Plan it Like You Mean it 2040
1408 Lake Street South | Forest Lake MN 55025 | 651.464.3550 | Fax 651.464.6874 | www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us
Plan it Like You Mean it
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Comprehensive Plan Task Force Meeting #2
June 27, 2017
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Forest Lake Conference Room, City Hall
AGENDA
I. Introductions
II. Review Meeting Notes from May 23, 2017
III. Review S.W.O.T Analysis Results
IV. Community Survey
V. Next Task Force Meeting
Meeting Notes
Forest Lake Task Force Meeting #1
May 23, 2017
6:30 pm – Introduction and Icebreaker Activity
6:40 pm – Role of the Task Force and
Comprehensive Plan
6:50 pm – Current Conditions
7:20 pm – SWOT Analysis
8:10 pm – Review of and Suggestions for
Community Survey
8:30 pm – Schedule Task Force Meeting #2 and
Adjourn
Questions and Concerns about Current Conditions
Concern with population projections being too high, especially after the optimistic projections
last comprehensive planning cycle and the Recession
Millennials not acting like their parents, not going for large lots like models suggest
How to plan for the current 45-55 population? This is currently a large portion of Forest Lake’s
population that will be aging up. Need to address services in the City.
The school district the largest employer in the City? Not all jobs located within the City, spread
out across the district and cities so it doesn’t show in our employment data.
Housing make-up is a holdover from township and annexation; multifamily housing was
discouraged in township zoning.
Not overly concerned about meeting housing affordability goals
o Arbor Ridge will have 73 units , naturally affordable
o Workforce housing in development pipeline
Some concerns with population and household growth with current on-call fire department
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Unique restaurants and water front
dining
I-35 above the split is a regional hub,
good proximity to amenities and access
to region
Vibrant Chamber of Commerce
Area hub for businesses
Lakes
Wildlife habitat and scenery
Regional and state park
Good schools
Multi-generational
Small town feel
Approachable government
Development moving toward a lively
downtown
Close proximity to Running Aces
Great community organizations
Strong community
Events in City bring community
together
Airport in town, and it’s growing
3 golf courses
Weaknesses
Downtown not walkable
Access to I-35 (need additional access)
Annexation history
Mass of wetlands, development is
expensive
Wetlands limit commercial expansion
Limited property for redevelopment on
Broadway
Age, location, and distribution of
existing sewer and water infrastructure
Access to cheap gas
Traffic patterns on 12th
Need large amounts of land to develop
due to need for water quality ponds
No shopping within walking distance of
Highway 61/Clear Lake
Reluctance to spend government
money (oppose everything)
Willingness to spend government
money no matter what (approve
everything)
Size of lots in business park are too
small
Not enough space for bigger
development
Lack of overnight lodging
Internet and Broadband
Opportunities
Regional stormwater ponds
State and County regional parks and
trails
Additional access to I-35
New land use patterns near potential I-
35 access
Expand depth of commercial
designation on Broadway
Getting people to live downtown
Downtown redevelopment, lengthen 61
and extend west to create a downtown
personality
Trails in the eastern half of City
Staycation destination
Clear transition of housing types,
potential development with MUSA
south of headwaters (Fenway),
north/south corridors
Fenway Avenue connection to Oneka
Parkway in Hugo, good access and
growth
Active city role
Burger and beer casual dining option,
preferably near/on lake
Expansion of transit and adjacent
commercial area
Growth in neighboring communities to
strengthen commercial/retail
Workforce training and education
matching to build and strengthen
workforce
Higher education options
Medical industry, connections with
Fairview Regional Hospital
Amenities to appeal to people working
from home
Spend public funds wisely
Embrace lake side of business as
entrance
Threats
Poor lake quality
Keeping Wildlife Management Areas
open
Housing relative to Broadway potential
expansion
High gas prices limiting growth
Not enough young families to keep
school district strong
Lack of workforce
Intermittent Internet and cable
Aging population, lack of housing
Conflicting transit and mobility service
(jurisdictions and county boundaries
limit mobility and connections)
Lack of parking
Suggestions for Community Survey
Review comments from April Open House to help form community survey with questions and
prompts
Gauge interest for various amenities
List attributes within 15-20 miles, assess what residents use
Entertainment options, especially for younger generations and non-lake users
Proposed questions
o “Do you see yourself living in Forest Lake when you are in your 40s? 50s? 60s?”
o What would keep you/your kids in Forest Lake?
o What barriers do you/your kids have to staying in Forest Lake?
o “Why did you chose to move to Forest Lake?”
o Have you considered moving? If so, why?
o What was the last reason you left Forest Lake (excluding work and school)?
o Does Forest Lake do enough to preserve water resources?
Forest Lake On-Line Survey
Summary of Responses as of 6/13/2017
1. What do you value most about Forest Lake?
Small town feel
The community – good people/neighbors who care
Community events and amenities
The Lake
Location – close to Twin Cities, amenities, jobs
Police department
2. What do you believe is the greatest challenge Forest Lake faces in the future?
Growth too quickly, without proper planning or support from city
Keeping small town feel
Poor roads
Services in old township area
Growing commercial tax base and downtown area
3. Imagine Forest Lake in 2040. Use 3 words to describe what you find appealing and attractive
about Forest Lake. (From most to fewest mentions)
Community
Lake
Family
Safe
Growth/Growing
Parks/Trails
Welcoming
Downtown
Prosperous/vibrant
Small-town feel
Low taxes
4. Issues or Concerns
Bad roads/intersections
/unfinished routes
Parking on Bay Drive SE
Car/airplane noise
Stop light or roundabout
needed at Harrow/Hwy 97
intersection
Traffic at Hwy 61 and 11th Ave is
dangerous
Crossing at Hwy 97 and
Goodview is dangerous
Need something in north end of
town to bring life
Eyesore properties (both
commercial and residential)
Fast cars on residential streets
avoiding traffic on main roads,
especially when school
starting/ending (More
congestion concerns with LILA
than other schools)
Lack of zoning code/lack of
zoning code enforcement
Need sidewalks
Need traffic law enforcement
Need more parks and trails
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Plan it Like You Mean it
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
Comprehensive Plan Survey We need your input!
The City is updating its Comprehensive Plan, which is a long range plan to guide the future growth and redevelopment of the City. Your input is an important part of the planning process. All responses will remain
anonymous. Please take a few minutes to respond to the following questions:
1. What is your age?
Younger than 18
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 to 74
75 or older
2. What definition best describes your residency?
Within or Near the Downtown
Home Owner
Renter
Farm Owner
Rural Resident (non-farm, 1-9.9 acres)
Rural Resident (non-farm, 10+ acres)
Lake Property
Commercial Land Owner
Non-resident Land Owner
I do not live or own land in the City of Forest Lake
3. How long have you lived in the City?
0-3 years
4-7 years
8-14 years
over 15 years
I do not live in the City of Forest Lake
4. A) Do you have any children under 18 years old living in your household?
Yes, If yes, how many? _________________
No
B) What age are the children in your household? Select all that apply.
0-4 years old
5-10 years old
11-13 years old
14-17 years old 5. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
Some high school, no diploma
High school graduate, or equivalent
Some college credit, no degree
Trade/technical/vocational training
Associate degree
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Professional degree
Doctorate degree
6. Why would you recommend Forest Lake as a place to live? (Select up to 3)
2
Welcoming and friendly residents
Active service groups and organizations
Quality of schools
Clean
Safe
Housing affordability
Small town character
Rural character
Proximity to Twin Cities
Proximity to major roadways
Work or entrepreneurial opportunities
Outdoor recreational opportunities
Lakes and natural resources
Community events
Other, Please specify __________________
7. What are the most significant challenges facing Forest Lake in the future? (Select up to 3)
Lack of development opportunities
Lack of local citizen support for local businesses
High housing costs
Lack of sufficient senior housing, services or opportunities
Lack of alternative transportation options
Lack of workforce
Threats to quality of lakes and natural resources
Distance from Twin Cities
Aging infrastructure
Unreliable or slow internet service
Poor or expensive essential utilities
Lack of young families
Lack of workforce
Other - please specify 8. Where would you most like to see new development occur in Forest Lake in the future?
Scattered throughout the City
In or expanding the Downtown
Adjacent to major roadway corridors
No growth
Other (please specify) _______________________________
9. Excluding work and/or school, what was the last reason you left Forest Lake?
Shopping for essential/basic needs
Shopping for small specialty items
Shopping for large specialty items
Dining in casual restaurant
Dining in fine dining restaurant
Doctor/dental appointment
Other health/medical appointments
Religious service/event
Child care
Outdoor recreational opportunities in neighboring communities
Community events in neighboring communities
Other, Please specify __________________
10. Where do you primarily shop for food? (Check all that apply)
Forest Lake
Forest Lake Farmers’ Market
Wyoming
Hugo
White Bear Lake
Chisago/Lindstrom
Local Farms (CSA and others)
Other (please specify) __________________
11. How often does your household shop for food?
2-3 times per week
once a week
3
every other week
Other (please specify) _______________
12. A) How would you rate your access to locally produced, healthy foods?
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Fair
Poor
No Opinion
Please explain your answer.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
B) If locally produced foods were more readily available, how likely would you be to shop locally?
Very Likely
Likely
Unlikely
Very Unlikely
No Opinion
13. If you were looking for a new home in Forest Lake, what type of housing would you be looking for?
Select all that apply.
Purchase single family residence – less than $250,000
Purchase single family residence – between $250-500,000
Purchase single family residence – above $500,000
Home within or near the Downtown
Lake home
Senior housing
Rental housing
Lots less than 1 acre
Large lot, 1-9.9 acres
10+ acre lot
I would move out of Forest Lake
B) If you are considering a move out of Forest Lake, why?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. What types of housing are needed to fill gaps in the market, while retaining the character of Forest Lake over the next 20 years? Select all that apply.
Rental or owned apartments or condominiums
Rental or owned townhomes
Rental single family homes
Senior living or assisted living
Cluster or open space developments
Other (please specify) ___________________
1408 Lake Street South | Forest Lake MN 55025 | 651.464.3550 | Fax 651.464.6874 | www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us
15. A. What type(s) of businesses or services would you like to see added or improved in the community?
1.____________________________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________________________
B. Where in Forest Lake would you support the above services?
Downtown Forest Lake
I-35 Corridor
61 corridor
97 corridor
Broadway Avenue
Other (please specify) ______________________________
16. What economic development activities should the City focus on to provide support and incentives to
businesses and entrepreneurs? (Select up to 3)
Local entrepreneurship
Promote Forest Lake as a destination location (tourism)
Local food production
Façade improvement programs
Architectural or thematic design guidelines
Businesses that add to the City’s tax base
Businesses that capitalize on the natural beauty around Forest Lake.
Other_________________________ 17. Where do you like to go for leisure walks, bike rides, or other outdoor activities, and how often do you
go? (Check all that apply)
Daily Weekly Monthly Seldom Never
Local parks
In my neighborhood
State and Regional Parks
Neighboring Communities
Near my Forest Lake workplace
Near and around lakes
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail
Other (please specify below)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
18. I would walk or bike more if (check all that apply):
Strongly Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree
Not Applicable
Sidewalks were improved There were more sidewalks or trails
Easier access to trails/parks
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1408 Lake Street South | Forest Lake MN 55025 | 651.464.3550 | Fax 651.464.6874 | www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us
There were more bike lanes
There were maps of walk/bike routes
Local roads were improved for bikers and walkers
Other (please specify below)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
19. How would you rate the quality of the following natural resources within the City?
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor No Opinion
Lakes
Wetlands
Wildlife Management Areas
State and Regional Parks and Trails
City Parks and Trails
If "Fair" or "Poor" in question 19, please describe your concern in detail.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
20. How would you rate the dependability and quality of the following City initiatives?
Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor No Opinion
Sewer
Storm Sewer
Telecommunications (internet, etc.)
Water
Fire Protection
Emergency Medical Services
Police Protection
Recreational Opportunities /Facilities
Ice & Snow Control
Parks Maintenance
Environmental Stewardship
Roads/Transportation Infrastructure
If "Fair" or "Poor" in question 20, please describe your concern in detail.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21. Would you be willing to support a reasonable property tax increase to address the “Fair” or “Poor”
conditions in question 20?
Yes
No
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1408 Lake Street South | Forest Lake MN 55025 | 651.464.3550 | Fax 651.464.6874 | www.ci.forest-lake.mn.us
If yes, Please specify which issue you would support an increase for: ___________________________________________________________________________________
22. Please rank your priorities for the future growth in the City. Select the 3 most important to you.
Residential growth
Commercial/retail growth
Industrial growth
Office or professional service growth
Park development
Walking, biking, horseback riding trail development
Outdoor recreational opportunities
No growth
Providing more public land & services
Small farm growth
Cluster housing development
Educational opportunities for all ages
Housing for all stages of life
Tourism 23. A) Do you see yourself living in Forest Lake long term?
Yes
Only through my 60’s
Only through my 50’s
Only until my children graduate from high school
No
B) What barriers do you or your family have to staying in Forest Lake long term?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
24. Please provide your comments on a future vision for the City of Forest Lake and any other specific
initiatives that should be undertaken in the next 20 years:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________