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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.09.12 PCAPPLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER REGULAR MEETING September 12, 2024 Optional public access to the Webex meeting is below: Online: logis.webex.com | Phone: (312) 535-8110 Meeting Number (Access Code): 2634 460 6988 Passcode: BCPC09122024 1. Call to Order — 7 p.m. 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda a. Motion to Approve Regular Meeting Agenda for September 12, 2024 4. Chairperson’s Explanation The Planning Commission is an advisory body. One of the Commission's functions is to hold public hearings. In the matters concerned in these hearings, the Commission makes recommendations to the City Council. The City Council makes all final decisions in these matters. 5. Planning Items a. Planning Commission Application No. 2024-011 (PUBLIC HEARING) Applicant | Property Owner: Trinity International Fellowship | MINMOR LLC Summary: Applicant Trinity International Fellowship is requesting an ordinance amendment to Chapter 35 of the City Code to allow for “places for religious assembly” as a conditional use within the City’s Business Mixed-Use (MX- B) zoning district. This request is associated with their interest in purchasing 6010 Earle Brown Drive, which is located within the aforementioned zoning district. b. Opportunity Site Master Plan Summary: Work on the Opportunity Site Master Plan commenced in 2019, and was intended to create a foundation for the goals and priorities of the Opportunity Site by identifying community conditions, concerns, opportunities, and desired development benefits. This work was vetted through extensive community engagement efforts, and the Opportunity Site Infrastructure Framework, which is a foundational component to the Opportunity Site Master Plan process and outlines guidance regarding land use, road networks, public space networks, and stormwater, was adopted by City Council in 2021. This work pivoted from the Master Plan to reviewing and informing the design of the Phase I Opportunity Site through 2022. City staff is requesting review and consideration of the final PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER REGULAR MEETING September 12, 2024 Optional public access to the Webex meeting is below: Online: logis.webex.com | Phone: (312) 535-8110 Meeting Number (Access Code): 2634 460 6988 Passcode: BCPC09122024 Opportunity Site Master Plan, which is a guiding policy document for future build out on the City’s Opportunity Site. 6. Discussion a. City Council Updates b. Upcoming Planning Commission Applications and Development Updates 7. Adjournment App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 1 Planning Commission Report Meeting Date: September 12, 2024 Application No. 2024-011 Applicant | Property Owner: Trinity International Fellowship | MINMOR LLC Requests: Ordinance Amendment (Text) Map 1. Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) District Properties. REQUESTED ACTION Trinity International Fellowship (“the Applicant”) is a non-denominational Liberian ministry that is requesting a text amendment to Chapter 35 of the City Code to allow for “places for religious assembly” as a conditional use within the City’s Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) zoning district. In August 2023, City Council held a work session with the Applicant and at that time, City Council expressed a general openness to exploring an opportunity for religious assembly uses within the MX-B zoning district—refer to Exhibit A. Due to the nature of the request, a public hearing notice was published in the Brooklyn Center Sun Post on August 29, 2024. Mail notifications were sent to all 36 property owners and physical addresses located within the City’s Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) District—refer to Exhibit B. A public hearing notice was also uploaded to the City’s website. •Application Filed: 08/13/2024 •Review Period (60-day) Deadline: 10/12/2024 •Extension Declared: No •Extended Review Period Deadline: N/A App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 2 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT (TEXT) Background In August 2023, City Council held a concept review of a proposal to allow for places for religious assembly in the Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) District. City staff presented the proposal to City Council, identifying points to consider regarding a proposed conversion of 6010 Earle Brown Drive from an office use to a place for religious assembly, and potential impacts to other properties located within the MX-B District, of which in part included parking and traffic concerns and considerations for the greater MX-B District— refer to Exhibit C. It should be noted that, prior to discussions on amending the City’s Code, City staff reviewed the property of interest (6010 Earle Brown Drive) for opportunities to perhaps re-zone the property, as this would result in lesser impacts to the greater Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) zoning district; however, the surrounding properties are either similarly zoned (MX-B District), Commercial Mixed-Use (which do not allow for “Places for Religious Assembly”), or a Planned Unit Development (i.e. the Lux Apartments and Ecumen Prairie Lodge). Map 2. Property of Interest (in red) and Adjacent Property Zoning. Table 1. Current District Allowances for Places for Religious Assembly. City staff also looked at similar uses in the MX-B District as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) protects religious institutions against discrimination in zoning; however, the most App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 3 similar public assembly type uses, such as event centers (accessory use only), movie theaters, amusement centers, and fraternal lodges, etc. are not permitted in the MX-B District as a permitted or conditional use. Rezoning the property of interest (6010 Earle Brown Drive) from its current zoning designation of MX-B to one of the above zoning districts that allow for places for religious assembly (i.e. R1, R2, C, and I Districts) would likely constitute “spot zoning,” which is prohibited within the state of Minnesota. Although the definition of the term “spot zoning” can vary from state to state, Anderson’s American Law of Zoning, 4th Edition cites spot zoning as, “the process of singling out a small parcel of land for a use classification totally different from that of the surrounding area for the benefit of the owner of such property and to the detriment of other owners.” As the above-mentioned districts are not in close proximity or adjacent to the property of interest, it was determined that an ordinance amendment to the entire Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) District would be the only path forward for the Applicant. Per Section 35-71301 (Applicability), an amendment of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance may be initiated by the City Council, Planning Commission, or a City property owner. In this particular case, the Applicant has an interest in purchasing 6010 Earle Brown Drive, which is located within the City’s Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) District, and obtained permission from Property Owner MINMOR LLC to apply for a text amendment that would allow for “Places for Religious Assembly” as a conditional use within the aforementioned MX-B District. It should be noted that “conditional uses” are generally permitted uses so long as certain conditions are met with respect to the mitigating of potentially negative impacts on neighboring properties for uses already permitted within a district. ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 4013 ALLOWED USE TABLE OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING PLACES OF RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY IN THE BUSINESS MIXED-USE ZONING DISTRICT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Article I. Brooklyn Center City Code, Chapter 35, Section 35-4103 Allowed Use Table is amended by adding the following double-underlined language: P = PERMITTED USE, C = CONDITIONAL USE, I = INTERIM USE, A = ACCESSORY USE Residential Commercial/ Mixed Use Nonresidential Use-Specific Standards R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 M X- N1 M X- N2 M X- C TO D C MX- B I O PUBLIC, INSTITUTIONAL, AND CIVIC USES COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL FACILITIES Places for religious assembly C C C C C (Strikeout indicates matter to be deleted, double-underline indicates new matter.) Per discussions with the Applicant and Property Owner, there is no current purchase agreement in place. Although a work session was held in August 2023 with the City Council to discuss the proposal, the Applicant has spent the past year fundraising and working on plans for a potential buildout of 6010 Earle Brown Drive. The Applicant would need to enter into a purchase agreement with the Property Owner App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 4 pending approval of the requested ordinance amendment to the MX-B District and receive separate approval of a conditional use permit (CUP) for 6010 Earle Brown Drive in order to proceed. The approximately 20,000-square foot building of interest was originally approved as a City-County Federal Credit Union location and drive-thru under the then C2 (Commerce) District in 1988. The current owners, MINMOR LLC (Minmor Industries), purchased the property of interest in 2008 for their business, which primarily works in the printing, packaging, and promotions industries under its numerous companies (i.e. Mello Smello, OlymPak, Kidcentives, Mission Nutrition, and Safety Stop). Given shifts in the locations of their employees and operations, the building has been underutilized for a number of years and has been for sale or lease off and on for the last few years. In reviewing requests for ordinance amendments, certain amendment criteria shall be considered as outlined under Section 35-71304 (Amendment Criteria). The Planning Commission and City Council shall review the necessary submittal requirements, facts, circumstances of the proposed amendment, and make a recommendation and decision on the amendment based on, but not limited to, consideration of the following criteria and policies: a.Whether there is a clear and public need or benefit; b.Whether the proposed amendment is consistent with and compatible with surrounding land use classifications; c.Whether all permitted uses in the proposed zoning district can be contemplated for development of the subject property; d.Whether there have been substantial physical or zoning classification changes in the area since the subject property was zoned; e.Whether there is an evident, broad public purpose in the case of City-initiated rezoning proposals; f.Whether the subject property will bear fully the UDO development restrictions for the proposed zoning districts; g.Whether the subject property is generally unsuited for uses permitted in the present zoning district, with respect to size, configuration, topography, or location; h.Whether the rezoning will result in the expansion of a zoning district, warranted by: 1)Comprehensive Planning; 2)The lack of developable land in the proposed zoning district; or 3)The best interests of the community. i. Whether the proposal demonstrates merit beyond the interests of an owner or owners of an individual parcel. j.The specific policies and recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan and other City plans; k.The purpose and intent of this UDO, or in the case of a map amendment, whether it meets the purpose and intent of the individual district; and l.If applicable, the adequacy to buffer or transition between potentially incompatible districts. 2040 Comprehensive Plan The City’s Business Mixed-Use (B-MU) land use designation, which is in alignment with the City’s defined MX-B zoning district, is brand new under the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and is geographically located along a portion of Earle Brown Drive, and north of Interstate 694 off Freeway Boulevard and Shingle Creek Parkway. A Planned Unit Development zoned PUD/I1 and located off Parkway Circle is also included within the B-MU designation. This designation, “guides for a mix of businesses, light industrial, and supporting retail/service uses. This designation encourages redevelopment or development of commercial, office, general business, and light industrial uses in coordination with supporting App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 5 retail/commercial uses to encourage a more dynamic and connected experience for workers. This land use does not plan for residential uses but may include limited live-work opportunities as established through supporting official controls.” Map 3. Business Mixed-Use (B-MU) Land Use Designation – 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Business Mixed-Use (B-MU) future land use designation is one of the five (5) land uses that are identified for places of new or expected additional employment within the City of Brooklyn Center, with the Business Mixed-Use (B-MU) land use designation anticipated to account for the greatest added employment intensity (1,303) and 100% expected commercial or industrial usage across its 269 acres of the City. Further, almost the entire B-MU land use designation is identified as a “potential area for change.” As the City is predominantly a, “bedroom community,” with the overwhelming majority of lands reserved for low density residential (e.g. R1 District), there are limited opportunities to add any major employment opportunities with the exception of the following land use designations: Transit-Oriented Development, Neighborhood Mixed-Use, Commercial Mixed-Use, Commercial, and Business Mixed-Use. With that said, the City’s Commercial Mixed-Use (C-MU) and Business Mixed-Use (B-MU) land use designations are identified within the 2040 Plan as “vibrant business centers” that are focused more heavily on commercial, retail, office, and light industrial uses while continuing to emphasize the concept of creating “experiences for the users.” The purpose is to promote and encourage businesses, commercial users, retailers, etc. to plan for interconnected systems that result in a more active vibrant employment center, and shift away from the traditional isolated campuses and strip mall concepts. A key focus of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is Chapter 5 (Community Image, Economic Competitiveness, and Stability), which reinforces the City’s vision to commit to redefining, reimagining, and redeveloping key areas of the community with plans to elevate Brooklyn Center to an economically competitive City within the greater region. This is defined as the, “City’s ability to compete effectively for economic development that creates jobs, brings and retains corporations, successfully incubates new businesses App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 6 and services on a local, regional, national, and international scale.” It also references the ability of the City to attract jobs and employment that serves its residents, and emphasizes opportunities to access education, job skills matching, and an improved quality of life for all of its residents. It is recognized that the City of Brooklyn Center contains a great number of entrepreneurs, with residents who would like the opportunity to work where they live and with others who are passionate about making the City a great place to build and grow a business. Much of the City’s identified Business Mixed-Use (B- MU) land use designation is comprised of older stock light industrial type buildings constructed between the 1960s and 1970s that may not initially generate the interest of today’s typical industrial user, who requires higher clear heights, more square footage, and larger truck courts. While this may be viewed as a disadvantage to the City with respect to its overall economic competitiveness, it also presents an opportunity to re-envision and perhaps redevelop. Unlike the broader region, in which the population continues to age rapidly, Brooklyn Center’s population grew younger between 2000 and 2010, due to an increase in the number of persons aged 25 to 34. Although the 2040 Comprehensive Plan noted a median age of residents as 32.8 (2016), the 2020 census identified a median age of 32.4 in Brooklyn Center. Increases in the number of young families ultimately place demands on schools, housing affordability, and the types of retail goods and services needed. The American Community Survey (2018-2022) data on record identifies an employment rate of 68.6% for residents of Brooklyn Center as opposed to a Minnesota-wide employment rate of 65.7%. Of those civilians employed and aged 16 or older: 23.3% worked in educational services, health care, and social assistance; 18.4% worked in manufacturing; and 11.6% worked in professional, scientific, and management, administrative, and waste management services. The average commute of a Brooklyn Center resident is 23.3 minutes, which is just slightly longer than the average commute of a Minnesota worker. The 2040 Plan notes more than four (4) times as many residents work in Minneapolis than Brooklyn Center. This is an important consideration in identifying the potential to capitalize on more local residents returning to the City for work and accessing our younger labor pool and offering a greater work- life balance by allowing more residents to live and work in Brooklyn Center. While many residents and policy-makers may have historically pointed to “retail” as a prevalent industry and job provider in the City of Brooklyn Center, the “production, distribution, and repair” (PDR) industry sector provides the most employment opportunities in the community, and accounts for over 3,100 jobs in the City. The 2040 Plan notes that this is an important industry to maintain in the community now and into the future, and that the Future Land Use Plan specifically identifies, supports, and plans for land uses that will continue to promote and maintain light industrial and manufacturing, and other similar businesses. The PDR industry in Brooklyn Center is trailed slightly by the “Educational and Medical Services” (Eds/Meds) industry, which has been booming across the Twin Cities region. This is presented in the more recent investments made by Medtronic, who employs over 1,200 people in Brooklyn Center. Their property has occupied nearly 19 acres of land under the B-MU land use designation since the early 1970s and recently went through expansions at each of its buildings in 2018 (dry room addition) and 2019 (chiller plant addition). Their facilities at 6700 and 6800 Shingle Creek Parkway have since been re- branded as Medtronic’s Energy and Component Center (MECC), and as they forward their vision as a med-tech campus. App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 7 Unified Development Ordinance | Mixed-Use (MX-B) Zoning District MX-B Uses Adoption of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance in January 2023 resulted in the retirement of the City’s long-standing I1 (Industrial Park) District, and it was, for the most part, replaced with the City’s Business Mixed-Use District. This new zoning district reflects the 2040 Comprehensive Plan in that the purpose of the MX-B District is to, “accommodate land for a mix of business and light industrial uses, with allowances for supporting retail/service uses. This designation encourages redevelopment or development of commercial, office, general business, and light industrial uses in coordination with supportive retail/commercial uses towards encouraging a more dynamic and connected experience for workers.” While the district’s predecessor, the I1 District, was very much a typical business park/light industrial district, in that the uses were limited to manufacturing activities, wholesale trade activities, service activities (e.g. veterinarian and animal hospitals, kennels, laundering, dry cleaning, and dyeing, and contract construction), public transportation terminals, foundries, and textile mills, with retail permitted via special use as an accessory use only, the new MX-B District strives to provide a wider range of uses to the benefit of employers and employees in the area, while still maintaining its origins as a light industrial district. Section 35-4103 of the Unified Development Ordinance outlines “manufacturing, assembly, and processing of products, “wholesale trade,” “foundries,” and “textile mills and mills products” as uses only allowed or permitted by conditional use in the City’s MX-B and I Districts. The new MX-B District does grant new flexibilities in use by allowing for non-residential educational uses like business and trade schools (but excluding public and private elementary and secondary schools), medical and health uses, brewpubs, micro-wineries and distilleries, restaurants, grocery stores, indoor recreational fitness (but not amusement centers), and hospitality lodging; however, these uses function differently than a place for religious assembly might in that they are oftentimes centered around service times, and oftentimes operate outside of typical business hours (e.g. Monday through Friday, 8 to 5 p.m.), although the below example provides mid-day services on Fridays. Potential Impacts and Other Considerations Places for Religious Assembly are currently permitted as a conditional use within the City’s R1 (Low Density Residential), which comprises the greatest amount of land in the City, R2 (Medium Low Density Residential), C (Commercial), and I (Industrial) zoning districts. The majority of existing religious assembly uses are predominately located within the City’s R1 District. There is only one religious assembly use located in the City’s I (General Industry) District, and in what was formerly a veterinary hospital turned mosque at 4900 France Avenue North. Prior to this request, all places for religious assembly were required primary vehicular access to be located on a collector or arterial street. This was, in part, a means to manage traffic volumes on City streets as people arrive and leave prior to and following a service. The aforementioned place for assembly use at 4900 France Avenue North, which City staff sees as the closest example given its location in the City’s heavier industrial I District, is located on a dead-end cul-de- sac and, although a parking and traffic study was provided as part of their special use application, with plans to operate a shuttle given limited on-site parking, their conditions of approval are not being met and City staff has noted on-street parking during service times, which constrains emergency vehicle access to the property’s sole access, access to neighboring industrial businesses and residential homes, as well as parking occurring off-site at the Xcel Transformer Station. As its location is not served by sidewalks, this App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 8 also forces members to walk in the City streets or across private properties (refer to Image 1 below): Image 1. On-street parking at Location of Place for Religious Assembly in I (General Industry) District. Assembly uses, such as religious institutions, tend to have higher parking demands than other types of uses due to the nature of their visitors. Industrial uses by contrast tend to have low parking demands relative to their square footage because these uses generally have lower employment densities, although the 2040 Comprehensive Plan seeks to add employment intensity to the B-MU land use designation. For example, places of public assembly, such as houses of worship (e.g. churches, mosques), theatres, auditoriums (other than school auditoriums), mortuaries, stadiums, arenas, and dance halls require one parking space for every three seats, or attendees, per Section 35-5506 (Required Parking Spaces) under the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. Conversely, industry and wholesale uses, as are more typically found in the City’s MX-B District, require one space for every two employees based upon maximum planned employment during any work period or one space for each 800 square feet of gross floor area, whichever requirement is greater. In the event the latter requirement is greater, adequate land area shall be provided for the required off-street parking area, but improved space need only be provided according to the employees’ ratio. In reviewing the City’s existing MX-B District properties, it was noted that the majority of properties (in terms of building square footage) are home to uses traditionally found in a business park/light industrial district. These include: Medtronic, Endurable Building Products (aluminum deck systems), Hiawatha Rubber, Reviva (remanufactured diesel engines/components), RAO Manufacturing (supplier of deep draw formings, metal stampings, sheet metal fabrication, etc.), the former Metro Transit Reuter Bus Garage, and the City’s Public Works Garage. The majority of these properties are located on minor roadways that are intended to provide access for employees, trucking, and logistics, with loading docks, gated access, or outside storage present. Although there are some properties that do not fit this description (e.g. multi- tenant buildings off Earle Brown Drive, hotels and former Earle Brown Lanes bowling alley, which is currently being converted to a Los Campeones Gym off James Circle North), these are the existing conditions for many of the 36 properties within the MX-B District. App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 9 App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 10 Image 2. Existing Parking Conditions at Different MX-B District Properties. Image 3. Example Conditions of Road Access within MX-B District. There are certain barriers that would also require consideration in retrofitting industrial or office type buildings or tenant spaces for “assembly” type uses as they require higher fire suppression standards than other types of uses due to the congregation of people that occurs within buildings and the potential need for exiting in case of an emergency. Conversion of a standalone building or tenant space would likely constitute a change of use from the perspective of Building and Fire Code, and thus would trigger a change of use from the perspective of the Building and Fire Code. In the case of the few multi-tenant office buildings located off Earle Brown Drive and within the MX-B District, their building type could restrict the location of a proposed place for religious assembly type use. For example, on a 2B construction type building, an assembly use could not be located higher than the third (3rd) floor. In reviewing the standards for approving an ordinance amendment, the proposed amendment shall be consistent with and compatible with surrounding land use classifications; whether the proposal demonstrates merit beyond the interests of an owner or, in this case, interested party, for an individual parcel; and the specific policies and recommendations as outlined within the City’s Comprehensive Plan or other City plans. Although this is not contemplated within this application, any applicant pursuing a conditional use permit (CUP) for a “Places for Religious Assembly” use would further need to satisfactorily demonstrate that all conditional use permit criteria as outlined under Section 35-7703 (Conditional Use Permit Criteria) has App. No. 2024-011 PC 09/12/2024 Page 11 been meet. These criteria include, but are not limited to whether: the establishment of the conditional use will impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of surrounding property for uses permitted in the district; that adequate measures have been or will be taken so as to provide ingress, egress, and parking so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the public streets; be in accordance with the general objectives, or with any specific objective, of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance; and not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in the immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, nor substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood. RECOMMENDATION Based on the above-noted findings, and in response to Section 35-71304 (Amendment Criteria) of the City Code, City staff recommends the Planning Commission recommend City Council denial of Planning Commission Application No. 2024-011, which would amend Section 35-4103 (Allowed Use Table) of the City Code of Ordinances regarding places for religious assembly as a conditional use within the City of Brooklyn Center’s Business Mixed-Use (MX-B) zoning district. If City Council were to grant an approval of the above-requested amendment to Chapter 35 (Unified Development Ordinance), it would require any applicant, including the Applicant for Planning Commission Application No. 2024-011, to submit a separate application for review and consideration of a conditional use permit (CUP). ATTACHMENTS Exhibit A – Planning Commission Application No. 2024-011 plans and documents, submitted August 13, 2024. Exhibit B – Public Hearing Notice, submitted for publication in the Brooklyn Center Sun Post, and dated August 29, 2024 Exhibit C – Council/EDA Work Session Memo for Concept Review of 6010 Earle Brown Drive and Discussion on Potential Changes to MX-B District to Allow for Places of Religious Assembly with Select Exhibits, dated August 28, 2023. Exhibit D – Map of City MX-B District Properties and Table of Property Information. a. Whether there is a clear and public need or benefit; Trinity International Fellowship stands as a beacon of light, radiating passion and purpose. Its teachings encompass all aspects of life, empowering believers to apply the principles of the Gospel and e ect societal change. With a deep-rooted desire to witness transformation and impact, the ministry equips its members with the necessary tools to delve into the Word of God, fostering profound understanding. Trinity International conducts community outreach such as food assistance programs (at no-cost), counseling, and youth programing, with the intent to support the community of Brooklyn Center at large. b. Whether the proposed amendment is consistent and compatible with surrounding land use classifications. While not a Permitted Use, Places for Religious Assembly provide community care, guidance and connectivity. Trinity International Fellowship believes this support should not be limited to specific areas in the community. c. Whether all permitted uses in the proposed zoning district can be contemplated for development of the subject property; The proposed amendment is less restrictive. Therefore, all existing permitted uses in the proposed zoning district will remain eligible on the subject property. d. Whether there have been substantial physical or zoning classification changes in the area since the subject property was zoned; Planning for the project started in 2021. Since then, there has been a substantial zoning classification change when the City of Brooklyn Center updated its Comprehensive Plan. Under the previous city code, Places for Religious Assembly were permitted uses on this site. f. Whether the subject property will bear fully the UDO development restrictions for the proposed zoning districts; If the Text Amendment is accepted by the City of Brooklyn Center, the subject property will be in full compliance. g. Whether the subject property is generally unsuited for uses permitted in the present zoning district, with respect to size, configuration, topography or location; While this property could be developed for permitted uses, per the UDO, Places for Religious Assembly are not Permitted Uses in any zoning district and are only permitted as Conditional Uses in R1, R2, C, and I Zoning Districts. Trinity International believes the City of Brooklyn would benefit from allowing Places for Religious Assembly to be located amongst a diverse group of sites. h. Whether the rezoning will result in the expansion of a zoning district, warranted by: 1) Comprehensive Planning; 2) The lack of developable land in the proposed zoning district; or 3) The best interests of the community. Places for Religious Assembly provide spiritual guidance and support for the community. Trinity International conducts outreach programs such as food assistance programs, counseling, youth Exhibit A programs with the intent to support anyone in the larger community regardless of religious belief. Thus, the rezoning will result in strengthening support for the community. i. Whether the proposal demonstrates merit beyond the interests of an owner or owners of an individual parcel. Trinity International Fellowship plans to invest millions of dollars in constructing a facility that has a Sanctuary for services, gathering and meeting spaces for community use, spaces for youth ministry, a food shelf to assist those in need, and o ices for ministry sta and community outreach. With this, With the goal of aiding the poor, assisting the homeless, and promoting community development, Trinity International Fellowship aims to be a pillar in the community for many years to come. k. The purpose and intent of this UDO, or in the case of a map amendment, whether it meets the purpose and intent of the individual district; and While not a Permitted Use, a Place for Religious Assembly will provide support to the neighboring sites such as the residential district and hospital. l. If applicable, the adequacy of a bu-er or transition provided between potentially incompatible districts. The proposed Amendment should not produce any incompatible districts. From: Holly Burley <holly@vanmanab.com> Sent: Friday, September 6, 2024 9:46 AM To: Krystin Eldridge Cc: Ginny McIntosh Subject: RE: Trinity International - 6010 Earle Brown Additional Documents Hi Ginny and Krystin, A – Clear and Public need or benefit – Beyond the benefits of fostering a religious community, Trinity International seeks to support the Brooklyn Center community as a whole. We hear a lot about our communities facing significant challenges such as food insecurity, mental health issues, and a lack of opportunities for youth. These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including low-income families, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. According to Metcouncil, Brooklyn Center has a higher unemployment rate than the Hennepin County average with those numbers on the rise. Metcouncil has also defined Brooklyn Center as an area of concentrated poverty with over 50% are residents of color and having significant income inequality in the past 10 years of reporting. Based on these data backed needs of the public, Trinity International seeks to utilize their already established ministries of food assistance programs, counseling, and youth programming as well as establish new ministries based on specific needs and feedback of the Brooklyn Center community to help meet that need. B – Whether the proposed amendment is consistent and compatible with surrounding land use classifications The proposed amendment for the building location is within the MX-B district and adjacent to PUDMIXED, C, R1, R3, R5. While Places of Religious Assembly is not a permitted use in any of the zoning districts, it is a conditional use in all surrounding zones. In addition, many of the uses in the proposed Trinity International building align with MX-B permitted, conditional, or accessory uses. The building would have features of permitted uses including non-commercial recreation, as well as food bank related services that may be similar to grocery establishments. Conditional uses for MX-B that would be similar include library and indoor recreation uses – especially for children and youth. Allowable accessory uses of eating establishment, and banquet and conference spaces would also be accessory uses within Trinity International with potlucks, community gatherings, and space for special event including weddings, funerals, and similar services. Thank you, Holly Holly Burley Senior Architect, Vanman Architects and Builders P 763.541.9552 | M 507.621.2192 | E holly@vanmanab.com W vanmanab.com | A 6701 W 23rd St, Minneapolis, MN 55426 From: Krystin Eldridge <keldridge@brooklyncentermn.gov> Sent: Friday, August 30, 2024 12:34 PM To: Holly Burley <holly@vanmanab.com> Cc: Ginny McIntosh <gmcintosh@brooklyncentermn.gov> Subject: RE: Trinity International - 6010 Earle Brown Additional Documents Hi Holly, I am unsure how familiar you are with the project. We were looking through your submitted materials for Planning Commission Meeting on September 12. For rezoning questions in particular (attached), we are looking at a broader impact for the City and the Business Mixed Use districts. Can you expound on how this use benefits the MX-B district, specifically A and B of the statement. All the light purple areas are MXB. Let me or Ginny know if you need something else to help you with these questions. Maybe you can add some examples of how it worked for other proposals? I will not be in next week, but Ginny can help answer any questions you have. Thank you, Krystin Eldridge | Associate Planner City of Brooklyn Center 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway | Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-219 Direct: 763.569.3316 | General: 763.569.3330 General Email: communitydevelopment@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us www.brooklyncentermn.gov | keldridge@brooklyncentermn.gov From: Julian Akogyeram <julian@vanmanab.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 2:02 PM To: Krystin Eldridge keldridge@brooklyncentermn.gov Cc: Ginny McIntosh <gmcintosh@brooklyncentermn.gov> Subject: Re: Trinity International - 6010 Earle Brown Additional Documents Krystin, Any updates on the process? Thanks, Julian From: Julian Akogyeram Sent: Monday, July 22, 2024 4:12 PM To: keldridge@brooklyncentermn.gov <keldridge@brooklyncentermn.gov> Cc: Ginny McIntosh <gmcintosh@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us> Subject: Trinity International - 6010 Earle Brown Additional Documents Krystin, Please see the attached. The document called “Rezoning Statement” has the answers to the questions we discussed earlier. I’ve also attached the Site and Grading Plans. The Plans and Elevations are too large to add to this email, so I’ll send those separately. Please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks, This email has been scanned for spam and viruses by Proofpoint Essentials. Click here to report this email as spam. Exhibit B Council/EDA Work Session DATE: 8/28/2023 TO: City Council FROM: Dr. Reggie Edwards, City Manager THROUGH: Jesse Anderson, Community Development Director BY: Ginny McIntosh, City Planner and Zoning Administrator SUBJECT: Concept Review for 6010 Earle Brown Drive and Discussion on Poten3al Changes to MX-B District to Allow for Places of Religious Assembly. Requested Council Acon: - Consider a concept proposal for 6010 Earle Brown Drive, which would ulmately require an ordinance amendment to the MX-B (Business Mixed-Use) District to allow for places of religious assembly, and provide feedback. Background: Trinity Interna3onal Fellowship, a non-denomina3onal ministry based out of Liberia, has expressed interest in purchasing 6010 Earle Brown Drive, which has long been home to MinMor Industries. The Subject Property was originally approved for use as a bank and drive-thru in 1988, but was purchased by Minmor LLC in 2008. The Subject Property has been marketed on and off for sale or lease for a few years now. City staff and the architect working with Trinity Interna3onal Fellowship held numerous conversa3ons surrounding the intended use of the Subject Property and poten3al impacts to the overarching MX-B District. City staff outlined numerous concerns and considera3ons as part of these discussions. As City staff determined there was no path forward for the use at the Subject Property under current City Code provisions, the architect, in conversa3on with Trinity Interna3onal Fellowship, requested City Council weigh in on the proposal in the form of a concept review work session. Concept Review for 6010 Earle Brown Drive The concept review process is an opportunity for the City Council to review a development concept prior to a formal proposal from an applicant, and provide comments, ask ques3ons, and indicate whether or not the City would generally be open to the project. Concept reviews also provide insight to City staff and the applicant as to the City Council’s level of interest, and any specific concerns related to a project. A concept review is considered advisory and is non-binding to the City and the applicant. No formal ac3on can be taken at a work session, and the Council is not being asked to vote on the proposal. If the applicant chooses to submit a formal applica3on to the City to proceed, it would be subject to the full City review process, as with any other applica3on. The Subject Property located at 6010 Earle Brown Drive was originally approved under Planning Commission Applica3on No. 88019 as an approximately 20,000-square foot City-County Federal Credit Union loca3on and drive-thru. At the 3me of approval, the Subject Property was zoned C2 (Commerce) District—“financial ins3tu3ons” and “office buildings” were considered permiHed uses within this District. Exhibit C The staff report on file contemplated the parking requirements under this applica3on assuming a mix of retail and office use for a total of 118 on-site parking spaces. In 2008, MinMor Industries purchased the Subject Property. MinMor Industries provides print, design, and manufacturing services and primarily works in the prin3ng, packaging, and promo3ons industries under its numerous companies (i.e. Mello Smello, OlymPak, Kidcen3ves, Mission Nutri3on, and Safety Stop). Given MinMor’s reduced office presence at this loca3on, the Subject Property has been for sale or lease off and on for a few years now. Trinity Interna3onal Fellowship provided a narra3ve (aHached), which notes an exis3ng membership of between 180 to 250 members since opening their local chapter in 2018. The narra3ve further indicates plans to purchase the Subject Property for use as a, “sanctuary for services, gathering and mee3ng spaces, spaces for youth ministry, a food shelf to assist those in need, and offices for ministry staff and community outreach.” Although there were conversa3ons about providing on-site daycare, no formal request was outlined in the narra3ve. Further discussions with City staff outline plans to expand the exis3ng building towards Highway 100 to allow for future membership growth. A mul3-phase expansion plan is included with the memo as reference and further breaks down the poten3al usage of the building. City staff reviewed the narra3ve and provided plans, which would accommodate an approximately 1,200 square foot sanctuary, bookstore, food shelf, office space, and group mee3ng rooms as part of an ini3al Phase I remodel. As noted, the Subject Property was approved in 1988 with 118 on-site parking spaces. Assuming an assembly use (1 parking space for every 3 seats/persons), the Subject Property would only accommodate an addi3onal growth of likely less than 100 new members before minimum parking needs would no longer be met on-site. Assuming an exis3ng membership of 250, a minimum of 84 parking spaces would be required—this does not account for parking needs for church staff (e.g. bookstore, office spaces, food shelf), other visitors, and those receiving poten3al services. The total building occupant load outlined for the exisng building today is noted as 426 occupants. If City staff calculated parking needs purely off occupant load and assumed 100% assembly use (which is not the case), a minimum of 142 on-site parking spaces would be required to serve the exis3ng building, which is 24 more parking spaces than are currently available. The proposed full Phase II expansion as presented would more than double the building occupancy load from 426 occupants to 928 occupants. Again, if City staff calculated off building occupant load and assumed 100% assembly use (again, which is not the case), a minimum of 310 on-site parking spaces would be required if the building were expanded. The submiHed Phase II expansion plans again contemplate a dedicated food shelf, book store, pastoral offices, group mee3ng rooms, a further expanded approximately 5,300-square foot sanctuary with stage, classrooms, and a basement dedicated for a children’s play area, nursery, and classrooms (e.g. young children, pre-school, toddlers). These parking concerns were relayed by City staff who noted constraints to the future use of the property as envisioned. City staff further inquired on the Northern States Power (NSP) powerline that appears to run along the Subject Property and noted that any proposed plans to expand would require addi3onal review depending on the width of the easement and any restric3ons. Although there are two exis3ng curb cut access points off Earle Brown Drive, City staff addressed concerns surrounding ingress and egress as the Subject Property is located off the intersec3on of Earle Brown Drive and Summit Drive (4-way stop) and it is assumed all traffic would be concentrated at this intersec3on given Earle Brown Drive is a loop road. Amendments to MX-B (Business Mixed-Use) District | Other Considera&ons “Places for Religious Assembly” are permiHed through approval of a Condi3onal Use Permit (CUP) in the City’s R1 (Low Density Residen3al), R2 (Medium Low Density Residen3al), C (Commerce—Service/Office), and I (General Industry) Districts. The majority of exis3ng religious assembly uses are predominantly located within the City’s R1 Districts. Only one religious assembly use is located within the I District. City staff reviewed the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 35) and the only perceived path forward for Trinity Interna3onal Fellowship to purchase the Subject Property and occupy the space for religious assembly would be for the City Council to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow for “places for religious assembly,” as it is currently prohibited as a use in the MX-B District. In keeping with the other districts, City staff assumes the path would be via approval of a Condi3onal Use Permit. City staff reviewed other poten3al op3ons, such as re-zoning the Subject Property; however, the property is en3rely surrounded by other MX-B District-zoned proper3es. The MX-C (Commercial Mixed-Use) District is located to the south of the Subject Property, off Summit Drive; however, this District also prohibits “places for religious assembly” as a use. The only other alternately zoned proper3es are located across Earle Brown Drive (i.e. Lux Apartments, Ecumen Memory Care); however, these proper3es are zoned PUD/Mixed (Planned Unit Development/Mixed Use) District and were specifically approved for mul3-family/senior housing uses. “Spot zoning” a property is generally prohibited. The majority of the City’s MX-B District is located just north of Interstates 94/694 and off the intersec3on of Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Boulevard, although there are also MX-B zoned proper3es off Earle Brown Drive. City staff counted a total of 38 proper3es across the City that are zoned with the MX-B District designa3on. Although some proper3es feature mul3-tenant type buildings, other proper3es have standalone buildings. Many of the MX-B proper3es appear to be located off either loop roads (e.g. Earle Brown Drive, James Circle North), or cul-de-sacs (67th Avenue North). The MX-B District’s purpose, as outlined in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance, is to, “accommodate land for a mix of business and light industrial uses, with allowances for suppor3ng retail/service uses. This designa3on encourages redevelopment or development of commercial, office, general business, and light industrial uses in coordina3on with suppor3ve retail/commercial uses towards encouraging a more dynamic and connected experience for workers. This land does not plan for residen3al uses, but may include limited live-work opportuni3es as established through suppor3ng official controls.” PermiHed uses within the MX-B District include uses like: medical and health uses, animal hospitals, commercial animal establishments, brewpubs, micro-wineries, and micro-dis3lleries, office uses, automobile and truck repair and service sta3ons, manufacturing, assembly, and processing of products, ar3san produc3on and sales, wholesale trade, and business/trade/post-secondary schools, but not public and private elementary and secondary schools. Assembly uses, such as places of religious assembly, tend to have higher parking demands than other types of uses, such as industrial, which typically have lower parking demands rela3ve to the overall square footage of building, due in part to lower employment densi3es. For example, “places of religious assembly,” and other assembly type uses (e.g. theatres, stadiums, arenas, and dance halls) require, “1 parking space for every three seats/persons.” Industry and wholesales uses require a minimum of one (1) space for every two (2) employees based on maximum shiO or one (1) space for every 800 square feet of gross floor area. Medical and dental clinics, which are permiHed in the MX-B District, require a minimum of three (3) spaces for each doctor or den3st, plus one (1) space for every two (2) employees or one space for each 150 square feet of gross floor area. Office buildings require a minimum of three (3) parking spaces for every 1,000 square feet of gross floor area. Depending on the exis3ng use, the conversion of a building could also trigger a “change of use” under the Building Code, which requires addi3onal considera3ons, including but not limited to: installa3on of panic hardware, fire separa3on/protec3on measures, or installa3on of an elevator/liO (dependent on occupancies). Policy Considera&ons The City Council is being asked to consider a concept proposal for 6010 Earle Brown Drive, which would ul3mately require an amendment to the MX-B (Business Mixed-Use) District to allow for “places for religious assembly,” which is currently prohibited within this District. Issues for the City Council to consider: Are there aspects of the site layout, architecture, or form of the presented site plan for 6010 Earle Brown Drive (Subject Property) that are concerning to the Council? Is the development plan in keeping with the City's 2040 future land use plan and long-range vision for the area? Approximately 5.02% of the City of Brooklyn Center has a 2040 future land use designa3on of “Business Mixed-Use.” This does not include approximately 15 acres of land located at 1297 Shingle Creek Crossing (Former Sears property) that was recommended last year for a recommended comprehensive plan amendment re-designa3on to Business Mixed-Use, which would bring the total acreage under this designa3on to approximately 5.3%. Does the proposed amendment to the MX-B (Business Mixed-Use) District forward the City's strategic priori3es? The City’s priority of “Resident Economic Stability” notes that the, “economic stability of residents is essen3al to vibrant neighborhoods and to retail, restaurant, and business growth. We will lead by suppor3ng collabora3ve efforts of educa3on, business, and government sectors to improve income opportuni3es for residents.” Further, the City’s values statement of “Opera3onal Excellence,” notes that the City will, “commit ourselves to deliver quality services in a cost effec3ve and efficient manner. We will be good stewards of the limited resources made available to use by the ci3zens we serve.” Certain classes of property are considered “exempt” and are therefore not subject to property taxes. These typically include, but are not limited to: religious uses (e.g. churches/houses of worship), certain ins3tu3ons of public charity (e.g. 501(c)(3) organiza3ons), schools (e.g. public, charter schools), cemeteries/burial grounds, and property used for public purposes (e.g. City Hall, Fire Sta3on). It is important to note that while a property may become “tax exempt,” the burden does not disappear—rather, it is shiOed to other tax payers within the City. Although there are other factors to consider and the poten3al impacts unknown at this 3me, in reviewing the City’s MX-B proper3es, it was determined that the majority of MX- B District proper3es appear to be classified for tax rate purposes as “Industrial Preferred” or “Commercial Preferred,” which tax at a higher rate than other property types. Dependent on interest, there could be implica3ons to the overall tax base that would need to be accounted for in future City budget years. Budget Issues: None to consider at this 3me; however, as noted above, there may be future implica3ons to the overall tax base in the future. Anracist/Equity Policy Effect: Strategic Priories and Values: Resident Economic Stability, Opera3onal Excellence ATTACHMENTS: Descrip3on Upload Date Type City of Brooklyn Center Zoning Map - MX-B District 8/22/2023 Backup Material Narra3ve_Trinity Interna3onal Fellowship 8/22/2023 Backup Material Site Floor Plans_6010 Earle Brown Drive 8/22/2023 Backup Material presenta3on 8/28/2023 Presenta3on N o b l e A v e n u e N o r t h B ro okda le D r i v e North Schilling Park I nterstate 9 4 U n i t y Av e n u e Nor t h U n i t y A v e n u e N o r t h Howe Lane 65th Avenue North 65t h A venue No rth 73rd Avenue North 69 th A ve nu e N ort h B r o o kl y n B o u l e v a r d Mac Park Crystal Airport 864 ft 100 9 44th Avenue N orth C o u n t y R o a d 8 1 W e l c o me A v e n ue N o rt h O r c h a r d A v e n u e N o r t h P e r r y A v e n u e N o r t h Q u a i l A v e n u e N o r t h R e g e n t A v e n u e N o r t h N e w t o n A v e n u e N o r t h H u m b o l d t A v e n u e N o r t h Brookd ale Dr iv e North Palmer Lake Environmental Area Brookdale Park 850 ft 873 ft PalmerLake 10 100 94 73rd Avenue No rth F r a n c e A v e n u e N o r t h F r e m ont A v e n u e N o r t h 60th A v enue North X e r x e s A v e n u e N or t h N e w t o n A v e n u e N o rt h B e a r d A v e n u e N o r t h P a l merLak e D r i v eW e s t 5 9 t h A v e n u e N o rth 61st Avenue N o r t h Freew a y B o ul ev ar d 6 6 t h A v enue North H u m b o l d t A v e n u e N o r t h 69 th Avenue No rt h Summi t D r i ve 58th A v e n u e N o r t h County R o ad 10 B r o o k l y n B o u l e v a r d 57th Avenue N o rt h Brooklyn Center 860 ft TwinLake 100 152 43 r d A v e nue No rth 55th A v enue N o r t h X e r x e s A v e n u e N o r t h R u s s e l l A v e n u e N o r t h 4 0 t h A v enue N o rth Fr a n ce A v e n u e N o r t h Z e n i t h A v e n u e N o r t h 51 s t A venue N o rth 4 9th A v enue N orth 45 th Avenue Nort h 46th A venue N orth G i ra r d A v e n u e N o r th Y o r k A v e n u e N o r t h F r e m o n t A v e n u e N o rth A b b o t t A v e n u e N o r t h V i n c e n t A v e n u e N o r t h Hu m b o l d t A v e n u e N o r t h C o u n t y R o a d 8 1 P e n n A v e n u e N o r t h 44 th Avenu e N o r thLakeDrive H u m b o l d t Ave nu e No r t h B r o o k l y n B o u l e v a r d Crystal Lake Cemetery Centerbrook Golf Course Shingle Creek Crossing Shingle Creek Park Victory Memorial Parkway Thomas Hollingsworth Park Robbinsdale CrystalLake 81 M e m o r i a l P a r k w a y V i n c e n t A v e n u e N o r t h R u s s e l l A v e n u e N o r t h 39th Avenue North U p t o n A v e n u e N o r t h J a m e s A v e n u e N o r t h Q u e e n A v e n u e N o r t h G i r a r d A v e n u e N o r t h I r v i n g A v e n u e N o r t h W a s hb u r n A v e n u e N o r t h K n o x A v e n u e N o r t h M a j o r A v e n u e N o r t h L o g a n A v e n u e N o r t h Hum b o l dt A v e nu e N o r t h G r i m es A v enu e N o rt h N o b l e A v e n u e N o r t h J une A v e n u e N o r t h Lakeview Terrace Park Brookdale D rive North M i s s i s s i ppi La n e N o r t h Mis s i s s i ppi R i v e r 252 94 73rd Aven ue N orth Da l l a s R o a d B r y a n t A v e n u e N o r t h Br y a nt A v e n u e N o r t h D u p o n t A v e n u e N o r t h E m e r s o n A v e n u e N o r t h Wes t R i v e r R o a d 57th A v enue N o rth C a m d e n A v e n u e N o r t h E astRiv er R oa d N orthea s t Mi s s i s s i p p i Rive r Mi s si ss ip p i Ri v er D u p o n t A v e n u e N o r t h E m e r s o n A v e n u e N o r t h B r y a n t A v e n u e N o r t h 6 t h S t r e e t N o rt h A l d r i c h A v e n u e N o r t h C o l f a x A v en u e N o r t h C o l f a x Av e n u e N o r t h Ly n d al e A v e nu eNo r th 42 nd A v e nue N o r th Webber Park St Anthony Parkway Anoka Co Riverfront Regional Park A l d r i c h A v e n u e N o r t h C o l f a x A v e n u e N o r t h B r y a n t A v e n u e N o r t h 39th A v e n u e N o rth Dowling Avenue North ROBBINSDALE CRYSTAL FRIDLEY BROOKLYN PARK MINNEAPOLIS %&'(694 %&'(94 %&'(94 GVWX130 GVWX8 GVWX1 GVWX57 GVWX9 GVWX10 GVWX81 GVWX152 ?@A@252 ?@A@100 ?@A@100 Ma p D o c u m e n t : \ \ a r c s e r v e r 1 \ G I S \ B R C N \ _ B a s e m a p \ E S R I \ P r o \ Z o n i n g \ Z o ni n g M a p \ Z o n i n g M a p . a p r x | U s e r n a m e : d a v i d s a | D a t e S a v e d : 3 / 1 6 / 2 02 3 4 : 4 4 P M Legend City Boundaries Shoreland Areas Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Districts District Description (District Code) River Neighborhood District (CA-RN) Separated from River District (CA-SR) Water Zoning Districts R1 : Low Density Residential R2 : Medium Low Density Residential R3 : Medium Density Residential R4 : Medium High Density Residential R5 : High Density Residential MX-N1 : Neighborhood Mixed- Use MX-N2 : Neighborhood Mixed- Use MX-B : Business Mixed Use I : General Industrial MX-C : Commercial Mixed-Use C : Commerce - Service/Office TOD : Transit Oriented Development O : Public Open Space PUD/C1 : Planned Unit Development/Commercial 1 PUD/C2 : Planned Unit Development/Commercial 2 PUD/C1A : Planned Unit Development/Office-Service PUD/I1 : Planned Unit Development/Industrial 1 PUD/R1 : Planned Unit Development/Residential 1 PUD/R3 : Planned Unit Development/Residential 3 PUD/MX-C : Planned Unit Development/Commercial Mixed-Use PUD/MX-B : Planned Unit Development/Business Mixed Use PUDMIXED : Planned Unit Development/Mixed PUD/TOD : Planned Unit Development/Transit Oriented Development 0 1 Miles Source: MnGeo, Hennepin County !I Brooklyn Center Zoning Map Brooklyn Center, MN Shoreland and MRCCA Areas March 2023 Trinity International Fellowship, a non-denominational ministry, has made a remarkable impact since its establishment in 1999. With its mega central headquarters in Monrovia, Liberia, and branches spanning across three different nations, the ministry has witnessed continuous growth, boasting an impressive membership of over 12,000 active individuals. In 2018, a new chapter began as Trinity International Fellowship planted its roots in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where it quickly gained traction and now serves a thriving community of 180 to 250 members. The ministry's commitment to serving the community is evident as it seeks to expand its reach by purchasing the property located at 6010 Earle Brown Drive. This campus will consist of a Sanctuary for services, gathering and meeting spaces, spaces for youth ministry, a food shelf to assist those in need, and offices for ministry staff and community outreach. With the goal of aiding the poor, assisting the homeless, and promoting community development, Trinity International Fellowship aims to make a lasting impact through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Plans are underway to invest millions of dollars in constructing a facility that aligns with the architectural vision and gains approval from the city council, further solidifying the ministry's commitment to their mission. One of the driving factors behind choosing Brooklyn Center as the ministry's location is its vibrant diversity. Trinity International Fellowship thrives in the multi-cultural atmosphere, embracing the richness that comes from various backgrounds and traditions. Since their arrival in 2018, the congregants have been actively involved in fellowship, helping those in need and distributing food and clothing. Led by the dedicated Senior Pastor, Nyenatee S. Davis, who is not only a minister but also a doctorate student at the University of Minnesota and a successful entrepreneur, the ministry's impact extends beyond the Sunday sermons. Trinity International Fellowship stands as a beacon of light, radiating passion and purpose. Their teachings encompass all aspects of life, empowering believers to apply the principles of the Gospel and effect societal change. With a deep-rooted desire to witness transformation and impact, the ministry equips its members with the necessary tools to delve into the Word of God, fostering profound understanding. Their success is not measured solely by numbers, but by the countless souls won through their unwavering dedication. Trinity International Fellowship humbly acknowledges that all the glory belongs to God alone, as it continues to shine brightly in its pursuit of sharing the Gospel. DN DN 3012 SF sanctuary 269 SF storage 250 SF stair 257 SF security 360 SF vest 59 SF elev249 SF bookstore 151 SF stair 'c' 2017 SF fellowship/reception 220 seats 250 SF women's 247 SF men's 305 SF cafe 410 SF food shelf 231 SF mother's 107 SF nursing information desk coat hooks mech patio trash enclosure COPYRIGHT 2022C TRINITY INTERNATIONAL PHASE 2 -SITE - OPTION 'B' PID Acres County Address ZIP Property Owner Associated Business | Use 211821110005 3.67 6000 Earle Brown Drive 55430 B R Romine Et Al Trustees Park Nicollet Brookdale Clinic 211821110011 3.05 6010 Earle Brown Drive 55430 MINMOR LLC Minmor Industries (printing, design, and manufacturing services under Mello Smello, OlymPak, Kidcentives, Mission Nutrition, and Safety Stop companies) 211821110002 4.22 6040 Earle Brown Drive 55430 Heccl LLC Multi-tenant office building 3511921110012 8.49 1600 67th Avenue North 55430 Bradley Fam Dynasty Trust Endurable Building Products (Aluminum deck systems and products) 3511921110013 3.9 1700 67th Avenue North 55430 Popehn Limited Partnshp Lllp Hiawatha Rubber (Rubber Assembly/Components)| Reviva (Remanufactured Diesel Engines/Components) 3511921120002 9.28 6820 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Gki Industrial Mpls Llc Shingle Creek Commerce Center (Multi-tenant) 3511921120008 5.2 6801 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Breit Henn Ind Owner Llc Lallak's Delivery Services Inc | C&D Granite & Quartz | North Star Warehousing and Distribution 3511921140003 6.42 6530 James Avenue North 55430 Rao Manufacturing Co Hldgs Llc RAO Manufacturing (supplier of deep draw formings, metal stampings, sheet metal fabrications, welded assemblies, and tank heads for use in air compressor tanks, cryogenic tanks, paint sprayers, floor clearning equipment, small engines & generators, filter housings, fireplaces, etc.) 3511921140017 3.14 1600 Freeway Boulevard 55430 Zaina Properties Llc Quality Inn 3511921230001 7.53 2700 Freeway Boulevard 55430 Freeway Blvd Investors Llc Multi-tenant building (Bizzy Coffee Headquarters, Revolution Screen Works, B& R Drapery and Home Furnishings, Firenet Systems, Inc.) 3511921420006 2.43 6445 James Circle North 55430 Kaswa Hospitality Inc Super 8 3511921430007 5.53 6300 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Tks Brooklyn Center Hldg Llc Multi-tenant building 3511921140005 1.39 6645 James Avenue North 55430 SEWA-AIFW SEWA-AIFW (non-profit) 3511921140006 2.08 6660 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Hrrj Properties LLC Interscapes, Inc. (architectural woodwork), Glass Specialists, and Global African Foods 3511921410020 8.57 1501 Freeway Boulevard 55430 Ph Minneapolis LLC FBI Regional Headquarters 3511921420010 1.28 1701 James Circle North 55430 CADD/Engr Supply Inc CES Imaging (printing, scanning) 3511921420011 2.11 6415 James Circle North 55430 SIYA LLC Travelodge 3511921420012 1.01 6405 James Circle North 55430 SRODES LLC Denny's Restaurant 3511921430017 5.8 6160 Summit Drive 55430 Brooklyn Center Summit LLC Multi-tenant office building 3511921440003 6.27 6120 Earle Brown Drive 55430 EARLE BROWN TOWER LLP Multi-tenant office building 3511921140002 1.19 22 Address Unassigned 0 Rao Manufctring Co Hldgs Llc Vacant Lot (parking) 3511921140008 7.33 1800 Freeway Boulevard 55430 St Paul Fire & Marine Ins Co Geneva Group (Manufacturer of Hauler Racks and ProRac Systems) 3511921140014 2.46 1601 67th Avenue North 55430 G&J Steffens Ltd Partnership Zip Scanners (police scanners), Mile Four (Organic chicken feed and coop essentials), and Sound Ceilings, Inc. (MN and Dakota's largest stocking distributor of Crane Composites and Marlite FRP) 3511921140016 2.78 1700 Freeway Boulevard 55430 J M Grundtner Fam Rev Trust Precision Inc. (manufacturer of custom magnetic components and assemblies for the electronics industry), and Climate Makers, Inc. (Building automation systems for temperature control) MX-B District Properties Exhibit D 3511921410008 4.03 6440 James Circle North 55430 Beans And Juice Llc Los Campeones Gym (under construction) 3511921410015 1.12 1600 James Circle North 55430 Zaina Properties Llc Quality Inn 211821110010 0.88 6020 Earle Brown Drive 55430 2269 Ford-Fs Ptnrshp Llp Kindercare 3511921120015 18.87 6800 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Medtronic Inc Medtronic (North Building) 3511921140007 2.14 6540 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 6540 Shngle Crk Hld Llc Etal CenturyLink 3511921210002 6.48 6844 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 City Of Brooklyn Center City of Brooklyn Center Public Works Garage 3511921210003 8.52 6840 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Gki Industrial Mpls Llc The Academy MN (MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai), Tiny Footprint Coffee (World's First Carbon Neutral Coffee/training classes), and SCP Distributors (swimming pool supply) 3511921210004 15.5 6845 Shingle Creek Parkway 55430 Metropolitan Transit Area Former Martin J. Ruter Garage (being used as office/bus rodeo/training currently) 3511921240004 4.69 2400 Freeway Boulevard 55430 Bc2400 Llc Abco Auto Parts (recycled auto part supply) 3511921410014 1.05 1601 Freeway Boulevard 55430 Skc Holdings Llc Jambo Africa 3511921410021 4.93 1601 James Circle North 55430 Economic Development Authority of the City of Brooklyn Center Vacant Lot for Future Redevelopment (former Olive Garden and Cracker Barrel) 3511921440002 3.6 22 Address Unassigned 0 City of Brooklyn Center Parking Overflow for Heritage Center 3511921440013 7.46 6155 Earle Brown Drive 55430 HRA City of Brooklyn Center Heritage Center 69TH AVE N D U P O N T A V E N INTE R S T A T E S 9 4 / 6 9 4 FREEWAY BLVD 59TH AVE N HIGH W A Y 1 0 0 SHINGLE CREEK PKWY 63RD AVE N X E R X E S A V E N B R O O K L Y N B L V D H U M B O L D T A V E N S U M M I T D R N EA R L E B R O W N D R JA M E S A V E N J O H N M A R T I N D R PARKWAY CIR FREE W A Y B L V D JAMES CIR N SH I N G L E C R E E K P K W Y 65TH AVE N SHINGLE CREEK PALMER LAKEPALMER LAKE SHINGLE CREEK EBHC POND Applicant | Property Owner: Trinity International Fellowship | Minmor LLC Request: Ordinance Amendment MX-B District Properties 6010 Earle Brown Drive (Applicant Property) City of Brooklyn Center | 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy | Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 | (763) 569-3330 | www.brooklyncentermn.gov DATE: September 12, 2024 TO: Planning Commission of the City of Brooklyn Center FROM: Ginny McIntosh, Planning Manager | Mike Thompson, Principal Urban Planner (Bolton & Menk) SUBJECT: Opportunity Site Master Plan Adoption Recommendation: Motion to recommend City Council adoption of the Opportunity Site Master Plan as the guiding policy document for future build out of the Opportunity Site. Background & Overview The Opportunity Site represents one of the most important redevelopment sites within the City of Brooklyn Center. Recognizing this, in 2019 City staff began working on a Master Plan for the approximately 80-acre Opportunity Site. From the beginning, this Master Planning effort intended to shift expectations of development within the Opportunity Site to be more community-serving in process and outcomes. This was anchored by a three-phase, multi-year engagement approach, with an intentional effort to deliver community benefits. As such, the buildout of the Opportunity Site is to be guided by this Master Plan in a manner that reflects a community-driven, proactive vision for new neighborhoods, transportation systems, and public spaces. The Master Plan provides guidance towards promoting a vibrant public realm, an accessible and connected multi-modal transportation network, and a mix of housing choices for the Opportunity Site. It envisions a new “downtown” for Brooklyn Center – one which is reflective of the many people and cultures that call the city home. The Master Plan faced several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the murders and subsequent unrest of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, and design uncertainties of the “Phase 1” development within the Opportunity Site. Despite this, City Council and staff continued to progress key elements of the plan: In July 2021, Council adopted the Opportunity Site Infrastructure Framework; in November 2022, Council affirmed the Opportunity Site Public Realm Framework, which is included as an appendix to the final master plan; in August 2023, staff reviewed with Council additional supportive appendices to the Master Plan - a Community Benefits Template and Equitable Development Framework guide; and in October 2023 and March 2024 Council was provided updates and comment opportunities for the Master Plan. Now, representing over four years of collaborative effort, City staff are presenting the Opportunity Site Master Plan for city adoption. The adopted plan will be a policy document to be used by City staff, to guide the future public and private build out of the Opportunity Site in a manner that seeks to deliver long-term community benefits. City of Brooklyn Center | 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy | Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 | (763) 569-3330 | www.brooklyncentermn.gov Master Plans Master Plans provide guiding, authoritative, long-range visions for a defined area, while giving confidence to private development as to the type of development that will be supported. Master Plans generally establish a guiding vision and principles for an area, then ascribe (1) land development, (2) transportation systems, (3) public infrastructure and (4) public realm/space guidance in support of this vision and principles. Master plans are not intended to be unwaveringly prescriptive. Rather, they intend to convey the long-term parameters and a framework in which an area should change within. Opportunity Site Master Plan The Opportunity Site Master Plan includes: • Area visioning and guiding principles informed by a multi-year, multi- phased public engagement process. • A land use framework intending to foster a new inclusive, mixed-use downtown. • A public realm network that anchors the site and provides places for all people. • Supportive multimodal transportation and public infrastructure guidance. • Future-oriented scenarios for opportunities on the city’s horizon, such as a new city hall and transit readiness. • Guidance for and alignment of the “Phase 1” development site. Community-derived Guiding Principles of the Master Plan are: • Create a vibrant and distinctive destination for the community and region. • Embrace the growing diversity of the community. • Consider sustainability in the design of development. • Produce places that bring the community together. Plan Engagement The scale and reach of the Master Plan’s engagement exceeded that of any past effort in the City’s history. To conduct this effort, staff facilitated a three-phased engagement approach: Spring 2019 – Spring 2020: The initial phase of engagement centered on creating a foundation for the goals and priorities of the Opportunity Site, by identifying community existing conditions, concerns, opportunities, and desired development benefits. This phase included more than 1000 direct engagements related to the Opportunity Site Master Plan goals, principles, and vision via four facilitated stakeholder workshops, several event pop-ups, the establishment of a multicultural advisory committee, a podcast, open houses, social media, online survey, use of local student liaisons, and updates to city leadership. Spring 2020 – Winter 2021: The second phase of engagement unveiled and vetted the draft Master Plan to ensure it aligned with community desires and sought to proactively mitigate unintended consequences of future development. A series of community-convened, city- convened, and community-organization convened meetings, use of a custom-made “meeting in a box” toolkit for public-facilitate meetings, open houses, social media, online and paper surveys, interactive online maps, and updates to city leadership. Each sought to vet the Master Plan alignment with community desires and proactively mitigate unintended consequences of future development. Winter 2021 – Summer 2022: The third engagement phase pivoted from the Master Plan to the Phase 1 Development Site, and the Entrepreneurial Marketplace (“EMP”). Unlike the prior two phases, this engagement phase was rooted in a community-based participatory engagement approach, in which eight local organizations facilitated outreach within their respective City of Brooklyn Center | 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy | Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 | (763) 569-3330 | www.brooklyncentermn.gov communities. Each organization self-determined how they should conduct outreach to be more responsive to the needs and expectations of their community members. Feedback gathered was used to refine the Phase 1 development vision. Supportive Appendices To support Plan implementation, the Master Plan includes three appendices: 1. Public Realm Pattern Book: Guide for the thematic design of the public realm and streetscape throughout the Opportunity Site 2. Community Benefits Agreement Template: Template for city staff to develop a community benefits agreement with developers in the Opportunity Site, whenever public subsidy or support is included with a project. 3. Equitable Development Framework: A functional tool to inform the design of development and infrastructure in a way that considers design equity best practices. Plan Adoption Adoption of the Opportunity Site Master Plan will do the following: • Affirm the community-driven vision for the Opportunity Site, its build out, and community benefit expectations • Provide an actionable policy document for city staff to utilize when pursuing and negotiating development within the Opportunity Site • Signal to the development community City and Community expectations for development from the Opportunity Site, clarifying the development process and expected outcomes Next Steps & Future Development Approvals Adoption of this Master Plan does not guarantee development. Future development will still be required to follow the standard city design review and approval process, prior to being issued construction permits. To fully align with the Master Plan vision, development north of John Martin Drive may require an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan for the specific development parcel. These parcels are currently zoned Commercial Mixed Use (MX-C); however, the densities and site design ranges envisioned by the Master Plan do extend beyond those of the current MX-C zoning district. Any Comprehensive Plan approval needs will be identified by city staff to prospective developers and would be initiated by the developer as part of the development approval process. The amendment process is required by the Metropolitan Council, and must occur before construction can begin. More information on this process can be found in the Development Process Overview attachment. Budget Issues This item will have no immediate effect on the budget; however, the Opportunity Site Master Plan should be referenced pending future build out of the Opportunity Site for consideration of potential City staffing needs and budgeting. Inclusive Community Engagement The Opportunity Site Master Plan supports the community-driven development vision of the Opportunity Site, allowing for on-going alignment with intended development goals. Antiracist | Equity Policy Effect These items seek to promote equitable, community-serving outcomes of development within the Opportunity Site, as identified in the Opportunity Site Principles & Goals. City of Brooklyn Center | 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy | Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-2199 | (763) 569-3330 | www.brooklyncentermn.gov Strategic Priorities and Values • Strengthen and diversify business development and housing • Strengthen community and employee engagement in key decisions • Maintain and enhance public places Attachments • Draft Opportunity Site Master Plan • Attachments A and B: Areas of Possible Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Development Application Process Overview • City Council Resolution No. 2021-090 (Opportunity Site Infrastructure Framework to Guide the Opportunity Site Master Plan) DRAFT Prepared for: City of Brooklyn Center Prepared by: Bolton & Menk Downtown Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site Master Plan Brooklyn Center, MN September 2024 DRAFT Acknowledgements City of Brooklyn Center Leadership Mayor April Graves Councilmember Marquita Butler Councilmember Dan Jerzak Councilmember Teneshia Kragness Councilmember Kris Lawrence-Anderson Table of Contents Executive Summary – 3 Background – 8 Vision for a New Downtown – 18 Public Realm – 23 Access and Connectivity – 32 Neighborhoods and Economic Development – 42 Implementation – 54 City of Brooklyn Center Staff Dr. Reggie Edwards, City Manager Jesse Anderson, Community Development Director Ginny McIntosh, Planning Manager Krystin Eldridge, Assistant Planner Liz Heyman, Public Works Director Additional Thanks Meg McMahan, former Community Development Director Alatus, LLC Project for Pride in Living Resurrecting Faith World Ministries Ehlers Public Finance Advisors NEOO Partners Juxtaposition Arts KimbleCo. ACER PAADIO LIBA BrookLynk Members of the Multicultural Advisory Committee LISC Twin Cities Hennepin County The Metropolitan Council 2Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 2024 DRAFT 3Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Executive Summary2024 Executive Summary 4 DRAFT Fiscal Responsibility Diversity and inclusivity Flexibility Affordability Health and Wellness Community Pride Environmental Sustainability Local Benefit Counteracting Displacement Interstate 4 9 4 Highw a y 1 0 0 Opportunity Site 252 Shingle Creek Palmer Lake Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Executive Summary2024 Brooklyn Center is a city of the future. The population is rich with diversity from around the world. Brooklyn Center also brings strengths from its past. Its location is accessible and connected. And people value its stock of affordable housing with convenient access to jobs, shopping, services, and other amenities. Transitioning from the past to the future means transitioning spaces and places built for a previous era that no longer meet current needs. It also means addressing past and current practices that excluded some people from benefitting from progress and opportunity, particularly Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). This plan faced seismic shifts in process and timeline due to the emergence of the COVID pandemic and the murders of George Floyd and Daunte Wright. The importance of this plan and the build-out of downtown took on a new importance in light of these events, and the continued systemic inequalites faced by the city’s predominantly BIPOC residents. Redevelopment of the Opportunity Site is a once in a generation opportunity for Brooklyn Center to seize control of its future, to grow and change on it’s own terms and to celebrate all that is special about the community. Rather than re-branding a community through redevelopment, Brooklyn Center wants to grow in such a way that the existing character is strengthened — not pushed aside for the sake of attracting new development. Brooklyn Center is a fully built-out city. As such, it relies heavily on redevelopment to grow and enhance its revenues, which enables it to invest in necessary services, infrastructure, and amenities which are essential to improving the quality of life of its residents. This project is also important, because it presents an opportunity for the City to change the way it has done development in the past. With land control and a strong position in the market, Brooklyn Center can define the public benefits of redevelopment — on its own terms. Purpose The Opportunity Site Planning Process Goals »Defined timeline to take advantage of development opportunity »Consistent with City goals and principles »Process is grounded in data and best practices »Provides direct access and benefits for residents »Authentic engagement to connect people with decisions »Meaningful opportunities for the public to influence outcomes »Transparency in decision making Community Values Expressed in the Plan Public Engagement and Community Input The scale and reach of engagement for this Master Plan far exceeded that of any past effort in City history. The City and its partners facilitated a three-phased, multi-year engagement effort guided by city-wide principles including authenticity, transparency, and trust building. This included an iterative, evolving approach responsive to the COVID pandemic, and murders of George Floyd and Daunte Wright. Each of these monumental events brought disproportionate impacts on communities of color within and around Brooklyn Center. Engagement, from the beginning, was intended to support master plan visioning through an in-depth, inclusive process that connected with diverse groups of people across the city. Background 5 DRAFT Main Street BC Gateway Park Parkway Garden Street Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Executive Summary2024 Concepts that Organize the Site Trail and park connections to the expansive regional system1 Community anchors to create a core to Brooklyn Center3 A spine to organize neighborhoods2 Local connections to make access to Downtown easy4 Downtown Brooklyn Center will... • ...be a place that represents all of what Brooklyn Center is and can become. • ...present people with an attractive place to invest their time and energy in Downtown Brooklyn Center as much for what it is as for what it is near. • ...contain a mix of uses that appeal to both current and future residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors of Brooklyn Center. • ...have a significant amount of new medium and high density housing that helps diversify the City’s housing stock - allowing residents to stay in Brooklyn Center and while attracting new residents. • ...be a place that nurtures local businesses while also attracting new businesses that appeal locally and regionally. • ...generate value to the City by leveraging its irreplaceable assets - proximity to the Park and civic buildings, centrality to the City and its people, and access to the region. • ...provide benefits, opportunities, and amenities that are accessible and affordable to current Brooklyn Center residents. The Plan for a New Downtown Brooklyn Center 6 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Executive Summary2024 Targets for the Planning Process »Documented of outcomes of project-based engagement »Completed and approved Community Benefits agreement (Appendix 4) »Completed and approved Equity Development Framework (Appendix 5) »Documented mitigation measures for adverse impacts and risk factors Targets for Housing and Residential Communities »New housing units will be a mix of affordable and market rate, rental and owned, based on recommendations for the Opportunity Site Housing Framework (Appendix 7) »Housing framework and policies regularly reviewed and revised as development occurs »Presence of housing types that meet needs in community »Availability of renter/homeowner assistance for local households »Development of housing types that support mixed income communities »Identify and secure outside housing funding sources to leverage local investments »Development of live-work units to support small businesses and home occupations. »New housing includes walk up, townhome, and similarly scaled unit design Targets for Economic Development and Employment »Percentage and type of affordable commercial space for businesses »Contractor hiring requirements for construction phase of projects, including DBEs »Location of locally owned firms within the project, including small, start-up, and minority owned enterprises »Presence of incubator space with accompanying supporting services for small businesses »Good jobs for residents of the city, including needed placement, training, and retention services as applicable Targets for Transportation and Connectivity »New off-road trail connections through the site »Transit readiness for future transit services to the site, with enhanced bus stop/bus station facilities »Pedestrian amenities throughout the entire site »Sustainable funding mechanism established to maintain infrastructure and public realm Targets for Public Realm, Public Spaces, and Environment »Access for residents to recreational amenities »Presence of multicultural-event spaces that are affordable and accessible to the community »Programming for recreation, culture, arts, youth activities, etc. »Public space design that is reflective of a multicultural community »Funding mechanism for constructing and maintain public art, and support for incorporating art in private development (e.g. art dedication fee) Opportunity Site Master Plan Build-out Goals and Targets *Totals are rounded for estimation purposes *Phase 1 Alatus Development Site**Potential Development Site Within Current MnDOT ROW (see page 43) 1* 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13** Estimated Development Program Estimated Residential Program Densities Estimated Nonresidential Program Floor Areas Block Area (acres rounded) Low* (31 u/ac) Average* (80 u/ac) High* (130 u/ac)Square Feet of Retail Square Feet of Employment 1 (Phase 1)15 743 743 743 30,000 - 40,000 (with EMP)- 2 1 31 80 130 -- 3 1 31 80 130 -- 4 5 155 400 650 5,000 - 10,000 - 5 3 93 240 390 10,000 - 20,000 - 6 3.5 109 280 455 10,000 - 20,000 - 7**7.5 75 600 975 10,000 - 20,000 - 8**5.5 55 440 715 10,000 - 20,000 - 9**3.5 35 280 455 -- 10**2.5 25 200 325 -- 11**3 30 240 390 -- 12 16 ---200,000 - 400,000 13 4 ----15,000 TOTAL 70 1,382 3,610 5,385 75,000 - 130,000 200,000-400,000 7 DRAFT Access and Connectivity »Prioritizing pedestrians to create a walkable community »Creating a safe and connected bicycle network »Comfortable and direct access to existing and future transit. »Ensuring vehicular access to Downtown from throughout the City and region. »Establishing a network of streets that enables people to get around easily without the use of a car if they chose. Downtown Brooklyn Center will have a transportation system that encourages walking and biking, is well connected to the region, and reduces the need to own a car by providing safe, affordable, convenient and accessible options. Housing & Economic Development »Life-long neighborhoods for new and existing residents of Brooklyn center to call home. »Centers and Nodes that combine uses to become places to gather, a focus for local economic development and designed to evolve over time »Spaces that create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Downtown »A range of buildings, development types, and land uses on a simple block pattern Downtown Brooklyn Center will feature building and development patterns that are compact, sustainable, and mixed - creating nodes and neighborhoods for people to live and enjoy at any stage of life Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Executive Summary2024 »An inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and dynamic public realm that becomes a social and gathering center for the entire City. »An “inside out” City that attracts people to spend time outside together throughout all seasons of the year. »Recreational and leisure activities for all ages and abilities »Connecting to and leveraging the potential of Centennial Park »A green and active stormwater system that provides health, recreational, and environmental benefits to all Downtown Brooklyn Center will feature a system of open spaces, streets, trails, and pedestrian areas that promote healthy living, social gathering, and environmental responsibility. Public Realm Expected Outcomes of the Plan The Parkway and Regional Stormwater Park Neighborhoods for new and existing residents of Brooklyn CenterBC Gateway and new greenspace destinations FOCUS AREA 2 | Establish Developer Agreements for Opportunity Site Private Sector »City and lender required reports – environmental, survey, traffic, and geotechnical »Community benefits and equitable development evaluations (see Appendices 4 & 5) Public Sector »Public finance strategy »Execution of developer agreements »Infrastructure design plans and construction for phase one needs – roads, utilities, lighting, public realm Community Partnership »Complete systems planning and improvements – stormwater, trails, transit »Sustainable energy systems development – scope dependent on viable systems FOCUS AREA 1 | Complete Environmental and Systems Planning and Design Private Sector »City and lender required reports – environmental, survey, traffic, and geotechnical »Plan development for submittal Public Sector »Regularly review and update area zoning, infrastructure, and related policies »TIF district determination and maintenance Community Partnerships »District stormwater approach with Shingle Creek Watershed »Regional park and trail connectivity »City Hall relocation exploration »District energy exploration Development-Based Next Steps DRAFT 8Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 Located at the geographic center of Brooklyn Center and at the nexus of regional trails, roads, and natural systems, Downtown Brooklyn Center will become a new social, recreational and commercial hub for the community. Most importantly, it will become a source of community pride, a place of convergence that draws on the remarkable spectrum of people who have chosen to live in and invest in Brooklyn Center. Background 9 DRAFT Brooklyn Center recognizes that, historically, development patterns have resulted in inequitable impacts, particularly against BIPOC communities. These impacts have resulted in harms, such as displacement and exclusion from the benefits of new investment. The City endeavors to reverse these disparities and enhance equitable outcomes by working towards a more responsible means of advancing development. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 10 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 Redevelopment of the Opportunity Site is a once in a generation opportunity for Brooklyn Center to seize control of its future - to grow and change on its own terms and to celebrate all that is special about the community. Brooklyn Center is a fully built-out city. As such, it relies heavily on redevelopment to grow to enhance its tax base. This enables the City to invest in necessary services, infrastructure, and amenities essential to improving the quality of life of its residents. As of 2021, Brooklyn Center residents carry one of the highest per-capita tax burdens of any city in the Twin Cities metro. This project is critical to the future of the city because it presents an opportunity for the City to change the way it has done development by bending the process towards outcomes that benefit more people in the city. With land control and a strong position in the market, Brooklyn Center can define the public benefits of redevelopment on its own terms. This Plan defines what the expected outcomes of redevelopment are and how they can be translated into public benefits for the City. These includes: • Economic benefit/fiscal sustainability generated by increased tax base • Range of housing options that meet community needs • Businesses that provide jobs and needed goods and services • Accommodation of new places for local businesses and entrepreneurs • Community spaces and facilities for recreation, gatherings, events, learning, etc. • Parks, trails, and open space with social and recreational benefits • Green and sustainable elements of buildings, site design, and systems • Community-cooperative oversight of the area as it develops Purpose of RedevelopmentIntroduction History of the Site Brooklyn Center is a City of the Future. The population is rich with diversity from around the world. There are also large numbers of children and youths who call the city home and they will be future leaders in the years to come. Diversity is the city’s strength and it is centered in this plan. Brooklyn Center also brings strengths from its past. Its location is accessible and connected, and people still value its stock of affordable housing with convenient access to jobs, shopping, and services. But the transition from past to future is not without challenges. For the City, it means transitioning spaces and places built for a previous era that no longer meet current needs. For the people, it means addressing past and current practices that excluded some communities from benefitting from progress and opportunity, particularly people of color, people with low-incomes, and renters. Rectifying this requires addressing the potential for displacement and gentrification in the city. The Opportunity Site project can’t meet every need. But it can help. For Brooklyn Center, this means creating a new place that strives to meet the needs of residents and workers, adds value to the community, and becomes a source of community pride. For the people, this means creating an accountable process that addresses past problems and provides transparency, accountability, and benefit to existing residents. At one time, the Brookdale Mall area was a regional destination and the retail/service lifeblood of the City’s economy. But shopping trends changed dramatically at the beginning of the new century leading to the closure of the mall in 2009. This had economic ripple effects across the city. Since then, the City has been proactive in seeking to facilitate a transition for the area, including redevelopment of Shingle Creek Crossing and the purchase of land for the Opportunity Site. The “Opportunity Site” is an predominantly vacant area comprising approximately 80 acres of land between Bass Lake Road/County Road 10 and Summit Drive North, and Shingle Creek Parkway to Highway 100. Approximately 49 acres of this land is owned by the City. Since the closure of Brookdale Mall and the loss of surrounding retail, the City of Brooklyn Center has strategically acquired vacant commercial sites and prepared them for redevelopment. While much of the Shingle Creek Crossing area is built-out, the Opportunity Site area (despite a 2006 master plan) has yet to see any redevelopment. However, there is now significant energy around a new development vision. General guidance for the site is included in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive plan, and recently adopted Unified Development Ordinance. In 2022, the City entered into a Preliminary Development Agreement with Alatus, LLC to master plan and develop 15 acres of the Opportunity Site. Alatus and the City share a vision that includes a dense, mixed-use, walkable “downtown,” with a mix of retail, entertainment, and residential uses. Multi-family housing, and employment uses intend to provide a vibrant mix of activity that draws people to the area. A park and open space network anchors the development providing regional stormwater capacity as well as a recreation amenity. 11 DRAFT Portraits of Brooklyn Center Source: 2022 U.S. Census, American Community Survey 5-year Estimates (2017-2022) Born in Asia: 5% Born in Latin America: 7% Female: 50% Asian: 14% Black: 32% Two or More Races or Some Other Race: 15% White: 38% Hispanic / Latino: 15% Renters 34% Born in Africa: 10% Residents Born outside the US: 23% Brooklyn Center Population: 33,109 Seniors age 62 and over: 14% Youth Under age 18: 32% Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 The People of Brooklyn Center 12 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024Background A Public Driven Process To truly create a vibrant and unique city center that serves all of Brooklyn Center, a values-based approach was undertaken by the project team and city staff. At the center was a community-driven engagement process enacted with a commitment to bring authenticity, transparency, trust building, and recognition of both long- and short-term wins. All this, while understanding the site’s role within larger changes happening across Brooklyn Center and the region. The resulting scale and reach of this multi- phase engagement exceeded that of any past effort in the City’s history. To conduct this effort, the City facilitated a three-phase engagement approach spanning the visioning, planning, and implementation of the Opportunity Site vision. PHASE 1: Spring 2019-Spring 2020 The initial phase of engagement centered on creating a foundation for the goals and priorities of the Opportunity Site by identifying community existing conditions, concerns, opportunities, and desired development benefits. Activities included: four facilitated stakeholder workshops, several event pop-ups, establishment of a multicultural advisory committee, a podcast, open houses, social media, online survey, use of local student liaisons, and updates to city leadership. The more than 1,000 direct engagements from Phase 1 directly informed the Opportunity Site Master Plan goals, principles, and vision. PHASE 2: Spring 2020-Winter 2021 The second phase of engagement unveiled and vetted the draft Master Plan to ensure it aligned with community desires and sought to proactively mitigate unintended consequences of future development. Activities included: a series of community-convened, city-convened, and community- organization convened meetings, use of a custom-made “meeting in a box” toolkit for public-facilitate meetings, open houses, social media, online and paper surveys, interactive online maps, and updates to city leadership. These activities were purposefully conducted and evolved in respect to the murder of George Floyd and Daunte Wright, the latter of which occurred within the city, as well as the COVID pandemic that brought disproportionate impacts on communities of color. Feedback from Phase 2 directly informed Master Plan guidance around equity, housing affordability, environmental expectations, traffic and roadway design, financial prioritization, and desired community benefits. Planning Process Goals »Defined timeline to take advantage of present development opportunities »Consistent with larger city goals and principles »Process is grounded in data and best practices »Outcomes provides direct access and benefits for city residents »Authentic engagement to connect people with decisions »Meaningful opportunities for the public to influence outcomes »Transparency in decision making Guiding Principles Four guiding principles emerged from the Phase 1 community workshops that reinforce a sense of community pride in Brooklyn Center, and are the guiding lens for this plan. PHASE 3: Winter 2021-Summer 2022 The third and final engagement phase pivoted from the Master Plan to specific development projects, specifically the Alatus Development Site and the Entrepreneurial Market. Unlike the prior two phases, the specificity of feedback necessary for Phase 3 led to a community-based participatory engagement approach, in which eight local organizations facilitated outreach within their respective communities. Each organization was provided wide latitude on how they conducted outreach in order to be more responsive to the needs and expectations of their community members. During this Phase, the Alatus development team presented their site vision and programming multiple times to both the engagement steering committee, and smaller focus groups. These meetings covered topics such as housing, financing, environmental assessments, and the development process. 13 DRAFT The Opportunity Site and its Surroundings MinneapolisMinneapolis RobbinsdaleRobbinsdale PlymouthPlymouth Maple GroveMaple Grove FridleyFridley RosevilleRoseville Brooklyn CenterBrooklyn Center Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 Natural Systems The Opportunity Site is located one mile from the Mississippi River and sits adjacent to Shingle Creek. Both are part of regional recreational systems that offer significant amenities. Neighborhoods The area was developed in the 1960s when land uses were strictly separated. As a result, the site is separated from surrounding neighborhoods by large parks and highways. Brooklyn Center in the Region The Opportunity Site in Brooklyn Center Highways The Opportunity Site is located along major freeways and highways (I-694, I-94, MN-100, and MN-252). It is easily accessible from throughout the region. This Plan recommends leveraging these connections to attract residential, commercial, and recreation uses. Trails The Site is located at the junction of two regional trails which connect to the Mississippi River to the east, and large parks and lakes to the west, north, and south. The Plan recommends leveraging these assets and creating a new trail through the Site. Transit Metro Transit recently opened the C and D Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lines, both of which terminate at a charging and layover station adjacent to the Opportunity Site. This Plan recommends long term exploration of relocating the station in the Opportunity Site and making it part of a mobility hub that serves the area. Local Roads The Site has few local roads serving it and through it. Redevelopment of the Site will require considerable new infrastructure in order for it to be redeveloped. 14 DRAFT The Opportunity Site in Brooklyn Center The Opportunity Site is approximately 80 acres, about 61% of which is owned by the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA). While this study focuses on the Opportunity Site, it took into consideration a significantly larger area because of its close relationship to the Opportunity Site. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 Centennial ParkCentennial Park County County Building / Building / LibraryLibrary Brooklyn Brooklyn Center Transit Center Transit CenterCenter Earle Brown Earle Brown Conference Conference CenterCenter Bass Lake RoadBass Lake Road Summit DriveSummit Drive Jo h n M a r t i n D r i v e Jo h n M a r t i n D r i v e Sh i ngl e C r e e k Par k w ay Sh i ngl e C r e e k Par k w ay Earle Brown Earle Brown Elementary Elementary SchoolSchool Brooklyn Brooklyn Center City Center City HallHall Publicly Owned PropertiesPublicly Owned Properties Existing conditions at the Opportunity Site, looking south 15 DRAFT Affordability: Housing, small business space, and community events Diversity and inclusivity: Multicultural and welcoming environment Health and wellness: Recreation, active living, public safety, and health Fiscal responsibility: Using city resources to leverage private investment Flexibility: Responsive to emerging opportunities as they align with goals Local benefit: Ensuring that city residents are direct beneficiaries Community pride: Creating a space that locals are proud to share Environmental sustainability: Supporting long term environmental health Counteracting displacement: Ensuring project does not price out residents Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 Suburbs around the country have been finding themselves at the center of regional changes — a trend further expanded by the COVID pandemic that occurred in the middle of the planning process for the Site. As inner ring communities, such as Brooklyn Center, are re-discovered by the marketplace for their locational advantages, many are faced with the dilemma about how to change and grow in a way that benefits the existing community. Rather than re- branding a community through redevelopment, communities such as Brooklyn Center seek growth in such a way that existing character is strengthened, not pushed aside for the sake of attracting something new. This project pays very close attention to guiding development in a way that it serves those who have already chosen to live in Brooklyn Center. While it undoubtedly will attract new residents and businesses, its primary purpose is to help improve the quality of life for those who call Brooklyn Center “home.” To answer this question, the project spent considerable effort listening to the existing community to better understand what inclusive development means to them (refer to Appendix 6 for more details and information on the public engagement process and results). Between 2019 and 2022, the project had over 1,000 direct engagements with residents and community stakeholders. While participants were not asked to identify themselves directly, the majority of participants were estimated to be people of color, reflective of the minority majority composition of the city, which remains one of its greatest strengths. What Makes This Different Community Values Expressed in the Plan 16 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Background2024 Project Goals Brooklyn Center hosts a diverse population, spanning a wide range of household incomes. During the creation of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan the City outlined several housing goals to provide a critical lens under which Opportunity Site housing is being assessed. These goals were further echoed throughout the extensive community feedback sessions, and two housing studies in 2022 by the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, and a the Urban Land Institute. These housing goals are a priority of the Opportunity Site’s development, with the over arching intent of protecting housing affordability and access for all people. This includes a commitment to providing a range of housing types and price points while being mindful of potential impacts regarding gentrification and displacement. While there is currently no housing located within the Opportunity Site, these concerns were recognized throughout the planning process by city staff, local stakeholders, and the entire project team. Early housing scans and known best practices, discussed further in Appendix 7, suggest the need to offer a diversity of housing types, locations, ownership models, and styles. The Opportunity Site presents a remarkable opportunity to pursue this strategy while incorporating a range of housing prices throughout. As findings from formal housing studies are received, appropriate percentages of housing affordability at varying household AMI levels will be outlined and integrated into site benchmarks. Brooklyn Center carries a robust entrepreneurial spirit driven strongly by its diverse populations. Residents and business owners work hard every day to make the city a great place to build and grow a business. These groups were also among those hit hardest by the COVID pandemic and resulting economic impacts. This project, therefore, presents a unique opportunity for the city to help promote and grow local businesses, provide needed goods and services, and grow jobs for residents. As the city continues to grow, so too do the needs for additional and innovative job and business opportunities. Through the goals and subsequent targets, shown at the right, Brooklyn Center intends to leverage the Opportunity Site development towards facilitating accessible, affordable, and supportive business opportunities. Targets for Economic Development and Employment »Percentage and type of affordable commercial space for businesses »Contractor hiring requirements for construction phase of projects, including DBEs »Location of locally owned firms within the project, including small, start-up, and minority owned enterprises »Presence of incubator space with accompanying supporting services for small businesses »Good jobs for residents of the city, including needed placement, training, and retention services as applicable Neighborhood and Housing Goals Economic Development and Employment Goals Targets for Housing and Residential Communities »New housing units will be a mix of affordable and market rate, rental and owned, based on recommendations for the Opportunity Site Housing Framework (Appendix 7) »Housing framework and policies will be regularly reviewed and revised as development occurs »Presence of housing types that meet underserved needs in community »Availability of renter/homeowner assistance for local households »Development of housing types that support mixed income communities »Identify and secure outside housing funding sources to leverage local investments »Development of live-work units to support small businesses and home occupations. »New housing includes walk up, townhome, and similarly scaled unit design 17 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 2024 As local, regional, and national transportation needs evolve, so too do the ways in which Brooklyn Center should provide opportunities of equal mobility for all residents. The Opportunity Site will seek to support the attainment of City and regional transportation goals while creating a multimodal network to and through the Opportunity Site, itself. This will include consideration of and accommodation for transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and new modes. It will also establish an entirely new street grid network to facilitate comfortable and safe mobility for all. The public realm is the “community living room,” a critical component of any thriving city. As Brooklyn Center continues to grow and develop its public realm, the Opportunity Site is oriented around a series of cornerstone public spaces at varying scales and functions. Each space will continue to promote city values of celebrating and embracing community diversity, accessibility, and affordability, all the while connecting to the larger surrounding public space network. Public Realm, Public Space and Environment Goals »Access for residents to recreational amenities »Presence of multicultural-event spaces that are affordable and accessible to the community »Programming for recreation, culture, arts, youth activities, etc. »Public space design that is reflective of a multicultural community »People-focused design that is walkable and bikeable »Incorporating art, culture, and community identity into the site »Development is green and sustainable in design »Inclusion of an indoor/outdoor market space »Funding mechanism for construction and maintenance public art, and support for incorporating art in private development (e.g. art dedication fee) Transportation and Connectivity Goals »Safe, attractive, and convenient access to pedestrian, bicycle, and transit systems »Ability to walk, bike, or ride transit to jobs, education, cultural resources, and shopping »Convenient parking facilities, including accommodation of bicycle and pedestrian access »Attractive, comfortable, accessible transit facilities are available »Presence of wayfinding and systems information for all modes, as appropriate »Development promotes traffic calming and pedestrian safety »Accessible to all residents through a Universal Design approach »Design and development reflect distinct identities of local cultural heritage »New off-road trail connections through the site »Transit readiness for future transit services to site, with enhanced bus stop/bus station facilities »Pedestrian amenities throughout the entire site »Sustainable funding mechanism established to maintain infrastructure and public realm Public Realm, Public Spaces, and Environment Goals Transportation and Connectivity Goals Background DRAFT 18Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Vision2024 Vision for a New Downtown 19 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Vision2024 Vision for a New Downtown Brooklyn Center Located at the geographic center of Brooklyn Center and at nexus of regional trails, roads, and natural systems, Downtown Brooklyn Center will become a new social, recreational and commercial center for the community. It will become a source of community pride as it draws on the remarkable spectrum of people - diverse in background and age - who have chosen to live in and invest in Brooklyn Center. The Downtown will evolve gradually over time, both in response to market forces as well as shaped by the public vision for a new Downtown. The Plan proposes a mix of uses and spaces that create neighborhoods and nodes of activity. These places within the Downtown will allow new and existing residents of Brooklyn Center to gather, recreate, work, and live. Downtown Brooklyn Center will... • ...be a place that represents all of what Brooklyn Center is now and can become. • ...be a place where people choose to invest their time and energy in as much for what it is as for what it is near. • ...contain a mix of uses that appeal to both current and future residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors. • ...have a significant amount of new medium and high density housing that helps diversify the City’s housing stock - allowing residents to stay in Brooklyn Center while attracting new residents. • ...be a place that nurtures local businesses while attracting new businesses that appeal locally and regionally. • ...generate value to the City by leveraging its irreplaceable assets — proximity to the park and civic buildings, centrality to the City and it’s people, and access to the region. 20 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Vision2024 Trail and park connections between the Site and its surroundings will create recreational and public space amenities for Downtown. Connections will provide access to regional systems and will organize the shape of development within the Site Though the Downtown will have a significant amount of housing, it will also contain mixed-use nodes around which nonresidential uses will cluster. These nodes will have community anchors that compliment eachother. A pair of spines — one pedestrian-oriented and one multimodal street — will form the core of the downtown neighborhoods with small parklets, community spaces, and active street fronts throughout Downtown will be locally accessible with improvements to surrounding streets, bridges, and intersections. The Downtown street grid will extend into surrounding areas providing many local connections for residents in Brooklyn Center to get Downtown. Community anchors to create a core to Brooklyn Center Two spines to organize neighborhoods Local connections to make it easy to get to Concepts that Organize How the Site will be Developed Trail and park connections to the expansive regional system1 3 2 4 21 DRAFT E E Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Vision2024 Places in Downtown Brooklyn Center Main Street Neighborhoods Garden Street BC Gateway Park Parkway Street A A B C C D D B 22 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Vision2024 Neighborhood and Economic Development Features • Small blocks that support a range of development patterns and densities • Between 1,500 and 2,300 new housing units that proivde a full spectrum of housing options, including market-rate and affordable rental and ownership options. • Two new neighborhoods with neighborhood parks and amenities at their core and a Garden Street linking them • Commercial development that is regionally attractive while helping to grow local businesses • Approximately 100,000 to 150,000 square feet of nonresidential space • John Martin Drive featuring restaurant and live-work buildings • Full-service urban grocery stores or markets • A 20,000 square foot Entrepreneurial Marketplace that supports and incubates local businesses Main Features of the Plan The Vision for redevelopment of the Opportunity Site is to create a new and real downtown for Brooklyn Center. Like many suburban communities developed in the 1950s and 1960s, Brooklyn Center grew quickly and without an identifiable center. This pattern occurred because land was inexpensive land, suburban lifestyles became fashionable, and regional access for vehicle travel was made easier through highways. There was no recognized need, at that time, for a center of commerce, social life, recreation or government. Instead of developing outward from a center, the community grew east to west as an extension of North Minneapolis. This Plan proposes to redevelop the geographic center of the City with a mix of uses that create a center of commerce, recreation, social life, and government, all integrated with new housing. This new downtown will be accessible, welcoming, active, and an embodiment of the best of what Brooklyn Center can offer its residents and the region. It will fulfill existing and emerging needs of the city and it will become a place of pride. Downtown Brooklyn Center will become a connection point for the city and its existing and future assets. It can become a starting point to address the broader challenges of Brooklyn Center and a model for how other communities can use redevelopment to address their most pressing needs. Access and Connectivity Features • A transportation system that reduces the need to own a car by providing safe, affordable, and convenient alternatives • Streets that are designed with comfortable sidewalks, robust landscaping, and minimal parking • A mobility hub that offers convenient connections between BRT lines, a Park and Ride, bicycle facilities, and vehicle facilities. • Complete pedestrian and bicycle connectivity within the Downtown and beyond to connect to the rest of the City • Readiness for emerging transportation technologies, such as an AV circulator, drop off zones, and micro mobility,that reduce the need to use a single-occupancy vehicle for many trips within the Downtown. Public Realm Features • Recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to support healthy lifestyles. • Public spaces that encourage people to socialize and to be outdoors throughout all seasons • A green and active stormwater system that provides health, recreational, and environmental benefits • Paths and trails that connect internally as well as to surrounding park and amenities • A pedestrian-scaled “Garden Street” lined with lower density housing, that connects the Downtown internally • A Parkway multimodal street offering the primary vehicle through-access with additional access to trails and public amenities, while connecting the Downtown internally DRAFT An inclusive and accessible system of open spaces, trails and pedestrian ways that promotes healthy living, social gathering, and environmental responsibility 23Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 Public Realm 24 DRAFT Public Realm Summary »An inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and dynamic public realm that becomes the social and gathering center for the entire City. »An “inside out” City that attracts people to spend time outside together throughout all seasons of the year. »Recreational and leisure activities for all ages and abilities. »Connecting to and leveraging the potential of Centennial Park »A green and active stormwater system that provides health, recreational, and environmental benefits to all. Downtown Brooklyn Center will feature a system of open spaces, streets, trails, and pedestrian areas that promote healthy living, social gathering, and environmental responsibility. Downtown Brooklyn Center’s public realm will become the backbone of the district and an extension of surrounding natural areas, parks, and trails. It will consist of spaces and buildings that enable community pride, healthy living, social gathering and environmental responsibility. The public realm will consists of parks, streets, sidewalks, plazas, and greenways. The public realm in the Opportunity Site include the spaces that are owned and shared by the community. As such, the public realm carries a high responsibility to ensure accessibility, inclusion, equity, and an overall welcoming posture. This will take many forms, including artistic installations that represent the diversity of the community and spaces that are welcoming and accessible. An inclusive Downtown is one in which people from across the community can come and feel welcome. In gathering ideas for the Opportunity Site’s public spaces, inspiration from across the world was gathered and studied to guide how the people from all walks of life come together, socialize, celebrate, and express themselves freely. They belong to the public and they embody the ideals of the full community. As such, public spaces in the Opportunity Site will be open, free, and easy to reach. They will facilitate socializing and gathering, and they will represent and reflect the diverse culture of the community. Having cherished public spaces that are inclusive is an opportunity for the community to celebrate itself. The Master Plan employs the following strategies to help promote a public realm that it inclusive, accessible, and welcoming: • The proposed street grid and park system of are connected to other public streets and parks. This intends to define Downtown as an integrated part of the City, not an inaccessible or exclusive enclave. • The Garden Street and Parkway will stitch together the Opportunity Site’s many public spaces, including plazas, a large stormwater park amenity, and multimodal facilities interspersed amidst high-quality streetscape. • Main Street is a lively public street lined by restaurants and shops, many of them locally owned and operated. In addition to traditional storefronts, Main Street will have opportunities for small businesses to thrive in pop-up vendor kiosks, food trucks, micro retailing, and other low cost spaces. • Downtown will be notable for its abundant public art and the many placemaking opportunities throughout its many public spaces. Private property will also be encouraged to utilize local artists to enliven their projects and the Downtown overall. • An indoor/outdoor entrepreneurial market - the Entrepreneurial Market Plaza (EMP), will incubate and support local businesses. The City will partner with an organization that can provide operational management for the EMP, and business support to small local businesses to help them succeed. A public-facing plaza will be located outside the EMP, and anchor the Garden Street. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 Public Realm — Overview 25 DRAFT Ramblas in Barcelona Walking Street in Phuket, Thailand Neighborhood Park A small neighborhood park will be located in the northeast corner of the Opportunity Site. The passive park space will offer a smaller recreation focal point, and anchor the north end of the Garden Street. Greenway Trail A linear Greenway through the site will link the Downtown to the regional trails and serve as an important link in the stormwater system. The greenway will form the edge of the Regional Stormwater Park. Garden Street Small parklets (one per block) are located along the neighborhood Garden Street. The parklets are designed for young children and caregivers. Amenities will include community gardening spaces and small play equipment. Gateway Park The southwest edge of the Opportunity Site will include an active park space that bridges the Garden Street to the EMP Plaza. The space will be located along Shingle Creek Parkway and serve as a connection to Centennial Park. Regional Stormwater Park Over 60% of the Opportunity Site’s stormwater needs will be serviced by a regional pond system that includes trails, plazas, and natural plants. This stormwater park will also provide be a recreational amenity and habitats for native wildlife. EMP Plaza & Flex Street At the intersection of the Garden Street and Parkway, the EMP Plaza is on the north edge of the EMP marketplace. The plaza will have space for market activities, small and medium sized gatherings, and “spillover” space into the adjacent private flex street, or public Gateway Park. An inclusive, accessible, welcoming and dynamic public realm that becomes a social and gathering center for the entire city. Broad Street in Monrovia, Liberia Zócalo in Oaxaca, México Tianguis in Mexico City Hidden Night Market Downtown will celebrate the diversity of the community with a series of accessible public spaces in which all residents of Brooklyn Center are welcome to participate in the social life of the City — to meet both familiar faces and strangers. Parklets Parks Plaza Greenway Regional Stormwater Park Main Street Pedestrian Walkway D E F Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 A B C A D E E BC F F 26 DRAFT Design a Living Room, Not a Sitting Room1 2 3 4 5 6 Foster Small Group Interactions Celebrate Slowing Down Build in Sensory Variety Promote Unique but not Illegible Set Positive Rules Principles and Examples of Designing Inclusive and Welcoming Spaces Successful public spaces that feel inclusive and welcoming to a broad cross section of people are often actively programmed and managed. Well managed spaces create both community and place value. Whether public or privately owned, they help create authenticity and sense of local flavor - a important defining feature of the Downtown. Recreational and leisure activities for all ages and abilities Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 27 DRAFT An “inside out” city that attracts people to spend time outside together throughout all seasons of the year. Downtown will promote healthy living and an active civic life by creating a variety of outdoor spaces that are comfortable and pleasant throughout all seasons of the year. Flexible Gathering and Playspaces Simple open spaces accommodate large gatherings and celebrations and serve as simple passive playspaces A Small Spaces within Large Spaces Intimate spaces are within and adjacent to large spaces, allowing them to contract and expand as needed DOutdoor comfort Awnings, canopies, and indoor/outdoor spaces provide protection from the elements throughout the year. B Active Ground Floor Uses Open spaces are animated with ground floor uses that are public and active throughout the day and week. C Indoor/Outdoor Spaces Buildings with large openings onto public spaces create flexible areas that contribute to a safe and active public realm year round. E E A B B B C C D Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 Deep retractable awnings and sunshades allow outdoor spaces to be semi-enclosed during the colder seasons while offering protection from the harsh summer sun. Winters can be celebrated with outdoor activities and seasonal shelters 28 DRAFT A Downtown designed with winter (and fun) in mind Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 Principles and Examples of Designing for and Enjoying the Winter Winter GardensWinter Accommodations »Bright colors to offset darkness »Deciduous trees allow sun to reach habitable areas in the winter »Evergreens block winter wind »Winter gardens to create indoor microclimates »Narrow, not broad towers to allow sunshine to penetrate down to the sidewalk and other public spaces »Lighting that is pedestrian scaled, a warm color, and glare-free »Parks that have southern exposure and are protected from winds »Patios that can be converted to winter play areas or skating rinks »Deep and retractable canopies to protect sidewalks from rain and snow, but allow sunlight to penetrate »Temporary enclosed structures such as enclosed gazebos or clear igloos. Articulated walls and step backs that prevent harsh winds from impacting pedestrians on sidewalks »Spaces for public fire pits and warming huts Winter Recreation 29 DRAFT Passive Park Opportunity-Driven Park Space Design Major public investment as part of the Phase 1 Opportunity Site Redevelopment, for public space in the regional stormwater pond, EMP Plaza, and Parkway streetscape design. Unlike other redevelopment sites with established blocks and road networks, the Opportunity Site is a blank slate. Rather than use the lack of existing framework to be overly prescriptive, the city intends to use this Master Plan as a guideline to inform final build-out design. One component of this will be the final arrangement and design of the Gateway Park and Neighborhood Park. While the Gateway Park intends to be active and event-oriented, the Neighborhood Park may be a larger space to accommodate entrepreneurial activities such as Farmer Markets, Makers Nights, or civic gatherings. Should a future city hall be built in this area (see pg 47), this larger park should consider physical and programmatic connections to the building. As build-out occurs, the city will work with prospective developers on finalizing exact development site and roadway alignments that support the strongest park design and programming outcomes for the Opportunity Site. Passive Park Activated Park Farmers Market / Plaza Active / Programmed Edge Active Greenway Alternative Market Plaza Linear Park - South Gateway Park Neighborhood Park Cornerstone Park Linear Park - North Park Programming and Design Framework Downtown will feature a trio of complementary parks. The Stormwater Park will be interwoven with the designed stormwater pond system, while Gateway and Neighborhood park designs will be opportunity-driven to reflect development realities and City resources. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 B B A A 30 DRAFT Connecting to and leveraging the potential of Centennial Park The Plan recommends highlighting Shingle Creek as a natural amenity, and providing more active features and trail connections to enhance access. A new shared use trail through the interior of the Opportunity Site will provide bike and pedestrian connections to adjacent neighborhoods and regional trails. Potential Parks Design in Downtown Area Park Improvements Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 Park improvements to enhance the natural features of Shingle Creek Regional Recreation Attraction (see following page) D E B Potential expanded recreation center A Potential wetland enhancements with boardwalk, trails, and ecological improvements Interior Bike and Pedestrian Trail Connects bikes and peds through the Opportunity Site C Regional Trail Access Connecting to Twin Lakes Regional Trail and West Mississippi River Regional Trail DBGateway Mini Park Creates “bridges” through greenspace into Downtown A A A B A Enhanced Intersections and Crossings Safer cross points between Downtown and Shingle Creek Regional Trail, with access to Centennial Park D C C Gateway mini park, within the DowntownShingle Creek Shingle Creek ParkwayParkwayCentennial Centennial ParkPark C C B A D Centennial Centennial ParkPark 31 DRAFT A green and active regional stormwater system that provides health, recreational, and environmental benefits to all Downtown will feature a regional stormwater system that manages rainwater throughout the district while also serving as a recreational and aesthetic amenity for residents and visitors. A Garden Street with rain gardens The north south pedestrian spine will contain rain gardens on every block with center drainage. These will also serve as small green spaces along the street. Neighborhood streets with stormwater drainage Neighborhood streets in the Downtown will have enhanced stormwater drainage collectors and conveyors. Linear stormwater parkway and greenways along the edge of the large greenspace A 50’ greenway and stormwater feature is proposed along the multimodal spine road. This space can be used to convey water through a treatment train before it enters the regional ponds. The space will also be used for the shared use trail connecting regional trails to the Opportunity Site. Stormwater Drainage Greenway and treatment train Garden Street “green street” Regional Stormwater System DA Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Public Realm2024 A D C B C B Regional Stormwater Park A three-pond regional detention and treatment feature will serve approximately 60% of the Opportunity Site’s stormwater management requirements. A series of trails and plazas will weaving between the ponds, offering a health-oriented feature. Native plants will support habitat restoration. Once treated, water will be conveyed back to Shingle Creek. Phase 1 Conceptual Development, and Regional Stormwater System DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center will have a transportation system that encourages walking and biking, is well connected to the region, and reduces the need to own a car by providing safe, affordable, convenient and accessible options. 32Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 Access and Connectivity 33 DRAFT Access and Connectivity — Overview »Prioritizing pedestrians to create a walkable community »Creating a safe and connected bicycle network »Ensuring vehicular access to Downtown from throughout the City and the region. »Establishing a network of streets that enables people to get round easily without the use of a car if they chose. Downtown Brooklyn Center will have a transportation system that encourages walking and biking, is well connected to the region and reduces the need to own a car by providing safe, affordable, convenient and accessible options. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 Creating strong access to and connectivity within the Downtown is essential to creating a healthy, prosperous and unique area. The transportation system for the Downtown is designed to balance modes of travel (bike, transit, walking, and cars) so the Downtown is easy to get to but also enjoyable to spend time. Over time, the Downtown will offer the opportunity to reduce the need to own a car because the transportation system within Downtown and its connections to outside downtown will be convenient, safe, connected and affordable. The transportation system will support a healthy lifestyle for residents by ensuring all internal trips are feasible by foot or bicycle, and the Downtown has access to regional trails that connect throughout Brooklyn Center. Streets in Downtown will have a graduated hierarchy to support varying intensities of urban activity. Wider streets will support regional attractions, while narrower streets will form the core to neighborhoods. All streets, regardless of width or adjacent development, will have wider than average sidewalks, safe crossings and streetscapes with a unique sense of character, rhythm, and comfort. Access and Connectivity Summary Downtown will be well connected to all of Brooklyn Center and to the region through improved bicycle, transit and vehicular connections. For example, the Plan recommends surrounding regional trails are routed through the downtowns, and the nearby BRT Terminal is relocated to within the Downtown. The proposed Plan also considers and incorporates quickly evolving technologies that impact how people circulate through cities and move from place to place. Features such as a mobility hub that provides connections between modes, dynamic curbs that can be re- programmed daily, and embracing micro mobility (scooters, etc) are some of the ways in which this Plan anticipates a future transportation system that gradually becomes more technologically advanced. 34 DRAFT Prioritizing pedestrians to create a walkable community Safe crossings of Shingle Creek Parkway Re-striped, narrowed, and painted intersections along Shingle Creek Parkway will reduce the pedestrian crossing distance by as much as 30%. Additional features such as a pedestrian countdown timer, a leading light, and well marked crosswalks will reduce barriers and increase the safety of crossing shingle Creek Parkway. The pedestrian network in Downtown Brooklyn Center is designed to provide access to daily needs within walking distance of all residents and visitors. Slow Zone at Dam Square in Amsterdam Painted Intersection Scramble Intersection Widened sidewalks Garden Street: A street that is shared equally between pedestrians, cars, and bikes. C Full pedestrian network with sidewalks on every block Every street will have 6’ sidewalks on both sides, wide enough for a person pushing a stroller to pass an individual in a wheelchair without discomfort. Slow Zones that prioritize pedestrians Slow zones at key crossing locations of The Parkway will create a seamless connection between the developed areas of Downtown and the park along its eastern edge. CA Garden Street Spine The north south street in between Shingle Creek and The Parkway will be a “Garden Street” in which Pedestrians, bikes, and cars share the space between buildings. The street will curve gently to create usable greenspaces, rain gardens, and parklets. D D B B A D B B B B B C C Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 Slow Zones Tabled Intersections Scramble Intersection Pedestrian Only Shared Street Pedestrian Trail A 35 DRAFT Creating a safe and connected bicycle network Re-purposed bridge across Highway 100 MnDOT is considering the closure of the off ramp from Highway 100 onto John Martin Drive. The John Martin Drive bridge over Highway 100 may then be repurposed as a bike-/pedestrian-only facility, and the Twin Lakes Regional trail could be rerouted through the Site. These outcomes would require City ownership of the bridge and coordination with Three Rivers Regional Park District. Dedicated off-street trails through the community Off street trails connect the two neighborhoods and Main Street via linear greenway. Improved connections across Shingle Creek Parkway A bike bridge across Shingle Creek Parkway connects the Downtown to Centennial Park. Two-way bike lanes on Shingle Creek Parkway A separated bike lane for commuter and non-recreational riding enables trails within the Parks to be shared with pedestrians. Modifications to existing bike bridge Adding an extension to the existing ped/ bike bridge across Highway 100 can provide improved connections to the Regional Stormwater Park in Downtown. By connecting to regional trails and providing safe streets and appropriate support facilities, cycling can be an efficient, healthy, and environmentally friendly means of transportation for many people. Primary / Separated Secondary / Shared Commuter Lane Bike Racks and Corrals A C D EB A C B E B D Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 Twin Lakes Twin Lakes TrailTrail North Mississippi North Mississippi River TrailRiver TrailShingle Creek Shingle Creek TrailTrail 36 DRAFT Ensuring vehicular and transit access to Downtown from throughout the City and the region. Existing Transit Center The exiting transit center is located adjacent to Bass Lake Road and serves as the terminus to the C- and D-Line BRTs, which originate at downtown Minneapolis and the Mall of America station, respectively. Relocated Transit Center Relocating the transit center to the intersection of John Martin Drive and Shingle Creek Parkway would enhance access to both the park and the public services of the Hennepin County Service Center / Brookdale Library. As Development occurs, the City will continue to engage with Metro Transit around future transit opportunities. Public Parking Explore opportunities for more public parking in multiple locations to encourage drivers to park once and walk between destinations while in the Downtown Downtown will be easy to get to from throughout the region. With public garages, a mobility hub, and strategically located pick-up zones, arrival to Downtown will be convenient but will not impact the design of pedestrian focused spaces. 722 D-L i n e Local Bus BRT Transit Center Potential Future Relocated Transit Center A A C B B B AV Circulator in Jacksonville, FL C C C T T Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 Micro-Mobility 37 DRAFT Establishing a network of streets that enables people to move around easily, and without the use of a car if they choose. Each of the streets in Downtown will be designed to ensure safety, accessibility, and comfort for all. Shingle Creek Parkway Main Street (Waterside Ave) Garden Street (Song Ave) The Parkway (Bdote Boulevard) Neighborhood Streets Neighborhood Street Neighborhood streets will be designed as slow and safe streets whose primary purpose is to be a comfortable and shared environment for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. The curb to curb area will be programmed with two way traffic, and parallel parking on both sides. Beyond the curb, street trees will help buffer a shaded 6’ sidewalk. Buildings will be set near the back of the sidewalk with patios, stoops, and porches to create a comfortable pedestrian environment. Names for each of the Neighborhood Streets can be found in Appendix A. 6 � setback walk 6 � walk 8 � boulevard 8 � boulevard 8 � parking 8 � parking 11 � 66 � travel 11 � travel setback Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 38 DRAFT Streets in Downtown Brooklyn Center The Parkway The Parkway will be the multimodal “spine” through the center of the Downtown. The road will consist of a generously buffered shared use path, sidewalk, on street parking, and two travel lanes. The 10’ boulevard will be transit ready for anticipated future transit along the Parkway. The Plan recommends a 70’ easement along its south edge for stormwater retention and light recreation, while establishing a greenway adjacent the stormwater park, and urban manufacturing area. The Parkway will be called Bdote Boulevard, which means “Confluence” in Dakota. More details on street names can be found in Appendix A. 10 � 6 � 10 � 9 � 11 � 80 � 11 � 9 � 10 � 10 � setback walk buffer parking travel travel parking buffer trail linear BMPs stormwater pond Stormwater Infrastructure Wetland Habitat Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 39 DRAFT Main Street Main Street/John Martin Drive will be designed as a pedestrian- and retail-oriented street where cars are considered guests. The sidewalks are extra wide, and the center median can be used for kiosks, food trucks, or short term parking. Amenities such as public art, bike racks, fixed and moveable seating, and ample shade trees will create an environment that is pleasant for businesses and residents and visitors. Main Street will be called “Waterside Ave”, a reference to the open air Waterside Market in Monrovia, Liberia. More details on street names can be found in Appendix A. Lancaster Boulevard, Lancaster, CAGeorgia Street, Indianapolis, INWaterside Market, Monrovia, Liberia Streets in Downtown Brooklyn Center 10 � furnishing 10 � furnishing 11 � travel 11 � travel 24 � 76 � parking / plaza 10 � path 10 � path 5 � plan�ng 5 � plan�ng Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 40 DRAFT Streets in Downtown Brooklyn Center Garden Street The Garden Street is the pedestrian-oriented twin to the Parkway, and will run between the Parkway and Summit Drive. Intended to be a “shared street”, it will be a slow speed, curbless pedestrian priority street lined by townhouses and lower density residences. The travel lane for vehicles may be serpentine to make room for greenspace, rain gardens, and parklets. The Garden Street will also utilize an “inverted crown” design that channels stormwater into the center of the street for collection — a common approach in curbless streets. The Garden Street will be called Sông Ave, which means river in Vietnamese. More details on street names can be found in Appendix A. Examples of Garden Streets Curbless streets and spaces give visual cues that cars are guests in the space - they share the space with pedestrians, cyclists, and others who use the street for non-motorized uses. Often “garden streets” contain small playgrounds, community gardens, or places to sit. Other terms for Garden Streets are: »Living Streets »Woonerfs »Curbless Streets »Shared Streets »Yield Streets »Play Streets Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 setback setback 11 � walk 11 � walk 12 � shard use lane 12 � 50 � shard use lane 41 DRAFT MnDOT Right of Way and Future Impacts MnDOT owns a sizable portion of right of way (ROW) at the south central portion of the Opportunity Site. As the city continues to negotiate the long- term use and ownership of that land, there are several potential impacts and opportunities for the Downtown should MnDOT turn over ROW ownership. Existing MnDOT ROW Future City ownership of the MnDOT ROW would allow for significant improvements to circulation and potential relocation of the northern stormwater pond to allow for multimodal connections and additional development potential. Potential Redevelopment Redevelopment potential within or around the ROW could be rethought towards a more cohesive and connected development pattern. Highway 100 Ramps The ramps to/from John Martin Drive would be removed, as they are redundant to those at Summit Drive and Bass Lake Road. The Highway 100 off ramp to Bass Lake Road would remain, but not provide direct access into the Opportunity Site. Future of the John Martin Drive Bridge MnDOT is considering the closure of the off ramp from Highway 100 onto John Martin Drive. The John Martin Drive bridge over Highway 100 may then be repurposed as a bike-/pedestrian-only facility. The Twin Lakes Regional trail is rerouted along this route, and the intersection with the on-ramp becomes an all-way stop. These outcomes would require City ownership of the bridge and coordination with Three Rivers Regional Park District. A A C DB D B C 57th & Logan Redevelopment Site Stormwater Park Alatus Phase 1 Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Access and Connectivity2024 Alternative 1 MnDOT right of way, ramps, and the John Martin Drive bridge stay as-is. Alternative 3 MnDOT right of way and ramps are removed, John Martin Drive and bridge are realigned, and the stormwater park green space expands. Alternative 4 MnDOT right of way and ramps are removed, John Martin Drive is realigned and the bridge is removed. The stormwater park is expanded, and an access road is provided for development on the southeast portion of the Opportunity Site. Alternative 2 MnDOT right of way and ramps are removed and become an additional development site. John Martin Drive, the bridge, and the stormwater park remains as-is. DRAFT Building and development patterns that are compact, sustainable, and mixed — creating places for people of all types to live and enjoy at all stages of life 42Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Neighborhoods and Economic Development 43 DRAFT Neighborhoods and Economic Development - Overview Downtown Brooklyn Center will feature building and development patterns that are compact, sustainable, and mixed - creating nodes of mixed use activity and neighborhoods for people to live and enjoy at any stage of life Neighborhoods and Economic Development »Life-long neighborhoods for new and existing residents of Brooklyn center to call home. »Centers and Nodes that combine uses to become places to gather, a focus for local economic development, and designed to evolve over time »Spaces for creating entrepreneurs and small- and mid-sized businesses in the Downtown »A range of buildings, development types, and land uses on a simple block pattern Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 The Plan for Downtown Brooklyn Center creates a series of simple blocks defined by a hierarchy of streets. The blocks will contain the mixture of buildings that contribute to a vibrant downtown. The Plan anticipates approximately 3500 households and up to 200,000 sf of nonresidential uses clustered in three locations. Additionally, several hundred thousand square feet of employment manufacturing could be introduced in the southeast of the Downtown. While building a district with density is essential to accomplish many of the goals of the Plan, density alone is not the goal. Rather, a vibrant and livable center where all city residents can gather and be welcomed should be the intent of the Opportunity Site build-out. The Plan, therefore, pays close attention to the types of uses and the pattern of buildings that will eventually occupy the blocks in the Downtown. Housing and Neighborhoods Brooklyn Center is a built-out community and in need of additional housing of all types. The City was built quickly with almost all housing constructed in the 1950s through 1970s. As a result, there is a narrow range of housing available to residents, particularly new units or units with more than three bedrooms. This limits residents’ ability to stay in the community as they age through different stages of life or grow in household size. Therefore, this Plan seeks to fill an existing housing need in the community by suggesting multiple housing types, price points, and ownership models. Depending on the market, the Opportunity Site could see between 2,000 and 4,000 new housing units on the site. The Plan encourages a range of housing types and tenures — ranging from tall apartment buildings to low-rise townhouses, and ownership units to rental units. Non-traditional ownership models such as cooperatives and land trusts are also encouraged. A strong residential component to Downtown is important because it creates demand for a variety of uses and the provision of goods, and services. The presence of a strong residential component also helps create a place that can be broadly owned and cared for, rather than a place that is patronized primarily by visitors. Economic Development A strong Downtown requires a variety of uses that serve local and regional needs, use that are active throughout the day and week, and use that are compatible and adjacent to each other. While housing is anticipated to be a strong component of the Downtown, the Plan proposes three “nodes” of concentrated commercial and civic activity for economic development and employment. One of the nodes will begin to take shape in the Alatus Phase 1 development. The Plan does not define the specific character of the other two nodes; rather it is anticipated that the City will allow them to evolve over time and adjust to opportunities as the arise. As build-out occurs, the Plan envisions the southeast segment of the Opportunity Site as an urban manufacturing or “maker space” for small- and mid-sized businesses. This area will anchor a jobs base for the Opportunity Site, with public-facing retail along the edge, connecting the residential core with this employment edge. 44 DRAFT Creating life-long neighborhoods for new and existing residents of Brooklyn center to call home. Three neighborhoods, flanking Main Street and the Parkway, will each be home to several hundred residents. The neighborhoods will have a mix of housing, ranging from small units to larger flats, owner-occupied and renter- occupied units, and affordable to market rate rents. Variety of housing for all stages of life Multiple housing types and sizes help create a multi generational community of homeowners and renters. This allows people of all incomes and in all stages of life to find a safe and stable home. Neighborhood friendly streets Streets will be narrow and pedestrian friendly. They will have a modest amount of on street parking for visits to neighbors and shops. Small neighborhood services and goods Small nonresidential uses, such as coffee shops and small groceries will be distributed in the neighborhood. This will create gathering places and it will put daily needs within the reach of residents. Oriented to parks Each neighborhood will have a neighborhood park in the middle or edge. The park will be small, serving primarily the neighborhood, and will have places for rest and gentle recreation. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 A C D B A C D B Housing for all stages of life Brooklyn Center aspires to diversify its housing stock so people can stay in the community throughout all stages of their lives. This usually (but not always) follows a “scaling up” and a “scaling down” process. Generally, this means smaller unit (1-2 bedroom) housing for individuals and couples early or late in life, and larger (3+ bedroom) housing for groups or families living together. This plan recommends providing the types of housing not historically prevalent in Brooklyn Center — quality deeply affordable rentals (30-60% AMI), and quality market rate multi-bedroom rental and ownership units. More details on the Housing Framework for the Opportunity Site can be found in Appendix 7. Traditional “Housing Lifecycle” Neighborhood 45 DRAFT Nodes that mix uses to become places to regularly gather, focus local economic development, and remain dynamic over time. Designing for flexibility and sociability Main Street and Phase 1 will be a flexible space, able to host a variety of events, from markets, to concerts and festivals. Activating Public Spaces Extra wide sidewalks will accommodate outdoor cafes and restaurants, as well as ample amenities such a street trees, seating, bike racks and public art. Creating comfortable sidewalks, year round The buildings along Main Street will have features such as retractable facades and upper floor patios with heaters and shading that allow them to be active throughout the year. Downtown will feature several areas of commercial, retail, and civic activity, connected to adjacent areas, that residents of Brooklyn Center and the region will help activate throughout the week and the year. Ev e n i n g u s e Ev e n i n g u s e Mix of uses, mix of people, mix of times. Public spaces serve as places for people of different backgrounds and experiences to informally mix. Strong public spaces provide locations for all people to formally and informally gather, relax, and recreate. By strategically locating public spaces in relation to areas active day and night these spaces become more active and vibrant throughout the entire day. Da y t i m e u s e Da y t i m e u s e Public Public spaces with spaces with crossover crossover use and use and social social gatheringgathering Design Features of Downtown’s Nodes Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Node 1: Phase 1 »EMP Business Incubator and Plaza »Event Center with service retail »700-800 units of housing »Stormwater Park »Space for outdoor markets, performances, and gathering »Shared use path greenway Node 2: Main Street »3-6 Restaurants »Spaces for 2,000-5,000 sq ft retail »Space for outdoor markets, performances, and gathering Node 4: Hennepin County Regional Center »County library, district court, DMV, and Services Center »Shingle Creek Regional Trail Node 5: City Center and Park »City Hall »Community Center »Centennial Park »Shingle Creek Regional Trail Node 3: Neighborhood Park »Passive park and recreation space at the center of housing developments »Shared use path greenway Node A place where several uses are combined to create activity throughout the day and into the evening. Nodes may contain uses that are both local and regional, as well as basic goods and services. Node 1Node 1 Node 2Node 2 Node 3Node 3 Node 4Node 4 Node 5Node 5 46 DRAFT Phase 1 Redevelopment Site A development team led by Alatus is planning and designing for the first phase of Opportunity Site redevelopment. The Phase 1 concept intends to introduce hundreds of units of housing at various price points, a small business incubator, and a conference center. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Site 1: Multifamily Housing and Business Incubator Site 2: Conference Center Site 3: Multifamily Mixed-Income Housing Sites 4–7: Multifamily Housing Phase 1 Phase 1 Development Site In 2019, Brooklyn Center entered into partnership with a development team led by Alatus LLC to plan, design, and construct “Phase 1” of the Opportunity Site. The 15 acre public-private-partnership project anchors the southwest corner of the Downtown, and anticipates hundreds of units of market rate and affordable housing, the “EMP” business incubator, and a conference center with service retail. Phase 1 will also provide foundational public transportation and stormwater infrastructure for the Opportunity Site, including the Parkway and regional stormwater ponds and park. The proposed Phase 1 development site, looking north from Bass Lake Road and Shingle Creek Parkway The Flex Street, with the EMP to the right, and Event Center to the left The view from Shingle Creek Parkway, looking east into the heart of the Phase 1 siteImages courtesy of Alatus LLC 47 DRAFT Future City Hall A new city hall building can leverage development interest of the Opportunity Site, while serving Brooklyn Center residents through a more centralized location and by coordinating civic development with private development. Existing City Hall A A ALT 1: City hall on the northwest corner of “Block 9”, at the intersection of Shingle Creek Parkway and Summit Dr, integrated with mixed-use development. A Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Brooklyn Center City Hall Long desired, a larger and more modern city hall would facilitate community connection and help deliver a more efficient services to Brooklyn Center residents. The existing facility does not sufficiently meet needs of the city today — particularly concerning access and circulation, staff office space, and meeting space for both staff and public meetings. The Opportunity Site presents a future opportunity for a new city hall, either as a public / private partnership or as a standalone facility. ALT 2: City hall on the northwestcorner of “Block 9”, at the intersection of Shingle Creek Parkway and Summit Drive as a stand alone building/use. Columbia Heights City Hall integrated with new mixed-use development. Shakopee City Hall 48 DRAFT Creating Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses in the Downtown Pop-up micro retailing Proposed EMP location within the Phase 1 Development Site Courtesy of Alatus, LLC Kiosk Micro retail Storefront Truck Business Opportunities on Main Street Main Street will be designed to make space for a variety of different retail types and sizes. It will be anchored on the ends by larger regional or community wide attractions that generate foot traffic - an important ingredient for success of any street-facing business. Entrepreneurial Market Plaza (EMP) Brooklyn Center’s diverse micro-business community has long expressed the need for affordable, flexible business space that offers technical and programmatic assistance. Recognizing this, the Plan recommends creating a 10,000 to 20,000 square foot small business incubator. The global marketplace concept intends to center entrepreneurial opportunities for BIPOC-, woman-, and immigrant-owned businesses. The EMP is planned for the Phase 1 development site. This space should be operated by an entity that specializes in small business development and support. The entity would provide specialized support in finance, marketing, accounting and human resources to small business operators. The EMP will have a strong street presence in the Downtown, with an attached plaza space for events to “spill out” from the building, or host standalone events. The Plaza’s location at the intersection with the Parkway will help establish a key activity node for high foot traffic. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Small structured retail spaces Mixed UseMarket tent Truck Micro retail Cottage retail Mercantile The Entrepreneurial Downtown Most businesses become successful through a graduated process that carefully balances cost with exposure. Very few businesses succeed by signing on to a multi year lease in their infancy. Downtown Brooklyn Center therefore will support and incubate small businesses with the following strategies. »Support an entrepreneurial marketplace »Co-locate small businesses that need foot traffic with larger generators of foot traffic. »Create spaces in the Plan that are designed for venders, food trucks, and other forms of micro- retailing. »Encourage commercial and mixed-use developers to build flexible ground floor spaces that can be scaled according to business needs. »Encourage developers to provide small and cost attainable space for small businesses. »Market and promote the Downtown with events that attract people into the Downtown throughout the year. »Support live-work spaces in the residential areas of the Downtown. Downtown will feature spaces, buildings, and organizations that support the growth of local small businesses. Cultivating these businesses will be a defining quality of the Downtown. 49 DRAFT North End Market Plaza The plan envisions entrepreneurial activities generally concentrated along the Market Street and within the Phase 1 Development Site. Alternatively, the northwest corner of the Opportunity Site could provide another location for public gathering of entrepreneurial activities. A market plaza, located in the location of the vacant Target, could provide an centralized gathering place, as a bookend to public space in Phase 1. Additionally, it would offer an outdoor place of commerce for a planned small business venue in the Shingle Creek Strip Mall. If well located and designed, this plaza could also double as a civic plaza and gathering space adjacent a future city hall. To ensure a successful plaza, careful design attention should be given to appropriately size and locate the plaza, offering a series of smaller spaces within the plaza that different activities can occur within. Similarly, a market and civic plaza should consider plaza edges to be activated, are easily accessible, and offer highly visible sight lines into and out of the plaza. Market Plaza Alternatives Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 A ALT 1: Locating a future market plaza at the terminus of the Garden Street, could also provide a centralized location for entrepreneurial activities, gathering, and civic events. A Potential Future City Hall Gard e n S t r e e t Shingl e C r e e k P a r k w a y Market Plaza Alternative Shingle Creek Crossing Strip Mall City-Owned Property Shingle Creek CrossingShingle Creek Crossing Strip MallStrip Mall Restaurant DepotRestaurant Depot North End Market Plaza ConceptOpportunity SIte North End Ownership 50 DRAFT Urban Manufacturing and Employment Re-introducing employment uses, particularly small- and medium scale manufacturing, within the Opportunity Site is a chance to spur economic development, provide good paying jobs near housing, and supports a greater mix of uses within the Downtown. Critical to the success of employment uses will be thoughtful design that is cohesive and complementary to the adjacent TOD district, and design that leverages Downtown amenities. DESIGN Orientation of site so trucks access regional roadways Two (multi) story light industrial buildings wherever possible Rooftop community solar and micro grid Pervious pavement to encourage infi ltra- tion Businesses with public interface located at activity nodes that face the neighborhoood Clear and simple pedestrian connections to the neightbohood Support transit access along the neighbor- hood seam Green edge for stormwater, trails, habitat public art and other shared amenities ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Living wage jobs with low barrier to entry Higher than average job density (minimum 25 jobs/acre) Local hiring and local job development Incubator / Accelerator / Collaboration space for small business and start ups Net Positive tax base COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF MODERN LIGHT INDUSTRIAL INTEGRATED WITH A NEIGHBORHOOD A A C C E E G G B B D D F F H H Site is oriented so trucks access regional roadways without needing to drive through the TOD district Businesses and supportive retail with a public interface are located at activity nodes that face neighborhoods Multistory buildings, whenever appropriate, to maximize site efficiency Clear, visible, and simple pedestrian connections into and across the manufacturing district are available from surrounding neighborhoods Rooftop solar grids created opportunities for sustainable “closed loop” systems Transit readiness and access are developed for broader employee and patron access Pervious pavement and BMPs encourage infiltration and mitigate pollutants from runoff Green edges that promote stormwater sustainability, and amenitize the “seam” edge of the manufacturing district Blending urban manufacturing with a neighborhood Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Creating an urban manufacturing uses within a TOD district requires attention to use-type as well as site and building design. This leads to a more cohesive transition to and from the adjacent TOD district. »The public entrances of buildings are human scale, oriented north along the Parkway, and when appropriate, reflect similar designs and materials from the surrounding TOD district. »Vehicle and truck access is focused to the east and west allowing the north edge along the Parkway to remain pedestrian oriented. »A soft northern and western edge or “seam”, that creates a natural transition from residential and retail uses into the manufacturing area. This may be done with landscaping, public art, and loading public-facing supportive retail on the north edge of the manufacturing district 51 DRAFT Housing along the Garden Street The Garden Street presents a unique opportunity to create a pedestrian-focused spine connecting the north and south ends of the Opportunity Site. As a shared street with walk- up residential units, the garden street is both a connector and a destination for community gathering, recreation, and relaxation. Townhome units can also create opportunities for home ownership and lower barriers for first-time or lower- income home buyers. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Housing along the Garden Street will include low or medium profile walk-up residential units with street-facing amenity space and activated ground floors. Housing could include owner- and renter-units, and live/work units. Garden Street 52 DRAFT Multiple building types and development intensities on a standard block pattern The Downtown will have a series of similarly (though not identically) sized and shaped blocks that make up the general urban fabric. The pattern creates a series of developable blocks that are small enough to be pedestrian friendly, but large enough to have multiple building types on each block. Multiple Building Types on each Downtown Block 31 * Units/acre 40 Units/acre 60 Units/acre 80 Units/acre 130 Units/acre Low Intensity Medium Intensity High Intensity Low Intensity High Intensity Medium Intensity * Minimum density in MX-C district is 10 units per acre Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 Guidelines for Developments of a Downtown Brooklyn Center Block »Blocks are between 2.5 and 5 acres, block faces should not exceed 500 feet. »Buildings are oriented towards the perimeter of the blocks with all parking either in the middle of the block or to the side of buildings. » Parking should be shielded from the sidewalks and structured whenever possible. »Each block face should have multiple entries to create as much activity on the front of the building as possible. »Ground floor residential units are set back from the sidewalk no more than 10 feet to create a small garden or patio »Interior courtyards and passages are encouraged; however, they should not detract from creating active sidewalks and a well defined street space »Nonresidential uses are set on or within 10’ of the front property line. 53 DRAFT 11 44 55 6633 88 77 101099 1111 1212 1313 22 *Totals are rounded for estimation purposes ** Densities based on MX-C zoning Anticipated Densities 1* 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ** Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Neighborhoods and Economic Development2024 * Block 1 includes all five blocks of the Phase 1 redevelopment site ** pending future MnDOT ROW outcome, and roadway alignment decisions Estimated Development Program Estimated Residential Program Densities Estimated Nonresidential Program Floor Areas Block Area (acres rounded) Low* (31 u/ac) Average* (80 u/ac) High* (130 u/ac)Square Feet of Retail Square Feet of Employment 1 (Phase 1)15 743 743 743 30,000 - 40,000 (with EMP)- 2 1 31 80 130 -- 3 1 31 80 130 -- 4 5 155 400 650 5,000 - 10,000 - 5 3 93 240 390 10,000 - 20,000 - 6 3.5 109 280 455 10,000 - 20,000 - 7**7.5 75 600 975 10,000 - 20,000 - 8**5.5 55 440 715 10,000 - 20,000 - 9**3.5 35 280 455 -- 10**2.5 25 200 325 -- 11**3 30 240 390 -- 12 16 ---200,000 - 400,000 13 4 ----15,000 TOTAL 70 1,382 3,610 5,385 75,000 - 130,000 200,000-400,000 DRAFT 54Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 Implementation 55 DRAFT Opportunity Site Suggested Targets The public process around this plan emphasized the need for accountability throughout the development and implementation of the plan. While this can be complex in the context of a multi-year, multi-stage build-out, it is important to identify how projects will be held to the standards developed through this plan. In particular, there is concern that the development’s benefits accrue to Brooklyn Center residents and stakeholders, including diverse groups that in the past been excluded from benefits and/or disproportionately shouldered adverse impacts. The targets for this plan are still in development through the community-driven process. However, the following are provided based on engagement to date – with the recognition that they are likely to change based on further input. Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 Targets for the Planning Process »Documented of outcomes of project-based engagement »Completed and approved Community Benefits agreement (Appendix 4) »Completed and approved Equity Development Framework (Appendix 5) »Documented mitigation measures for adverse impacts and risk factors Targets for Housing and Residential Communities »New housing units will be a mix of affordable and market rate, rental and owned, based on recommendations for the Opportunity Site Housing Framework (Appendix 7) »Housing framework and policies regularly reviewed and revised as development occurs »Presence of housing types that meet needs in community »Availability of renter/homeowner assistance for local households »Development of housing types that support mixed income communities »Identify and secure outside housing funding sources to leverage local investments »Development of live-work units to support small businesses and home occupations. »New housing includes walk up, townhome, and similarly scaled unit design Targets for Economic Development and Employment »Percentage and type of affordable commercial space for businesses »Contractor hiring requirements for construction phase of projects, including DBEs »Location of locally owned firms within the project, including small, start-up, and minority owned enterprises »Presence of incubator space with accompanying supporting services for small businesses »Good jobs for residents of the city, including needed placement, training, and retention services as applicable Targets for Transportation and Connectivity »New off-road trail connections through the site »Transit readiness for future transit services to the site, with enhanced bus stop/bus station facilities »Pedestrian amenities throughout the entire site »Sustainable funding mechanism established to maintain infrastructure and public realm Targets for Public Realm, Public Spaces, and Environment »Access for residents to recreational amenities »Presence of multicultural-event spaces that are affordable and accessible to the community »Programming for recreation, culture, arts, youth activities, etc. »Public space design that is reflective of a multicultural community »Funding mechanism for constructing and maintain public art, and support for incorporating art in private development (e.g. art dedication fee) 56 DRAFT Implementation Framework Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 The Implementation Plan is focused on key elements as determined by the City of Brooklyn Center. The approach is divided into three categories of strategies detailed below: private sector, public sector, and community partnership. Private Sector : led by private sector development and investment; city role focuses on support, collaboration, review, and approval in response to private sector initiative (e.g. new commercial and residential development, land assembly, development partnerships). Considerations include: • Profitability and potential gaps needing subsidy • Consistency with community goals and context • Public-private partnerships • Defining and supporting community benefit Public Sector – led by the city and consistent with typical public role; while additional resources may be needed, there is a relatively defined path toward implementation (e.g. new roads, sewer, parks, trails, basic governmental services). Considerations include: • Prioritizing infrastructure improvements • Funding and timing of improvements • Balancing cost and innovation • Maintenance and useful life Community Partnership – a project or initiative that involves finding new ways to work together creatively to achieve something that is unique and adds value to the community. Successful community partnerships will include: • Identifying project champions and leads • Developing an implementation approach • Fund-raising and building support • Identifying who will own and maintain facilities This Implementation Plan provides an overall summary of the key elements of implementation along with goals, identifies milestones known at this time, notes interdependencies and identifies challenges. Individual Implementation Plan focus areas will be tracked in greater detail on an individual project basis. Where this is overlap between categories, tasks will be associated with the lead agency, and coordination with others will be noted. On-Going Work & Impacts The master planning process identified the need for continued in- depth studies to inform not only the Opportunity Site redevelopment strategy, but also overall city policies and practices. It is important to note that much of this work will extend beyond the completion of the master plan, however, the work can be scheduled to allow for outcomes that are needed to inform opportunity site development, and city wide process improvements. Equity: The city is exploring a range of tools, including an equity development framework (see Appendix III), to assess impacts of the Opportunity Site on the well-being of community members, particularly minority and historically underrepresented groups. Housing Affordability, Displacement, and Gentrification: Interrelated with equity, an assessment should be conducted on the potential impacts of development on current and future housing affordability and availability city-wide. Health: The master plan suggests best practices in health-promoting community design towards maximizing public health outcomes. Pending future funding, a formal Health Impact Assessment could provide additional guidance on site build out, and open new avenaues for project funding. Environment: Impacts on the environment are a significant consideration of the Opportunity Site’s vision. The City is considering an alternative urban area wide review (AUAR), a flexible environmental assessment tool that addresses the impacts of multi- phase redevelopment scenarios and offers possible mitigation strategies. Traffic: The impact of the development upon current traffic flows and expected new traffic generation is being utilized to inform new and updated mobility infrastructure. Additionally, the Site’s traffic assessments take into consideration opportunities for future transit and multimodal service and connectivity. Financial Analysis: A series of assessments of the City’s financial position were conducted early in the master planning process, to establish as preliminary understanding of how the city might address subsidies, costs, and revenue sources. As development occurs, these models should be updated to reflect new development impacts. 57 DRAFT Implementation Focus Areas Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 Key Focus Areas Timing Goals and Objectives Community Benefit 1) Continue to engage the community Ongoing »Establish regular communication channels to provide and gather input from the community at major development milestones »Clearly summarize feedback and communicate back to the community »Community stakeholders have influence in their community »Developments benefit the community and are appropriate for their use and enjoyment 2) Complete environmental reviews and systems assessments As Development Occurs »Meet all local, state, and federal requirements »Pursue enhanced systems and facilities through community partnerships »Improved public services and public realm, including environmental sustainability and management of impacts of development »Support for catalytic change that can generate multiple community benefits »Coordination with developers and jurisdictions to improve outcomes for all 3) Establish developer agreements for the Opportunity Site 2025-2026 »Mutually supported agreement that achieves multiple private and public goals »Clear understanding of roles relating to funding and implementation »Development that has broad public support and achieves community 4) Develop communication strategy and materials for on- going Opportunity Site messaging 2025-2026 »Create a communications strategy and collateral materials to ensure the community and key stakeholders: »Are informed and in the know »Understand benefits »Know how to engage »Know of opportunities »Possible impact to overall city brand »Opportunity to incorporate local partners and services in project »Public messaging around community priorities 58 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 FOCUS AREA 1 | Continue to Engage the Community Major Activities Project Team Timing & Coordination Results and Deliverables Additional Resources Required Community Benefits Private Sector Provide neccessary materials to review and vet development proposals, required studies Developer in coordination with City Prior to entitlement process Community-reviewed and City-approved building plans and studies None Information and understanding of Opportunity Site build out and specific development updates Ongoing tenant and property management Developer After opening of development properties Ongoing property management None Well maintained property that meet community needs Public Service Property inspection and monitoring City After opening of phase one development Ongoing compliance None Well maintained property Periodic public communication and updates on Opportunity Site development milestones, events City in close coordination with developers, property owners As development occurs Public awareness of Opportunity Site build out process, milestones None Information and understanding of Opportunity Site build out and specific development updates Community Partnership Participation and feedback on general communications, development review, and project updates Public organizations, local stakeholders As development and communication occurs Public awareness of Opportunity Site build out process, milestones None Information and understanding of Opportunity Site build out and specific development updates 59 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 Major Activities Project Team Timing & Coordination Results and Deliverables Additional Resources Required Community Benefits Private Sector City, and state required assessments – e.g. environmental, survey, traffic, geotechnical, etc Developer, with review and coordination by the city Prior to entitlement process Required reports and findings, potential mitigation identified Possibility of collaboration on broader scope of review for district-level assessment Identification and mitigation of site issues and project impacts Public Sector Comprehensive Plan Amendment City Prior to development approvals Amended Comprehensive Plan that reflects master plan land use vision None Alignment of city policies with community- expressed master plan Complete site analysis over and above developer baseline – e.g. AUAR City, with developer and other jurisdiction coordination on joint effort Prior to entitlement process Technical reports and findings Identification of additional funding for studies Identification and addressing site issues and project impacts; support for district-level improvements Future City Hall determination City with financial consultant Coordination with master planning to confirm location and plan integration Determination of potential to relocate city hall/community center Resources for study, design, and implementation More accessible and public-serving city hall Partnerships Traffic analysis related to Highway 100 ramps City in coordination with MnDOT Coordination with timing of MnDOT improvements, potential ramp removal or reconfiguration; development impacts Traffic study and recommendations, beyond scope required for development MnDOT participation in study and implementation Addressing traffic flow and safety issues; possible benefit to Opporunity Site layout and connectivity District stormwater approach with Shingle Creek City in coordination with watershed Coordination with watershed approval of development applications; Prior to entitlement process Regularly updated stormwater modeling, to be attached to watershed permit applications Identification of additional funding for implementation Enhanced stormwater and open space improvements; environmental resiliency Regional park and trail connectivity City in coordination with Three Rivers Park District Prior to infrastructure construction; coordination with Three Rivers Parks District on connection locations Trail connections from the Opportunity Site to Shingle Creek Regional Trail Identification of additional funding for implementation Enhanced and safer multimodal service and connectivity Future transit service within the Opportunity Site City in coordination with Metro Transit Prior to infrastructure construction; coordination with Metro Transit on internal routes and stop locations Internal Opportunity Site transit service along the Parkway Metro Transit participation in study and implementation Enhanced and safer multimodal service and connectivity FOCUS AREA 2 | Complete Environmental Reviews and Systems Assessments 60 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 Major Activities Project Team Timing & Coordination Results and Deliverables Additional Resources Required Community Benefits Private Sector Development Plan submittal Developer, with review and coordination by the city Prior to entitlement process Site plans and all required elements None Community opportunity to review and provide feedback on development plans Construction of phase one development Developer, with review and coordination with the city Initiated by 2025 (anticipated)Project complete, certificate of occupancy Identification of additional funding for implementation New housing, jobs, tax base, community revitalization, etc. Public Sector Public finance strategy City with financial consultant Prior to development agreement Input into developer agreement None Appropriate use of public resources Adopt Opportunity Site Community Benefits Agreement Template City 2025-2026 Template for guiding the creation of community benefits agreements; project outcomes serve the communty None at this time Infrastructure plans and construction for phase one needs – e.g. roads, utilities, lighting, public realm City in collaboration with developer By the completion of phase one (anticipated 2025-2026) Site infrastructure design necessary to support phase one, future Opportunity Site build out Identification of additional funding for implementation Strong and relient public infrastructure to support development and meet public needs Public Subsidy determinations - e.g. TIF districts City, with financial consultant Prior to entitlement process Approved public subsidy notes None Identified funding for site improvements that benefit the community Community Partnership Community feedback on development proposals, community benefit agreement City in collaboration with local partners, stakeholders Prior to entitlement process Enhanced site design to support community and master plan goals; informed public that has knowledge of project developments None Development supports community vision; engaged and empower community FOCUS AREA 2 | Establish Developer Agreements for Opportunity Site 61 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 FOCUS AREA 4 | Develop Communications Strategy and Collateral Materials For Opportunity Site Build Out Major Activities Project Team Timing & Coordination Results and Deliverables Additional Resources Required Community Benefits Private Sector Meet with city and local stakeholders to review and vet development proposals, required studies Developer, with assistance from City Prior to entitlement process Community-reviewed and City-approved building plans and studies None Promote consistency with master plan vision Public Sector Develop site-specific development materials to advertise developable parcels City 2025 Marketing material outlining key parcel information None, unless product needs to be more specific to phase one development Promote consistency with master plan vision; development of targeted parcels Develop public communication materials for conveying information during project milestones City 2025-2026 Unified branding and marketing materials for use in external communications of project milestones Identification of additional funding for implementation; establish communication channels Information and understanding of Opportunity Site build out and specific development updates Community Partnership Convene project stakeholders and potential partners to communicate project details City in coordination with developer, community organizations As development occurs Review and distribution of communication materials To be determined Promote culturally responsive dissemination of information and understanding of Opportunity Site build out and specific development updates 62 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 Potential Funding for Community Projects Program Description Max Award Solicitation Timing Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP)For local road construction or reconstruction projects with local, regional, or statewide significance that cannot reasonably be funded through other revenue sources. The LRIP funds must be used outside Trunk Highway right-of-way and do not require a set local match. County/State Aid City - $1,000,000 Small City/Township - $750,000 Fall Regional Solicitation For locally initiated projects that meet regional transportation needs in the seven-county metro area. Funding categories include Roadways Including Multi modal Elements, Transit and Travel Demand Management (TDM) Projects, and Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities (including Safe Routes to School (SRTS)). Varies widely by funding category Every 2-years Local Partnership Program (LPP) Intended to pay for a portion of the Trunk Highway eligible construction costs of the project and up to 8% of the construction engineering costs (for inspection, contract administration, surveying and materials testing as applicable, based on the Trunk Highway eligible costs. Locally led projects that are not large scale enough to be led by MnDOT. $710,000 April Transportation Economic Development (TED) To fund construction, reconstruction, and improvement of state and local transportation infrastructure in order to; create and preserve jobs, improve the state’s economic competitiveness, increase the tax base, accelerate transportation improvements to enhance safety and mobility, and promote partnerships with the private sector. $10,000,000 June Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure (TEDI) To fund public infrastructure construction that provide economic and employment benefits $500,000 June Corridors of Commerce For the construction, reconstruction and improvement of trunk highways, for projects not already in the State Transportation Improvement Program, to provide additional highway capacity on segments where there are currently bottlenecks in the system and improve the movement of freight and reduce barriers to commerce. n/a Varies as program is funded Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MNHFP) For infrastructure and operational improvements to US highways, and improving safety, security, efficiency and resiliency of freight transportation. All public roads, are eligible for this money. n/a Varies as program is funded Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) - To improve major highways, bridges, ports, and railroads around the country to better connect communities, and to enhance safety and economic growth. n/a September Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) To repair, rebuild, and revitalize significant surface transportation infrastructure projects with a significant impact in their local or regional communities including roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or inter modal transportation. $25M November Department of Employment (DEED) Funding for Business Development, Community Development, Infrastructure, and Site Clean-up and Redevelopment projects that result in economic growth. Varies with each program category Varies with each program category 63 DRAFT Downtown Brooklyn Center Master Plan Brooklyn Center, Minnesota Implementation2024 John Martin Drive and a new Main Street The Parkway and Regional Stormwater Park BC PlazaGarden Street Vision for a New Downtown Brooklyn Center Located at the geographic center of Brooklyn Center and at nexus of regional trails, roads, and natural systems, Downtown Brooklyn Center will become a new social, recreational and commercial center for the community. It will become a source of community pride as it draws on the remarkable spectrum of people - diverse in background and age - who have chosen to live in and invest in Brooklyn Center. The Downtown will evolve gradually over time, both in response to market forces as well as shaped by the public vision for a new Downtown. The Plan proposes a mix of uses and spaces that create neighborhoods and nodes of activity. These places within the Downtown will allow new and existing residents of Brooklyn Center to gather, recreate, work, and live. APPENDIX A PUBLIC REALM AND ART FRAMEWORK 1 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site Art Integration Strategies Juxtaposition Arts 2 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 The Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site will be a new, 80 acre urban neighborhood at the former site of the Brookdale Mall. The City of Brooklyn Center, contracting with Bolton and Menk, envisioned that the public realm for this new neighborhood – including streets, stormwater infrastructure, and park space – would integrate artwork in a cohesive way and reflect the Brooklyn Center community. This report establishes a theme that can be strategically integrated into street design, street furniture, and public art. The theme also sets a naming scheme for the new streets. The art integration strategies were developed by the Environmental Design Studio at Juxtaposition Arts. The “Enviro” studio is a non-profit based in North Minneapolis that hires youth apprentices to work on professional design projects throughout the Twin Cities. Two of the youth apprentices on this project live in Brooklyn Center. The Enviro studio is led by a licensed architect and an urban planner. Overview | Background & Objectives Overview | Unifying Theme for the Public Realm 3 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 The Brooklyn Center City Council chose the theme of “Confluencia” to unify street design, street furniture, and public art pieces throughout the Opportunity Site. “Confluencia,” or confluence in Spanish, uses the metaphor of rivers flowing together to represent the coming together of Brooklyn Center’s many cultures. The Council chose “Confluencia” as a representation of the diversity of the Brooklyn Center community, and to celebrate Shingle Creek, which flows next to the Opportunity Site shortly before its confluence with the Mississippi River. This report presents strategies for integrating the “Confluencia” theme into street names, street furniture, and public art to create a new urban neighborhood that is unique to Brooklyn Center. It also includes perspective views of of the theme applied holistically to the public realm. Multilingual Street Names 4 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 Multilingual Street Names | Site Plan 5 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 2.27.23 Starting with the “Confluencia” theme, we developed street names that relate to water and coming together. We then translated the street names into some of the most commonly spoken languages in Brooklyn Center. The street names for the Opportunity Site align to the use of the street. For example, Bdote, which means confluence in Dakota, is the name for the parkway that will collect traffic from all the streets in this new neighborhood. Native speakers of the respective languages in Brooklyn Center were consulted, including high schools students at Park Center and Brooklyn Center High School. Multilingual Street Names | Signs 6 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 Multilingual street names will require additional information for people to fully understand and appreciate them. The design of street signs is tightly regulated, so we propose adding artistic signage to the post to give additional information. This artistic signage would tell the language of of the street name, its English translation, and its original spelling, as well as pronunciation. 7 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 Street Furniture Street Furniture | City Standard 8 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 DuMor 165-series bench DuMor receptacle Dero bike hitch Brooklyn Center currently has a standard set of street furniture pieces. We propose integrating the “Confluencia” theme into the street furniture by modifying some of the existing pieces and adding some custom pieces. This will mitigate some of the increased maintenance costs while adding unique pieces that set the Opportunity Site apart. Philips lamp post Street Furniture | Confluencia 9 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 DuMor 165-series bench DuMor receptacle Dero custom bike rack Brooklyn Center currently has a standard set of street furniture pieces. We propose integrating the “Confluencia” theme into the street furniture by modifying some of the existing pieces and adding some custom pieces. This will mitigate some of the increased maintenance costs while adding unique pieces that set the Opportunity Site apart. Philips lamp post (with banners and pole wrap) Landscape Forms ‘Lakeside’ Planter Gateway Sculptures 10 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 11 Gateway Sculptures | Design Process Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 Most residents and visitors to the Opportunity Site will arrive through one of three prominent intersections. We used the “Confluencia” them to design gateway sculptures for these intersections to welcome people and establish the identity for this unique neighborhood. Youth apprentices in the Enviro studio used sketching and physical models to develop two concepts for the gateway sculptures. The first concept is a stand-alone sculpture placed along the roadway. The second concept is an arch that bridges across the roadway. Gateway Sculpture | Stand-alone Sculpture 12 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 Gateway Sculpture | Archway 13 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 “Confluencia” streetscapes 14 Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 15 lamp wrap and banners custom bike racks new planter type confluencia shade structure artistic fountain confluencia pavement patterns “Confluencia” Streetscapes | Wakpa Boulevard from John Martin Drive Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 16 “Confluencia” Streetscapes | Wakpa Boulevard from Shingle Creek gateway sculpture lamp wrap and banners custom bike racks shade structure patterned bands in sidewalk and bike path Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site | Art Integration Strategies | 12.9.22 APPENDIX B COMMUNITY BENFEFITS TEMPLATE Opportunity Site Master Plan Appendix B – Community Benefits Agreement Template DRAFT I. Intro The buildout of the Opportunity Site is intended to be a collaborative endeavor between the City and developers who seek to join the City in improving quality of life for all who call the Brooklyn Center home. To ensure equitable distribution of the benefits of development and to minimize unfavorable consequences to the community, the City of Brooklyn Center requires the use of a Community Benefits Agreement for all new development within the Opportunity Site that includes public subsidy or participation, including but not limited to: land write downs, fee waiver, city sponsored grants, TIF, and tax abatement.. A Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is a legal contract between the City of Brooklyn Center (via the City’s Economic Development Authority) and the development team of a private development project, that lays out how the proposed development will deliver a series of benefits to the broader community. CBAs are legally binding documents signed by both the City and the developer, which both entities can enforce. The City views these documents as the culmination of collaborative negotiations and partnership between the city and development team to realize the goals of the Opportunity Site as outlined in the Opportunity Site Master Plan [link once ready]. Towards this end, the City has created this CBA development tool with a template collection of community- identified benefits that City Staff and the development team can appropriately tailor on a project-by-project basis. II. CBA Development and Approval Process. The City recognizes that not all listed benefits are practical or necessary for every development project. However, it is the expectation that city staff and the development team partner in good faith to mutually identify a reasonable set of community benefits that can be delivered by the project. A CBA is required for any project that includes public subsidy or public participation. A draft CBA is necessary for any development application sent to the city to be considered “complete”. Creation of a draft CBA will be conducted by city staff on behalf of the City’s Planning and Housing Commissions. A joint meeting of the Commissions to review and approve a draft CBA is necessary to include the CBA with the development team’s development application. The City Council will then have final review and approval power as part of the standard development review process. Upon City approval, the CBA will go into effect and be enforced according to the conditions outlined in the CBA. CBA Template Tool Overview I. Select and Customize Benefits Each CBA should be crafted in a well-balanced manner that leverages the private investment of a development project towards meeting City and community goals, while respecting the position and capacities of any one project. To these ends, city staff and the development team should consider the following when identifying and negotiating project benefits: 1. What is the anticipated project use type and programming? a. Consider project land use type(s), anticipated residential units, anticipated commercial intensity and jobs, project footprint and scale, economic impacts, location within the opportunity site, developer background and history, 2. How does the project intend to meet expressed local goals and policies? How can it be leveraged to more explicitly reflect these goals and policies? a. Consider guidance from the Comprehensive Plan, Opportunity Site Master Plan, the Opportunity Site Public Realm Plan (JXTA). 3. How does the project meet City/local development and design standards? How can it be leveraged to exceed the standards? a. Consider policies such as the Unified Development Ordinance and the TOD Zoning district. 4. How does the project intend to reflect community values? How can it be leveraged to more explicitly reflect these values? i. Diversity and Inclusivity ii. Affordability iii. Health and Wellness iv. Fiscal Responsibility v. Flexibility vi. Community Pride vii. Environmental Sustainability viii. Local Benefit ix. Counteracting Displacement 5. How feasible are desired benefits? Will the development team be able to deliver identified benefits? Which benefits are “non-negotiable” expectations for this project? a. Consider questions such as: i. Burden. Is delivery of the benefit overly burdensome? ii. Proportionality. Is the scale of the project proportional to benefit? iii. Feasibility. Are selected benefits feasibly produced by the developer? iv. Compatibility/Reality. Are selected benefits realistic/compatible with similar projects? Using the CBA Template Tool 1. Complete the Project Summary section below. 2. Review and select benefits based on project type, context, and other considerations. 3. Customize selected benefits as appropriate. 4. Once confirmed, integrate selected benefits into formal CBA document(s). An example template is provided at this end of this tool. It is anticipated that the review, selection, and customization of benefits will be an iterative process during the planning and design process of a development project. As such, collaborative completion of this CBA Template should be seen as part of the project planning & design phase of the development project. Project Summary Project Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Project Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Development Team: _______________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Project Program Summary: ___________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Public Subsidy or Involvement Summary: ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ CBA TEMPLATE This Project Name Community Benefits Agreement ("[Project CBA]") is made and executed on this [Date], by and between the City of Brooklyn Center as defined herein (“BC”) and [Developer Name], as defined herein ("DEV") (COM and DEV each a "Party", and collectively the "Parties"), for the benefit of the residents of Brooklyn Center, as related to the construction by [Developer/Contractor] of a new product/project (the "Project") on a portion of the Project Site (as hereinafter defined). RECITALS WHEREAS, DEV, through its coalition members, has identified a number of significant needs of residents in the vicinity of the Project Site and more broadly residents of Brooklyn Center; and WHEREAS, the [Developer/Contractor] will build the [Project] on a portion of the X-acre Opportunity Site located at [Address] (the "Project Site"); and WHEREAS, BC and DEV desire to address some of the significant needs of local residents through this Project CBA. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises and mutual covenants and agreements herein set forth, DEV and BC do hereby agree to execute this Project CBA as follows: I Definitions 1 Affordable housing 2 Deeply affordable housing 3 Area median income (AMI) II Responsibilities 1 Category 1: Housing and Residential Communities 2 Category 2: Economic Development and Employment Opportunities 3 Category 3: Transportation and Connectivity 4 Category 4: Public Realm, Public Space, and Public Life 5 Category 5: Sustainability, Resilience, and the Natural Environment III Monitoring, Timelines, and Enforcement IV BC Support Obligations V Expenses/Terminations APPENDIX C EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK 1 Opportunity Site Master Plan Appendix C – Equity Development Framework DRAFT I. Overview of Equity Development Framework The Brooklyn Center Opportunity Site is 80 acres in the heart of the city, and the future location of a new downtown. Much of the site is publicly owned, meaning that the City of Brooklyn Center is a major stakeholder on new development in this area. The City deeply engaged the public during the Master Plan visioning and planning process, with the aim to establish a development process that delivers substantial public benefits. Through this, the City of Brooklyn Center aims to achieve equity and inclusivity within the Opportunity Site land use, parks and open space, and access and mobility. Land use and Infrastructure play a foundational role in promoting and ensuring equity. Equitable and inclusive design is community focused, and considers what features stakeholders need to thrive. The buildout of the Opportunity Site is intended to be a collaborative endeavor between the City and developers who seek to join the City in improving quality of life for all who call the Brooklyn Center home. To ensure equitable distribution of development outcomes and to minimize unfavorable consequences to the community, the City of Brooklyn Center requires the completion of this Equity Development Framework for all new development within the Opportunity Site that includes public subsidy or participation, including but not limited to: land write downs, fee waiver, city sponsored grants, TOF, and tax abatement. Centering equity and inclusion expectations at the outset of the development process intends to yield better outcomes for everyone involved. This tool therefore provides a community- informed framework towards ensuring new development is an integral piece of progress for those who have historically been excluded from decision-making processes, suffered disparities in health and wealth, and given few to no opportunities. II. Framework Purpose This Equity Development Framework is an actionable process of assessing private development projects through the lens of the Opportunity Site Master Plan Principles, and practices of equitable development and environmental justice. This framework is intended to be used primarily by city staff for evaluating a proposed development project within the Opportunity Site, during the design process. However, it is expected that the Framework is a collaborative and iterative process with prospective developers. It should be expressed to prospective developers that the equity framework will be used to assess development projects. The Equity Development Framework is to be included for City consideration with development applications in the Opportunity Site. 2 III. Private Development Expectations To ensure new development furthers the City and Master Plan vision of the Opportunity Site, all development is expected to adhere to the following expectations: • Land Use: Land use in the Opportunity Site is primarily guided as Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The TOD district supports opportunities for transit-supportive and transit-oriented development, development patterns that supports walking, biking, and vibrant pedestrian activity. • Open Spaces: Open spaces in the Opportunity Site contribute to and integrate with a systems- approach of the public realm, streets, trails, plazas, parks, and pedestrian areas. These spaces must be inclusive, and promote healthy living, gathering, social gathering, and environmental responsibility. New private spaces must connect to the larger system, while creating an “inside out” community that allows for year-round outdoor usage. • Access and Connectivity: Access and Connectivity within the Opportunity Site contributes to a multimodal transportation system, is well connected to the region, and reduces the need to own a car by providing safe, affordable, convenient, and accessible options. Development shall prioritize pedestrians by supporting a safe and comfortable environment to walk and bike. IV. Opportunity Site Goals for Equity & Inclusion To ensure new development furthers City and Master Plan goals of equity and inclusion in the Opportunity Site, all development is expected to adhere to the following expectations and values. These values form the basis and organization of the framework. • Livability: Livability is a combination of acknowledging the past and present harms, while working to create a better future for all. The intersection between livability and development can become the bedrock for restorative, regenerative, and healthy outcomes of historically marginalized people; promotes inclusion and belonging; and places intention and focus on the community through history, power and wellness. • Community Power and Engagement: Equitable engagement and power come from practices where those community members most affected, connect with and co-create the planning and design outcomes. Community members should include BIPOC communities along with immigrants, low-wealth people, renters, families, those with disabilities, senior citizens, and other historically marginalized communities. • Economic and Land Use: Equitable economic development must include and prioritize opportunities like local investment, ownership, and access to quality jobs , to drive long-term, community wealth building. Upward mobility and economic justice helps economic resiliency and strength of marginalized communities and businesses through a stronger economy at the local and neighborhood levels. • Housing: Affordable, quality, and stable housing is a fundamental element of just and sustainable housing practices. When people have the housing they need, they can better make important choices regarding food, health and wellbeing, childcare, and education without sacrificing livability or quality of life. 3 • Transportation: Physical connections to the greater community through a diversity of modal options are important to provide residents options to navigate across the neighborhood. As such, all development should be oriented to all forms of movement, including public transit, walking, bicycling, and micromobility. • Environment: Equitable environmental practices must include protecting and supporting the land, water, and air. Environmental justice and community health must be a priority of new development, with the goal to promote, sustain, and regenerate the health, wellbeing, and thriving of people and places. V. Using the Framework Card Step #1: Fill out the Project information page. Then turn to page 5. Step #2: Customize each Equitable Development Category’s categories according to the project, as not all criteria may apply. Tailor this Framework to be relevant to your specific purpose(s) and location within the Opportunity Site. Feel free to take notes in empty spaces and add, change, or put NA (not applicable) that do not apply to the project. Framework assessment criteria is separated into “Process” and “Outcome” steps. Step #3: Use the “Glossary” section to clear up any questions of content or definition. Step #4: Hold conversations with your group around each category , and include notes for comments or recommendations for each applicable category to inform design or project outcome revisions. It is expected that this Framework tool may be completed iteratively, and multiple times prior to a development application submission. Step #5: Upon final completion of this Framework, City staff will include the completed framework with their formal staff report for a development application. While there is no specific “threshold” of Framework completion, City Planning Commission and Council will consider Framework comments as they consider a development application. 4 Project Information Section Project Name _____________________________________________________________ Location of Project _________________________________________________________ Lead or Primary Developer ____________________________________________________ Developer Contact Information _________________________________________________ Other Key Stakeholders _______________________________________________________ Brief Description of the Project _________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Public Investments (committed and/or anticipated) __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Developer/applicant anticipated community benefits __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Comments Summary • Summarize key comments and recommendations from each applicable section used below Category Summary of Comments & Recommendations Livability Community Power & Engagement Economic & Land Use Housing Transportation Environment 5 EQUITY DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK LIVABILITY Process Considerations Outcome Considerations The project has taken proactive steps with community leaders to understand local histories, and cultural and environmental assets of the area to repair, honor, and integrate these legacies with an anti-displacement lens into the project and development process. The developer is committed to co-creating a set of mutual agreements at the start of the project and has committed to accountability measures and long- term neighborhood relationship building beyond the design and construction of the project to address any negative outcomes and embrace community ideas. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Building from history gained from community and research, the developer has worked with community leaders and government agencies to understand the current demographics, languages, natural and human assets, and other key features of the project area to ensure development enhances the valued attributes of the area and aligns with the vision of historically and systemically marginalized people most impacted by the project. The project design integrates physical or programmatic elements that enhance networks of community care and encourage social interaction and belonging by creating or restoring spaces for residents to connect, heal and build power with each other. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations The project design seeks to establish or enhance welcoming and inclusive community access to green spaces and public gathering areas to enhance the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of current residents. The project considers opportunities for community ownership of material and natural assets, including housing and retail units. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations 6 Community Power and Engagement Process Considerations Outcome Considerations The developer involves local historically and systemically marginalized community members during the ideation phase of and throughout the planning and implementation processes to establish and ensure priorities and criteria guide the project. Project design promotes social connectedness for a stronger community- social connections, education, health, arts, culture, and safety. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations The developer is working with the community to identify potential negative impacts and the planning process and project is actively oriented to avoid or mitigate those potential harms before the project is finalized or construction begins. Development connects to, highlights, and respects community characteristics, local history, points of interest, and key features. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Project information, materials, and meetings are communicated and available in real time in multiple formats, presentation styles, and languages that are representative of the impacted community. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations 7 Economic and Land Use Process Considerations Outcome Considerations Local community is given preference when hiring consultants, contractors, and developers for project. New capital or investment opportunities are created to promote small business development, arts/cultural-based businesses, and entrepreneurial opportunities, especially BIPOC-, immigrant-, or women-owned businesses. Lease agreements give priority to neighborhood business opportunities. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations The project will ensure that there is a community- supported plan to maintain neighborhood affordability and avoid cultural and physical displacement. Design contributes to distinct identities of local cultural heritage through the presence, preservation, or addition of architectural assets, utilizing principles of Universal Design where able and appropriate. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations The project involves or supports a diverse range of businesses and enterprises owned by people of color to sustain a strong economic base and provide job opportunities for the community. Economic impacts are data-driven, and show anticipated positive economic outcomes driven catalyzed by the project. Project uses local workforce/education programs to connect residents to long term employment within the project and any business, organization, or property management company occupying the final development. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations 8 Housing Process Considerations Outcome Considerations The project positively reflects local housing needs as outlined in the Opportunity Site Housing Policy. Project increases the number of affordable units to people at 30% - 50% of Area Median Income. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Developer commits to make units attainable via reasonable screening criteria and security deposits, and does not discriminate based on a resident’s source of income. Project supports a range of household types or life stages that are dignified, safe, and designed with durable materials. All new or renovated housing is built or retrofitted with energy efficiency to reduce utility bills for the residents, and is free from environmental hazards. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Developer commits to respectful and relational management practices that create safety from landlord harassment, including advance notice and right to cure for any resident facing eviction, and a stated just cause for the non renewal of any lease. Housing is located near amenities (health and social services, transportation, education, and quality job opportunities) that promote walkability, livability, and community. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations 9 Transportation Process Considerations Outcome Considerations Development minimizes car-oriented design by providing and increasing safe, attractive, and convenient access for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and car sharing systems. Presence of GPS, other wayfinding systems, and mapping information for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users is provided. Transit information must be available in the predominant languages used in Brooklyn Center, with multi-language signage. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Surface parking is limited, and all parking facilities accommodate bicycle daily use and secure storage and do not limit access of pedestrians. The project supports public realm and streetscape quality by including features such as as shade trees, trash cans, places to sit, and pedestrian-scale lighting. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations When located adjacent transit stops, clear and safe connections to transit is provided. Building frontage design contributes to a safe, accessible and welcoming neighborhood streetscape by adding green spaces and public art, including public art created by local community artists. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations 10 Environment Process Considerations Outcome Considerations Developer demonstrates an understanding of environmental justice and knows the local historical impact of environmental racism and takes direction from historically and systemically marginalized people to ensure a new legacy of environmental sustainability, economic prosperity and social vitality. Both new development and repairs and improvements of existing structures use environmentally responsible, resource- and energy- efficient materials that support the health of the environment, local economy and the project’s occupants and users. In addition to using environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient materials, both new buildings and buildings identified for renovation meets or exceeds Minnesota’s Sustainable Building 2030 Standards to measure and track energy and water consumption. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Development promotes or maintains access to public green space with clear and safe physical and/or visual connections. Development not only remediates past pollution and meets environmental standards on clean air, water and soil, but actively restores and improves environmental systems and habitats in the project area. The project landscaping uses native plants and grasses, while removing and/or discouraging invasive plant species, utilizing integrated, visible stormwater BMPs where possible. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Development is aligned with state, regional, and local climate resiliency goals and takes measures to reduce adverse climate impacts. The project creates opportunities for green industry to thrive in Brooklyn Center. Building and public space design reflects distinct identities of local cultural heritage through the presence, preservation, or addition of architectural assets. Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations Applicable (circle one): Y N N/A Comments & Recommendations VI. Glossary and Resources 11 o links to city resources and dev app forms o Opp site links Terms ▪ Affordable • Affordable housing is defined as when a household spends 30% or less of its monthly income on housing costs. ▪ Area Median Income (AMI) • The median income for a specific area, which means that half of the people there earn above that, and half earn below. Income categories included: Extremely low income = 30% AMI; Very-low income = 50% AMI; Low-income = 60% AMI; and moderate income = 80% AMI ▪ Accessibility • In Minnesota, at least 5% of rental units that are Type A must be accessible per ANSI A117.1 Section 1003 of the 2020 Minnesota Accessibility Code. ▪ Community Members • Includes community-based organizations, neighborhoods, and cultural groups. ▪ Community Engagement • Community engagement involves residents or stakeholders, especially those who are excluded and isolated, in collective action to create a healthy community. Impacts of effective community engagement may include community healing, reclaiming a healthy identity, reconnecting with culture and spirituality, building relationships, and embracing individual and collective power. ▪ Community Wealth Building • Community wealth building aims at improving the ability of communities and individuals to increase asset ownership, anchor jobs locally, expand the provision of public services, and ensure local economic stability. ▪ Community Power • True decision-making power is given to communities that live, work, or have cultural connections to the land in the areas that will be impacted by the project. ▪ Cultural Heritage • An expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values. Cultural Heritage is often expressed as either Intangible or Tangible Cultural Heritage. ▪ Displacement • Developers, banks, and government start to re-invest in disinvested neighborhoods, new and different businesses open, and higher income households move in. Current lower income residents can no longer afford housing and/or lose businesses and cultural resources that were important to the character and social networks of their communities. ▪ Economic Justice 12 • Encompasses the moral principles which guide us in designing our economic institutions. To free each person to engage creatively in the unlimited work beyond economics, that of the mind and the spirit. ▪ Environmental Impact • Possible adverse effects caused by a development, industrial, or infrastructural project or by the release of a substance in the environment. ▪ Environmental Justice • Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. ▪ Equity • Just and fair inclusion where all can participate and prosper. ▪ Equitable Development • Happens when low-income communities and communities of color participate in and benefit from investments that shape their neighborhoods and regions, creating healthy, vibrant communities of opportunity. ▪ Green Industry • Green industry does not harm the environment and provides products or services related to renewable energy, increased energy efficiency, clean transportation and fuels, agriculture and natural (water) resource conservation, and pollution prevention or environmental cleanup. ▪ BIPOC • Black, Indigenous, and people of color. ▪ Living Wage • The amount of income needed to provide a decent standard of living. It should pay for the cost of living in any location. ▪ Livability • The sum of the factors that add up to an individual, family, and/or community’s quality of life - including the built and natural environments; economic prosperity; social stability; equity and capital; educational opportunity; and cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities. ▪ Public Sector • Government-controlled organizations, infrastructure, services, and efforts. ▪ Private Sector • Organizations, services, and efforts owned, controlled, or managed by private individuals or enterprises. ▪ Restorative • Restorative development explicitly acknowledges and seeks to repair the harms of structural racism through projects that proactively redirect power and benefits to historically and systemically marginalized communities to heal on their own terms and define their own futures. ▪ Regenerative 13 • Regenerative development intentionally seeds processes and practices that create health, wealth and community power in ways that are renewed, cultivated and sustained over time. ▪ Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) • Transit-oriented development creates compact, mixed-use communities near transit where people enjoy easy access to jobs and services. ▪ Universal Design • Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. ▪ Upward Mobility • The capacity or facility for rising to a higher social or economic position. ATTACHMENT A - OPPORTUNITY SITE MASTER PLAN APPROVAL Areas of Possible Comprehensive Plan Amendment The Opportunity Site’s zoning is currently divided by John Martin Drive. To the south is zoned Transit Oriented Development (TOD), and to the north is Commercial Mixed Use (MX-C). These designations followed the guidance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. To support the creation of a vibrant, connected future downtown, the Opportunity Site Master Plan envisions the MX-C areas north of John Martin Drive to be allowed to develop at densities allowed by, and site design standards required by, the TOD zoning district. If a prospective developer is interested in building at these higher densities, the Master Plan would provide the City policy guidance to support these efforts. However, the developer will need to follow both the City’s standard development approval process, AND submit a Comprehensive Plan Amendment request to the Metropolitan Council, as outlined on Attachment B. Shi n g l e C r e e k P a r k w a y Bass Lake Rd Hennepin Co. Regional Center Jo h n M a r t i n D r . Summit Ave Hw y 1 0 0 = Transit Oriented Development (TOD) = Commercial Mixed Use (MX-C) CURRENT ZONING ENVISIONED AS URBAN MANUFACTURING Step 1 Applicant prepares a pre-application form. Step 2 Project meeting with applicant & city staff.Step 3 Applicant submits required application, including: floor plan/ architectural, registered land survey, site plan, elevations of all sides, landscape plan, utilities/ erosion, grading, and lighting. Step 9.2 Allow 60 days for adjacent jurisdictions to review the Amendment request Step 9.3 City staff submit the Amendment request to the MetCouncil. MetCouncil has 15 days to determine completeness. Step 9.4 MetCouncil staff have up to 60 days to review the Amendment Request. Step 4 Application reviewed by the City Development Team. If deemed complete, staff reports are completed, legal notice and publication as required. Revisions may be requested. Step 6 Staff presents report. Applicant must be present for Planning Commission Meeting. Step 8 Applicant is present at City Council meeting when report is presented. Step 7 Planning commission sends recommendation to City Council. Step 9 Council provides conditional approval, and directs staff to submit a Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map amendment to the MetCouncil.Step 9.5 Once approved, City staff amend the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map, and the development Application proceeds. Step 5 Applicant receives reports, project scheduled for Planning Commission Step 9.1 Prepare Comprehensive Plan Amendment Form, and materials; Ensure all required environmental reviews are complete. Step 10 Begin building permit process. ATTACHMENT B - OPPORTUNITY SITE MASTER PLAN APPROVAL Development Application Process With Comprehensive Plan Amendment DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL PROCESS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT PROCESS The Master Plan envisions some areas of the Opportunity Site to be allowed to develop at densities higher than what is currently allowed in the area’s Commercial Mixed Use zoning. If a developer is interested in building at these higher densities, they will need to both follow the city’s standard development approval process, AND submit a Comprehensive Plan Amendment request to the Metropolitan Council. This request will come after conditional city approvals, which will also direct to city staff to prepare and submit the amendment request with the developer. Member Graves introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION NO.2021- 90 RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN OPPORTUNITY SITE INFRASTRUCTURE FRAMEWORK TO GUIDE THE OPPORTUNITY SITE MASTER PLAN WHEREAS, the Opportunity Site Master Plan (Master Plan) will be amulti-phased planning document initiated in 2019, to vision the future redevelopment of the area known as the Opportunity Site in Brooklyn Center, and will include a technical assessment of the physical elements of the site, community engagement, feasibility analysis and implementation plan, and; WHEREAS, a master plan is a big picture, values -driven plan crafted to guide future development of a specific area. Master plans are not intended to provide specific details on specific development projects, and often consist of two primary components: 1. An infrastructure framework that comprises the physical layout of the area with land use, roads, parks, trails, stormwater, utilities, and related elements, and; 2. An implementation fi°amework that identifies how the physical elements will be delivered and what they are intended to achieve. This component may include development goals, community benefits, financial feasibility, zoning regulations, and short and longer -term action steps. WHEREAS, the Opportunity Site Infrastructure Framework ("Infrastructure Framework") is a foundational component to the Opportunity Site Master Plan process, as it outlines guidance regarding land use, road network, public space network, and stormwater system, and; WHEREAS, the Infrastructure Framework is critical for preserving and progressing the Opportunity Site Master Plan process because: The absence of cohesive site -wide policy guidance severely limits the City from aligning private property reuse or redevelopment in the Opportunity Site with city and community goals through the development review process; The Infrastructure Framework ensures consistency of sitde infrastructure planning — particularly land use, roadway, public space, and stoirnwater systems —which will result in opportunities for more connective, efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective systems; It leverages and supports momentum from Three Rivers Park District, which has committed to a 4 acre "mini -regional park" within the Opportunity Site, and has amended their parks and trails master plan to include the project. Three Rivers Park District has also incorporated the park in their 2024 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Engagement for the park, is scheduled to begin in 2021, City guidance on site -wide land and infrastructure use will aid city staff in their ongoing conversations with MnDOT over the future use and ownership of MnDOT held right-of- way (ROW) at John Martin Drive; The Infrastructure Framework supports implementation of the City of Brooklyn Center's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, upon which the master plan is based, It will provide a context in which to focus and continue community engagement efforts around the future of the Opportunity Site. WHEREAS, the Infrastructure Framework is based on input from community engagement focused on community priorities for the site, as well as the physical and geographic realities of the area, and; WHEREAS, the Infrastructure Framework is not a final layout of the physical infrastructure elements, but rather a guide to inform the continued community engagement efforts, as well as the study, design and engineering of the physical infrastructure elements, and; WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center expects continued community engagement, which will inform elements of the Opportunity Site Infrastructure Framework and help refine technical details of the site infrastructure, and; WHEREAS, the City of Brooklyn Center affirms and commits to continued public engagement around the future Opportunity Site Master Plan, which will help refine and guide development goals, community benefits, financial feasibility, zoning regulations, and short and longer -term action steps. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center as follows: l . The Opportunity Site Master Plan Infrastructure Framework shall be used as the guiding yet flexible framework in which to progress planning efforts of the Opportunity Site. The City and its partners shall continue engagement and refinement of all elements of the Opportunity Site Master Plan. July 12, 2021 Date City Clerk The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member Ryan and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Butler, Graves, Lawrence -Anderson, Ryan and the following voted against the same: None whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.