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Memo -Updating the Comprehensive Plan 12/05/2007 � nn E nn o To: City Council and Zoning and Planning Commission From: Nancy Anderson Date: December 5, 2007 Subject: Updating the Comprehensive Plan Attached are three documents; two are in the Comprehensive Plan, and the third is a summary of the open houses. Goals � The Comprehensive Plan contains Goals for the City. These Goals need to updated for the new Comprehensive Plan. These Goals were reviewed by the Planning Commission several times. In June, the Goals were reviewed at a joint City Council and • Zoning and Planning Commission meeting. City staff has also reviewed the Goals and provided input. The Planning Commission and Ad Hoc Committee reviewed these goals at their meeting on November 27. � Strenctths Weaknesses—Opportunities-Threats The Planning Commission reviewed the Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) at the October meeting. Since this meeting, there have been additional changes to this document. The Planning Commission and Ad Hoc Committee reviewed the SWOT at their meeting on November 27. Survey Results From the Open Houses There were three open houses to seek input from residents to the updating of the Comprehensive Plan. These open houses were held in April and May. The City was divided into three areas, and residents were encouraged to attend a meeting in their area. Another meeting was held for the business community at an HBCA meeting. At the various open houses we held in the spring, we asked participants to fill out a survey. The attached is a summary of the comments received. • . ` � Goals of the City of Hopkins The following statements summarize the goals of the City of Hopkins, which have guided the prepaxation of this Comprehensive Plan and to which the City will refer iri 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 population. The key elements protecting the residential neighborhoods are as follows: ➢ In new developments efforts should be made to preserve as many residential structures as possible. ➢ Residential rehabilitation programs to preserve strong, well-maintained neighborhoods protecting people's investments 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. It is raxe 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, entertainment, and restaurant businesses to Mainstreet. ➢ The City should continually monitor the downtown business climate. • Hopkins Comprehensive Plan i � " i;�i;i � ➢ Residents should be encouraged to shop locally, supporting Hopkins � businesses. ' ' ➢ Efforts should be made ro enhance the Mainstreet experience. Design features such as white lights, public art, and plantings. ➢ Efforts should continue with an ernphasis on the private sector and less public financing involvement. Both the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan for Economic Development address this goal. • Identify and assist in the redevelopment of blighted or obsolete structures. ➢ The City should continue to encourage the improvement of industrial and commercial businesses to ensure that the limited amount of non-residential ;I land in Hopkins can be used to its full potential. ; i ; The Comprehensive Plan and the East End Study address this goaL � � • Bolster the image of the community and promote Hopkins as a destination. " , ,�, j Hopkins has many assets and unique qualities that set it apart from other communities. i 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 area 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 tag 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 between city service provided, quality of life, and property ta�c rates are as follows: ➢ Continued pursuit of redevelopment which adds to the tax base. �° ��� � Hopkins Comprehensive Plan i ; . - -: , - _ y � ➢ The City should continue to foster stability and growth of existing businesses while encouraging new business to locate in Hopkins. ➢ Continue to invest in infrastructure. All plan elements address this goaL • Influence transportation. Transportation in the 21 century does not include just building or 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 between 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 Excelsior 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 and a third near Blake Road. ' Redevelopment around all three stations will occur. The Station Study supports these stations and the redevelopment around the stations. ➢ The City should improve the link between Mainstreet and Excelsior Boulevard along Eighth Avenue from the regional trail (now) and proposed LRT station (future). ➢ Efforts should be made with the County to finish the improvement of Excelsior Boulevard from Blake Road to Meadowbrook Road. All plan elements address this goal. • • • Residents, employees, and business owners are involved and informed. Hopkins Comprehensive Plan Y ➢ Improve and expand communication tools including the newsletter, City website �� "'� and e-newsletter. ➢ Engage all residents and ` business owners including those underrepresented groups such as renters and new residents. � • Protect and enhance green space, parks environment and sustainability. ➢ � Protect our natural environmental assets. ➢ Encourage "green development". ➢ Continue to work on trail connections and updating parks. ➢ Encourage developers to incorporate more green space in developments. ° ➢ Identify addition revenue sources to support this goal. �;;,;� � , j i I � � � Hopkins Comprehensive Plan : , ; - - - - - - ;- - -- _ _ T -' � Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats To properly frame a strategy for moving the community toward a future, it is important to understand its strengths and weakness, opportunities and threats. For the current plan update, the Planning Commission reviewed this information, incorporated components of the 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. Strengths of Hopkins 1. 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 area, community celebrations (notably the Raspberry Festival), and engaged families. �:��� �:a==�-��•�°� �� *�° ��*�� � r �ee-a�es. The school district is geographically focused on Hopkins. A sense of pride and identity exists. • 2. Identifiable Downtown Downtown Hopkins is one of a small number of established central shopping districts in Metropolitan Area communities. Although its role in the re�ion as a destination sho�ping area needs expanding � t:'�v:?5 + �n°cTC i�iizirccriccrnaa 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 vears and a successful b�lance of land uses and business types has allowed it to remain vibrant in various market conditions 3. Employment Base Hopkins has a relatively high number and diversity of jobs for a community of its size. 4. Location . Hopkins is strategically located relative to the City of Minneapolis and other western � suburbs. � 5. Access The City has excellent access via federal, state, and county roadways, freight railroads, a trail svstem for both walking and biking, accessible sidewalks throughout the communitX, and the planned light-rail transit system. It is easv to access from outside the City and • easy to navig;ate from within. I L � � 6. Variety of Housing Types `"`�": Hopkins has a wide variety of housing for people in every stage of the life cycle and income category. � 7. Variety of Development Types i The Community is composed of several types of housing, retail and service businesses, I industry, public parks, and private golf courses. � 8. Attractive Residential Neighborhoods There are a number of distinct and identifiable residential neighborhoods defined by � roadways, golf courses, parks and creeks. 9. Strong School District The school district has a strong reputation and is a compelling reason to live in the city. 10. 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 should occur on a regular basis. 11. Excellent Community Facilities - Hopkins offers an excellent array of public facilities from parks to special uses. The City's collaboration with the school district and the City of Minnetonka in the Lindbergh Center is an example of wise use of public resources. Another example is Shady Oak Beach, which is also a collaboration with the City of Minnetonka. The Art Center and the Hopkins Pavilion are other examples of facilities that meet the needs of residents as well as Metropolitan Area residents and visitors. 12. Active Citizen Participation Hopkins' government actively involves the people of the community. The City includes citizen participation in the 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. . 13. A Tradition of Community Celebrations 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 recurrin� community events include Music in the Park and Mainstreet Davs. - - - _ - - - _ - - - - --- -- - - -- , , � .. _ . .� � • Weaknesses of �Iopki� � 1. 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 continue to age, their desirability may decrease more rapidly and owners may not be eager to reinvest in them because their potential is limited by their size, floor plan, and garage and closet space. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Image of the Community in the Minds of Non-Residents t������es�s�e�re�t�e�-ee t�x.< v a �*'� � � t�s--a�e�: Non-residents have inconsistent and sometimes ne �ative ima ges and opinions of the Citv. � 5. 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 s�de 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 proposed to be reconstructed in 2010. This reconstruction will not only improve the road but offer redevelopment opportunities for abutting property. Because the areas abutting these corridors are the dominant image that many people have of the community, this impression takes away from the many positive aspects of the community. � • . �- , 6. Tax Base Constraints ,�`"`� ''�'" Because the city is nearly fully developed, there is little opportunity to expand the tax base without redeveloping property. Recent project such as the Opus/Cargill office complex demonstrate that redevelopment efforts can lead to increases in the community's tax base. � i i Opportunities for Hopkins 1. Access To and From Minneapolis 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 i will pass through Hopkins roughly parallel to Excelsior Boulevard. In order to preserve i future options, the Comprehensive Plan update will continue to plan for the proposed � three stations. The light-rail 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. 2. A Resurgent Downtown ;��� Downtown Hopkins is clearly on its way back to economic health. It has accomplished several changes in its economic structure, physical design, and administrative organization and appears ready to take the next steps toward revitalization. 3. The Future of the Retired Landfill in Southwest Hopkins � � . Because ofthe expense cleanin� the site in order to use the land for redevelopment the landfill should be tar�eted for uses that have public ,g;ood such as "green" uses that create alternative ener�v or help remediate site contamination may be appropriate. 4. Improvement of the Excelsior Boulevard/Shady Oak Road Corridors ��a ^ ����;�+°�' �-i�s I . � •� �.• �, aoa ,.�:w.,....,,..o,,..o„� �.-..,�.,..,. , .. .. ., i The reconstruction of Shady Oak Road offers the City redevelopment opportunities alon� � this corridor. This redevelopment also could offer a partnership with Minnetonka for i redevelopment of properties on the south side of Excelsior Boulevard from Tech Center i � i to Shad�Oak Road. i , i ; � ; � - - -- , ; _ _ : _ , : . . : , 2 a � • 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. Growin� Ethnic Population Hopkins has a rg owing ethnic po�ulation. This�opulation has the potential to bring_new ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and changing needs to the Cit� 8. Compact Size With Identifiable Neighborhoods Hopkins has man�unique and identifiable nei�hborhoods. This characteristic offers these neighborhoods the o�ortunity to organize and improve. 9. Unique Public Facilities That Are Not Maximized To Full Potential • The Depot and the Arts Facilitv are unique public facilities. The Depot has formed a partnership with Three Rivers Park and has the opportunity to expand the services of the facility. The Hopkins Center for the Arts has recentiv been restructured in a wav that will increase utilization. 10. Lar e Corporate Presence Not Being Tapped ` SuperValu, The Blake School, and soon, Car�ill have a lar�e corporate presence in Hopkins. The Citv has the op op rtunit ��partner with these corporations to enable them to be contributin� members of the community_ 11. Opportunitv to Expose Natural Corridors Minnehaha and Nine Mile Creek run through Hopkins. These creeks have the potential to be stron�er amenities for the Citv throu�h increased visibility and access. 12. Communitv Confidence A recent survey indicated that residents have a strong community confidence. 13. "Think Hopkins • The marketin� effort "Think Hopkins" is promoting a positive image of the Citv. a s . 1 Threats to Hopkins �� ��" L Aging Housin S�tock A high percentage of Hopkins housing units are over 50 years old, and many were built in the same era. Thus, there is the possibility of many houses deteriorating at the same time. Preserving Hopkins' housing stock and its neighborhoods should be a prime consideration of the City. 2. Industrial Obsolescence ' A few of Hopkins' industrial �� sites are aging, have obsolete buildin�s, and/or have physical site constraints such as contamination. These sites mav need public financing to make redevelopment'a possibilitv. 3 . ,, � �,.,,�,....,:,. .,..a D,�.,�:,.,,� r,o,.i;�a Retail Trends Downtown Hopkins is experiencin� e�r-a steady improvement ��, but the threat remains that retail trends and market forces mav ne atg ivel�pact the business climate leading to decline. ,. ,,* ��+ � "'""'"`" ^�µ'=`' ''°��--�-���. 4. Loss of Families �cu� Desire for lar eg r living space and modern amenities coupled with a lar�el�post WWII � housin� stock that can be cost-prohibitive to remodel could contribute to a loss of families livin ig n Hopkins. 5. Limited Ability to Increase Tax Base Hopkins has few opportunities to easily increase its tax base, and rising costs in loc�l, count and school district overnments could increase local tax rates and ro ert taxes. Y� g p P Y j 6. 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. T' + *' �*"°�° ��:,;+;°" ;", +'"„', �+'�"°"+ There is a need for continuin� investment of infrastructure. 7. Light Rail Transit (LRT) Although it is not�roposed to be the end of the LRT line but the federal fundin rg ealitv may limit the line not to extend into Minnetonka. Hopkins bein� the end of the line would require a larger �park and ride facilit�possibly the maintenance facility. These facilities are considered not the best use of land. � -- - __ _- -- - - -- - __:. _ - � ; - , : _ . ..: . . ... �: : � � COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY SUMMARY • Male Female *Gender? 10 18 Under 25 25 to 44 45 to"64 65 or older A e? 9� 17 8 0-5 5-10 11-20 20+ Do not live Years lived in Hopkins in Ho kins? 5 3 4 11 1 Where do you Same house Another hse. in Outside Don't know expect to live Hopkins Hopkins in 10 years? � g 2 Own or rent Own Rent home? 22 2 # people in 1 2 3 4+ home? 4 11 4 5 Where do Hopkins Minneapolis Other Retired ou work? 3 4 4 7 Own Yes No business in Ho kins? 6 18 *Avg. 1-way < 15 mins. 15-30 mins. 31-60 mins. > 60 mins. Retired • commute time to work? $ 7 5 What do you • Location; cost of home; neighborhood; small-town feeling; diverse value most community about living . "hometown" feel in Hopkins? . Downtown Mainstreet revitalized • Quiet � • A strong sense of community; downtown area that brings people together and supports mom & pop—hasn't been over-run by chains • Small town friendly; supportive community; a lot to do within 4 sq. miles; great staff, Council, committees; this is truly a special place • City officials who are committed to working with citizens • Location, environment and parks • Having downtown, cheap movies, Center for the Arts; being able to walk everywhere, so many services and shops nearby; wonderful biking and hiking trails; sense of community; Raspberry Parade, Mainstreet Days • Conveniences to shopping, medical, freeways, etc • Convenience to so many things—roads (major hwys), shopping, schools, etc. • Value the community feel, the Mainstreet small-town feel • Diversity of housing styles in my neighborhood • • Parks and trails � • Reasonable cost of living • Hopkins schools • Safe nei hborhood _. • Attempt to include residents in decisions . • Positive communit feelin in nei hborhood and downtown What • Property values; downtown; area between Exc. & Hwy .7 from Blake � Hopkins to 169 ,,� community . Small percentage of single family homes issues . Small retail sales tax base concern you . Infrastructure is in d�cline; sewer and water most? . Taxes for single family homes • Excelsior corridor east of 169 businesses are blighted • Blake corridor an eyesore and safety concern; bike path on Blake Rd North is a dangerous issue • Use of eminent domain to acquire land for light raiL � • Crime; Blake Road corridor i • Lack of low income housing ' • Rapidly increasing vacant business downtown • Concerned about the LRT bell at crossings in east end • The proposed bike path running from Vernon along Inter. Blvd. to ! Blake S. and then to Blake N. �; • Concerned about the quality of schools. • Concerned about the amount of low income cental housing. � • Concerned about when ExcelsiQr Blvd. will be reconstructed along Inter. Park. • Increased number of "chain stores" • Clean appearance of the City ... clean up garbage, keep street plowed, building maintenance � • Increase in raffiti � 9 • Loss of housing value and run-down buildings • Rundown Mainstreet stores, and especially the car dealerships • Ratio of rental property to owner-occupied property • The potential that the town will not be preserved • Unsightly new buildings will be built that do not share the same architecture of the past • Homes and lots are small that larger more affluent families will move out and the town will become run down • Constant mowing down of woods/trees • Rash decisions made by City groups • Parking • Better snow plowing & removal • Not enou h romotion of Ho kins As you look • Maintaining my property values; diverse community in people & 10 years into store/services options; want Hopkins to be "the place to live" Hopkins . Property taxes future what within the cit limits , • Limit or reverse the use of multi-famil housin Y 9 Y issues . Cleanin u and detouring crime; enforcing people who own large 9 p should Id . and rounds apt. bldgs. (to) keep b gs g receive the . Managing changing demographics ""' most . Good use of existin land o ortunities and the opportunities to come � attention by 9 pp • Li ht rail � communit Y 9 � • Provide more neighborhood services to the east end; stores, leaders . , ; - - -- ----, --: - - - � � professional, restaurants ' • Blake corridor—clean it up and reduce crime! • LRT--believe it is a positive, but concerned about were stations and • line will be located • Too high vacancy rate in downtown • Need to promote city as destination • Rental rates too higt� for retail • Schools need to retain or re-attain excellence--rebuild parents' confidence • Safety • Redeveloping propertylparcels of land that are vacant • Keeping our small business (Mainstreet) alive and attracting new businesses • Rental housing that is in disrepair and attracts crime • Investing in the infrastructure • Keeping Hopkins a small town, but better plugging it into the city • Giving incentives to homeowners and rental property - owners/management to renew/update some the aging housing stock • Introduce some big stores such as Punch Pizza, Noodles, gap mixed with the smaller ones • Make it greener • How schools best weather enrollment fluctuations • .