Information
• Resolution 2008-017
Ta a Beard
Community Development Coordinator
Financial Impact: $ 0 Budgeted: Y/N Source:
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
Council Report 2008-016
Page 2
Analysis of Issues
The County's TOD Program is making available $2 million in Capital Bond funds to
support TOD projects in 2008. City staff is still working on the application and cost
estimates but plans at a minimum to ask for enough funds to provide a concrete
sidewalk on both sides of the corridor between the property line and existing curbs. As
an indication of matching local funds, staff is proposing to remove the cost of
constructing sidewalks where the right of way fronts the Atlas site, with the intention of
building those sidewalks as a part of future redevelopment. The cost of constructing
sidewalks along the Atlas site will be stated in the application as a local match for any
TOD funds awarded. New sidewalks along the Atlas site are likely to be incurred by the
future redeveloper.
If additional funding for other streetscape amenities seems supportable, the grant
application will also include requests for funds to provide ornamental fencing, boulevard
trees, lighting and benches where space is available.
CITY OF HOPKINS
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2008-017
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT GRANT
APPLICATION TO HENNEPIN COUNTY HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Hopkins, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes
3838.77, subd. 3., supports the Transit Oriented Development grant application
submitted to the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority on February
21, 2008, by the City of Hopkins for the Blake Rd Corridor.
Adopted this 19th day of February 2008.
By
Eugene J. Maxwell, Mayor
Attest:
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk.