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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

1

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) ___________________


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

5


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

6


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:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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