DISCUSSION: Review Armstrong West Citizen Engagement Process Feedback and Discuss Potential Alternatives Relating to Site Layout and Permanent Sign Standards in the COR-2 (Retail) Sub-District.

The purpose of this case is to consider providing direction to Staff to prepare an ordinance that would amend site layout and permanent sign standards in the COR-2 Zoning Sub-District.

On December 12, 2013, the City hosted a citizen engagement discussion on potential future land uses for the area west of Armstrong Boulevard, north of Highway 10, and east of The Links at Northfork. The feedback from those attending the forum are attached for review and discussion.

Notification is not required at this time. A Public Hearing is required if an Ordinance Amendment is brought forward.

Related specifically to this case, the City received feedback from the Armstrong West process that the City should consider traditional retail site layout standards (building set back from the roadway rather than requiring that they be built up to the edge of the roadway/sidewalk) in the COR-2 Sub-District. The COR-2 Sub-District is a retail-based district that encompasses the areas on either side of Armstrong Boulevard, north of Highway 10, south of Bunker Lake Boulevard. This includes the first several parcels directly west of Armstrong Boulevard. The current site layout standards require a build-to development pattern reflecting a more dense, urban development pattern. Given the recent amendment to the Development Plan for The COR, which guides the area as a more traditional retail node, it would seem appropriate to amend local controls to better match the future land use vision. The current Development Plan still guides portions of the development as a more dense, urban setting, but now focuses more on the first quarter-mile radius surrounding the Northstar Commuter Rail - Ramsey Station. It would be proposed that the same emphasis on higher-quality architectural standards specific to the building facade be retained.

Additionally, throughout the design process of the Armstrong Interchange at Highway 10, multiple retail users, both existing and potential future users, continue to request additional sign height. Recently, the City Council adopted an overlay district addressing sign height within the corridor, but opted to address parcels within the COR-2 Sub-District separately, as these areas carry unique design standards and are located in a separate section of City Code.

Separately, another discussion ensued about the remaining area west of The COR retail section of Armstrong West, with consideration given to a future business park on undeveloped portions of this area and how that would transition to the adjacent residential and quasi-public (Northfork) spaces. The City was able to capture a great degree of quality feedback. The general consensus of the group is that a portion of this undeveloped area would be suitable for a future business park. However, a degree of additional coordination with impacted property owners is necessary, and detailed information of how this transition may look has not yet been developed. When Staff has had an opportunity to coordinate with property owners and better define their individual goals, Staff will follow up with a final report. The feedback received from this process is attached for your review.

Staff is seeking direction to proceed forward on the following:
 

1. Draft an ordinance to amend site layout standards in the COR-2 Sub-District to allow for traditional setbacks while retaining additional controls on building facade standards.
2. Draft an ordinance to amend sign regulations in the COR-2 Sub-District to allow for additional height for ground signs, with specific standards to be reviewed at time of the ordinance amendments.

Alternatives

Alternative 1 - Direct Staff to prepare an ordinance based on the guiding principles above. The effect would be to implement the future land use vision of a traditional, suburban retail setting based on feedback of the Development Plan and Armstrong West participation.

Alternative 2 - Direct Staff to prepare an ordinance based on the guiding principles above. Analysis (amendment) of this alternative would be based on discussion.

Alternative 3 - Do not provide direction to Staff to prepare an ordinance amending standards in the COR-2 Sub-District. The effect would be that the area west of Armstrong Boulevard would be required to development in a more urban development pattern with build-to standards versus set back standards and limited height for permanent ground signs.

Preparation of these amendments are being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Staff recommends proceeding forward with the amendments to the COR-2 Sub-District as outlined above.

Motion to direct Staff to proceed forward with the amendments to the COR-2 Sub-District as outlined above.