CR 08-061 Comprehensice Plan; AndersonProposed Action.
Overview.
Primary Issues to Consider.
Supporting Documents.
• Draft Comprehensive Plan
firiw
CcL
Nancy S Anderson, AICP
Planner
G ITY OF
HOPKINS
June 26, 2008 Council Report 08 -61
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Staff recommends the following motion: Distribute the draft Comprehensive Plan to the
adjacent governments, affected special districts and the school district for comments.
Attached is the draft of the 2010 -2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Metropolitan Council
requires that before the Plan is submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review the
Comprehensive Plan is submitted to adjacent governments, affected special districts and the
school district. The bodies have up to six months to review the draft plan. Following the
review by these groups the plan will come back to the Planning Commission for approval
and then to the City Council for approval.
• What are the groups that will receive the Comprehensive Plan for review?
City of Edina
City of Minnetonka
City of St. Louis Park
Hennepin County
Hopkins School District
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
Minnehaha Watershed District
Financial Impact: $ N/A Budgeted: Y/N Source:
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
a community vested in threads of history, character, growth and progress
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
For the City of Hopkins, Minnesota
Table of Contents
Chapters
1. Goals & SWOT 1.1 -1.13
2. Land Use 2.1 -2.28
3. Downtown 3.1 -3.10
4. Housing 4.1 -4.24
5. Parks 5.1 -5.18
6. Transportation 6.1 -6.8
7. Water 7.1 -7.30
8. Solid Waste 8.1 -8.4
Hoisington Koegler Croup Inc.
RIO
Chapter 1 - Goals
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats
Goals of the City of Hopkins
The following statements are the goals ofthe CityofHopkins that
guided the preparation ofthis update to the Comprehensive Plan.
The City will refer to the Comprehensive Plan in establishing
spending and action priorities.
Protect the Residential Neighborhoods
Hopkins is primarily a residential community, and its people are
its strength. The City has established neighborhoods with well -
maintained single and multi - family homes, mature vegetation
and decades of personal commitment. The effects of time,
physical deterioration, changing tastes, market competition and,
not least, the influence of traffic and nearby businesses may erode
the quality of these neighborhoods and irrevocably change the
nature of the community. The key elements protecting the
residential neighborhoods are as follows:
•
In new developments, efforts should be made to pre-
serve as many residential structures as possible.
Residential rehabilitation programs to preserve strong,
well- maintained neighborhoods and protect invest-
ments in property should continue to be offered.
The housing maintenance code should continue to be
enforced.
This goal is addressed by all Comprehensive Plan elements.
Protect and Enhance Downtown Hopkins
The downtown area is loosely described as the B -2 and B -3
districts on Mainstreet from the block east of Fifth Avenue to
Shady Oak Road.
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It is rare to discover a distinctive, pedestrian- scale, commercial
area set in the heart of a small suburban community, but
Hopkins has one. Downtown Hopkins and Mainstreet give the
City a strong central focus and sense of place, or identity, that
many other communities find very difficult to recreate. Major
improvements have been made downtown in recent years
through public - private cooperative efforts. The key elements to
improve the commercial downtown are as follows:
Efforts should be made to retain existing downtown
businesses and attract new specialty retail, entertain-
ment and restaurant businesses to Mainstreet.
The downtown business climate should be monitored
continually.
Residents should be encouraged to shop locally and
support Hopkins businesses.
Efforts should be made to enhance the Mainstreet ex-
perience. Design features such as white lights, public art
and plantings should be encouraged.
Development efforts should continue with an emphasis
on the private sector and less public financing involve-
ment.
Both the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan for Economic
Development address this goal.
Identify and Assist In the Redevelopment of Blighted
or Obsolete Structures
Improvement of industrial and commercial businesses
should continue to be encouraged to ensure that the limited
amount ofnon - residential land in Hopkins can be used to its
full potential.
Rehabilitation should be encouraged in multi - family
structures built at approximately the same time that lack
many amenities found in more recently constructed, multi-
family structures.
The Comprehensive Plan and the East End Study address this
goal.
Bolster the Image of the Community and Promote
Hopkins As a Destination
Hopkins has many assets and unique qualities that set it apart
from other communities. These assets include Mainstreet,
the regional trail head, the Center for the Arts and small -
town convenience. The perception of Hopkins outside of our
boundaries varies with many people in the west metro and
greater metro areas, who are unaware of our draw
Businesses, civic groups and residents will benefit from an
improved image and exposure. This can be accomplished
through implementing the "Think Hopkins" marketing plan.
The Community Image and Land Use Plans address this goal.
Maintain Fiscal Health and An Acceptable Balance
Between Service Quality and Property Tax Rates
Residents and business people have traditionally supported
this aim. Demonstrating responsibility in fiscal matters, while
having obvious local benefits, would also aid the City in its
public relations with prospective residents and business owners.
The methods to maintain fiscal health and an acceptable balance
among City service provided, quality of life and property tax
rates are as follows:
•
•
•
Pursuit of redevelopment, which adds to the tax base,
should be continued.
.Efforts should be made to continue to foster stability
and growth of existing businesses, while encouraging
new businesses to locate in Hopkins.
Investment in infrastructure should continue.
All plan elements address this goal.
CHAP 1 - GOALS
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Influence Transportation
Transportation in the 21st century does not include just building
and improving roads. The Southwest LRT is becoming more
of a reality for Hopkins. The Alternative Analysis has been
completed, and the environmental study is underway. The most
optimistic date for construction of this line is 2015.
Since the last Comprehensive Plan update, Excelsior Boulevard
has been improved with landscaped medians, signage, and
lighting. Upkeep of this road is important for the image of
Hopkins. The elements to influence transportation are as
follows:
Efforts among Hopkins, Minnetonka and Hennepin
County should continue for the improvement of Shady
Oak Road between Excelsior Boulevard and State
Highway 7. This road is scheduled for upgrading in
2010.
Efforts should be made to improve Blake Road from Ex-
celsior Boulevard to Highway 7. These improvements
should include signage, special paving, landscaping,
lighting and sidewalks.
Efforts should continue to support the Southwest Light
Rail Transit (LRT).
Three LRT stations are proposed for Hopkins. One
at Shady Oak Road, a second at Eighth Avenue along
Excelsior Boulevard and a third near Blake Road. Re-
development around all three stations will occur. The
Station Study supports these stations and the redevel-
opment around the stations.
The link between Mainstreet and Excelsior Boulevard
along Eighth Avenue from the regional trail (now) and
proposed LRT station (future) should be improved.
Efforts should be made in cooperation with the County
to finish the improvement of Excelsior Boulevard from
Blake Road to Meadowbrook Road.
All plan elements address this goal.
Involve and Inform Residents, Employees and Business
Owners
• Communication tools, including the newsletter, City
website and e- newsletter should be expanded and im-
proved.
• All residents and business owners, including those
under - represented groups such as renters and new resi-
dents, should be encouraged to be engaged.
Protect and Enhance Green Space, Park Environments
and Sustainability
• Our natural environmental assets should be protected.
• "Green development" should be en couraged. Work
should continue on trail connections and updating
parks. Developers should be encouraged to incorporate
more green space in projects. Additional revenue sourc-
es to support this goal should be identified.
Strengths- Weaknesses-
Opportunities- Threats
To properly frame a strategy for moving the community toward
the future, it is important to understand its strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats. For the current update to the
Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission reviewed this
information, incorporated components ofthe Hopkins Strategic
Plan and made appropriate modifications. The community's
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were
subsequently reviewed by the public during the preparation and
review of the plan. The recommended updates are summarized
below
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Strengths of Hopkins
Sense of Community
Hopkins exudes a sense of community that is found in few
metropolitan area communities by virtue of its population size,
geographic size, stable and cohesive residential areas, identifiable
downtown retail and civic areas, community celebrations
(notably the Raspberry Festival) and residents. The school
district is geographically focused on Hopkins. A sense of pride
and identity exists.
Identifiable Downtown
Downtown Hopkins is one of a small number of established
central shopping districts in metropolitan area communities. It
remains well -known and identifiable on a small scale and a focus
of the community. Several private and public improvements
have occurred in recent years, and a successful balance of land
uses and business types has allowed it to remain stable in various
market conditions.
Employment Base
Hopkins has a high number of jobs representing a wide variety
of employment sectors for a community of its size.
Location
Hopkins is strategi callyl ocate d rel ative to the City ofMinneapol is
and other western suburbs.
Access
The City has excellent access via federal, state and county
roadways, freight railroads, a trail system for both walking and
biking, accessible sidewalks throughout the community, and
the planned light -rail transit system. Hopkins is easy to access
from outside and easy to navigate within.
Variety of Housing Types
Hopkins has a wide variety of housing for people in every stage
ofthe life cycle and every income category.
Variety of Development Types
The community is composed of several types of housing,
retail and service businesses, industry, and public and private
recreational facilities.
Attractive Residential Neighborhoods
There are a number of distinct and identifiable residential
neighborhoods defined by roadways, golf courses, parks and
creeks.
Strong School District
The school district has a strong reputation and is a compelling
reason to live in the City.
Good Municipal Service Delivery
Community opinion surveys have typically indicated a high
level of satisfaction with the delivery of municipal services such
as snowplowing, parks, police and fire protection and trash
collection. Survey updates occur on a regular basis.
Excellent Community Facilities
Hopkins offers an excellent array of public facilities from parks
to special uses. The Hopkins Center for the Arts, The Depot,
Hopkins Activity Center, Williston Fitness Center, Third Lair
Skate Park and the Hopkins Pavilion are other examples of
facilities that meet the needs of residents as well as metropolitan
area residents and visitors. The City's collaboration with the
school district and the City of Minnetonka in the Lindbergh
Center is an example ofthe City's ability to partner with adjacent
communities to provide unique amenities to the public. Shady
Oak Beach and Williston Fitness Center are also examples of
collaborations with the City of Minnetonka.
Active Citizen Participation
Hopkins' government actively involves the people of the
community. The City includes citizen participation in the
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establishment of policy and the assembly of specific plans.
Examples include the assembly of the East End Study and
the Shady Oak Road Corridor Plan. Citizens Academy offers
citizens an opportunity to learn about the internal workings of
City government.
A Tradition of Community Events
Hopkins gathers every year to celebrate the Raspberry Festival.
This highly- successful event fosters a sense of community pride
and enhances the image of the community. Other recurring
community events include Music in the Park, Heritage Days,
Farmers Market and Mainstreet Days.
Weaknesses of Hopkins
Aging Housing Stock
Most of the Hopkins housing stock was built prior to 1960 and
some of it prior to 1930. The city has a significant number of
small, post-war houses that lack many features and amenities that
families and individuals desire in the contemporary market. As
these structures age, their desirability may continue to decrease.
Property owners may not be eager to reinvest in aging housing
stock because their potential is limited by their size, floor plan,
garage and lot area.
Downtown in Need of Continued Improvement
In recent years, downtown Hopkins has made great strides in
re- establishing its sub - regional prominence as a commercial
and entertainment center. To see continued improvement,
downtown Hopkins will need to continue to promote a stable
mixture of retail and service businesses, offices, government
offices, entertainment and attached housing.
Major Roadway and Industrial Areas Divide the
Residential Community
The community is divided by TH 169, Excelsior Boulevard
(County Road 3), and TH 7. In addition, the industrial area
along Excelsior Boulevard separates two major residential
neighborhoods from the rest of the community.
Image of the Community In the Minds ofNon- Residents
Non - residents have inconsistent and sometimes negative
perceptions ofthe City.
Physical Appearance Along Certain Major Traffic Corridors
Excelsior Boulevard has been reconstructed from Shady Oak
Road to Blake Road. The abutting land use on the north side of
Excelsior Boulevard from the railroad tracks to Blake Road needs
redevelopment. The redevelopment of this area is addressed
in the East End Study. Shady Oak Road is also in need of
widening and redevelopment. Because the areas abutting these
corridors are the dominant images that many people have ofthe
community, this impression takes away from the many positive
aspects ofthe community.
Tax Base Constraints
Because the City is nearly fully developed, there is little
opportunity to expand the tax base without redeveloping
property.
Mainstreet Visibility
Mainstreet is not visible from major corridors.
Opportunities for Hopkins
Access Via Light - rail Transit
Three light -rail stations are planned to serve Hopkins. The
three station sites are proposed in the areas of Shady Oak Road,
Eighth Avenue and Blake Road. The rail line will pass through
Hopkins roughly parallel to Excelsior Boulevard. In order to
preserve future options, the Comprehensive Plan update will
continue to plan for the proposed three stations. The light -rail
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system, at the earliest, is projected to be constructed in 2015.
Light rail transit would bring many people into Hopkins daily
and improve access not only from Hopkins to Minneapolis but
also from Minneapolis (and other locations) to Hopkins.
A Resurgent Downtown
Downtown Hopkins has accomplished several changes in
its economic structure, physical design and administrative
organization and appears ready to take the next steps toward
revitalization. Destination shopping and continued marketing
efforts should strengthen the Downtown's role in the region.
The Future of the Retired Landfill in Southwest Hopkins
The landfill is a large parcel of undeveloped land, but the
expense of cleaning the contamination for re -use will be great.
Re- purposing the site will require strategic partnerships will the
MPCA and other funding agencies, which may require that the
end use have some public good, such as "green" uses that create
altemative energy.
Improvement of the Excelsior Boulevard /Shady Oak
Road /Blake Corridors
The reconstruction of Shady Oak Road offers the City
redevelopment opportunities along this corridor. This
redevelopment also could offer a partnership with Minnetonka
for redevelopment of properties on the south side of Excelsior
Boulevard from Hopkins Tech Center to Shady Oak Road.
Capitalizing on Hopkins' Self - contained, Small -town Image
This image is, perhaps, Hopkins' strongest long -term asset
and opportunity, as it is a characteristic of which few other
communities can boast.
East End Redevelopment
The East End has the potential for redevelopment in the next 10
years. The East End Study is in place to guide the area, and the
Comprehensive Plan will continue to plan for improvements in
the Blake Road Corridor.
Growing Diverse Population
Hopkins has a growing diverse population. This population
has the potential to bring new ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and
changing needs to the City.
Compact Size With Identifiable Neighborhoods
Hopkins has many unique and identifiable neighborhoods.
This characteristic offers these neighborhoods the opportunity
to organize and improve their sense of community and quality of
life in Hopkins.
Unique Public Facilities That Are Under - utilized
The Depot, The Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Pavilion are
unique public facilities. The Depot has formed a partnership with
Three Rivers Park District, and has the opportunity to expand
the services of the facility. The Hopkins Center for the Arts has
recently been restructured in a way that will increase utilization.
There is the potential for the Pavilion to add events during the
year.
Large Corporate Presence Not Being Tapped
SuperValu, The Blake School, Walser Automotive, Hopkins
Honda, and Cargill have a large corporate presence in Hopkins.
The City has the opportunity to partner with these corporations
to increase their contribution to the community.
Opportunity to Expose Natural Corridors
Minnehaha and Nine Mile Creek run through Hopkins. These
creeks have the potential to be stronger amenities for the City
through increased visibility and access.
Community Confidence
A recent survey indicated that residents have strong community
confidence.
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"Think Hopkins"
The marketing effort "Think Hopkins" is promoting a positive
image of the City.
Improvement in Transit Use
We are fortunate to be served with adequate bus routes and
transit stops, but there are opportunities to increase ridership
through improved transit stops and access.
Threats to Hopkins
Aging Housing Stock
A high percentage ofHopkins housing units are over SO years old,
and many were built in the same era. Thus, there is the possibility
of many homes deteriorating at the same time. Preserving
Hopkins' housing stock and its neighborhoods should be a
prime consideration ofthe City.
Industrial and Multi family Building Obsolescence
A few ofHopkins' industrial and multi- family sites are aging, have
obsolete buildings and /or have physical site constraints such as
contamination. These sites may need public financing to make
redevelopment a possibility.
Consumer Retail Trends
Downtown Hopkins is experiencing steady improvement,
but the threat remains that retail trends and market forces may
negatively impact the business climate, leading to decline.
Demographic Changes
Desire for larger living space and modem amenities, coupled with
a large post-WWII housing stock that can be cost - prohibitive to
remodel, could contribute to a loss of families living in Hopkins.
This loss of families, combined with decreasing average
household size and an aging population, may negatively impact
businesses, schools and the community as a whole.
Limited Ability to Increase Tax Base
Hopkins has few opportunities to easily increase its tax base, and
rising costs in local, county and school district governments,
combined with more costs being pushed to local governments,
could increase local tax rates and property taxes.
Aging of Public Infrastructure
Hopkins is over 100 years of age, and most of its streets and
sewer and water lines were constructed many decades ago.
There is a need for continuing investment in infrastructure.
Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Although Hopkins is not proposed to be the end of the LRT
line, the realities of federal funding may prohibit the line from
extending into Minnetonka. The end ofthe line would require
a larger park and ride facility and possibly the maintenance
facility. These facilities are considered not the best use of
Hopkins' valuable land.
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Chapter 2 - Land Use and Development
Introduction
Overall Pattern
The land use pattern ofHopkins has evolved over the last century
and is well established (see Figure 2.1: Existing Land Use
Map). In the years ahead, the focus for Hopkins will be on new
development, but on redevelopment or underdeveloped sites.
Recent redevelopment initiatives have included preliminary
planning for the Blake Road Corridor, initial planning for the
redevelopment ofthe Shady Oak Road corridor and long -range
planning for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT). These
projects and others may impact the existing land use pattern and
are discussed further in this section ofthe Comprehensive Plan.
Redevelopment projects that have recently been completed
include the Marketplace Lofts in downtown and the Excelsior
Crossings located in the northeast quadrant of TH 169 and
Excelsior Boulevard. Both projects have proven to fit the overall
character and cohesiveness ofHopkins and can serve as models
for other redevelopment initiatives.
Only a few undeveloped parcels of land remain. Underutilized
sites and, more particularly, inappropriate uses of land are the
major issues now confronting the community.
Downtown Hopkins
Perhaps one of Hopkins' greatest assets is its Downtown. The
Downtown has changed over the years from an important and
vibrant retail center to one that serves local convenience needs
and certain specialty market niches. The dynamics of consumer
preferences and the transportation network have caused
such shifts in many older central shopping areas. Downtown
Hopkins still, however, possesses a special character. The
character ofthe area can be used to help reposition it to respond
to contemporary market challenges and opportunities but not
without the combination of private and public efforts.
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Figure 2.1 - Existing Land Use Map
There has been considerable public investment and interest
in Downtown in the past, and that trend is continuing.
Without question, Downtown Hopkins is one of a limited
number of recognizable central community shopping areas
in the Metropolitan Area. It is an asset worth protecting. The
community recognizes the importance of the Downtown and
has a strong positive emotional response to the location.
Residential Neighborhoods
Another one of Hopkins' greatest assets is its neighborhoods
of single- family homes, which accommodate residents of all
ages. These neighborhoods give Hopkins its character and
cohesiveness. However, acceptance ofsome ofthe smaller, post-
war homes may wane as time goes by and long -time residents
move out. Protecting these neighborhoods from inappropriate
development and the effects of aging as well as preserving a
strong social fabric will continue to be major challenges for the
community. In the future, redevelopment may threaten existing
single - family homes. The City needs to consider means to
restrict the loss of single - family housing.
Industrial and Commercial Areas
Hopkins has long been an important center of employment
and commerce in the westem suburbs as a result of its streetcar,
highway, and railroad service. Industrial development and
redevelopment continue to be important to the community for
purposes of tax base and employment. The City has invested
staff time and financial resources to leverage private investment
and is committed to an ongoing effort of business recruitment
and development.
Excelsior Boulevard, Shady Oak Road, TH 7 and Blake Road
have always been important roadways in Hopkins because they
serve as a local access for commercial, industrial and residential
neighborhood areas. Over the past few years, the City has
Ci1Al All FiR 2 - LAND US1=
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CHAPTER 2 - LA \r) USE
worked with Hennepin County and other agencies to improve
these corridors. The City has recently reconstructed Excelsior
Boulevard to improve both its function and aesthetics. The
recent enhancement ofthe corridor gives Hopkins a recognizable
gateway into the community. The City should continue to
aggressively pursue reconstruction and aesthetic improvements
eastward to the St. Louis Park border.
Natural Protection Areas
There are two locations ofspeci al natural significance in Hopkins:
Nine -Mile Creek and Minnehaha Creek. Each is protected by the
rules and regulations ofa Watershed District and the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources. In addition, the City of
Hopkins has approved zoning regulations to complement the
efforts of those non - municipal agencies. The Nine -Mile Creek
basin in southeast Hopkins is being protected for purposes of
flood protection, wildlife protection, agriculture, natural beauty,
and passive recreation. The Minnehaha Creek basin does not
include agriculture but does include active recreation such as
canoeing.
Other natural areas include a park and trail system that is further
discussed in the Park, Open Space, and Trail chapter.
Goals
A set of overall goals provides a framework for land use initiatives
in Hopkins. Pertaining to land use, the City of Hopkins seeks
to:
Cl [API ER 2 - LAND USE
• Maintain a viable downtown commercial core. Downtown Hopkins has a unique commercial business
core. Maintaining the viability of downtown is dependent on the success of its businesses. Redevelopment in and
around downtown Hopkins will occur over the next 30 years. Additional commercial development is likely to occur
along Excelsior Boulevard, Shady Oak Road and possibly Blake Road. The City will need to carefully guide additional
commercial development in a manner that is supportive of downtown.
• Maintain a strong employment base. Much of Hopkins job base is dependent on the success of industrial uses
located in the southern portion of the community. It is important for the City to maintain industrial uses that will
provide job opportunities. The City will work to ensure these sites are utilized to their full potential as redevelopment
occurs and will encourage private reinvestment.
• Continue to emphasize compatible land uses between adjacent jurisdictions. Hopkins is adjacent to the
Cities of Minnetonka, Edina and St. Louis Park with similar land use patterns occurring along most common borders.
The City will continue to work with adjacent jurisdictions to ensure seamless land use patterns along the respective
borders, particularly along Excelsior Boulevard.
• Maintain appropriate transitions between land uses. Hopkins is a fully developed community and will likely
see new development through redevelopment initiatives. The City will work to ensure appropriate transitional uses
and buffering between new and existing land uses.
• Take advantage ofredevelopment opportunities to capture future Light Rail Transit (LRT) initiatives.
The Southwest LRT line passes directly through Hopkins creating redevelopment opportunities at and around three
potential station locations. These redevelopment opportunities may occur prior to any LRT improvements. Therefore,
the City will work to ensure that new redevelopment in and around future station areas is appropriate and consistent
with future transit improvements.
• Continue to coordinate land use and transportation needs. An effective transportation network is
vital to the future of Hopkins and its redevelopment efforts. Over the next 20 years, traffic volumes on local
roadways will continue to increase and added congestion will occur. The City will continue to assess the relationships
between land use and transportation in two ways: by assessing the impacts of redevelopment on the existing
transportation systems and in some cases and locations, assessing the impacts that new transportation improvements
will have on land use.
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CHAPTER 2 - LAST) USE
Land Use and Development Plan
Land Use Plan Categories
In addition to the standard residential, commercial and industrial
land use categories, the future land plan uses a mixed land use
category (see Figure 2.2: Land Use Plan). The purpose of the
mixed -use category is to accommodate a variety of planning
initiatives and land uses that may occur around the proposed
LRT stations. The following is a review of all of the land use
patterns used in the plan.
Low Density Residential:
The majority of Hopkins existing housing stock falls within
the low density residential land use category at 1 - units per
acre. This category accommodates the existing single- family
detached housing that contributes to Hopkins' character and
cohesiveness.
Medium Density Residential
Medium Density Residential uses include attached residential
units, predominantly townhomes or condominiums ranging
from 8 -16 units per acre. Medium density residential also
includes manufactured housing.
High Density Residential
High Density Residential includes multi -unit and multi- building
developments. The high density category accommodates
more intense housing, such as apartments and condominium
developments. The density range for this category establishes a
minimum threshold of 17+ units per acre ultimately resulting in
multistoried structures.
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CHAPITR 2 - LAND U,,E
City of Hopkins. MN
Hopkins Station Area Plan
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Commercial
Commercial land uses offer a wide variety ofgoods and services.
Hopkins commercial uses are primarily located along major
transportation corridors (Excelsior Blvd & Highway 7), which
serve both regional and community needs. Commercial uses
located downtown largely serve local needs and specialty market
niches. Overall, these goods and services range from grocery
stores, salons, dry cleaners, retailers and coffee shops.
Mixed Use
The Mixed Land Use category is intended to capture anticipated
redevelopment initiatives associated with the proposed LRT
stations. Each station area is likely to redevelop in a mixed -use
type fashion. However, the density ranges and uses may vary
between stations. The Hopkins Station Area Plan completed
in 2008 addresses preferred density ranges and uses at each
LRT station. Additional planning efforts have also addressed
station locations. The East Hopkins Land Use and Market Study
provides a framework for future land uses near the Blake Station
Area. The Hopkins Station Area Plan and East Hopkins Land
Use and Market study both support mixed use development and
are reflected in the land use plan.
Land guided for mixed uses is located in three areas of the
community: 1) Shady Oak Station Area, 2) Hopkins Downtown
Station Area and 3) Blake Station Area. Each station area, as
previously noted, will vary in density and use. Based on the
Hopkins Station Area Plan, the following density ranges and uses
are suggested:
Shady Oak Station Area
The proposed Shady Oak Station would consist of a 280 -car
Park- and -Ride structure on 17th Avenue. Redevelopment is
anticipated to occur in a mixed -use fashion and develop around
the park-and-ride sites. Mixed uses would support the function
of a park- and -ride facility and create a live /work environment.
Type
Hopkins Downtown Station (sq. ft)
Main Floor Commerical
39,200
Main Floor Live /Work
30,580
Upper Floor Commercial
-
Residential Units (177 g
1,000 sq. ft. /unit)
200,000
Total Est. Built Area (sq. ft.)
269,780
Type
Shady Oak Station (sq. ft)
Main Floor Commerical
102,406
Main Floor Live /Work
23,664
Upper Floor Commercial
58,082
Residential Units (177 Units at
1,000 sq. ft. /unit)
177,000
Total Est. Built Area (sq. ft)
361,152
The Hopkins Station Area Plan calls for redevelopment to
occur in the following manner:
Hopkins Downtown Station Area
The mixed -use category is intended to serve the proposed
downtown LRT station at 8th Avenue. In this area, the City
envisions higher density residential with offices to create a
live /work environment. Retail development associated with
redevelopment should be limited to 8th Avenue, with the
majority of retail located along Mainstreet.
The Hopkins Station Area Plan calls for redevelopment to
occur in the following manner:
C0I, -P1 FR 2 - LA 1) USF
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Type
Blake Station (sq. ft)
Main Floor Commerical
64,000
Second Floor Office
32,000
Residential Units (194 @
1,000 sq. ft. /unity)
194,000
Total Est. Built Area (sq. ft.)
290,000
page 2 -10
CTTAPTER 2 - LAND) USE
lopkin8
The Blake Station Area
The primary focus of this area is to provide higher density uses
near and around the proposed LRT station. Desired uses include
a mix of high density housing with retail commercial and offices.
The Hopkins Station Area Plan calls for redevelopment to
occur in the following manner:
Business Park
The business park category accommodates stand -alone office
and office service uses. Business park areas may include such
uses as office- showrooms, research and development facilities,
real estate offices or banks.
Industrial
Industrial uses are largely located near the rail lines that run
through Hopkins. In most cases, these areas are fully developed.
Uses include manufacturing, warehousing or distribution
centers.
Institutional
The institutional category is intended to capture public and
semi - public uses. These uses would include schools, churches,
city hall and other civic uses.
Open Space
The open space category is intended for areas to be preserved for
natural resources or future park opportunities.
Park
These are areas that have been developed for recreational
opportunities or amenities /facilities that offer active living
opportunities.
Private Open Space
The private open space category includes private uses, such as
the Meadowbrook Golf Course and Oak Ridge Golf Course.
Wetland
The wetlands depicted in the land use plan are derived from the
Hennepin County Wetland Inventory. The inventory provides
three classes of wetlands: (1) Wetlands with little or no drainage
apparent (2) Wetlands in most cases, partially drained basins and
(3) Wetlands that could potentially be wetlands but need to be
field verified. The wetlands that are shown on the planned land
use map have been field verified. The wetlands depicted are for
reference purposes only.
Planning Districts
As part of the comprehensive planning update process, eight
planning districts have been established (see Planning District
Maps). Each district was defined based on geographical
boundaries, transportation corridors and known planning
initiatives. The intent of the district approach is to allow the
establishment of a specific framework for each geographic area.
Each planning district embraces the land use goals set forth in this
document. Each district has been analyzed and plans have been
fomulated based on the specific uses and opportunities within
the boundaries of the district as well as assessing its relatioship to
adjacent planning districts.
Planning District #1 — North Hopkins
North Hopkins land use patterns are well established and not
likely to change over the next 20 to 30 years. The majority of
this area is comprised of larger single- family residential lots
and the Oak Ridge County Club (Golf Course). Commercial
and high density housing is located along Highway 7 as are the
Hopkins School District administrative offices and Eisenhower
Elementary School.
CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE
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Hop yin
page 2 -12
CITAPTFR 2 - LAND USE
Residential lots in Planning District #1 are the largest in Hopkins.
The Bellgrove neighborhood is located just north of the golf
course. This neighborhood offers larger homes and provides
opportunities for move -up buyers. In addition, Bellgrove
is adjacent to the Minnehaha Creek Preserve which offers
recreational uses.
There are no anticipated land use changes in Planning District
#1. If redevelopment were to occur, it would most likely happen
through redevelopment initiatives along the Highway 7 corridor.
Low - density residential uses will remain unchanged. The
Minnehaha Creek Preserve will remain as Open Space and
continue to provide passive recreational uses.
Summary of Planned Land Use Changes:
No changes are being proposed at this time.
Figure 2.3: Planning District #1
Planning District #2 — Central Hopkins
A bulk of Hopkins single family homes can be found in the
Central Hopkins Planning District. A significant portion of these
homes were constructed in the 1900's and contribute to the
unique character of Hopkins' housing stock. However, housing
constructed during this era is reaching a point where maintenance
issues are becoming a concern. The Housing Plan addresses this
issue calling for ongoing maintenance and private reinvestment.
In the future, Planning District #2 needs to be protected from
outside intrusions that might threaten the integrity ofthe existing
low density neighborhoods. Potential intrusions are most likely
to occur on the common boundary between Planning District
#8 and Planning District #2.
Shady Oak Road forms the westem boundary of Planning
District #2. The City has been collaborating with the City of
Minnetonka and Hennepin County to address numerous safety,
mobility and access issues associated with the corridor. Out of
those discussions a preferred alignment has been recommended
and the reconstruction ofthe roadway is currently scheduled for
2013. Corridor improvements and land use changes identified
in corridor planning efforts to date are not expected to negatively
impact the single family homes located in Planning District #2,
with the exception of the homes acquired as part of the road
project.
Figure 2.4: Planning District: #2
Summary of Planned Land Use Changes:
No changes are being proposed at this time.
CHAPTER r R 2 - LAND USE
page 2 -13
page 2 -14
CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE
Planning District #3 - East of US Highway 169
Planning District #3 is bounded by three major transportation
corridors: US Highway 169, Highway? and Excelsior Boulevard.
Geographically, the district is one of the smallest, but contains
a mix of uses including business park, industrial, low density
residential, medium density residential and high density
residential. Although this district is compact, the existing uses
are largely compatible since appropriate transitional uses and
buffering exist.
•
5r L r.G is P,
Y
1•11, •l• tOr. .':1
•- Yi
if
Figure 2.6 - Planning District: #3
Challenges facing Planning District #3 include a narrow strip of
land along Jackson Street, just north ofExcelsior Boulevard. This
land, guided as business park, may see enhanced redevelopment
potential due to the recent development of the Cargill office
complex immediately to the west. However, the size and width
of the site present development challenges.
Located just east of Jackson Street is property guided for
industrial. It is anticipated that this site will continue as an
industrial use. In the unlikely event that this site is proposed
for redevelopment in the future, attention should be given to
ensure that appropriate buffering can enhance the integrity of
the residential neighborhoods to the north. Long -term, the
presence of LRT may enhance the redevelopment potential of
this property.
Summary of Planned Land Use Changes:
Reguide the ABM site from Industrial to Low Density
Residential
Reguide parcels located east of the Cargill site and west
ofJackson Ave. from Industrial to Business Park.
Planning District #4 — Blake Road Corridor
Blake Road is a major north -south arterial on the eastern edge
of Hopkins. It provides connectivity between Highway 7
and Excelsior Boulevard. The intersection at Blake Road and
Excelsior Boulevard serves as a "gateway" into the community.
Recent initiatives have examined the future of the corridor
considering land use, transportation, safety and design. The City
has begun to address several of these concerns through various
plans. Planning documents addressing this area include:
Blake Road Corridor Community Assessment
Blake Road Streetscape Concept
East Hopkins Land Use and Market Study
Hopkins Station Area Plan
CHAPTER 2 - AND Usl-:
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CHAPTER 2 - LAND Usi
Blake Road currently contains a mix ofuses similar to those found
in Planning District #3. Challenges facing this district today
include a collection of structures that were built between the
1950's and 1970's that need improvements and a corridor that is
facing safety, mobility and access issues. In tum, there is a unique
opportunity to revitalize the corridor by implementing the
recommendations found in the planning documents referenced
above. The most significant planning opportunity from a land use
perspective is the proposed LRT station. The station is proposed
to be located south of 2nd St NE and west ofBlake Road.
LRT is a catalyst for redevelopment and is scheduled for 2015.
Current land uses near the LRT site consist of industrial and
commercial uses. Some of the current industrial buildings east
of Blake Road are no longer operating and are for sale or vacant.
Sites located north of Excelsior Boulevard are guided for Mixed -
Use and land located to the east is guided for Business Park.
Land located west ofBlake Road and north ofExcelsiorBoulevard
has been addressed in the East Hopkins Land Use and Market
Study, adopted by the City Council in July of 2003. The study
suggests that portions of this area are to be redeveloped. This
redevelopment is reflected in the future land use plan as mixed -
use. However, the East Hopkins Land Use and Market Study
should continue to be used to determine future land use patterns
in this area.
New residential uses located in the planning district would be
associated with mixed -use developments. A viable mixed -use
option may typically include high- density housing above retail
uses or uses may be separated in a horizontal configuration.
Single family housing located within the planning district is
suggested to remain in place consistent with the housing goals
defined in this plan. However, it should be noted that the
Cottageville Neighborhood located east of the northern portion
of Blake Road faces a number of challenges. The neighborhood
contains pockets of deteriorating housing. There might also be
an opportunity to provide better connectivity with Minnehaha
Creek and provide additional recreational opportunities for
residents. Removal of some existing structures in this area would
increase the visibility and viability of Cottageville Park, which is
presently underutilized. Planning efforts for the Cottageville
Park area will need to continue as the City continues its focus on
improvements along the Blake Road Corridor.
Figure 2.6 - Planning District: #4
Summary of Planned Land Use Changes:
• Reguide the Baker Square, McCoy's and 43 Hoops sites
from Industrial and Commercial to Mixed -Use.
• Reguide the Atlas site from Industrial to Mixed -Use.
• Reguide the Rainbow and Kunz Oil site from Industrial
to Business Park.
(n A1 AN 2 - LAND USE
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CHAPTER R 2 - AND Usi
•
Planning District #5 - East Hopkins
The majority of the district consists of low- density residential
along with the presence of significant institutional uses. One
of the focal points of the district is Blake School. To the east of
the school is the Interlachen neighborhood and to the west, the
Presidents neighborhood. Each is a neighborhood of strong
single family residential units and existing uses will continue to
be supported in the land use plan. It is highly unlikely that the
land use pattern in Planning District #5 will change over the next
20 - 30 years. It is expected that property owners will continue
their efforts to address ongoing maintenance needs along with
more substantial renovations and additions.
Reguide land located west of Blake Road, north ofEx-
celsior Boulevard and south of the railroad tracks from
Industrial and Commercial to Mixed -Use.
Summary of Planned Land Use Changes:
• No changes are being proposed at this time.
Figure 2.7 - Planning District: #5
Planning District #6 - South Hopkins
The southern portion of Hopkins consists of mainly residential
uses. A concentration of medium density housing borders both
sides of 11th Avenue South. There is a significant stock of single
family homes located in the Peaceful Valley and Park Valley
neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are well established and
have been developed in the 1950s.
This planning district has a strong residential core however, it
also includes some commercial, office and industrial uses. In
some respects, these uses have spilled over from the industrial
core that makes up Planning District #7. The impact of these
uses on residential properties has not been an issue due to the
scale ofthe buildings and buffering between uses. The residential
neighborhoods in District #6 will continue to be important assets
to the community.
District #6 is the home of the largest "vacant" parcel of land in
Hopkins. The landfill site may have future development potential,
but it is highly constrained by a number of environmental issues.
At the present time the site has not been cleared by State agencies
for any type ofuse. As a result, the property is fully fenced and it
contains a methane collection system. Because ofthe magnitude
of environmental issues on the landfill site, it is not expected
to develop within the timeframe of this comprehensive plan
without financial assistance from other partners.
The future land use plan presents no changes in this district..
However, when the land fill site is developed, it will require a
significant public investment that would warrant a public purpose
for its future use. As part of the comprehensive plan update, it is
recommended that this site remains as open space.
C11AP1T k 2 - LAND Use
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CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE
�Iop�in�
Summary of Proposed Land Use Changes:
• No changes are being proposed at this time.
Figure 2.8 - Planning District: #6
Planning District #7 — Industrial
The industrial uses located in Planning District #7 make up
a significant portion of the employment base in Hopkins.
SuperValu, which is Hopkins' largest employer, has facilities
scattered across this district. It is important to maintain the
industrial land use pattern in this area to maintain a wide -range of
jobs. It is not anticipated that any of these uses will change over
the next 20 to 30 years. The long -range continuation ofthese uses
is encouraged as are public and private reinvestments needed to
keep the area viable.
Proposed Land Use Changes:
• No changes are being proposed at this time.
Figure 2.9 - Planning District: #7
Planning District #8 - Downtown Hopkins
The foundation of Downtown Hopkins has been well
established for many years. The core of downtown is primarily
focused along Mainstreet between 7th Avenue North and 12th
Avenue North. The downtown district also extends west of7th
Avenue North and is comprised of a mixture of commercial
and residential uses. The downtown core is also comprised of
commercial and residential uses with a strong presence of civic
uses (City Hall, Post Office & Hopkins Center for the Arts). In
addition, a variety of restaurants, a movie theater and specialty
stores are located throughout the downtown.
At this time, there are no land use changes proposed for
downtown. However, redevelopment may present mixed -use
opportunities. In recent years, downtown Hopkins has seen a
op n8 ���1 ��►��,�,��,
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CHAPTER 2 - LAND Usr.
HOPkin8 ,:c L):
page 2 -11
number of significant mixed -use redevelopments. Marketplace
Lofts on the east end of Mainstreet provides commercial uses on
the street level with residential units above. Future redevelopment
within the core of downtown will be encouraged to continue this
pattern.
Mixed -use redevelopment may also be promptedbythe proposed
Downtown Station Area located just south of downtown. When
LRT becomes available, there will be a desire to redevelop
within the vicinity of the station. The station area plan calls for
redevelopment along Excelsior Boulevard, at the intersection of
8th Avenue and up 8th Avenue to Mainstreet. At this location,
the intent is to create a live /work environment and provide
retail development that is compatible and supportive of the
downtown.
In Planning District #8, there is also an opportunity to capitalize
on underutilized properties. The EBCO site located at the
intersection ofExcelsior Boulevard and TH 169 could redevelop
in a manner that is compatible with the existing business park
to the northeast while taking advantage of the proximity to the
downtown LRT station.
Areas around all of Hopkins' proposed LRT stations are expected
to develop in a mixed -use fashion. However, the form and function
of the various mixed -use areas varies between stations. As noted
in the land use plan, the mixed -use category has been established
to reflect the land use patterns intended for each station.
The mixed -use located at the Shady Oak Station has also
been included in the planning district. The idea of including
both stations within one planning district is to help facilitate
coordinated land use patterns. It is important to understand their
role and proximity to one another. The purpose of the Shady Oak
station is to serve as a live /work environment, but on a different
scale than the downtown. Redevelopment in this area would
likely occur in a more business park form with the inclusion of
residential uses. The mixed -use development may also include
some commercial uses. Commercial uses would be sized to serve
only the needs of the business park and park- and -ride facility.
Overall, Planning District #8 is expected to see the most
significant change over the next 20 to 30 years as a result of
redevelopment and the implementation of light rail transit. The
comprehensive plan supports and recognizes these potential
land use changes. Changes in this area, however, will need to
continue to be compatible with the character and function of
downtown. The following chapter provides additional guidance
on how to maintain and enhance the character and identity of
downtown Hopkins.
Figure 2.10 - Planning District: #8
CHAPTER 2 - LAND USI=
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Kopkin
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CH PT ER 2 - LAND Usi:
Summary of Proposed Land Use Changes:
•
•
•
Hopkins' Land Use plan identifies strategies and approaches to
help meet the identified land use goals which include:
•
•
Reguide the EBCO site from Industrial to Business Park
Reguide the Tech Center and Napco site from Industrial
to Mixed Use.
Reguide portions ofland north at the intersection of
Excelsior Boulevard and 8th Avenue S to Mixed -Use.
Land Use Implementation Actions
Maintain aviable downtown commercial core.
Maintain a strong employment base.
Continue to emphasize compatible land uses between
adjacent jurisdictions.
Maintain appropriate transitions between land uses.
Take advantage of redevelopment opportunities to cap-
ture future Light Rail Transit (LRT) initiatives.
Continue to coordinate land use and transportation
needs.
The goals listed above and the implementation actions that follow
are intended to ensure long -term land use patterns, maintain a
viable downtown, provide opportunities for new employment,
capture redevelopment opportunities and provide a mix of uses
that keeps the community viable and competitive.
Residential Land Use Patterns
The City regards the preservation and protection of its existing
residential neighborhoods as one ofits most important priorities.
The City will work to protect land use patterns that continue to
support single family homes.
A balanced supply of housing is important to Hopkins' efforts
to serve the needs of a broad range of residents. The land use
plan identifies land use patterns that will support a variety of
residential uses including medium to high density uses, such as
condos, townhomes and apartments.
In order to address residential land use patterns, Hopkins will:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Work to protect the integrity and long -term viability of
its low- density residential neighborhoods and strive to
reduce the potential negative effects of nearby commer-
cial or industrial land through zoning, site plan reviews,
and code enforcement.
Ensure that the infilling ofvacant parcels and the
rehabilitation of existing developed land will be in accor-
dance with uses specified in the Comprehensive Plan.
Ensure that incompatible land uses will be improved or
removed where possible and the land reused in confor-
mance with the Comprehensive Plan.
Work to assure strong and well - maintained neighbor-
hoods.
Work to enhance avariety ofresidential land uses in the
City.
Work to balance the supply ofmultiple family residential
uses within the City.
Downtown Land Use Patterns
Hopkins' identity and character is largely defined by the
downtown district. It provides a sense of place for residents and
is a center for commerce and government. The land use plan
takes the adjacent land use patterns into consideration to protect
the integrity and long -term viability of downtown. The City
will work to ensure that land use patterns do not develop in a
manner that would jeopardize downtown's economic viability
or character.
CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE
Summit Condominiums
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CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE
In order to address downtown land uses, Hopkins will:
•
•
•
Continue to leverage private investment in the
redevelopment ofthe Downtown through judicious
use of tax increment financing revenues and local capital
improvement funds.
Work with Downtown landowners and merchants to
improve parking, access, and appearance.
Maintain its compact form in order to concentrate busi-
ness activities and to protect adjacent residential areas.
Expansion ofthe commercial area will generally be lim-
ited to areas that do not displace single family housing.
Industry and Business Land Use Patterns
Hopkins has established a diversified base of employment
including a number of major employers supplemented by a
diverse mix of smaller businesses and industries. Today, the
only opportunity that industries and businesses have to build or
relocate is through redevelopment initiatives. Accordingly, the
future land use plan has focused on current land uses that are
not being utilized to their fullest potential. In some cases, these
properties have been reguided to advocate a more appropriate
land use pattern.
In order to address industry and business land uses, Hopkins
will:
Continue to actively promote the development and
redevelopment ofits industrial areas through marketing
and public relations efforts, land use planning, and care-
ful financial incentives, including tax increment financ-
ing.
Strive to leverage its valuable locational assets and create
industrial areas that have attractive building and grounds,
concealed outdoor storage, high floor - area ratios, and
high levels of employment, especially employment in
the professional and technical job areas.
Carefully study the implications for commercial redevel-
opment of the pending reconstruction, widening, and
realignment of Shady Oak Road. Redevelopment efforts
for the area seek to create new commercial sites that ap-
peal to the local market, have safe and convenient access
and parking, and have a high level oflandscaping and site
improvements.
Participate in the redevelopment ofdeteriorated and /or
obsolescent industrial and convnercial areas when pub-
lic financing is determined to be feasible and necessary.
Expansion of in dustrial zoning will only be considered in
cases where it can clearly be demonstrated that changes
will not have a detrimental effect on nearby residential
properties.
Set and enforce high standards for all non - residential
design. Site plans for commercial and industrial facilities
will be carefully reviewed for proper building orientation,
parking placement, access, traff=ic impacts, pedestrian
improvements, landscaping, screening ofstorage, and
general architectural appearance.
When commercial property abuts residential property
(especially across a street), extensive landscaping, fencing
and /or berms should be used to mitigate impacts on the
housing.
CHAPTER 2 - LAND USE
Excelsior Crossings
lopkun8 Han
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Chapter 3 - Downtown Hopkins
Introduction
Downtown Hopkins has changed substantially over the past
20 years. Noteworthy improvements include construction
of the Hopkins Center for the Arts and the Hopkins 6 movie
theater complex. These two developments have dramatically
changed the visual appearance of the downtown core, and
they bring substantial numbers of visitors into the community.
Additionally, the east end of Mainstreet is seeing significant
mixed -use development involving retail uses and housing. The
Marketplace Lofts project was significant since it was the first
to establish contemporary urban -form housing in downtown
Hopkins. Other similar projects are expected in the future.
Analysis of Downtown Hopkins
Future improvements in downtown Hopkins will seek to
capitalize on the assets of the area while working to address
identified liabilities. The following is an overview of each:
Assets
Downtown Hopkins presents a strong sense of place.
It is the quintessential downtown that many suburban
communities are trying to duplicate today.
Downtown serves as a significant shopping destination.
There is a strong base of existing establishments includ-
ing special purpose retailers and auto dealers who draw
people from outside ofthe immediate Hopkins area.
There is a strong local employment base that draws
people to the city.
CHAPTER 3 - DOWNTOWN HOPKI \S
Movie Theater and Restaurant Development
Completed in 1997
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r� x 3 - Dina \"rov, N HOP>KINS
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•
•
•
•
•
Liabilities
•
•
•
•
There is strong community support for the continued
improvement of downtown..
The business community is service oriented.
Downtown Hopkins "cuts across" a broad range oflife-
style and income groups.
Local residents are supportive oflocal business estab-
lishments.
The City government is active in community develop-
ment.
The district lacks a "critical mass" of store types and sizes.
Downtown. Hopkins does not operate as a unified busi-
ness district.
Shopping activity is not always continuous along Main -
street and therefore, can be perceived as lacking the
continuity to support a strong pedestrian environment.
Downtown faces significant retail competition in sur-
rounding communities.
Recent public and private projects in downtown Hopkins have
strengthened the area's assets and improved issues that have
been identified as past liabilities. The strong employment base
in Hopkins and surrounding office development has always
served as means to attract people into the downtown area.
The private and public theater developments bring substantial
numbers of visitors into the central business district expanding
the base of customers for local businesses.
In recent years, other improvements have also served to help
further unify the business district. New retail construction on
the east end ofMainstreet and renovations of old buildings have
allowed business expansions as well as opportunities for new
retail and service businesses.
The success of recent developments in downtown Hopkins
has caused an increase in the need for additional parking. With
events in the Hopkins Center for the Arts and Friday and
Saturday evening crowds at the movie theaters, parking is in
short supply. Overflow parking from these events could impact
the surrounding neighborhood areas.
Based on past marketing studies, current conditions, and
ongoing strategic planning initiatives, the following general
recommendations are offered for downtown Hopkins:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Monitoring and Assessing
Development efforts should be targeted toward encour-
aging growth and expansion of commercial establish-
ments that address two market orientations: (1) the
destination specialty market, and (2) the local conve-
nience and specialty market. Hopkins Center for the
Arts helps make Hopkins a true destination. Specialty
commercial uses can capitalize on the draw and the
success ofthe arts and entertainment components of
downtown Hopkins.
Assess the market's perception of downtown Hopkins.
Determine types ofbusinesses needed and identify sites
for appropriate new businesses.
Foster communication between the City, Hopkins Busi-
ness and Civic Association (HBCA), and owners and
managers of commercial properties.
Attract specialty retail and destination uses including
arts, entertainment, recreation, antiques, hobbies and
crafts, gifts and family- oriented uses.
Encourage the adoption of uniform downtown store
hours and consistent management to improve customer
service.
Encourage commercial development to be clustered
dose to the central core ofthe business district where it
CHAPTER 3 - Do\V\ [ Wy HoIKF' s
Hopkins Center for the Arts
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CI1Ai'F1 R 3 - DcnwNmwN HOPKINs
•
•
•
•
•
reinforces and is consistent with existing establishment
types.
As funding is available, offer financial incentives to retain
and attract commercial businesses.
Initiate a comprehensive review oflong -term parking
needs and formulate a plan to address those needs. At-
tempt alternative solutions to employee parking prob-
lems.
Build upon the area's strong sense of place, and improve
the surrounding market area's awareness of the commu-
nity.
Expand joint advertising and promotions for the busi-
nesses in the district. Promote Mainstreet via special
events.
Adopt design guidelines for the areas of Mainstreet from
Shady Oak Road to 12th Avenue and 7th Avenue to the
east.
Physical Plan
Downtown Hopkins is planned to continue its tight -knit pattern
of commercial development along either side of Mainstreet.
Commercial activity is targeted in the vicinity of but not limited
to the five- block -long core area from 7th to 12th Avenues.
The Comprehensive Plan envisions that the present pattern
of commercial, residential, and public land uses will be largely
continued.
Longer term, the construction ofthe Southwest LRT line through
Hopkins will create new opportunities and could eventually
change the dynamics of downtown. Long -term changes to land
uses along 8th Avenue could better connect Mainstreet to the
LRT Additional information on the potential impacts of LRT is
found in the land use chapter ofthis plan.
Urban Design Guidelines
The following guidelines will be used by the City in reviewing
new development and redevelopment. The overall intention is
to maintain the appearance and character ofthe historic buildings
throughout the commercial area, both in the historic core and in
the supportive nearby areas.
Buildings
Buildings should be constructed at a scale consistent
with the historic downtown.
Building heights in the historic core should match
those of adjacent structures, with two or three stories
being the desired height in that area.
Maintain as much building line along Mainstreet as
practical. Where buildings must be setback, a strongly
landscaped edge should be established to maintain
some visual line along the street.
A window line should be maintained in the building
facades along Mainstreet.
All commercial buildings along Mainstreet should have
rear entries designed to be attractive, functional, and
identifiable.
All building entries, front and rear should make provi-
sion for the protection ofusers from the elements by
overhangs, recessed doorways, and /or awnings.
New buildings along Mainstreet should attempt to imi-
tate the window proportions and placement established
in the Downtown Overlay District.
Exterior building colors along Mainstreet should be
in the red -brown spectrum so as to be consistent with
those ofthe historic core.
}}\PTFR 3 - DowyT(1\V HoPKI\s
nop
(.IrlcS 1.21.111
page 3 -S
CHAPTFR 3 - Dow\ HOPKINs
City Boundary Industrial
Parcels God Course
Low Density Res<le Open Space
hied,Lon Dens Resider-1M PION
Mgh Ortrtsity Reu.leritltal
Connrrerztal PIA InstiMo
Mixed Use Railroad
Business Park Wetland
flopking Ck_M1L' Ln
page 3
Figure 3.1 - Downtown Area Land Use Plan
Parking
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The City should continue to monitor and assess the
Downtown Parking Plan. The Parking Plan should be
utilized whenever development or redevelopment oc-
curs and its recommendations should be continuously
pursued.
Parking lots should be kept small and close to the busi-
nesses served. Larger parking lots should have visual
breaks offour- season landscaping treatments.
Parking areas directly abutting the rear of commercial
buildings should be paved and landscaped. These spaces
should be reserved for customers and not occupied by
employees. Emphasis should be placed on easy and
pleasant customer use in all seasons.
All parking lots should have perimeter landscaping con-
sisting of trees and shrubs selected to withstand the harsh
conditions.
All parking lots must be paved with asphalt or concrete
and properly maintained, striped, and landscaped.
Wherever possible, east -west rear alleys should align with
one another so that circulation parallel to Mainstreet is
promoted.
'The exterior design of any new parking ramps should be
supportive ofthe appearance ofthe Downtown Design
Overlay District. No parking ramp should be allowed to
abut Mainstreet.
CNA p'ryk 3 - DowyTt v" HOPKIyS
hop
page 3 -7
C11 A PTFR 3 - Dow\Tov, Hop>;F \s
Future Parking Needs May Require Construction
of an Additional Parking Ramp
Kopkin
page 3 -8
Identity
•
•
Downtown Hopkins will continue to be identified
through entry monuments, street lighting, and street
landscaping.
Continue to emphasize the link between the eastern
and western portions ofMainstreet. The focus in the
western area should be on the expansion of traditional
downtown businesses and on improving the appearance
of existing automotive repair service businesses.
Introduction
Overview
Hopkins is a well established, complete community with a
traditional downtown area and neighborhoods containing
a variety of housing types. Although many people think of
downtown Hopkins when they think of the City, the residential
neighborhoods are a strong contributor to the overall character of
the community. Hopkins' neighborhoods contain housing that
ranges from traditional single- family homes on smaller, narrow
lots to larger, more expansive homes on heavily wooded lots in
excess of one acre. Multi- family housing consists of a variety of
forms from townhouses to apartments to more contemporary loft
units. In recent years, Hopkins has seen significant construction
in downtown housing with the east end ofMainstreet becoming
a strong residential node.
Although Hopkins is classified as a fully developed community,
its housing stock will continue to evolve and change. Over
the next 10 years (2020), the City of Hopkins is projected to
add an additional 300 households with 200 more households
expected by 2030. Most of this growth will occur as a result of
redevelopment, both in and around the downtown area and on
sites along some ofthe major roadways like Excelsior Boulevard,
Shady Oak Road and Blake Road.
Market Response to Housing in Hopkins
Despite the aging of much of Hopkins' housing stock and the
shortage in older units of some contemporary conveniences,
houses historically have sold relatively quickly in Hopkins. In
2000 the Census reported a vacancy rate of approximately 2%
for the entire community. However, the City is keenly aware that
the size and design of many Post War houses combined with the
physical deterioration that can occur in such units over time can
produce a downward spiral of conditions, values and market
CI I NP IR 4 - Hoi_•sivi
Single Family Home
11opkin8 .
page 4 -1
lopkin6
page 4 -1
CITAPTLk 4 - HOUSING
response.
Hopkins has a number ofpositive attributes that contribute to the
desire to maintain properties and to expand and modify existing
homes to meet more contemporary marketplace needs. The
City's location has convenient accessibility to major roads, transit
routes and of road bicycle trails numerous job opportunities in
the City and surrounding area; excellent schools; and abundant
social and cultural amenities contribute to keeping the housing
market strong. Past comprehensive plans have emphasized
the need to keep Hopkins' housing marketable. This plan will
continue to emphasize and expand upon this directive.
Residential Rehabilitation Loan and Grant Program
Hopkins has a long history of using loan and grant programs to
further housing goals. In response to the need to promote private
reinvestment in the aging housing stock, the City has been
administering a program ofgrants and loans to owner - occupants
with lower incomes. For the past 35 years, this program has
assisted in the improvement of over 300 housing units in all parts
of the City. The program is funded by the City's share of County
administered Community Development Block Grant funds.
Hopkins has also fostered housing innovation. It pioneered
housing improvement districts that required special legislation.
Setting up the State's first housing improvement district allowed
the city to implement major improvements to a townhome
development and two condominium developments in the
Westbrooke area, reversing a decline in housing quality and
stabilizing the neighborhood as a desirable residential area.
Development Standards are Supportive of Housing Choices
The Hopkins Zoning Ordinance has been continually modified
over the years to support and implement the housing initiatives
identified in the Comprehensive Plan. The current Zoning
Ordinance includes five districts that allow detached housing
on parcels ranging in size from 6,000 to 40,000 square feet. Five
other districts allow attached housing including duplexes, four -
unit buildings, townhouses, and apartments at densities ranging
from 3,500 to 1,000 square feet of lot area per unit (12 to 43
dwelling units per net acre). The R-4 and R-5 districts allow for
very urban densities with minimal amounts of open area. This
type of development has proven popular in many communities
throughout the Twin City Metropolitan Area.
Housing Construction
Although the City is considered "fully developed," over 400 new
housing units have been built in Hopkins since 1990. Many of
the new units have been created through redevelopment efforts
including projects such as The Oaks ofMainstreet, Marketplace
Lofts, Oakridge Place and the Summit. Other project such as
Marketplace and Main are poised to begin construction as soon
as market conditions improve. The impact of these projects on
the image of the City has been profound. Hopkins now offers
the attraction of urban style housing choices within a compact,
historical downtown area. This is exactly the type ofenvironment
that many suburban communities today are trying to emulate.
In Hopkins, the fit of housing, jobs and the availability of goods
and services occurs in a very genuine way. The community has
a rich character that cannot be duplicated by new communities
that are constructed at one point in time. Accordingly, Hopkins
will remain a desirable location for the private marketplace to
continue to seek opportunities for redevelopment that fit into
the existing fabric of the community.
A Guide for Future Housing Initiatives
The housing section of the Hopkins Comprehensive Plan is
intended to help guide the changes that lie ahead. It contains
overall goals, an analysis of past trends, the identification of
current issues, a plan for future housing, and strategies and
implementation methods to guide future decisions. At its core,
the housing plan focuses on two primary themes: 1) ongoing
maintenance of existing housing and 2) opportunities to add
Crt V) R 4 - 1-1(wsi\c,
Marketplace Lofts
1 opktn CC L1�► � � ���
page 4 -3
CHAPTl R 4 - HOcsivi
• Retain and enhance detached single- family homes. Hopkins has a high percentage of
multi - family housing. Most of the housing constructed in the future will also be multi - family due to
locational and economic considerations. Therefore, the city will generally continue to protect existing
single - family neighborhoods from redevelopment and undue encroachments to maintain a variety of
housing types.
• Continue to emphasize housing maintenance. Much of Hopkins single - family and multi -
familyhousingis atleast4Oyears old. Due to the age ofthestructures, emphasizing ongoing maintenance
will be critical to maintaining and enhancing real estate values and keeping neighborhoods desirable
in the eyes of future home buyers.
• Take advantage of redevelopment opportunities to provide new housing choices for
the community. Redevelopment has created exciting new housing opportunities in recent years
and future projects will offer even more choices. Ofparticular note is the current plan to expand light
rail transit to serve southwestem Twin City suburban communities. The Southwest LRT line passes
directly through Hopkins creating redevelopment opportunities at and around three potential station
locations.
• Encourage the development of owner - occupied housing. Hopkins has a high percentage
of rental housing. In order to maintain overall housing diversity, the city encourages new housing to
be owner- occupied where feasible.
• Continue to strive for a mix of housing that accommodates a balance of all housing
needs. The current supply of housing in Hopkins provides opportunities for people in all stages of
the housing life - cycle. Hopkins' current housing stock also addresses a wide range of income levels.
Entry level opportunities exist in the supply of rental housing; more affordable units are also available
for first time home buyers. Existing neighborhoods offer opportunities for move -up housing and the
needs of seniors are addressed in a number of subsidized and market rate housing choices. Support
services for seniors in the form of assisted living and Long -term care opportunities also exist in the
community.
Hopkins . J
page 4 -4
new housing as a part of future redevelopment efforts.
Goals
A set of overall goals provides a framework for housing initiatives
in Hopkins. Pertaining to housing, the City of Hopkins seeks to:
Analysis of Housing Stock
Household Characteristics
The housing stock in the City of Hopkins is described by the
following data from the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau. A household
in Hopkins includes all the people who occupy a housing unit
as their usual place of residence. The following household
characteristics offer another perspective on the characteristics of
people living in Hopkins:
• 45% ofHopkins' households are family households
(see Table 1). This compares with 58% for Hennepin
County and 65% for the region.
• The decrease in harried couple homes may not be a
true depiction ofHopkins since this decrease maybe
closely associated with the current housing stock. Sin-
gle- family homes have not significantly decreased over
the years. Instead there has been an increase in more
contemporary loft style units. These units typically
consist ofnon- farnilyhouseholds and would influence
the decrease in married couple homes.
• Householders living alone increased by nearly 500 resi-
dents between 1 990 and 2000.
• 23% of all households include children under the age of
18 (see Table 2) compared to the region that has 34% of
such households.
• 55% of Hopkins households are non - family house-
holds. This is significantly higher than Hennepin
County (41%) and the region (35 %)
aiTI R 4 - Hot'slvu
Regency Townhomes
Single Family Home
page 4 -5
Page 4-6
CHAPTER 4 - Ho siN(
Table 1- Household Type (1990 and 2000)
9,000 -
8,000 -
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000 -
1,000
3,827 3,739
2,773 2,583
Total households Family households Married - couple Nonfamily Householder living
(families) family households alone
1J 1990 • 2000
4,485
3,066
3,526
Table 2 - Household Type - City /County /Region (2000)
60% -
50%
40%
30% -
20% '.
• Hopkins ® Hennepin County • Twin Cities SMSA
Married - children Married - other Other family - Other family - other Nonfamily
<18 children <18
Housing Implications
The increase in householders living alone may be indica-
tive of a longer term pattern. If so„ it will continue to
support a market for multi - family, smaller unit housing.
The proliferation ofhouseholds containing a smaller
percentage of children under the age of 18 will have an
impact on enrollment at local schools and it may have
an impact on the future sales oftraditional single - family
homes.
Demographics
Communities are continually evolving over time as residents
age or move to other communities. Understanding Hopkins'
demographics can provide a telling story about future market
needs. The 2000 Census shows a small increase in population
since 1990 of about 4% (see Table 3). By 2030 Hopkins is
projected to add an additional 1,000 residents.
Table 3 - Age
CNA F'TFR 4 - Ho! spAG
9,000
8,000 _�
7,000
6,000 -
5,000
4,000 1
3,000
2,000
1,000 -'
0
1,037 989
Under 5 years
5 to 19/20 years
8 7,926
U 1990 • 2000
2,239
3,085
2,526 2,483
19/20 years to 44 45 to 64 Over 65 years
10pki118
page 4 -7
page 4 -8
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
llcpkin8
CHA'Ti k 4 - Hot•,SIN(
Hopkins
Table 4 - Age (2)
Hennepin County
Twin Cities SMSA
• 65 and older
El 35to64
• 20 to 34
13 5 to 19
• Under 5
Table 4 provides a breakdown of age groups in Hopkins. A
typical trend for the region and the state is the aging "Baby
Boom" generation. This age group, typically between 45 and
64, currently makes up 18% of Hopkins' population. As this age
group continues to grow in size, it may pose several important
questions for the community. Is there a diverse housing stock to
accommodate an aging population, and are there the necessary
services (health services, medical facilities and assisted living) to
support the aging population? Providing a diverse housing stock
not only gives residents a community to age in place, but options
for all income Ievels.
Demographic Implications
•
•
•
Changing demographics will impact the existing housing
stock. One level homes will continue to be popular since
they better accommodate the needs ofan aging popula-
tion.
Existing and new housing will continue to need to offer
choices for residents to age in place.
Hopkins and other agencies will continue to see a need
for support services for the senior population.
Since Hopkins is a fully developed community, redevel-
opment initiatives will be needed to accommodate the
projected 1,000 additional residents by 2030.
Housing Stock
Between 1999 and March 2000, 40 new housing units were built
in Hopkins (see Table 5). A significant number of new units have
been created through land redevelopment over the last 5 years,
including projects such as the Oakridge Place, Marketplace Lofts
and the Summit. The focus of the community is now on housing
maintenance and redevelopment of blighted and /or obsolete
properties. Any new construction will likely occur on infill lots
and through redevelopment.
Table 5 - Year Structure Built
2,500
2,000
1,500
CT
c
0 1,000
z
500 -
0
N �
• Own ID Rent
u1 t)
N
0
rn
co
a'
0
N
Year Built
Overall, the single- family housing stock in Hopkins is in good
condition. In some cases, small concentrations of deteriorated
multi - family housing exists. Although the older units located
between Downtown and Highway 7 and in South Hopkins
need more ongoing maintenance due to age, there is apparent
pride in ownership of these single - family structures and they are
generally well maintained.
(_11APTL-R 4 - Ho1 S1 \G
0
0
1999 to 1995 to 1990 to 1980 to 1970 to 1960 to 1940 to 1939 or
March 2000 1998 1994 1989 1979 1969 1959 earlier
11cphn8
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CHAPTER 4 - Hui siNG
llopun
page 4 -10
A large portion of Hopkins multifamily units were built in the
1970's (Table 5) and lead to concerns about deterioration and
deferred maintenance issues. Proper maintenance of these units
is a strong interest of the City. The City does have standards for
the maintenance of rental housing that go beyond the Building
Code. The provisions of the code require periodic inspections of
rental units and repair of identified deficiencies.
Housing Stock Implications
• Efforts will need to focus on programs and initiatives that
encourage the maintenance of the existing aging housing
stock.
• Generally single- family and multifamily units constructed
40+ years ago begin to approach an age were continual
maintenance improvements are needed. The City may need
to find creative ways to encourage homeowners and landlords
to conduct maintenance improvements.
• The City will need to continue to seek outside programs that
assist in the maintenance and enhancement of the existing
housing stock.
Tenure
One of the unusual facts about the Hopkins housing stock is the
high proportion of renter - occupied units compared to owner -
occupied units. According to data from the 2000 Census Bureau,
62% of the housing in Hopkins was renter - occupied and 38% of
the units were owner- occupied (see Table 6).
Table 6 - Housing Type and Tenure (2000)
7,000 co
N
O
'.0
6,000
o 5,000
0
0
4,000
3 3,000
a. a
0
2,000 -
1,000
0
M
detached attached
M
L
r
M
M
• Own El Rent
u�
t0
I
M
0 0 0 0
1, 1, 2 3 or 4 5 to 9 10 to 19 20 to 49 50 or Mobile Boat, RV,
more home van, etc.
The Census also reports the population living in various types of
housing. This data can be used to calculate the average number
of people living in different housing types. Table 7 compares
average population by housing type and tenure (own or rent).
This data provides some interesting observations about housing
in Hopkins:
•
There is a large rental population however, there is
also a significant amount of single - family homes that
are owner occupied. Hopkins offers a diverse housing
stock that allows residents to own single family -homes
or rent multifamily units.
Structures with 3 to 49 units are primarily occupied by
one and two person households.
Cr t.APTF -R 4 - H(l sr'G
page 4 -11
CH.APTP.R 4 - H .
3.00 -
2.50 -
2.00
1.50
1.00 -
0.50
0.00
• Rent fJ Own
1, 1, attached 2 3or4 5to9 10to19 20to49 50 or more Mobile
detached home
Ilopkin6
page 4 -12
Table 7 - Population Per Housing Type and Tenure (2000)
Tenure Implications
• Hopkins will continue to have a large number of rental
units nuking turnover a potential issue.
Household Income
Income influences many aspects of a community. Income
provides consumers the ability to acquire housing (own or rent)
and purchase goods from local businesses. According to the 2000
Census, 27% of Hopkins' homeowners were spending more than
30% of their household income on housing costs (See Table
8). This is 9% more than the Twin Cities average of 18 %. 36%
of Hopkins' renters were also spending more than 30% of their
household income on housing costs. (See Table 9).
Table 8 - Selected Housing Costs as % of Household Income
56% 55%
Less than 20%
25% 27%
27%
18% 18%
20% to 29% 30% or more
• Hopkins ® Hennepin County • Twin Cities SMSA
Table 9 - Gross Rent as % of Household Income (2000)
40%
35% -
30% J
25%
20%
15%
10%
5% _y
0%
37%
Less than 20%
27% 28% 28%
20% to 29%
• Hopkins 10 Hennepin County • Twin Cities SMSA
Regardless of income spent on housing, the City of Hopkins
has been relatively successful in retaining and attracting new
residents. 42% of the population (age 5 and older) lived in the
same house in 1995 (see Table 11). This compares with 52% for
all of Hennepin County and 54% for the region. The census does
not report the portion of the population that moved to a different
CII.APTFR 4 - Housl G
38% 37%
30% or more
1Ioplon6
Page 4 -13
page 4 -14
CHAPTER 4 - Hot!5iy(
house within Hopkins during this period. People moving to
Hopkins from a different location in Hennepin County made
up 28% of the 2000 population. 'This portion of the population
is higher than the comparable segments of the County (22 %)
and regional (25 %) populations.
Hopkins' success in retaining residents is partially attributable to
the supply of existing single - family homes. Rental units, however,
have been a challenge for the City. There has been a high turnover
rate of tenants in some rental units compared to the rest of the
housing stock. This issue is a concern for the City, because it can
influence a community on several levels. Fluctuations in school
enrollment create educational challenges for the Hopkins School
District. High turnover rates also influence the overall well being
of the community. Retaining residents creates a stronger sense
of community and stronger cohesiveness.
Table 10 - Residence in 1995 - City /County /State
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
Same house in 1995 Same county Different MN county Other state Other location
• Hopkins El Hennepin County • Twin Cities SMSA
flopkin8 „„„..
Housing Income Implications
•
•
•
Based on current household incomes, portions of Hop-
kins' housing is affordable.
Hopkins will need to consider ways to accommodate
future affordable housing units to meet Metropolitan
Council requirements.
The City will need to work with other governmental
and non -profit entities to help reduce the turnover rate
ofrental housing.
The City of Hopkins will need to continue collabo-
ratingwith the Hopkins School District to assess the
social, economic and educational implications ofthe
overall housing supply.
Home Buyers /Renters
The opportunity for purchases by first -time homebuyers in
Hopkins is enhanced by the supply of smaller, older homes
in Central Hopkins and in other neighborhoods. Parts of the
Presidential neighborhoods, Park Valley and Peaceful Valley are
also more affordable. Campbell, Hobby Acres and Interlachen
Park neighborhoods offer opportunities for move -up buyers.
More expensive homes are available in the Bellgrove and
Knollwood neighborhoods. The relativelylarge number ofrental
apartments and townhouses also offer choices for households
who do not wish to or cannot afford to purchase homes.
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) owns and
maintains 76 dwelling units rented to low- income households.
All of the units are located in one building near Downtown.
Other subsidized rental units are operated by coops and non-
profit agencies not directly affiliated with the City. Overall, 12%
of the total rental units in Hopkins are subsidized and 7% of
the Cities total housing stock is subsidized (exclusive of group
homes).
C11M'1 4 - Hccs1vG
Town Terrace Apartments
Hopkins Arches
IlOpkin.e5
page 4-1
page 4 -16
CHAPTER 4 - Hot SING;
iopkin8
A small percentage of low income individuals in Hopkins
receive rent assistance through the federal Section 8 Rent
Assistance Program administered by the Metropolitan Housing
and Redevelopment Authority (HRA). The City of Hopkins
currently has 350 households receiving rent subsidies through
the Section 8 Housing Program. This program, however, does
not fully meet the need for housing affordability in Hopkins or
elsewhere, and levels of funding have been reduced annually
throughout the past two decades.
Home Buyer /Renter Implications
•
•
Changing market trends will continue to influence the
Hopkins housing market.
The City will need to continue offering and promoting
housing assistance programs to facilitate both home
ownership and affordable rents.
Housing Affordability
Housing is considered affordable when it consumes no more
than 30% of gross household income. Families spending more
than 30% of their income on housing may have difficulty
affording basic needs like food or clothing, or be able to handle
unanticipated medical or financial expenses.
Affordability in the City of Hopkins is defined by the
Metropolitan Council and the U.S. Department ofHousing and
Urban Development (HUD). Based on the thresholds ofthese
agencies, Hopkins and other metro area communities should
focus on providing housing that is affordable to families eaming
60% of the Twin Cities median family income. Under HUD
definitions this translates to a home priced at or below $152,000.
At that price, a family offourwho eams $47,100, which is 60% of
the Twin Cities median family income of $78,500, is spending
30% or less of its gross income on home ownership.
Rental housing is defined differently than home ownership. The
threshold for rental hosing is considered affordable to families
earning 50% of the Twin Cities median family income. The
rental threshold for affordable housing for a family of four is
$39,250.
This results in the following affordable rental rates:
Efficiency Unit - $687 a month
1 Bedroom Unit - $736 a month
2 Bedroom Unit - $883 a month
3 Bedroom Unit - $1,020 a month
In response to affordable housing needs, the Hopkins
Comprehensive Plan is required to acknowledge the
community's share of the region's need for low and moderate
income housing. In January of 2006, the Metropolitan Council
released a summary report entitled "Determining the Affordable
Housing Need in the Twin Cities 2011- 2020." This report
not only forecasted the regional need for newly- constructed,
affordable housing (2020), but also allocated each community's
share of the regional need for the comprehensive planning
process. The total need for newly- constructed affordable housing
units in the Twin Cities is estimated to be 51,000 between 2011
and 2020.
Based on this report, the Metropolitan Council has forecasted a
need of 143 new affordable units between 2011 and 2020 for the
City of Hopkins. This number is determined based on a variety
of factors such as low -wage job proximity, existing housing stock
and transit services. The following is a summary ofthese factors
and the formula used by Metropolitan Council:
72 Base allocation of the amount of the 300 new housing
units which should be affordable (same across the region with
minor adjustments).
CHAPTER 4 - HC)i'siNG
llopn NLI)s,iv
puge 4 - 17
page 4 -18
APTER 4 - Hot sim,
iopkln8 .. 1
+66 Low -Wage Job Proximity: communities, such as
Hopkins, with more low -wage jobs than local low -wage working
residents have their share increased by a proportional amount
(1.93 ratio).
- 9 Housing Stock: 43% of Hopkins' housing stock is
considered affordable at 60% of median income. Since 30%
is seen as desirable, the community's share decreased by a
proportional amount.
+14 Transit Service — Level 2 transit service available results
in an increase of 20% to the community's share.
143 Total NewAffordable Units Needed
It is important to note that the study was only concerned with
newly - constructed affordable housing or development actions
that consume land. The study recognizes that a portion of low
income households will find housing in older, market -rate units
that have depreciated in price to maintain occupancy. However,
these housing units are not included in determining the number
ofunits needed. Since Hopkins is a fully developed community,
it is assumed the 143 additional units will be achieved through
redevelopment initiatives. These initiatives are discussed further
in the Land Use chapter.
_ Housing Plan
Hopkins' Housing Plan identifies strategies and approaches to
help meet the identified housing goals which include:
• Retain and enhance detached single - family homes.
• Continue to emphasize housing maintenance.
• Take advantage of redevelopment opportunities to pro-
vide new housing choices for the community.
Maintain a housing supply that responds to changing
demographics.
Encourage the development of owner - occupied hous-
ing.
Continue to strive for a mix ofhousing that accommo-
dates a balance of all housing needs.
The goals listed above and the implementation actions that follow
are intended to ensure long -term housing quality, meet Hopkins'
share ofthe regional need for low and moderate income housing,
preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods, promote
housing redevelopment in appropriate areas and continue to
provide a mix ofhousing types that keeps the community viable
and competitive.
Neighborhood Preservation
The City regards the preservation and protection of its existing
residential neighborhoods as one of its most important actions.
Therefore, the City will work to protect the integrity and long-
term viability of its neighborhoods and strive to reduce the
potential negative impacts of nearby commercial or industrial
land development through zoning, site plan reviews, and code
enforcement.
Long -term stability and growth of neighborhoods are key
elements in Hopkins efforts to remain as a desirable place to
live and to achieve long -term sustainability. Neighborhoods
are more than attractive places to live. The residential sectors
of Hopkins provide employees for businesses, a market for the
goods and services, and they create an image ofthe community.
Neighborhoods are also a reflection on the community's social
and economic standards ofliving and overall quality oflife.
In order to address neighborhood preservation, Hopkins will:
• Strictly enforce its municipal regulations pertaining to
CUAr'i'ER 4 - HOus1NG
page 4 -19
11opksn
page 4-20
CHAFT 4 - HoyslNG
•
•
•
•
•
housing and yard maintenance to protect the value and
integrity ofresidential neighborhoods.
Support housing maintenance through continued
administration of applicable programs.
Continue to enforce its maintenance code for multiple -
family housing and rental housing.
Protect residential areas adjacent to downtown Hopkins
from the undue encroachment ofnon- residential uses.
Promote the infilling ofvacant parcels in and near resi-
dential neighborhoods. The redevelopment of existing
developed land will be in accordance with uses speci-
fied in the Comprehensive Plan.
Pursue efforts to remove land uses that are inconsistent
with the Comprehensive Plan and incompatible with
existing residential neighborhoods.
Enforce high standards for all multiple- family residential
development. Factors to be considered in reviewing
new housing proposals will include but not be limited
to the aspects ofbuilding massing, parking locations, ac-
cess, traffic impacts, landscaping, exterior architectural
design, fencing, trash handling, and parking ratios.
Housing Redevelopment
Most of Hopkins new growth in housing will be attributable
to redevelopment. Today, there are limited locations in the
community where it maybe appropriate to allow and encourage
housing redevel opment. In theselocations, the City has indicated
its land use intentions through the Land Use Plan and the
zoning regulations. In the future, however, the opportunities for
additional housing may be expanded. The planned Southwest
LRT line has the potential for significant change including
creating additional potential locations for more housing or
mixed -use development. Future improvements to Shady Oak
Road and possibly Blake Road also have the potential to expand
housing opportunities.
In most cases, future housing construction is expected to be
the outcome of private market actions. On a case -by -case
basis, Hopkins will consider financial participation in housing
redevelopment projects when projects provide demonstrable
public benefits consistent with this Comprehensive Plan and
city redevelopment policies.
In order to address future redevelopment, Hopkins will:
Focus on the implementation of short and long -term
redevelopment recommendations contained in the land
use section ofthis plan.
Remain open to the consideration of new housing types
and designs that meet the broad spectrum of existing
and future residents' needs.
Work closely with Hennepin County and other agencies
on the implementation ofthe Southwest LRT line.
Housing Assistance
The City of Hopkins has a long history of providing housing
assistance for low income, elderly and special needs residents.
Due to the age of the City's housing stock, a significant number
of rental and owner - occupied units are affordable. Accordingly,
Hopkins will continue to provide housing assistance in a targeted
manner.
In order to provide housing assistance, the City will:
Participate in the rent assistance programs of Hennepin
County and the Twin Cities Metropolitan Housing
Authority and serve as a local clearinghouse for informa-
tion pertaining to rental assistance.
Consider using a variety of means to upgrade existing
housing to provide its fair share of rental housing for low
and moderate income households. Tools may include
revenue bonds, tax increment financing, tax abatement
and Community Development Block Grants along
CTl.AVITT: 4 - HousiN i
K apkang c��►l�� ��.�►,
page 4 -11
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Cl 1APTF.R 4 - HocsiNG
Housing Initiatives
The City of Hopkins will pursue a series of action steps related
to the maintenance of strong neighborhoods and the creation of
new housing through appropriate redevelopment efforts. The
following initiatives will be pursued:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
with other public funding sources as they may become
available. The City will also consider partnerships with
private and non -profit entities to improve the quality of
existing housing and /or ensure that rents remain afford-
able.
Continue and /or expand existing housing programs.
Examine and improve housing maintenance codes and
actively enforce these codes.
Maintain and improve public infrastructure in neigh-
borhoods.
Monitor the effectiveness of the Truth in Housing
Program to ensure that it is helping to maintain and
upgrade residential housing stock.
Encourage the use ofrental rehabilitation and single -
family housing loan programs offered by various private
and public sources.
Continue to promote first -time home buyer programs
offered by outside agencies.
Continue to promote and offer the Residential Reha-
bilitation Loan /Grant Program.
Continually monitor the condition of existing housing
units and identify properties that have deteriorated to
the point that they may need to be removed and re-
placed with new housing.
Aggressively enforce the Nuisance Abatement Ordi-
nance /Housing Code in regard to dilapidated housing
units.
Continue communication and outreach efforts with
•
residents of multi- family housing including working
with the Hopkins Apartment Management Association
(HAMA) to ensure that multi- family housing residents
are welcomed to the community.
Discourage the construction of additional assisted living
facilities and long -term care facilities. Hopkins has an
extensive supply ofsuch uses which place significant
pressure on existing police and emergency medical
response services.
Additional information on housing programs and actions is
included in the Implementation Section of the Comprehensive
Plan.
Cti APT1 R 4 - Huusi c;
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Chapter 5 - Parks, Open Space and Trails
Introduction
Hopkins is a fully developed community with an established
park and open space system. From small parks like the Park
Valley Playground to community parks like Central Park, public
facilities offer diverse activities for residents of all ages. Since
there is very little vacant land left in Hopkins, any existing park
expansions or new park sites will result from redevelopment
activities. It is not likely that redevelopment activities will result
in any significant expansion of the existing park system.
Since park expansion and new park construction is not the
focus of Hopkins' future park planning efforts, the emphasis will
be placed on maintaining and enhancing the existing system.
Part of the enhancement of the existing system will focus on
expanding existing trail connections. Hopkins is a regional hub
of recreational trails. In the future, it may be possible to expand
local trails to provide better links to regional trails as well as to
connect local park facilities and local points ofinterest.
CH APTFR 5 - P .RKS, OPEN SP.Ac1 AND TR ATLti
Burnes Park
1
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page 5 -
Crr,vr ER 5 - PARKS. OrFN SPACE AND TRANS
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Park, Open Space and Trail Goals
A set of overall goals provides a framework for park and trail
initatives in Hopkins. Pertaining to parks and trails, the City of
Hopkins seeks to:
• Continue to provide a park and recreation system that satisfies the
needs of a diverse population.
• Provide a park and recreation system that supports community id entity
and serves as a gathering space for community and neighborhood
events.
• Provide local links to the regional trail system.
• Establish a trail system that interconnects the city and offers an
alternative means of transportation.
• Emphasize maintenance and enhancement of existing parks.
• Continue to collaborate with the City of Minnetonka, the Hopkins
School District, Three Rivers Park District and other agencies to
provide recreational opportunities for Hopkins residents.
• Utilize the park system to protect natural resources.
• Promote active living and a healthier community through parks and
recreational opportunities.
Classification System
Hopkins has a variety ofparks that are components ofthe overall
park system. In order to examine existing parks and to project
future park needs, a uniform classification system is used in this
plan. The following categories have been established:
• Classification: Neighborhood Park
Description: Neighborhood parks are the basic unit of
the park system and serve as the recreational focus of
neighborhoods. Neighborhood parks emphasize informal
active and passive recreation.
Location Criteria: 1 4 to 1 /2 mile distance and uninterrupted by
non - residential roads and other physical barriers.
Size Criteria: Usually between 5 and 10 acres.
• Classification: School - Park
Description: Combining parks with school sites can fulfill
the space requirements for other classes of parks such as
neighborhood, community, sports complex and special use.
Location Criteria: Determined by location of school district
property.
Size Criteria: Variable
• Classification: Community Park
Description: Serves a broader purpose than neighborhood
parks. Focus is on meeting community -based recreational
needs as well as preserving unique open space.
Location Criteria: 1/2 mile to 3 -mile distance and typically
uninterrupted by non - residential roads and other physical
barriers. Determined by the quantity and usability of the
site.
Size Criteria: Usually between 20 and 50 acres.
• Classification: Special Use Park and Recreation
Facilities
Description: Special Use park and recreation facilities may be
privately or publicly owned. Private facilities can offer either
indoor or outdoor recreation opportunities, usually on a
membership or fee basis.
Location Criteria: Variable, depends on specific use.
Size Criteria: Variable
• Classification: Natural Resource Areas
Description: Lands set aside for preservation of significant
natural resources, remnant landscapes, open space and visual
aesthetics.
Location Criteria: Depends on resource availability and
opportunity
Size Criteria: Variable
C11AP FR 5 - PARKS, OPFN Si. :1Nr TRA11.ti
Hopn
page i -3
CHAPTER 5 - PARKS. ()ITN SP.ACE AND TRAILS
, r .
Hop n
page 5 -d
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Table 5.1 - Park System Inventory
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Figure 5.1- Service Area
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7
C11APT1 :R 5 — PARKS, OPI-t; SPACF. AND TRAILS
1 Alice Smith Elementary
2 Blake School
3 Buffer Park
4 Burnes Park
5 Central Park
6 Cottageville Park
7 Downtown Park
8 Eisenhower Elementary
9 Elmo Park
10 Harley Hopkins Park
11 Hiawatha Oaks
12 Hilltop
13 Interlachen Park
14 Maetzold Field
15 Minnehaha Creek Preserve
16 Oak Ridge Country Club
17 Oakes Park
18 Overpass Skate Park
19 Park Valley Playground
20 Shady Oak Beach
21 Shady Oak Nature Area
22 Steiner Park Preserve
23 Valley Park
vi
fi r. M y1
S �pG.
a
■
Q City Boundary
Parcel
i Neighborhood Park
i Community Park
Other Park Facilities
Open Water
Neighborhood Park Service Area (1/4 Mile)
i/ Community Park Service Area (1/2 Mile)
I t_LC; H,111
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CHAPI`rit 5 - PARKS, OITI SP.4C1: AND TR A Ti S
llopkin8
page 5 -6
Parks and recreational facilities are typically utilized based on
the distance residents are willing to travel to access amenities.
The location criteria set above provides general guidelines on
the intended service areas a park should serve. Using these
guidelines can provide a useful tool when analyzing the existing
park system and determining areas that are underserved. Figure
3.1 provides a visual assessment of Hopkins park system and its
service areas. Service areas have been mapped for neighborhood
and con-imunity parks. Overall the service area analysis shows
the City of Hopkins to be well served by its existing system.
There are areas for improvement; however, these areas are not
likely to see new park construction, unless they are through
redevelopment initiatives.
Facility Inventory
Local recreational facilities are provided by a number of sources.
Public parks are perhaps the most obvious of these sources,
however, parks and recreational opportunities provided by
other entities need to be considered in assessing the total park
and recreation system. Other entities providing park and
recreational opportunities in the Hopkins area include adjacent
communities, schools and private facilities (see Table 5.1- Park
System Inventory).
_ Park System Needs
A tool for analyzing a local park system is the application of
a population ratio standard. This standard is expressed as a
number of acres of park land per one thousand people and is
used to provide a general guideline for the assessment of existing
and future park needs. For the Hopkins Comprehensive Plan, a
standard of 7 acres of municipal park land per 1000 people has
been used as a benchmark for planning purposes. This standard is
consistent with a range of standards offered by the National Park
and Recreation Association. Additionally, the overall standard
has been broken down into the following components:
Assessment of Future Need -2010 (Population 17,900)
Component
Existing
Acres
Standard Acres
Per Population
Std.
Applied to
2010 pop.
Net 2010
Park System
119.22
7
1000
125.3
-6.08
Neighborhood Park
25.09
2
1000
35.8
- 10.71
Community Park
94.13
5
1000
89.5
4.63
School Park
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-
-
-
-
Natural Resource Area
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_
-
-
-
-
Private Park
-
-
-
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Assessment of Future Need - 2020 (Population 18,600)
Component
Existing
Acres
Standard Acres
Per Population
Std.
Applied to
2020 pop.
Net 2020
Park System
_
119.22
7
1000
130.2
-10.98
Neighborhood Park
25.09
2
1000
37.2
-12.11
Community Park
94.13
5
1000
93
1.13
School Park
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Natural Resource Area
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Private Park
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Assessment of Future Need - 2030 (Population 18,900)
Component
Existing
Acres
Standard Acres
Per Population
Std.
Applied to
2030 pop.
Net 2030
Park System
119.22
7
1000
132.3
-13.08
Neighborhood Park
25.09
2
1000
37.8
-12.71
Community Park
94.13
6
1000
94.6
- 0.37
School Park
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-
-
-
-
Natural Resource Area
-
-
-
-
-
Private Park
-
-
-
-
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Application ofthese standards yields the following results:
CIIAPTER 5 - PARKS. OPEC SPAcr. ANn TRArls
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CHAPTER 5 - PARKS. OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS
llcpkin8 .:0111
page S -8
Neighborhood Park — 2 acres per 1000 people
Community Park /Sports Complex —5 acres per 1000 people
Standards have not been directlyappliedtotheotherclassifications
used in this plan including school parks, natural resource areas,
trails, or private park and recreation facilities. Neighborhood
and community park needs can be satisfied in combination with
the development of school facilities provided that facilities are
available to both groups. Trail corridors are very site specific and
are not included in overall acreage calculations because they serve
as links between various components of the park system. Private
facilities are also not included in the overall standard because
in many cases, they do not have the same longevity enjoyed by
public park uses.
Neighborhood Parks
Standard: 2 acres per 1000 people
Comments: Neighborhood parks are recreational facilities that
are intended to serve populations residing within a 1 /4 - 1 mile
radius of the site. These facilities typically contain open space
areas, which accommodate uses such as field games, court games,
play equipment and other uses. Although five acres is generally
recognized as a minimum size for neighborhood parks, smaller
tracts of land can be used due to natural conditions or in areas
where larger land parcels are not available.
Existing Supply /Need: Hopkins currently has ten sites that
are categorized as neighborhood parks ranging in size from .5
acres to 6 acres. Application of the recommended standard for
neighborhood parks results in a deficiency of 12.11 and 12.71
acres in 2020 and 2030 respectively. The standards indicate the
need for additional neighborhood park areas; however, closer
examination of Hopkins reveals that the City probably does
not need to add park areas to serve existing and future needs.
Hopkins contains three public school sites that accommodate
neighborhood park needs. These sites along with Alder Park in
Edina provide convenient access for all residents. As shown in
the service area analysis, almost every home in Hopkins is located
within ' mile of an existing neighborhood park. The only
exception is the extreme northern portion of the community
lying north ofthe Oak Ridge GolfCourse. This area is completely
developed precluding the potential of adding an additional
neighborhood park. If the golf course is ever redeveloped in
the future, an additional park site could be acquired at that time.
Residents in this area do have the opportunity to access bike
routes and local trails via Minnetonka Blvd. that provide access to
other local facilities within the City of Minnetonka.
Community Parks
Standard: 5 acres per 1000 people
Comments: Community parks are recreational facilities that
serve as focal points of community recreational systems. As such,
they typically provide facilities that appeal to a broad spectrum of
users. Activities may include athletic complexes, archery, fishing,
nature study, hiking, picnicking and other uses. Community
parks commonly contain facilities that are designed to appeal to
both active and passive users within one park site. The location
of community parks is usually established based on topography
and other natural features and on accessibility via the local road
network.
Existing Supply /Need: Hopkins currently has five sites that
are classified as community parks. They include Central Park,
Maetzold Field, Shady Oak Beach, Steiner Park Preserve*
and Valley Park. Central Park and Maetzold Field consist
predominately of athletic field areas. Both of these sites are used
intensively for adult and youth sports programs.
C1IAPT1 R 5 - PARKS, OPF SPACE AND TiAirs
Shady Oak Beach
Tt`lltti`
Park Hot Jni- 0) /cd. 1I ?t lit C` ,C
1 page i -9
donated by the Steiner Family to the City of Hopkins.
C11.41p rr-tz 5 - P vkKS. OFT:v SPA CI AND TRATU.S
Bike Trail on Excelsior Boulevard
llopkin �� (2
page 5 -10
Additionally, Central Park is the home of the Hopkins Pavilion
that accommodatesindooricehockeyandindoorsoccer. Steiner
Park Preserve and Valley Park contain passive and natural areas
in addition to active pursuits such as volleyball, basketball and
archery. Shady Oak Beach, a facility run jointly with the City of
Minnetonka, is an area that accommodates swimming, fishing,
water oriented play areas and picnicking.
Application of the standard for community parks shows the city
meeting needs through the year 2020. A small increase of 0.37
acres in community park land may be needed by 2030. Because
of the developed nature of the community, adding community
park land will be difficult. However, two future opportunities
exist. The southern portion of Hopkins contains a landfill site
that has been closed for a long time. At the present time the site
has not been cleared by State agencies for any type of use. As
a result, the property is fully fenced and it contains a methane
collection system. At some point in the future, the property
may become available for public use. When this occurs, the site
could be developed as a community park. The second future
opportunity involves the Minnehaha Creek Preserve Area that
is owned by the City of Hopkins. If it becomes unnecessary to
continue to use this property as a public works site, it could be
incorporated as a new community park. At this time, the City
has no plans to move the public works site. Overall the city is
well served by community parks and should continue to meet
future needs.
Trails and Sidewalks
Hopkins has a traditional pattern of development that many
suburban communities across the country today are trying
to emulate. Established "main street" businesses, high quality
neighborhoods, and an excellent park system are all linked by an
efficient roadway network. The City also has a strong interest
in making all of these areas accessible by non - vehicular means.
Accordingly, the Parks, Open Space and Trails section of the
plan outlines appropriate locations for trails and sidewalks that
accommodate pedestrians, bicycles and in -line skating activities.
The purpose of the system is to accommodate recreational
pursuits but also to allow people to have access to employment
and retail centers without having to use motorized vehicles.
Hopkins is a hub for the regional trail network. At the present
time, the City is the location of the junction of two legs of the
Southwest Hennepin LRT Trail. These trail segments follow
27 miles of abandoned railroad beds stretching from Hopkins
to Victoria and from Hopkins to Chanhassen. A portion of
the trail west of l l th Ave is surfaced with compacted crushed
limestone. East of l lth Ave the trail is ten feet wide and paved
asphalt. Grades along the trail are generally 5% or less, which
makes them ideal for biking, walking and running. Hennepin
Parks operates the trail for spring, summer and fall usage.
Currently, the park and ride lot along Excelsior Boulevard at 8th
Avenue and the Depot Coffee House are used as trailheads. In
2006 both trailheads were improved and expanded.
The Southwest LRT Trail forms a spine that passes through
Hopkins affording easy access to adjacent communities and
more distant points of interest.
Connectivity Opportunities
The Cityhas identified a trail plan that accommodates movement
throughout the community providing numerous links to the
regional trail spine. The system includes a network of sidewalks
and off-road bike /hike trails (see Figure 5.2: Park and Trail
System). The system is shown on the map entitled Trail Plan.
Other local trails will also be added as road reconstruction
CNAPT(-R ; - PARKS OPEN SPat:1- AND TR.Ail.S
The Depot Coffee House
rt 11
Excelsior Boulevard
11Opk1n8
page 5 -11
CHAT 5 - PARKS. OPEN SPACE AND TRATLS
H OPkin 8 C."hCri',LN JAI
page S-12
i / - -
St_ Lot 71sPk
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Figure 5.2 - Park and Trail System
Edina • .
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hisactrboetrood Par*
Connmumty Par%
Other Pis% Feegibiro
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projects occur in the future or through other trail improvement
initiatives. Some of these major corridor initiatives have been
currently discussed in plans. The following summary is intended
to help frame anticipated connectivity opportunities and serve as
a guide to making trail connection decisions.
Blake Road Corridor
Blake Road serves as a major north south route on the east end
of town. In the past decade, traffic volumes have increased and
have posed pedestrian safety issues for the high concentrated
neighborhoods to the north and the Blake School to the south.At
this time there are no scheduled improvements to address safety,
access or mobility issues. The City will continue to coordinate
with Hennepin County to address these issues.
Connectivity opportunities may present themselves as
redevelopment occurs in light of the proposed LRT station and
other redevelopment initiatives. These redevelopment initiatives
are discussed further in the Land Use Chapter.
As a result of needed transportation improvements and possible
redevelopment opportunities, numerous planning studies have
been completed along the Blake Road corridor. Each study
has taken into account at some level pedestrian and bicycle
movement. The following planning documents can be used,
in addition to the comprehensive plan, to evaluate connectivity
opportunities and serve as a guide to planning decisions:
•
•
Blake Road Corridor Community Assessment
Blake Road Streetscape Concept
East Hopkins Land Use and Market Study
Hopkins Station Area Plan
The Blake Road corridor will continue to be evaluated as
pedestrian and bicycle connections present themselves. In
C13APTFR j - PARKS, OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS
llopkin8
page 3 - 13
Cu yr rr -x 5 - PARKS. OPEN SPA AND TRAILS
Hopkin8
page 5 -14
`1 n
addition to evaluating the corridor's needs, the City will continue
to explore funding opportunities to assist with pedestrian and
bicycle improvements. For instance, in 2008 the City applied for
a Hennepin County TOD grant to construct pedestrian-ways
along Blake Road north of Excelsior Boulevard.
Shady Oak Road
Hopkins has been collaboratingwith the City ofMinnetonka and
Hennepin County to address safety, mobility and access issues
along the corridor. As part of these efforts a preferred roadway
alignment has been proposed, along with a pedestrian and
bicycle component. Roadway improvements may also provide
the opportunity for redevelopment, which is discussed further
in the Land Use chapter. Timing for roadway improvements
is still being determined at this time. If and when roadway
improvements occur and redevelopment opportunities present
themselves, the appropriate pedestrian and bicycle components
should be integrated.
Excelsior Boulevard
Hopkins has made significant reinvestments to the Excelsior
Boulevard corridor. These investments have included boulevards,
sidewalks, addressing pedestrian safety issues, city beatification
improvements and way finding signs. Improvements to the
corridor can serve as a model for other pedestrian and bicycle
improvements throughout the community.
Hopkins Station Area Plan
The Hopkins Station Area Plan by the IBI Group was completed
in October of 2007. The purpose of the study was to develop
station area plans for the Shady Oak Road, Downtown and Blake
Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations that provide the first elements
of a "road map" to guide future integrated transportation and
land use planning initiatives with the city. In addition, this report
provides connectivity elements to each station plan. Connectivity
improvements to the area will need to continue to coordinate
with LRT initiatives.
Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
The proposed Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail, which would
travel east through Edina and Richfield, would connect with the
Southwest Hennepin LRT Regional Trail in Hopkins. Although
a preferred regional trail alignment has not been master planned
at this point, Three Rivers Park District has worked with the city
and others to identify potential corridors in Hopkins.
Recently the City has been facilitating improvements to the
creeks corridor that will address erosion issues, failing culverts
and potential realignment of the creek. Efforts to improve the
creek have been jointly discussed with the Three Rivers Park
District. Improvements to the creek will also incorporate
segments of the proposed regional trail. Infrastructure
improvements to the creek are anticipated to occur in the fall of
2008, with trail work to follow in 2009.
Collaboration efforts will continue between the appropriate
agencies to incorporate the proposed regional trail and creek
corridor improvements.
Lake Minnetonka LRT Extension
The proposed Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail extension
is intended to provide better connectivity to the northern
portion of the Southwest Hennepin LRT Regional Trail. A
current connection can be made by using existing sidewalks,
but is not conductive to bikers. The proposed alignment would
follow Mainstreet, Washington Avenue North and connect
with the South Hennepin LRT trail via 2nd Street NE.
Accommodation of bicycle movement along the route would
require on- street bike lanes. The City has no plans at this time
to integrate bicycle lanes along this route, but will continue to
coordinate with Three Rivers Park District to address future
regional connections in this part ofthe community.
CIIAPT! R 5 - PARES. OITN SPACE' AND TRAILS
llopkin8
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CHAPTER > - PARKS. OPEN SPACE. AND TRAILS
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Overpass Skate Park
(Highway 169 and Excelsior Boulevard)
Connecting the Lake Minnetonka LRT Regional Trail with the
South Hennepin Regional LRT trail may also present itselfalong
8th Avenue South. Improvements to 8th Avenue South would
likely occur in conjunction with redevelopment initiatives
associated with the proposed Downtown LRT station. This
connection may not be as direct as the proposed extension, but
would provide a link between the two regional trails.
Emerging Trends
Hopkins demographics are changing with an aging baby boom
population and growing ethnic populations. Regardless of
age or ethnicities, there is a stronger desire today to be active.
However, with changing demographics, recreational needs and
the perception ofrecreational uses have changed as well. In light
of these changes, recent studies have begun to highlight future
desires for recreational needs. One study in particular done
by the University of Minnesota's Design Center for American
Urban Landscape, titled "People and Urban Green Areas:
Perception and Use (June 2003)" begins to highlight some of
these emerging trends. These emerging trends are as followed:
Emerging Trends
• Green space that provides activity for teenagers.
• Seniors are more conscious of a healthier lifestyle and
are seeking recreational amenities.
• Large gathering areas for cultural celebrations.
• More flexibility with fields to allow for diverse range of
games (lacrosse, soccer, rugby, ultimate frisbee, cricket,
etc.).
• Community Gardens
• The need for ball fields is declining.
• Desire for more corridor- oriented amenities, such as
paths and trails.
In addition to these emerging trends, there has been a stronger
need to promote active and healthier communities. These
initiatives are associated with numerous health concerns and
have attracted national attention. One in particular has been the
rise in obesity, which has been associated with heart disease and
diabetes. Providing recreational opportunities and amenities
can help promote a healthier and more active community.
This park plan has identified many of the assets Hopkins has to
offer for its residents to live an active lifestyle. In Hopkins' case,
the system is well built and residents are well served by its local
parks and its trail access to the regional system. As improvements
are made and park recommendations are considered, there needs
to be an ongoing emphasis on providing an active and healthier
community.
Park and Trail Plan
Based on the analysis information presented above, input from
the public and the Hopkins Park Board and considering the
directions provided by the goals that are contained in the plan,
the following recommendations are offered:
1. Develop the landfill site and /or the Minnehaha Creek
Preserve area as community parks if the opportunity
presents itself Both of these sites have the potential to serve
as community park areas. If the landfill becomes available
for public use, it could accommodate needed soccer fields
and other active facilities. Should the Preserve area become
available, it could be used for a combination of both passive
and active pursuits. The area adjacent to the creek could be
used passively for trails and natural habitat. Other areas of
the site could accommodate active facilities such as soccer
fields. The City should prepare master plans for both of these
potential park sites in order to identify appropriate uses.
2. Work to establish a series oflocal trails that connect to the
regional trails. Incorporate trails as part of all major road
improvement projects such as Shady Oak Road, Blake
Road and Excelsior Boulevard. Examine higher volume
local roadways for potential off - street trail installation.
Cal AVM =R 5 - PARKS, OPEN Si '4l`E AND TRAn.s
Downtown Park
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Cl i APTF R 5 - PARKS, OPEN SPACIr AND r) Tu 411 s
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3. Upgrade and improve all park buildings to ensure ADA
accessibility.
4. Coordinate improvements for the ShadyOakNatureArea
in conjunction with the pending roadway improvements.
Examine the feasibility of installing a trail around all or
portions of the pond area.
5. Evaluate the use of open fields, ball fields and outdoor
hockey rinks to determine opportunities for flexible uses,
such as soccer and lacrosse.
6. Improving lighting and sidewalks to make areas more
pedestrian friendly.
7 Continue to coordinate with the Three Rivers Park
District to provide regional trail connections via Nine
Mile Creek and the Lake Minnetonka LRT Extension.
Issues
Transportation Issues
The transportation network of Hopkins, like the land development
pattern, is established and has few opportunities for major
restructuring. However, the planned Southwest Transitway light -
rail (LRT) line planned in 2015 represents one significant change.
This LRT line will run within the Hennepin County Regional
Rail Authority (HCRRA) regional trail right -of -way through
the center of the community. Three LRT stations are planned in
Hopkins, one at the east end near the Blake Road /2nd Street NE
intersection, one near downtown just south of Excelsior Blvd at
8th Avenue and the third on the west end near Shady Oak Road
between the 16th and 17th Avenue alignments and one block
south of Excelsior Boulevard. See attached Hopkins Station Area
Plan Final Report, October 2007. Reference 1 l th Avenue South -
Southwest Transitway Crossing Study, August 2007.
• Identify transportation issues and required mitigation actions
related to LRT stations and the associated redevelopment.
This would be done through additional station area planning
efforts and the development of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement.
• What will be the impact of the proposed reconstruction of
Shady Oak Road?
• What unexpected impact on local streets, if any, will be caused
by the new Cargill corporate campus?
• Several roadways, such as Highway 169, Excelsior Boulevard,
and Highway 7, divide the community. What can be done to
reduce the divisive effect ofthose roadways?
• What should be the City's role and response in reducing
congestion on the metropolitan highway system?
IIAVI FR 6 - TR Av',SPORTATR )\
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Transportation Plan
The planned system of major roads in Hopkins is illustrated on the
Transportation Systems Plan along with the light rail transit route
and station site being identified by the Hennepin County Regional
Railroad Authority. No major changes to the road system are
planned for Hopkins with the exception of the reconstruction and
upgrading of Shady Oak Road by Hennepin County.
Roadway System Policies
The City will continue to design and maintain its roads and
review site plans according to the functional classification
system ofroads illustrated by the Transportation Systems Plan in
order that they serve the needs of the community and enhance
regional efforts to reduce traffic congestion.
The City will monitor whether excessive non -local traffic uses
residential streets and, if so, explore means to minimize it.
When Hennepin County widens Shady Oak Road, the City will
work with the County and the adjacent landowners to ensure
that there remain adequate landscaped setbacks along its edge.
The City will ensure there is adequate multi -modal connectivity
at future LRT stations.
The City will consider alternative methods of funding road
improvements, as State legislation allows, to maintain its
roadways and also to improve its financial readiness to support
necessary Hennepin County road improvement projects.
Travel Demand Management Policies
Travel demand management (TDM) aims to increase the number
and proportion of people who share rides and who travel outside
of rush hours. These techniques are expected of communities
in the metropolitan area served by congested portions of the
metropolitan highway system and ofcities that have regional business
concentrations, both of which include Hopkins. It has been proven
to be far more cost - effective to promote TDM and transit than to try
to build more highway lanes.
• Hopkins will continue to review the site plans of major new
business developments to ensure that they contain provisions
for preferential parking for ride - sharing vehicles and consider
zoning code changes incorporating TDM incentives and
goals for large business redevelopments.
• Hopkins has a mixture of low -and high - density housing and
industrial and office businesses which may help reduce travel
on the metropolitan highway system by allowing people to
live near their place of work. The Land Use Plan continues
that pattern.
• Hopkins will support the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MN /DOT) and the Metropolitan Council
efforts regarding ongoing educational programs to encourage
ride- sharing, staggered work hours, and off-peak travel.
Such campaigns can be most effectively mounted at the
metropolitan level.
Transit Policies
Effective use of transit, which is defined as all forms of riding
together, can make a significant di fference in the level ofcongestion
in certain corridors. Hopkins is currently served by Metro Transit
regular bus routes, a 56 - car MN /DOT park-and-ride lot along
Excelsior Boulevard, demand responsive service for the elderly
and disabled through Metro Mobility and Hopkins Hop -A-
Ride, and the Minnesota Rideshare carpooling program. The
Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority (HCRRA) and
Metropolitan Council is planning to build a light rail transit route
through Hopkins with three stations within the community.
Hopkins is committed to fostering an environment supportive
of transit and ridesharing because it recognizes the benefits that
good access can have on economic development and general
quality of life in this community, not to mention the fuel savings
and reduced air emissions.
CHAPTER 6 - Ti t AAS['uwTAT]ON
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Ci a a MIR 6 - Tit AvsPORT411oy
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Light Rail Transit
• The City, through its representatives, will continue to actively
participate in the planning and design of the proposed 2015
Southwest Transitway LRT.
• The City supports the proposed locations for the light rail
transit stations in Hopkins and will work with the HCRRA and
Metropolitan Council on station planning and design. The station
locations are shown on the Land Use Plan on page .
• Hopkins will plan LRT stations and transit- oriented developments
to ensure an excellent pedestrian environment within 1/2 mile of
the stations.
• The City will publicize the accessibility of the LRT stations in the
community in order to promote the use of this new travel mode
and also to make the general public more aware of the convenient
access to the central city (and from the central city outward).
• The City will attempt to maximize the connectivity between the
proposed downtown LRT station and the central business district,
including pedestrian, bicycle and shuttle bus access.
• The Citywill strive to ensure that parking demands at LRT stations
do not negatively impact surrounding residential or business
areas.
Metro Transit Bus Service
The City has worked with the Metro Transit to create new or
improved bus waiting stations along its routes through Hopkins,
especially along Excelsior Boulevard and in the Downtown.
The Citywill review major new developments for the inclusion of
bus shelters and pullouts if such sites are along MTC bus routes.
The City will ensure that there is good public transit service and
LRT - feeder bus connectivity at each LRT station.
Demand - Responsive Service
• The Citywill continue to do what it can to facilitate Metro Mobility
and Hopkins Hop -A -Ride.
Bicyclist and Pedestrian Policies
Note: Bicycle and pedestrian trail information is also found in the
Parks, Open Space and Trails section ofthis plan.
• The City will attempt to retain the Depot facility as a regional
trailhead facility or develop new trailhead facilities near
the confluence of the regional trails, as required with the
implementation of the Southwest Transitway LRT.
• The City will continue to build pedestrian ways along its
collector and certain minor arterial streets in order to improve
accessibility and pedestrian travel safety between residential
areas, downtown, parks and the regional trails.
• Hopkins will strive to create excellent pedestrian environments
in and around its future LRT stations and TOD areas.
• Hopkins will endeavor, in the near -term, to secure funding for and
improve the adequacy and safety ofpedestrian accommodations
along the Blake Road corridor from Excelsior Boulevard to
Highway 7.
• The City will continue to ensure the safest possible conditions
at regional trail street crossing locations.
• The City will support the Three Rivers Park District in its plan
to construct the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail that would run
from the Southwest LRT Regional Trail at 1 lth Avenue, south
along 1 lth Avenue through Valley Park and southeasterly into
Edina and Richfield.
• The City will improve pedestrian and bicycle accessibility
between the regional trails and the Hopkins central business
district.
CI1. -4 fin R 6 - T}LANS1 ( RTATIOy
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TAZ
Population
Households
Employment
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2020
2020
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1189
510
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571
4456
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8200
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CI1AFIT R 6 - TRANSPORTATION
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Kopksn
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Chapter 7 -Water Resources Management Plan
Introduction
Purpose
The city ofHopkins (City) has developed this Water Resources
Management Plan (WRMP) to meet regulatory requirements,
and to plan for future alterations in the existing drainage
system due to redevelopment activities. The City is within the
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) and the Nine
Mile Creek Watershed District ( NMCWD). The MCWD is
in the process of updating its Comprehensive Water Resources
Management Plan, and the NMCWD updated its Water
Management Plan in 2006. Minnesota Rules Part 8410.0160
states:
•
•
Each local plan must, at a minimum, meet the require-
ments for local plans in Minnesota Statutes, Section
103B.235, except as provided by the Watershed Man-
agement Organization Plan under Part 8410.01 10,
Subpart 3.
Each community should consider including its local
water resources management plan as a chapter of its
local comprehensive plan. Each local plan shall be
adopted within two years of the board's approval of the
last organization plan that affects local units of govern-
ment.
The City ofHopkins will continue to work to ensure the City's
Goals and Policies and Development Standards are consistent
with both Watershed Districts as the Plans and Rules are
revised.
CHAPTER 7 - AT{-R RESUL 'RC ES
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CnnAPTER 7 - Wtri: RE S(,i Cr-.S
MANAGEMENT PI.A\
The City is completely developed with a mix of commercial,
industrial, residential and open space uses. Redevelopment
activities within the City are also occurring as the population of
surrounding area continues to grow.
Land Use
Location
The City of Hopkins lies in southeast Hennepin County. The
City contains 2,760 acres of land and water resources within
its corporate boundaries, and is bounded by the cities of
Minnetonka, Edina, and St. Louis Park (see Figure l ).
Existing Land Use
The existing land use of the City consists of a mix of industrial,
commercial, residential, open space, and transportation
corridors. Please see Figure 2 for the existing land use of the
City.
A northem and eastern portion ofthe City drains to Minnehaha
Creek, while the southern portion of the City drains to Nine
Mile Creek, both through natural drainage and via storm sewer.
Future Land Use
As previously stated, the City of Hopkins is completely
developed. The future land use as defined in the updated
Comprehensive Plan is shown in Figure 3. The future Iand
use changes will be a result of redevelopment activities. Future
redevelopment activities should not have a significant impact
on regional storm water systems.
Additional Land Use Control
Shoreland
The City of Hopkins has not adopted a shoreland ordinance.
At this time, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(MNDNR) does not require a shoreland ordinance, and we do
not see the need to implement one in the near future.
Floodplain
The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP). The City administers a floodplain ordinance based
upon the effective Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for the City
of Hopkins (dated June 16, 1992). There are two flooding
sources (Minnehaha Creek and Nine Mile Creek) shown in the
FIS. A request for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMB) has been
submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) for consideration. This LOMR is for a correction of
an inconsistency found in the floodway version of the HEC -2
computer model that had been fumished by the MNDNR in
August 1994. The roadway overflow section at 9th Avenue
South had not been encroached to be consistent with the
floodway width downstream and upstream of the crossing.
This correction requires that a `corrected duplicate model' be
prepared and approved by FEMA.
Hydrologic Setting
Regional Climate
The climatology of Minnesota is described in the United
States Geological Survey (USGS) Water - Supply Paper 2375 as
follows:
Minnesota is affected by a variety of air masses. In winter, the
weather is dominated by cold, dry, and polar continental air
masses from northwestern Canada. In summer, the weather is
dominated by dry, tropical continental air masses from the desert
southwest or by warm, moist, tropical maritime air masses from
the Gulf of Mexico. In spring and fall, the weather is transitional
and is affected by alternating intrusions from these three air
masses.
Almost 45 percent (about 12 inches) of Minnesota's annual
precipitation is received from June through August, When
moisture from the Gulf of Mexico is most available. Only 8
C� IAPri u 7 - WATER REsU1!R('T,s
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percent of the annual precipitation is received from December
through February.
Cyclonic and convective storms are thetwomajortypes ofstorms
that bring moisture into Minnesota. Cyclonic storms are large -
scale, low- pressure systems associated with frontal systems that
approach the State from the northwest or southwest. Cyclonic
storms that approach from the northwest are common in winter
and produce small quantities of precipitation. Cyclonic storms
that approach from the southwest occur in the fall, winter, and
spring and can bring substantial quantities of rain or snow by
drawing moisture northwardfrom the GulfofMexico. Cyclonic
storms in combination with unstable conditions can produce
severe weather and excessive precipitation.
In late spring and summer, thunderstorms are common. These
small -scale convective storms typically form because of the
presence of unstable, warm, tropical air near the surface and
colder air above.
Floods in Minnesota are of two forms — large -scale floods in
late winter and early spring, and small -scale flash floods in late
spring and summer. Large -scale floods generally result from
a combination of deep, late winter snowpack, frozen soil that
prevents infiltration, rapid snowmelt due to an intrusion of
tropical air, and widespread precipitation caused by cyclonic
storms that approach the State from the southwest. Flash floods
result from powerful, slow - moving thunderstorms.
Weather Data
Annual Normal Temperature
Value
43 °
Annual Normal Precipitation
29 inches
Annual Runoff Depth
4.7 inches
Storm Duration
6 hours
Storm INtensity
1.4 inches per hour
Time Between Storm Midpoints
89 hours
Average annual values for various weather data components for
the Hopkins area are listed below in Table 7.1:Average Annual
Weather Data.
Table 7.1. Average Annual Weather Data
Additional description of the climate of the area is provided in
the MCWD Water Resources Management Plan.
Surface Water Resources
Wetlands
The National Wetland Inventory Map shows the location and
type of wetlands within the City of Hopkins (see Figure 4). In
addition to these basins, there are several storm water detention
basins within the City limits which provide some of the benefits
of a natural wetland basin.
There are four Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(MNDNR) Protected Waters and Wetlands (MNDNR Nos.
27 -717W 27 -719P. 27 -777P, and 27 -779W) within the City
(see Figure 5). Part of MN /DNR No. 27 -084P is Iocated in the
northern section of the City. This protected water is also shared
by the cities of St. Louis Park and Minnetonka.
Creeks
Minnehaha Creek
Minnehaha Creek is a direct tributary to the Mississippi River.
Lake Minnetonka is the headwater for the creek. It is a MNDNR
watercourse and flows east at the north end of Hopkins and
southeast on the east side ofthe City.
CHAPTER 7 - WATER Ri SOCR('ES
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CHAPTER 7 - WATER RLsoi'Rcrs
MANAGEy4P'T Pi_AN
Nine Mile Creek
The headwater of the north fork of Nine Mile Creek is at the
southem edge of Excelsior Boulevard in the southwest portion
of Hopkins. Nine Mile Creek flows southeast to the Minnesota
River, and is a MNDNR protected watercourse.
Ditches
Much of the surface water is routed through an existing storm
sewer system within the City ofHopkins. This includes a system
of storm sewer pipes, ponds, ditches, and culverts.
General Drainage Patterns
The City ofHopkins lies within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed
District (MCWD) and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
(NMCWD), as shown on Figure 6. The northern and eastern
portions ofthe City drain to Minnehaha Creek, and the southern
and central portions of the City drain to Nine Mile Creek. The
existing drainage system for the City of Hopkins is shown in
Figure 7 (pocket file). The City has been delineated into about
60 subwatersheds. The City of Hopkins has numerous points of
discharge from and to the cities of Minnetonka, Edina, and St.
Louis Park.
The City ofHopkins contains several land- locked areas. A land-
locked area is one which will not drain naturally on the ground
surface. An outlet for each ofthese areas should be considered to
decrease the flooding potential.
Hydrologic Modeling
A HydroCAD model has been created for specific studies
within the city of Hopkins, but there has not been a hydrologic
model created for the entire City. However, detailed hydrologic
information for each of the subwatersheds can be seen in
Appendix A. The following paragraphs discuss areas of concern
in the City.
Central District
Shady Oak Road Duck Pond
An existingpond along Sh ady Oak Roadbetween 1st Street North
and 2nd Street North has been a source for nuisance flooding
along Shady Oak Road. No structural damage to residences has
been documented. Presently, there is no outlet for this pond and
during particular storms the pond will overflow onto Shady Oak
Road. The Duck Pond receives runoff from both the cities of
Minnetonka and Hopkins.
According to the Water Resource Management Plan for the City
ofMinnetonka, the Duck Pond can discharge 11 cfs to the City of
Minnetonka through a 21 -inch pipe culvert, with the remaining
water discharging to the City of Hopkins.
Several concept designs were considered, but the preferred
option as directed from City staffis to construct a gravity outlet.
This concept design includes two outlets for the pond, one that
will discharge to Minnetonka and the other that will discharge
to Hopkins. The Minnetonka outlet will be a 21 -inch pipe that
discharges to a wetland west of Shady Oak Road. The Hopkins
gravity outlet will be through storm sewer on 1st Street North and
down 18th Avenue North, which drains to Nine Mile Creek.
This project has been included in the Capital Improvement Plan.
A formal feasibility study should be completed for this area to
further define the issues, design options, and construction costs.
13th Avenue and County Road 3
During high intensity rain storms, the low area along 2nd Street
South, between 12th and 13thAvenues, has experienced flooding
ofbuilding structures. A large part of downtown Hopkins drains
overland to this point. County Road 3 (Excelsior Boulevard) is
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MANAGE \11 :NT PL 4N
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CJi:aprt-:R 7 - W: TFR Rrsol •Rcrs
MAN,aGt,MFVr P1-A\
much higher than 2nd Street, and creates a "landlocked" condition
for the alley and several structures. In 1989, a box culvert was
constructed to pass more water under County Road 3. A new
inlet system was also constructed along 2nd Street to carry storm
water into the box culvert. The box culvert was sized to reduce
flooding only during storms much less intense than the 100 -year
flood event. Improvements to date have helped, but more work
can be done.
The analysis was driven by two factors. First, 13th Avenue and
other nearby streets are planned for rehabilitation. Second, there
is a concern that the old CMP -A storm sewer under 13th Avenue
maybe in poor condition.
The recommendations, as stated in the letter report dated January
8, 1999, was for the existing 88 -inch by 64 -inch CMP Arch under
13th Avenue be replaced by a pipe with capacity of about 500 cfs,
which correlates approximately to a S0 -year design storm. Apipe
with larger capacity than this will have diminished effectiveness
due to tail water effects from the downstream creek. The new
pipe would Iikely be equal to a 72 -inch RCP, considering the
slope of the existing pipe.
In addition, the inlet capacity at and upstream of the intersection
of 13th Avenue and 1st Street South should be increased to a total
of 280 cfs. These inlets are recommended at points upstream of
2nd Street South, since the low point along 2nd Street already has
a moderately high capacity inlet system.
Eastern District
Area 8 — Monroe Avenue
Area 8 is one ofseveral areas identified by the City ofHopkins for
reviewofstormwaterfloodingconcerns. The large rainfalls of 1997
caused flooding in the area ofthe intersection of Monroe Avenue
and 2nd Street NE. A residential property at this intersection
reported damage to their property. The walkout doorway of this
home is approximately the same elevation as Monroe Avenue.
In addition, the flooding is an inconvenience to motorists. The
existing storm water conveyance system is mostly open ditches
and culvert crossings prior to discharge to Minnehaha Creek.
The capacity ofthe storm water conveyance system is dependent
upon the capacity ofthese crossings. There is not enough capacity
in the existing conveyance system to handle large runoff events,
leading to temporary ponding in the 2nd Street and Monroe
Avenue area. Several possible solutions were considered to
address the problem, such as increasing the capacity at the
Madison Avenue crossing, increasing the capacity at the ABM
Equipment crossing, or constructing a pond at the vacant
property west of ABM Equipment, northeast of 2nd Street and
Highway 169. The preliminary recommendation is to remove
the Madison Avenue crossing and increase the capacity of the
existingABM Equipment crossing by installing an additional 42-
inch culvert. Additional opportunities for expansion of ponding
facilities may become available as the property south of 2nd
Street NE is redeveloped.
According to the `North Annex Drainage Review' report,
prepared by SEH and dated April 20, 2006, the redevelopment
project at the North AnnexArea involves rerouting ofstormwater
from the North Annex site from discharging east of Monroe
Avenue to discharge to the west of Monroe Avenue. The runoff
from the site will discharge directly into the proposed regional
pond via a proposed storm sewer system. This rerouting of storm
water alleviates any capacity concems to the existing storm sewer
system under Monroe Avenue and allows higher peak flow rates
to reach the proposed regional pond.
Van Buren Area
The Van Buren Area Drainage Study was completed by SEH
in February 2004. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Engineer also completed a technical memorandum regarding
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CHAPTER 7 - \Vxn.R R .svi;RCLS
MANAGEMENT Pr_a\
this area. The purpose ofboth studies was to review storm water
plans for the Plantation site, and to determine the effectiveness of
replacing two 48 -inch CMP culverts under Van Buren Avenue
that ultimately drain a large drainage area, including Area 8
as mentioned above. The MCWD Engineer recommended
replacing the two culverts due to the condition of the culverts.
The ends are damaged and are nearly submerged during dry
weather. According to the memorandum the culverts contain a
foot or more of sediment. The City will be replacing these two
culverts in the summer of 2007.
Southern District
Thermotech
The Thermotech building is located south of Sth Street South
and west of 11th Avenue, and has experienced flooding problems
in the past. These flooding problems include nuisance flooding
of the parking lot, potential car flooding, and loss of use of the
parking lot.
Approximately 140 acres ofland drain to the low point west ofthe
Thermotech building, which includes land in the City of Hopkins
and the City of Minnetonka. There are two constructed stone
water detention ponds upstream of the Hopkins corporate limit
which capture most of the runoff from the City of Minnetonka.
Outflow from the ponds enters a marsh area in Hopkins along
the SOO line railroad tracks, and flows northeast. An existing
12 -inch pipe allows high water in the marsh area to drain into
Nine Mile Creek.
Much ofthe area will be flooded in a 100 -year event. A proposed
outlet for the marsh will reduce the high water levels near the
existing buildings during a 100 -year storm event that does
not coincide with a 100 -year flood on Nine Mile Creek. An
improvement method considered to date included the excavation
of additional storage in the ponds, surface restoration, and a 36-
inch or 42 -inch pipe. The ponds were reconstructed several years
Study Name
Oak Park Land Townhouses Flood
Evaluation Calculations
Study Type
Letter
Prepared By
RCM
Date
July 1992
Hopkins Plaza /Hopkins Home Center
Storm Water
Feasibility Report
RCM
July 1997
6th Avenue North and 3rd Street North
Intersection
Feasibility Study and Report
RCM
November 1997
Nine Mile Creek Bank Stabilization/
Sediment Removal
Feasibility Report
RCM
December 1997
Area 2 Hilltop Park, Area 3 -Alley
Between 17th and 18th Avenues North,
Area 4 13th Avenue North - Maetzold
Field
Feasibility Report
RCM
March 1998
Area S - Alley between 8th and 9th
Avenues North
Feasibility Report
RCM
September 1998
Super Valu Redevelopment
Drainage Calculations
Westwood Professional
Services, Inc.
September 1998
Van Buren Avenue Drainage Study
Drainage Study
SEH, Inc.
January 2004
ago. The box culvert under the railroad tracks, along with the 36-
inch stub for Thermotech has also been constructed. The design
contract to place the 36 -inch pipe between the building and the
railroad tracks, and not laying the pipe around the building, is in
place and is proposed to be constructed in 2000. Currently, the
survey is being completed.
The following table is a list of important studies that have been
completed in the city of Hopkins. For additional information,
please see the listed studies and reports in Table 7.2:Summary
of Water Resources Studieseasibility.
Table 72 - Summary ofWater Resources Studieseasibility
Design Criteria
Design Storm
The 24 -hour duration, Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS) Type II rainfall distribution with average soil moisture
conditions (AMC -2) will be used for overall subwatershed
planning within the City of Hopkins. 'The rainfall depths for
storms associated with various return periods is shown below
C'UAPTFR 7 - WATF.R RrsotniCEs
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Return Period
Rainfall Depth (inches)
1 - yr
2.3"
2 -yr
2.7"
5 -yr
3.5"
10 -yr
4.1"
50 -yr
S.3"
100 -yr
5.9"
Hop king
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(T\ PTI7z 7 - WATER RF,S01'1i(Ia
Ma NAGI:v4l NI PI
in Table 7.3: Rainfall Depths for 24 -Hr Event. This criterion is
consistent with the MCWD Water Resources Management
Plan, the NMCWD 509 Plan, and guidance from the NRCS.
More recent data developed by Huff and Angel (1990) vary
somewhat from these values.
Table 7.3 Rainfall Depths for 24 -hr Event (USWB TP -40
Rain Gages
The City of Hopkins does not have a rain gage within the city
limits. There are four rain gages in the surrounding area that
can be used to obtain rainfall data; the Minneapolis National
Weather Service Station and the cities of Crystal, St. Louis Park,
and Eden Prairie have rain gages. The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also has stations in the
cities of Mound and New Hope.
Since a storm distribution can vary widely with location, the city
may want to look into the cost ofinstalling a rain gage within City
limits. This will enable the City to obtain more accurate rainfall
data.
Land Collection System
The minimum design storm for the future local collection system
evaluation and design will be a 10 -year retum period event.
Design of local storm sewer systems will generally be designed
using the Rational Formula.
The choice of a design storm is largely an economic rather than
a technical decision. The City should deliberately consider the
level of service desired when it chooses the recurrence interval
used in any construction project. Additional rainfall probability
data are included in Appendix A.
Other City Requirements
Any new construction of development has the potential of
increasing runoff rates and volumes.
The development or redevelopment must include facilities to
provide water quality treatment and control runoff at existing
or reduced rates. Variances from plan standards will be allowed
if computations that demonstrate no adverse upstream or
downstream effects will result from the proposed system can be
provided to the City Engineer. A description of `Development
Standards' is included in Appendix F.
Geology and Hydrogeology
Soils
The superficial geology of the Hopkins area consists of
unconsolidated sediments of glacial deposits, derived from the
Des Moines Lobe, Grantsburg Sublobe, and a small amount
from the Superior Lobe. The glacial sediments were deposited
during the most recent glacial event, the Late Wisconsinian,
which ended about ten thousand years ago. These deposits
consist of till and outwash deposits.
Surficial Hydrogeology
The unconsolidated glacial range in thickness from 50 to 250
feet within the City of Hopkins. The water from the local
groundwater table is most easily obtained from outwash deposits
with broad areas of till acting as confining layers. Groundwater
flow in the unconsolidated glacial deposits is generally east
toward the Mississippi River. The water table is approximately
900 feet above mean sea level.
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?CIAy GF..ya}-y"r Pt ny
Bedrock Geology
As stated above, the depth to bedrock ranges from 50 to 250
feet in the City of Hopkins. The City sits on the western side
of the Twin City basin, a bowl -like structure in the bedrock. At
this location, the bedrock strata dips gently toward the east. The
youngest and straitigraphically highest bedrock underlying the
City is the Plateville and Glenwood Formations. Underlying the
Plateville and Glenwood Formations is the St. Peter Sandstone,
which along with the Plateville and Glenwood formations make
up almost all of the uppermost bedrock of the City.
Bedrock Hydrogeology
Four major bedrock aquifers underlie Hopkins. They are the St.
Peter Sandstone, Prairie du Chien Jordan, the Franconia- Ironton-
Galesville, and the Mount Simon - Hinckley. These aquifers
are separated by lower permeability confining layers. The first
encountered confined bedrock aquifer is the St. Peter sandstone,
the second aquifer is the Prairie du Chien Jordan Aquifer. The
St. Lawrence Confining Layer separates the Prairie du Chien -
Jordan Aquifer from the underlying Franconia - Ironton - Galesville
Aquifer. The Eau Claire Confining Layer separates the Franconia -
Ironton- Galesville Aquifer from the deepest aquifer, the Mt.
Simon - Hinckley Aquifer. The groundwater flow direction in the
bedrock aquifers is generally southeast in the Hopkins area.
The St. Peter Sandstone is the first encountered confined bedrock
aquifer. The upper part ofthe formation consists offine to medium
grained friable quartz sandstone. The lower part of the St. Peter
Sandstone contains multicolored beds ofmudstone, siltstone and
shale with interbedded very coarse sandstone. Many sand grains
in the lower part are dark gray in color.
The Prairie du Chien Jordan Auifer is made up of the Prairie du
Chien group and the Jordan Sandstone. The Prairie du Chien
Group consists of a sandy dolostone with minor amounts of
shale. The Jordan Sandstone is a fine to coarse grained quartzose
sandstone with minor amounts of shale. The Prairie du Chien
is the most heavily used aquifer in Hennepin County, with
potential yields of 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per minute. Underlying
the Prairie du Chien Jordan is the St. Lawrence Confining Layer.
The St. Lawrence is comprised of lower permeability siltstone
and dolostone and acts to hydrologically separate the overlying
Prairie du Chien Jordan from the underlying Franconia -
Ironton- Galesville.
The Franconia- Ironton - Galesville Aquifer is made up of the
Franconia Formation, comprised of glauconitic sandstone
with some shale and dolomite; the Ironton Sandstone, and
the Galesville Sandstone. This aquifer is commonly used for
domestic water supply wells in the north and northwestem
portions of Hennepin County. Underlying the Franconia -
Ironton- Galesville is the Eau Claire Confining Layer. The Eau
Claire consists of siltstone, shale, and silty sandstone and serves
to hydrologically separate the overlying Franconia- Ironton-
Galesville from the underlying Mount Simon - Hinckley.
The Mount Simon - Hinckley Aquifer is made up of the Mount
Simon and HinckleyFormations. The Mount Simon Formation
is a silty, fine -to- coarse - grained sandstone with thin beds of
very fine -to -fine grained sandstone and minor shale beds. The
Hinckley is absent in most places, but where it occurs it is in
remnants only several tens of feet thick.
Recharge Zones
Recharge to the bedrock aquifers beneath the City of Hopkins
occurs in two ways, vertically and laterally. Vertical recharge
occurs through overlying glacial sediments and other bedrock
aquifers. Lateral recharge occurs as groundwater moves
laterally from outside the City or County, through the aquifer.
The lateral recharge to the bedrock aquifers in Hopkins comes
from the west.
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Recharge to the Water Table Aquifer occurs primarily from
precipitation and surface water groundwater interactions as well
as laterally from outside the City.
Local Groundwater Models
The Hennepin County Conservation District (HCD), in
cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Health, has
developed a County -wide multi -layer groundwater model. This
model may be a valuable tool in dealing with many of Hopkins'
groundwater issues. This model could be useful with issues such
as wellhead protection, storm water infiltration ponds, wetland
issues, well siting, dewatering, etc.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is currently
developing a Metropolitan Groundwater Model. This model is
a regional model focusing on the seven - County metropolitan
area including Hennepin County. The focus of the MPCA
model is more for evaluating groundwater contamination
and remediation of the Quaternary and the Prairie Du Chien
aquifers. The MPCA model and the HCD model utilize the
Multi -Layer Analytical Element Model (MLAEW). The HCD
model, however, is characterized as a single layer.
The City of Hopkins has prepared a water and sanitary sewer
system update to its Comprehensive Plan for the period 2008 —
2030. This sumrarypresents a profile ofthe existing conditions,
needs assessment, and recommendations for improvements
during the planning period.
Existing Water and Sanitary Sewer System Summary
The Hopkins water and sanitary sewer system has been
continuously maintained with parts of the system dating before
1902. The system has been adapted by additions, modifications,
and technological control advances as operational equipment
and distribution methods have become more sophisticated
and efficient over the years. The city's population growth and
new development has largely stabilized, allowing system needs to be
incrementally diagnosed with improvements that could be funded
and implemented over time.
Recently, the City of Hopkins has become poised for new growth
that will add housing units near the downtown area and in the
East Hopkins Redevelopment Area, as well as new commercial
development adjacent to Highway 169 that will add new
employment opportunities. The proposed developments will
require some adjustments to the current system to accommodate
the growth, accelerate needs that maybe imminent to accommodate
new development, and suggest that greater efficiencies can be
obtained by planning to purchase replacement equipment and
engaging neighboring communities in the implementation of plan
recommendations.
Water and Sanitary Sewer System Analysis and
Recommended Improvements
The following assessments and recommendations are outlined
below and examined in greater detail in the contents of the 2008-
2030 Comprehensive Utility Plan.
Water Supply
The City's water is supplied by four ground water wells (Well Nos.
1, 4, 5, and 6). Based upon the projected maximum day demands,
Hopkins should plan for a reliable supply capacity of 5.9 million
gallons per day (MGD) in 2007, 6.2 MGD in 2012, and 6.6 MGD
in 2030. The design of supply facilities is based upon the maximum
day demand requirements. Supply facilities should be able to meet
the maximum day demand with the largest well out ofservice which
is referred to as "firm capacity." A newwell should not be required to
provide adequate firrn capacity.
Well No. 1 is the City's only well that is not treated for iron and
manganese contaminants. Use of Well No. 1 could result in "rusty"
water complaints from customers due to the high iron levels in this
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ClIAF'TFR 7 - WATER RESOURCES
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well. Therefore, polyphosphate and chlorine chemical feed systems
should be added at Well No. 1 to help sequester and hold the iron
minerals in solution.
The realiability of the City's wells is dependent on the availability of
emergency power supplies. Generator hook -ups (manual transfer
switches) are recommended for Well No. 5 and Well No. 6 to allow
portable generators to power these wells during extended power
outages.
Maintenance for the City's wells will be required on an ongoing
basis. The city should plan to inspect and rehabilitate each well every
ten years and replace each well pump every ten years for budgeting
purposes.
Water Treatment
Hopkins is servedbythe Elmo ParkWater Treatment Plant. The plant
is effectively treating the raw water supply for iron and manganese
contaminants in addition to providing disinfection and fluoride for
dental care. Improvements are recommended for the Elmo Park
plant including an emergency generator to operate the plant during
extended power outages.
The existing treatment plant has a capacity of 3,600 gpm or 5.25
MGD. The reliable treatment capacity is 1,800 gpm (2.62 MGD)
when one of the filter cells is removed from service. Therefore, the
City relies on the City ofMinnetonka to provide sufficient volumes of
water during filter maintenance and during maximum day demands.
The City should continue purchasing water from interconnecting
communities and implement sprinkling bans during maximum day
demands until additional treatment capacity is available.
The Elmo Park Water Treatment Plant has the potential to be
expanded in the future to increase the reliable capacity of the plant.
These improvements would increase the reliable capacity to 5.25
MGD. The City's reliable treated water capacity would increase
to 7.12 MGB with use of Well No. 1. This capacity would be
sufficient to meet the projected maximum day demand in 2030.
A water treatment plant evaluation study is recommended for
the Elmo Park plant in 2016 to assess the condition of the plant
and provide recommendations for expanding the plant. The
expansion of the Elmo Park plant is recommended in 2017.
Water Storage
The City currently has 1,000,000 gallons stored in elevated
tanks and 2,200,000 gallons stored in ground water tanks. SEH
conducted a storage analysis to determine the adequacy of
the existing ground and storage capacities for the present and
estimated future conditions. Based on the analysis, the City's
total storage capacity is adequate if water can be pumped at
all times from ground storage. The installation of emergency
generators at the Elmo Park Water Treatment Plant and the
Moline pump house building are recommended to provide this
capability.
The Moline tank was last recoated in 1999. The condition of the
coating system appears adequate with no visible signs ofpeeling
or rust spots. A properly applied coating system should last
approximately 15 years. Therefore, the City should plan to recoat
the Moline tank in 2014. The coating system on the Blake tank
was last recoated in 2001. The condition of the coating system
also appears adequate with no visible signs of peeling or rust
spots. The City should plan to recoat the Blake tank in 2016.
Water Distribution
With new residential and commercial developments in the
downtown area, opportunities exist to extend a 12 -inch trunk
water main through the center of town to increase fire flows
and provide greater redundancy in newly redeveloped areas.
Currently, the City has an existing 12 -inch stub extended north to
the intersection of 10th Avenue South and Mainstreet. This 12-
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CflAPTER 7 - W.ari -k RESOt zri�s
MAy arir.y1rN'T PLAN
inch main should be extended north to an eventual connection
with Highway 7.
The City has many hydrants that are very old and should
be replaced to provide reliable fire protection. The
City should plan to replace approximately 600 of these
hydrants in the next ten years (60 hydrants per year).
Water Redundancy Analysis
To improve the City's emergency water supply, interconnections
can be constructed with several neighboring communities.
Currently, the City of Hopkins has one interconnection with the
City of Minnetonka. Interconnections are recommended with
the cities of Edina and St. Louis Park. These interconnections
will provide additional insurance to help the City supply
adequate volumes ofwater during maximum day and emergency
conditions.
Water Meter Cost Analysis
The City's current residential water meters are aging and getting
close to the service life for the existing batteries installed inside the
meters. Since a considerable amount oftime and effort would be
required to change out existing batteries, the city has investigated
the cost of replacing the old meters with a new system including
a radio read system. The total project would include changing
out approximately 4,100 meters and purchasing a mobile laptop
radio read system and software.
Sanitary Sewer Collection System
The city of Hopkins' sanitary sewer system consists of
approximately 231,000 LF of sanitary sewer pipe ranging from
4 to 33 inches in diameter. Based on analysis on segments
of the system serving the proposed redevelopment in the
downtown and east area there appears to be sufficient capacity
for conveyance of additional future flow within the study period.
Velocities in the majority ofthe segments analyzed also appear to
be adequate with the exception ofa sewer main located on Blake
Road, north ofExcelsior Boulevard. While this segment has the
capacity to carry the estimated future flow, the current and future
velocities within the sewer will continue to pose problems and
require a higher level ofmaintenance to keep the sewer clear. The
City should investigate the feasibility of reconstruction of this
sewer at steeper slope to increase velocities in the pipe. Some
consideration should also be given to redirecting the sewer to
the north for discharge into the 33 -inch trunk sewer in Lake
Street.
The city should initiate a city -wide CCTV televising inspection
program for all sanitary sewer lines. This proactive measure
would be phased to complete different areas of the City over a
5 -year period. After that the complete sewer system is televised
the city would then review the need for a continued CCTV
sewer inspection program. Information gathered from CCTV
televising inspections is vital in determining the condition of the
sewer and service connections. It is also an important tool in
identifying and resolving infiltration and inflow (I /I) issues.
The City has programmed the elimination of Lift Station No. 1
into the 2009 street reconstruction project. The lift station will
be demolished and replaced by a gravity sewer line that will be
constructed from the corner of Second Street North and 21st
Avenue North (the current location of Lift Station No. 1) west
to Shady Oak Road.
Sanitary Sewer Lift Stations
The City of Hopkins owns and operates seven sanitary sewer
lift stations. Pump down tests were preformed at all lift stations,
and pump cycle times were reviewed and provided to the city.
A visual inspection was also performed. All of the lift stations,
based on available data and information gathered from the pump
down tests, appear to be operating at adequate levels pumping
capacity. The pump cycle times provided by the City appear to
Cif, -PT1 R 7 - WATER RESO1 R(IS
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ClIAPrE_R 7 - WATkiz Rr..sul.RCE5
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be high at some stations. High cycling results in more pump starts
and subsequently higher operation costs. The lift stations with
high number of cycle ( "pump on" less than 3- minute intervals)
should be investigated to verify if floats or other level sensors
should be adjusted.
The City should continue routine maintenance ofthe lift stations
including bi- annual inspections and cleaning, which includes:
wet -well cleaning, pump impellor, bearing and seal inspection,
and float resets if necessary. Check valves and isolation valves
should also be inspected.
A prioritized lift station rehabilitation program should also
be implemented. The rehabilitation program would provide
the City a means of strategically managing their sewer in a
cost effective and efficient manner. The program allows for an
operation and maintenance approach in a proactive rather than a
reactive manner.
Over the study period the recommended individual lift
station rehabilitation items were divided into short (0 -5 years),
medium (5 -10 years), and long -term (over 10 years). For pump
replacement purposes a pump service life of 15 years was used.
In the short term, Lift Station Nos. 2, 3 and 4 should have pumps
replaced due to length ofservice life. In addition, Lift Station No.
4 should be additionally rehabilitated including the following:
grouting and sealing the wet well, and installation of a new hatch
and concrete cover. With these substantial improvements it is
also recommended that a separate valve vault be constructed.
Medium range recommendations include pump replacement
at Lift Station Nos. 5 and 6. Long range items include pump
replacement at Lift Station No. 7.
City of Hopkins Program
A set ofoverall goals provide a framework for solid waste initaiatives
in Hopkins. Pertaining to solid waste, the City of Hopkins seeks
to:
Goals
Continue to provide residential refuse collection necessary to ensure
public health and safety.
Continue to encourage residents to reduce their solid waste
generation.
Continue to provide recycling services to all single family, duplex and
triplex household units and enforce mandatory ordinance.
Maximize efficiency with regard to refuse and recycling collections.
Support alternatives to disposal which emphasize the reuse ofmaterials
whenever possible.
Keep the community dean.
Provide adequate, reliable and effective waste disposal and recycling at
reasonable cost to residents.
• Continue to advocate waste reduction activities and the use ofrecycled
products within the City offices.
The City of Hopkins provides refuse collection services using
City personnel and automated equipment. These services are
provided to all residential properties to include single family,
duplex and triplex household units. Refuse service consists of
weekly collection of household trash, bulk items, yard waste and
brush. Solid waste collected by the City is taken to the Hennepin
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County Transfer Station in Brooklyn Park. It is then delivered to
HERC where it is incinerated and used to produce energy.
Single Stream Recycling collection is offered bi- weekly through
a separate contract. Materials collected for recycling include;
newspaper, miscellaneous paper, 4 C's and cardboard, metal cans,
glass bottles and jars, and plastic bottles. Recyclable material
collected is marketed by the contracted hauler. Revenue sharing
options exist when market prices exceed $40 for newsprint and
$800 for aluminum simultaneously.
Multi - family housing and commercial properties must contract for
the disposal of their solid waste and recycling. To encourage waste
reduction the City implemented a mandatory recycling ordinance
in 1990. This ordinance mandates the separate collection of solid
waste and recyclables generated by both residential and commercial
properties. To assist residents and businesses with recycling the
City operates a recycling drop -off center jointly with the City of
Minnetonka.
Householdhazardouswasteprograms areadministeredbyHennepin
County. Residents and small businesses have two year round
facilities where they can dispose ofhousehold hazardous wastes and
certain small business hazardous wastes. Mobile collection sites are
also hosted twice per year in nearby communities.
Refuse generation rates started to decline in 1989 after the City
implemented the curbside recycling program and continued to
declineuntil 1996atwhichtimewebeganseeingfluctuatingincreases
each year. In 2002 Single Stream Recycling was implemented to
increase Hopkins recycling rate and continue the decrease in refuse
material collected.
Hopkins has been collecting yard waste and brush separate from
regular refuse since the 1970's. Material collected through the City's
yard waste and brush programs are composted or chipped for use
by residents of Hopkins and nearby communities.
The City's solid waste collection system encourages residents to reduce
waste through our mandatory recycling ordinance, volume based
pricing structure, and added fees for extra refuse and bulk. Additionally
the City regularly provides promotional materials and activities to
educate residents on waste reduction, reuse, recycling and purchasing
recycled products. Our current in -house purchasing policy advocates
the purchase of products made with recycled content.
Table 8.1 shows the City of Hopkins solid waste tonnage collected
from our residential refuse customers for the past five years. The City
of Hopkins collects refuse from 2945 households and recycling from
2990 households.
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*A = Appliance Tonnage
E = Electronic Tonnage * *Appliance Tonnage
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Refuse /Recycle Service
Refuse Pick -up Weekly
3228
2578
2633
2626
2577
2411
Bicycle Pick Up - Bi- weekly
849
996
988
1005
986
917
Recycle Drop Off Mtka Site
184
205
186
166
227
277
Recycling Total
1033
1201
1174
1171
1213
1194
Yard Waste /Brush Services
Yard Waste Pick Up
261
328
333
335
261
237
Yard Waste Drop -Off
184
205
186
166
277
277
Yard Waste Total
445
533
519
501
488
514
Brush Pick Up
210
224
175
131
138
143
Brush Drop Off
74
108
75
62
77
73
Brush Total
284
332
250
193
215
216
Bulk Services
Bulk Refuse - Weekly Pick up
44
41
36
14
25
29
Bulk Refuse - Drop Off - Spring/
Fall
210
`
201
196
119
179
134
Bulk Refuse Ttoal
254
242
232
133
204
163
Bulk Recycle - Weekly Pick Up **
17
12
8
10
10
9
Bulk Recycle - Drop -Off *
A 19
E9
A 29
E 17
A 25
E 17
A 18
E 11
A 19
E9
A 16
E 12
Bulk Recycle Total
45
58
50
39
38
37
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*A = Appliance Tonnage
E = Electronic Tonnage * *Appliance Tonnage