Minneapolis Real Estate Blog

GET INVOLVED IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PROCESS - YOU ARE NEEDED! Your input is very important in creating the vision for the city. Here’s how you can become involved in the process …

1. Between March 12 and 19, a Citizen Survey will be mailed to 1,200 randomly selected Chanhassen households. The survey asks a broad range of questions about the community. If you are mailed a survey, please take the time to complete it. Information gathered from this survey will assist the City in developing policy.
2. Stay informed by checking the City’s web site at www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us .Click on Comprehensive Plan Update under the What’s New section of the web page.
3. Plan on attending Open Houses throughout the summer and the public hearing this fall.

City staff, working with consultants, has been busy examining the Comprehensive Plan. Here’s a sample of what we’re working on…

LAND USE

The City has hired SRF Consulting Group, Inc. to study land use in the City. They will be meeting with stakeholders in the community to gather information on land use and commercial issues. Last spring the City joined with the Chamber of Commerce and contracted with McComb Group, Ltd. to complete a Retail, Office and Residential Market Analysis (available on the City’s web site at www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us under What’s New) and a Development Potential Study. SRF is evaluating this data in the context of the City’s current goals of providing for neighborhood commercial that meets the daily needs of residents, while keeping the majority of commercial businesses in the downtown core. One scenario being evaluated is whether the City should allow more commercial opportunities outside of downtown to become a regional draw. Two or three development scenarios will be presented for discussion. The outcome of these discussions may lead to changes in land use.

HOUSING

By the year 2030, it is projected that there may be an additional 10,000 dwellings in the City. Historically, the City has pursued the goal of providing housing opportunities for all residents. Housing types include: owner-occupied, rental, attached and detached. Single-family housing is the City’s predominate housing type (70 percent). As the City matures, other types of housing fill a market need. These housing types include townhouses, apartments and condominiums. The City will continue its participation in the Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Act. The Act sets guidelines for ownership/rental mix, affordability, development density and housing diversity.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

To date, the City has never addressed Historic Preservation as a part of the Comprehensive Plan. Old St. Hubert’s Church is listed on the Historic Register. Other potential properties and buildings in the City will be evaluated for possible consideration for historic designation.

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE

With the continuing development in the City, trails and parks have been added, bringing the City’s total trail system to 55 miles and the number of parks to 34. Further study is being performed on the need for additional trails and parks as well as evaluating existing facilities.

NATURAL RESOURCES

The City recognizes the importance and value of preserving natural resources. The City developed and adopted bluff protection, tree preservation, wetland protection and the Bluff Creek Corridor preservation ordinances. With the acquisition and dedication of undeveloped land, the City has become the steward of many natural areas. The City is preparing a management plan to look at preserving and enhancing these areas.

TRANSPORTATION

A preferred alignment for the south leg of Highway 101 has been identified. The City Council will be evaluating this alignment and making a final decision on the recommendation. The transportation study will include: a traffic analysis completed by Carver County, the potential for light and commuter rail, the evaluation of roadway capacities, and a study of access along the old Highway 212 corridor.

SEWER AND WATER

The City has contracted with WSB for sewer and SEH for water analysis. Issues that will be studied include the location of water reservoirs and sewer lift stations, pipe sizing and main locations, capacity needs, and costs of these improvements.

PUBLIC FACILITIES

The City will be identifying a site for a satellite fire station south of Highway 5. A second water treatment site has already been located at the corner of Galpin Boulevard and Lake Harrison Road.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

The Comprehensive Planning process is dynamic and intended to have numerous opportunities for public input. Look for mailings, website and cable access information, as well as articles in the Chanhassen Villager for more information and updates. A draft of the plan is proposed for late summer. Ultimately there will be a public hearing before the Planning Commission and final adoption is anticipated by the City Council in fall of 2007.