HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-05 TPC Memorandum TPC 3601 Thurston Avenue N, Suite 100 ��
Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: 763.231.5840
Facsimile: 763.427.0520
04.
TPCQPIanningCo.com
MEMORANDUM
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: October 5, 2017
RE: Oak Park Heights — Comprehensive Plan 2018
TPC FILE: 226.10
At the October 12, 2017 meeting, the Planning Commission will discuss the following
related to the Comprehensive Plan 2018:
Community Survey
The Community Survey was collected until August 25, 2017. Attached please find the
final summary of the results.
Introduction, Social Inventory, Issues identification, Mission Statement and Goals
and Land Use Sections
Please find attached the revised Introduction, Social Inventory, Issues Identification,
Mission Statement and Goals, and Land Use section of the Comprehensive Plan.
These sections have been updated with the comments from the Planning Commission
and City Council members to date. Staff thought it was important to distribute these
draft sections to assist the new Planning Commission members as they review the
remaining Comprehensive Plan chapters. The Planning Commission should review and
comment.
Transportation Section
Staff is currently working on the draft transportation section. The maps are almost
complete and the text is being drafted. It is anticipated that this section will be
completed prior to the October 12, 2017 meeting and emailed to the Planning
Commission members. Paper copies will be available at the meeting.
Pc: Julie Hultman
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q1 Are you a:
Answered:96 Skipped:0
RESIDENT OF
THE CITY
A BUSINESS
OWNER
LOCATE...
BOTH A
RESIDENT AND...
VISITOR II
Other(please
specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
RESIDENT OF THE CITY 86.46% 83
A BUSINESS OWNER LOCATED IN THE CITY 3.13% 3
BOTH A RESIDENT AND A BUSINESS OWNER 0.00% 0
VISITOR 5.21% 5
Other(please specify) 5.21% 5
TOTAL 96
# OTHER(PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE
1 Live in neighboring city 8/25/2017 8:32 AM
2 EMPLOYEE OFA BUSINESS 8/23/2017 2:11 PM
3 St.Croix Valley Resident 8/21/2017 8:39 AM
4 You 7/9/2017 10:37 AM
5 Resident of Stillwater 6/9/2017 3:18 PM
1 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q2 If you are Oak Park Heights City resident or business owner, how
long have you lived or worked here?
Answered:87 Skipped:9
Less than five
years?
six to ten■
years?
more than 10
years?
Other(please
specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Less than five years? 32.18% 28
six to ten years? 12.64% 11
more than 10 years? 48.28% 42
Other(please specify) 6.90% 6
TOTAL 87
# OTHER(PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE
1 n/a 8/25/2017 8:33 AM
2 Lived throughout the valley for 20+years. 8/21/2017 8:40 AM
3 no response 7/6/2017 2:29 PM
4 did not answer 7/6/2017 2:15 PM
5 45 years 6/26/2017 10:56 AM
6 45 years 6/26/2017 10:13 AM
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q3 What is your age?
Answered:87 Skipped:9
under18? I
18-24 I
25-34
35-45
45-54
55+
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
under 18? 1.15% 1
18-24 1.15% 1
25-34 17.24% 15
35-45 28.74% 25
45-54 20.69% 18
55+ 31.03% 27
TOTAL 87
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q4 How many children live in your household (aged 18 or younger only)?
Answered:87 Skipped:9
None
1
2
3 II
4
More than 4
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
None 43.68% 38
1 22.99% 20
2 26.44% 23
3 4.60% 4
4 2.30% 2
More than 4 0.00% 0
TOTAL 87
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q5 Are you a care provider for seniors in your home that are part of your
family?
Answered:86 Skipped:10
NO
YES I
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
NO 98.84% 85
YES 1.16% 1
TOTAL
86
IF YES,PLEASE LIST HOW MANY SENIORS YOU ARE A CARE PROVIDER FOR DATE
There are no responses.
5 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q6 From your point of view is Oak Park Heights a better place to live and
work today than it was when you first moved or began to work here?
Answered:84 Skipped:12
YES
NO 111
UNSURE
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
YES 55.95% 47
NO 8.33% 7
UNSURE 35.71% 30
TOTAL
84
WHAT MIGHT MAKE YOU BELIEVE THE CITY IS BETTER OR WORSE THAN WHEN YOU DATE
MOVED OR BEGAN TO WORK HERE?
1 OPH is embracing the changes that are going on within its community and those that surround it 8/21/2017 8:42 AM
and are making upgrades and changes to continue to look forward.
2 Trails,variety of restaurants/businesses 8/10/2017 3:08 PM
3 better parks.diverse businesses.Good trail system. 8/2/2017 9:17 AM
4 Trail and park improvements,bridge addition 7/31/2017 8:27 PM
5 Too much development without fixing the roads and sidewalks.Way too much congestion. 7/31/2017 4:06 PM
6 I have had a positive view of living in OPH ever since we moved here in 2007. 7/28/2017 1:13 PM
7 No,change....still great. 7/28/2017 3:56 AM
8 Crime has increased 7/25/2017 1:17 PM
9 Frontage road intersections have gotten better on the Oak Park side of 36. 7/18/2017 12:18 PM
10 We just moved here on 7/11/17. 7/15/2017 2:44 PM
11 We've gone from a small town with no comprehensive plan to a city that takes planning seriously 7/15/2017 12:36 PM
and has resulted in a very nice community in which to live.
12 Only lived here for four years,no noticeable change. 7/8/2017 1:29 PM
13 Better Parks and Trails 7/6/2017 4:19 PM
14 Everything 7/6/2017 3:56 PM
15 more opportunity 7/6/2017 3:54 PM
16 More Retail opportunities 7/6/2017 3:20 PM
17 cant answer 7/6/2017 2:29 PM
18 Quite place 7/6/2017 2:13 PM
19 did not answer 7/6/2017 2:07 PM
20 New construction and bridge.growth 7/6/2017 1:34 PM
21 Improvement on Bike trails/Parks 7/6/2017 1:26 PM
22 no answer 7/6/2017 1:24 PM
6 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
23 just moved here 7/5/2017 9:46 AM
24 All the parks&great family activities 7/5/2017 9:33 AM
25 we like it here!!Only moved here at the end of January 2017 7/5/2017 9:28 AM
26 growth is positive+negative sometimes 7/5/2017 9:25 AM
27 growth+expansion-job opportunities+housing! 7/5/2017 9:16 AM
28 Property taxes are higher,the school we planned on sending our son to is being shutdown,city 6/28/2017 6:14 PM
council approved a multi-million$city hall to improve their working conditions with tax$I earn
working in a 5x8 cube and then assessed us thousands of$to fix roads that should have been
fixed a decade ago.My wife has lived here get whole life and we're moving.
29 To much development without improving roads.Residents made to feel second class to 6/27/2017 1:43 PM
developers.
30 How will the completion of the bridge impact daily life;traffic etc? 6/26/2017 10:44 AM
31 Seems the same 6/26/2017 10:41 AM
32 People seem engaged in community more than self-interest 6/26/2017 10:38 AM
33 Better Streets-Street Lights 6/26/2017 10:14 AM
34 Higher taxes,wasteful spending on City Hall Building and a Fire Station not even in our city limits, 6/16/2017 2:24 PM
35 The improvements made by Mayor McComber have made the city much more enjoyable: 6/10/2017 7:52 AM
improvement to multi-use paths,parks,street crossings,etc
36 Schools. 6/9/2017 10:00 PM
37 I would say the area is becoming more populated and not always with ideal population. 6/9/2017 3:04 PM
38 More trails and parks.Also,increased recycling options. 6/8/2017 4:44 PM
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FINAL -2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q7 Using the DROP BOXES, Please list in order the top three things you
like about Oak Park Heights (with #1 being the most important).
Answered:86 Skipped:10
SELECT FROM DROP DOWN MENU
1st Mosta c
Important
2nd Most
Important MI
I
3rd Most
Important
111111111111118
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
■The St.Croix River ■Engaged residents City parks and trails
Schools The people •Community events is Small town feel
Retail businesses ',Restaurants II Location
SELECT FROM DROP DOWN MENU
THE ENGAGED CITY SCHOOLS THE COMMUNITY SMALL RETAIL RESTAURANTS LOCATION TOTAL
ST. RESIDENTS PARKS PEOPLE EVENTS TOWN BUSINESSES
CROIX AND FEEL
RIVER TRAILS
1st Most 26.74% 0.00% 29.07% 8.14% 6.98% 3.49% 5.81% 4.65% 1.16% 13.95%
Important 23 0 25 7 6 3 5 4 1 12 86
2nd Most 12.79% 3.49% 26.74% 6.98% 9.30% 5.81% 12.79% 10.47% 5.81% 5.81%
Important 11 3 23 6 8 5 11 9 5 5 86
3rd Most 10.84% 2.41% 7.23% 6.02% 8.43% 3.61% 15.66% 6.02% 6.02% 33.73%
Important 9 2 6 5 7 3 13 5 5 28 83
OTHER(PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE
1 Garbage pickup is awesome 7/28/2017 1:13 PM
2 Police/Garbage/community feel 7/28/2017 3:56 AM
3 small town feel,community events location 7/6/2017 4:02 PM
4 commnuit events and location were also check(nothing ranked) 7/6/2017 2:16 PM
5 Pretty much all we need+hardly any driving 7/5/2017 9:28 AM
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q8 In your opinion, what is the general condition of City streets? (CITY
STREETS ONLY)
Answered:84 Skipped:12
Condition of
City Streets
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
POOR BELOW AVERAGE ABOVE EXCELLENT TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
Condition of City 1.19% 7.14% 39.29% 42.86% 9.52%
Streets 1 6 33 36 8 84 3.52
OTHER COMMENTS ARE WELCOME DATE
1 N/A 8/22/2017 4:32 AM
2 Landscape maintenance has been poor 7/31/2017 8:30 PM
3 Lookout Trail is horrible-every year it's patched but never FIXED!!!! 7/18/2017 12:18 PM
4 Are cul-de-sac needs to be repaved(Autumn Hills). 7/15/2017 2:45 PM
5 Please,please,please when you redo city streets please adjust sewer covers to AVOID 7/15/2017 12:40 PM
depressions that cause cars to swerve to avoid them.58th Street from Stillwater Blvd to Menards is
especially problematic.Other cities like Stillwater pave,then come back to adjust sewer covers to
just below street grade(to avoid snow plow issues) but ours are like landmines to jolt cars and
passengers inside.If there is ONE thing you can do to make this a more livable city....please get
rid of these problem sewer covers,thank you.
6 no answer was given 7/6/2017 2:29 PM
7 intersection of 35&Washington 7/6/2017 2:08 PM
8 no prop.taxes-live in an apt. 7/5/2017 9:29 AM
9 They're great,only Drove over the same pot holes for over a decade 6/28/2017 6:22 PM
10 57th+58th sts 6/26/2017 10:48 AM
11 In the last few years,OPH has done much to improve general condition of city streets and trails. 6/19/2017 9:30 PM
12 MN roads take a beating but OPH is keeping up with maintenance,especially compared with other 6/8/2017 4:45 PM
states.
9 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q9 Understanding that most of the funds for City Streets come from
PROPERTY TAXES, are there any specific roads that you feel need to be
improved? If so, please list them below:
Answered:20 Skipped:76
# RESPONSES DATE
1 N/A 8/22/2017 4:32 AM
2 have no specific feelings. 8/21/2017 8:43 AM
3 It would be nice to see additional frontage roads added and stop lights removed from 36 making 8/9/2017 10:21 AM
getting to and from businesses easier.Right now intersections like the ones at 36 and Norrell are
deadly.Those businesses make plenty of money to pony up for some new streets without
burdening all of us individual tax payers.
4 Stagecoach Tr needs a trail extension from frontage road to the trail by the prison.The traffic is 7/31/2017 8:30 PM
very fast on that road and it is dangerous for runners and bikers
5 Frontage road between Norell and Oakgreen 7/31/2017 4:07 PM
6 58th St west of Old Hwy 5(by the new Kwik Trip)is in awful shape.There needs to be some extra 7/28/2017 1:15 PM
paving done to accommodate traffic going eastbound here.There are gravel potholes that should
be filled in ASAP in the meantime.
7 Yes,Lookout Trail 7/18/2017 12:18 PM
8 Newgate Circle. 7/15/2017 2:45 PM
9 58th Street-Adjust sewer cover depressions that cause cars to swerve and avoid them.Why the 7/15/2017 12:40 PM
engineers placed these right where tires travel Ill never know-a great mystery but painful to
experience on a daily basis.
10 Lookout Trail 7/6/2017 4:19 PM
11 Cty Rd 10 7/6/2017 4:12 PM
12 Look out rd.( --done?) 7/6/2017 3:57 PM
13 Oakgreen Ave 7/6/2017 3:21 PM
14 58th Street N. 7/6/2017 1:48 PM
15 Onramp to Stillwater Blvd. 7/6/2017 1:27 PM
16 Oakgreen ave. 7/6/2017 1:24 PM
17 Really?Paid a decade's worth of property taxes driving over the same pot holes only to be 6/28/2017 6:22 PM
assessed thousands of$when they finally got fixed.NO,no more"improvements"
18 Frontage road 6/27/2017 1:43 PM
19 Oakgreen Ave between 58th St and Baytown town line(Northbrook Blvd).This area could also 6/10/2017 7:55 AM
use street lights for safety.
20 All of them 6/9/2017 3:18 PM
10 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q10 In your opinion what is the general condition of City Parks and Trails
Answered:86 Skipped:10
Condition of
City Park an...
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
POOR BELOW AVERAGE ABOVE EXCELLENT TOTAL WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
Condition of City Park and 1.16% 2.33% 16.28% 56.98% 23.26%
Trails 1 2 14 49 20 86 3.99
# OTHER COMMENTS ARE WELCOME DATE
1 N/A 8/22/2017 4:32 AM
2 Enjoy the parks and while some of them are old,they are certainly not neglected. 8/21/2017 8:43 AM
3 some of the paved trails are rough....58th st and the behind city hall 8/10/2017 3:10 PM
4 Stagecoach trail from frontage road to 58th needs a trail extension.There is a lot of bike and 7/31/2017 8:33 PM
runner traffic and the cars come so fast around the corner and down that road it is very dangerous.
It is also a route for some bike races and stagecoach is the only missing link in the trail.
5 Hard to see traffic when crossing roads.Even with signals it is hard to see and be seen.Need 7/31/2017 4:08 PM
more trash cans for doggie bags.
6 The trail system is fantastic.I wouldn't mind a few more garbage cans in which to dispose of dog 7/28/2017 1:18 PM
excrement.The SW quadrant of Oakgreen at the south frontage road would be a good spot,by
Oak Park Senior Living,is one notable spot I wish had a garbage can.
7 Please really.Wish vandals did not burn the porta-potty at Autumn Ridge park.Miss it. 7/15/2017 12:41 PM
8 May have more opinions in a year!Haven't lived here long enough. 7/5/2017 9:30 AM
9 Could use more garbage cans for pet waste.Hard to see at some intersections. 6/27/2017 1:44 PM
10 I LOVE that Oak Park Heights residents are always in walking distance of a park!Plus,their are 6/19/2017 9:31 PM
tons of amazing trails to walk or bike on!In addition,I love that some of the city parks(Autumn
Hills,Brekke,Oak Park Crossing,formally Valley View)offer Art In The Park Programs as well as
Family Fun Nights.However,I do wish that these would be expanded to now include Swager Park,
Cover Park,and once again include Valley View for next summer.This is a way you could also
bring more people to those parks.
11 Skating rinks need to be fixed up all boards need to be replaced concrete needs to be 6/9/2017 4:48 PM
patched or replaced...maybe a refrigerated rink would allow the rinks to open earlier and close
later in the season.Poor lawn care in parks and ball fields are in very poor shape and should be
renovated.Trails look pretty good for the most part.
12 I regularly bike and walk along many trails in OPH and am very happy with the length and access 6/8/2017 4:46 PM
and amenities.
11 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q11 How often do you or a family member visit a City Park or use a City
Trail?
Answered:82 Skipped:14
Never I
On Occasion
About once per
week
A few times
per week
I(we)use a .
City or Park...
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Never 3.66% 3
On Occasion 26.83% 22
About once per week 14.63% 12
A few times per week 37.80% 31
I(we)use a City or Park or Trail every day. 17.07% 14
TOTAL 82
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q12 Understanding that most park improvements are funded through
property taxes, are there any specific park or trail improvements that you
would recommend? If so, please list them below.
Answered:30 Skipped:66
RESPONSES DATE
1 splashpad,ball fields 8/23/2017 1:38 PM
2 N/A 8/22/2017 4:32 AM
3 Continue to maintain them to the excellent levels they are. 8/21/2017 8:44 AM
4 58th st trail,behind city hall 8/10/2017 3:11 PM
5 better connections across Osgood. 8/2/2017 9:18 AM
6 For safety reasons the trail needs to link from frontage road to 58th. 7/31/2017 8:35 PM
7 More visible crossings.Especially around high school. 7/31/2017 4:09 PM
8 Can we have a splash pad at oak crossing?!That would be an ideal place and so much fun for 7/29/2017 9:26 PM
kids in the community
9 I will support any more that are built. 7/28/2017 1:18 PM
10 Parks and trails are great! 7/28/2017 3:58 AM
11 Happy really with what exists.Biggest request is to repave them before they become dilapidated. 7/15/2017 12:42 PM
Hope there is money in the budget for this,as there is for replacing city streets.
12 Brekke Park 7/10/2017 5:02 PM
13 Would like to see some effort to control the buckthorn in Valley View Park(and any others that 7/8/2017 1:34 PM
need it).Could possibly enlist volunteers headed by a master naturalist.Or arrange for some
goats,they love buckthorn.
14 Crosswalk and stairs from Beach Rd across frontage Rd(south of 36)(Note:Beth used an older 7/6/2017 4:19 PM
form-Staff coded in the visiting of times to the parks/trails based on her stated comments)
15 Boueltd Park 7/6/2017 3:58 PM
16 Trail behind city hall has many cracks 7/6/2017 3:21 PM
17 Brekke Park 7/6/2017 1:52 PM
18 SPLASH PAD!!! 7/6/2017 1:27 PM
19 A few more benches along the trails 7/5/2017 6:16 PM
20 N/A 7/5/2017 9:30 AM
21 NO.NO more improvements.How about doing nothing and decrease our taxes to offset the bond 6/28/2017 6:26 PM
the school got under false pretenses(that means they lied)
22 Better visibility when crossing streets.Make traffic aware there is a crosswalk. 6/27/2017 1:45 PM
23 STREET LIGHTS NEEDED ON NEW 60TH ST CURVE 6/26/2017 10:15 AM
24 I LOVE that you are repairing Cover Park as it is much in need of a repair.Autumn Hills,Brekke, 6/19/2017 9:33 PM
Oak Park Crossing,and Valley View are perfect the way they are.The one thing I would change
about Swager Park is put in a new playground(to replace the Wooden Playground).I LOVE the
climbing structure equiptment though,so I think that those should be kept.
25 question the value of putting new shelter in Cover Park 6/16/2017 2:32 PM
26 I am very satisfied with this 6/10/2017 7:56 AM
27 New and updated hockey rink for Brekke.Lights that actually work in the winter at Brekke...there's 6/9/2017 4:53 PM
been issues with the hockey rink lights not fully working.A place to shoot hoops at night with
lighting.Update all Park bathroom facilities at Brekke and Valley View.
28 Swager Park needs an updated playground!It's in almost dangerous disrepair.The 57th street 6/9/2017 4:32 PM
entrance to the park needs maintenance.
29 All of them 6/9/2017 3:19 PM
30 I would love to see a groomed Cross Country Ski trails in the city. 6/8/2017 4:47 PM
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q13 Rank the most important challenges that you see facing the City:
Answered:73 Skipped:23
I
Traffic
congestion
■
Improving
pedestrian a...
Increase
111111111/11111
retail or ot..."
■
Maintain and
enhancing...
o-
Improving mass
14 / 20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
transit(bus...
ar;
Tax rates
■
■
Reducing crime
and enhancin...
MIN
Quality
development...
Fa7Tir
Capital
investments...
I
15 /20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Storm water
and other...
•
■
Utility rates
1
Protecting the
St Croix Riv...
Supporting
affordable...
............ . .....................
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Least Important •Not Very Important
Neutral(Not Important or Unimportant) w Somewhat Important
`,, Most Important
LEAST NOT VERY NEUTRAL(NOT SOMEWHAT MOST TOTAL
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT OR IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
UNIMPORTANT)
Traffic congestion 7.04% 11.27% 18.31% 45.07% 18.31%
5 8 13 32 13 71
Improving pedestrian and bicycle 10.14% 4.35% 27.54% 37.68% 20.29%
access&safety 7 3 19 26 14 69
Increase retail or other types of 11.43% 15.71% 34.29% 37.14% 1.43%
businesses 8 11 24 26 1 70
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FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Maintain and enhancing municipal 2.90% 7.25% 30.43% 31.88% 27.54%
services(snow removal,permitting, 2 5 21 22 19 69
refuse collection)
Improving mass transit(bus)service 25.71% 30.00% 24.29% 11.43% 8.57%
18 21 17 8 6 70
Tax rates 5.88% 2.94% 29.41% 29.41% 32.35%
4 2 20 20 22 68
Reducing crime and enhancing public 7.25% 10.14% 27.54% 33.33% 21.74%
safety by adding investment in police 5 7 19 23 15 69
and fire services
Quality development design and 11.94% 5.97% 26.87% 44.78% 10.45%
construction 8 4 18 30 7 67
Capital investments in community 6.06% 10.61% 24.24% 37.88% 21.21%
facilities,parks 4 7 16 25 14 66
Storm water and other capital 2.44% 4.88% 29.27% 46.34% 17.07%
investments 1 2 12 19 7 41
Utility rates 2.99% 7.46% 29.85% 44.78% 14.93%
2 5 20 30 10 67
Protecting the St Croix River and 4.29% 4.29% 18.57% 35.71% 37.14%
other bodies of water 3 3 13 25 26 70
Supporting affordable housing 19.40% 13.43% 19.40% 26.87% 20.90%
13 9 13 18 14 67
# OTHER COMMENTS ARE WELCOME DATE
1 Police protection is important,but Washington County most likely could provide a more affordable 8/10/2017 3:14 PM
option.What about a merger with Bayport police?
2 Would like to see the city embrace the river and generate more ways for the city to enjoy it.water 8/2/2017 9:20 AM
access,boat access,camping?parks on the water?fishing pier?
3 We live across the street from a house in which their oldest son almost openly deals drugs.The 7/28/2017 1:21 PM
police help,but it hasn't stopped.The house is a rental.Is there a way to hold the house owner
accountable for their renters?
4 Overall very pleased with how the city is run.Keeps me wanting to live here. 7/15/2017 12:44 PM
5 bus services for Elderly 7/6/2017 3:59 PM
6 *Better pedestrian crossings for Hwy 36*Pedestrian path on Norrell connecting to trail systems 7/5/2017 9:48 AM
7 Lower our sewer+water rates-ever increasing right now. 7/5/2017 9:18 AM
8 Affordable housing is important;the stock in OPH seems to more than adequately support 6/29/2017 9:47 PM
affordable options.We have a nice balance with low/mod all the way through high income options.
9 Impact of New Bridge 6/26/2017 10:46 AM
10 Oak Park Heights is a wonderful city!I would love to see more improvements in bike 6/19/2017 9:35 PM
access/saftey,city parks/park programs,improving transit(bus)service,and supporting affordable
housing.
11 Get rid of that administrator 6/9/2017 3:20 PM
17 / 20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q14 Do you have any other input, ideas or thoughts you would like the
Oak Park Heights' City Council to consider as it plans for the future?
Answered:23 Skipped:73
RESPONSES DATE
1 Just one specific issue that I think should have been addressed long ago and that is the stoplight in 8/21/2017 8:50 AM
front of the highschool(58th Street North and Neal).While I understand the need for the light to be
timed/programmed accordingly for the beginning and end of the school day,I think that it should
be programmed/timed to make traffic more efficient outside the school day,weekends,and
summer.I thought they would change it with the road improvements last year at the high school,
but was shocked when it was not.
2 Keep up the good work.Thank youl 8/2/2017 9:20 AM
3 Please consider extending the trail from frontage road to 58th.It is unsafe for pedestrians and 7/31/2017 8:41 PM
bikers.the cars come so fast down that road and they have to come around a blind corner from
frontage rd.Stagecoach has a lot of bike and pedestrian traffic including biking events.It is a
saftey issue.
4 Stop developing every single empty lot. 7/31/2017 4:10 PM
5 Stagecoach Trail needs a sidewalk.It is dangerous to walk with our young children on that road. 7/29/2017 9:29 PM
There are lots of pedestrians/bicyclists that use that road
6 This is a great place in which to live and work.Keep up the good work.If OPH passes 5,000 in 7/28/2017 1:22 PM
population,I think it makes sense to hire an engineer/public works director and not contract it out.
7 As recent OPH residents We've been very happy with the community and hope that it can continue 7/28/2017 4:03 AM
its path for many years to come.Only thing that is a little annoying is the attention/restrictions
placed on the boulevard trees...I wish that the city would relax some of the restrictions in regards
to maintaining/trimming them down or provide a cost effective arbor service to help shape them
better.
8 Have a trail or steps that connect Paris and the trail on the south side of the frontage road by the 7/18/2017 12:20 PM
bridge over 36
9 Do your best to make it a walkable community. 7/15/2017 2:47 PM
10 Washington Avenue/Norell Intersection at Highway 36.Add more turn lanes to go left and right to 7/15/2017 12:47 PM
reduce the"road rage"I see at this intersection on a daily basis as frontage road drivers and
cross-intersection travelers jockey for position before the light turns green.Know this is MNDot
territory but would be great to have for staging purposes two left turn lanes,two right turn
lanes,and two"travel across"lanes to alleviate this problem.Doable....I think
11 -frontage roads- 7/6/2017 4:07 PM
12 W12(NA?) 7/6/2017 2:39 PM
13 Splash Pad!We Need it Our kids need it!we would visit the Parks almost daily If we had one 7/6/2017 1:31 PM
14 I would like to see the city rename itself back to the original name of Oak Park.It is a more 6/29/2017 9:48 PM
contemporary name and reflects our history.
15 OPH does not need any more improvements for a while,how about the city council takes a few 6/28/2017 6:41 PM
years off of frivolous spending of tax$.
16 Do improvements to the 36 frontage roads where they intersect with Norrell Ave. 6/21/2017 9:41 AM
17 I think that you should bring the City Parks Programs to all of the parks in Summer 2018.Here's 6/19/2017 9:43 PM
the schudele I think would work:June-1st week at Oak Park Crossing(Kickoff)2nd Week at
Valley View Park 3rd Week at Brekke Park 4th Week at Autumn Hills Park*Family Fun Night at
Autumn Hills Park July-1st week at Cover Park or Swager Park 2nd week at Oak Park Crossing or
Valley View 3rd week at Brekke 4th Week at Autumn Hills*Family Fun Night:Brekke August-1st
week at Cover/Swager(Other one not done in July)2nd week at CrossingNalley View(Other one
not done in July)3rd week at Brekke 4th Week at Autumn Hills*Family Fun Night:Autumn Hills
18 No more multi-family dwellings, 6/16/2017 2:32 PM
19 Hopefully,we can have highway 36 raised with off ramps to Osgood,Oakgreen,and Washington 6/10/2017 7:58 AM
Ayes,instead of what is currently there
20 Better traffic control around Walmart 6/9/2017 8:42 PM
21 Fix up the parks and skating rinks.How about irrigation for the parks so the grass isn't dead half 6/9/2017 4:57 PM
the time.
22 Get rid of that administrator 6/9/2017 3:21 PM
23 Diversity of housing options is an important consideration in maintaining a healthy and strong city. 6/8/2017 4:48 PM
18/20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q15 Please provide your name and address so the City can the share
with you the summary of the results of the survey:
Answered:36 Skipped:60
# RESPONSES DATE
1 Steve Finnegan 5526 Oakgreen PI N 8/10/2017 3:15 PM
2 Samantha Stevens 5718 stagecoach Tr Oak park hrs.MN 55082 7/31/2017 8:42 PM
3 Nicole allenspach 5472 Stagecoach tr n Oph 55082 7/29/2017 9:29 PM
4 Mitch Bartelt 5663 O'Brien Ave N 7/28/2017 1:22 PM
5 Larry Felitto 5311 Ojibway Ave N 7/28/2017 4:03 AM
6 Adam Nelson 6216 Lookout Trail N Stillwater MN 55082 7/18/2017 12:20 PM
7 Graham Arntzen,5670 Newgate Circle N,Oak Park Heights,55082 7/15/2017 2:50 PM
8 Warren J.Wasescha 5675 Newberry Avenue N Stillwater MN 55082 wjwasescha@gmail.com 7/15/2017 12:47 PM
9 Edwin Andera 14935 57th St N Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 7/8/2017 1:38 PM
10 Beth Nelson 6216 Lookout Trail bethnelson3@gmail.com 439-0983 7/6/2017 4:20 PM
11 Amy Stolber shell.amy01@gmail.com 7/6/2017 4:13 PM
12 Denise Faltus 14230 N.55th St DLFALTUS@gmail.com 7/6/2017 4:03 PM
13 Don&Sandy Keller sandrak651@gmail.com 7/6/2017 3:21 PM
14 Senthil Kimax 6120 Oxboro Ave.N#114 651-206-7834 Senitou@gmail.com 7/6/2017 2:39 PM
15 Jitendra Dubey 6120 Oxboro Ave 848-234-0252 7/6/2017 2:14 PM
16 Anutag Saugablh(Spelling?)14824 58th street N#3 Oak Park Heights,MN 612-845-9370 7/6/2017 1:54 PM
23a&@outlook.com
17 Carrie Steinke 5521 Ozark Ave 651-795-1618 carrie_steinke@yahoo.com 7/5/2017 9:45 AM
18 Laura Mayaka 612-386-5096 laura55082@gmail.com 7/5/2017 9:37 AM
19 Lousasin(SP?)Zetterlund 651-275-5383 7/5/2017 9:31 AM
20 The city isn't going to share the results of the with all residents,just the ones that filled out the 6/28/2017 6:45 PM
survey?
21 Del Kruse 6061 Paris Ave.#4c 6/26/2017 10:57 AM
22 Eric Anderson 5511 Oakgreen PL N.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 651-246-0542 6/26/2017 10:46 AM
23 Ralph Solberg 5748 Norwich Circle 6/26/2017 10:40 AM
24 DELORES VIOJETIH DELLWOODY@YAHOO.COM 6/26/2017 10:18 AM
25 Clellan Davis 13891 56th St.N. 6/21/2017 9:42 AM
26 Amanda Bracklein 15051 63rd St N,Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 6/16/2017 3:16 PM
27 Joe McQuillan 5558 Novak Ave N Stillwater,Mn 55082 6/16/2017 2:33 PM
28 Jerry Sanford 5441 Ojibway Ave N 6/13/2017 7:29 PM
29 Steve Faltus 14230 55th St N 6/10/2017 7:59 AM
30 Jennifer Van Dyke 15298 Upper 61st St.N. 6/9/2017 10:02 PM
31 Tracy Rodd 13120 56th St.N 6/9/2017 9:34 PM
32 Don and Margaret Irwin 5645 Newell Circle No.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 6/9/2017 7:53 PM
33 Greg Coleman 14428 Upper 56th St. 6/9/2017 4:58 PM
34 Kristin West 14315 56th ST N 6/9/2017 4:34 PM
35 Brad Kruse 14152 53rd St.N.Oak Park Heights,MN 55082 6/8/2017 4:48 PM
36 Wiedow 14175 54th St N 6/8/2017 2:22 PM
19 / 20
FINAL-2018 City Comprehensive Plan- SURVEY SurveyMonkey
Q16 Thank you for Visiting Oak Park Heights, what City or Township do
you reside in?
Answered:6 Skipped:90
Baytown
Township
City of
Stillwater
City of Bayport
West Lakeland
Township
Stillwater
Township
Other(please
specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
ANSWER CHOICES RESPONSES
Baytown Township 0.00% 0
City of Stillwater 16.67% 1
City of Bayport 0.00% 0
West Lakeland Township 16.67% 1
Stillwater Township 0.00% 0
Other(please specify) 66.67% 4
TOTAL 6
# OTHER(PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE
1 no response 7/6/2017 4:00 PM
2 did not answer 7/6/2017 1:16 PM
3 not listed 7/5/2017 9:24 AM
4 no name or address given 6/26/2017 10:35 AM
20 / 20
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
C NOWLEDGEMENTS
The development of the Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan would not have been
possible without the hard work and dedication of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Committee. Their courtesy, cooperation, and contribution is greatly valued and
appreciated.
City Council: Mary McComber, Mayor
Mike Liljegren
Chuck Dougherty
Mike Runk
Mark Swenson
Planning Commission: Jim Kremer, Chair
David White
Jennifer Bye
Jennifer Giovinazzo
Jennifer VanDyke
Robin Anthony
Timothy Freeman
Parks Commission: Aaron Bye, Chair
Anthony Weyer
David Johnson
Jimmy Norton
Judith Chirhart
Staff/Consultants: Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Scott Richards, City Planner, TPC, Inc.
Lee Mann, City Engineer, Stantec
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction and Community Background 1
Social Inventory 5
Issues Identification 13
Mission Statement, Values and Community Goals
Land Use
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Land Use Plan
Transportation
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Transportation Plan
Community Facilities
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Community Facilities Plan
Administration ...
Goals and Policies
Administration Plan
Parks and Trails
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Parks and Trails Plan
Neighborhood Planning Districts
Planning District 1
Planning District 2
Planning District 3
Planning District 4
Planning District 5
Planning District 6
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Implementation
Appendix A—Anticipated Capital Improvement Program
Appendix B — Draft Proposed Parks and Trails Map
List of Maps:
Oak Park Heights Base Map
Land Use Issues Map
Transportation Issues Map
Community Facilities Issues Map
Parks and Trails Issues Map
Natural Environmental Features Map
Existing Land Use Map
Zoning Map
Future Annexation Plan Map
Proposed Land Use Map
Roadway Jurisdiction Map
Functional Classification Map
Traffic Volumes Map
St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36 Alternative Map
Transit Map
Transportation Plan Map
Traffic Analysis Zones Map
Community Facilities Map
Existing Parks and Trails Map
Washington County Park and Trail Map
Planning Districts — Proposed Land Use Map
Planning District 1 Map
Planning District 2 Map
Planning District 3 Map
Planning District 4 Map
Planning District 5 Map
Planning District 6 Map
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
List of Tables:
Population Growth
1990-2004 Oak Park Heights Household Information
Oak Park Heights 1990 and 2000 Household Type
Oak Park Heights Population Growth by Age Group
1990 and 2000 Occupations
2005 Washington County Employment
2000 Educational Attainment
1989 and 1999 Income
Oak Park Heights 1989 and 1999 Household Income
Existing Land Use
2007 Zoning Breakdown
Summary of Zoning District Classifications and Requirements
Household and Population Growth
Population, Households and Employment Projections
Functional Classification of Streets
Minnesota Department of Transportation —Access Control
Allocation of Forecasts to Traffic Analysis Zones
School District Enrollment
Existing Park Components
Comprehensive Plan 2018
<yr r
City of Oak Park Heights
9
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The City of Oak Park Heights is in Washington County, Minnesota, on
the banks of the
lower St. Croix Scenic Riverway, which is the state border between Minnesota and
Wisconsin. Situated between the Cities of Stillwater and Bayport and 20 miles east of
the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area, the City's population has increased in the
last 10 years to almost 5,000 persons. The City is bordered by the City of Stillwater to
the north, the City of Bayport to the southeast, Baytown Township to the south and Lake
Elmo/Stillwater Township to the west. The area was first platted in the late 1800s. Oak
Park Heights was incorporated as a village in 1938 and became a City by State Statute
in 1972. The City has been designated as Suburban by the Metropolitan Council, the
regional planning agency in the area.
As a component of the St. Croix Valley, Oak Park Heights offers an attractive quality of
life with excellent educational, health care, and cultural facilities. Oak Park Heights is a
very diversified community, being home to a large commercial/retail area with many
national businesses and local enterprises, including the Highway 36 and County
Highway 15 commercial areas, Xcel Energy power generation plant, the Sunnyside
Marina, and the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility.
Housing in Oak Park Heights is both attractive and diverse and features starter homes,
bluff line river view homes, riverfront condominiums, and the Boutwells Landing senior
community. The City currently has over 100 acres of designated park space comprised
of five municipal park facilities. The parks consist of skating/hockey rinks and warming
houses, softball/baseball fields, picnic shelters, tennis courts, and general playground
equipment. The City has been awarded the "Tree City USA" award for the past 36
years.
The City operates under a "Plan A, Council-Administrator" form of government,
consisting of a Mayor and a four-member Council. The Mayor and Council are elected
at large on a non-partisan basis, the Mayor for a four-year term and the Council for four-
year staggered terms. The Council is responsible for adopting policies affecting City
affairs, approving the annual budget, enacting ordinances and resolutions, and
providing policy direction for City departments and activities. The City Council currently
serves as the Economic Development Authority. The City has a Planning Commission
and a Parks Commission.
The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2008. The Metropolitan Land Planning
Act requires communities to review and update their Comprehensive Plans every 10
years, with the next update for Oak Park Heights due in December 2018. The City will
also be updating its utility plans, Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan, and
amend its Zoning Ordinance and map, as necessary.
•
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 1
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The City of Oak Park Heights Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, and staff have
recognized the need for the update of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan as it is outdated
with the current growth and change over the past 10 years. The Planning Commission
and Parks Commission have been tasked with developing the draft Comprehensive
Plan and the Parks and Trails Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan document will be divided into specific sections, as found in
the Table of Contents, located in the beginning of this document. The process by which
the plan has been developed can be divided into five sections including issues
identification, inventory, policy planning, plan development, and implementation. Each
portion of the process will involve citizen participation and involvement of City officials.
Issues identification involves a Community Survey, and opinion gathering process to
determine a specific set of issues that must be addressed by the Comprehensive Plan.
The inventory consists of documenting the City's existing conditions at a point in time.
The results of gathering inventory information will provide a basis of text, charts, and
maps illustrating the most relevant collected information.
The next stage, policy planning, will determine future directives for Oak Park Heights
through the identification of goals and policies. The City will also develop its vision
statement. The policies that are created will promote direction for the subsequent
planning sections of the document. The stage that follows consists of development of
the physical plans and programs which will lay out the City's proposed land use,
transportation, and community facilities plans. The final stage, implementation, will
involve a discussion on how the plan will be used and brought into action. It will also
provide the opportunity for the City to prioritize the plans and projects that result from
the planning efforts of the Comprehensive Plan.
On the following page, a base map of the City is represented. The map illustrates the
corporate boundaries of the City at the beginning of 2017. This will be used throughout
the plan as the basis for mapping the City of Oak Park Heights.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
i � City of Oak Park Heights Page 2
1.
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
INSERT BASE MAP HERE
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 3
-44
SOCIAL INVENTORY
INTRODUCTION
The City of Oak Park Heights has recognized the need to develop a Comprehensive
Plan as a means of addressing and accommodating the community's future growth and
development. The purpose of the Social Inventory is to identify past trends, to
document the current conditions and to help identify issues for establishing a hierarchy
of planning policies. These policies will help the community address a broad base of
land use and development issues. With the help of a solid information and policy base,
decision makers can evaluate and prioritize proposals for the community while fulfilling
the City's long-term goals and objectives.
Additional inventory information will be included in each of the individual sections of this
plan. Population trends and projections will be included within the Land Use section.
Oak Park Heights as well as Washington County population projections will be
evaluated to show the overall growth, as well as detailing change by age groups.
POPULATION GROWTH
The statistics in the following table illustrate the trends in population within Oak Park
Heights, surrounding cities, and Washington County. Between 2000 and 2015, the City
grew at a rate of 19 percent, and Washington County grew at a 25 percent rate. The
populations of the surrounding communities of Stillwater and Lake Elmo have been
growing at a similar pace since 2000, while the City of Bayport has seen a slower rate of
population growth at 16 percent.
The population increases in the City have been attributed to job growth, and a continued
increase in senior residential development in Oak Park Heights. The 2015 estimate and
the projections of population reflected in the chart below is from the Metropolitan
Council. The Metropolitan Council numbers are generally regarded as being accurate
population estimates during non-census years.
2000, 2010, 2015 AND PROJECTED POPULATION GROWTH
2000 2010 2015 2020 2030 2040 2000-2015
Projection Projection Projection %Change
Oak Park
Heights 3,957 4,445 4,706 4,880 5,300 5,700 19%
Bayport 3,162 3,471 3,675 3,970 4,340 4,640 16%
Stillwater 15,323 18,277 19,754 20,600 21,800 22,800 29%
Lake Elmo 6,863 8,061 8,643 10,500 14,100 18,200 26%
Washington Co. 201,130 238,136 251,015 268,410 299,130 330,200 25%
Source: U.S. Census, Estimates from Metropolitan Council
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 5
SOCIAL INVENTORY
HOUSEHOLD GROWTH AND TYPES
In looking at the data for Oak Park Heights since 2000, the number of households has
steadily increased, while the number of persons per household has slightly declined.
This is likely reflective of an increase in persons age 65 and over. It also reflects the
natural trend of people having fewer children and the dynamics of the modern family.
The 2015 estimate of population and households reflected below is from the
Metropolitan Council.
2000-2015 OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION
Year Population Households Persons Per
Household
2000 3,957 1,528 2.26
2010 4,445 1,911 2.05
2015 4,706 2,178 1.93
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The 2000 and 2010 Census provides a demographic profile of the households in Oak
Park Heights as illustrated in the following table. As the table indicates, the households
of married families with children decreased significantly from 21.7 percent in 2000 to
14.4 percent in 2010. The number of unmarried families with children also decreased.
The percentage of households where people lived alone or where in non-family
households increased.
2000, 2010 OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Household Type Household
Percentage
2000 2010
Lived Alone 34.6% 43.4%
Families Without Children 28.7% 30.3%
Married Families with Children 21.7% 14.4%
Unmarried Families with Children 9.9% 4.04%
Non-Family Households 4.3% 8.08%
Source: U.S. Census
Comprehensive Plan 2018
t City of Oak Park Heights Page 6
SOCIAL INVENTORY
AGE CHARACTERISTICS
The following table illustrates Oak Park Heights' population by age group. The table
utilizes information from the 2000 and 2010 Census as well as a projection for 2015
from the Metropolitan Council. In 2000, the labor force (ages 20-59) represented the
largest age group, at 59.3 percent. In 2010, this age group was again the City's
largest, accounting for 52.1 percent of the total population. By 2015, that age group had
fallen to 49.9 percent of the population. At 24.2 percent in 2000, the next largest age
group for that Census year was school age children under the age of 19. By 2010, this
population group had fallen to 19.6 percent and 16.3 percent in 2015. Population
growth over these 15 years has been in the retired persons category with the persons
over 80 years old increasing from 4.0 percent in 2000, 12.3 percent in 2010, and 17.2
percent in 2015. Changes in the demographics of the City and surrounding area will
have significant planning implications for the future.
2000, 2010, 2015 OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE GROUP
A•e Grou• 2000 2000% 2010 2010% 2015 2015%
Under 19 960 24.2 852 19.6 775 16.3
20-39 1,277 32.2 1,008 23.2 1,097 23.1
40-59 1,076 27.1 1,255 28.9 1,270 26.8
60-64 136 3.4 225 5.2 141 2.9
Sub-Total 2,489 62.9 2,488 57.3 2,508 52.9
65-69 122 3.1 158 3.6 198 4.1
70-79 225 5.6 304 7.0 437 9.2 _
80+ 161 4.0 537 12.3 819 17.2
Sub-Total 508 12.8 999 23.0 1,454 30.7
TOTAL 3,957 100% 4,339* 100% 4,737 100%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
*Population by age group not adjusted for corrected total population
• Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 7
SOCIAL INVENTORY
OCCUPATION
Information from the 2010 and 2014 Census regarding employment demographics for
Oak Park Heights and Washington County are depicted in the table below. The majority
of those employed in the City both in 2000 and 2014 were in retail. The second largest
category was health care. Employment demographics for Washington County follow a
similar pattern with health care being the largest and retail second. The numbers
indicate the recovery of certain industries following the economic downturn.
2010 AND 2014 OCCUPATIONS
Oak Park Heights Washington County
2010 % 2014 % 2010 % 2014
Accommodation and Food 285 7 237 6 6,365 10 7,273 10
Services
Administrative 32 - 24 - 3,183 5 2,697 4
Agricultural, Forestry, 1 _ 1 - 500 1 529 1
Fishing and Hunting
Arts and Entertainment 41 1 34 1 1,257 2 1,329 2
Construction 184 5 311 7 2,700 4 3,450 5
Educational Services 278 7 255 6 7,647 12 8,076 11
Finance and Insurance 11 - 47 1 2,267 4 3,517 5
Health Care 775 19 790 19 9,363 15 10,950 15
Information 8 - 13 - 548 1 488 1
Management companies 500 12 495 12 1,011 2 1,373 2
and Enterprises
Manufacturing and Mining 65 2 55 1 6,938 10 7,314 10
Other services 219 5 171 4 2,409 4 3,035 4
Professional and Technical 65 2 77 2 2,642 4 3,229 4
Public Administration 352 9 353 9 3,384 5 3,676 5
Real Estate 47 1 44 1 678 1 701 1
Retail Trade 899 22 958 23 8,533 13 10,200 14
Transportation and 243 6 237 6 2,366 4 1,745 2
Warehousing
Utilities 0 - 1 - 29 - 8 4
Wholesale Trade 58 2 77 2 1,814 3 2,528
TOTAL 4,063 100 4,180 100 63,634 100 72,118 100
Source: U.S. Census
•
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 8
. `4w
SOCIAL INVENTORY
EMPLOYMENT
The following table represents the overall employment numbers for Oak Park Heights,
projections to 2040 and the percent of change from one year to the next. The City
regards the employment projects from the Metropolitan Council as optimistic with the
limited land available for future commercial development.
1990-2040 OAK PARK HEIGHTS EMPLOYMENT
Number Percent
Change
1990 2,200
2000 2,713 23.3
2010 4,358 60.6
2015 4,524 3.8
2020 5,900 30.4
2030 6,800 15.2
2040 7,500 10.3
Source: U.S. Census, Estimates from Metropolitan
Council
Comprehensive Plan 2018
�,, ` City of Oak Park Heights Page 9
SOCIAL INVENTORY
EDUCATION
The following table illustrates education levels for residents ages 25 and over in 2010
and 2015. As indicated for 2010, 93.1 percent of the population has attained a high
school diploma or higher degree, while 31.1 percent of the population has attained a
Bachelor's degree or higher. For 2015, 94.8 percent of the population has obtained a
high school degree or higher and 33.5 percent have been awarded a Bachelor's degree
or higher.
2010, 2015 OAK PARK HEIGHTS
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Ages 25 and over)
Level Attained 2010 2010 % 2015 2015 %
Did Not Graduate High School 224 6.9 193 5.2
High School Graduate 966 29.7 1,018 27.1
Some College (no degree) 720 22.2 934 24.9
Associate and Vocational Degree 328 10.1 350 9.3
Bachelor's Degree 742 22.8 895 23.9 _
Graduate/Professional Degree 269 8.3 360 9.6
TOTAL 3,249 100% 3,750 100%
% of High School Grad + 93.1% 94.9%
% of Bachelor's Degree + 31.1% 33.5%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
Comprehensive Plan 2018
�,, ; City of Oak Park Heights Page 10
SOCIAL INVENTORY
INCOME
The 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2015 data regarding income for Oak Park Heights and
Washington County is illustrated in the following tables. The first column indicates per
capita income; the second, median family income; third, percent below poverty level and
forth, individuals below poverty level. The per capita income and median family income
levels for the City are below that of Washington County. A higher percentage of people
are below the poverty level in Oak Park Heights than Washington County. Oak Park
Heights has experienced a decrease in median family income from 2010 to 2015.
1990, 2000, 2010, 2015 INCOME
Per Capita Median Percent Individuals
Income Family Below Below Poverty
Income Povert Level Level
Oak Park Heights $15,200 $33,200 7.9% 275
Washington County $17,400 $44,100 4.4% 6,419
Oak Park Heights $23,300 $48,400 3.4% 128
Washington13County $28,100 $66,300 2.9% 5,833
�,u . ".y�.`�-� y y ,
Oak Park Heights $28,600 $50,400 11.0% 489
Washington County $36,200 $79,100 5.2% 12,383
Oak Park Heights $30,600 $49,800 10.0% 470
Washington County $38,500 $83,700 5.4% 13,555
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 11
',titt.
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
INTRODUCTION
The Planning Commission and City Council have each discussed community issues as
part of the planning process. The representation of these City leaders and officials has
provided the insight and initial direction for the process. The community involvement will
continue throughout the comprehensive planning process with public meetings at the end
of each stage. Additionally, as an initial means of shaping the Comprehensive Plan, a
Community Survey was developed to gain insight from residents of the community.
This report provides a summary of the issues and directions which community officials
and residents have identified. As such, it will be utilized in conjunction with the technical
data compiled in the data collection process to formulate the policies as well as physical
layout of the community. Throughout the issues identification process, it was realized
that there is agreement on most of the issues but also differences in the philosophy and
details of the approaches to be taken. An additional purpose of this report is therefore to
highlight these matters so that they can be addressed as part of the planning process.
PLANNING PROCESS
The community-based information and directives summarized in this section serve to set
the stage for completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Complementing the issues
identification stage of the process will be the technical inventory of the community that is
found in each of the subsections of the, plan. This information will provide decision-
makers with a basis from which problems and issues can be identified, objectives
discussed and required changes made. The results of this effort will be goals and policies,
as well as plans that are developed on a City-wide basis and for specific neighborhoods.
It should be noted that the issues identification study is only an initial forum for community
input into the planning process. As draft material is prepared, meetings will be held with
the Planning Commission, which will be the primary group to hold public hearings and
discussions on the plan. The Mayor, City Council, staff, general citizenry and business
interests will also be provided ample opportunity for review and discussion through
meetings and public hearings. While such involvement will be demanding, it is essential
for completion of a Comprehensive Plan which is truly reflective of Oak Park Height's
goals and objectives.
A graphic at the end of this section illustrates the Comprehensive Plan Process.
•
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 1
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
COMMUNITY SURVEY
As an initial means of shaping the Comprehensive Plan, a Community Survey was
developed to gain insight from residents of the community. The Community Survey was
made available on the City website and distributed at the Party in the Park event on June
8, 2017. There were 96 respondents to the survey, 83 were residents of the community.
While the survey is recognized as not being statistically significant, the results provided
the basis for the discussion of issues for this section. The respondents to the survey
identified themselves into these general categories:
Resident of the City 86.5%
Business Owner 3.1%
Visitor 5.2%
Other 5.2%
TOTAL 100%
Most of the resident respondents (48.3 percent) have lived in Oak Park Heights more
than 10 years. Another 32.2 percent have lived in the City less than five years. The
respondents to the survey generally reflect the demographic makeup of the City, although
a majority(31.0 percent)were 55 years and over. Most of the respondents(43.7 percent)
did not have children currently living in the household. A summary of the key findings of
the survey are as follows:
Is Oak Park Heights a better place to live and work today than when they first moved here
or began to work here:
1. Yes — 55.9 percent
2. Unsure —35.7 percent
3. No — 8.3 percent
The favorite things about Oak Park Heights included:
1. The City parks and trails
2. The St. Croix River
3. The location
4. The small-town atmosphere
5. Schools
6. Retail businesses
' " Comprehensive Plan 2018
u City of Oak Park Heights Page 2
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
The most important challenges facing the City:
1. Protecting the St. Croix River and other bodies of water
2. Tax rates
3. Maintaining and enhancing municipal services
4. Reducing crime and enhancing public safety
5. Capital investments in community facilities, parks
6. Improving pedestrian and bicycle access and safety
Respondents had the following opinion regarding City streets:
1. Excellent— 9.5 percent
2. Above Average —42.8 percent
3. Average — 39.3 percent
Respondents had the following opinion regarding the condition of City parks and trails:
1. Excellent—23.2 percent
2. Above Average — 56.9 percent
3. Average — 16.2 percent
Respondents utilization of a City Park or trail is as follows:
1. Every day— 17.0 percent
2. A few times per week— 37.8 percent
3. On occasion — 26.8 percent
A copy of the complete results of this survey, including written opinions raised by the
survey respondents, is found in the Appendix of this plan. The Community Attitude
section, as follows was partially shaped by the results of the survey.
COMMUNITY ATTITUDE
The overriding attitude that was expressed by the residents of Oak Park Heights during
the issue gathering process was the positive attitude about the community and the long-
term prospects for continued growth and improvement. Residents cited the quality of life
in the area, the amenities of the nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the City parks and
trails, the small-town feel, and the school systems and the retail businesses that
contribute to making Oak Park Heights an attractive place to live. Those persons who
took the survey and were involved in the opportunities and issues discussions as part of
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 3
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
the Comprehensive Plan process listed the following as the positive aspects of the
community:
1. The City is situated in such a way that it is close to the St. Croix River Valley, rural
areas and open space.
2. Excellent access to the freeway system which provides connections to the entire
Minneapolis St. Paul area.
3. Positive small town/City atmosphere.
4. Excellent City park and trail system.
5. The community provides an adequate land use density with residential,
commercial, and industrial/business warehouse uses.
6. The community has several shopping, recreational and entertainment options for
its residents.
7. There are excellent housing options with two premier senior living complexs in the
City.
8. The school system is excellent and the high school is located within the City.
9. The City has a good government structure with a high level of long term
participation on City boards and commissions.
10. The taxes are relatively low in comparison to other area cities.
There were few negative comments made by residents and most dealt with issues related
to the Highway 36 transportation corridor and the intersections that access the Oak Park
Heights frontage roads and street network. Residents question what impact the St. Croix
River Crossing will have on the community related to traffic and development.
LAND USE ISSUES
The following land use issues are recognized:
• Preservation of the high quality of life in the City neighborhoods.
• A balance of housing types for all age groups.
• Buildings and property in the City kept in a good state of repair and maintenance.
' Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 4
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
• Preservation of affordable housing, improvement of low income housing and
affordability of living.
• Diverse and high quality commercial development and redevelopment.
• Impact of the St. Crossing River Crossing on the community and future
development.
• Creation of living wage jobs and job growth.
• Maximization of the amount of green space in development/redevelopment.
• Protecting the St. Croix River, wetlands, streams and other water bodies in the
area.
• Community support for application of sustainable development practices in all
public and private sector redevelopment.
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
The following transportation issues are recognized:
• Continued roadway and sidewalk maintenance and repair.
• Traffic congestion throughout the City, but in particular at the Highway 36
frontage roads and Norell/Osgood Avenues.
• Commuter bus service improvements.
• Sidewalk and trail linkages and connections.
• Traffic speed.
• Pedestrian/bicycle crossings throughout the community.
• Appearance of private/public parking lots.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES ISSUES
The following land community facilities issues are recognized:
• Continued maintenance and updates to the City Hall and public works facility.
• Support for the Bayport Fire Department, their personnel, equipment and
facilities.
• Park and trail facility maintenance and upgrades.
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 5
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
PARKS AND TRAILS ISSUES — GENERAL
The following parks and trail issues are recognized:
• Preservation of and maintenance of existing parks and park facilities.
• Repair and maintenance of trails.
• Trail connections within Oak Park Heights and to adjoining cities.
• Safety of the parks and pedestrian/bicycle paths.
• Landscaping and streetscaping of City streets and property.
• Connection of the distinct areas of Oak Park separated by Highways 36, and
County Road 15.
• Pedestrian/bicycle crosswalk improvements.
• Disability access for sidewalks and trails.
• Park and trail signage improvements.
• Continued and expanded park programming.
• Possible splash pad.
ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
Administrative issues include those matters under government control, regulations, or
initiatives. The following administrative issues are recognized:
• Preservation of existing community character and quality.
• Protection of water resources and stormwater education for the general public.
• Drinking water safety and purity.
• Budgeting for street, water and sewer repairs.
• Enhancing the City with landscaping/plantings and welcoming entrances.
• Tree planting programs to increase diversity and tree cover.
• Tree management programs to prevent tree diseases.
• Preservation of the small-town atmosphere.
• Improved traffic flow through City.
• Incorporating low impact development principles and practices into public and
private projects.
• Continuation of good relations and cooperative efforts with Washington County
Stillwater Area Schools, and surrounding communities.
• As a follow up to the Comprehensive Plan, the need to review its Zoning
Ordinance and Design Guidelines.
41'
Comprehensive Plan 2018
' ;. City of Oak Park Heights Page 6
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ISSUES
Active and healthy lifestyles issues identified from the community include the following:
Connectivity/Access:
• Promotion of safe and barrier-free access to healthy food supplies, pharmacies,
medical services, employment opportunities and schools.
• Increasing access to public transportation.
• Safety of walking and biking paths and crosswalks.
Environment and Housing:
• Housing quality and safety.
• Affordable housing options in the City.
• Promotion of sustainable development in the community.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle.
Children:
• Organized activity and recreational programs.
• Safe routes to schools as an alternative to busing.
• Promoting and access to healthy food choices such as fruits and vegetables.
• Encouraging less screen time and more active time.
Mental Health:
• More trees, green space, landscaping and plants.
• Stress reduction, less traffic and transportation conflict.
Social Capital:
• Preserving small town atmosphere.
• Encouraging community events.
• Walking clubs, biking clubs, block parties.
Water Quality:
• Treatment of stormwater prior to release into lakes rivers and streams.
• Use of rain gardens, green roofs, and other natural filtering systems.
• Use of natural landscapes to reduce runoff from yards and hard surfaces.
• Promotion of low impact development (LID) to promote environmental quality.
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` 4. City of Oak Park Heights Page 7
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS
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Comprehensive Plan 2018
,-, City of Oak Park Heights Page 8
MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES AND
COMMUNITY GOALS
The City of Oak Park Heights has developed a mission statement and values. The
mission statement and values will guide the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan and
influence how the City will implement the policies and plans that result from this effort.
MISSION STATEMENT
The City shall strive to provide and promote a living environment with quality public
services and facilities while protecting the community's cultural, historical and natural
resources.
VALUES
• Vibrant and Diverse Culture: Our community thrives from being a welcoming and
creative place that values and respects the opinions and contributions of all people.
• Sustainability: We embrace public and private actions to preserve and enhance our
natural and built environments for all generations.
• Excellence and Quality in the Delivery of Services: We strive for excellence in
providing quality community service while maintaining fiscal responsibility with public
resources.
• Economic Vitality: Our community experiences economic prosperity through
diversity, interdependence and adaptability.
• Community Character: We strive to preserve the higher quality of life, smallness and
friendliness that this place offers.
• Healthy Community: We flourish as a community by caring about our residents needs
and supporting efforts to reach everyone's full potential.
COMMUNITY GOALS
The goals are designed to address and influence the quality of life through the physical
environment. The goal statements have guided the preparation of the Comprehensive
Plan and influence how the City will position itself in its actions and practices. The goals
are not listed in a priority ranking; all are regarded as equally important statements for the
City's direction.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
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City of Oak Park Heights Page 39
MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES AND
COMMUNITY GOALS
• Actively involve and serve all our residents. Celebrate the diversity and the well-
being of all residents. Respect individual rights, yet be guided by our concern for the
common good.
• Maintain and improve community health and vitality. The residents of the
community must provide and maintain those resources, community facilities,
accessibility and services essential for the protection of the health, safety and welfare
of individuals.
• Encourage continued but orderly and diverse growth and redevelopment in
Oak Park Heights. To maintain a strong economic and social base for Oak Park
Heights, development and redevelopment is viewed as positive. In that the amount
of vacant, developable land is limited to primarily commercial properties, the focus of
the City will be on infill of the remaining developable land and continued
redevelopment and improvements to commercial and industrial properties.
• Preserve Small Town Character. The features and amenities of this small town are
regarded as the greatest community asset. Preserve small town character while
accommodating redevelopment, renewal and revitalization.
• Establish and maintain a desirable community image within the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area. Oak Park Heights' reputation within the region is that of an
established community with a range of housing options and an expanding commercial
sector. The City will need to maintain its quality neighborhoods and commercial areas
through continued redevelopment and investment. The City will need to ensure that
development regulations are kept current, code enforcement is continued, and public
improvements are of the highest quality.
• Protect Oak Park Heights' Natural Resources. The St. Croix River, as well as the
wetlands, ground water, surface water resources, and trees provide natural amenities
and add significant aesthetic recreational and economic value to the community.
Preserve and protect these resources by incorporating sustainable development
principles into public and private projects.
• Maintain and improve a safe, viable, orderly, productive and enhanced
environment for all residents of the community. The community should provide
for planned and orderly land use and a functional transportation system to serve and
connect, but not disrupt, residential areas of the community. Moreover, the
community should provide and properly maintain those resources, community
facilities, and services essential for the protection of the health, safety and general
•
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 40
MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES AND
COMMUNITY GOALS
welfare of individuals (schools, parks and trails) and necessary for the community
(water, sewer, streets, city administration, police, and fire protection).
• Plan for coordinated, orderly growth and limited extra-territorial expansion.
Growth patterns in Oak Park Heights will include infill development, redevelopment,
and potential outward growth beyond its current boundaries. Extra-territorial growth
will only occur at the request of the property owner and agreement by the adjoining
jurisdiction. A planned and orderly land use with a functional transportation system
that accommodates all residents is desired to provide continuity and connections
throughout the community.
• Promote a responsible fiscal balance (revenue versus service costs) on an
ongoing basis. The policies of the Comprehensive Plan are intended to outline the
community's desires and set forth guidelines for how these desires are to be
achieved. These issues must be continually assessed in terms of value compared to
costs incurred by the City for implementation. Indicators of value include, but are not
limited to, potential revenue, facility enhancement, and the common good of the Oak
Park Heights community.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 41
LAND USE - INTRODUCTION
The basic intent of the comprehensive planning process is to provide a well founded
and coordinated decision-making framework to guide both public and private
development and community improvements. In this regard, this represents the
development framework to guide land use decisions for the City of Oak Park Heights.
The Land Use section is based upon the physical profile information, as well as the
community issues which have been identified in determining community goals and
policies.
The Land Use section assists policy makers in daily decision-making. Since the maps
and plans in the Comprehensive Plan may be quickly outdated, reliance on a land use
map for guidance on a specific issue may be difficult for decision-makers. However, the
relative consistency of community goals and policies ties the land use activities together
over the long term.
The Land Use Plan is the basic plan for growth and development in the community. It
establishes the general parameters, issues, and goals which are to be achieved. It
further defines and establishes direction for the basic elements of the development
regulations that will be updated after the planning process is completed.
The arrangement of this section includes the Physical Profile of the City to include the
Existing Land Use Map, Goals and Policies related to land use, and finally, the Land
Use Plan. In sum, the Land Use Plan provides the foundation for guiding and managing
land use expansion and redevelopment within Oak Park Heights. It determines
directives and means for specific assignments and accomplishments. Additionally, it
establishes the ground work and parameters for facilities planning.
40, • 1,
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT FEATURES
Topography
The terrain in Oak Park Heights can be characterized as gently rolling in the west and
increasing in slopes until a ridge of severe slope at the edge of the St. Croix River
Valley. The least significant topographic changes occur in the western portions of the
City. The most severe topography changes extend from the eastern portion of the State
of Minnesota Correctional Facility grounds north to the Highway 36. This topography
change is best described as a ridge separating the City's higher elevations from the
lower elevations of the river valley.
Soils
The soils found in an area often determine the type and extent of urban development
that can occur in the area. Factors such as soil strength, drainage and frost
characteristics may serve to limit the amount and type of urban development that can
be accommodated on the land.
The United States Department of Agriculture completed a detailed survey of soils within
Washington County, including the area of Oak Park Heights, in 1977. While it should be
recognized that any large-scale mapping of soils results in an extremely generalized
graphic statement, the information does serve to illustrate the relationship between soils
and the areas available for development.
Generally, the soils within Oak Park Heights belong to one of three soil associations.
These categories are as follows:
Santiago-Kingsley. This soil association is characterized by undulating to steep
slopes, are well drained with a moderately coarse texture. Soils within this association
are characterized as being good to fair for supporting urban development.
Antigo-Chetek-Mahtomedi. Soils in this association are generally formed in outward
areas with slopes ranging from nearly level to steep. These soils are typically well to
excessively drained with a medium to coarse texture. These soils are generally well
suited for supporting urban development.
Antigo-Comstock. These soils are generally level to moderately sloping and are
formed predominantly in underlying sandy outwash plains and glacial lake plains. The
main limitation of this series for urban development is susceptibility to frost heaving and
a high-water table in low lying areas.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
•
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
A more detailed description of the soils found within Oak Park Heights, in terms of
suitability for urban development, is provided on maps available at City Hall. Generally,
the soils along the river bluffs and on the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility
grounds on the southern area of the City are poor for urban development purposes. Of
greater importance, the Department of Agriculture has classified most of the soils in the
western portion of the City as moderate for urban development purposes. The
limitations of these soils are related mostly to the slopes of the soil types found in this
area.
WETLANDS
The City of Oak Park Heights contains wetlands which are generally widespread
throughout the community as shown on the following Natural Environmental Features
Map. Many of these wetlands are large and represent potential physical barriers to
development and street connections. Most of these wetlands are in the western areas
of the City. The largest of the wetlands in Oak Park Heights, Perro Pond, is in the
southeastern portion of the City. This wetland is located almost entirely within the
boundaries of the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility and Valley View Park.
These wetlands serve an important function as ponding areas for excess storm water
runoff. In addition, these areas are also valuable for flood water retention, ground water
recharge, nutrient assimilation, wildlife habitat and aesthetics. In 1991, the Wetlands
Conservation Act was passed requiring the preservation of all wetland areas unless
federal and state approvals are granted. The filling of designated wetlands requires that
the wetland be mitigated at a 2:1 ratio, that is, for every acre of wetland removed, two
acres would need to be replaced.
VEGETATION
Existing natural vegetation masses are found throughout Oak Park Heights. The largest
areas of vegetative cover are in the western areas of the City and around the large
wetland area which extends from the State of Minnesota Correctional Facility grounds
through Valley View Park.
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
INSERT NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES MAP
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raw
LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
FLOODPLAIN
A small area on the extreme eastern portion of the City adjacent to the St. Croix River
Valley has been designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as being
within the 100-year floodway. Due to the bluffs leading up from the St. Croix River
Valley, the remainder of the City is not affected by flooding during high water periods of
the St. Croix River. Those areas within the 100-year floodway are identified on the
Natural Environment Features Map.
POLLUTION
Pollution has generally not been an issue in Oak Park Heights. The Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency provides information on past pollution problems which have been
reported. In addition to minor chemical leaks or spills, typically gasoline or oil
associated with businesses, one significant site was identified. The Xcel fly ash
disposal site, which is south of Highway 36 and east of Osgood Avenue, was used to
dispense of an ash by-product created at the Allen S. King power generating facility
located adjacent to the St. Croix River. The site has been capped and is now Oak Park
Crossing Park. The fly ash monitoring will continue under the management of Xcel but
the park is under the management of the City.
Another potential pollution issue is the Baytown Township groundwater contamination
site which is the result of the disposal or spillage of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the area
south of Highway 15 and west of Manning Avenue, and the use or spillage of carbon
tetrachloride at a nearby grain storage facility. The site consists of an area of
groundwater contamination that is more than six square miles and affects four major
groundwater aquifers. Although there has been no issue for the City of Oak Park
Heights' municipal water system, the City continues to monitor the spread of the
contamination and will consider the pollution impact with any new well or well
reconditioning. The area west of Osgood Avenue in the City is included in a Drinking
Water Supply Management area as identified by the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency.
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
The development patterns of land use in the City of Oak Park Heights are clearly
established by the influence of both man-made and natural environmental features.
The most significant influences have been Highway 36 and the power line
easement/lines from the Allen S. King power generating facility. Development patterns
in Oak Park Heights and other jurisdictions have also influenced the east-west
orientation of the community along Highway 36. The highways, in particular Highways
36, 15, and 95 functions as physical barriers, but also the primary connections for Oak
Park Heights to the region. The highways have also significantly influenced the location
of commercial development in the community.
The easterly portion of the community is almost completely developed. In coming
years, there will not be significant changes other than specific redevelopment in the
commercial areas. To the west of Oakgreen Avenue, there are undeveloped
commercial areas both for retail/office and business/warehouse uses. It is expected
that these areas will be completely developed in the next five to ten years. Other than
what is currently in development, there is no significant parcels of residential land
available for development in the City. There is one potential area for limited annexation,
south of Highway 36 to Manning Avenue. The City will not actively pursue annexation,
but work with property owners and adjoining jurisdictions when an owner requests
annexation to City services.
The Existing Land Use Map, as found on the following page, graphically illustrates the
distribution and variety of land use types in Oak Park Heights. The map was developed
in July 2017. An analysis of the breakdown by acreage of land use types follows the
Existing Land Use Map.
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
INSERT EXISTING LAND USE MAP
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
EXISTING LAND USE ANALYSIS
The City of Oak Park Heights is 1,873 acres in size. The predominant land uses in the
City include low density residential (14 percent), commercial (11 percent), and
government (10 percent). The next largest land use category is industrial at 9 percent.
A relatively small percentage (3 percent) is vacant property, only some of which is
developable land. A detailed explanation of each land use category follows the existing
land use table.
2017 OAK PARK HEIGHTS EXISTING LAND USE
Category Acres Percent Percent by
of Total Cate•o
Low Densi 265 14%
Medium Densit 62 3% 21%
Hi.h Densit 80 4%
Commercial 212 11% 11%
Hi•hwa Business/Warehouse 74 4%
Industrial 170 9% 13%
School Facilities 128 7% , 8%
Quasi-Public/Utilit 11 1%
Government 192 10% 10%
Park Facilities/O•en S•ace 140 8% 8%
Water 133 7% 7%
Vacant 56 3% 3%
Ri•ht-of-Wa 349 19% 19%
TOTAL 1,872 100% 100%
Source: Cit of Oak Park Hei•hts, Stantec
RESIDENTIAL
As shown in the previous table, residential land use occupies 21 percent of the total
land area in the City. Low density family dwellings are scattered throughout the City.
The City's original single-family homes are in the eastern portion of the City. More
recent low-density development, however, has occurred in the western and central
portions of the City.
Medium density residential development is located primarily in four locations. First, the
development east of Osgood Avenue on Upper 56th 57th, and 58th Streets; second, on
4 Comprehensive Plan 2018
{,, City of Oak Park Heights Page 11
LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
Oxboro Avenue; third, south of Highway 36, west of Oakgreen Avenue; and within the
Boutwells Landing development.
High density residential development is primarily located in six locations. First, in the
northeast corner of the City on the St. Croix River, there is a large area of high density
residential apartments. Second, there are two high density developments south of
Highway 36 and east of Osgood Avenue, and finally, there are two locations north of
Highway 36 on both sides of Osgood Avenue and east of Osgood Avenue on Paris
Street North. Lastly, the Boutwells Landing development and the Oak Park Senior
Living development contain high density buildings.
COMMERCIAL
Existing commercial development presently accounts for 11 percent of the City's total
land use. Virtually all of the existing retail and service facilities are clustered along State
Highway 36. While there is a small scattering of vacant commercial property, the
majority of available land for commercial development is located just south of Highway
36 and Krueger Lane.
INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS WAREHOUSE
Industrial/business warehouse land uses in Oak Park Heights total 244 acres or 13
percent of the total land area in the City. Virtually all of this acreage is attributed to the
Xcel Power Plant located on the St. Croix River. Two smaller industrial areas or
business warehousing/highway business areas are located on County Road 21 near the
southern border of the City, and the Kern Center west of County Highway 15. There are
no parcels available for future industrial development. The only area available for
additional business warehouse development is in the Kern Center at 58th Street and
County Highway 15.
GOVERNMENTAL FACILITIES
A significant amount of land within Oak Park Heights is devoted to governmental
facilities which encompass 192 acres or 10 percent of the City's total land area.
Governmental facilities include the St. Croix Valley Sewage Treatment Plant, the State
of Minnesota Correctional Facility, City Hall, and the water tower site at Norell Avenue
and 58th Street North.
41f.
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
SCHOOL FACILITIES
Oak Park Heights is the home to the Stillwater Area High School. The campus is 128
acres or 7 percent of the total land area.
PARKS/OPEN SPACE
The City parks are separately classified in the Land Use Table. These areas
encompass 140 acres or 8 percent of the City's total land area.
VACANT/UNDEVELOPED
The vacant/undeveloped land identified on the Existing Land Use Map and the Land
Use Table includes that which has not been developed, permanent open space, or that
which has been subdivided for development, but remains vacant. It totals 56 acres or 3
percent of the total land area in Oak Park Heights. The immediacy of the prospects for
development on these parcels varies considerably and are closely tied to the current
climate in the housing market, commercial development interest, and other variables.
PHYSICAL BARRIERS
Natural features such as lakes, streams, and wetlands, as well as constructed features
such as highways, utility lines, or existing development, often act to contain land use
and restrict access. From another perspective, many of the natural features such as
lakes, wetlands, trees, or topography can be used to positively enhance a community
and its housing and business areas. Physical barriers within Oak Park Heights include
the river, wetland areas, Highways 36 and 95, County Highway 15, and the utility line
connections.
The impact of physical barriers may be seen as having both positive and negative
aspects. On the positive side, barriers serve to define cohesive areas and to lend
structure to the arrangement of land uses, often separating uses which would otherwise
generate conflict. On the negative side, barriers may artificially constrain development,
and in separating developed areas, produce problems of access and circulation
between related land uses. The physical barriers within Oak Park Heights are seen
primarily as restricting access from north to south or east to west within the City. These
physical barriers can be overcome with improvements to the transportation system, both
by car, pedestrian and bicycle.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
LAND USE CONTROLS
Land uses within Oak Park Heights are presently governed by the City Zoning and
Subdivision Ordinances. Applications for development and associated plans are
reviewed by City staff and submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council for
review and approval.
The table below indicates the breakdown of existing zoning districts and the acreages
currently devoted to each within the City. Acreages for water and right-of-way have not
been included. On a following page, the Zoning Map illustrates the arrangement of
each zoning district in Oak Park Heights, showing only those districts currently within
the City.
2017 OAK PARK HEIGHTS TOTAL ZONING BREAKDOWN
Category Acres Percent Percent by
of Total Category
R-1, Single Family Residential 236 15%
R-1A, Single Family Residential 0 0%
R-1 B, Single Family Residential 0 0%
R-1 C, Single Family Residential 0 0% 25%
R-2, Low and Medium Density Residential 71 5%
R-3, Multiple Family Residential 50 3%
R-B, Residential Business Transitional 29 2%
B-1, Neighborhood Business 0 0%
B-2, General Business 161 11%
B-3, Highway Business and Warehouse 88 6% 22%
B-4, Limited Business 71 5%
B-W, Business/Warehousing 4 0%
-1, Industrial 249 16% 16%
0, Open Space Conservation 392 26% 26%
P-I, Public/Institutional 0 0% 0%
PUD—Commercial 23 1% 4%
PUD - Residential 45 3%
Parks 104 7% 7%
TOTAL 1,526 100% 100%
Source: City of Oak Park Heights, Stantec
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
The following paragraphs summarize the districts of the Zoning Ordinance and how they
are applied in the City. The Zoning Map is found following these descriptions.
0, Open Space Conservation District
The 0, Open Space Conservation District is intended to provide a district which will
allow suitable areas of the City to be retained and utilized for open space, agricultural
uses and provide a "holding" zone for newly annexed lands to ensure that development
will be staged to maintain reasonable economy in public expenditures for public utilities
and service. The district allows farming, nurseries, tree farms, green houses, and very
low density single family dwellings as a permitted use.
R-1, Single Family Residential District
The purpose of the R-1, Single Family District is to provide for low density single family
detached residential dwelling units and directly related, complementary uses. The
district is the primary single-family district in the community. The district allows single
family residential uses and recreational uses as permitted and schools, places of
worship, and bed and breakfast facilities as conditional.
R-1A, R-1B, R-1C, Single Family Residential District
These districts allow for the same permitted and conditional uses as the R-1 District, but
at different densities. There are no areas in the community currently zoned R-1A, R-1 B,
or R-1 C.
R-2, Low and Medium Density Residential District
The purpose of the R-2, Low and Medium Density Residential District is to provide for
low to moderate density residential dwellings and directly related, complementary uses.
Single and two-family units are allowed as permitted uses, townhomes, condominiums,
and multiple family dwelling structures with not more than four units are allowed as
conditional.
R-3, Multiple Family Residential District
The purpose of the R-3, Multiple Family Residential District is to provide for medium to
high density housing in multiple family structures and directly related, complementary
uses. Multiple family structures are a permitted use and private marina and boat
storage facilities, as well as other uses specified in previous districts, are conditional.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 15
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
R-B, Residential Business Transitional District
The purpose of the R-B, Residential Business Transitional District is to provide for high
density residential use and for the transition in land use from residential to low intensity
business allowing for the intermixing of such uses. In the R-B District, multiple family
dwellings are listed as permitted uses and limited office use, nursing homes, elderly and
group housing, limited retail uses, and limited warehousing activities are conditional.
B-1, Neighborhood Business District
The purpose of the B-1, Neighborhood Business District is to provide for the
establishment of local centers for convenient, limited office, retail or service outlets
which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services are furnished.
These centers are to provide services and goods only for the surrounding
neighborhoods and are not intended to draw customers from the entire community.
Barber shops, beauty parlors, convenience grocery stores, and laundromats are limited
permitted uses. Conditional uses include governmental and public utility buildings, as
well as professional and commercial offices.
B-2, General Business District
The purpose of the B-2, General Business District is to provide for high intensity, retail
or service outlets which deal directly with the customer for whom the goods or services
are furnished. The uses allowed in this district are to provide goods and services on a
community market scale and located in areas which are well served by collector or
arterial street facilities. A significant portion of the commercial uses in Oak Park Heights
are zoned B-2 District. The district allows a full range of retail and commercial services
as permitted. Open and outdoor sales and service, drive throughs, automotive related
uses such as car washes, motor fuel stations and auto repair as listed conditional uses.
B-3, Highway Business and Warehousing District
The purpose of the B-3, Highway Business and Warehousing District is to provide for
the establishment of retail and wholesale sales, storage, warehousing and limited
manufacturing and production. The overall character of the B-3 District is intended to
be transitional in nature, thus uses allowed within this district shall be limited to those
which can compatibly exist adjacent to commercial and lower intensity activities. The B-
3 District allows a wide variety of commercial uses. Restaurants, auto service centers,
vehicle dealerships, mini storage, animal clinics, landscape sales and certain
educational facilities are allowed as conditional.
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B-4, Limited Business District
The purpose of the B-4, Limited Business District is to provide a district accommodating
retail sales, service and office functions in a highly planned and coordinated area. The
uses allowed in this district are similar to but not as extensive, especially as it relates to
automotive vehicle sales and service, as the B-2, General Business District. Retail and
commercial uses are permitted while drive in restaurants, minor auto repair, open and
outdoor storage, sales and service, and two family, townhomes and multiple family
dwellings are conditional.
B-W, Business/Warehousing District
The purpose of the B-W, Business/Warehousing District is to provide for the
establishment of wholesale and retail trade of large volume or bulk commercial items,
storage and warehousing. The overall character of the B-4 District is intended to be
transitional in nature, thus industrial uses allowed within this district shall be limited to
those which can compatibly exist adjacent to commercial and lower intensity activities.
Commercial and professional offices, printing establishments, conference centers,
indoor commercial recreation and wholesale showrooms are permitted, while open and
outdoor storage, services, sales and rental, and manufacturing are listed conditional
uses.
I, Industrial District
The purpose of the I, Industrial District is to provide for the establishment of
warehousing and light industrial development. General industrial uses such as storage
and warehousing, manufacturing power generation plants, and wholesale business and
office establishments are listed permitted uses. Conditional uses include open and
outdoor storage as an accessory use.
P-I, Public-Institutional District
The P-I District is intended to provide a specific zoning district for facilities directed to
serving the public and specialized government and semi-public uses. It is unique in that
the primary objective of uses within this district is the provision of services, frequently on
a non-profit basis, rather than the sale of goods or services. It is intended that uses
within such a district will be compatible with adjoining development and they will be
located on or in proximity to a collector street or arterial street. The district permitted
uses include government buildings, parks and recreational facilities while schools,
places of worship, hospitals, correctional facilities, nursing homes, cemeteries, and
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
limited retail are conditional. The City has established the P-I District in the Zoning
Ordinance but has not zoned property to this district.
PUD, Planned Unit Development District
The purpose of the PUD, Planned Unit Development District is to provide for the
integration and coordination of land parcels as well as the combination of varying types
of residential, commercial and industrial uses. The City has a limited number of areas
zoned PUD. Most development is zoned residential or commercial and is applied with a
PUD to allow for mixed use and multiple structures on one parcel.
River Impact District
The River Impact District is established to provide necessary protection to lands which
fall within the designated regional floodplain and Lower St. Croix National Scenic
Riverway area as defined by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources regulations.
This district shall include all lands lying riverward from the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul
and Pacific Railroad right-of-way. Application of district regulations shall be imposed as
an overlay upon currently applied zoning use districts.
ZONING DISTRICT AREA WIDTH SETBACK AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
The specific requirements for each of the zoning districts is found on the following page.
The complete lot area and width, setbacks, building height and other zoning regulations
are found in the General Provisions section of the Zoning Ordinance. A copy of the
Zoning Ordinance is on file at City Hall.
The table, as follows, summarizes all of the established zoning districts along with their
minimum lot area, width, setbacks, lot coverage and other standards. It is intended as a
general reference source.
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OAK PARK HEIGHTS SUMMARY OF ZONING DISTRICT CLASSIFICATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Setbacks Principal
Zoning Minimum Lot Width Building
District District Classification Lot Size (interior) F S-I S-C R Height
0 Open Space Conservation 5 acres 200 feet 50 30 30 50 35 feet
R-1 Single Family Residential 10,300 sf 80 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet
R-1A Single Family Residential 12,500 sf 85 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet
R-1B Single Family Residential 15,000 sf 90 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet
R-1C Single Family Residential 20,000 sf 100 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet
R-2 Low and Medium Density 10,400 sf 90 feet 30 10 30 30 35 feet
Residential
R-3 Multiple Family Residential 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 20 20 30 35 feet
R-B Residential Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 10 10 30 35 feet
Transitional
B-1 Neighborhood Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 30 20 20 30 35 feet
B-2 General Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet
B-3 Highway Business and 15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet
Warehousing
B-4 Limited Business 15,000 sf 100 feet 40 10 20 20 35 feet
B-W Business/Warehousing 30,000 sf 100 feet 50 20 50 20 35 feet
Industrial 1 acre 100 feet 50 30 30 40 45 feet
P-I Public/Institutional varies --- varies 45 feet
PUD Planned Unit Development --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
River Impact District --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Source: City of Oak Park Heights
F = Front yard setback as measured from the property line
S-I = Side yard setback on interior lots
S-C = Side yard setback on corner lots
R = Rear yard setback
" Comprehensive Plan 2018
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LAND USE - PHYSICAL PROFILE
INSERT ZONING MAP
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
INTRODUCTION
The value of a Comprehensive Plan for Oak Park Heights is only partially found in the
plans, maps, and data. Although such information is a critical element of any plan, the
changing nature of that information can give a community only a snapshot of its needs
or direction. A more comprehensive review of the community and its direction can be
found through its adopted goals and policies.
The goals and policies do not provide information on the timelines and priorities needed
for development or community improvements. Instead, it provides a series of criteria
which can be used to direct general actions. Furthermore, the policies are not absolute
directions for City staff, Planning Commission, or City Council members. Instead, they
are guides to assist in decision-making and goal achievement. Moreover, the policies
should be considered and utilized collectively. In some cases, a single policy may
define and outline a course of action. More frequently, however, a group of policies will
be applied to a given situation.
The flexibility and adoptability of the goals and policies is particularly useful when
unanticipated development decisions emerge. It complements the maps, ordinances
and City Code which are more static documents. In some instances, policies may not
address a new situation in the community. In this case, the goals and policies should be
updated or modified. This would give the Comprehensive Plan an up-to-date quality
which will withstand the test of time.
For purposes of definition, goals may be described as the ways in which we think about
the community — descriptive statements of the ultimate direction we would want to see
the City proceed. Policies may be described generally as positions the City will take on
a specific issue.
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Natural resources are of prime importance to the community. In addition to serving as
aesthetic amenities which enhance the quality of life in the area, natural areas often
perform important ecological roles.
These natural features can serve as buffers or barriers in determining the extent and
direction of development and growth. Therefore, it is necessary that special
consideration be given to natural features and systems in formulating Oak Park Heights'
Comprehensive Plan. Environmentally sensitive areas include those characterized by
waterbodies, floodplain, steep slopes, vegetation, soil limitations, and wetlands. The
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
City has expressed an interest in the preservation and enhancement of these features
within the City limits.
WETLANDS, LAKES AND STREAMS AND GROUND WATER
Goal: Preserving the water resources of the St. Croix River and existing
wetlands and streams is recognized as a high priority in Oak Park Heights.
Policies:
A. Restrict or prohibit development/redevelopment within Oak Park Heights'
drainageways, floodplains, wetlands, and other natural features which perform
important environmental functions in their natural state.
B. Require all development/redevelopment to manage its on-site storm water
generation to ensure no negative impact to downstream flooding or water quality.
C. Require grading and drainage plans as part of any new residential or commercial
development/redevelopment. These plans must illustrate proposed drainage
patterns, plans for on-site storm water retention and erosion control.
D. Maintain and update as necessary floodplain, shoreland and wetland regulations
to regulate development within these sensitive areas.
E. Incorporate low impact development (LID) principles and practices into design,
construction and operation of public projects as feasible.
F. Work with residential and commercial developers to incorporate low impact
development practices that protect native vegetation and soils and reduce
impervious surface.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Goal 1: The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings,
structures and other objects that have historic, aesthetic or community
values is a benefit to the welfare and education of the City of Oak Park
Heights.
Policies:
A. Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures that reflect
elements of the City's cultural, political, economic, visual or architectural history;
evaluate and establish historic districts.
B. Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for
the education and general welfare of the people of Oak Park Heights.
C. Foster community identity and civic pride by protecting historical area, structures
or accomplishments of the past.
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
TREES, LANDSCAPING AND STREETSCAPING
Goal: Provide continuing and enhanced streetscapes, landscaping as part of
development/redevelopment, and protection and preservation of the
community's vegetative resources.
Policies:
A. Continue to implement and expand the City's comprehensive streetscaping and
landscaping efforts through participation in Tree City USA and development
review.
B. As a high priority in the City, preserve and protect existing stands of mature
trees.
C. Promote programs designed to protect trees from disease.
D. Require all development/redevelopment proposals to indicate the location, type,
and condition of existing vegetation, and preserve existing trees wherever
feasible.
E. Require that development/redevelopment projects within the City plant new trees,
particularly in areas where existing vegetation is removed.
F. Provide City financial support to the ongoing tree protection, streetscape and
landscaping programs.
NATURAL FEATURES
Goal: Ensure preservation and enhancement of slopes and soils in Oak Park
Heights through careful development review and approvals.
Policies:
A. In areas of soils that have limitations for development/redevelopment, perform
soil testing to identify the soil correction measures necessary to insure safe and
quality construction.
B. Require erosion control plans for all site grading to prevent erosion, dust, and soil
sedimentation.
C. Restrict or prohibit development/redevelopment on steep slopes. In instances
where development on steep slopes is permitted, plans must be provided for
grading and erosion control which prevent erosion, dust, and soil sedimentation.
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
AIR QUALITY AND POLLUTION
Goal: Protection of air quality and ground water and soils, as well as efforts to
control noise and light pollution, are important to the community.
Policies:
A. Incorporate State and Federal pollution regulations into local policy as required.
B. Require a ground water monitoring plan or ground water protection plan as part
of a permit application for businesses that store, use or transport hazardous
materials and for properties formerly used as a waste disposal site or waste
transit facility. Where available, use well head protection plans to assist with this
process.
C. Assure coordination with other adjoining jurisdictions for ground water sensitive
areas, well head protection areas, water use contingency and allocation plans,
and other ground water issues where plans may affect other jurisdictions.
RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE REDUCTION
Goal: Encourage recycling programs and solid waste reduction initiatives.
Policies:
A. Recycling programs which conserve natural resources shall be continued and
promoted.
B. Oak Park Heights shall encourage enhanced waste reduction/separation
practices to improve solid waste management.
C. Residential and commercial generators of solid waste shall be encouraged to act
voluntarily to evaluate their use of energy and raw materials and to reduce
consumption where technically and economically feasible.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Goal 1: Create a sustainable community that prpvides balance between a growing
economy, protection for the environment and social responsibility to
enhance the quality of life while preserving the same for future
generations.
Policies:
A. Promote the use of sustainable design practices during all phases of
development including design, deconstruction, construction, and building
operation and maintenance.
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
B. Promote national,
0 ote regional and state sustainable building design programs
including utility-sponsored renewable energy and conservation programs.
Goal 2: Create a livable community where development incorporates sustainable
design elements such as resource and energy conservation and use of
renewable energy.
Policies:
A. Encourage energy and resource conservation strategies to limit the effects of
climate change, including decreased use of fossil fuels and shift to renewable
energy resources.
B. Promote the use of renewable energy, including solar energy, in new residential
and commercial developments.
C. Review the potential for use of renewable energy, including solar energy, in all
new public buildings.
D. Consider varying setback requirements within PUD's in all residential and
commercial zoning districts as a means of protecting solar access.
E. Implement alternative energy regulations including solar, wind energy,
geothermal and biomass requirements in the Zoning Ordinance.
Goal 3: Protect and enhance air quality and reduce the emission of greenhouse
gases and control of climate change locally and globally.
Policies:
A. Encourage alternative transportation by providing trails and encouraging transit
opportunities. Continue expanding the trail system by implementing the Park and
Trail System Plan.
B. Educate and inform businesses and residents about opportunities and incentives
to increase the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind,
geothermal, and biomass.
C. Improve the City's environmental performance by setting targets, using
innovative approaches, encouraging employees to conserve resources and
improving on the existing recycling program as an example to residents and
business owners.
D. Support and encourage community efforts in environmental awareness and
education through the use of the City web site, programs, newsletters and the
media.
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 4: Reduce waste stream toxicity and amount; minimize generation of
hazardous waste and increase reuse, recycling, composting and
purchasing of environmentally preferred products with minimal or no
packaging.
Policies:
A. Support and encourage community efforts in environmental awareness and
education.
B. Support waste reduction activities including recycling, reuse, and composting
through policies and educational outreach opportunities for citizens and
businesses.
C. Emphasize the importance of directing waste that cannot be reused, recycled, or
composted to facilities that recover some of the energy value in garbage with use
of landfills as the last alternative.
D. Continue to provide and encourage curbside recycling of reusable waste
materials through educational events, promotional materials and volunteer
efforts.
LAND USE
Land use goals create a vehicle by which the community can determine, organize and
define the character and intensity of development and redevelopment in Oak Park
Heights. The policies will guide proposed land use through the stages of growth and
change planned for the community. Related to land use, the protection of the natural
environment is of major importance to Oak Park Heights and the surrounding area. The
focus for land use in the City will be the continual development infill of residential,
commercial and industrial areas. Redevelopment, especially in commercial areas along
the Highway 36 corridor, will also be a priority in the next 20 years.
GENERAL LAND USE
Goal 1: Provide for responsible and orderly expansion of the City's land area as
requested by property owners and agreed to by the affected jurisdiction.
Policies:
A. The City, in planning for future land use, transportation/community facilities or
utility extensions, may include areas not within its municipal boundaries. This
planning is done in anticipation of demand for services to accommodate future
urban growth.
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
B. The City shall extend utility service to only those areas that are within the City,
annexed to the City or part of an orderly annexation agreement.
C. The City should consider annexation only if requested by the property owner and
agreed to by the affected jurisdiction.
D. The City shall plan its utility, service and street extensions to accommodate long
term growth and expansion in the community.
E. The City will work to achieve cooperation in annexation requests by discussing
annexation issues with adjacent townships and municipalities.
F. Orderly annexation will be considered in order to identify boundaries and target
years for areas eligible for orderly annexation.
Goal 2: A cohesive land use pattern which ensures compatibility and strong
functional relationships among activities is to be implemented.
Policies:
A. Prevent over-intensification of land use development, that is, development which
is not accompanied by a sufficient level of supportive services and facilities
(utilities, parking, access, etc.).
B. Examine requested land use changes in relation to adjoining land uses, site
accessibility, utility availability, and consistency with the Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan and policies.
C. Attempt to make transitions between distinctly differing types of land uses in an
orderly fashion which does not create a negative (economic, social or physical)
impact on adjoining developments.
D. Infill development of compatible land uses shall be strongly encouraged.
E. Where practical, conflicting and non-complementary uses shall be eliminated
through removal and relocation.
F. Encourage the development and redevelopment of under-utilized and
substandard property throughout the City.
Goal 3: The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings, and
structures that have historic, aesthetic or community values is of benefit to
Oak Park Heights.
Policies:
A. Where practical, safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and
structures that reflect elements of the City's cultural, political, economic, visual or
architectural history.
$.;1'
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
B. Foster community identity and civic pride by promoting the preservation and
continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general
welfare of the people of Oak Park Heights.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Goal: The preservation, protection and continued use of areas, buildings,
structures and other objects that have historic, aesthetic or community
values is a benefit to the welfare and education of the City of Oak Park
Heights.
Policies:
A. Safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites and structures that reflect
elements of the City's cultural, political, economic, visual or architectural history;
evaluate and establish historic districts.
B. Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for
the education and general welfare of the people of Oak Park Heights.
C. Foster community identity and civic pride by protecting historical area, structures
or accomplishments of the past.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Goal 1: Provide a variety of housing types, styles and values to meet the needs of
the community and the changing demographics of the City and region
through new development and redevelopment.
Policies:
A. Encourage design and planning innovations in housing units and land
development.
B. Recognize the development of townhouses, condominiums and non-traditional
home types to supplement existing conventional single-family homes, and
apartments, giving due consideration to local market demands.
C. Attempt to provide housing opportunities which attract persons of all ages and
income levels and which allow them the ability to maintain residence within Oak
Park Heights throughout the various stages of their lives.
D. Allow the development of additional owner and renter occupied affordable
housing units on a case-by-case basis to achieve established housing goals.
E. Encourage development of housing options to meet the needs of all segments of
the population, including the disabled, and senior living options through life cycle
housing.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
F. Housing units identified as substandard for safe occupancy shall be rehabilitated,
replaced, or developed with an appropriate guided land use, wherever possible.
Goal 2: Maintain and enhance the strong character of Oak Park Heights' single
family residential neighborhoods.
Policies:
A. Promote private reinvestment in the City's single-family housing stock.
B. Pursue the redevelopment of substandard single-family homes when it is judged
not economically feasible to correct the deficiencies.
C. Encourage single family home rehabilitation programs through the City.
Goal 3: Promote multiple family housing alternatives as an alternative life cycle
housing option.
Policies:
A. Consider the redevelopment of substandard multiple family properties that
display deteriorated building conditions, no site amenities, poor site design, or
incompatible land use patterns.
B. Encourage developers of medium and high-density developments to provide
adequate accessory amenities such as garages, parking, open space,
landscaping, and recreational facilities to ensure a safe, functional, and desirable
living environment.
C. Consider mixed land uses as an alternative land use option in planning and
redevelopment of obsolete commercial, industrial, or residential areas.
D. Avoid concentrations of multiple family dwellings and apartments in the City.
Locate such housing within appropriately designated zoning districts and in
proximity to areas which offer a wide range of existing supportive services,
commercial and recreational facilities.
COMMERCIAL LAND USE
Goal 1: Maintain and improve Oak Park Heights' commercial areas as vital retail
and service locations.
Policies:
A. Encourage communication with local business people to gain an understanding
of the changing needs of the business environment.
;r {" Comprehensive Plan 2018
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
B. Promote a full and broad range of office, service, retail, and entertainment uses
within the commercial areas of Oak Park Heights.
C. Attract new businesses to Oak Park Heights that will contribute to the customer
attraction and business interchange of the local commercial areas.
D. Promote the redevelopment and expansion of existing businesses within the City
to obtain a higher level of sales and business attraction.
Goal 2: Promote continued development, investment and enhancements in the
commercial areas.
Policies:
A. Promote a mixed-use environment within the commercial areas consisting of
retail, office, and service land uses.
B. Encourage a combination of public and private investment in the commercial
areas for public improvements and building redevelopment.
C. Address parking issues and review supply and demand, signage and education
programs for better parking-utilization.
D. Update architectural design guidelines as necessary to guide the commercial
areas' development and redevelopment.
E. Substandard residential and commercial properties shall be rehabilitated,
replaced or redeveloped in conformance with the land use plan.
Goal 3: Encourage continued development and redevelopment activities along the
City's highway corridors.
Policies:
A. Encourage private and continued City investment in the Highway 36 corridor.
B. Encourage investment in rehabilitation and redevelopment of substandard
properties along the highway corridors.
C. Ensure that all service and commercial uses are adequately screened or buffered
from any adjacent residential development.
D. Commercial and service areas should provide safe and convenient pedestrian
movement, including access for persons with disabilities.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
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LAND USE - GOALS AND POLICIES
BUSINESS/WAREHOUSE/INDUSTRIAL LAND USE
Goal 1: Retain Oak Park Heights' existing business/warehouse and industrial land
uses to ensure a diverse tax base and local employment opportunities.
Policies:
A. The City will continue its efforts in retaining and attracting new businesses for
new development and redevelopment.
B. The City will work with Xcel Energy on issues related to the Allan S. King Power
Plant, transmission lines and substations within Oak Park Heights.
Goal 2: Maintain a high standard of business/warehouse and industrial
development including appearance of sites, buildings and outside storage
areas.
Policies:
A. Encourage site upkeep and maintenance to promote a positive business/
warehouse and industrial and commercial image for Oak Park Heights.
B. Promote high quality business/warehouse and industrial construction to ensure
building durability and an aesthetically attractive appearance.
C. Existing and new business/warehouse and industrial development shall not
cause pollutants or contaminants to be emitted into the surrounding environment
(including air, soils, ground water, drainageways, sanitary sewer and storm
sewer) in excess of state and federal regulations.
INSTITUTIONAL LAND USE
Goal 1: Cooperate with existing and expanding institutional facilities to ensure
compatibility and a high level of design.
Policies:
A. Transitions between differing types of land uses must be done in an orderly
fashion while minimizing impacts on adjoining development.
B. All institutional development proposals must be analyzed to determine the most
appropriate land uses within a neighborhood and the community as a whole.
C. Adequately screen, landscape and buffer institutional facilities to minimize the
impact on surrounding uses and enhance the neighborhood and community in
which they are located.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
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Sher fi ,
LAND USE - LAND USE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
Based upon the foundation established by the Physical Profile and the Goals and
Policies, this section provides the framework to guide community growth and
improvements. The Land Use Plan is a narrative and graphic description that provides
the background and rationale for land use designations as represented on the Proposed
Land Use Map. The plan has an educational and decision-making function, helping to
improve the general understanding of how physical development in the City of Oak Park
Heights should take place. Although the emphasis of this section is on land
development, other areas such as transportation, community service and facility needs
are also addressed.
The Land Use Plan is divided into two main categories. The first section describes the
basis for Oak Park Heights' community plan, including population projections as well as
how the natural features of the area will be protected. The second section describes
general land use plan elements, including a discussion of the Proposed Land Use Map
and review of residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development.
BASIS OF THE COMMUNITY PLAN
The major planning objective of Oak Park Heights is to establish and maintain attractive,
high quality living and working environments for community residents. In providing for
these environments, the City recognizes the necessity of providing utilities and services
that are demanded with urban development. Through the comprehensive planning
process, the City has the ability to direct and focus development in a pattern that
maximizes the utilization of existing utilities and services. This type of land use
management assists the community in regulating and budgeting for investment in future
public utilities, streets, and service needs.
With limited vacant land, it is likely that the City will be almost completely developed by
2025. Small parcels of residential property scattered throughout the community will be
infilled with single family and townhome development. Commercial areas along
Highways 36 and 15, west of Oakgreen Avenue, will also be completely filled in.
Redevelopment activities will likely focus on commercial areas east of Oakgreen along
the Highway 36 corridor. Based upon this premise, the focus of the land use,
transportation, community facilities/administrative sections of this Comprehensive Plan
will be on redevelopment, infill and maintenance of the community.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
City of Oak Park Heights Page 35
LAND USE - LAND USE PLAN
PROJECTED GROWTH
Population and Households
The City of Oak Park Heights has had steady population growth since 1980. The
expanding residential and commercial sectors as well as the attractiveness of the
community in its location in the St. Croix River Valley has resulted in a steady
population growth. Household and population growth of the community from 1980 to
2015 is found in the following table.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD AND POPULATION GROWTH
1980 1990 2,000 2010 2015
Population 2,591 3,486 3,957 4,445 4,706
Households 955 1,322 1,528 1,911 2,178
Household Size 2.71 2.63 2.25 2.05 1.93
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The numbers above reflect the national and state trends of smaller household size.
With limited residential available, the expected population will continue to grow but at a
much slower rate.
Population, Household and Employment Projections
The Metropolitan Council, in its Thrive MSP 2040 Plan, has projected population,
household and employment forecasts. These forecasts are accepted by the City as the
basis for growth through 2040, with the exception of the employment numbers, which
the City projects will be less than what is provided by the Metropolitan Council.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION, HOUSEHOLDS AND
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS
2010
Census 2020 2030 2040
Population 4,445 4,880 5,300 5,700
Households 1,911 2,200 2,420 2,600
Employment 4,358 5,900 6,800 7,500
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
As indicated above, the Metropolitan Council projects that the population of the City will
exceed 5,000 persons between 2020 and 2030. With recent senior housing
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developments, Oak Park Heights projects that the City will reach 5,000 persons before
2020. Once the City nears 5,500 to 5,700 people, the population will likely level off.
With no additional residential land available, it is expected the City's population will
likely stabilize between 5,500 and 5,700 people. The household projections show a
steady increase to 2,600 by the year 2040. The increase in households versus the
stable population levels is due to the ongoing trend of lower household size. The City
will experience limited infill development which will increase the number of households
but likely not to the extent projected by the Metropolitan Council.
Employment numbers are also projected to increase to a total of 7,500 by 2030. This
again may be optimistic with the limited land available for future commercial
development.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Environment
A variety of benefits are associated with environmental protection in Oak Park Heights.
Environmentally sensitive development will create a more aesthetic living and working
environment and prevent future public investment needed for clean up or reclamation.
The purpose of the City's environmental regulations and the Zoning Ordinance is to
protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the community. The City has adopted
floodplain and wetland and stormwater regulations to provide the levels of protection to
preserve natural resources.
Environmental awareness and protection should generally address the following in Oak
Park Heights:
1. Implement and update, as necessary, environmental regulations such as
floodplain, wetland, stormwater, tree preservation regulations for the protection of
rivers, natural features, lakes, wetlands, and trees.
2. Direct development throughout the City that is compatible with environmentally
sensitive areas.
3. Address stormwater issues in all areas of the City through development and
appropriate facilities to hold and treat runoff. Utilize existing wetlands and low
areas to the extent possible for stormwater retention.
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4. Work with Washington County and the Watershed Districts with ongoing
stormwater projects and recycling programs.
5. Utilize Best Management Practices for addressing stormwater runoff and
retention.
6. Encourage alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy in
appropriate areas of the City.
7. Extend utilities, as necessary, with annexation to address environmental issues
associated with development outside of the City boundaries.
Sustainability
The City of Oak Park Heights has recognized the importance of the conservation and
preservation of water, air, energy and other natural resources in order to achieve a
more sustainable community. It is recognized that there are four areas in which the City
can preserve natural resources and ensure that development recognizes the value of
environmental protection. An effective implementation program includes the work of
commissions, ordinance updates, permitting and other regulatory mechanisms; design
guidelines and performance standards; public education and involvement; and
intergovernmental cooperation.
The following implementation items are to be pursed:
1. Implement sustainable development practices into the design, construction and
operation of City facilities as feasible.
2. Work with developers to apply sustainable building practices in private sector
development and redevelopment. Utilize utility-sponsored renewable energy and
conservation programs where possible in development projects.
3. Continue to expand and promote the City sidewalk and trail system to encourage
an alternate form of transportation not dependent upon motorized vehicle use.
4. Work with the Metropolitan Council on expanding the transit service to Oak Park
Heights and the St Croix Valley area.
5. Work on the development of an environmental awareness program that is
designed to educate and inform residents and developers on energy efficiency
and utilization of renewable energy sources.
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6. Develop a City policy on conservation of energy, to be used at all City facilities
and by all employees that can be used as a model for the rest of the community.
7. Continue developing programs for recycling, reuse and composting as well as
the education of citizens and businesses on waste reduction.
8. Work with the contracted waste hauler on alternatives to reducing the amount of
material that will be land filled.
ANNEXATION
The City's policy toward annexation is consistent with the 2008 Comprehensive Plan. It
is recognized, just as it was in 2008, that the City will not aggressively pursue areas of
annexation from the Townships or because of detachment/annexation from one of the
adjoining cities.
As part of the planning process, the City has identified one area that potentially could
become part of the City in the next 20 years. The property is identified in the Future
Annexation Plan, found on the following page. The City would consider this area for
annexation if petitioned by the property owners and if the affected jurisdiction was
willing to detach the property. The first area is at the intersection of Highway 36 and
Manning Avenue. The property is recognized as having value for commercial
development if utilities were provided by Oak Park Heights. The City would be able to
service the property with sewer and water.
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INSERT FUTURE ANNEXATION PLAN
Comprehensive Plan 2018
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LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Land use compatibility concerns exist, primarily in the older sections of the community,
within the Village area, in the area near the St. Croix Mall, and along 58th Street. High
density residential or commercial development adjacent to single family neighborhoods
can intensify unwanted activity in the area and impose impacts on parking, traffic and
noise that may be uncharacteristic of single family neighborhoods.
To respond to these land use compatibility concerns, the Comprehensive Plan
establishes a policy of screening, landscaping and buffering commercial establishments
near or within residential areas to minimize the impact on surrounding uses and
enhance the neighborhood and community. The City, through its Comprehensive Plan,
may determine that certain businesses should be relocated out of a neighborhood, or a
collection of homes no longer functions as a neighborhood and the area would be better
suited for higher intensity uses. Such redevelopment efforts are costly and in most
cases, may need to be accomplished with the assistance of the City or its Economic
Development Authority. Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan calls for the proper
transition between high and low density residential development. The City, through its
plan and Zoning Ordinance, shall transition residential development so as not to create
negative living environments. Concentration of one type of housing style or density can
also create issues for the proper development of neighborhoods.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The City has identified two sites deemed historic within the physical profile section of
the Land Use Plan. These sites, Phil's Tara Hideaway and the Stillwater Overlook have
been recognized as historic in the community. The City will continue to work with the
Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) on preservation and maintenance of
the overlook on Lookout Trail North. Phil's Tara Hideaway is in use today as a
restaurant and bar. The City will work with the property owners to ensure that the
original log cabin look is preserved.
Due to the limited number of historic structures and sites, the City does not anticipate
the need for a preservation ordinance or establishment of a historic preservation
commission.
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SOLAR ACCESS PROTECTION AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Ensuring that all properties have equal access to sunlight is a priority not only for
potential solar energy systems, but for the protection of property and aesthetic values
as well. Solar access protection is provided for by the uniform implementation of lot and
building performance standards adopted as part of the Oak Park Heights Zoning
Ordinance. Requirements such as maximum building height and yard setback
standards have been implemented for creating separation between structures and
allowing equal sunlight access such that a property is not in the shadow of an adjacent
building. Additionally, the City adopted alternative energy system regulations on 2010 to
promote and encourage ground source heat pump, wind and solar energy systems.
HOUSING
Residential
The Policy Plan promotes the development of a diversified housing stock which is
affordable to a wide range of incomes. The plan also establishes guidelines to protect
residential neighborhoods from encroachment or intrusion of incompatible, higher
intensity uses through the use of buffers and appropriate land use transitions.
For the most part, Oak Park Heights has followed a traditional residential growth pattern
with growth emanating outward from the St. Croix River and Highway 36. As previously
indicated, the community is almost completely built out in terms of residential
development. The addition of housing units will be through small infill projects.
The table on the following page indicates the total housing units from 1990 to 2016.
The number of single family homes has increased from 1990 and 2016, but as a
percentage of the total numbers of units, it has decreased from 47.3 percent to 34.4
percent in 2016. The number of multiple family units has increased significantly, and as
a percentage of the total housing units has gone from 38.2 percent to 48.3 percent.
This rise in multiple family units has resulted from the development of Boutwells
Landing and Oak Park Senior Living that has provided needed housing in the area at all
price ranges.
4IL
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OAK PARK HEIGHTS TOTAL HOUSING UNITS
1990 Percent 2000 Percent 2010 Percent 2016 Percent
of Total of Total of Total of Total
Single Family 663 47.3 790 49.8 805 38.1 802 34.4
Detached
Townhomes Single 64 4.5 134 8.5 264 12.5 268 11.5
Family Detached
Duplex, Triplex, Quad 126 9.0 138 8.7 134 6.3 134 5.8
Multiple Family (5 units 535 38.2 525 33.0 912 43.1 1,124 48.3
or more)
Other 10 1.0 - - - - -
Total 1,398 100% 1,587 100% 2,115 100% 2,328 100%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The table as follows indicates the owner occupied, renter occupied and vacant housing.
In 1990, the percent of owner occupied housing was 59.2 percent versus 35.3 percent
rental occupied. With the significant increase in senior rental housing, the owner-
occupied housing declined to 44.6 percent and the renter occupied housing increased
to 46.0 percent of the total. The amount of vacant housing has remained relatively
consistent over the past 25 years.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS OWNER OCCUPIED, RENTER OCCUPIED AND VACANT HOUSING
1990 Percent 2000 Percent 2010 Percent 2015 Percent
of Total of Total of Total of Total
Owner Occupied 828 59.2 1,054 66.7 1,070 52.5 1,031 44.6
Renter Occupied 494 35.3 474 29.9 772 37.9 1,063 46.0
Vacant 76 5.5 53 3.4 197 9.6 218 9.4
Total 1,398 100% 1,581 100% 2,039 100% 2,312 100%
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The table below indicates the change in median housing value and median gross rent
from 1990 to 2015.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS MEDIAN HOUSING VALUE AND MEDIAN GROSS
RENT
1990 2000 2010 2015
Median Housing Value $85,300 $148,400 $226,900 $201,700
Median Gross Rent $482 $614 $950 $1,398
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
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As follows, please find a 2017 inventory of multiple family, condominium, townhouse
and duplex units in Oak Park Heights.
2017 OAK PARK HEIGHTS INVENTORY OF MULITPLE FAMILY, CONDOMINIUM,
TOWNHOUSE, AND DUPLEX UNITS
Name Address Number
of Units
Multiple Family(10 units or more)
Oakgreen Commons 13936 Lower 59th Street 120
Presbyterian Homes Care Center 13575 58th Street 108
Presbyterian Homes 5590 Norwich Parkway 101
Presbyterian Homes 5610 Norwich Parkway 101
Ramie Johnson Estates 14830 58th Street 96
TIC Properties 6060 Oxboro Avenue 86
Oak Park Associates 6120 Oxboro Avenue 72
Oakgreen Senior Villas 13945 Upper 58th Street 62
Oak Park Senior Living 13865 58th Street 62
Sunnyside Apartments 6120 Oxboro Avenue 59
Heartland Stillwater 14850 62nd Street 51
Presbyterian Homes 5450 Nolan Parkway 46
St. Croix Crossing Apartments 14843-14847 60th Street 45
Oak Park Senior Apartments 13924 Lower 59th Street 30
Presbyterian Homes 5350 Nolan Parkway 20
Presbyterian Homes 5260 Nolan Parkway 12
Other(Less than 10 units) 60
Condominium (10 units or more)
Sunnyside II Homeowners 6351 St. Croix Trail 33
Fox Hollow East 14937 60th Street 29
Sunnyside II Homeowners 6375 St. Croix Trail 26
Other(Less than 10 units 174
Townhouses
Total Townhouse Units 225
Duplexes
Total Duplex Units 54
Source: City of Oak Park Heights
•
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Livable Communities
In 1996, the City adopted a Livable Communities Action Plan in conformance with the
Metropolitan Livable Communities Act to address housing issues. The housing plan
encourages the development and maintenance of affordable and life cycle housing in
the City of Oak Park Heights. Additionally, the plan establishes housing goals and
policies that are to be implemented by specific programs, initiatives, and actions. Those
initiatives are directed specifically to provisions of additional affordable units, housing
demand and housing maintenance/rehabilitation. The issues of housing demand and
maintenance are addressed below.
Housing cost burden from 1990 to 2015, as reflected by numbers of households
spending more than 30 percent of income on housing, is reflected below for
homeowners and renters.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSING COST BURDEN
1990 2000 2010 2015
Homeowners Spending 143 206 428 208
30 Percent or more on
Housing (Households)
Renters Spending 30 170 197 468 689
percent of more on
Housing (Households)
Source: U.S. Census, Metropolitan Council
The Average Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a regions income. Half of
households in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median.
The Metropolitan Council uses these income levels as a way to assess affordability.
For example, a housing unit is affordable if a household income is at or below 80
percent of AMI, then the persons of the household can live there without spending more
than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. The table below indicates the current
affordability levels.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSING UNITS AFFORDABLE TO HOUSEHOLDS WITH
INCOME AT OR BELOW AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI)
30 percent 31 percent to 51 percent Below 80
or below 50 percent to 80 percent percent AMI
Oak Park Heights
Source: Metropolitan Council
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The Metropolitan Council has forecasted affordable housing needs for all cities and
townships within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area for the period from 2021 to 2030.
The housing plan element of the local comprehensive plan is required to reflect the
allocated portion of the forecasted demand for affordable housing. Oak Park Heights'
share of this allocation is 74 affordable housing units. The table below indicates the
affordable housing need allocation at or below 30 percent Area Median Income (AMI),
from 31 percent to 50 percent AMI, and from 51 percent to 80 percent AMI.
The City of Oak Park Heights remains committed to reaching this initiative. With the
continued development of affordable senior housing, it is expected that this goal will be
reached.
OAK PARK HEIGHTS AFFORDABLE
HOUSING NEED ALLOCATION
At or Below 30 Percent AMI 33
From 31 Percent to 50 Percent AMI 11
From 51 Percent to 80 Percent AMI 30
Total Units 74
Note: AMI = Area Median Income
Source: Metropolitan Council
Housing Demand
With ongoing commercial development and job growth in the St. Croix Valley, the
demand for housing will remain strong. This demand will promote the infill development
and possible redevelopment expected in the community. Much of the existing housing
stock in Oak Park Heights is assessed at less than the market value of new housing in
the area. As a result, the community provides a wide range of rental and ownership
options for affordable housing. Newer residential construction over the past decade has
been moderate to higher value housing resulting in a community with a wide range of
housing options.
The City of Oak Park Heights has a role in development of a housing program for the
community. The City's basic roles of providing adequate/appropriately zoned land and
services is critical. The City must also be supportive of the Washington County Housing
and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and its housing programs and funding sources to
bring about new construction, redevelopment, and rehabilitation where it will do the
most good to improve existing neighborhoods. Redevelopment of substandard
properties, creation of lots for affordable housing or working with local financial
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institutions on programs for first time homebuyers are continuing programs for the
Washington County HRA with the City's support.
Housing Maintenance/Rehabilitation
Generally, Oak Park Height's housing stock appears to be in good condition, but there
are areas in the community where some homes show signs of deterioration.
Additionally, problems have been noted with regard to unsightly appearance and
outdoor storage on some residential lots in the City. To insure quality neighborhoods
and to maintain property values, the City continues to take steps to improve residential
areas exhibiting signs of neglect. The City should consider the formulation and
enforcement of housing and ground maintenance regulations with specific attention to
building conditions, outdoor storage, and accessory uses. Effective enforcement of
these regulations is necessary and an ongoing responsibility of the City.
The community has been and continues to be supportive of rehabilitation programs for
existing dwelling units. Rehabilitation programs have been available through the
Washington County HRA. The City should continue to promote these programs,
consider establishing a local revolving fund for rehabilitation loans emphasizing low
interest loans to qualifying households, and to continue enforcement of existing codes
and regulations related to home and site maintenance and upkeep.
PROPOSED LAND USE MAP
The City of Oak Park Heights is designated as a "Suburban" in the Thrive MSP 2040
regional planning document adopted by the Metropolitan Council in 2014. Under that
classification, the overall density expectation is five units per acre. Previously, the City
had been designated as a "Developing Community" as part of the 2008 Comprehensive
Plan Update.
The Proposed Land Use Map on the following page illustrates the 2040 land use for
areas within the current boundaries of the City. The map does not vary significantly
from the Existing Land Use Map in that the City is almost completely developed. A
detailed discussion of the neighborhoods and commercial areas of the community is
found in detail within the Neighborhood Planning Districts section of this plan.
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PROJECTED LAND USE ACREAGE AND RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
Based upon the Proposed Land Use Map, the City has calculated the projected acreage
of land use from 2017 to 2040 in five-year increments. The existing vacant,
undeveloped land area in the City as of 2017 is 56 acres. Most of the projected
development is expected for commercial, highway business, low density residential,
medium density residential, and high density residential land uses. It is projected that
this development will occur prior to 2025. The table on the following page provides the
projected land use by category.
As of 2017, there were 265 acres of low density residential, 62 acres of medium density
residential, and 80 acres of high density residential land use. These acreages include
only the land area devoted strictly to that use. All of the areas of waterbodies, wetlands,
parks and open space, right-of-way, and other undeveloped land has been removed
from these totals.
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INSERT PROPOSED LAND USE MAP
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The resulting density in 2017 for each of these land use is as follows: the low density
residential density is 1-3 units per acre; the medium density residential density is 4-8
units per acre; and the high density residential density is 8-12 units per acre.
LAND USE TABLE IN FIVE YEAR STAGES
Existing Proposed Acreage Change
Acreage
2017-
2 017 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2040
Low Density (1-3 units/acre)] 265 269 272 272 272 272 7
Medium Density (4-8 units/acre) 62 62 67 67 67 67 5
Hi•h Densi (8-12 units/acre) 80 80 85 85 85 85 5
Commercial 212 223 231 231 231 231 19
Highway Business 74 83 91 91 91 91 17
Industrial 170 170 170 170 170 170 0
f
School Facilities 128 128 128 128 128 128 0
Quasi-Public/Utility 11 11 11 11 11 11 0
Government 192 192 192 192 192 192 0
Park Facilities/Open Space 140 140 140 140 140 140 0
Water 133 133 133 133 133 133 0
Vacant 56 32 3 3 3 3 53
Right of Way 349 349 349 349 349 349 0
TOTAL LAND/WATER AREA 1,872 1,872 1,872 1,872 1,872 1,872 0
Source: The Planning Company, Inc.
Comprehensive Plan 2018
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