HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-10-2007 Comprehensive Plan Update Committee Meeting PacketCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE COMMITTEE
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 6:30 PM
City Hall -- Large Conference Room
2008 Comprehensive Plan Discussion:
A. Revised Issues and Identification Sections
B. Consider 2008 Mission Statement, Values and Community Goals
C. Review Policies
D. Review Existing Land Use Map
•
MEMORANDUM
NORTHWEST ASSOCIATED CONSULTANTS, INC.
4800 Olson Memorial Highway, Suite 202, Golden Valley, MN 55422
Telephone: 763.231 .2555 Facsimile: 763.231.2561 planners@nacplanning.com
TO: Eric Johnson
FROM: Scott Richards
DATE: May 3, 2007
RE: Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan — May 10, 2007
Planning Commission and Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
FILE NO: 798.14
Please find attached the revised Introduction, Social Inventory and Issues Identification
sections of the Comprehensive Plan. This draft reflects the changes to the plan
resulting from the April 12, 2007 Planning Commission and Citizens Advisory
Committee meeting. As you consider these documents, please review the maps
carefully to determine if the Base Map is correct and the Issues and Opportunities Maps
contain all the necessary information.
Also find attached the draft Mission Statement, Values and Community Goals section.
We have adopted the mission statement and values from the existing statement and
values adopted by the City Council. An Existing Land Use Map is attached. The map
should be reviewed in detail to determine if the map accurately represents the current
land uses in the community. Finally, I have attached natural environment, land use, and
transportation policies that will be incorporated into the plan sections. Please note that
the policies are not in their final report format. The policies will be incorporated into the
specific plan sections as the draft progresses.
At the May 10, 2007 meeting, we should discuss the revised and new plan sections.
Finalization of the maps, especially the Existing Land Use Map and the goals and
policies will set the stage for development of the plan and implementation sections.
hilwd a onn1/1
... ._.:I∎ 1111
�� '�� ;� ���I1 II woo � C�7 �ID 11
is ■1 ■�■ 1 111111 ow . ®1 ■� X IIII
►� C 1111
- =�1 ' P7' ®
• 1:s ►� ■111■11I ■ lli
�� 1■
- -�� it
I' m-EN 111111 ■�� ■� ►572 ∎&1
lisomullommum, gra
1 ` ��:.�e L X11 11111 X11 ► ■
11■1�:: ■ �� ��
�� ■�
1111w E■ !■
■111111` = ■� ■■ � _
=-
i
'mum y
•
•
-
-
-.PP. - _.. .101
:111
gra
Rpm
• ••
Li LI u
'1
tag
fi
■U■11
■1■1
11111111 [1
uM111WU1111•
r:71"•11Mmi
NEN
111111
111111
MIN
1 1 111[111111
1 1
(7)
a)
C
a)
0
E
0
a)
2
0)
a)
•0
a)
a
a)
0
0)
1
1 1 1
•
a)
0
1
1
N
0
•
•
INTRODUCTION — GOALS AND POLICIES
GOALS AND POLICIES — NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
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. Without this direction, the plans and
programs which are presented are visionless attempts to improve the community.
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
City has expressed an interest in the preservation and enhancement of these features
within the City limits.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
1
GOALS AND POLICIES — NATURAL ENVIRONIVENT
WETLANDS, LAKES AND STREAMS
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 . Relate development/redevelopment to the natural characteristics of the land to
enhance the development through the preservation of attractive natural amenities
(i.e., wetlands, creeks, wooded areas, slopes, etc.).
B. 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.
C. Preserve natural drainage patterns wherever feasible.
D. Require all development/redevelopment to manage its on -site storm water
generation to ensure no negative impact to downstream flooding or water quality.
E. 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.
F. Maintain and update as necessary floodplain, shoreland and wetland regulations
to regulate development within these sensitive areas.
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. Plan enhanced entrances to the City to include signage, landscaping and other
appropriate features.
G. Encourage a coordinated effort in comprehensive streetscaping, landscaping and
entrance planning implementation to tie areas of Oak Park Heights together
visually.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
2
•
•
•
H. Provide City financial support to the ongoing tree protection, streetscape and
landscaping programs.
NATURAL FEATURES
Goal: Ensure preservation and enhancement of views, 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.
D. Protect and preserve soil types associated with drainageways in order to channel
flowage, control erosion, and prevent flooding.
E. Review development/redevelopment plans to evaluate the effect of development/
41 0 redevelopment on significant views for other surrounding properties.
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. In areas of potential noise, air, or light pollution, implement design approaches to
reduce possible problems.
C. Initiate, promote, update, and support programs which are aimed at monitoring
and reducing air, noise, light, ground water, and soil pollution and contamination.
SOLAR ACCESS
GOALS AND POLICIES — NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Goal 1: Protect reasonable access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems.
Policies:
A. Consider modification of existing ordinances to protect access of direct sunlight
to roof tops of all principal structures.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
3
B. Encourage developers to establish covenants that do not restrict the
development and use of active and /or passive solar energy systems.
C. Encourage builders and developers to offer solar energy system options, to the
extent practical, for space heating and cooling and hot water heating in new
residential, commercial and industrial developments.
RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE REDUCTION
GOALS AND POLICIES - NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Goal 1: 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.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
4
•
•
•
•
•
•
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
GOALS AND POLICIES — 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.
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 pity 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 Baytown Township and adjacent 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. Maintain and strengthen the character of individual neighborhoods, commercial
districts, and industrial areas.
B. 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.).
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
1
C. 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.
D. 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.
E. Infill development of compatible land uses shall be strongly encouraged.
F. Where practical, conflicting and non- complementary uses shall be eliminated
through removal and relocation.
G. Encourage the development and redevelopment of under - utilized and blighted
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.
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.
RESIDENTIAL LAND USE
Goal 1:
GOALS AND POLICIES — LAND USE
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. Existing, undeveloped, residential land, and redevelopment areas shall be
developed in a manner responsive to determined market needs and compatible
with the surrounding area.
B. Encourage design and planning innovations in housing units and land
development.
C. 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.
D. 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.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
2
•
•
1
GOALS AND POLICIES — LAND USE
E. Allow the development of additional owner and renter occupied affordable
housing units on a case -by -case basis to achieve established housing goals.
F. Encourage development of housing options to meet the needs of all segments of
the population, including the disabled, through life cycle housing.
G. Develop housing options that will meet the continuing demand for senior living
housing.
H. Housing units identified as substandard shall be rehabilitated, replaced, or
developed with an appropriate guided land use, wherever possible.
I. The City shall pursue state and federal funding mechanisms for provision of new
and rehabilitated housing.
•
•
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. Actively pursue 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 high quality design and construction standards for new construction
and redevelopment projects.
C. 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.
D. Consider mixed land uses as an alternative land use option in planning and
redevelopment of obsolete commercial, industrial, or residential areas.
E. Encourage development of multiple family housing units above retail and service
uses in the appropriately zoned areas.
F. 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.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
3
COMMERCIAL LAND USE
GOALS AND POLICIES — 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.
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. Create a uniform streetscape treatment emphasizing street trees, landscape
elements, parking lot improvements, and lighting.
D. Work with Mn /DOT during the construction of the St. Croix River Crossing and
Highway 36 improvements to allow adequate access and visibility for the
commercial areas.
E. Address parking issues and review supply and demand, signage and education
programs for better parking utilization.
F. Update architectural design guidelines to guide the commercial areas'
development and redevelopment.
G. 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 Highways 5 and 36
corridors.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
4
•
•
k
•
GOALS AND POLICIES — LAND USE
B. Highways 5 and 36 serve as primary entrances to the community and should be
considered as gateways with appropriate signage and attractive, functional
development.
C. Work with Mn /DOT on issues related to maintenance and in phasing /design of
the Highway 36 improvements.
D. Encourage investment in rehabilitation and redevelopment of substandard
properties along the highway corridors.
E. Ensure that all service and commercial uses are adequately screened or buffered
from any adjacent residential development.
F. Encourage a unified and planned development pattern.
G. Commercial and service areas should provide safe and convenient pedestrian
movement, including access for persons with disabilities.
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.
C. Redevelopment of the Xcel Ash Disposal Facility into park and open space will
be a priority for the City.
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. Business /warehouse and industrial areas shall be adequately screened from
residential areas according to City codes.
D. 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.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
5
INSTITUTIONAL LAND USE
GOALS AND POLICIES — 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.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
6
•
•
•
•
INTRODUCTION
Transportation systems are comprised of various modes which respond to the access
needs of the community. All of the transportation modes must be considered in the
planning process to ensure a balanced operation as well as a system that responds to
all of its users. Factors affecting transportation are the placement of land uses and
activities which generate demand on the system. The following goals and policies are
provided for transportation planning and development.
GENERAL GOALS AND POLICIES
Goal 1:
GOALS AND POLICIES - TRANSPORTATION
Approach transportation in a comprehensive manner, giving attention to all
modes while providing safe and convenient movement of all persons and
vehicles.
Policies:
A. Consider all modes of transportation and related facilities as a system to be
coordinated and related on a comprehensive basis.
B. Plan transportation facilities to function in a manner compatible with adjacent
land use.
• C. Consider the mobility needs of all persons in the planning and development of
the transportation system.
D. Encourage citizen involvement in transportation planning and implementation
projects.
Goal 2: Coordinate transportation planning and implementation with state, county,
and other local jurisdictions.
Policies:
A. Work with Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(Mn /DOT) to discuss the ways and means by which their long term transportation
planning goals can be met to satisfy both regional and local needs.
B. Cooperate with neighboring jurisdictions on coordination of street and roadway
extensions and improvements.
C. Plan for a highway and local road system that complements and facilitates local
movement provided by local streets, bicycle trails, and pedestrian facilities.
D. Continue to maintain a line of communication with county and state highway
officials in order to ensure that planned improvements are consistent with the
goals and objectives of the community.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
1
FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF STREETS
Class
Function
Provide Access To
Principal
Arterial
Service to major centers of activity, provides
continuity to rural arterial system
Principal arterials
Minor arterials
Minor Arterial
Service of an intra- community nature, urban
concentrations to rural collector roads
Principal arterials
Collector streets
Land
Collector Street
Local collection and distribution between collector
streets and arterials, land access to minor generators
Land
Minor arterials
Local streets
Local Streets
Service to abutting land
Land
Higher order systems
Source: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Goal 3:
GOALS AND POLICIES - TRANSPORTATION
Develop a system of priorities for improving the various elements of the
transportation network emphasizing the highest possible standards of
safety and efficiency.
Policies:
A. Continue to update the Capital Improvement Plan for transportation facilities.
B. Maintain a functional classification system for the street system in Oak Park
Heights using the classification system developed by Mn /DOT as found in the
table below.
C. Eliminate and prevent any on- street parking which conflicts with moving traffic or
creates hazards.
D. Relate street improvements to area land development in order to minimize
interrupted or inadequate access.
E. Require design and control of all intersections to promote proper visibility and
safety.
F. Develop a uniform system and policy regarding public signage which eliminates
unnecessary signs and replaces outdated, inappropriate and confusing public
signs.
G. Correct traffic safety hazards within the community as these are identified.
H. Reserve required rights -of -way as part of the City's platting process.
I. Where feasible and practical, consider establishing pedestrian and bicycle trails
in conjunction with development subdivision and street and highway
improvements.
J. Continue the street reconstruction programs to update and improve the City's
utility and transportation systems.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
2
•
•
•
HIGHWAY 36 AND ST. CROIX RIVER CROSSING
GOALS AND POLICIES — TRANSPORTATION
Goal 1: Resolve issues related to the Highway 36 improvements and St. Croix
River Crossing with the result being construction of the highway and bridge in a manner
acceptable to the City of Oak Park Heights and affected jurisdictions.
Policies:
A. Work with Mn /DOT on issues related. to roadway and bridge construction and
timing; funding of utility reconnections; final roadway design; intersections and
frontage roads; bicycle and pedestrian access; lighting; signage; landscaping;
and other issues concerning the City.
B. Work with Mn /DOT to assure maintenance of the existing roadway systems prior
to reconstruction of the highway and bridge.
C. Provide assurance from Mn /DOT that adequate access, signage and visibility be
provided for Oak Park Heights' residents and businesses during the
reconstruction project.
TRANSIT
Goal 1: Provide enhanced mass transit options for the residents of Oak Park
• Heights and the St. Croix Valley area.
•
Policies:
A. Work with the Metropolitan Council and State representatives on development of
enhanced transit systems for Oak Park Heights and the St. Croix Valley area.
B. Encourage options for increased ride share programs and expand park and ride
facilities in Oak Park Heights.
C. Continue participation in ongoing feasibility studies for mass transit and rail
options for Highway 36 and 94.
Oak Park Heights Comprehensive Plan
3
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:
Planning Commission:
Citizen Members:
Staff /Consultants:
City of Oak Park Heights
David Beaudet, Mayor
Les Abrahamson
Jack Doerr
Mary McComber
Mark Swenson
Chuck LeRoux
Mike Liljegren
Mark Powell
Mike Runk
Warren Wasescha
Chuck Dougherty
Mary Frantzen
Jonathan Nye
Jennifer Olson
Bill Selb
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Eric Johnson, City Administrator
Scott Richards, City Planner, Northwest
Associated Consultants, Inc.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction and Community Background 1
Social Inventory
Issues Identification
Mission Statement and Community Goals
Land Use
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Land Use Plan
Housing
Transportation
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Transportation Plan
Community Facilities
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Community Facilities Plan
Parks and Trails
Physical Profile
Goals and Policies
Parks and Trails Plan
Administration
Goals and Policies
Administration Plan
Implementation
City of Oak Park Heights
Page
Comprehensive Plan 2008
List of Maps:
Oak Park Heights Base Map
Land Use Issues Map
Transportation Issues Map
Parks and Trails Issues Map
Community Facilities Issues Map
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
2000 Washington County Employment
2000 Educational Attainment
1989 and 1999 Income
Oak Park Heights 1989 and 1999 Household Income
City of Oak Park Heights
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Comprehensive Plan 2008
•
•
1
Housing in Oak Park Heights is both attractive and diverse and includes 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 31
years.
INTRODUCTION AND COMMUNITY BACKGROUND
The City of Oak Park Heights is located 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
p p
last 10 years to almost 5,000 persons. The City is surrounded by the City of Stillwater
to the north, the City of Bayport to the southeast, Baytown Township to the south and
Lake Elmo to the west. The area was first platted in the last 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 a freestanding urban growth area (for expansion of water
and sewer) 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 Highway 5
commercial areas, Xcel Energy power generation plant, the Sunnyside Marina, and the
State of Minnesota Correctional Facility.
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 Advisory Commission.
The Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 1998. 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 September 2008. The City will
also be updating its utility plans as part of this process. Once the Comprehensive Plan
is completed, the City will also update its Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan
and amend its Zoning Ordinance and map, as necessary.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
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 1998 Comprehensive Plan as it is outdated
with the current growth and change over the past 10 years. A Comprehensive Plan
Update Committee was formed in 2006 to guide the process which includes the
Planning Commission, City Council, citizen members and City staff.
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 an interview, 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 particular 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 at this time. 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 2007. This will be used throughout
the plan as the basis for mapping the City of Oak Park Heights.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 2
•
•
•
IA ism
a■
1 ■
■ ;■ :I
Ed . : 11..
IIII IN
■ ■u
111111
a mmus ii :r II01.1 I IIII • iu1e --
H . 611
r■I multi ■ II: tt
a1p i iE .. ... • l ii
.1 0.41 110a
wito
i
4, k-_,
1111 ra
l ai
MIL
tilr
(� _ ■..■■ 111111 ■11 ■■i - �
LE X11 �. II ■1� 1
III■1■ m II 111=
Nom
= 111111111:111111 1111•111111M 1111.■■
■111111■■ 11 . 1
11 �o ■
:, ■
��1111111�i��
:1.111.111.0 u: .
mum '� I
�
mum 1_ .,
■.IIIIIIIi■■u■ ..s
■111111.1.. m, ,
. . • Y • . .
min
111
��111
E111■
11 ■
Rogyn„ •
IA* .41,10111011
IN Is. cm am
1 1111 uI■ Ern
Ila •
i 1
riii 1' 111
■■�IU.lI UhI_
I■
111111, 111
me . =NMI
1 5 rL P 1
Ell
•
•
W IPP ri P.'
_pro II01�"
ruin
1r
�
III !r/ 1���� • � I� 1
../. - Jiii iiile liss
A lliMMIlid g
I1►11t1
1111111111111P
L
I Iv
■
Ar
1;1
51.11 :11
1
s1
"11111.11■I
EREmmumi
11
��
H11 1
E11
FiT11 EEL
LEW
fi
1111111
1[111
1 1111
11111
:11
s
11 111
LE: EE
111111
111111
r 1
1111 1
1 1111
111111
H 1
••1�
1111��
11111 1
1 Ilh
■u ■11
■1 ■i
111
111111 1111
rA111111
111111111
1i11 11111
11111111 11
1111 UII
II1111111
ITi
1 1 IIII 1
1 1111111
1 11111111111
1 1 1111 11
11 11111 11
1 11111 111
111111 1 1
1111111
111111
1 1 1 11 ILLIA_LI
Q.
c�
cz
.� C
C o • to .ED _
c
W N
CO o OV
- o
Q
co o
oso
co z <
•
z
a)
PO PULATION GROWTH
1990
2000
2005*
2010 *
Projection
1990 -2010
% Change
2030 *
Projection
2000 -2030
% Change
Oak Park
Heights
3
3
4
5,500
37%
5,700
31%
Bayport
3 200
3,162
3
4 600
30%
6, 000
47%
Stillwater
13
15
17
19
27%
19,900
24%
Lake Elmo
5,903
6
7,966
9,952
41%
24,000
71%
Washington Co.
145, 896
201
224 857
258 502
44%
365 570
45%
Source: U.S. Census
1990, 2000 *Estimate from Minnesota State Demographer
•
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
fp The statistics in the following table illustrate the trends in population within Oak Park
Heights, surrounding cities, and Washington County. Between 1990 and 2005, the City
grew at a rate of 25 percent, while Washington County grew at a 35 percent rate. The
populations of the surrounding communities of Stillwater and Lake Elmo have been
growing at a similar pace since 1990, while the City of Bayport has seen a slight decline
in population.
The population increases in the City have been attributed to job growth, and a continued
interest in residential development in Oak Park Heights. The 2005 estimate and the
2010 projection of population reflected in the chart below is from the State of Minnesota.
The State numbers are generally regarded as being accurate population estimates
during non - census years.
City of Oak Park Heights
SOCIAL INVENTORY
Comprehensive Plan 2008
Page 5
OAK PARK HEIGHTS 1990 AND 2000 HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Household Type
Total
Households
Households w/
Children
Households w/o
Children
Persons Per
Household
1990
2000
1990
2000
1990
2000
Family - Married Couple
655
698
324
329
331
369
Family- Male Householder
36
69
23
42
13
27
Family- Female Householder
138
155
100
108
38
47
Total Family
829
922
447
479
382
443
Non - Family Households
493
606
7
8
486
598
Total Households
1,322
1,528
454
487
868
1,041
Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000
1990 -2004 OAK PARK HEIGHTS HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION
Year
Population
Households
Persons Per
Household
1990
3,486
1,322
2.64
2000
3,957
1,528
2.25
2005
4,664
1,968
2.08
Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer
HOUSEHOLD GROWTH AND TYPES
In looking at the data for Oak Park Heights since 1990, 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 2005 estimate of population and households reflected below is from the State of
Minnesota. The State numbers are generally regarded as being accurate population
estimates during non - census years.
The 1990 and 2000 Census provides a demographic profile of the households in Oak
Park Heights as illustrated in the following table. As the table indicates, in 1990 of the •
total number of households in Oak Park Heights, 447 contained at least one child and
324 were considered families with children. In 2000, the number of households with at
least one child slightly increased to 479. The number of non - family households
remained fairly constant from 1990 to 2000, increasing by only one household.
City of Oak Park Heights
SOCIAL INVENTORY
Comprehensive Plan 2008
Page 6
•
•
OAK PARK HEIGHTS POPULATION GROWTH BY AGE GROUP
A. e Group
.: - ,v:... -.',,: .: .. -•..: ... : , •, . ..
•,... „y •:. ..,.. .. ,. . ..4 ..�y.:t
..... .,r . ..... rt'`n. ..'x. , .. .
,.. .F. -..:. .... ..,..,,a .., . .. .. .. .
18
. :. .:.. .. ... :. . :s � ,.. :: v.-
. n .9 .. _.. -. -.. ..
f.�. -- .,. -.n .. ...,.n
... �' > - � T ! ..
.}' :'. {, ,t� n ., t. ::.
t. :. . ,. :L'S. .. Ri, .. A_ . x - ,
., .._ .� �° San . ., r . a
'k ..:::. `.r. ._..- ..tt ... 'fin]
: .°:. x ... T' , .,, :5. -.
X . F.- .l.... -. K -. ....x ...... tid
..... .. ... ... ... ... ,. r t"Jt„
, :....... ....4 ,. ro_..°n.,.. ',. ... a:.
.. , ..n 3. ,t 3.
, ...r ,. ... ,... ..:.,. (� . ... .........
°- ' : r., :x ..IX..,�o'}: ,... a ., _...,.. ..
.: ,. ..JJi.. •S-
.. { • �.:k ,, ,W 3 . {:. .._. , <, ..
..... Y _, ..Y : ♦
...: n,o ... 7t., .., t.. 5" J
a:.... rcr. .: ''o.:,.Y. n - :.a.C:
.N .. ., 3. ., .. k. �-.' )h. ...
,, ..,� .n.r.. .... x. - -. .. .. s. .�:
, . s .., , -�; .v�r.
`F'. :. Sa4� s. Yi : �� - .. \. ...,.. \x . Y .
19 -39
1990
..,. .:. .. .C^ •,c .. ...
an ...,n..] . .. ,. °:. •:. '�•^ < °.
£' ....... .N.. .Y''"� , w ,� .. ..
�... - ..,r ..J +fir ti�'. „ , .., ... ... ......
... ... ..
... ... _,,:
42Jk.:
883
... w .. ✓..
..r..�:n ,. .:�. t ,ty •.... k,.. .... ... ..,f,.. .#n.w
............ .. ? , .... ..
..... .. ... ........ ... n , .. ° ... Jii. .. .: ...L4.A:.
.... n. n. .,.... .n , .. v.. ., .., -, , .n . FC....
.1.. ..... n.. 4,..v4: , >, .. .- r......
,.... � : ............ ... -. ! .....� . , ...Y. w..
.:. - t,... . •, . -, .�+�?g. ,.. ..: n
�q
J iv.. ,R. ri� . , , � , x A.. {J
k 4,... .. Y:• -.. -. v.:.
i ' .:.. .... ,.:. .., ° >,y ...... .,c. .....,...nn
a - ...::. �:h4. ., "Y .. ... k "0•'A £ . .
.- . , ,: K �.. ,,,. -,. , .°. w
:........ r.. A:.:: ,.. W..t. ...an , .w. „v . .. .. .....
.- ° S .� .vt. n. ... t. - _..,. .. <. n ....
a ], ,l. .w .a.:. -... .,... .t ,., . -•. ... ,..£. .. ..,
... ....... .... ,3...n..�.a. r... ... ,. .. .. ..
, n.. ....� :.. .. ........ .b.. .. . -... '"5„ A.
.,: ., v. ,.,,v ....... .- .{_:f.° . ..:...:. ..... ..�x.r ,-
>?.... n. -. .: .Mnv ....- 2 ...... ..... ..... .. ,. rXt,
.,. 1.:.:. ° fi °. �::..... . ., ._ - Q¢ fF n , � i.
,. �. _. x: °:.: ,:z :...;., ° +.- i };.e. ,...,.t� fi:•..
1,290
1990%
•: -.. • �`: ..°:'k . ?�, ' ?9 , ..
.....a ... , .. a, t � § x:dh
..hc. -a.,. : -rr �
.. .- tk: . °>', hShw. .v
ri:. ..w., -.- ... ,.. .. A n .. ..n ,.
,, : °.y
S , C k
ryni-: \- . } ,t.tdh
ry
' ..
; °}, wG£f°n
25.33
.. :v., ., .,. n.
J
q(� , ' ,n
} J ....
, e ,Jf .... „°
S ,.. ..,.... a.. `i , 1
vS � f x ,.�. tto.
::.:.... n. . .,
� ,. A k4' . .. L Lr 'v'
-. a -n .a. .. > ��aa w
$.. ., m. .,..... . .. ° .
+a. -..1,. >,. ...r. :: .. °. ^°P
, - ., -. ✓.. ., :.
r., , >, ..x x,. +'4 . //$�
- ....,. :. ',k. .. ,{ .n
...r ..,, m Qf �..
.v ., ., �a .: ,. ..
<.,�3, ,,.
.- x, ,. ..- .... .. .. ...
:X $ .. .. e .. 'ryrn.na..... m. .... .... • .: ..
F .. rn. ... ... .. .. ,... ., ...v.,3 � M...n
...:. , ... .... . Y. .. a .. , ✓,.
J � 1 4 +'tr i, i.R .K..
•. `�:�' -. .:::. '..,..:. :.,r.5..' -.. "'+e`�aiY, °...x.,:.x
37.01
° -: .3, .]�•i' 4.
v° t !r 4�:. t
. . )• : ,. a3
$. ai � „'`"'�
v .y :.: :r:
°: x 4, :. , .°..:: , • -,. n H:., , .r. :•r.°
fit, ..4..
+� r:. , : ri.
.. .t.. . ,t✓r... •.�:.,
a .n ... 4. .. .�`. -.'
• ., � - . :,:. „3 ::,. .. .
. Y . i: ..:: i.- t. ... :lJ
+•,3s Y `7K..
,.! , C .
..T'''"' ... .. .: ... .. ,:t•J.A'a.
.. ,,r Y....
vv. ]!,y, N. °.�,. n,-Y :'. ��:
. : r �T� .v.P
v. ,: ] h.
; " .. ,.. + !r. t: :
.:. •. ° � t•.- < -/ . .
.:: �- r . " :. .. ... i`r
..... .. n k,
fi ... .... :, •� .} .:r.... � .�
.. M1..C.M�.
.>iii:. .. .:. tn.. � .j
.... ,. •.. : " . 4
.x%.. Fw :.::'e.
�?....... ..4 h
-.. v,..v... ...4, , :yk.,.sr f' 4
dtw ,a,. Y,
, ... .... ....... ,. ..
... ... .. ..:ox�:`t- -..
2000
?'K h ,'' iV
'. �
..'.a. : ik '�. �x � 'F °=•
, TC .N ,h..
.- .ra : ..d.$>i. . , .a�
2 ��aw
nX � - �. a
- ' nin yy
rs'nC
'� a. .E \ ' : L w .1. .....
} er, - 863 �
.... :. .t �. ..... k.. : Under
'�,... wC :�'.. y
'\ r4Y..' :'X >u.. ti
v�'1.'�. . M 4i }R•. n YP 1.•.' {•::v: :S::.iA 'R
.e \. ,h 9:. : :•f.ftlO. A °::,.:l
ir :: )
:.: d, a'C s'C- .`• 5•�
t . r ?. ri., 'X"�t x
:. h` . �- -
'v F':, .,r-.' ...t... Y.
a •.'� �i.'. . k t ,n `C
2 ,.4•. .r6',v..x
Y {: -. � . tii -,. ,b•• ; ,�s
-1.... {., ..3?., �h� �
.. v. .:. -.xKr ,...
�3- ... .:. -. .,.
''t'yv : : \..- .. ,.... ..
1,374
2000%
✓( H' '} A r.::iv� :� - ��
� . d72• °s
°4. �.. a5
21.80
v ?F , ...
� � \..U:.. . ,A �.!•. ,t
- ?i}i
r.. . .
�' ° : i . .. +
� x..'. .`k.!ii.
:.2 , .'!v :'bD• ,
-
a, . °a,°
y:� :.F')'. !a °::
�y �.
... .}3���. :.l .v.:'h L... l ...
34.72
40 -59
771
22.12
1,076
27.21
60 -64
110
3.16
136
3.44
Sub -Total
.. .... ,- - , - ..
., , .. .: , ... ....; . ..
qqpp++. .. .. .a.. ,:• ...,.
:V+N°.�A C .. , ... .. , w -.- -. .,.
.n n .. ..v. .. .v .r. ,
.: : : ,- .. ....n.. .._ ... ..... )
. .. ; ., .... ...), :. - n.. °:. .° - A•.
-. .n.
r, q .•,� .: .. '. .yF: . -.... , .- v'tw. :k a.
: ,. .. .. .. Kd}::. x a y.
.. ... ? , ... ....... .$.. - ,. :• .
�,, , ..,., .v : ,S s< �!a• 5 ,•
.c,•. `•x�'
65 -69
3,054
, .., ..n. -. .w. .. . , -. _ ..
...,. ... .>_.<. .... .F�... .t4
v. n- ..v. -,. s -, .'4. ... :. .. .. ..
.. n .. .. _. �.v .- h+. ::,
.:, ........, .. .. •:Yi, ] 1�.4
, .,.., :.. Y � .. .4: - .k .... , 4.
,,., , ., °:. pp(( '✓. , . °. .:av ., .:c ..�..,, .F.,..
,.. :... .. %t... K .. .. ..
a.. v' ,...:.yt3.0. °. ° .- ::.� .°.°.°�,+
. •..... .... . ..t._ . 3.. - ::: Vin,. ° '° a .
r . ..�� . .: x,r.°' , .: to n..z:.... .,
r.. � ,,. ,
:. .}. ..r .. n
{� , r- ?. . .:.1: v . v: '$,
N. ,1 fA. �..y�; .. ., A?, .. >.- r ::
,, . �: . "�, `; 1, ..: .... .:. r•...
tt� C ^ ..A.. ,ri .. �,, ui s �.
:.. . xx, >Y ..i ":'?...:u X' v,..�W.. z,'..
124
87.62
a.. - , x,.. .. . !
.,: : }.; :• - °.. v . ,: .t, `�.
n -. ... . :. .,.. �;£:.
11�.• ) •, i'.iF r $Y'$_�r: �• .i. &"
{ ..,. !'a3' v .r
.,n : ...v .- '.ak° '. M S -
,. !,. y ..3
., , r, h . .. '� '' y,: .� Y�i
:1,. ., R'
, °. - a''�` yr
�: JK t2k
,.✓, - . t :� , .. )
°. .; , v .zW-.. �
,Ks.. to
ros •r
..,,n, , . �ruv:. , .� Y�a„�
3.56
Sub -Total
'v..np �!.y .. 3.. .,�5+�.
... YY'r :. - &>.. - ).. .,: '�R
:N:' �'' 6�Lg, %� .v lt; w4
.4 '}} bi: h, ro °S r,, + �,, , Y
Y. ^' 6 ... }\
�. ,,. , ... •%,.v .f A '.3:• °:1�}:�: S
°r , °b `•
. °:'t , ° C n.'•:°�4 r:
:!4: .,
� a•. QY }!' ��.:'� �';JQ:• ,. +{,
<,�� - W.:• hi'.S'/.. .. �$ + h
v.xiV:i .a. ,S •). ) C v e�"G�;':i-
tn,,.. .t ,:,,.d.`':'.. .••
4t. %t]• �'. k.Yh,, ° a�- ,,, } 2� d'9;
+" +- 4, ., wrw., °.. n a..s. ., .�i
3,449
✓, ''ix' W :'8 S -S5: 3
-`t.: +.,Y,�,
'.� J F k�i, ���{
2 y
' 4:' S 2 :4 J;?,.
^'O� v , ..F. v,. �.
wl.w � :k �q,�
,.r.r ::owr'
a
.:\ ,.�
IX.' r�✓, / ,K'' n
..7 r °.(a
i, '',r � :�
.. ,r. :� >,cd.•.a.�2 ?.�'a»
.A..,4 ,�,
122
v. SS: Y.'.)'..
S C,.
Yf1
':YCi /, ''� � i
�.;, Y.rc
°.�
R.ar.. .
'�
,°:, !
,i.:. .. tl
�d+l
4.
Ya
Y, °.
:.
�2t` x °.
87.16
„�':: i M �.
."C {.� ..5�' �w
l Y L fin. �.
= '�j
� Y 'N+h•N 'h �
:;: D, a
y.,•.. ;, 1 ..: , ;. 6 nA'i: R' N.,
x t Y.r:'•} n':,. lAt
S., r✓
.!
'4Y t'
r.,.,..::r£..7,.?��.T,r,a. ki:'
3.08
70 -79
183
5.25
225
5.68
80+
125
3.59
161
4.07
Sub -Total
432
12.4
Sub -Total
508
12.83
TOTAL
3,486
100%
3,957
100%
Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer
AGE CHARACTERISTICS
SOCIAL INVENTORY
The following table illustrates Oak Park Heights' population by age group. The table
utilizes information from the 1990 and 2000 Census. In 1990, the labor force (ages 19-
39) represented the largest age group, at 37.01 percent. In 2000 this age group (ages
18 -54) was again the City's largest, accounting for 34.72 percent of the total population.
At 25.33 percent in 1990, the next largest age group for this Census year was school
age children. In 2000, the second largest age group was the labor force (ages 40 -59),
at 27.21 percent. The retired age group represented 12.4 percent of the total population
in 1990, and 12.83 percent in 2000. It is expected that the retired age group will
become the fastest growing segment of the population in the coming decade. Changes
in the demographics of the City and surrounding area will have significant planning
Y
implications for the future.
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan 2008
Page 7
1990 AND 2000 OCCUPATIONS
Oak Park Heights
Washington
1990
%
County
2000
%
1990
%
2000
%
Natural Resources and
Mining
2
.12
8
.44
948
1.2
452
.41
Construction
68
4.4
110
6.0
4,145
5.4
6,120
5.6
Manufacturing
387
24.8
367
20.2
18,034
23.6
19,165
17.6
Trade, Transportation and
Utilities
120
7.7
347
19.0
9,120
11.9
22,727
'
20.9
Information and Retail
208
13.4
39
2.1
11,484
15.0
2,986
2.7
Financial Activities
148
9.5
93
5.1
6,235
8.1
10,340
9.5
Professional and Business
Services
69
4.4
176
9.7
3 136
4.1
10 841
,
10
Education and Health
Services
275
17.7
313
17.2
12,051
15.7
19,791
'
18.2
Leisure and Hospitality
61
3.9
193
10.6
2,699
3.5
6,496
5.9
Other Services
70
4.5
74
4.0
5,079
6.6
4,383
4.1
Government
149
9.6
100
5.5
3,721
4.9
5,521
5.1
TOTAL
1,557
100
1,820
100
76,652
100
108,822
100
Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer
OCCUPATION
SOCIAL INVENTORY
Information from the 1990 and 2000 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 1990 and 2000 were in manufacturing. The
second largest category was trade, transportation and utilities, employing 19 percent of
the population in 2000, followed closely by Education and Health Services at 17.2
percent. Smaller portions of the work force are divided up amongst leisure and
hospitality, professional and business services, and other occupations. Employment
demographics for Washington County follow a very similar pattern.
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan 2008
Page 8
2005 WASHINGTON COUNTY
2005
Percent
Natural Resources and Mining
779
1.1
Construction
4
6.2
Manufacturing
11
15.2
Trade, Transportation and
Utilities
14 971
,
20.4
Information
675
.90
Financial Activities
5
7.0
Professional and Business
Services
5,822
7.9
Education and Health Services
8,084
11.0
Leisure and Hospitality
10
13.9
Other Services
2 395
3.3
Government
9,604
13.1
TOTAL
73,485
100%
Source: Minnesota Dept of Employment and Economic
Development
•
•
The following table represents the most recent employment demographics for
Washington County.
SOCIAL INVENTORY
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 9
2000 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT (Ages 25 and over)
Oak Park Heights
Washington County
Level Attained
2000
2000 %
2000
2000 %
<9th Grade
83
3.0
1,982
1.5
9 to 12 Grade (no diploma)
165
6.1
5,684
4.4
High School Graduate
849
31.5
33,378
26.0
Some College (no degree)
715
26.5
33,126
25.9
Associate Degree
230
8.5
10,617
8.3
Bachelor's Degree
509
18.9
30,015
23.4
Graduate Degree
148
5.5
13,413
10.5
TOTAL
2,699
100%
128,215
100%
% of High School Grad +
89.1%
24.4%
94.1%
33.9%
% of Bachelor's Degree +
Source: U.S. Census 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer
EDUCATION
SOCIAL INVENTORY
The following table illustrates education levels for residents ages 25 and over in 2000.
As indicated, approximately 90.9 percent of the population has attained a high school
diploma or higher degree, while 24.4 percent of the population has attained a Bachelor's
degree or higher. For Washington County, 94.1 percent of the population has obtained
a high school degree or higher and 33.9 percent have been awarded a Bachelor's
degree or higher.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 10
1
1989 AND 1999 INCOME
AND 1999 HOUSEHOLD INCOME
198
19
Category
Number of
Households
.. ,.. ... .. :..... :... . . :.:. .. :. .. .,... ;.,
pp .'>R �.: 0.
-:� :i )M ° � , . �}' •. :. n }.n :0. -. ... ..M v .ri.. �S ,v' ='. :. v
-.`�✓. ... ., ). � - ?.- ,....:.. ..,. .. .q. . �.
r.. ... , s . Jn,, b. ? .WJS .. -. r? . ., }.. -. .... ,,,,3-..:: �: x .: ..
.. , .... -... ..r K:.. ,. ..
v. ... %. .. ..- .. £vi. ... ,. tx> ... .,,Q'. !.. ..
.. .. ,. .... . -n. ... ,... ...na -..., .,,.. x. :3.. .. ...
... .,++�� ..a . ... ....
<.:.b ...ro , .. ... .t v...!5- :..h... Al. §..... .. .. x; ...
H � . ._.. ....�...- ... <, ... ,., -.. - � ..�• > � n
.. .. .. ... ... ,nJ .. .... .. .........Z .. ....... >Yt .... ,. .., � �' .- .. -,..
... - . . - ..x„v. ..- ..rv..... . ... .... . � . .... . ....... ........
.,.. �! .. ! ...... .... t..... 512..... r,.. .. .r .... -...
.... .d ...\ .n ..h .. ... ... .nn..,: ....X.. .d! `,�....:. /.. .R. .,........ -.... .., ..
2 ..n to .,,n . .. ..... ..... n,:.:.. .. ... - .. .:. .,..
. %- .... n...� Y , .. vr. .. , .:.... � - .Y.. .- �
... ., "r ,.. _. ^t+. .....ro,..:... R,R.E . ... ... . ..- . .
,. : .. F ... . ) v.. ...... .. P, .. .n .. ::.::. .... .. ... }... .. -.... ... ....t...
..X. a., .. , .......- .... ...z.,.,...>:
. .. ...... . .. .ia v. .... r..r e. .,. .., J .. x. ..^.. ....
: b 11J. .a ... .......... .. 1... ........
d..v.. -. ... .. -.. ..... :U .x. r.. .. .1 :... .... : .. . .. ... .r...wn. .. ... ... ....v.......
.c .. .... t. .- .n...vv,,<<...s...,..,. .-,... ...r. .., } .,.- .- ._. - ., .3•..> . .... .........
::., -..p . -..; ...:.,.: : ,.. 2 . : -:• [ 95. � ...r...n ..Y. ,.......w.
�lHlm xhyN3 = =. .rfv; in- .'t. v. ..'•.' .. � �. � :.. ,. .,. ':" t.... =.v :!;�1,:t:.�.h•vv:: ,v::::
Oak Park Heights
Per Capita
Income
t� h$ut . n
... •.�. a. . ... -: .� 7/7".1W-
'. 1, et0: .. .r,
.. ....- .a?.,. c _
. , . Y
.. a :. .-r.A:. .. .. ,.
v v r _...�':t..,..
,x .. .. ♦.a :�: -„
.t /... ' -
, J� ..Mh a.. 0 .,. . t � '
.... » r ,.. a
_n .- V... -.:.. .v.. .H � i.. •; '
... x•!}
..J). r. }n,.. a..... .$ , ":
.Yn. 4 ..v A ,.
.. , - .: 5.1
.. S . ,,., - .. ,.5 .. .
.- .. =:a>. .. f V.. ,•.,C.. .. a>.. C. .. - x-
.. w. H ..... :- .} ., .. .:. . h. , 3
-. -. � - , , ... r
\ -- ..- .. t.. i v.
.. - -. .,. ... � ^. _ .. ,p,
n.. .t ., n' .,.. \:. . ..n .d �.k }.. C^..,
:�h- ?::.X =2. : - .5 : + � - �'.,h4.x .. :. ,.�.- . -
$15,210
Median Family
Income
, t ., .: ''''*''''1U . = } t
�x \ . � JY .
4 v =
. . =:.. ,Ra` ..
oe�... .
•. :. .. -5 " : fi....
,i', ..1
.. t`�:xC D)"
'. ,. Yr: +t' A
5e3' -:
3 �..., }.. ,. v ,.,f,
vCS .,.
: +,.Q . 1. t ...�.. ,
Y
-'...
., h " c v5 ,. .' •'. W � .`' ,.)c
-. -. . •. - . .. S {K' rNai'.
.. . - .. . ..
,r. ry,.
, .. .. ..'"Y`j . H :..{{�
.Fa.. .A SA::
, x. <). . }
\ kv:. .itS,t. SMr �'S' :'h,
,:. .. ::. '.t. .-•, .A - ,. 2. r.,'
5k... 'J' .. 4L N.4.•- ,�J,.}_..
....., .� °. ,. .. a•.:+�SY,}x=a::SZttv::aK .e "ti4:
$37,895
Individuals Below
Pove Level
U:x ,• o. ;
„X' � ..Yt,. :44:i : ,,,r .,
' Y .'V'„ Y H :V. .
,.,t v =•, �'
.. °�..r , U. �,'r,'$.
' "'.. , •, � �x' � ., ='4,r
♦ 7. : .':r. ,, .0., .;Y ix'4 'h a�� ',�'.
.. .'� \. arF".�
3. .Y",�( S .pi:'
4`i( Y � ,:rP', Y
��A f,:
iC, =•: ' /'YtJ):•C.`
t�� J� 'S •. .. w✓
. iNz
..Y. . '., - fi .
.�h. �Tv "a
k <^ p .l. .t.
v ,,i4: .u�
.v Y .,( �.
Y'4, +, Y.... -R' C ,
-:. . 6 ' ..
s`r' ::'..� .Y .. �Y. - ..
°..Y..: :. v. ier. ... : :£:3 i tL �K :tti:nl4'�.f
244
w { \
� T
..6 rw•
-y;•
'
-.
.:.
"
Percent of
Population
.{ � 5� h,s , 2 .i F, .
'C, ,s:u ,..':.�= x o.
�a k , t
yr Yi' S, jv .�,�-
�:: �. '£';,
/. r, "�n � :.
,�p
..v1 0 :.•Zn.3
,. ✓'r :A:.. � .
^ vh k'.:,,.. .r.. ..
YA it ` ..��`•
?'<.;•,
..,.naxc�
,
7.9%
Washington County
... .: .. ...... .. ... .... - , ..,.... V%' ......
a. : ,. W• `a' '�(. S++t
.., .n.... . - .nr, r ...
.,w . ......:..... ,v ...:. .:: ........ .i. ,
-.. -_ ° - -. .,.
....... ............. ......... fi ...... ..n...... 4�.t• .� ...,. ... ...... •i8 ..
x.,.. .. ,. . s ,,s. � a,. f ., .. ..1 . ,J ,n.� rt,
:. - ....3 w.. .. :. .. ... .- ,`W° �. :...- r.x..... - ::. .
...�.' .. .. V ., ., .... .v..
,• • •.. .. ,. � .Y -•
•}t':.: -� � y, . ;, $. y .. t :.: ka
�.•. . -!..: :}:: •:3��•0l r ,s > . , �" >r, �; .�.:
x} � , ,. -.. _ -: ,.:: � ,,.. ....y
.. 4 ..... ... :.,.. :r.:• ,. .. -., ... _,. .. ro. J.c ^�4 ,.�:.a.. � -: .}.. .,..
... ... .... :L, :. -n4 ....v.. , ... \. .Y,.. n, . . .. .. .........�C... M.,
,. ,. ... ... .v S .. J ?:S rrrr ...... l- J..,.. . -. .,.
i.:,. yy,�, - ..::n: -:: - :._: +_:.,:.,.:: -a, >_. R::, .. \ s/"'..,._. .h.....,......,- .....,..
a` . .... .. a::.. .:.. ...b., ....... .: _ .. � :.r, : ..::..:: ::.:... .. ....
Oak Park Heights
$17,435
: .:, - -..:
..v, : t.. .. - ...
,vtl:'derJ : v.: • J : r '�S.
:. 9 v .. ( a -V ..
)�sa, .:.5'>r,).: r sr
.. a . a ..:. d �,.+ •
.... � . , , • . �':
.. , v. .} :. r. . '+y
. -, + S. .., 4 �.
/Jt .- 9;, J
a-a.' .. .. ^ Y ,;,, , ; ac
�. >: .. , w,, E ?xt: �' .2
v.. . :S =- .- . ->.e.
r.... .. ..
.v . . - r w : ,., .. -:
.. r.. v,�,� .
af:,.:x ' < °:Y:S?• ):'° +k
$23,293
4= .. y ,..
trt
'
. 0':
M >, Ma
- , 1n =. �
, h . .'�.
�5��.. y �'`4
.. 2.. X:.:
. t:•< -.:,. a f
r,.
$48,098
'41', .F
�&..' r -
'� .
� �=
�{, ).'.,
r,;' /•i :1,' �,
' S. n.. `+! .J;
> w -�'.
v:Ji: 'F�'
' Q � . � .r ..
.. -. a, � .... =� kL. ° ��'
$69,485
^
aR
•
n
6,212
.a =:
''r ': ..t'4f
� "�: Y"� ,:n,
�... :. a �` ,
115
=�
% \ �
S R
�
'�5i i4,;�
C \ � �'.
.
... w ,,... ,�` 3
7.:.
.Gh -: �3.
,�'.
aa t. ,
'�
�,:.=9: ,
.� �J;•
4.4%
,' `a +tw. a;^;,,,. : P,,,c },.•: 6
,b•, °t, $� ' `' Y� .
> .,t wa�
�; '✓ :
." Y ''''` .;•,�
�;��'h, r � '4 r ., . Y h , '.Y l •
�t�p :. , ',ir: C,
, .Fx', ,: • »: t .: �4 x "
RY' fY..:.
3.4%
Washington County
$28,148
362
$74,576
459
29.9
5,765
71
5.3
243
2.9%
$100,000 or more
Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer
4.9
187
12.2
TOTAL
1,334
OAK PARK HEIGHTS 1989
AND 1999 HOUSEHOLD INCOME
198
19
Category
Number of
Households
Percent of
Households
Number of
Households
Percent of
Households
Less than $10,000
192
14.4
79
5.2
$10,000 to $19,999
158
11.8
209
13.7
$20,000 to $39,999
485
36.5
354
23.1
$40,000 to $74,999
362
27.1
459
29.9
$75,000to$99,999
71
5.3
243
15.9
$100,000 or more
66
4.9
187
12.2
TOTAL
1,334
100%
1,531
100%
Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000 /Minnesota State Demographer
•
•
INCOME
SOCIAL INVENTORY
The 1989 and 1999 Census data regarding median family income for Oak Park Heights
and Washington County is illustrated in the following tables. The 1999 Census data
regarding per capita income is also shown below. The second table indicates
household income ranges for Oak Park Heights. The per capita income and median
family income for the City are both slightly below that of Washington County. The City
and County both have comparable percentages of population below the poverty line.
City of Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan 2008
Page 11
•
INTRODUCTION
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
As an initial means of shaping the Comprehensive Plan, a Comprehensive Plan
Committee, representing a broad base of the community, was established by the City
Council. The list of the members is found on a previous page of this document. This
team provided the guidance and directives to formulate the Comprehensive Plan before
it was reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council.
The Committee which includes the Planning Commission and City Council represents a
wide cross section of area residents. They met twice at the beginning stages of the
Comprehensive Plan update to discuss potential issues and opportunities in the
community. The representation of these people have 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.
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
Y tY
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.
•
The presentation of information in this report is provided in two sections. The first
summarizes the comments and direction raised by the participants. This was
accomplished by the use of text and issues and opportunities maps. The second
section includes a diagram of the comprehensive planning process in which this
document is based.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 13
GROUP ISSUES DISCUSSION
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
A wide cross - section of people representing many facets of the community were chosen
for their insight and perspective as part of the group meetings. The focus of the
discussions was on the existing, developing portions of the community and in the
potential areas for infill and redevelopment. A portion of the discussion was focused on
potential growth outside of the current City limits.
Those participating were asked to identify which community concerns were most
important as well as what direction the City should be taking, especially as it relates to
land use. To a significant degree, the group discussion and open house revealed that
there is an overall consensus among City officials and community representatives on
both issues as well as objectives. Simultaneously, there are, however, some
uncertainties on the part of some individuals and some differences of opinion on
approach and philosophy. This is not an unusual occurrence and in fact is seen as a
positive in that it may help insure a more detailed consideration and discussion of the
plan and its components. In this regard, it must be recognized that differences need to
be resolved and that a consensus be reached on the course for the plan which is to be
implemented.
Before proceeding further with a discussion of issues and objectives, additional
background explanation and qualification is required. In the paragraphs which follow,
the comments which were made by community leaders and residents have been
generalized so as not to credit any one person with a particular statement or position.
Whenever differences of opinion were encountered on a specific subject, it has been
expressed as a majority or minority opinion. Note should also be made that the focus of
the issues identification process and hence the discussion in this section is positive
although negative comments were received. This negative theme and characterization
of the community should not be interpreted as the prevailing opinion of the City. To the
contrary, the community leadership, residents and staff view Oak Park Heights as
offering a unique and quality living environment. The objective in identifying Oak Park
Heights' issues is to insure that these matters are properly addressed and resolved so
that the benefits offered are maintained and increased.
The identification of each and every issue raised as part of the issue identification
process is not attempted by this report. Such would be beyond the scope and purpose
of this effort. The issues which are raised are a broad categorization of topics receiving
attention. Identifying and dealing with this more basic framework of concerns will
facilitate the organization of responses which, in the long run, will comprehensively
address all concerns, including the sub - issues which have not been specifically cited.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 14
•
41)
•
•
Also to be noted is that the following discussion is not a priority listing of objectives or
issues. In this section, only a comprehensive statement of topics raised by community
leaders, residents and staff is attempted. Finally, it needs to be stated that the
summary avoids opinions and positions of the planner. Within the policy and planning
sections, planning recommendations and alternatives will be offered for consideration.
In order to provide a meaningful presentation of the issues identification discussions,
the topics which were raised have been organized into a listing of broad issues and
subsequently divided into sub - topics. The outline of the issues summary is follows:
• Community Attitude
• Regional Planning /Cooperation
• Environment
• Land Use
• Developable Land
• Planning Study Area /Annexation
• Residential Development
• Single Family
♦ Multiple Family
♦ Affordable /Life Cycle Housing
• Commercial Development
♦ Highway Commercial
• Industrial /Business Warehouse Development
• Transportation
• St. Croix River Crossing /Highway 36
• System Improvements /Issues
• Community Facilities
• City Facilities
• Utilities
• Police /Fire
• Parks and Trails
• Park Facilities and Land
• Preservation Programs
• Administration
• Financial
• Staff
• Codes /Regulations
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 15
COMMUNITY ATTITUDE
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
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 existing and expanding potential for commercial and industrial
opportunities, established and comfortable neighborhoods, the amenities of the nearby
rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and the school systems in the community that contribute to
making Oak Park Heights an attractive place to live. Those persons involved in the
opportunities and issues discussions as part of the Comprehensive Plan process listed
the following as the positive aspects of the community:
1. Excellent access to the freeway system which provides connections to the entire
Minneapolis St. Paul area.
2. The community provides an adequate land use density with residential,
commercial, and industrial /business warehouse uses.
3. Positive small town /City atmosphere.
4. The community has a number of shopping, residents and entertainment options
for its residents.
5. There is an excellent City park system with good proximity to four State parks.
6. The City is situated in such a way that it is close to the St. Croix River Valley,
rural areas and open space.
7. There is excellent housing options with a premier senior living complex 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 St. Croix River Crossing and the Highway 36 transportation corridor. The
uncertainty related to timing of the project, potential utility costs that could be incurred
by the City as a result of the bridge /roadway, and the impact to the Oak Park Heights
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 16
business community were all issues related to that project. The major frustration was
that most of the decisions made related to the bridge and the construction schedule
were not under the control of the City.
REGIONAL PLANNING /COOPERATION
Oak Park Heights functions as one of the primary communities along with Stillwater and
Bayport in this urban planning area on the east edge of the Minneapolis St. Paul
Metropolitan Area. The City has a good level of cooperation with its neighbors
Stillwater, Bayport and Lake Elmo. In the past, cooperative studies have been
conducted to determine if additional governmental facilities and service provision should
be shared by communities. Currently, the Cities are cooperating in development of a
St. Croix area YMCA. Residents felt that discussions should continue among
jurisdictions to explore means in which to share facilities and services to improve quality
at a lower cost to the taxpayer.
Due to disagreements over annexation, the working relationship in the past between
Oak Park Heights and Baytown Township has not been favorable. Residents and City
officials felt that efforts should be made to improve the relationship and continue to work
on issues related to cooperation on uses that affect the two communities.
ENVIRONMENT
LAND USE
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
The City of Oak Park Heights is situated in an area of varying topography and
environmental factors influenced by its proximity to the St. Croix River. While the older
areas of the community developed on the bluffs adjacent to the river, recent
development is focused on the broad, flat plains moving westerly from the main
channel. Areas within these plains are highlighted by steep topography and wetlands.
Staff and residents agree that topography, stormwater facility design, and well head
locations are all issues that will impact future development and redevelopment.
Residents indicated that the City should also look at making better public access ties to
the St. Croix River. Trail connections from the City into the rural areas and into a
regional trail system was also through as a way to link residents to the river and open
space.
The map on the following page highlights many of the land use issues discussed in the
following text.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 17
■11 ■ ■-d=
ire
1I4.mezi ■i ■ ■ I
1111!1■.._ ■ _■�
lllt� // I11I1I,
41
•
t
.4111 11101111P AO
GAG IP,A. 71 ,
sum&
r
��■i�amo� � �1 I ♦Is /-
or
a.
a .
M II
■11111111IN■ ■■ �1
■ 11I,Ni .1 . .60.
N.
IF IN me
roMOINI
17 , .1
1.
E P is
_
;I ill
r
Nummumpli " " kill
LIN Imm
mo DMA] - 21 NAM
atm 0 I E p; I
Ii1�� I �ifil acmillimmi .
rum 11111 \I -
Illivi 1=
11110i
r��
=;; ■tea
Ii IIII
1110- MIIIIIIII .
imi I= r m mil_
I
`C
0
0
6uiuu
1�1111 ,�
.. � J ,�., 11��11 � 11 �� �►�� rog
* 1� i�� 1 1 1111 111 1 •+11
s/i� 11� � r ,� r1
■� /� 1;,� � ��' Q cal tEiiii10
I I H I
III111111!
•
L
H11 1
1=1
rga
POI
I�JI
rs
l:ii
mmilillll ■•
.111111111
1111
10 _
110
It*
1r lv ,/
lAig
107
4 I 411441*
li Om 1
Nervisstri
_ kto ftit "to
wo
-
LIIDET1=Il II II I I
11111
111 1 1
111111
111111
11111
1 11 11
H 1
11111 1
■1 ■11
�1I1
11 1
111111 111 I
1111111 1
1 1 1 11111 1
111 11111
1 11111 11 11
1111 1111
1 Ti I Ili"
1 1 1111 1
1 1 111111
1 11111111111
11 11111 11
1 11111 111
111111 I 1
1111111
CO
C
•
= U
1
1
1
N
Q
Q
cz
- -rz
a)
E • (7)
o a�
U
"Lj -e
a) a)
Int
E E
O 0
2
> > &-
a) Q
aI
Lt
a) a) Q.
le
o
>
0 0 a)
a. a
•
1
� C
. ` -5
a) a , c
c •5 0
▪ �= U
c
w ` a)
o
2 • V
c ti
Q
m 0 —
o s o 0,
u) z <
cn
a)
� N
LC)
•
•
Developable Land
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
The 1998 Comprehensive Plan planned for a significant increase in land area for the
City of Oak Park Heights through annexation from adjacent jurisdictions. The land was
to be developed primarily with single and multiple family neighborhoods with other areas
designed for commercial and industrial uses. Residents and City officials are not
supportive of the large area of annexation proposed in the prior plan. The City Council
currently has a policy that annexation will not occur unless agreed to by the other
jurisdictions. The plan will discuss areas outside of the City limits that have been
discussed for future annexation by the property owners and the City, but those areas
are extremely limited.
Within the City limits, there is relatively no residential land and a limited amount of
commercial and industrial /business warehouse property to develop. The focus of this
plan will not emphasize new development, but rather begin to look at potential
redevelopment areas within the community.
Residents and City officials have supported the growth of the community and welcome
the new businesses, services and jobs that accompany this development. Residents
expressed some concern about the sameness or repetition of the type of commercial
development, especially the number of strip retail /commercial centers. Residents were
also concerned about the transitions between neighborhoods and commercial areas to
assure that through development, adverse impacts are mitigated through the design
review process. The City has been challenged to look at zoning transitions, the current
Design Guidelines, traffic, and providing screening through landscaping and fences, as
well as providing protection against light pollution, odor and noise.
Residential Development
Single Family. Residents of Oak Park Heights take pride in their neighborhoods and
City officials make the point that there is a great deal of diversity in housing styles, ages
and price ranges. A majority of the housing was built in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s,
most of which is of a medium range value and affordable to a larger number of
homebuyers. At the end of the 2006 building season, there were less than 10 fully
sewered, subdivided lots available for single family development. Additionally, there are
no large parcels of land available for future development of single family neighborhoods.
Within the next ten years, there may be some replats of parcels that will provide a
handful of additional single family Tots.
City officials and residents have conceded that this plan will not include large tracts of
land currently in Baytown Township for residential development. Instead, the focus of
this Comprehensive Plan will be to improve existing neighborhoods and look at the
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 21
transition areas between commercial and residential to provide better living
environments. Continued maintenance, investment by the City on roads and utilities,
and provision of trails and parks is now seen as the priority.
Multiple Family/Townhouse. Oak Park Heights residents recognize the need for a
diversity of housing types of which multiple family plays an important part. There are
areas of the community that, as of Spring 2007, are being developed with townhome
units. The Oakgreen Village development at 58 Street and Oakgreen Avenue would
add a total of 113 townhome units. The Pine Grove Gardens east of Oakgreen Avenue
is currently under construction with a total of 26 townhome units. Upon completion of
these developments, the readily available land for multiple family and townhome
development will be depleted. The Comprehensive Plan will identify other areas that
could accommodate infill development of multiple family and townhome development.
In 2007, an expansion of the Boutwells Landing senior development is expected that
would add a 106 unit skilled nursing facility. This is in addition to the existing
development that consists of 56 village homes (side -by -side townhomes), 94 assisted
living apartments, 101 independent living apartments, 137 village homes (single family
and attached units), and 78 brownstone units. Boutwells has also proposed the final
phase of the complex which would consist of a 28 unit memory care facility. Boutwells
Landing has examined the possibility for expansion into property south of the main
campus which is in Baytown Township. City officials have indicated that if access and
City services are required for expansion of the campus, the City would require
annexation.
Affordable /Life Cycle Housing. For years, the community has prided itself on providing
affordable housing for people of all age groups and socio- economic levels. City officials
are interested in preserving the levels of affordable housing while expanding the
numbers of housing units in the higher price values and as part of infill development. By
providing housing of all types and price ranges, the City can remain an attractive place
for people as they proceed through their life cycle.
The City will continue to work with the Metropolitan Council on providing life cycle and
affordable housing. Due to the limited amount of developable land, it is unlikely that
significant numbers of additional affordable units will be developed in the community.
City officials indicated a preference for more mid to higher level homes and living units
as part of the continuing infill and redevelopment that is expected, in that there exists a
significant number of affordable units.
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 22
•
Commercial Development
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
Highway Commercial. City officials and residents recognize that the development of
the Highways 36 and 5 corridor commercial areas are nearing completion. The land
available for new development is now concentrated on the west side of the City with
potential for infill around the newer commercial developments. In the past ten years,
the City has defined more specific commercial zoning districts to direct the types of
development to the appropriate areas. The City has also adopted design guidelines to
assure quality development in the highly visible Highway 36 corridor. City officials and
residents recognize a shift from development on bare ground to redevelopment of
numerous areas along the highway corridors.
The Comprehensive Plan will identify areas along the Highway 36 corridor for potential
redevelopment. City officials indicated that much of the new development was very
consistent in architecture and building materials. Too much of the development all
looked the same. The Design Guidelines may need to be reviewed and updated to
direct the change to redevelopment activity.
Industrial / Business Warehouse Development
Other than the Allen S. King Plant and a small surrounding area, the City of Oak Park
Heights does not have a large industrial land use base. Annexation of the Kern Center,
a partially developed office and business park west of Highway 5 enabled the City to
add to its business and warehousing base. Portions of the Kern Center remain
available for development including a large area with frontage on Highway 5. City
officials and residents recognize the limitations the City has in regard to land area and
further building its industrial and business base. Land owners to the west of Kern
Center, within the City of Lake Elmo, have inquired with both Cities regarding the
possibility of detachment from Lake Elmo and attachment to Oak Park Heights. They
request this in order to be provided utility service for commercial development. The City
of Oak Park Heights has taken the position that it will not pursue an annexation/
detachment unless the City of Lake Elmo would agree to such an action. At this time,
the City of Lake Elmo is not interested in a detachment of land and annexation to Oak
Park Heights. City officials indicated that the plan should acknowledge this is a
potential area for annexation to the City if the City of Lake Elmo and Oak Park Heights
can come to an agreement.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 23
TRANSPORTATION
The map on the following page highlights many of the transportation issues discussed in
the following text.
St. Croix River Crossing / Highway 36
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
The most significant community issue discussed by City officials and residents is the St.
Croix River Crossing at Highway 36. Ten years ago, the previous Comprehensive Plan
indicated that the bridge location had been selected and improvement plans for
Highway 36 were being developed. There was optimism that the bridge and Highway
36 improvements would be well underway by the year 2000. As of the date of this plan,
there are revised plans for the bridge and Highway 36 improvements but no schedule
for construction. The City of Oak Park Heights has not given municipal consent for the
project.
City officials are resolved to work with Mn /DOT on plans and timing for the bridge and
Highway 36. City officials and residents expressed their frustration over this project and
how it has affected the City in terms of plans for development/redevelopment along the
corridor and the ability to effectively plan for transportation improvements.
System Improvements / Issues
The City of Oak Park Heights is well served with transportation routes providing access
to the region including Highway 36, Highway 5, and Highway 95. Discussions with City
staff /consultants stress the need to closely work with representatives of Washington
County and Mn /DOT on issues related to new roadway construction, reconstruction,
roadway turn backs and maintenance responsibility issues. Of particular importance to
the City is the increasing levels of traffic on Highway 36 and the related impacts of
highways on Oak Park Heights such as noise, air quality, and intersection congestion.
City officials and residents emphasized the need for rebuilding Oakgreen Avenue to an
urban section to better accommodate vehicular and pedestrian traffic within the corridor.
Although a portion of the improvements would be made by Mn /DOT as part of the
Highway 36 improvements, City officials thought it may be necessary to upgrade the
road soon, recognizing the continuing residential development in the area.
Extension of 58 Street to Manning Avenue was also raised as a planning issue. This
would likely be done only if the area to the west of the City limits was annexed to Oak
Park Heights and commercial development was to occur.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 24
•
EN
gal
15"
• ea u i
■pip 11111111
J
1 iii
IIM iarlI` ` •! mi
wslii MAP AN
1■ �r ♦�i
i
■
r
.
•
•
� .. ■� 111111 • •u' p■l
1 I Uli::i! L = • ■: II■1/ • 1
11 1111■111 . ■ !. v 11 1 r
■ ■11 ■ ■- 7= •� HEM
11111 % lam �;f;
■u tit ■
GI1�.i i ■IIo
i 1Ii ( iIIII ,
x!11 ■
P1111111
11!1111111
L
11111
HI
H
hill 1
H 1
11 HI
o :N
111111 111 1
x 111111®
111111 1 1
I rl1 1111 1
1111111111
1111 1 111
1111 11111
c
0
w
O a)
U
2 Co
- o 175 C
C
CCS c .
O C
1— U c
0 ca -0
Z
2 73 ca
0 �
� U
c C6
c o�
o ›,
• c
c
.-
o o c o
U o
c . �
. 0 o
(3)
O
1
IIII
1 1 1111
1 1111111
11 11111 11
111111111
1 1 11 1 iJ
co
.c w
0) .9 i—
. ‘,,
w z z
_ 12 - op
a) �H
> a�
LI ._ H- o
as a .-
o..G) OO
a) a) c
�C s a o - 0) _ 0
as a) L Z o v 18 -.
o 23- .5
l'i E g CO C a 0 2
co Qo
o p I—W m�5o
>1 = � u)
:Ilia in cn�z<
(11.)
z
(1)
a.)
cn
c
0
0
0
c
E
war
*
4
•
N
Mass Transit
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
Residents and City officials commented about the lack of mass transit options for
people in Oak Park Heights and the St. Croix Valley area. Currently, direct bus service
only travels into St. Paul from the park and ride facilities in the region. With the
increased awareness and growing need for mass transit options, City officials indicated
it would be necessary to work with Metropolitan Council and State representatives on
transit options. There are ongoing feasibility studies for mass transit and rail options for
Highway 36 and Interstate 94. City officials have indicated the importance of being
involved in the studies and their final outcome.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
The map on the following page highlights many of the community facilities issues
discussed in the following text.
City Facilities
The City Council has recognized limitations with the current City Hall, Public Works and
Police facility at 14168 57 Street North. In 2006, the City retained a consultant to
conduct a needs assessment for the City Hall complex. The results of that need
assessment and the City Council direction on possible improvements will be made a
part of the Comprehensive Plan.
City officials and residents discussed the City's participation in the development of a
regional YMCA facility. This would be a joint effort between the Cities of Oak Park
Heights, Stillwater, Bayport and Lake Elmo. City officials will continue to participate in
the planning for and possible construction of this facility to be located in the City of Lake
Elmo.
An ongoing need for the City is additional public works building space and outdoor
storage areas. The City Hall needs assessment study will address the public works
facility needs. The City has considered in the past the addition of a fire substation and
emergency vehicle placement, and the City officials again raised the issue as a result of
the Comprehensive Plan update. City officials had mixed feelings regarding the need
and timing of such a facility and considered it a long term issue.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 27
14;allijillu
our
111 im �� ■�
1 1 i`� ■:::� Le al =II
11 ■1�
1111 ■1■:: =1 ME a: =IN
■II ■ ■•-■7=
•- ■: /■111 ��
1111u■1:nuu C- EU
■11 ■Ilil° �� ■ _
-.� .. ��
■!! ■■
IIIIII■uIjoi !�
111111■ ii
inumalif
■111■111pi:.�
IIII ■I■ iwg
I■ IIII■ mai
■111111I■■■ui
III•�i� .
•U
II mi En
III a MI I.
El ft IIIM 111
1 WI
III
1 , iivi:!I :
11 ■1.
11
r■uiuIIII■ ■ Am
W ■
V a iii► f1 l
Whit II mei T MI
t11W t■■/■ ■■_..
Ni:t„..lonampmusw two
1 VAIII KM
L.,__OMMONAIIMM
_
�r�r r 'T'Y'i_,__!
I =,
•r l ' i �
•
4 q"
4
4 4 Cpy
1
...
o �•
4 �I
1
c
■
Att
!:
pa
II /,
1 Hi
u!uuB
o
�+l
•
L
POI
I :J1
r eA
u ■'
iii llll ■1■■ ■I
�iiui ii
H11 1
TED
H
LED
hill 1
1111 1
11111
H I
■■ ■11
■1■■
11
111111 111
X111111
1111111 1
1 ► 1 111111
La [11-W
( 1 11111
1 1111111
1 11111111111
1 1 1111 11
e r n C am ) 1m1 I i l l 111 l 11 11111 1 ► l 1 1 1 1
®III ►1111 ll►►►►1[ ► I I 1
[1T1111 111111111111 1
®11111 ►1 ►1111111 l 11
11111111 1111�1�
11 11111 11
co
ca)
.' ^^
V V)
0
0
CD
>
I..L
O
0
CI)
a)
4 5
I
11
(1)
s
•� ca
• CI
C
d
co
O ft
44- E
0 0
V
CO
2
Cll
cn
U)
CU
0
LL
z
E
E
O
U
W
W �
- Z
Ce
J �
ao
LL. eL
HO
z - o
cu
O �
Cn
U �
.41111111( a)
N
0
)o
CD me
C .- 0
!= U
C -
0 c0
2 - .5
- Y 0
c0 ti
Q
mod ° 0
U
L5 a , -t 7_
0 L 0 a
voF- z<
•
•
Utilities
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
The City Engineer is preparing water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer plan updates as
part of the Comprehensive Plan process. These plans are expected to show few issues
with the City's utility 's utilit systems. One issue that has not been resolved since the previous
plan is the addition of a third City well. The City Engineer has indicated that the well is
required to provide additional pumping capacity for the City as well as providing a back
up to the existing system. The City has sized its utility systems to adequately service all
areas of the City and those areas that could potentially be annexed at a later date. City
officials have indicated that continuing maintenance and upgrades, as necessary, is the
ongoing issue for the utility systems.
As indicated previously, one of the primary issues related to the St. Croix River
Crossing and Highway 36 improvements is the relocation of the City's utility lines.
Presently, Mn /DOT has not offered the City adequate funds as part of the project to
reasonably move the affected utilities. This issue will need to be resolved before the
City will grant municipal consent to the project.
PARKS AND TRAILS
The map on the following page highlights many of the transportation issues discussed in
the following text. As part of the Comprehensive Plan process, the City will also create
a new Comprehensive Park and Trail System Plan to update the 1999 document. The
plan will examine park improvements to be made and trail /sidewalk connections that
should be completed. Residents and City officials are proud of the extensive park and
trail system and look forward to the completion of the system.
Potential projects identified as part of the issues and opportunities discussions included
the following:
1. Completion of the park shelter at Autumn Hills Park.
2. Possible extension of Brekke Park into adjacent undeveloped area.
3. Park/trail development on the Xcel Ash Facility.
4. Development of a dog park.
5. Possible construction of a community swimming pool.
6. Identify and close gaps in the trail system.
7. Provide a trail connection to Manning Avenue and to regional trail connections.
8. Provide trail connections into the DNR property along Osgood Avenue.
9. Develop trails along each side of Oakgreen Avenue.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 31
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
10. Plan for sidewalk and trail construction and connections as part of the Highway
36 improvements and the St. Croix River Crossing.
11. Plan for interconnections with regional trail systems and with adjoining
communities.
12. Develop recreational programs within the City park system. Also provide
programs for older children.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 32
1 1111
forrogillialimm="
' 1 u■..■I■ lulu ■11 Ui
i 1 d ii L_ X: II ■1/
1111 ■1■: E
■ ■11 ■ ■w7= ■� ■� / ■11
■ 1111• ■1 ::111I� ■! ■ -1
1111011111111111 �. _: ■
A!
1111Iu■■g
1 i� 11111111 AA , is !1
1111111111:1111,11'
I111■11I
M MI I MEES:i1 � " -
, t _> ��► ,�. _ �.. � �- :.ems :..���� : ,
_ $
1 i ! 1 ! W4 . s•, c � �
Bai sari N,E,
ro111�
In sup ..rte
amiummurmil It WEIN
: ■1.
r ��■
LI
iic rta l !! ■■
A ialli woop mr
•
br 6uiuueW
II ...-
_,-1----Arig
,
•un/
z --
1►11�1 �I 1111
-
iii 1 11- FTTT1
�. _ II 11
-lll_ I 11
L
•
C3,
H 11 1
HI 11
U)
w
1-
z
1-
OC
O
a.
cn
cn O
z
w
J
1-
z
L'L
Errl 1:211
=Ill�
BFI - II 1 I I 1 II 1111 II I
Hill I
11 H I
0
0
0
0)
E
E
E
O
0
■u ■11
�1 ■1
11 I
111111 1 I I 1
1 11111 I 1
111111111
1r11 11111
1111111 11
111 1 1111
1111 11111
E
a)
a
1'
=LED 1
L
1 1 11111
1 11111111111
1 1111111
11111 1111
111111 1 I
cn
E
0)
0
0_
a3
as
0
f J 1 U `
1I 1 I1
111I
1 111 1
I
•— ca
= °-
a)
� N
c
CD
cl)
O
14- E
0 0
U
V
z �
W
co I
Z
J
Q �
• 0
oo a
• 0
Ce
Q �
ans
•
C)o
. a 0 c
c ai O
' ED =
C
wY a)
2 Y V
0 oa
m a
2 Us
0 0
(f) Z
a)
0
N
ADMINISTRATION
Financial
City officials were positive of the financial condition of the City of Oak Park Heights and
do not foresee any major issues ahead. Continued upgrades and maintenance of
existing community facilities, utility systems, and the street network will be an ongoing
capital improvement exercise. The City will need to set aside funds for a third well, and
possibly for a public works expansion or fire hall within the City if the City Council
determines they are necessary public facilities.
Staff
• Regulations / Design Guidelines
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
After retirements and staff replacements in 2007, the employee roster for the City of
Oak Park Heights and the level of administrative staffing will be adequate. The City
has emphasized utilizing consultants for legal, engineering, planning, forestry, and
financial assistance. City officials have indicated that this type of staffing is cost efficient
and appropriate for a City the size of Oak Park Heights. Officials indicated that staffing
will likely stay at the current levels in the foreseeable future.
As a follow up to the Comprehensive Plan, the City will likely need to review its Zoning
Ordinance and Design Guidelines. With the emphasis in the coming decade on infill and
redevelopment, the City should look at its regulations and make adjustments as
necessary. Residents commented on the "sameness" of building architecture and
materials with recent developments. The City should review those guidelines to
determine how they can better direct development appearance in the City.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 35
PLANNING PROCESS
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
The community -based information and directives summarized in this section serve to
set the stage for the 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 corrective actions implemented. 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. A diagram that indicates the entire planning process for this
Comprehensive Plan is found on the next page.
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 Citizens Advisory Committee, which will be the primary group to hold
public hearings and discussion on the plan. The Mayor, City Council, Planning
Commission, 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.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 36
•
City of Oak Park Heights
ISSUES IDENTIFICATION
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS
♦�; Z� ��` �� `♦a+a�v� r x,1:4 ,� >'� �~ a',��r��tw�.
� ;' `z`.h: • ;♦�- � Q .. ' "",� .tiC� ' ♦ a.',' „ x , ,,.,e y, •k3,:_.x<N t.<.��"+,,v".�e y �. .:�. i , ;.•' � a \. �. ♦�..,.. '�i x... a .. ..w. �'.: s� a: ♦ > _ ' ;.A
� ��...F �' ti,, . �a. <, . ' ,.., `3e* r3•�- A ' �. ♦ a�, , r"c :.;'a .a a _ ,♦ a� �` a ♦
\. q \ n v `, i• -'iv v .. `r ✓. 3 !�v a :Xv v $dC r� ', v v� C' v c �.. w. . , v
4
+�,, r:� - a �3 , •. .`t” z `v• '� , \W ♦ �, `k v ♦�.`.�t�saU'si�" y i11\ is r '♦.. "e�: ,
�♦ ' ''�. 'v ` ` �� �'�'' .q w. ♦�7� \Y��v♦�`'`���i�• � "� v �.. °.� �'U,i.t �4^���'Y `�`�y���� � �.�,�R U u : �'�5,.. 'i`t 'tS v �♦,t °,:�,� �; :C��r `. y
,n, x.. ..A ..C�°tv�..,., v ,. .... `t. \, ',�♦ �a.,...� �. �`v. . • #,.. ,. ° \�. , .v:n �, rYv"�`c .� v °� vx. 'v, v.f'.. .r. cet Z -� 'C�•: ��.. ... . "..
Ig sd 3 au eY '11
Page 37
Comprehensive Plan 2008
•
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
Excellence and Quality in the Delivery of Services
Fiscal Responsibility
Ethics and Integrity
Treating Citizens with Respect as our Customers
Positive Relations with the Community
Responsiveness
• Visionary Leadership and Planning
•
COMMUNITY GOALS
MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES AND
COMMUNITY GOALS
The 1998 Comprehensive Plan included a list of goals that directed the development of
policies and plans for that document. The goals have been revised and updated to
reflect the changes over the past ten years and to set the direction of the community for
the next 20 years. 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
City of Oak Park Heights Page 39
• Encourage continued but orderly and diverse growth and redevelopment in
Oak Park Heights.
In order 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. This development must be
accomplished in an orderly, organized and coordinated fashion.
• 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 to further strengthen the image of the community.
• Work toward the resolution of the St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36
improvements.
The most significant issue facing the City of Oak Park Heights has been and continues
to be the resolution of issues related to the St. Croix River Crossing and Highway 36
improvements. The City will continue to work with the Minnesota Department of
Transportation in resolution of issues such as the costs of utility reconstruction and
impacts on residents and businesses on the Highway 36 corridor during the time of
construction.
• Protect Oak Park Heights' natural resources.
MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES AND
COMMUNITY GOALS
The St. Croix River, as well as the wetlands and significant tree massings scattered
throughout the community, provide natural amenities and add significant aesthetic
recreational and economic value to the community. The City should continue to take
measures to preserve and protect these resources, as well as maintaining and
protecting existing street trees and the health of all of the tree resources in the
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 40
•
MISSION STATEMENT, VALUES AND
COMMUNITY GOALS
community. Providing access to and preservation of the views of the river and wetlands
are necessary to make these unique and valuable assets- available to all residents of the
community.
• 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 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.
This goal suggests active cooperation with surrounding cities and townships as well as
Washington County to assure that the City and rural areas will not have land use
conflict. Long range joint land use and annexation planning would be in the interest of
the City and its neighboring communities.
• Ensure that the Comprehensive Plan promotes 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,
image and enhancement, and the common good of the Oak Park Heights community.
Comprehensive Plan 2008
City of Oak Park Heights Page 41