Comprehensive Plan Planning for the Future of East Bethel City Council / Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing – March 8, 2006

Comp Plan foundation  Vision  Blank landscape to shape future  Proactive approach  Integration of major activities  Met Council 2008 requirements

Planning process  Began in Spring 2005  Town Hall meeting – April 27, 2005  Strategic planning / work sessions: –City Council –Planning and Zoning  Open Houses – January 3 & 5, 2005  Public Hearing – March 8, 2005

Initial comments / themes  Maintain rural or “non-urbanized” character  Offer choices for retail/commercial services, dining, recreation  Improve safety along TH65

Initial comments / themes  Protect and preserve natural features – parks, nature areas, Coon Lake  Create a “sense of place”  Plan responsibly for the long-term

Growth/development factors  TH65 corridor growth/development  City Center  Municipal services  Transportation improvements  Trail connections to parks

Comp Plan chapters  Housing  Environmental / Natural Resources  Land Use  Park, Recreation and Open Spaces  Community Facilities and Services  Transportation  Community Identity  Fiscal Responsibilities

Chapter elements  Current conditions  Future needs, plans, requirements  Regional perspective/guidelines  Goals  Policies

Land use  Develop to allow for responsible growth  Protect “rural” areas  Concentrate development along TH65  Develop supporting ordinances  Use an “integrated” approach

Proposed Zoning map

Proposed land use breakdown

City Center concept

City Center concept – SE quadrant

City Center concept (cont.)

Municipal services  Fire  Police  Public utilities

TransportationTransportation  TH65 –Access improvements / interchanges –Full frontage road system  CR22-Viking Blvd –Major east-west connection –Exchange/upgrade to State Highway –Expand 4-6 lane expressway  Right-of-way preservation

Transportation (cont.)  Transit services –Express/commuter bus –Park and pool facilities –Cambridge commuter rail service A Virginia Railway Express locomotive in push-pull commuter service

Cambridge Corridor

Parks and open space  Capitalize community’s abundant natural features  Connect parks and natural areas – trailways  Protect and preserve  Shapes a “community identity”

Predicting growth  Met Council projections are underestimated  Important to consider: –Future land use densities –Implementation of municipal services –Surrounding communities  Realistic goals

Population Forecasts

Household Forecasts

Employment Forecasts

OpportunitiesOpportunities  Opportunity to plan ahead  Allow for growth but in a responsible, manageable manner  Provide residents with choices  Capitalize on natural features  Develop a “sense of place” / “community identity”

Next steps  Community / agency review  Public Hearing  Incorporate comments  Planning and zoning recommendation to Council  Council adoption of DRAFT

Next steps (cont.)  Formal Metropolitan Council review  City Council formally adopts  Refine and adopt supporting ordinances

For more information:  Visit City of East Bethel website: –  City contacts ( ): –Doug Sell, City Administrator –Stephanie Hanson, Planner