HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-15 Planner Ltr to MN DNR Submitting NRT Grant Pre-Application Northwest Associated Consultants, Inc.
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C O M M U N I T Y P L A N N I N G • D E S I G N • M A R K E T R E S E A R C H
15 April 1996
7
Mr. Dan Collins " Cep"
Trail Recreation Section
Trails and Waterways Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
RE: Oak Park Heights: National Recreation Trail Fund Program Pre - Application
FILE NO: 798.04 - 96.09
Dear Mr. Collins:
Please find attached the City of Oak Park Heights' application for the National Recreation
Trail Fund grant program. We are requesting funds to develop a transportation and
recreational trail linkage along the NSP utility easement that bisects the community. The
trail is identified in the City's Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System as a
significant connection that will help unify the City. The project would likely not be possible
unless assistance can be obtained through the matching funds of the grant program.
We look forward to working with you in further defining this project and in completing an
application.
Sincerely yours,
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
V
Scott D. Richards
Senior Planner
pc: Mike Robertson
Janet Robert
5775 Wayzata Blvd. • Suite 555 • St. Louis Park, MN 55416 • (612) 595- 9636•Fax. 595 -9837
Naticl Recreation Trail Furling Act
Pre - Application
All pre- applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m., April 15, 1996.
Please deliver 5 copies of the pre - application to:
Department of Natural Resources
Recreation Services Section
Trails and Waterways Unit
500 Lafayette Road
St.Paul, Minnesota 55155 -4052
General Information: Date: April 12, 1996
Applicant (Unit of Govemment): City of Oak Park Heights
Trail Organization Project Partner (if there is one) Northwest Associated Consultants
Project Title: NSP Easement Overl and Trail
Mailing Address: 5775 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 555 _
City: St. Louis Park State: MN Zip Code: 55416
Contact Person: Scott Richards
Title: City Planner Daytime Phone: ( 612 ) 595 - 9636
Project Information:
Total Project Amount Local Match Source of Matching Funds
Cost Requested (Estimate)
(Estimate) (Estimate) City Park Dedication Fund
$ 40,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000
Trail Project Description - Please describe your project briefly (if you include a map,
make sure it is reproducible on an ordinary copying machine).
SEE ATTACHED
Primary users of your project Estimated date of completion?
(e.g.,snowmobilers, bicyclists, etc.)? Fall 1996
Non - motorized use
• •
NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL FUNDING ACT
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
PRE - APPLICATION
Trail Project Description
The proposed project utilizes a Northern States Power utility easement to connect the St.
Croix Mall area with Oakgreen Avenue North. This would be the first segment of a trail
connecting the Mall and residential areas through Swager Park and the proposed
Annexation Area Park to the Stillwater Area High School.
In the past, the NSP easement has been seen as a division line that splits the City. The
proposed trail utilizes City owned property and the easement to provide an east -west
transportation Zink through Oak Park Heights. Highway 36 runs along the northern border
of the City creating a strong physical and psychological barrier. This will be intensified
when MnDOT upgrades Highway 36 and develops the St. Croix River Bridge between
1997 and 1999. Although the City has an east -west orientation running along Highway 36,
it is divided by the major roadway corridors that run north and south. The City of Oak Park
Heights has prepared a Comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail System that identifies
this NSP easement overland trail connection that will create a linear park concept through
the community.
The ten foot wide, 2,200 foot long bituminous trail will follow an existing well -worn path.
The project will provide significant recreational and transportation access for all Oak Park
Heights residents in that it provides linkages between business, homes, parks, and
schools in the community. The trail would create an off-road corridor for pedestrians and
cyclists that would complement and connect the on -road facilities provided as part of
MnDOT's Highway 36 upgrades. Additionally, the trail would provide access to some of
the highest quality /diverse natural areas within the City limits.
A conceptual drawing of the proposed trailway has been included.
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