HomeMy WebLinkAboutComp Plan July 12 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Draft Comprehensive Plan City of Columbia Heights, MN July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements and Table of Contents 1 This Plan was last updated in July 2009. Acknowledgements City Council: Gary L. Peterson, Mayor Tammera
Diehm, City Council President Bruce Kelzenberg Bobby Williams Bruce Nawrocki Planning Commission: Marlaine Szurek, Chair Donna Schmitt, Vice Chair David Thompson Rob Fiorendino Michael
Peterson City Staff: Walter Fehst, City Manager Kevin Hansen, Public Works Director Scott Clark, Community Development Director Jeff Sargent, City Planner Consultant: Tina Goodroad,
Bonestroo Holly Reid, Bonestroo Bob Barth, Bonestroo Sonja Piper, Bonestroo Cathy Capone Bennett, Bennett Community Consulting
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements and Table of Contents 2 Table of Contents Chapter 1: Background Introduction 3 Regional Context & Comparison 9 Columbia Heights
Statistics 12 Trends 29 Chapter 2: Land Use Community Image Goals and Policies 2 Land Use & Redevelopment Goals & Policies 3 Existing Land Use 5 Trends and Challenges 9 Future Land Use
12 Areas of Opportunity 19 Forecasts 24 Public Facilities 26 Historic Preservation 28 Solar Access 29 Figure 2-1 Existing Land Use Map 6 Figure 2-2 Future Land Use Map 13 Figure 2-3
Areas of Opportunity Map 20 Figure 2-4 Public Facilities Map 27 Chapter 3: Housing Housing Goals & Implementation Steps 2 Existing Conditions & Future Projections 7 Housing Quality 11
Housing Demand 14 Ethnicity 16 Income 18 Housing Affordability 19 Job Growth & Economic Base 23 Chapter 4: Economic Development Economic Development Goals and Policies 1 Total Employment
3 Wages 6 Employer Profile 8 Household Income 11 Commute Times 13 Advantages and Challenges 16 Development Districts and Design Guidelines 17 Chapter 5: Parks and Trails Park and Trail
Goals and Policies 1 Park Classification 4 Park and Trail Inventory 8
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements and Table of Contents 3 Trends 10 Park Needs and Strategies 11 Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails 12 Trail Needs and Strategies 14
Figure 5-1: Parks and Trail Map 5 Figure 5-2: Silver Lake Beach Park Site Plan 6 Figure 5-3: Sullivan Lake Park Site Plan 7 Chapter 6: Transportation Transportation Goals and Policies
2 Existing Transportation System 3 Roadway Functional Classification 4 Access Management Guidelines 9 Traffic Volumes 10 Crash Analysis 20 Transit System 23 Pedestrian Crossings & Safety
26 Future Transportation System 29 Traffic Volumes 29 Roadway Capacity 32 Transit System 32 Aviation Facilities 34 Figure 6-1: Existing Roadway Jurisdiction 3 Figure 6-2: Existing Roadway
Functional Classification 8 Figure 6-3: Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) 13 Figure 6-4: Existing Traffic Volumes 15 Figure 6-5: Existing Lane Configurations 18 Figure 6-6: Existing LOS 19
Figure 6-7: Existing Transit Routes & Facilities 25 Figure 6-8: 2030 Daily Traffic Projections 31 Figure 6-9: 2030 LOS 33 Chapter 7: Surface Water Management Metropolitan Council Requirements
2 Land and Water Resources Inventory 3 Surface Water Goals and Policies 5 SWPPP 9 Assessment of Problems & Corrective Actions 10 Water Quality Problems & Corrective Actions 19 Impaired
Waters 25 Implementation Priorities & Financial Considerations 26 Chapter 8: Sanitary Sewer Forecasts 2 Sanitary Sewer Trunk System 4 ISTS and I/I 6 Figure 8-1 Sanitary Sewer Map 5
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Acknowledgements and Table of Contents 4 Chapter 9: Water Supply Water Supply Goals and Policies 1 Water Demand Projections 5 Future System Needs
8 Figure 9-1: Proposed Distribution System Improvements Map 6 Chapter 10: Implementation Implementation Tools 1 Comp Plan Goals and Policies 5 Figure 10-1: Zoning Map 2 Appendix A: Financing
Tools Appendix B: Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Appendix C: Water Supply Plan
Chapter 1: Background Report City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 Introduction What is a Comprehensive Plan? 3 City History 3 Location Map 4 Met Council 2030 Framework Map 5 Previous
Community Plans 6 City Goals 8 Regional Context Cluster City Comparison 9 A Look at Today + The Future Demographics 12 Housing 17 Residential Housing Age Map 19 Residential Housing Type
Map 20 Homestead Status Map 21 Income and Housing Affordability 22 Economic Overview 24 Consumer Trends 25 Parks and Recreation 26 Existing Land Use Map 27 Zoning Map 28 Trends Local
Trends 29 1st Ring Suburb Trends 29 Addressing the Aging Population 30 Redevelopment Opportunities 31 Observations for Columbia Heights 33 What will the Comprehensive Plan Address? 33
2020 Planned Land Use Map 34 Table of Contents
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 What is a Comprehensive Plan? A Comprehensive Plan implements a community’s long-range vision for the future. This
includes multiple aspects of how the City evolves and supports its residents in areas such as transportation, development, water systems, housing, parks and trails, and the overall vitality
of the City. The plan also serves as a guide for elected officials to use when making decisions. A large effort goes into the planning process to create the document making it a trusted
and key resource for the community to draw upon when facing issues such as redevelopment or locating a new park. The document also functions as a legal foundation for rules and regulations
adopted by the community, such as the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. The Comprehensive Plan has the power to influence the zoning code and improve land uses to fit the
community’s changing needs. In order to create the document the community is fully engaged engaged from the public to City staff and commissions. To plan effectively the City needs a
clear and comprehensive understanding of current conditions and an understanding of how current conditions came to be (influences) and understand rational future projections (trends).
Community planning within the Comprehensive Plan is a systematic, ongoing, forward-looking process of analysis of opportunities and constraints, for the purpose of formulating a plan
to accomplish the community’s goals and objectives. The Metropolitan Land Planning Act made comprehensive planning mandatory for all of the local units of government within the region
Plans are reviewed to determine that they are “not in conflict” with the Regional System Plans issued for each metropolitan community. The Metropolitan Council reviews the Comprehensive
Plans every ten years. The Metropolitan Council serves as the regional planning agency charged with accommodating growth through its planning for four Metropolitan Systems: •Water Resources
(Sewer, Water Supply, •Surface Water Management) •Transportation •Parks and Open Space •Airports City History The first homestead in Columbia Heights was established in 1863 in a mainly
agricultural area. For many years, the area was farmed. It continued to grow to include a short lived brick factory and stone quarry. The Village of Columbia Heights was formed in 1898.
The City witnessed a short-lived steel industry and developed primarily as a streetcar commuter community in the early 1900’s. The City was chartered in 1921. High ground in the community
was developed for housing, while low-lying areas were left for parks. Land uses evolved over the many years. In the beginning stages (mid 1800s – 1940s) land was considered mostly new
frontier and semi-rural. The community continued to grow and turned into an urban fringe post WWII community in the early 1950s. At this time the population doubled as the community
became a 1st ring suburb. In the late 50s/1960s the community was a growing suburban community. In the 1970-1980’s Columbia Heights turned into a fully developed community. The population
then started to decline. In the recent past, housing redevelopment has occurred and the community continues to see a culturally diverse population. KEY POINTS Introduction KEY POINTS
A Comprehensive Plan is : .A Vision for the Community .Guide for decision making .A legal foundation for zoning The Metropolitan Council produces System Statements for each metro City
as a guide to the requirements the City must meet in order to make the metro as a whole a better place to live. Columbia Heights was first homesteaded in 1863 Village of Columbia Heights
formed in 1898 Developed primarily as a streetcar commuter community City chartered in 1921 Population doubled in the early 1950’s and became a 1st ring suburb
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 Location Map
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 Columbia Heights is a “Developed City”
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 City History continued... As the City developed major influences affected the pattern of development. Initially these
factors included the landscape, topography, water bodies, soils, vegetation, and climate. As the City progressed, the close proximity to Minneapolis has had a major impact on the rapid
growth the community witnessed in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Today the accessibility and major transportation infrastructure such as Central Ave, University Ave, and I-694 provide a quick
commute to downtown or a link to a continually growing Anoka County. Market forces and a large concentration of affordable housing have also affected the population and diversity of
the community. Previous Community Plans As a community with an aging housing stock and concentrated affordability, major rehabilitation projects were identified in the recent years to
improve the diversity of housing and increase neighborhood aesthetics. The City aggressively pursued pursued redevelopment with projects ranging from new single family homes, multi family
housing stock, commercial, to park improvements. The following projects have broadened the diversity of housing within the community and the overall appearance. Park View This site was
a former 30 acre industrial park. It is currently in the process of being redeveloped into a mixed use neighborhood to include 548 owner occupied homes and 12,000 square feet of commercial
retail/service. The development includes multiple trails and sidewalks for easy accessibility within the neighborhood and to the adjacent Husset Park. Grand Central Lofts This former
15-acre Kmart site has been redeveloped into a mixed-use neighborhood to include 230 for sale condos and town homes. The commercial proposal is expected to be 40-60,000 square feet of
retail/office with a public parking deck. KEY POINTS KEY POINTS The City has focused on creating new housing stock that offers various price ranges and lifestyle options. The City has
worked on three major housing redevelopments along with replacing blighted single family homes. The City received over $4 million from the State, the Metropolitan Council, and Anoka
County to pay for the removal of 386 million pounds of contaminated soil in order to develop Park View. Park View Site Plan
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 37th and Stinson As the site of the former Apache Theatre Movie site, this land has been designated for the redevelopment
of 50+ units of Senior Assisted living and a new municipal liquor store. The site is in the process of being constructed with a completion date of 2009. Sarna’s Restaurant This redevelopment
site included the demolition of a gas station, commercial building and two singlefamily homes. It is now the new Sarna’s restaurant, a popular destination among local residents. Downtown
Streetscape The corridor along Central Ave stretching from 39th Ave to 42nd Avenue underwent street and pedestrian reconstruction to enhance the downtown environment. The corridor includes
colored concrete crosswalks, decorative sidewalk patterns, planters, new street signals, ornamental pedestrian light fixtures, street trees, on-street parking, and multiple store fronts.
KEY POINTS KEY POINTS The 37th and Stinson site is located just west of Stinson Blvd near the St. Anthony Village Development. This is an ideal site as seniors will be able to walk to
services such as a medical clinic, grocery store, hair salon, Wal-Mart, and other retail amenities. Annual profits from the opening of 2 new liquor stores range from $300,000 to $500,000
and goes towards City departments. These profits also provide a property tax relief for homeowners. The downtown streetscape along Central Avenue has become a City icon. It is accessible
to all, easy to find, and easy to get to. It allows people to meet face to face and serves as a community gathering place.
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 New Single Family Homes The Economic Development Authority in cooperation with the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation
demolished 5 blighted single-family homes and replaced them with 10 new single family detached for sale homes with average sale prices of $232,000. Park Master Plans The City is completing
two new park master plan improvements to Sullivan Lake Park and Silver Lake Beach Park. New development includes play structures, picnic shelter, sand volleyball, raingardens, paved
trails, parking lots, and a scenic overlook. Past City’s Goals In 2002, the City conducted a series of workshops to create a list of goals. These goals are in alignment with the 1998
Comprehensive Plan goals. Within the Comprehensive Plan process, the existing goals are evaluated to see how many have been met and to what degree they have been implement. The 2002
External Goals include: -To continue to provide quality services with limited funding. -To understand/adapt to the demographic changes taking place in the City. -To improve the City’s
housing stock. -To attract new residents and to retain existing residents and homeowners for the purpose of promoting household growth and stabilizing the tax base. -To continue to redevelop
the City’s commercial and industrial property. The City has successfully met several of the above goals. The Metropolitan Livable Communities Act (LCA) Local Housing Incentives Program
(LHIP) (1996-2010) set a number of housing goals for Columbia Heights. In the table below, each column represents affordable units with the goal set by the LHIP. The City continues to
work on establishing more affordable owner units, as almost half of the units have been constructed. The City has far exceeded their affordable rental units, and will look to the future
to meet the 2020 goals through the Comprehensive Plan. Overall the City has also met several of their goals set from the 1998 Comprehensive Plan. Those not met shall be evaluated and
addressed in the Comprehensive Plan Update. KEY POINTS Through the home replacement program, the EDA improves the property values and the aesthetic appeal of the City’s neighborhoods.
Financial assistance is available for 15% or up to $3,000 for home improvements. The City met their housing goals set from 1996. The City may consider readdressing the following goals
from the 1998 Comp Plan is this Comp Plan Update: -Promote Energy Conservation throughout the community -Increase pedestrian and bicycle safety in residential neighborhoods. -Promote
parks and trails as essential elements of a broader strategy to provide fiscal strength... Affordable Owner Units Target 80% of AMI Affordable Rental Units Target 60% of AMI Goals 96-2010
170 Goals 96-2010 0 Progress 96-2005 71 Progress 96-2005 40 Balance 2005-2010 99 Balance 2005-2010 0 2011-2020 Goals Affordable to 60% of AMI for both rental and ownership units 231
KEY POINTS
Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 Comparing Cluster Cities In the 2003 State of the Cities Report produced by the League of Minnesota Cities, Columbia
Heights was grouped with twelve other metro cities as a Metro Old City. Cities can not be meaningfully analyzed by size or location alone because of the diversity of cities in the same
region. This cluster method was organized based on demographic variables and financial characteristics. Four comparison models were used to select the clusters which included: population
growth, median household income, and per capita commercial/industrial property market value. The thirteen cities within the Metro Old City cluster are listed within the legends of each
table. The Cluster Cities were compared by the following variables: population size, population growth rate 1990-2000, 1999 median household income, per capita commercial/industrial
market value in 2002, % of people over 65 years old, Median age, % of racial/ethnic minorities, homeownership, % of people over 25 with at least a bachelor’s degree, poverty rate, and,
% of housing units built in 1990-2000 This comparison is useful within the Comprehensive Plan process to evaluate how Columbia Heights has developed and prospered compared to similar
cities. The following tables and graphs also identify trends that demonstrate potential problem areas. KEY POINTS KEY POINTS From 1990-2000 there has been a decrease in people per household.
Columbia Heights has experienced a declining population. In the type of households, there is an increase in density with single households, which indicates fewer families. As a whole,
the comparison cities also are experiencing a declining number of families. On a National Average, 25% of Americans live alone. This is increasing dramatically. More than 33% live in
two-persons households. 2000 Population & Households 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 Total population Num ber of hous eholds Num ber of fam ilies Catge ory Amount
Anoka Brooklyn Center Colum bia Heights Crys tal Has tings Hopkins New Brighton New Hope Ric hfield Shoreview South St. Paul W es t St. Paul W hite Bear Lake % Change in Population from
1990-2000 -15.0% -10.0% -5.0% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% Total population Number of hous eholds Number of families Category Percentage A nok a B rook ly n Center Columbia Heights
Cry s tal Has tings Hopk ins New B righton New Hope Ric hfield S horeview S outh S t. P aul W es t S t. P aul W hite B ear Lak e Regional Context
10 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Columbia Heights has the highest 65 -74 age population with the second highest 75-84 age
population. The aging population will require a different level of services. A growing diverse population will impact the delivery of community services and commercial uses. Columbia
Heights has a healthy and balanced ownership and rental mix of housing units similar to White Bear Lake and South St. Paul. The national average for ownership housing is 67% and the
state is 76%. 2 0 0 0 (% o f p eo p le in Ag e Gro u p ) 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% Under 5 Years 5 to 9 10 to 14 15 to 17 18 to 21 22 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64
65 to 74 75 to 84 85 and Older Ag e g ro u p Percentage A noka B rooklyn C enter C olumbia Heights C rystal Hastings Hopkins New B righton New Hope Richfield S horeview S outh S t. P
aul West S t. P aul White B ear Lake 2000 O wne r & Re nte r O ccupie d Housing Units 0 2 ,0 0 0 4 ,0 0 0 6 6 ,0 0 0 8 ,0 0 0 1 0 ,0 0 0 1 2 ,0 0 0 To ta l ow n e r o ccu p ie d h o
u s in g u n its To ta l re n te r o ccu p ie d h o u s in g u n its An o ka Bro o klyn C e n te r C o lum b ia H e ig h ts C rys ta l H a s tin g s H o p kin s N ew Brig h to n N ew
H o p e R ich fie ld Sh o re view So u th St. Pa u l We s t St. Pa u l Wh ite Be a r L a ke Ethnic % Change from 1990-2000 Owner/Rental Ratios
11 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Columbia Heights ranks among the lowest in median household income of ages 35 and above.
South St. Paul and Hopkins are also among the lowest income communities. Columbia Heights is the 2nd Lowest income community at $40,000 median compared to Hopkins at just below $40,000
. This limits the ability for reinvestment in the community. 2000 M e dian House hold Income by Age $-$10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 $80,000 $90,000 $100,000
< 25 y ears 25 -34 y ears 35 -44 y ears 45 -54 y ears 55 -64 y ears 65 -74 y ears 75 + y ears Age Ra nge Amount in Dollars A nok a B rook ly n Center Columbia Heights Cry s tal Has tings
Hopk ins New B righton New Hope Ric hfield S horeview S outh S t. P aul W es t S t. P aul W hite B ear Lak e 2000 Median H ousehold Income $-$10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000
$70,000 $80,000 Median Inc om e Amount in Dollars Anoka Brooklyn Center Colum bia Heights Crys tal Has tings Hopkins New Brighton New Hope Ric hfield Shoreview South St. Paul W es t
St. Paul W hite Bear Lake Regional Development Trends The Twin Cities metro overall has been experiencing development trends that are affecting the future patterns of the City. Within
the 1st and 2nd ring suburbs, cities are dealing with an overwhelming amount of aging housing stock. These homes are typically occupied by individuals with household incomes that do
not offer them the ability to reinvest in the repairs and renovations of their home and ultimately their community. This requires a larger investment by the City to be marketable. The
Twin Cities is witnessing a trend of new housing attracting new residents. This creates competition among neighboring suburbs to offer not only new housing options, but new commercial
centers, parks and trails, and other amenities. New or old housing stock also affects the tax base and funding which influences the need for changing services. Employment opportunities
and wages are affecting area incomes and putting more pressure on cities to offer attractive affordable housing options. Finally, the growing ethnic diverse population is changing neighborhood
composition quickly and the need for cities to deliver their services in a different format.
12 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS According to the Metropolitan Council the population of Columbia Heights is projected to
grow slightly with the addition of 3,439 people from 2005. Only a portion of housing is necessary to accommodate the increase in population that has occured. More redevelopment is necessary
Columbia Heights will need to evaluate its housing stock to determine additional locations for redevelopment to accommodate the growth. Limited growth in 1st Ring suburb compared to
new suburbs in Anoka County. Actual and Proje cte d Population for Columbia He ights 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010 2020 2030 A c tual Forec
as ts * Columbia Heights Hous eholds 2030: 21,700 2005:18,261 Actual an d P rojected P o pulatio n for C o lumbia H eigh ts an d An oka C ou nty 0 50,0 00 1 00,0 00 1 50,0 00 2 00,0
00 2 50,0 00 3 00,0 00 3 50,0 00 4 00,0 00 4 50,0 00 197 0 1 980 199 0 200 0 200 5 201 0 20 20 203 0 Actua l F oreca sts* Columbia He ig hts An oka Co. Columbia He ig hts Ho useho ld
s An oka Co. Ho useho ld s A Look at Today + The Future In order to plan effectively, it is important to review not only how Columbia Heights compares to surrounding metro communities,
but also how current conditions came to be and future projections for the City. This understanding informs how the Comprehensive Plan can successfully accommodate and plan for the evolving
community. This section will review background information and synthesize what this means for Columbia Heights in demographics, housing stock, and economics.
13 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Large Aging Population concentrated in Columbia Heights. Changes in services should accommodate
the aging population, single households, and diversity. The # of Americans over age 65 is expected to reach 71.5 million nationally by 2030 -twice the number in 2000. Recent Housing
Plans will add 781 units to the City. Will need approx. 600 more units based on a 2.4 avg. household size. City will need 231 of those 600 units to meet the affordable 60% AMI set by
the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. 1,344 additional households are projected by the Metropolitan Council. Household Statistics and Comparisons 43% of Households includes 2+ adults.
16% of Households includes 2+ adults with children. (20% is the average in surrounding communities) 6% of Households includes 1 female parent with children (7% is average in surrounding
communities) 34% of Households includes 1 adult (29% is average in surrounding communities) 31% Households includes individuals 65 or older (23% is average in surrounding communities)
26% Households includes children under 18 17% of Households are minority Age of Population -Columbia He ights 0-9 10 to 19 20-34 35-54 55-64 65-84 85+ Age of Population -Anoka Co. 0-9
10 to 19 20-34 35-5455-64 65-84 85+ Actual and Proje cte d House holds 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 10,000 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010 2020 2030 A c tual
E s timate Forec as ts * A c tual 1970 A c tual 1980 A c tual 1990 A c tual 2000 E s timate 2005 Forec as ts * 2010 Forec as ts * 2020 Forec as ts * 2030 2005: 8,056 2030: 9,300
14 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS A diverse population is concentrated in Columbia Heights Of that diverse population many are foreign
born. This large foreign born diverse population is rising and putting more pressure on schools and services and maintenance expectations After 2020, 80% + of the growth in the Minnesota
population will come from communities of color, increasing the state’s non-white population to nearly 40% The US has become the most multi-cultural nation in the world. Anoka County
Colum bia Heights No. Percent No. Percent 2000 W hite, non-Hispanic 276,586 93% 15,893 86% Minority 21,498 7% 2,627 14% Total Population 298,084 100% 18,520 100% 2006 W hite, non-Hispanic
286,709 88% 13,364 73% Minority 40,296 12% 4,924 27% Total Population 327,005 100% 18,288 100% Sources: 2000 U.S. Census; 2006 American Com m unity Survey; Metropolitan Council; Bonestroo
2006 Colum bia Heights projections are assum ed 2000 to 2006 Change in Native Born vs Foreign Foreign Born Population Anoka County Colum bia Heights No. Percent No. Percent 2000 Native
Born 287,313 96% 16,973 92% Foreign Born 10,771 4% 1,547 8% 0.143626 Total Population 298,084 100% 18,520 100% 2006 Native Born 304,189 93% 15,011 82% Foreign Born 22,816 7% 3,277 18%
Total Population 327,005 100% 18,288 100% Sources: 2000 U.S. Census; 2006 Am erican Com munity Survey; Metropolitan Council; 2006 Colum bia Heights projections are assum ed Commercial
needs and services for ethnic populations are appearing around Columbia Heights. From mexican markets to other ethnic restaurants, the City is reflecting the recent movement of multiple
immigrants into the community. Needs will continue to change as more diverse growth is anticipated. This movement is currently attracting visitors to the City for dining purposes. 2000
to 2006 Change in Minority Population 2000 to 2006 Change in Native Born vs Foreign Born Population Sources: 2000 U.S. Census, 2006 American Community Survey, Metropolitan Council, 2006
Columbia Heights projections are assumed
15 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS In the past 5 years the school district went from a suburban school to an urban school district due
to an influx of immigrants and white families leaving School Disctrict Enrollme nt by Race 2006 48% 28% 16% 5% 3% W hite B lac k or A fric an Americ an His panic A s ian/P ac ific Is
lander Americ an Indian and A las k a Native Educational Attainme ntHigh s c hool graduate (inc ludes equivalenc y ) 35% S ome c ollege, no degree 24% A s s oc iate degree 7% B ac helor's
degree 13% 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 11% Les s than 9th grade 5% Graduate or profes s ional degree 5% KEY POINTS Children from poverty or minority groups are not achieving at the
same levels as the white group. A large number of children are coming from poverty. (Can be struggling learners, troublesome, and lack home support.) No child left behind goals are a
big challenge the school district is facing. Demands of workplaces are increasing, schools need to change to meet future job demands.
16 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Offer multiple recreational opportunities that accommodate seniors and can benefit all ages.
Short and long trail loops are a great investment and build a sense
of community. Evaluate the athletic needs of the community and trends among diverse populations to plan adequately for future athletic fields and programs. Magnet Schools are a tool
being utilized to bring multiple financial and ethnically diverse populations together. These schools seek the support of the community and promote smaller class sizes and hands on learning
opportunities. Diverse Population & Park Services City: Shakopee, MN The City of Shakopee has been experiencing a large influx of Hispanic and Russian immigrants. During its park, trail,
and open space comprehensive plan process, the Shakopee Park and Recreation Department worked with local sports associations to determine future athletic needs of the City. The City
discovered that soccer was was rapidly growing and more fields were needed to accommodate the rising interest. La crosse and rugby associations were being formed in neighboring communities
and would soon be formed in Shakopee, sports that previously were not considered and inadequately projected for in the last plan. Many of the children from ethnic households also faced
language and financial barriers in order to participate in the athletic programs. Parents could not read flyers and understand schedules, and many times the kids could not afford the
athletic gear to participate in activities such as football. Within the new plan, the City will create multi-lingual flyers to advertise sport programs, provide affordable programs and
possible financial assistance or a recycle program for athletic gear, and plan for more soccer/multi-use fields with lights for maximum use. Diversity in Schools City: New Haven, CT
The City of New Haven sought to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation by offering high-quality, innovative educational educational opportunities to students in New Haven and 30
surrounding towns. This took the form of Magnet Schools that strived to provide smaller classroom sizes, offer students experiences regardless of their income status, and partner with
community organizations for a greater investment of the community’s future. The program has been a huge success and brought the diverse community together to work for the common good
of its children. Eighty percent of graduates of the Magnet Schools have continued on to college. What are other Cities doing? Aging Population & Park services City: Sartell, MN The Sartell
Park & Recreation Department recently went through a regional park planning study to evaluate the park and trail amenities offered to the community. It was identified that there were
very few recreational opportunities for seniors. Through a park master planning process, the City made it priority in each park to create short and long trail loops that link to senior
housing and community destinations. The variety of trail loops offers all ages the ability to take an evening stroll or a multiple hour walk. Creating safer street crossings were also
considered in efforts such as expanding crosswalk timers, paint crosswalks, and install or upgrade pedestrian ramps. The City also decided to accommodate group activities in every major
park with bocce ball courts and horseshoe pits. These were located near existing shelters to support group events such as family reunions, parties, and community senior activities. Bocce
Ball courts and trails provide senior recreation
17 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Healthy permit activity creates more fee revenue and increased tax revenue for city services.
Columbia Heights has the lowest Average and Median Sales Price which may be due to location, quality of neighborhoods, city infrastructure, and older overall housing stock. This comparison
may affect the City’s ability to attract new households with enough income to reinvest in the housing stock. Housing Statistics and Comparison Out of the total number of home owners,
the Average Age of the owner is 40-50 years old. 72% of the housing stock is owner occupied. Below is the breakdown of the amount of home owners and age groups. Age Group No. of Owners
25-34 766 35-44 1213 45-54 1100 55-64 859 65-74 877 75-84 675 85+ 132 Out of the total number of renters, the Average Age of the renter is 30-40 years old. 28% of the housing stock is
renter occupied. Age Group No. of Renters 15-24 206 25-34 528 35-44 420 45-54 300 55-64 152 65-74 208 75-84 287 85+ 203 A younger population is living within rental housing. This creates
a market for new owners to replace aging owners. Out of all the building permits in 2000-2006, 358 were for new single and multi-family housing units. Trends: Total Building Permits
2000: 1,323 2001: 1,209 2002: 1,171 2003: 1,099 2004: 1,092 2005: 1,240 2006: 1,642 A decline in rehabilitation permits has occurred over the past 6 years reflecting the changes in income
levels. Trends: Rehabilitation Permits 2000: 637 2001: 542 2002: 522 2003: 479 2004: 425 2005: 524 2006: 537 2007: 311 The 2006 Average Estimated Market Value for a single family detached
home is $192,500. Based on the 2000 Census, the Median assessed value is $103,000. In 2006 the average sales price of single family homes was $189,707 with the median sales price being
slightly higher at $189,900. This shows how much affordable housing exists within the City. Housing Sales Price Comparison with Cluster Cities
18 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS 85% of the units are nearly 30 years old or more, homes over 30 years of age require some
level of maintenance and investment. An increase in single family rentals indicates lower value homes with possible deferred maintenance. Investors buy these homes with values under
$200,000 for that purpose. This creates neighborhood anxiety due to lack of home investment, parking and high turnover of residents Housing Statistics and Comparisons In 2006, 217 single
family homes were rental properties. This is an increase of 23% from 2005. Single family homes may convert to rental units if the home needs too much investment to sell. Investors have
been purchasing homes with deferred maintenance specifically to rent out. This only adds to the problem of diminishing and aging housing stock. Based on Fire Department Reports from
2002-2006 the following statistics represent the need for home improvements and renovations. 1,500 property maintenance complaints 50% due to deferred maintenance issues 2006 – ordered
the abatement of 30 properties for exterior maintenance items. Based on a 1996 Windshield Survey, out of 5,779 houses surveyed a majority of the housing stock rated in need of repair.
1,241 (21.5%) rated “Good” Well-kept exteriors 3,913 (67.7%) rated “Fair” In need of repair 625 (10.8%) rated “Poor” Beyond basic repairs The City has begun to update this survey and
is already under the assumption that housing conditions will be worse than in the 1996 survey. Aging housing stock is evident in the above and following figures. In addition to the recent
ordinance change to inspect abandoned homes, the City will need to continually evaluate this issue and address it in the Comprehensive Plan Update. Pe rce nt of Re side ntial Units by
Ye ar Built 29.3% 52.5% 12.3% 5.8% E arlier than 1950 1950 to 1970 1970 to 1990 A fter 1990 Columbia Heights has a predominant single family housing supply within its housing stock.
As the City moves forward and plans for additional redevelopment more multi-family units should be considered to offer a greater variety of housing options within the City. This is especially
true for the aging population and single households.
19 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
20 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
21 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
22 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Lower than average income of households will increase need for financial assistance to make
housing improvements. Columbia Heights has an affordable housing stock both in ownership and rental housing. This helps to reduce the Metropolitan Council goals for future production
of affordable housing. 74% of owner occupied housing units fall at or under the affordability number of $206,800. Income Pe r House hold 7% 6% 14% 16% 19% 20% 10% 6%1%1% Les s than $10,000
$10,000 to $14,999 $15,000 to $24,999 $25,000 to $34,999 $35,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more $40,562 $51,711
$54,304 $47,111 $0 $10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000 $60,000 Columbia Heights A nok a County Twin Cities S tate of MN M e dian Income Income and Affordability Statistics The Median
Household Income is one of the lowest in the Cluster Cities comparison at $40,562 (Census 2000). 6.8% of households live below the poverty level ($16,894 HH income). 4.3% of households
receive public assistance 11% of ownership households pay more than 35% of income on housing, 28% of rental households pay more than 35% of income on housing. Anything near or over 30%
typically means the household has very little left over for an additional expenses. Income Restricted Housing from the 2000 Comp Plan shows that 96% owner occupied housing units met
the Met Council affordability range. 74% of housing units meet the $206,800 affordability range as of 2006. Household incomes of $40,000 are considered to be able to purchase an affordable
home. As of 2002, 97% of ownership housing had an assessed value under $200,000. 58% of rental units met the Met Council affordability range. Households that earn $25,000 are considered
able to rent affordable housing units. The median rent is $567 (2000 Census).
23 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS Columbia Heights has a lower household income in most age levels when compared to the County and Metro
area. Establishing neighborhood groups accelerates the process of renovation and enables homeowners to work together for the common good. What are other Cities doing? Aging Population
and Slow Economic Growth City: St. Louis Park, MN Within the past ten years, the City had been wrestling with what to do about an aging and tired corridor along Excelsior Blvd as well
as a lack of housing options for seniors to downsize to. The City decided to create a “downtown” in order to compete with surrounding growth and provide empty-nesters looking to downsize
with housing options. It was also important to the City to allow residents to have easy access to amenities such as shopping, dining, parks, and office development. Excelsior and Grand
became a premier development within the Twin Cities that has now continued to spur on an enormous amount of redevelopment and investment in the community. Affordable Housing City: Roxbury,
MA The Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) was formed in 1984 when residents of the Dudley Street area came together out of fear and anger to revive their neighborhood that
was devastated by arson, disinvestment, neglect, and redlining practices. The DSNI worked to revitalize this culturally diverse neighborhood of 24,000 people and maintaining its character
and affordability. DSNI’s major accomplishment has been, and continues to be, organizing and empowering the residents of the Dudley Street neighborhood to create a shared vision of the
community, prioritizing development without displacement and bringing it to reality by creating strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations in the private, government,
and nonprofit sectors. The 1987 Comprehensive Plan outlines the Urban Village idea DSNI has since worked to achieve. Currently, DSNI has been working on creating additional green spaces,
a community center, 286 units of affordable housing, and finishing a new town common at the center of the neighborhood. This year a new community center opens with a gym, childcare center,
and rooms for adult education, as well as a community greenhouse. Table 19: Median household income by age, 1999 7-County Metro Anoka County Columbia Heights Anoka Householder whose
age is: < 25 years $ 29,804 $ 40,319 $ 35,000 25 -34 years $ 51,906 $ 56,061 $ 45,029 35 -44 years $ 63,479 $ 64,343 $ 48,566 45 -54 years $ 70,551 $ 68,024 $ 51,469 55 -64 years $ 61,242
$ 61,389 $ 50,351 65 -74 years $ 38,357 $ 35,874 $ 31,198 75 + years $ 24,824 $ 20,349 $ 19,087 All ages combined $ 54,332 $ 57,754 $ 40,562 Proposed Community Ctr./New Affordable Housing
24 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS Over half of the population have at least a 10-30 minute commute and a large majority are driving alone.
A large majority of residents work outside of the community. Industry Number of Employees Percentage Educational, health care and social services 1,708 17.8% Manufacturing 1,690 17.6%
Retail trade 1,254 13.0% Construction 489 5.1% Professional, scientific, and technical services 988 10.3% Finance, insurance, real estate and rental and leasing 827 8.6% Other services
(except public administration) 483 5.0% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services 649 6.8% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 644 6.7% Wholesale trade
337 3.5% Public administration 276 2.9% Information 259 2.7% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 10 0.1% Total Employed Citizens over 16 9,614 100.0% T rav e l T ime
to Employme nt 14.2%19.3% 8.7%14.7%5.1%4.0%1.5%0.5% 19.9% 12.1% 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% Le ss than 10 minutes 10 to 14 min utes 15 to 19 min utes 20 to 24 min utes 25 to 29
min utes 30 to 34 minutes 35 to 44 minutes 45 to 59 minutes 60 to 89 min utes 90 or more min utes Minute s Percentage of Non-home Workers Travel Time The largest employers within Columbia
Heights are education, health care, social services, and manufacturing. 15% of the workforce live in the City and 26% of those workers make less than $12,000. As the City looks forward
there may be a need to diversify industries and provide more opportunity for resident and higher paying jobs.
25 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS It is predicted no more shopping malls will be constructed in the metro as lifestyle centers and cluster
shopping are the new trend. Convenience is priority for the average consumer. They are looking for what is close by and quickly accessible. What are other Cities doing? Slow Economic
Growth City: Silver Spring, MD As a tired and declining 1st ring suburb the City was ready to create a revitalization plan to attract development and new job opportunities to the area.
The proposed plan included one million square feet of retail space including movie theaters; restaurants; office space; multi-family dwelling units; civic space and parking garages,
a Metro stop, and four reconstructed main streets with extensive new streetscape for safe and attractive pedestrian movement. The recently completed project was awarded for urbanization
and walkability, noting the retail spaces were used both day and night creating a lively safe environment. Slow Economic Growth City: Mesquite, TX: This 1st ring suburb was also experiencing
a stale economic environment. The City embarked on a beautification plan that included housing rehabilitation, a library reading program, policing, health ministries, a new beginnings
daycare center, neighborhood economic development, and social services. The City partnered with many forms of government, private organizations, and faith based institutions to achieve
its fresh revitalization. Consumer Trends Looking at retail trends helps the City to analyze what future growth will best suit the consumer. Based on a study conducted by the Minnesota
Department of Trade and Economic Development, consumers will spend more on services than products. As lifestyles continue to be busier than ever, consumers are looking for simplified
solutions. Convenience is priority in examples such as bottled water, fast food, and gourmet coffee shops sprouting in almost every new development. Consumers have less income and more
mixed spending. An increase in a diverse population means targeted marketing for the retailer. Most retailers will downsize and/or reposition themselves within the marketplace to cater
to the changing demographic needs. Retail consolidation will continue at an accelerated pace. Internet retail is increasingly growing – 5 times as fast as retail sales for the past 6
years. It is unlikely that any new regional mall will be built in the metro area. Selective development of lifestyle centers in upscale residential areas is in new demand. Cluster centers
will become increasingly common. The recycling of shopping centers is predicted to take place with renewal, retenanting, and re-development. Broadening of the mix of retailers and services
in shopping centers More global retailers, especially from Europe will move into the metro area. Entertainment and dining will become more important. Finally, more focused centers based
on target markets: ethnic, life stage, and function will be built in more mixed use projects. KEY POINTS Retail development and entertainment options attract new development.
26 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L U M B I A HEIGHTS March 2009 Parks, Trails, & Open Space 14 Municipal Parks 1 County Park All parks total 112 acres 4.5 miles of trail KEY POINTS
City parks and trails will be studied as part of the Comprehensive Plan Update process. Athletic elds and passive uses will be evaluated to make sure there are adequate facilities.
27 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
28 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
29 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Local Trends in Twin City Communities are: -Mixed Use & Mixed-Income Housing -Transit Oriented
Development -Park and Trail Development -Walkability -Healthy Communities -Senior Communities -Sustainability Trends in Midwest 1st Ring Suburbs: Aging population Rising Foreign-born
population Concentrated Poverty Aging Housing Stock Financing Strategies Aging Population The main message of this trend is that seniors want to age in place, in their home and in their
community. New senior developments are popping up that cater to seniors by including services, a community center, and a dense residential setting. Service-enriched senior apartments
and continuing care retirement communities are also providing seniors more options in living arrangements. Cities are looking at how to develop workforce and civic engagement opportunities
especially for seniors. By building these type of developments and nearby services, Cities are also looking at changing land use and zoning codes to accommodate this new type of growth.
Whenever possible cities are incorporating senior centers into multi-use developments. Transportation improvements such as upgrading and enlarging traffic signs are also accommodating
older drivers. Rising foreign-born population First ring suburbs are striving to integrate citizens into the community to prevent isolation. Cities are realizing that services can’t
be hindered by communication barriers in areas such as relevant signage and basic details about laws and services. Communities are looking to join forces with the county to confront
and plan for the rising trend. School districts are also struggling to bridge the language and learning gap in foreign born students. When possible communities are providing adult English
speaking courses and other educational classes to initiate immigrants into the city. Concentrated Poverty Cities are looking to implement mixed income housing policies. As a tool for
crime prevention and creating a sense of community cities are trying to integrate and not segregate low income neighborhoods. One tool cities are using are Section 8 vouchers but limit
clusters. Again, working with the county, cities can work to spread the amount of affordable housing opportunities among the county. As Columbia Heights plans for the future, a few important
questions should be explored such as, What are the vital issues of First Tier and developed cities? What are the issues that must be addressed within the Comprehensive Plan? These questions
will guide the Trends section of the Background Report. Local Trends To begin, there are many issues that are affecting first tier and developed cities around the Twin Cities metro area.
Due to the feeling of isolation, and a lack of a sense of place within suburbs, communities are building Mixed-use & Mixed-Income Housing which is increasing density within neighborhoods.
Transit oriented communities are upgrading infrastructure and transportation systems to support in some cases light rail, bus routes, and trails and sidewalks. This is helping residents
to save time, money, and environmental resources. Park and trail opportunities are in high demand especially in the metro area. Some cities have made these amenities a standard with
any new development in the community to promote walkability and healthy living. Senior communities are being constructed across the Twin Cities to accommodate the aging population. As
Columbia Heights has a high concentration of seniors, this trend will be important for the City to accommodate. Finally, sustainability is currently a hot topic across the nation. Communities
are beginning to analyze their processes and view infrastructure upgrades, stormwater management, and air quality as long term investments. 1st Ring Suburb Trends Based on research by
the Brookings Institute, first ring suburbs across the country are experiencing similar trends and facing the same challenges. The following information is collected from a study titled
One Fifth of America: A Comprehensive Guide to America’s First Suburbs. Five main policy implications were discussed: Aging Population, Rising foreign-born population, Concentrated poverty,
Aging Housing Stock, and Financing Strategies. Trends
30 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS Categories to address for the aging population: Health Nutrition Exercise Transportation Public Safety
Taxation and Finance Housing Workforce Civic Engagement Policies/Guidelines Aging/Human Services Aging housing stock In order to produce change, it starts with policy making from the
state to the city. By providing tax credits and incentives for reinvestment, more redevelopment can occur for low income households. Infill guidelines that work with the private sector
are becoming a successful tool in steering the right type of development. Communities with bold new visions in regards to design, quality, and convenience go a long way. Focusing on
providing attractive affordable housing, preserving parks and open space, and providing a thriving commercial hub are keys to revitalizing aging communities. Some cities have implemented
Foreclosure Prevention Programs to retain residents and assist low income families. Financing Strategies With a low tax base and dwindling infrastructure, many first ring suburbs are
looking towards intergovernmental collaborations. Cities are working on a regional and statewide growth management level and again working closely with the county to share in planning
efforts. Many of the financing tools are going to support economic growth, corridor redevelopment, and housing replacement. What do trends mean for the Aging Population? Many needs of
older adults are often interrelated. For example, housing is not sufficient if residents lack transportation to get to basic services such as medical offices, the pharmacy or grocery
store. So then, what does a community need to do to support this rising needs of seniors? A useful resource is found in the article titled The Maturing of America, Getting Communities
on Track for an Aging Population” by the Metlife Foundation. Within the article, there are eleven categories that pertain to supporting the senior community. The first one is older adult
health. The City can ensure access to a range of preventive health care services and partner with local medical clinics to hold health fairs and free screenings. The community can promote
good nutrition by supporting or promoting a range of healthy home-delivered and congregate meals. Some communities have partnered with high schools to assist seniors in traveling to
a nearby farmers market. Cities can promote senior exercise through the local Parks and Recreation Department and by developing adequate park and trail amenities. Some fitness programs
aimed at seniors can range from osteoporosis prevention to line dancing. Making improvements to the transportation system can better assist seniors. Upgrades can include making road
signs and markings more visible and easily read. Extend walk times at pedestrian crossings and monitor seniors abilities to drive by yearly testing skills to keep seniors and the community
safe. The public safety department can ensure that first responders are trained to deal with specialized needs of seniors. Some cities are investigating and adapting new technologies
designed to ensure the safety of older adults by allowing emergency teams to enter homes for rescue procedures. Cities can work to educate seniors against financial fraud and provide
tax assistance to those in need. Some cities have partnered with local real estate professionals to help educate homeowners about financing options such as reverse mortgages. As seniors
like to age in place and in their communities, some cities are working to provide a range of housing options. New senior developments are being located close to transportation links
and/or walkable distances from daily needs. Cities are changing their zoning ordinance to allow flexibility to providing a range of senior housing such as “granny flats” where single
family homes can support an apartment within the home. City entities such as a community center or library are focusing their hiring efforts on seniors to fill jobs at the front desk,
concessions, fitness areas, daycares, and custodial services. Some cities have partnered to offer job training to assist older adults KEY POINTS Communities with bold new visions go
a long way in redevelopment and housing rehabilitation.
31 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Communities should examine existing planning policies in order to reflect the needs of the
aging population A new community center can begin to bridge the gap among the multiple cultures and age groups within the City. and Jackson St. Construction will be completed by the
end of 2009. The facility could potentially be staffed with available interpreters and have specialized training for treating and assisting senior adults. The facility will create a
neighborhood street presence and allow for an active neighborhood policing program. Redevelop Vacant lots The City could potentially look at ways to infill vacant lots and vacant retail
spaces by create programs or link individuals of minority groups to small business loans. Pedestrian Mobility Plan The City received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield to conduct a
planning process for the purpose of evaluating existing conditions and planning for trails and sidewalks to improve walkability, safety, air quality, and access to food and services.
Columbia Heights must complete a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and set realistic goals to achieve the plan. The process will work with a steering committee comprised of the Planning
Commission and Park and Rec Commission. This plan will be integrated into the Comprehensive Plan. What do trends mean for the Aging Population? continued... to remain in the workforce.
In considering human services for seniors a single point of entry for information and access to all aging services is being implemented in many community centers. Recruiting seniors
to be engaged in civic duties such as community boards and commissions are allowing seniors to feel important and purposeful. Marketing volunteer positions at local senior communities
or neighborhoods allows the aging population to be informed. Finally, by changing and adapting the right policies and guidelines, cities can adequately plan for the new wave of a large
concentration of senior needs. Many communities are broadly examining existing planning policies to reflect the needs of the aging population. Redevelopment Opportunities in the City
10-Year Housing Plan: In 2007 the EDA adopted a 10-year $1.6 million
dollar Housing Maintenance Plan that would provide funding for low interest loans and grants, as well as funding for a blighted housing replacement program. Community Center: The City
initiated a public planning process for the purpose of potentially constructing a community center that would include gymnasium space, community meeting space, and exercise areas. This
process was completed by the end of 2007. Programs aimed at multicultural events for after school and ESL programs could be hosted at the community center. Recreational events geared
to all groups could be planned in the gymnasium. This location could also be considered for farmer markets, multicultural markets, fairs, and/or festival such as the “Taste of Columbia
Heights” Public Safety Facility: The City is constructing a new police and fire station at the site between 41st and 42nd Ave
32 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
33 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009 KEY POINTS KEY POINTS Time and convenience will be more valuable than miles of travel. More measure of effectiveness
will be required. Social engagement will be a key challenge to retain community identity. cial and engineering solutions. Reinvestment in Infrastructure by reducing street sizes, improve
walking conditions, create structured parking, reduce run-off, increase street trees, improve sanitary sewer and enhance surface water management techniques, and enhance streetscapes
and beautification throughout the city. Focus on Central Ave first. (Continue pattern from 37th and 40th N) Financing of redevelopment will continue to become more difficult and must
be a central focus of communities that choose to revitalize. Infill development will challenge current thoughts about single use zones and community design characteristics. Looking beyond
borders -there will be more (not less) interdependency, sharing of ideas, partnerships, and consolidation of communities and agencies. What will the Comprehensive Plan Address? The Comprehensive
Plan will help the City to prepare for environmental conservation, retrofit infrastructure, address the aging population trend, embrace diversity, understand what developer’s are looking
for, understand local competition for redevelopment, and create a phasing plan for aging commercial. The plan will also create strategies to improve housing stock and neighborhoods,
improve housing and turnover, improve the intra and intercommunity transit facilities for young, elderly , lower income workers, help to change neighborhoods in mass sections, improve
lot sizes, and recognize and serve the mid-career immigration and teenager needs. Observations for Columbia Heights: Increasing income disparities, some due to aging population More
immigration and cultural diversity –embrace and integrate into the community. Traffic congestion Labor market shortages leading to a decrease in competitiveness – State trend Demographic
change will continue. Aging will continue. The City will become more culturally diverse and the residents within the age groups of dependency will continue to grow. Easy accessibility
to services will be important, multiple modes of transportation options. The City must recognize that “location” is an even greater competitive asset for living, working, and shopping.
Social engagement (through schools, parks, social clubs, churches, libraries, and community centers) will be a key challenge to retain community identity. Transportation (and access
to public and private transit) will become a critical issue especially for seniors to reach services within City limits and beyond More effective transit and transit hubs and other creative
solutions. Commerce will continue to evolve to meet its markets (big box, convenience, neighborhood, and internet). Living with nature -environmental clean up as well as conservation
and improvement of the natural landscape will become increasingly important goals. Protecting the the investment in infrastructure will become more difficult without innovative finan
34 Background Report C I T Y O F C O L UMB I A H E I G H T S March 2009
Chapter 2: Land Use City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 1 Chapter 2 – Land Use Introduction There are two main purposes of the Future Land Use plan: 1) to identify how land should
be redeveloped to accomplish the overall objectives of the city; and 2) to ensure that resources will be available to provide a consistent level of public services to the community.
Since Columbia Heights is a fully developed first ring community any future growth will continue to occur through redevelopment and infill. The city has already succeeded in the past
several years in large scale redevelopment; however there are other areas within the city that also demonstrate strong redevelopment potential. It is through these efforts that new opportunities
will be created for current and future residents while improving the city’s tax base, employment base and image. The land use plan establishes the foundation for all the other elements
of the Comprehensive Plan. Using this plan the City will determine how best to balance all the necessary land uses including housing, commercial, industrial, parks, public uses and open
spaces while identifying linkages between and to each. The plan should also be a guide as to how the city will address many of the issues found in urban, first ring communities, including
the declining younger population and young families and increase in elderly populations, on-going upgrades to parks and infrastructure, providing diverse housing while encouraging maintenance
of existing housing stock and creating opportunities for new economic growth. An important element to land use is how it supports the overall community image. A positive community image
is derived from a number of elements including the physical features of the community, available services and overall economic stability. All efforts to enhance the image of Columbia
Heights need to build on the positive aspects of the community including recent redevelopment success, good schools, diversity within the resident population and strong housing affordability,
while minimizing and improving upon the negative aspects that are occurring in Columbia Heights. These include feeling of safety, aging housing stock, increase in rental conversion/foreclosures,
declining and aging population, need for new commercial opportunities, new higher paying jobs and general overall appearance. Creating the appropriate land use plan that supports redevelopment
efforts combined with creating implementation strategies will help strengthening the community’s image. The land use plan and other chapters of the Comprehensive Plans should be a roadmap
that calls out what makes Columbia Heights unique, what new opportunities for redevelopment and economic growth can be pursued, and strategies on how to get there to meet future needs.
The land use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will: Provide existing land uses and development/redevelopment overview. Discuss trends and challenges that are facing inner-ring
suburbs. Review the future land use plan and identify areas for for redevelopment opportunities. Tie the future land use plan to Metropolitan Council requirements.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 2 Community and Land Use Goals and Policies During the early stages of the Comprehensive Plan updated goals and policies
were created for each of the chapters or elements of the Plan. In terms of land use these goals and policies relate to the overall image or character of Columbia Heights, preservation
of commercial areas and supporting redevelopment. These goals and policies will be beneficial in the prioritization of the city’s resources and staff time as it relates to continuing
redevelopment efforts, supporting new job and industry growth and ensuring quality public services are provided in all facets of the city. Specific strategies have been added to many
of the goals and policies to provide further direction of action steps to meet the goal. Other policies speak clearly as to the steps needed to meet the goal. Community Image Goal: Establish
and maintain a strong sense of community. 1. Encourage public involvement by creating identifiable identifiable neighborhood representation and city initiatives. Create a neighborhood
based communication program with a resident representative of each neighborhood. 2. Enhance the social fabric of the community through city-wide events and programs. Continue annual
events to bring the community together. Develop new events that highlight unique attributes of the community such as a Taste of Columbia Heights. 3. Continue to support the development
of a mixed-use downtown/civic core along Central Avenue to provide a focal point for the community. Through redevelopment include public open spaces and design elements that encourage
public interaction. 4. Create innovative ways to advertise public events and notices to residents of all ages. Broaden the use of the city’s website, newsletter, local newspapers
and other media to promote the city and advertise special events. Encourage businesses to participate and market city events. The city may explore the possibility of a video contest
or creative initiative to foster a positive image of the community. Goal: Strengthen the identity and image of the community as a desirable place to live and work. 1. Enhance the physical
appearance of the community through clean-up initiatives, redevelopment, and housing maintenance programs. Advertise and promote housing maintenance programs available to residents.
Provide staff assistance to homeowners to process applications. Hold city-wide clean up and recycling events in neighborhoods and commercial areas such as an annual clean-up day
utilizing city trucks to pick up garbage for free.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 3 Consider burying all telephone lines to improve the aesthetic appearance of the community. 2. Identify themes that
will give the city a unified expression and statement. Create a specific marketing and promotion efforts for downtown with the intent of creating a unique and marketable identity
for the city. 3. Create opportunities for and encourage the establishment of a positive media campaign to promote the city. 4. Establish design requirements for all public facilities
including buildings, streetscape, landscaping and park facilities. Prepare design requirements as necessary for public improvements. 5. Enhance the city’s gateways by developing a
plan to install signage, features, and landscaping at city entrances. Prepare a city wide gateway plan complete with lighting, signage and other features. Enhance the north end
of Central Ave to create a sense of place (49th Ave and North) Evaluate the budget to plan for one upgraded gateway per year. 6. Encourage public art in redevelopment projects.
Utilize the community public art committee to pursue grant funding and guide the process of public art installations. Goal: Promote activities and provide opportunities that encourage
social interaction among diverse groups of city residents. 1. Create events that highlight the strengths of the diverse population that exists in the city. Develop multi-lingual communication
efforts on city programs, procedures, policies and events. Land Use and Redevelopment Goal: Preserve and enhance the existing viable commercial areas within the community. 1. Facilitate
the enhancement and redevelopment of major streets and commercial districts. Seek funding mechanisms for additional streetscape improvements. 2. Develop a redevelopment plan for the
40th Avenue Corridor. Budget for and complete a redevelopment plan for 40th using the Transitional Development District guidance to strengthen the residential character and provide
for increased neighborhood commercial development. 3. Update zoning regulations that more accurately reflect existing commercial conditions by focusing on increasing design standards
needed for redevelopment. Review and update as necessary existing design guidelines. As redevelopment plans are prepared include guidelines into the overall plan.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 4 Goal: Provide mechanisms for successful redevelopment of vacant lands and targeted areas within the community. 1. Enhance
the image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor, while protecting and enhancing adjacent residential uses. Utilize mixed use land use and design principles to integrate office,
commercial and residential uses with a focus on pedestrian amenities within redevelopment along Central Avenue. Encourage redevelopment discussions for the northern corridor of Central
Ave at 49th Ave to the city limits. 2. Create a unified downtown/civic core that provides a focal point for the city along Central Avenue, recognizing the need to modify existing standards
in order for redevelopment to occur. 3. Continue to work with the City of Hilltop in an effort to establish a common redevelopment plan for Central Avenue. Engage in quarterly dialog
with the City of Hilltop regarding joint redevelopment efforts. 4. Enhance the image and viability of the University Avenue corridor, while providing opportunities for transit-related
uses. Prepare a mixed use redevelopment plan for the corridor with emphasis on increasing transit opportunities and access. 5. Prepare a master redevelopment plan for the city with
identified funding sources. 6. Modify the Design Guidelines that would better reflect the physical conditions of the redevelopment parcels. 7. Encourage infill development that demonstrates
compatibility with existing neighborhood characteristics, in terms of quality, design, building height, placement, scale and architectural quality. Goal: Promote the safety of residents
and ensure a safe environment for pedestrians. 1. Create a lighting plan that will increase visibility and public safety among residential and commercial areas. 2. Provide accessible
and safe pedestrian connections to destination points among the community. Require mandatory sidewalks for all redevelopment projects. 3. Address problem intersections when nearby
nearby redevelopment occurs. Modify Central Ave and 52nd Ave when feasible as crossing is difficult. Goal: Provide convenient access to mixed land use developments to encourage more
trips via non-motorized modes of travel and less by automobile. 1. Place mixed use land uses adjacent to transit with convenient pedestrian access. Ensure design review standards
and ordinance requirements support pedestrian, biking and other alternative modes of transportation. Goal: Provide a natural buffer between housing and industrial zones to promote community
health.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 5 1. As redevelopment occurs in industrial areas require an increase in the amount of landscaping or other buffering as
well as improvements to the building aesthetics. Existing Development Overview Conditions in Columbia Heights have changed significantly since the city’s period of rapid growth as a
first-ring suburb during the 1950s and 1960s. While single family homes still remain the predominant land use in the city, changing demographics and community needs, including an aging
and increasingly diverse population and the need for reinvestment in both single family neighborhoods and along major commercial corridors, are driving land use changes in the community,
and will be the focus of future planning efforts as well. A summary of existing development, including recent redevelopment efforts, is provided in this section to better understand
existing conditions and opportunities for change. The city’s Existing Land Use categories and acreages are displayed in Table 1 Table 1-Existing Land Use Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres
Net Percent Total Acres Single Family Residential 1,007.58 1,003.35 45% Townhomes 50.19 47.18 2% Two Family Residential 76.54 73.74 3% Apartments 52.86 51.99 2% Condominium 23.14 23.05
1% Commercial 114.01 113.90 5% Industrial 66.50 66.50 3% Park 122.26 110.83 5% Public/Semi-Public 59.22 58.95 3% Religious Institution 16.09 16.09 1% Vacant 4.19 4.19 0% Right-of-Way
519.65 516.63 23% MPLS WW 75.72 59.33 3% Water 62.01 62.01 3% Wetland 42.20 2% Total City 2,249.95 2,249.95 100% While single family residential represents nearly half of the City’s
total acreage; multifamily uses, including townhomes, two-family homes, apartments, and condominiums, also make up a significant portion of the City’s land use (8 percent). Public and
Semipublic uses, including the Minneapolis Wastewater plant, and religious institutions make up a combined 7 percent of the City’s total land use. The amount of public and institutional
uses has tax implications for the City, as taxes are not collected on these uses. Nearly 10 percent of the City consists of parks, water, or wetland, representing areas of the City that
will not be developed. Commercial and industrial uses account for 6 percent of the City’s total land use. A strong commercial/industrial base is important to provide jobs for residents
of the City and to diversify the City’s tax base. The City’s Existing Land Use is shown on Figure 2-1.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45T H AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST
ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD Existing Land Use City of Columbia Heights,
Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/elu.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet September 11, 2008 City Limit Single Family Residential Townhomes TF Residential Apartments
Condominium Commercial Industrial Park Vacant Public/Semi-Public Religious Institution Open Water Figure 2-1
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 7 Residential Development Overview Single Family The City of Columbia Heights has a balanced mix of single family and multi-family
housing to accommodate residents throughout their lifestyles. Single family residential is the predominant land use in the city, occupying 1,000 net acres, or 45% of the city’s total
acreage. These areas form several pockets of identifiable neighborhoods within the city. Many of the city’s existing single family homes meet the Metropolitan Council’s affordability
benchmarks, and will continue to provide affordable options for young families in the metropolitan area. The city’s close proximity to downtown Minneapolis makes it an ideal location
for young families to locate. The city is currently seeing a number of its existing single family homes being foreclosed or converted to rental units. Many of these units are in need
of maintenance and repairs. This lack of stability and investment can have negative impacts for the city’s existing single family neighborhoods. This concern is discussed in greater
detail in Chapter 3 Housing. Recent Redevelopment The City has taken recent efforts to address blighted single family areas. The Columbia Heights Economic Development Authority in cooperation
with the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation demolished 5 blighted single-family homes and replaced them with 10 single family detached homes for sale at an average price of $232,000.
The City currently provides guidance and financial assistance for single family residential homeowners to upgrade and enhance their properties, which will also promote investment in
single family residential areas. Multi Family The city’s medium density housing opportunities, including Townhomes and Two-Family residential uses, are distributed throughout predominately
single family neighborhoods. The Two-Family uses are duplexes, either built as such or converted over the years. A cluster of townhomes is located on the west side of Sullivan Lake,
and there is another cluster of Two-Family homes, known as the Circle Terrace Neighborhood, located just east of Labelle Park. In general, many properties within the Circle Terrace neighborhood
are in need of significant maintenance and rehabilitation, and the neighborhood has seen a very high percentage of recent foreclosures. The area has been identified as an area for reinvestment.
Labelle Park is a valuable amenity in this area that be used to promote reinvestment. The City’s higher density housing opportunities, including apartments and condominiums, are scattered
throughout the City, including just south of the Minneapolis Wastewater Treatment Plant off of Reservoir Boulevard, west of Labelle Park and east of Central Avenue, along the west side
of University Avenue between 42nd Ave and 41st Ave, in the northwest corner of the city two blocks west of Sullivan Lake and two blocks east of University Avenue on 51st Ave. There are
also locations of medium density apartment buildings scattered along University Avenue. Recent Redevelopment Due to the City’s focus and emphasis on redevelopment and reinvestment in
key areas, the City has seen many new multi-family housing projects in recent years. In addition to
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 8 providing increased housing options for residents, the projects have also promoted reinvestment in key redevelopment areas.
The Park View project, a former 30 acre industrial park, is located along University Avenue just west of Huset Park, a former 30 acre industrial park. The three phase project, which
is currently underway, will provide a mixed use neighborhood to include 540 plus for sale homes and approximately 12,000 square feet of commercial retail/service space. The development
also includes improved streetscape and gateway signage, multiple trails and sidewalks to promote pedestrian accessibility within the neighborhood and to the adjacent Huset Park. This
development is well situated to take advantage of frequent transit service on University Avenue, and to promote additional reinvestment and transit oriented development along the corridor.
The former 15-acre Kmart Site at Central Ave and 49th Ave was recently redeveloped as the Grand Grand Central Lofts, which includes over 150 condo style lofts and 20 townhomes, and a
community center for residents. The units are priced at market rate starting at approximately $150,000. The commercial portion of the project is not yet to be completed, but is expected
to include 40,000 to 60,000 square feet of retail/office space with a public parking deck fronting Central Avenue. As with Park View, this project is also well situated to take advantage
of frequent transit service along Central Avenue and to promote additional transit oriented development along the corridor. This development also aids in creation of move-up housing
opportunities in the city which is attractive to young professionals or empty nesters desiring to stay in Columbia Heights, and desiring a smaller maintenance free lifestyle to invest
in. The site of the former Apache Theatre at Stinson Boulevard and 37th Ave is currently being redeveloped as the New Perspectives, a Senior Assisted Living development with over 70
units. This project, which will also include a recently completed municipal liquor store, is expected to be complete in 2009. Retail/Commercial Development Overview The city’s commercial
uses are concentrated along Central Avenue, as well as many smaller commercial sites scattered along University Avenue, making up 5 percent of the city’s total acres. The City’s downtown
is centered on the intersection of Central Ave and 40th Ave. As the City’s historic downtown, reinvestment in this area will be a key component of plans for the future. As the primary
commercial corridor passing through the heart of Columbia Heights, the success of Central Avenue as commercial corridor is critical. To promote reinvestment in the area, the City recently
reconstructed both the roadway and pedestrian facilities on the corridor from 39th Ave to 42nd Ave to enhance the downtown environment. The corridor improvements include colored concrete
crosswalks, decorative sidewalk patterns, planters, new street signals, ornamental pedestrian light fixtures, street trees, on-street parking, and multiple store fronts. Making these
kinds of improvements creates a sense of place and identity for Columbia Heights, especially important at its gateways on either end of Central Avenue. It is also a motivation tool to
renew interest and reinvestment among the property owners/tenants in the corridor to make improvements in their own property. This visual revitalization effort should be expanded to
include the entire Central Avenue corridor as funds are available.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 9 Commercial needs and services for ethnic populations are appearing around Columbia Heights, such as Mexican markets and
Indian restaurants, reflecting the recent movement of multiple immigrant groups into the community. The city’s diverse dining options attract many visitors from other areas of the metro.
In addition to many small ethnic businesses, the City’s commercial base also includes big box retail, such as Rainbow foods. Recent Redevelopment The city has also seen an important
amount of commercial redevelopment in recent years. A new restaurant, Sarna’s Grill, recently opened at the former site of a gas station, commercial building, and two single-family homes
along Central Ave and 40th Ave. The restaurant is a popular destination for residents of Columbia Heights, and destination for pedestrians and transit users along University Avenue.
Much of the city’s recent planned commercial redevelopment occurred as a component of larger mixed use development projects, including the planned approximately 10,000 square feet of
commercial space as part of the Park View project on University Avenue, and the planned 40,000-60,000 square feet of retail/office space at the Grand Central Lofts at Central Ave and
49th Ave. Other redevelopment is occurring along Central Avenue where existing uses are being completely rebuilt including the Taco Bell restaurant north of 49th Avenue and a new _ restaurant
at the northwest corner of 37th and Central Avenues. This renewal in existing sites is important to the effort of improving sites, building design and increases to the tax base. Industrial
Development Overview Industrial development in Columbia Heights is concentrated in the southwest corner of the city, and makes up 3 percent of the city’s total acreage. The city’s current
industrial businesses consist of a mix of light and heavy industrial users, steel and scrap metal being the primary industries in the city. The recent increase in light industrial users
in in the area has led to the potential for conflicts in the area with more intense users. Options for industrial users in the city are limited, due to the lack of freeway or rail access.
In response to this and need for increase in jobs and higher wages the city needs to be creative in its efforts to attract high-tech or other light industrial that is not dependent on
access or visibility. This is discussed later in this chapter and in chapter-Economic Development. Trends and Challenges As a developed inner-ring suburb, Columbia Heights faces a variety
of land use and planning trends and challenges that are shared with many other similar communities, as well as several issues that are unique to the city. As the Columbia Heights plans
for the future, efforts will be focused on addressing these challenges through redevelopment and reinvestment to successfully adapt to changing conditions and
to capitalize on future opportunities. Current trends and challenges include the following: Aging housing stock: A majority of first and second ring suburbs, developed primarily in
the years following World War II, are now addressing many issues related to an aging housing stock. Due to their age, these homes provide affordable options for residents. On the other
hand, often times residents of these homes have household incomes that do not offer the ability to reinvest
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 10 in the repairs and renovations needed to maintain their homes and the larger neighborhood. In order to remain competitive
among other suburban communities, inner ring suburbs must provide new housing options, as well as new commercial centers, parks and trails, and other amenities to continue attracting
new residents as well as maintain existing. Another option is for the City to review and amend ordinance requirements that might limit expansion options to smaller post World War II
housing stock. Reducing setbacks and other measures can create opportunities for room additions that growing families need without having to move to outer suburbs. The age of housing
stock also affects a City’s tax base and funding, as cities collect less taxes on lower valued properties, providing less funding for services. Aging population: Typical of many other
first ring suburbs, Columbia Heights has an aging population, a trend that is projected to continue as the babyboom generation ages. A majority of seniors desire to age in place, and
remain in their homes and their community as long as possible. New senior developments are being constructed in many inner ring suburbs, including Columbia Heights, which cater to seniors
by providing medical and other services, community gathering space, and a more dense residential setting. In additional to housing, the aging trend also affects employment trends and
social service needs. For those more active seniors who still wish to work or seek out civic engagement opportunities, it is important that such opportunities can be easily accessed
from their residences. Mixed use development provides opportunities for locating seniors close to entertainment and employment options. Due to limited mobility, an aging population also
creates demand for different transportation options than the automobile, such as mass transit, dial-a-ride, and pedestrian trails. Additional transportation improvements, such as enlarging
traffic signs, may also be considered for those seniors who are still able to drive. Diverse population: In recent years, the City of Columbia Heights has seen in increasingly diverse
population, both in terms of the racial make-up of the city and the number of recent immigrants to the United States. This trend is also common of many first ring suburbs, and poses
unique challenges and opportunities both for the city and the larger region. Immigrant populations require different social service needs than the traditional suburban population, such
as English classes, signage and other public service announcements in a variety of languages, and different housing needs. Because many immigrant families live with members of the extended
families, these families typically need larger housing or apartments. Immigrants, as well as black and Hispanic populations have also historically faced discrimination in the housing
market. Recent research of the foreclosure crisis in the Twin Cities market also shows that minority populations were more likely to be targeted for sub-prime mortgage loans, and therefore
at greater risk for foreclosure. As the babyboomers retire from the workforce, immigrant populations will provide valuable skills and fill vacant positions. However, increased emphasis
on training and education will be required to ensure that this population has the skills necessary to do so.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 11 Redevelopment: As a fully developed community, the city has very little land available for development, with only
4.19 acres of vacant land. Therefore, new development in the community, which is vital to attract new residents and serve the changing needs of existing residents, will occur through
redevelopment of existing properties. Redevelopment poses unique challenges for developers and communities, as issues such site contamination, land assembly, and permitting can create
additional delays and expenses relative to development in undeveloped communities. New redevelopment opportunities are also limited by recent changes in State Law that limits city’s
powers of eminent domain. Due to these changes the city’s ability has been limited in their efforts to initiate redevelopment for economic development purposes. This change has a dramatic
effect on inner-ring communities, like Columbia Heights, which only see new development, new housing opportunities and job growth through redevelopment. When redevelopment does occur
it will take place in or adjacent to existing neighborhoods, thus it is also critical to ensure that redevelopment projects do not negatively impact existing neighborhoods; scale and
design guidelines are critical to ensure that these projects enhance existing neighborhoods. Redevelopment is also an opportunity to provide new amenities such as small pocket parks,
open space or trails that benefit existing neighborhoods. Aging infrastructure: Planning efforts in Columbia Heights, like many other inner ring suburbs, also must consider the city’s
aging infrastructure, much of which was originally constructed over 50 years ago. Significant reinvestment is required to ensure that the city’s sewer, water, and transportation infrastructure
continue to support its population. As redevelopment occurs, typically at higher densities, increased stress will be placed on municipal infrastructure. Many inner ring suburbs, also
dealing with decreased tax bases due to an older housing stock, are exploring innovative financing tools and jurisdictional cooperation with other local, regional, and state partnerships
to fund necessary infrastructure improvements. Transportation demand: Travel patterns and choices are changing in most metropolitan areas. As fuel and energy costs increased, residents
will continue to demand additional transportation options, such as transit and pedestrian and bike trails. These options will also increase in importance as the population ages, and
older residents are no longer able to drive. High travel costs may also lead to a renewed interest in living in communities closer to central business districts, such as Columbia Heights.
As travel patterns and mode choices change, so will land use patterns. To support pedestrian and transit activity, higher density land use is required to produce enough demand for trips
and to provide destinations that are within walking distance from residential areas and transit stops.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 12 Future Land Use The City of Columbia Heights has developed a land use plan to respond to the trends and challenges identified
in the previous section, and to achieve the goals and policies presented in this Chapter. Low density residential will remain the predominant land use in the city, with areas of medium
and high density housing scattered throughout existing residential neighborhoods or in conjunction with larger mixed or transit-oriented development uses. University and Central Avenues
will remain the primary commercial corridors within the City, with an added element of higher density housing. The industrial area will remain in the southwest corner of the City. The
plan identifies opportunities for reinvestment in the community, areas for mixed use and transit oriented development to respond to the needs of the aging population and to create vibrant
transit-oriented neighborhood centers, and new areas of medium and high density housing to promote reinvestment in existing neighborhoods. The City’s 2030 future land use map is presented
in Figure 2-2.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45T H AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST
ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD Planned 2030 Future Land Use City of Columbia
Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/2030flu.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet September 11, 2008 City Limit Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential
High Density residential Transit Oriented Development University Mixed Use Commercial Transitional Development Industrial Park Institutional Religious Institution Open Water Figure 2-2
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 14 The corresponding acreages for each future land use category are presented in Table 2. Table 2-Future Land Uses by Acres
Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres Net Percent Total Acres Low Density Residential 1,026.35 1,018.28 45% Medium Density Residential 47.70 44.78 2% High Density Residential 71.65 70.69 3%
Transit Oriented Development 72.04 72.04 3% University Mixed Use 12.92 12.92 1% Commercial 94.73 94.62 4% Transitional Development 9.10 9.10 0% Industrial 60.02 60.02 3% Park 124.45
113.99 5% Institutional 49.34 49.07 2% Religious Institution 23.29 23.29 1% Right-of-Way 520.62 517.60 23% MPLS WW 75.72 59.33 3% Water 62.01 62.01 3% Wetland 42.20 2% Total City 2,249.95
2,249.95 100% Each land use category is discussed in detail in the following section. Low Density Residential: Low density residential development will remain as the predominant land
use in the community, and will include single family detached and single family attached (twin homes/homes/duplexes) development at a density of 3 to 7.5 units per acre. Low density
residential will continue to make up 45 percent of the City’s total acreage, as it does today. To enhance the character of existing single family neighborhoods, particularly those struggling
with foreclosures and the need for maintenance and rehabilitation, the City will continue to provide targeted redevelopment opportunities to residents of these areas. Redevelopment of
scattered vacant parcels into low density residential development will continue where appropriate. The City recognizes that the health of its existing single family neighborhoods is
critical to the community as a whole, and will continue to provide financial assistance and guidance for residents to upgrade their properties. The City is actively working to identify
single family home or duplex units that have been converted to rental in order to get them inspected and into the city’s rental licensing program. This effort will help the city better
understand the the actual number or percent of rental homes to owner-occupied while through the licensing program ensure the homes or units are meeting required standard for safety,
habitability and maintenance. Columbia Heights plan for Low Density Residential areas addresses many of the community’s goals and policies developed during the comprehensive plan process.
By
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 15 providing opportunities for reinvestment in existing low density residential neighborhoods, the Future Land Use Plan
will strengthen the identity and image of the community as a desirable place to live and work. This effort addresses the City’s policy to enhance the physical appearance of the community
through clean-up initiatives, redevelopment, and housing maintenance programs. The Future Land Use Plan will also provide mechanisms for successful redevelopment of vacant lands and
targeted areas within the community. Targeted redevelopment of properties adjacent to existing low density residential areas, which will include high density housing or mixed use areas,
will enhance existing neighborhoods through improved pedestrian facilities and connections to commercial areas, which addresses the City policy to provide accessible and safe pedestrian
connections to destination points among the community. New development adjacent to existing residential will be compatible with existing neighborhoods, to address the City’s policy to
encourage infill development that demonstrates compatibility with existing neighborhood characteristics, in terms of quality, design, building height, placement, scale, and architectural
quality. Medium and High Density Residential: Medium and high density housing in the community will consist of townhomes, apartments, and condominiums, and will make up a combined 5
percent of the City’s total acreage in 2030. It is important to note that additional medium and high density housing options will be provided as a component of development in the Mixed
Use and Transit-Oriented Districts as well. Medium density development will occur at a density of 7 to 10 units per acre, while high density development will occur at a density of 10
+ units per acre. This type of more intense residential development will play a critical role as the community grows, as it may provide maintenance free options for older residents,
as well as affordable options for young residents and the community’s workforce. These areas are located near University and Central Avenue’s to support commercial areas, as well as
frequent transit service along the corridor. Higher density areas are also located near existing and planned mixed use/transit-oriented development areas to provide increased synergy
with these areas. Other planned higher density options are located near valuable community amenities, such as Sullivan Lake, Labelle Park, and Hart Lake, providing access for residents
to valuable public spaces. The provision of new medium and high density residential districts responds to numerous planning goals and policies. Many of these areas, which are located
near planned mixed use or transit oriented development projects on University Avenue or Central Avenue, will incorporate improved pedestrian facilities to provide a pedestrian connection
between residential areas and transit opportunities and commercial destinations on these corridors. The provision of pedestrian connections within and between these developments will
address the City’s policy to provide accessible and safe pedestrian connections to destination points among the Community and support the City’s goal to provide convenient access to
mixed land use developments and encourage more trips via non-motorized modes of travel and less by automobile. Reguiding land uses in areas of the City that are currently in need of
reinvestment will promote interest and redevelopment of these properties to support the City’s goal to provide mechanisms for successful redevelopment of vacant lands and targeted areas
within the community. Mixed Use:
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 16 University Mixed Use: The City has established University Mixed Use district along the east side of University Ave from
46th Ave north to 53rd Ave, the northern boundary of the City. This use reflects the existing character of the corridor, which includes a mix of apartment buildings, two family residential,
commercial, and single family residential development. This designation will provide for flexibility in the event of future redevelopment by property owners that will support a mix of
residential, retail, office or some combination thereof. Redevelopment in this area should be at a higher intensity and pedestrian-oriented to support transit service along University
Avenue. Discussion of how this land use district will address the City’s goals and policies is provided in the following section, Areas of Opportunity. Transit Oriented Development:
Transit-oriented development land use areas, which typically includes a mix of retail, office, and higher density residential uses, are located along University and Central Avenue due
to the frequency of transit service along these corridors. Density ranges may include a range similar to medium and high density, depending on the size of the site and type of mixed
use proposed. To support activity and transit use in these areas, a supportive pedestrian environment is critical. Buildings should be designed at a pedestrian-scale, with landscaping
and façade features that create an interesting and attractive pedestrian experience. Incentives could be offered by the City to encourage businesses to replace current signage with approved
signs. Transit oriented development in Columbia Heights will focus on the commuting needs of its residents. Therefore, a higher percentage of service-oriented commercial/retail development,
in combination with high density residential development, will be necessary both to support frequent transit service and to create convenient services and destinations for transit users.
Redevelopment of these areas will also provide the opportunity for pedestrian links to other parts of the community, and improvement of the overall pedestrian and bicycle circulation
system, an important community amenity. Discussion of how this land use district will address the City’s goals and policies is provided in the following section, Areas of Opportunity.
Transitional Development District: The Transitional Development district is designated to connect the existing downtown central business district (Central Ave and 40th Avenue) with the
commercial areas located at 7th Street to University Avenue along the 40th Avenue corridor. Development of this district will focus on strengthening the residential character of 40th
Avenue and allow for opportunities of neighborhood retail/commercial activity. Commercial/retail development will consist of a mix of neighborhood serviceoriented development and varying
densities of residential development. These uses will enhance the pedestrian scale and provide connection between the two commercial areas. Streetscaping and amenities will be used to
provide a pedestrian focus and strengthen linkages between Central and University Avenues. By providing a pedestrian connection between its two key high density mixed use/commercial
nodes, this district addresses the city’s Goal to provide convenient access to mixed land use developments to encourage more trips via non-motorized modes of travel and less by automobile.
Guiding land use along this corridor to align with the City’s future desired use of this corridor represents a first step towards the city’s policy to develop a redevelopment plan for
the 40th Avenue Corridor. The planned improvements within this district, including streetscaping and pedestrian amenities, support the city’s policy to facilitate the enhancement and
redevelopment of major streets and commercial districts.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 17 Commercial Development: The intersection of Central Avenue and 40th Avenue will remain as the City’s commercial core.
This area is the historic downtown of the city, remains a viable commercial node today, and will continue to be the focus of Columbia Heights into the foreseeable future. This area is
also enhanced by a nearby transit hub at Central Avenue and 41st Avenue, which provides convenient access to the area and increased pedestrian activity to support commercial businesses.
To ensure the long-term stability of this area, new investment and commitment to commercial/retail development and redevelopment will be necessary. A key component to the success of
the area will be the involvement and support of existing business owners, and cooperation among the business community and city leaders. The city will need to actively engage the business
community to identify their needs, to aid in the recruitment of new businesses that will enhance the health and vitality of the area, and to develop a strategy to address these needs.
The improvement of both the physical conditions of the downtown, including streetscaping, signage, and visibility, as well as the economic vitality, such as marketing and investment,
will be required to ensure success of this area. Through the implementation of these objectives and targeted financial assistance, the downtown commercial/retail core of the city can
be enhanced, remain economically viable, and continue to represent the center of the Columbia Heights Business District. The City’s plans for Central Avenue identified above, including
new investment along the corridor, the involvement of the business community, and a strategy to recruit new businesses, support the community’s goals to strengthen the identity and image
of the community as a desirable place to live and work and to preserve and enhance the existing viable commercial areas within the community. Improved physical conditions, including
streetscaping and signage, will also support these goals, and will help to establish and maintain a strong sense of community. As a gateway into the community, these physical improvements
along Central Avenue will also enhance the City’s gateways by developing a plan to install signage, features, and landscaping at City entrances. In addition, the Central Avenue commercial
corridor, a small commercial area is located along 40th Avenue at University Avenue, which will serve residents of the planned Transit Oriented Development district in this area. Other
small scattered existing commercial uses exist along University Avenue. These uses are located within areas of residential and not in the position of good access to University Avenue.
Another small area of commercial uses is located near the intersection of Stinson Boulevard and 37th Avenue where the city has invested in redevelopment with the construction of a new
municipal liquor store and future New Perspectives. This area will be discussed more in the following section, Areas of Opportunity. Industrial: Industrial land use will remain concentrated
in the southwest corner of the city, which currently has a mix of light and heavy industrial development. Due to incongruities and potential conflicts between older heavy industrial
users and newer technology based light industrial users, future redevelopment efforts in the area will focus on creating a logical and coherent pattern of industrial development that
minimizes conflict between heavy and light users, while also providing flexibility to accommodate a variety of industrial users and their needs. This will be achieved by developing a
detailed action plan for the area and prioritizing the industrial needs and potential demands of industrial users. This plan will address the following issues: optimization of current
industrial users, enhancement of city infrastructure, mitigation and redevelopment of
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 18 potential brownfield sites, elimination of land use conflicts on the edge of the industrial area, and attraction of new
and innovative clean industrial uses. Discussion of how this land use district will address the City’s goals and policies is provided in the following section, Areas of Opportunity.
Land Use and Zoning The City’s Land Use Plan will be implemented through zoning controls. To implement the Comprehensive Plan, the city will review its existing zoning code to determine
revisions that will be necessary to accommodate planned development. While the land use plan identifies the general type of development that will occur in each area of the city by identifying
density and the general type of use, such as residential or commercial. The zoning code and map will provide greater detail than what is provided in the Future Land Use Plan to determine
the specific types of development that may occur and parameters of how it can be developed developed in each broader land use category. In additional to providing more specific direction
on density and development types, the zoning code will also include design guidelines for many of the zoning districts. This is currently in place for Central and University Avenues
and could be included in other areas in the future. Typical design requirements incorporate standards to provide a high quality pedestrian environment, such as landscaping requirements
and façade requirements. The relationship between the city’s existing zoning districts and the future land use categories is presented in Table 3. Table 3-Land Use compared to Zoning
Land Use Designation Zoning District Low Density (3-7.5 Units/acre) Existing small urban lots, single and twofamily, twin homes, duplexes R-1: Single Family (5.18 units/acre) R-2A: Single
and Two Family (6.7 units/acre) R-2B: Single and Two Family (7.26 units/acre) Medium Density (7-10 units/acre) R-3:Multi Family-Single Family, two family, townhouse, multi family (7.26-10
units/acre) High Density-10 units/acre R-4: Multi Family-Single Family, two family, townhomes, and apartments. Largely applied to apartments and senior buildings. Transitional Oriented
Development-Allows a mix of commercial/office and residential Limited Business, R-3, Central Business District Transit Oriented Development-Allows a mix of commercial, office, and high
density residential near transit, walkable. 10+ units/acre Mixed Use, Central Business District, General Business, R-3 residential Industrial I-Industrial District I–2 Industrial District
Commercial LB-Limited Business CBD-Central Business District GB-General Business District
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 19 Areas of Opportunity In addition to identifying the guiding of future land use in the community, the Land Use Plan also
identifies areas where change in the community is anticipated to occur, based on analysis of existing conditions in the city and future community needs (Figure 3). These areas of opportunity
represent the primary locations of growth and new development in the city, and provide opportunities for Columbia Heights to accommodate new development that enhances the character of
the community, and provides additional housing and commercial opportunities to serve the changing population. Identifying these areas in the Comprehensive Plan will not force change
to occur. Rather, it is an initial stage in the in the process of guiding land use appropriately to support change and an acknowledgement that change may occur. Identifying and planning
for areas where change is likely to occur allows the community to take a proactive, rather than a reactive, role in the future redevelopment of the city. Planning for these areas will
help the city to target resources and prioritize redevelopment projects to meet community needs and goals. The Comprehensive Plan identifies very general locations for areas of opportunities,
and general guidelines or suggestions for the type of development that could be considered within these areas if redevelopment were to occur. However, it is important to note that planning
for these areas is still in the preliminary stages. Flexibility will be required to accommodate future market conditions and community needs. More detailed plans will be prepared as
necessary when market conditions are appropriate and the community is ready to accommodate change.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST ARGONNE DR
43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE
PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST
AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP 2 3 1 4 5 6 7 Areas of Opportunity City of Columbia
Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/opportunity areas.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet May 12, 2009 City Limit Future Land Use Categories Areas of Opportunity
Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential High Density residential Transit Oriented Development Transitional Development Industrial Park Institutional Religious Institution
Commercial Open Water University Mixed Use Figure 2-3
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 21 Columbia Heights areas of opportunity include the following locations: 1) Stinson Blvd and 37th Ave: Stinson Boulevard
and 37th Avenue represent two major roadways within the community. At the southeast corner of the city, these areas also provide a gateway into the City of Columbia Heights. Existing
development in this area includes an aging apartment building, and an autooriented strip mall. Development at this key intersection of the community should be attractive and signify
an entry point into the community. Higher traffic volumes on these roadways could also support more intense commercial development. Change has already begun to occur in this area, with
the development of the New Perspectives Assisted Living on Hart Blvd and the municipal Liquor Store at the corner of 37th Avenue and Hart Boulevard. To respond to other potential change
in these areas the east half of the site, which is bordered by Stinson Boulevard, is guided transit oriented mixed-use development on the north side, and commercial/retail development
along 37th Ave. This reguiding responds to many of the community’s land use goals and policies presented in this chapter. By providing additional commercial and retail opportunities,
this future project could potentially enhance the economic viability of the community. These areas could create employment opportunities for residents of the City. Its location at a
key intersection of the City may also facilitate the enhancement of major streets and commercial districts in the community, by providing for reinvestment and improvements along Stinson
Blvd and 37th Avenue, major roadways that support commercial business in Columbia Heights. Senior housing, provided in the New Perspectives development, supports the inclusion of appropriate
housing alternatives during redevelopment and as part of mixed use districts. Several trail links are also proposed to provide for pedestrian connectivity within the development area
and to provide connections to nearby development projects and amenities, creating greater opportunity for trails and connection to a loop system for recreational benefits. 2) University
between 37th and 40th Ave (West side of University): This site currently includes a mix of industrial, low density, and medium density residential. To eliminate conflicts between residential
properties and industrial areas, the City has identified the parcels along University Avenue as Industrial, with a commercial node at the corner of University and 40th Avenue. Efforts
will need to be made to attract clean industry such as a high-tech incubator business that is not dependent on a large warehouse, access or visibility. Upon such redevelopment boulevard
trees could be added along 3rd Street behind the Industrial district, to provide a natural buffer between housing and industrial zones. A sidewalk connection from University Avenue to
existing neighborhoods could also enhance the pedestrian connection to University Avenue. As another gateway gateway into the community, future redevelopment in this area should be attractive,
well maintained, and promote a positive image for Columbia Heights. This project aligns with several of the community’s goals and policies. Any new development and landscaping along
the University Avenue corridor will enhance the image and viability of this commercial corridor. Boulevard trees are proposed along 3rd Street west of the Industrial district, to provide
a natural buffer between housing and industrial zones. Redevelopment could also provide an opportunity to rehabilitate, or redevelop if necessary, substandard or functionally obsolete
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 22 development, and to improve the appearance of industrial districts within the community. Improvements to the industrial
area may provide valuable employment opportunities for Columbia Heights residents. The industrial district will also provide the opportunity for the City to create an industrial identity
to help recruit additional industrial to Columbia Heights. 3) Central Ave between 37th Avenue and the corner of 40th Avenue: As another gateway into the community, development in this
area should represent a positive community image. The area also represents an opportunity to provide higher density, mixed use development to take advantage of frequent transit service
provided along Central Avenue. Plans for this area include further commercial redevelopment along the west side of Central Avenue, with a mix of transit-oriented mixed use development,
office space, and civic uses on the east side of Central Avenue. A major opportunity for redevelopment is located on the NE corner of 40th Ave and Central Ave where the existing strip
mall and transit hub are currently located. The City could consider this space for redevelopment with building fronts set adjacent to the sidewalk to continue a downtown core and a pedestrian
friendly environment. Reinvestment in this area will achieve many of the community’s land use goals and policies. By improving the character of this gateway into the community, the City
will enhance the image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor. As a major commercial corridor in the City, reinvestment along Central Avenue will also facilitate the improvement
and redevelopment of major streets and commercial districts. New office and mixed use commercial space will create additional employment opportunities for residents. Finally, the plan
provides the opportunity for a downtown mixed use civic core along Central Avenue, a focal point for the community. 4) Circle Terrace Neighborhood: This area, located just east of Labelle
Park, currently consists mainly of two-family homes, known as the Circle Terrace Neighborhood. In general, many properties within the Circle Terrace neighborhood are in need of significant
maintenance and rehabilitation, and the neighborhood has seen a very high percentage of recent foreclosures. The area has been identified as in need of reinvestment, and is guided for
High Density residential on the Future Land Use Plan to potentially accommodate the city’s growing senior population. Redevelopment of this area could provide for connections with Labelle
Park and high density residential development (senior housing) on the west side of the park with improved linkages to commercial development along Central Avenue. Future plans for this
area respond to a number of community land use and housing goals. The provision for high density housing to accommodate the senior population will ensure that the community’s senior
residents and residents with special needs have safe and accessible affordable housing and will encourage the development of multi-unit senior housing rental units. The locations proximity
to Labelle Park will provide opportunities for active seniors. The location is also ideal for senior housing given its proximity to commercial development and transit options along Central
Avenue. Pedestrian linkages incorporated into the
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 23 project will also create pedestrian accessibility between housing and multi-use districts along Central Avenue. 5) Heritage
Heights Neighborhood: This neighborhood, located between 45th Avenue and 49th Avenue and between Central Avenue and Fillmore Street, consists of primarily of single and two family residential
uses, with commercial uses along Central Avenue. Many homes are in need of maintenance and rehabilitation. Over the past several years reinvestment through Habitat for Humanity has increased
the amount of new construction of single family homes in the neighborhoods. Future reinvestment in the neighborhood has also begun, with the construction of the Grand Central Lofts,
a transit-oriented mixed use development located at the intersection of Central Ave and 47th Ave. In addition to this mixed use development, the plan also includes commercial development
along Central Avenue. The proposed land use plan guides the areas between 45th Avenue and 46th Avenue as low density residential with commercial along Central. The area between 46th
Avenue and 47th Avenue is guided medium density east to Taylor Street and then single family. This change will support redevelopment with density higher then what exists today but with
a greater range of housing choice. This medium density residential will provide for this increased density close to Central Avenue, to support commercial development in the area and
provide access to transit service. This medium density area will also provide a buffer between more intense commercial and mixed use development and existing single family residential
areas. The plan will also include measures to promote improvements and rehabilitation to existing single family homes in the area and may stimulate the development of new single family
homes. The plan achieves several community goals. Because some housing in this area is in poor condition, reinvesting in the area will enhance the physical appearance of the community
through redevelopment and housing maintenance programs. The plan, which provides for higher density housing as part of the mixed use development, as well as medium and low density housing,
provides an increased mix of housing choices in appropriate areas. Single family neighborhoods are also protected through the use of medium density residential buffers between more intense
developments. By providing for a mix of housing options to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and price ranges, the plan also advocates housing efforts that will attract and retain
residents, particularly young families. Pedestrian connections incorporated into new development will also create pedestrian accessibility between housing and multi-use districts. To
improve the character of existing single family residential areas and promote a stable neighborhood, the city will also consider a program for the conversion of rental duplexes to for-sale
single family dwellings. 6) Central Avenue between 43rd and 45th (west side): This area, located west of Central Avenue between 43rd Ave and 45th Ave, is home to large, auto-oriented
big box stores and the store’s large parking lot that fronts Central Avenue. Given the frequent transit service along Central Avenue, higher density transit-oriented development could
be more appropriate for this site to support transit service and provide an enhanced pedestrian environment through pedestrian scale development and other appropriate design features
to promote pedestrian
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 24 activity if redevelopment were to occur in the area. Future redevelopment could be planned to accommodate transit-oriented
mixed use development, with offstreet parking located behind the development, rather than fronting on Central Avenue. This plan achieves several community goals. By guiding the area
for mixed-use transit oriented development, the plan reguides existing land use to a future land use designation that supports desired redevelopment. The area will also be rezoned to
be compatible with the Future Land Use designation to support this redevelopment. The city could pursue funding opportunities for redevelopment of this site, such as LCA or other grants
to provide affordable housing, transit access, and new trails within the development, and will evaluate the use of financial tools such as TIF or tax abatement to attract a developer
for this mixed use redevelopment. If the site is contaminated, the city will also seek grant funds for clean-up. If the site becomes a city priority, it may also prepare a marketing
strategy to seek specific businesses or redevelopments that meet the desires of the city. 7) Central Avenue between 49th and 53rd : This area, located on the north portion of the City,
is currently small business and big box. The transition from Fridley to Columbia Heights has little distinction or sense of place. Future plans for this streetscaping opportunity could
include plantings, entrance signage, median treatments, public art, and more a pedestrian friendly environment. Relationship to Metropolitan Council Development Framework The City of
Columbia Heights has been designated by the Metropolitan Council as a “Developed Community.” As a developed community, the focus of Columbia Heights’ plan has been to develop transition
strategies to increase density and encourage infill development. Because the city is fully developed, any new growth will be accommodated through redevelopment at higher densities. The
Metropolitan Council has prepared population, household, and employment forecasts for Columbia Heights. The city is responsible for preparing a land use plan that demonstrates a capacity
to accommodate this additional growth at appropriate densities to ensure that the region’s infrastructure is used efficiently. A majority of the city’s growth will occur within the Areas
of Opportunity discussed in the previous section, as this is primarily where change is anticipated to occur during this planning period to 2030. Again, this is anticipated to happen
through redevelopment efforts and as a result of constraints in both funding and process, redevelopment will not occur by efforts the city makes alone, but through partnerships. The
Metropolitan Council’s forecasts are presented in Table 4. Revised Development Framework 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Population 18,910 18,520 20,000 21,400 21,700 Households 7,766 8,033
8,600 9,200 9,300 Employment 4,536 6,419 6,600 6,800 7,000
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 25 As of 2000, the City contained 8,033 households. To achieve its 2030 household and population forecast, the City will
need to add 1,267 households. As mentioned previously, a majority of this growth will occur through redevelopment in the identified Areas of Opportunity. Preliminary planning efforts
for these areas identify substantial areas that will accommodate housing. In additional to new medium and high density areas, high density housing will also be incorporated into Mixed
Use and Transit-Oriented Districts. Table 5 demonstrates that City’s potential to accommodate housing growth within the identified Areas of Opportunity. It is important to emphasize
that these plans are preliminary, and that this efforts represents the City’s best idea of how these areas will redevelop. The capacity is calculated using the average density allowed
for each proposed land use category, to provide a conservative estimate of the community’s capacity to accommodate growth. However, since many of these areas are on small sites, and
the Transit Oriented Development land use does not have a maximum density it is anticipated that any new residential redevelopment will be multi-story thus accommodating much higher
density on a small site. The calculations provided are the City’s best guess at the density of new development. Individual developments may occur at lower or higher densities than what
is estimated in Table 5. The purpose of Table 5 is to provide the City with an overall estimate of how many housing could be accommodated, not to guide specific developments. Table 5-Potential
Housing Growth Accommodation Land Use Acres Average Density Estimated Potential Units Transit-Oriented Mixed Use 2.15 25 53.75 Stinson and 37th High Density Residential (New Perspectives)
N/A 50 Central Ave between 37th Ave 40th Ave Transit-Oriented Mixed Use 2.09 25 52.25 Circle Terrace High Density Residential 4.7 25 117.5 Transit-Oriented Mixed Use (Grand Grand Central
Central Lofts) 170 Commons Medium Density Residential 20.37 8.5 173.145 Central Avenue (west) Transit-Oriented Development 3.2 25 80 Total New Units 697 As demonstrated in Table 5, the
city’s opportunity areas represent a potential in additional capacity of approximately 697 housing units to accommodate new growth. It is anticipated that the remaining forecasted units
will be accommodated through redevelopment of individual vacant sites, infill and smaller scale redevelopment by individual property owners.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 26 Columbia Heights will also accommodate increasing employment opportunities within the city, as the city is expected to
add 581 jobs between 2000 and 2030. A majority of the city’s new employment opportunities will also be created within the Areas of Opportunity. To calculate the city’s potential capacity
to accommodate new jobs, an average density of 12 employees per acre was assumed and applied to commercial, industrial, and mixed use areas within the Areas of Opportunity. One issue
with this ratio is it does not take into account mixed-use multi-story commercial, office or industrial uses. These uses will be able to accommodate a much higher amount of jobs. This
is the case with the potential jobs to be created in Grand Central Commons where a grocery store and medical office are in the planning stages. This will provide a larger amount of jobs
per acre then reflected in this table. This exercise is presented in Table 6. Table 6-Potential Employment Growth Land Use Acres Potential Estimated Jobs Transit-Oriented Stinson and
37th Mixed Use 2.15 25.8 Commercial 1.9 22.8 University Industry 6.37 76.44 between 37th and 40th Commercial 1.5 18 Central Ave Commercial 5.3 63.6 between 37th Ave 40th Ave Transit-Oriented
Mixed Use 2.09 25.08 Transit-Oriented Mixed Use (Grand Central Lofts) 2 24+ Grand Central Commons Commercial 6 72 Central Avenue (west) Transit-Oriented Development 3.2 38.4 Total Units
366 As demonstrated in Table 6, the city’s opportunity areas represent an additional capacity of approximately 366 jobs to accommodate new growth. It is anticipated that the remaining
forecasted jobs will be accommodated through mixed-use development, redevelopment of individual vacant sites, infill and smaller scale redevelopment by individual property owners. Public
Facilities Columbia Heights is a full service community, home to many facilities enjoyed and used by the public. It is also home to local institutional, recreational and municipal facilities
facilities and services. Each of these facilities does their part in providing the necessary services to support residents in the community and beyond. Most of the city’s public facilities
are identified on Figure 4, the Public Facilities Map.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45T H AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST ARGONNE DR
43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE
HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH ST Sulivan Lake Highland
LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP Sullivan Lake Park Mc. Kenna Park Curt Ramsdell Park Albert A. Kordiak Park Keyes Park High School & Highland Elem. Silver Lake Beach Silver Lake Park
Prestemon Park Ostrander Park Labelle Park Huset Park Wargo Court Edgemoor Park Lomanki Park Gauvitte Park Valley View Elem. & Central Middle Schools Public Safety Facility City Hall
Public Works Post Office Library Public Facilities City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/public facilities.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet
September 11, 2008 City Limit Park Institutional Open Water Figure 2-4
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 28 Protection of Special Resources The City must also identify plans and strategies within its Comprehensive Plan to protect
special resources, including historic resources, solar access, and aggregate resources. The city does not contain aggregate resources; therefore only plans for solar access and historic
resource protection are provided. Historic Preservation The preservation of a community’s historic creates a meaningful connection with the with the past and helps frame the community’s
image today. The Historic Preservation Plan provides a framework for preserving and protecting the community’s history. The success of the Historic Preservation Plan is dependent on
citizens of Columbia Heights and their desire to preserve historically significant resources within the City. The city can support preservation of history within the community by creating
a Heritage Preservation Commission; however the success of this implementation strategy is dependent on the support and involvement of the community. The area around Columbia Heights
was first homesteaded in 1863 by John and Margaret Sullivan. By the 1870s, the area had a brick factory and stone quarry; however the area remained largely agricultural until the last
decade of the century. When James J. Hill constructed a rail line through the area, a direct connection was provided to the Iron Range in northern Minnesota. In response, a steel mill
was built in the early 1890s, and Columbia Heights anticipated becoming the “Pittsburgh of the West.” Unfortunately, when the mill burned down in 1898 it was not reconstructed. In 1893,
Thomas Lowry and his Minneapolis Improvement Company platted 95 acres of land for residential development in the area. Mr. Lowry promoted the community as a commuter suburb of Minneapolis,
with residents traveling via his Central Avenue Electric Car Line and Electric Street Railroad. In an effort to develop the community and provide services for new residents, Mr. Lowry
also encouraged retailers to locate in the community along the southern portion of Central Ave. Incorporated in 1898, Columbia Heights is one of the oldest suburbs in the Twin Cities
metropolitan area. While Columbia Heights has a fascinating history, the City does not maintain a formal record of historically significant structures or properties in the community.
There are no structures or properties within Columbia Heights that are listed on the National Register of Historic Place, nor are there any structures or properties eligible for listing.
Although the community does not have a Heritage Preservation Commission, the City maintains a list of videos documenting various elements of Columbia Heights cultural and historical
events. In addition, both the Anoka County Historical Society and the Columbia Heights Public Library maintain local history collections. Other cultural and historically significant
elements within the City include the acknowledgement and connection to the City’s Sister City of Lomianki, Poland, the construction of an Islamic worship center, and the establishment
of the First Lutheran music series. Each of these cultural elements strengthens the diversity of Columbia Heights and provides opportunities to explore and enjoy other cultures present
within the City.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 29 Historic Preservation Goals, Policies, and Implementation Strategies The following historic preservation goal has been
developed for Columbia Heights. The goal includes numbered policies and bulleted implementation strategies that correspond to each of the policies. Goal: Preserve and maintain the community’s
unique historical and cultural elements. 1. Encourage the formation and success of a Heritage Preservation Commission. The City will publicize the potential formation of a Heritage
Preservation Commission. The City will support the formation of a Heritage Preservation Committee and encourage resident interest. 2. Support the preparation of an inventory of historically
significant structures and places in the community. The City will create and maintain and inventory and map of historically and culturally significant structures, sites, and resources
within the community. The City will provide staff to assist the Heritage Preservation Commission in obtaining financial support for the preservation of historically significant structures
and resources. 3. Establish standards for protection of historically significant structures and places. The City will provide staff to assist the Heritage Preservation Commission
with the development of standards and policies to protect and preserve the history of the community. The City will amend the zoning ordinance to require review of construction activities
that will alter historically significant structures or disturb historically significant places. Solar Access Since 1978, the Metropolitan Planning Act has required communities to include
an element in their plans to protect access to direct sunlight for solar energy systems. The purpose of this provision is to protect solar collectors from shading by adjacent structures
and/or landscaping. The City of Columbia Heights recognizes the value of solar access protection and energy conservation in general/however, the community is fully developed with limited
new construction. In addition, while a considerable amount of redevelopment will occur throughout the City in the future, the application of this provision will be difficult within the
context of an established land use pattern and natural topography. For this reason, the City will look beyond solar accessibility to address the conservation of energy in general through
its comprehensive planning efforts. Energy Conservation Goals, Policies, and Implementation Strategies The following energy conservation and solar access protection goals have been developed
for Columbia Heights. Each goal includes numbered policies and bulleted implementation strategies that correspond to each of the policies. Goal: Guarantee access to direct sunlight for
solar energy systems.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 2 – Land Use 30 1. Protect solar collectors from shading by adjacent structures and/or landscaping. The City will evaluate the feasibility
of amending the zoning ordinance to allow building setbacks in residential areas to be varied in order to protect solar access and allow solar collection apparatuses within the setback
areas. The City will evaluate the feasibility of amending the zoning ordinance to allow building heights in residential districts to be varied in order to allow rooftop collectors.
The will evaluate the feasibility of amending the zoning ordinance to require buildings to be aligned to take advantage of direct sunlight for solar energy systems. 2. Comply with
the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 462.357 and 462.358, as may be amended. The City will amend the zoning ordinance as needed to comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statues
regarding the protection of solar access. Goal: Promote energy conservation throughout the community. 1. Encourage individual homeowners to implement energy conservation practices. Implementation
The implementation of the Comprehensive Plan does not end with adoption. The city's official controls, the zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations, will ensure day to day monitoring
and enforcement of the policy plan. The regulatory provisions of both ordinances, as revised, will provide a means of managing development in the city in a manner consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan. The city's Capital Improvements Program (Appendix B) will enable needed improvements identified in the plan to be programmed and implemented in a timely and cost
effective manner. The city must also pursue funding options for
redevelopment project. Official Controls As part of the planning process, the City will evaluate its land use controls and consider amendments to existing ordinances to eliminate inconsistencies
with the Comprehensive Plan, enhance performance standards, protect public and private investments, and to conform to mandatory State and Federal regulations. More on this can be found
in the Implementation Chapter. Redevelopment Resources There are a number of financial tools available to the city to pursue redevelopment efforts and other public improvements. The
potential tools and a brief definition are provided in Appendix A.
Chapter 3: Housing City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 1 Chapter 3 -Housing Introduction An adequate supply of safe, affordable and quality housing is an important value for any
city. Housing is a particularly significant asset for Columbia Heights as it makes up the largest component of the existing land use with 70% residential acres. In addition, housing
is the largest portion of the city’s taxable market value with residential properties making up 92% ($1.3 million in 2008) of the city’s total market value. 1 Columbia Heights is considered
a first ring suburb to Minneapolis. This means that Columbia Heights, as a city, developed first after Minneapolis but prior to the rapid expansion of the suburbs developed after World
War II, and before the suburbs we refer to today as outer ring communities. The first ring suburbs have unique challenges and opportunities. Homes of first ring cities include a mix
of suburban and urban styles, which attract a variety of residents and therefore are able to sustain sustain change and resident diversity as the community ages. Singlefamily lots are
generally smaller, similar to the core city, but farther from convenient services and less walkable. This characteristic is similar to outer ring suburbs. The housing stock in the first
ring suburbs lacks the larger lots and newer style homes, which is a characteristic in the outer suburbs and is generally appealing to younger families with children. This is evident
as the younger population declines in first ring suburbs. However, the smaller homes that are closer to key services and employment centers are becoming more attractive as people experience
increasing energy and transportation costs. In addition, older established neighborhoods are able to withstand market changes due to the diversity of the housing stock with more established
identity and built infrastructure. One of the key issues for first ring suburbs is age -aging homes, aging infrastructure and aging residents. First ring suburbs attracted families primarily
primarily due to its location and affordability. The first ring communities, like Columbia Heights, were just far enough from the core cities, but also offered home autonomy and privacy.
Many of the original families stayed in the city due to the location and affordability, but also because the home was sufficient to raise a family and age in. However, with the aging
of the homes, comes the challenge of maintenance, functionality and the ability to attract new owners, which is critical to the regeneration of a community and vitality of a city. The
housing chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will: Provide an understanding of the current condition, diversity and affordability of the housing stock. Determine who lives in the
city, where they work and how the composition of the households has changed. Anticipate the future housing needs of the city as it relates to the changing demographics of the residents,
condition and age of the housing stock and opportunities for new housing. Review and evaluate the housing and demographic conditions in similar older cities to help benchmark how
Columbia Heights compares and competes for housing. Identify the future role of the city in maintaining the quality of the housing and ensuring that there is a diversity of housing
to respond to the changing needs of the community. 1 League of Minnesota Cities, July 2008
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 2 Housing Goals & Implementation Steps: In response to the changing demographics and housing conditions outlined in the plan,
the city has established housing goals and implementation steps. The goals and implementation steps will help to provide direction for current and future policy leaders in response to
meeting the housing needs of the city as it ages and grows. In addition, they will be beneficial in the prioritization of the city’s financial and staff resources as it relates to ensuring
quality public services, stable community market values and continued neighborhood vitality. Goal: Provide a variety of life cycle housing opportunities within the community. Supportive
Findings: 1. The population is aging and there is a decrease in the younger ages of residents. From 1990 to 2000, the younger population in the city decreased by 12.3 percent Families
with children dropped by 8.6 percent and the number of children under the age of 5 dropped 19 percent while other areas in the county experienced an increase in young children 2. There
is an increasing growth of older residents and an increasing percentage of older adults living alone 32 percent of all households include only one person (22 percent is average in
other communities) 46 percent of single person households are over the age of 65 30 percent of all households include individuals 65 or older 29 percent of the households over
the age of 65 live in rental housing 3. There is a limited availability of newer, move up housing to attract growing families There are only 55 single family homes and 86 town homes
(approximately 1.4% percent of the total ownership housing stock) that have a market value of $350,000 and above. 4. Based upon a formula that considers the projected growth of new households,
level of existing affordable housing units, existing and projected job opportunities and access to transit, the Metropolitan Council estimates that Columbia Heights will need to accommodate
231 additional affordable ownership or rental housing units between 2011-2020. Implementation Strategies: 1. Encourage development and redevelopment with a mix of housing choices in
appropriate areas that protect single-family neighborhoods. Provide master plans for redevelopment areas of the city that include diverse housing styles at a various purchase and
rental levels Allow mixed use and mixed residentially zoned areas of the city Seek developments that include higher valued housing options 2. Ensure that the community’s senior
residents and residents with special needs have safe and accessible affordable housing. Evaluate opportunities for new affordable senior housing Support the transition of seniors
leaving existing homes and selling to new young buyers
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 3 Evaluate options for older residents in single-family housing to age in place while maintaining the home 3. Implement,
continuously evaluate and modify the city’s 10-year housing plan. Provide and seek out an adequate level of annual public funding toward the 10-year housing plan 4. Evaluate a program
for the conversion of rental duplexes to for-sale single-family dwellings. Identify duplexes for private and/or public purchase and conversion and include those units in the 10-year
housing plan Seek grant funding to purchase duplexes for renovation and resale 5. In redevelopment areas of the city, incorporate, when appropriate, options for housing that is affordable
at 60% of the most recent area median income to help achieve the Metropolitan Council Livable Communities housing goals identified for 2011-2020. Identify higher density redevelopment
that will include a percentage of units targeted for workforce housing Goal: Advocate housing efforts that attract and retain residents, especially young families. Supportive Findings:
1. There is a market for first time homebuyers in the City. 45 percent of the resident population is younger than 35 and almost half of them live in some type of rental housing in
the city. 70 percent of the housing units are affordable with a value under $206,800. 2. There is a decrease in the younger ages of residents. From 1990 to 2000, the younger population
in the city decreased by 12.3 percent Families with children dropped by 8.6 percent and the number of children under the age of 5 dropped 19 percent while other areas in the county
experienced an increase in young children Implementation Strategies: 1. Increase the knowledge of residents regarding available housing programs for home renovation and purchase assistance.
Include information in City newsletter, cable and city flyers regarding first time purchase classes and renovation loan programs 2. Provide additional opportunities for first time
homebuyers to purchase existing singlefamily homes. Seek first time homebuyers for purchase of city owned property Evaluate gap funding for first time purchase of homes under foreclosure
Annually meet with area bankers and realtors to promote living in the city 3. Partner with employers and the school district to attract workers to live in the city. Promote the
value of quality affordable homes near established city services, schools and jobs Promote community benefits including parks, trails, recreational opportunities, small community
downtown and schools.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 4 Meet with area employers and school district board to promote the benefits of living close to work and to reduce family
moves due to inadequate housing choices. Goal: Preserve and reinvest in the housing stock to protect values and investment in the city. Supportive Findings: 1. Homes over 30 years of
age require some level of maintenance to remain in quality and safe condition. 85 percent of the city’s housing units are over 30 years old 87 percent of the city’s rental units
are over 30 years old 2. There’s a lower overall value of housing units compared to surrounding communities which reduces city revenues and resident’s home investment 62 percent of
the single family detached homes & 8.3 percent of multifamily homes have an assessed value under $206,800 2 The median sale price of homes in 2007 was $189,900 3 lowest median sales
price compared to 12 similar cities. In 2000, Columbia Heights had the lowest average housing value at $103,000, 20 percent lower than surrounding communities. 3. Vacant, foreclosed
homes could generate a decline in home values and reduce the livability of neighborhoods. Nearly 6 percent of the city’s single-family housing stock has foreclosed between January
2007 and September 2008 Implementation Strategies: 1. Implement an inspection program upon the private sale of homes to ensure that the city’s housing stock remains safe, livable and
marketable. Review effective city ordinances used to address home health and safety conditions 2. Monitor the effects of foreclosures and on the health of residential neighborhoods
and anticipate vacant properties that may experience deferred maintenance and health hazards. Implement a foreclosure prevention and remediation program 2 2007 County Assessor 3 North
Metro Realtor Association based on MLS data for all homes sold
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 5 Work with Anoka County to access gaps funds for the private purchase of foreclosed properties 3. Continue to offer programs
that provide financial assistance and provide education on the importance of improving housing within the community. Continue to offer and fund a low-interest renovation loan program,
rebate program and energy efficiency program for home remodeling Market Anoka County deferred renovation and energy efficiency programs to residents of lower incomes Evaluate the
benefits of participation in a home remodeling fair Modify home renovation marketing materials for multiple languages 4. Reinvest in older ownership multifamily complexes through
the use of Housing Improvement Areas or other innovative financing methods. Survey multifamily ownership complexes to determine renovation needs and financial capacity to complete
long term maintenance Educate homeowner associations on the importance of ongoing maintenance maintenance and options for financing large common area projects 5. Encourage energy
efficiency and sustainability in renovation and new construction. Adopt a sustainability policy for home construction and renovation Goal: Preserve and expand the single-family neighborhoods
as the community’s strongest asset. Supportive Findings: 1. Housing is the largest portion of the city’s taxable value ($1.3 million in 2008 which is 92% of the total city market value).
2. There has been an increase of 156 additional properties licensed for rental within the past three years. Implementation Strategies: 1. Assess the community health of neighborhoods
through a neighborhood health monitoring report. 2. Hold quarterly meetings with city department leaders to review the status of the city’s housing conditions. 3. Enhance and maintain
the quality and appearance of single-family neighborhoods and the housing stock through code enforcement and clean-up efforts. Continue to offer and fund a low-interest renovation
loan program, rebate program and energy efficiency program for home remodeling Market Anoka County deferred renovation and energy efficiency programs to residents of lower incomes
4. Identify, monitor and ensure the quality condition of rented homes to promote the integrity and livability of single-family neighborhoods. Continue to annually inspect rental properties
and identify rental homes in singlefamily neighborhoods 5. Reduce the potential adverse impacts of adjacent commercial or industrial land uses on single-family residential areas.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 6 Evaluate redevelopment of commercial and industrial land uses adjacent to single-family neighborhoods to complementary
residential uses 6. Identify redevelopment areas that could support new single-family housing. 7. Evaluate new higher valued housing opportunities to provide move-up housing for existing
and new residents. 8. Encourage the development of a single-family homeowner’s maintenance association to target older resident needs in single-family neighborhoods. 9. Identify neighborhoods
and promote neighborhood liaisons to work with the city on housing and community goals. Goal: Promote the redevelopment and reinvestment of rental housing properties to provide for safe,
quality housing for resident renters. Supportive Findings: 1. 87 percent of the rental units are over 30 years old. 2. There has been an increase of 156 additional properties licensed
for rental within the past three years. 3. 46 percent of the households under the age of of 35 live in rental housing 4 4. 29 percent of the households over age 65 live in rental housing5
Implementation Strategies: 1. Strengthen the rental housing license program to ensure that all rental housing properties meet the city maintenance codes. 2. Establish a Crime Free Multi-Family
Housing Network as a forum for landlords to communicate with each other and the city. 3. Encourage the development or redevelopment of multi-unit senior housing rental units. 4. Seek
county and state funding for the renovation of rental complexes in partnership with owners and non-profit developers. Goal: Strengthen areas of commercial and civic activity by introducing
complementary housing development. Implementation Strategies: 1. Support the inclusion of appropriate housing alternatives during redevelopment in mixed-use districts. 4 2000 Census
5 2000 Census
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 7 2. Create pedestrian accessibility between housing and multi-use districts. Existing Conditions & Future Projections: Housing
Supply Columbia Heights has a diverse housing stock. This is important to ensure that there are housing choices for the current residents as they move through their life cycle and for
the future residents as the demographics of the population changes. With a population of 18,512 and 3.4 square miles of land, Columbia Heights is ranked with the 6th highest population
density (people per square mile) of any place in Minnesota. 6 There were a total of 8,033 occupied housing units in 2000, which is a growth of 267 units from 1990. Of those units, 65
percent are single-family detached, 23 percent multifamily with 3 or more units, 7 percent are duplex units and 5 percent are single-family attached townhomes. 7 Number of Units in Structure–
1990-2000 Census NUMBER OF UNITS Columbia Heights-1990 NUMBER PERCENT Columbia Heights -2000 NUMBER PERCENT Single Family Detached 5056 65.1 5190 64.6 Single Family Attached (Townhomes)
477 6.1 396 4.9 Multi Family (duplex, 3 or more units) 1642 21.1 1894 23.6 Duplex 530 6.1 530 6.6 Other 61 0.8 23 0.3 TOTAL 7766 100 8033 100 Columbia Heights continues to have options
for housing growth through several redevelopment opportunities. From 2000 -2007, 258 new single and multifamily housing units8 have been constructed in Columbia Heights, which is consistent
with the growth of housing units between 1990-2000. These new units are primarily a result of the following redevelopment efforts over the years. 6 Based on Census 2000 data compiled
by DataPlace by Knowledgeplex which profiles cities and states throughout the nation, 7 Census 2000 8 City of Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 8 Population and Household Growth and Forecasts Similar to many other first ring suburbs across the nation, Columbia Heights
population has been declining. Since 1980 the number of households has seen a slight increase. This is an indicator that people per household has decreased as families aged and children
moved. However, looking into the future, it is projected that there will be an increase in the population much similar to the increase in households, indicating a transition back to
more families with children, and more multigenerational households or non-related residents living together. That shift is likely a result of the increase in minority households that
traditionally have larger household sizes or people per household. Columbia Heights, however, is expected to experience slower percentage growth than the county due in large part to
the fully developed nature of the city and lack of new land for development. Population History and Forecasts Actual Forecasts* 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010 2020 2030 Columbia Heights
23,997 20,029 18,910 18,520 18,261 20,000 21,400 21,700 increase x 16.54% -5.59% -2.06% -1.40% 9.52% 7.00% 1.40% Anoka Co. 154,556 195,998 243,641 298,084 320,803 360,270 407,210 427,260
increase x 26.81% 24.31% 22.35% 7.62% 12.30% 13.03% 4.92% Household History and Forecasts Actual Estimate Forecasts* 1970 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010 2020 2030 Columbia Heights 6,891 7,343
7,766 8,033 8,056 8,600 9,200 9,300 increase x 6.56% 5.76% 3.44% 0.29% 6.75% 6.98% 1.09% Anoka Co. 39,668 60,716 82,437 106,428 117,409 135,670 157,760 168,690 increase x 53.06% 35.77%
29.10% 10.32% 15.55% 16.28% 6.93%
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 9 Tenure Columbia Heights has a diverse and stable distribution of ownership and rental housing with a slight change between
1990 and 2000. In 2000, 72 percent of the housing units were owner occupied and 28 percent renter occupied, while in 1990, 70 percent of the housing units were owner occupied and 30
percent rental occupied. This was a 2 percent change. Some notable differences include a slight change in the occupancy of single-family detached homes as well as the increase in larger
rental units. In 2000, 6.7 percent of the single-family detached homes were rental, while in 1990, 8.6 percent of that same housing stock was rental. This was a 2 percent decrease. The
largest change between 1990 and 2000 was in the increase in buildings with 20 or more units that were rental, a 10.9 percent increase or 247 units. Since 2000, there has been an increasing
number of single-family homes that are rentals. In 1989, the city enacted a rental licensing requirement to ensure the quality of rental units and to improve the ability of the city
to track rental housing. This program tracks known units of rental housing within the city and conducts approximately 1,500 inspections as a part of the licensure process. Of the 760
rental units, approximately 37 percent are located within apartment-style buildings. The remaining units are dispersed throughout townhome and single-family developments within the city.
Compared to other metro area cities, Columbia Heights is most closely aligned with the Cities of White Bear Lake and West St. Paul. Columbia Heights has a higher ownership rate compared
to the national average of 67 percent, but slightly less than the statewide average of 75 percent. Adequate opportunities for safe, decent and affordable housing are a key component
of a balanced housing supply that includes a mix of both ownership and rental options. There are many reasons why an individual and/or family choose to rent rather than own. Those choices
may be short term due to financial issues (unable to afford a mortgage, need to save for a down payment, clear up credit issues), family issues (divorce, separation, job relocation)
or social issues (disability, in-between home ownership, not secure in job, unsure on location preference). Also, many Owner/Renter Mix in Similar Communities Source: 2000 Census Percent
Change in Rental Housing by Type Source: 1990-2000 Census
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 10 people choose a life of renting rather than owning due to income, transitional careers, traveling and aging. According
to the 2000 Census, 46 percent of the households under the age of 35 live in rental housing in Columbia Heights. With 8,100 residents younger than 35 (45% of the total population), almost
half of them live in some type of rental housing in the city. In addition, 29 percent of the households over the age of 65 live in rental housing in Columbia Heights. The number of households
under the age of 35 living in rental housing has decreased by 240 since 1990, indicating that there have been more ownership opportunities for young renters in the community due to the
affordability of homes in the city. Conversely, the number of households over the age of 65 living in rental housing has increased by 128. There are many affordable opportunities for
ownership in Columbia Heights. There are a variety of small single-family homes, duplexes and twin homes and newer townhomes in the city that are attractive as starter homes for the
young and for the empty nester. With 39 as the median age in the city, 71% of the ownership housing is owned by middle-aged households (35-65). This has stayed fairly constant since
1990 while the older owners (over age 75) increased by 333 households since 1990. While there are many affordable ownership and rental opportunities in the city, there are few larger,
more expensive move-up opportunities. This limits the ability of the city to retain residents who have either a growing family and or desire to purchase a newer, larger home and stay
in the city. For all these reasons, a community that embraces the benefits of providing a wide range of living choices, which includes quality rental and a variety of single-family housing
and multifamily ownership choices, provides a healthy balance of opportunities in the city.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 11 Housing Quality: The quality of housing can be reviewed by evaluating the property age, condition, value and sales information.
One effective measurement is to evaluate these factors against similar older cities. Columbia Heights is considered to be part of an “Old Metro Cities” group. This clustering of cities
was developed by the League of Minnesota Cities, which compares cities based upon similar financial categories and similar tax capacities. In mostly all categories, Columbia Heights
has one of the lowest residential market values, lower median sales price and has one of the oldest housing stocks. This is an indicator that the city will need to continue to focus
on maintaining and improving the current housing stock as well as provide new housing options in redevelopment areas. Property Age The city’s housing stock is older compared to the metropolitan
area, and older properties require a greater investment in maintenance. The city’s owner-owner-occupied structures are 14 years older than metropolitan area owner-occupied structures.
The median year built for a residential owner-occupied structure in Columbia Heights is 1957, compared to the metropolitan area median of 19719. Compared to a home constructed after
1969, the annual average expenditure for home maintenance on a home built between 1940 and 1969 is 70% greater; on a home built from 1920 to 1939 is a 136% greater; and on a home built
before 1920 is 91% greater10. Year Built Years Old Columbia Heights Metropolitan Area Additional Maintenance Investment 1969-2000 <31 18% 52% n/a 1940-1969 31 -60 67% 32% 70% <1939 >69
16% 17% 91% -136% In addition, comparing Columbia Heights throughout the state, the city has the 19th highest percentage of housing units built from 1960 to 1969, and ranks 20th highest
on percentage of housing units built from 1950 to 1959.11 Generally, homes over 30 years of age require some level of maintenance. In Columbia Heights, 85 percent of the homes are nearly
30 30 years old or more. Encouraging reinvestment in homes is critical to maintain and enhance the city’s value and integrity. 9 2000 Census 10 Galster, p. 226 11 Based on Census 2000
data compiled by DataPlace by Knowledgeplex which profiles cities and states throughout the nation,
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 12 Median Housing Value by City source: 2000 Census Housing Value There are several methods to determine how Columbia Heights’
housing values are holding up compared to other like cities. Census values, sales prices and market value for taxes are all methods that measure the performance of a city related to
home value. In all cases, Columbia Heights is the lowest or one of the lowest in home value. According to Census 2000 data, Columbia Heights had the lowest median housing value ($103,000),
which was closest to Anoka ($116,000) and Coon Rapids ($126,000). When comparing the average market value increase between 1990 and 2000, Columbia Heights increased at a slower pace
at 39% compared with the average of the metro old cities at 47% and the metro area at 63%. Columbia Heights also had the lowest average and median sales price and market values when
compared to cities throughout the metro area. In 2004, Columbia Heights fell behind in average market value compared to the metro old cities and the metro area. This trend continues
comparing the same cities in 2007. According to North Metro Realtor Association data, the average sales price of singlefamily homes in Columbia Heights was $189,707, with a median sales
price of $189,900. This was the lowest sales price compared to those 12 other similar cities.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 13 The lower sales price and market values may be due to location, quality of neighborhoods, city infrastructure, generally
smaller square footage of the homes and the overall older age of the housing stock. The comparison and slower value growth will affect the city’s ability to attract new households with
enough income to reinvest in the housing stock. In addition, a slow market value increase in homes will affect the retention of residents who look to move up to higher value housing
with additional amenities as their incomes and family size increases. Supporting the addition of new housing units in the community, providing a variety of incentives for households
to reinvest in their existing homes and ensuring that homes are maintained and not allowed to fall into disrepair will help to increase the overall value and sales of homes, as well
as to diversify the housing options in the city. Property Maintenance Another method to determine the level level of reinvestment in homes in the city is to review the activity of home
renovation permits as well as the number
and type of property maintenance complaints. Based on the property maintenance complains from 2002-2006, as monitored by the Columbia Heights Fire Department, there were a total of 1,500
property maintenance complaints with 50% of those complaints due to deferred maintenance issues. In 2006, the city ordered the abatement of 30 properties for exterior maintenance items.
Homes with deferred maintenance are at risk of being purchased by investors. Some of these investment purchases are minimally maintained and then rented. The transition of single-family
ownership homes to single-family rental can affect a neighborhood’s home value and desirability, due to the lack of home investment, parking issues and higher turnover of residents.
Columbia Heights has seen a stable level of home renovation permits over the past 5 years. Year Home Renovation Permit 2003 505 2004 447 2005 516 2006 561 2007 502
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 14 Housing Demand: Age of the Population The age distribution of the people who live in the city and surrounding areas will
have an important impact on housing type, style, and price points that current and future residents will demand. It is important to examine the age distribution of current Columbia Heights
residents because they will also affect demand for certain types of housing as their age and family composition changes. Not unlike many other communities, the population is aging. During
the 1990’s there was a shift from an emphasis on younger residents (under age 35) to middle aged residents between the ages of 35 to 54. From 1990 to 2000, the younger population in
Columbia Heights decreased by 12.3 percent. This is a similar decrease in younger population to that of the region at 11 percent in Anoka County and 12 percent in the twin cities metropolitan
area. However, families with children dropped by 8.6 percent and the number of children children under the age of 5 dropped 19 percent. This was during a period when much of the region
showed gains rather than losses. Both Anoka County and the Twin Cities Metro Area saw an increase in families with children by 10 percent. In addition, there were gains in children under
the age of 5 with Anoka County seeing a 5 percent increase and the metro area a 2 percent increase. Maintaining a close relationship with the area schools to understand young family
housing needs could help to stabilize school enrollment as well as turnover in the city’s housing. At the same time, there was an increase in residents over the age of 35 in most categories
except ages 55-64, which experienced a decrease. Columbia Heights has the 2nd highest percentage of the
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 15 population 65 years and older at 18% in 2000 compared to similar communities. However, the most significant increase in
the population in Columbia Heights (86%) was seen in residents who were 85 and older. This trend is predicted to continue as the overall population in the region and nation increases.
Evaluating the housing needs for the older residents is important to identify alternative housing options and programs. Family Composition In addition to age, family composition provides
good information as to the type of housing that will be needed by current and future residents of Columbia Heights. Family Composition 1990 2000 % change Married with children 20% 16%
20% reduction Married without children 32% 27% 15% reduction Single parent 9% 9% -Living alone 28% 34% 21% increase Living with unrelated people 11% 14% 27% increase While households
that include married adults with children and without children decreased, those living alone or living with unrelated people increased, while single-parent households stayed constant.
The average percentage of households with only one person is 22 percent in surrounding communities, compared to 34 percent in Columbia Heights. It can be assumed that many of those residents
living alone are older adults that either live in rental housing or are remaining in single-family homes or “aging in place”. A summary of household distribution in Columbia Heights
is as follows: • 43% Households includes 2+ adults • 16% Households includes 2+ adults with children which is lower than the average in surrounding communities of 20% • 6% Households
includes 1 female parent with children which is fairly consistent with the average in surrounding communities at 7% • 34% Households includes 1 adult which is higher than the average
in surrounding communities of 29% • 31% Households includes individuals 65 or older which is higher than the average in surrounding communities of 23% • 26% Households includes children
under 18 Providing adequate housing options for single person households (young professionals and older adults) will be an important asset for the city in the future.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 16 Ethnicity (Diversity of Residents): The ethnic diversity of a community can shape not only housing needs but also community
service delivery such as recreation opportunities, multiple language materials and communications, school programming and retail services. In 2000, Columbia Heights remained mostly Caucasian
but declined from 95% in 1990 to 87% in 2000. The percentage of minority householders (13%) is larger than many similar communities such as Anoka, Hastings, New Brighton, Shoreview,
White Bear Lake and South St. Paul. Columbia Heights is most similar in non-white population to New Hope, Crystal and West St. Paul, with Brooklyn Park, Hopkins and Richfield having
a higher percentage of minorities. All communities, as well as the nation, are seeing an increase in ethnic diversity, which will have an impact on the demand for future housing choices
and the modification in the delivery of public services.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 17 The trend for an increase in diversity is likely to continue. When looking at Columbia Heights School District enrollment
in 2006, there is a much larger diversity of non-white students at 53%, which could be attributed to the growing presence of immigrant families moving to the region and potentially choosing
Columbia Heights due to its location to Minneapolis and affordable housing stock. Also, the number of foreign born immigrants is rising at a faster pace than that of the County as a
whole with Columbia Heights increasing from 8% in 2000 to 18% 2006 and Anoka County increasing from 4% in 2000 to 7% in 2006. 2000 – 2006 Change in Native Born vs Foreign Born Population
Anoka County Columbia Heights number percent number percent 2000 Native Born 287,313 96% 16,973 92% Foreign Born 10,771 4% 1,547 8% Total Population 298,084 100% 18,520 100% 2006 Native
Born 304,189 93% 15,011 82% Foreign Born 22,816 7% 3,277 18% Total Population 327,005 100% 18,288 100% Source: 2000 Census; 2006 American Community Survey; Metropolitan Council, 2006
Columbia Heights projections are assumed
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 18 Income Income of the residents is one of the most important factors to consider when determining the demand and need for
housing in a community. Evaluating income provides insight into the ability of residents to reinvest in their home and the type of homes they can afford to purchase or rent. Columbia
Heights had a median household income of $40,562, which was 25% below the metropolitan area median of $54,332, 22% below the county of $51,711 and 14% below the state median income of
$47,111. This lower income level results in residents finding it difficult to pay to cure deferred maintenance items on their home as well as reinvest in home improvement. Further, out
of 189 metropolitan area cities, only nine had a lower median household income.12 Conversely, Columbia Heights is an affordable community when comparing the household cost burdens with13
similar cities. A housing cost burden is defined as a household that spends 30 percent or more of its income on housing costs. In Columbia Heights, 38% of the households whose income
is at or below 80% of the area median income have a housing cost burden. This is a lower percentage of households with a cost burden than the other 13 comparable cities in the region.
When looking at the owner-occupied housing, approximately 632 or 12% of all owner-occupied households in the city suffer from a moderate to severe housing cost burden, and 28% of rental
households pay more than 35% of income on housing. This means that 40% of the city’s households have a moderate to severe housing cost burden. A moderate burden is defined as housing
costs greater than 35% of gross household income. A severe housing cost burden is defined as housing costs greater than 50% of gross household income. Housing costs include the mortgage,
deeds of trust, contracts to purchase, or similar debts on the property; real estate taxes; fire, hazard, and flood insurance on the property; utilities and, where applicable, monthly
homeownership association fees. Renter calculations use gross rent, which is the contract rent plus the estimated average monthly cost of utilities (electricity, gas, water and sewer)
and fuels (oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc.) if paid by the renter (or paid for the renter by someone else). Even though there is an overall lower cost burden in Columbia Heights than
the other cities, there are a relatively high percentage of residents who live in poverty and receive public assistance. 6.4% of the residents in Columbia Heights live in poverty, which
is the third highest 12 Census 2000
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 19 of comparable cities and higher than the county of 4.1%, but comparable to the metro area at 6.4%. Columbia Heights residents
also have a higher rate of households that receive public assistance at 4.3%, which is the 2nd highest of the comparable cities.13 Lastly, 227 low-income senior citizen homeowners participate
in the utility credit program. This program provides a credit of about $81 annually against utility costs. The Householders qualify if they are 65 years of age or older, and have an
annual income of $26,500 or less.14 It is logical to assume that if the homeowner cannot afford to pay $81 per year for public utilities, they would have difficulty also paying to reinvest
in the home and make necessary home maintenance. Acknowledging that there is a higher percentage of the population with lower incomes with an affordable housing stock is important. The
city will need to provide assistance for home renovation for the lower incomes households as well as promote and support new housing options in redevelopment areas to build the market
base of the city and provide additional housing options for medium and higher income people. Housing Affordability One of the most important factors in analyzing the housing stock is
its affordability and marketability. Columbia Heights has a very affordable housing stock as noted previously when reviewing the value of the homes and the cost burdens of the residents.
This is due to the age of the housing as well as the size of the homes. These same factors also contribute the city’s marketability and housing value. With older and smaller homes, the
average market value is less than that of the newer suburban communities. What is affordable housing? There are several different definitions of affordable housing. The definition most
frequently cited and measured in this report is that housing is affordable if households do not pay more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs.15 When households have incomes
at or below 80 13 Census 2000 14 Columbia Heights Finance Department -2007 15 Defined by the Federal Housing and Urban Development “HUD”
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 20 percent of the area median income (AMI), home ownership becomes a challenge. This household group tends to pay more than
30 percent of their income on housing and has less disposable income to pay for other goods and services such as clothing, food, child care, transportation and medical expenses. Also,
those residents with lower incomes have significantly fewer housing choices to meet their family needs. In addition to income, the age distribution of households (older residents staying
in their homes longer) has an effect on the availability of homes that are affordable. Ownership Housing Affordability In 2007, according to Metropolitan Council, a home with a value
of $206,800 or less is considered affordable to persons with incomes at or below 80 percent of the AMI. According to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Minnesota Housing), qualifying
households can access low interest, first time homebuyer mortgage funds for housing with a maximum maximum purchase price of $298,125. However, looking to the future, housing advocates
and funding agencies will be adjusting the levels of affordability with more emphasis on meeting the needs of those with incomes at or below 60 percent of the AMI. In Columbia Heights,
70 percent of ownership housing had an assessed value under $206,800 and 12 percent of ownership homes are affordable to those below 60 percent of the AMI. Future (2011-2020) metropolitan
area targets for affordable housing will focus on the lower income households making at or below the 60 percent AMI rather than 80 percent AMI. Affordability of Ownership Housing in
Columbia Heights16 Affordability Level Approximate Affordable Market Value* Number of Houses at this Estimated Market Value** Percentage of Columbia Heights Homes at This Level 60% of
AMI => $152,000 800 12.3% 80% of AMI $152,001 to $206,800 3,736 57.7% 100% of AMI $206,801 to $250,000 1,208 18.5% Over 100% of AMI < $250,000 749 11.5% * These affordable home prices
are approximate, based on a household spending 30% of their income on mortgage and obtaining a mortgage interest rate of 6.5%, with no down payment. **AMI is “area median income” and
represents the median household income in the seven county metropolitan area. This is approximately $78,500 in 2007. Rental Housing Affordability There are approximately 760 rental units
in the City of Columbia Heights including apartments, senior complexes and single-family homes. The demand for apartment rental remains strong in the city probably due to the overall
affordability and range of housing choices. 16 Anoka County, 2008 data for 2007 tax purposes
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 21 percent lower than Anoka County, the Metro Area and several similar communities with a median rent of $567. In fact, Columbia
Heights had the third lowest median rent above only Hastings and slightly above South St. Paul. Lower rents increase the affordability of Columbia Heights units for lower income residents.
Columbia Heights’ lower rents are a factor of the overall age of the rental housing stock, as well as the market to attract higher rent residents. With 87 percent of the rental housing
over 30 years old, it is essential that these units remain in good quality condition to effectively serve the residents and maintain the city’s neighborhoods. Columbia Heights also has
a balanced supply of subsidized and specialized housing with a total of 281 subsidized housing units. In addition, Columbia Heights has 521 units of rental senior apartments. Maintaining
the affordable units and providing opportunities for newer, higher valued housing will help to diversity the housing stock and provide a full range of housing choices in the future.
Housing Foreclosures Home foreclosures can have an impact on a neighborhood and community with deferred maintenance and the potential issues associated with vacant homes. Columbia Heights
has experienced an influx of properties falling into foreclosure, particularly from January of 2007 through September 2008 with 372 properties in foreclosure. This is nearly 6 percent
of the city’s single-family housing stock. Even though the foreclosures in Columbia Heights are scattered throughout the city, there are blocks with clusters of foreclosed homes, and
many of those foreclosures are rental homes (refer to rental and foreclosures map – figure xx). The homes that fall into foreclosure may go unoccupied and not be maintained properly
for a period of time, potentially putting additional burden on code enforcement staff and increasing the potential for neighborhood housing decline in appearance and value. The vacant
homes may also attract investment buyers who in turn rent the homes for a short period until the market resurges. In a slow market, investment buyers tend to purchase properties of lower
value ($200,000 or less) for rentals without putting additional money into the maintenance and/or enhancement of the homes. The City of Columbia Heights has seen a marked increase of
156 additional properties licensed for rental within the past three years; specifically 618 licenses in 2005, 722 licenses in 2006 and 774 licenses in 2007 with 210 (4% of the total
single family units) of the rental licenses within singlefamily detached properties. In addition, the percentage of total home sales that were in foreclosure is over 30% in Columbia
Heights. This is the second highest percentage when comparing other like communities behind Brooklyn Center.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 22 Ensuring that these homes are brought up to code prior to resale is a strategy to discourage the short-term purchase, renting
and reselling by investors, who do not have a vested interest in the city and specific neighborhoods. However, the newly vacant homes could also be an opportunity for affordable housing
purchases, with proper renovation to ensure the homes are not being purchased without necessary improvements. Metropolitan Council Livable Communities Act: Affordability Goals: In January
of 2006, the Metropolitan Council released goals for the production of new affordable housing in the metropolitan region for the years 2011-2020. The goals focus on households earning
at or below 60 percent of the AMI to more effectively target lower income households with limited financial resources. In 2007 dollars, a household of four with an income at or below
60 percent AMI earns up to $47,100, and can afford to purchase a home at or less than $152,000. The Metropolitan Council has established a need for 231 new affordable housing units to
be developed in Columbia Heights between 2011-2020. New affordable units are defined as ownership or rental housing affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent AMI. Metropolitan
Council projects that Columbia Heights will grow by 600 households between 2010-2020. Assuming that the household growth is equal to new units, 39 percent of the new units should be
affordable to meet the Metropolitan Council goals. This leaves 61% (366 units) of the new growth that can be targeted for higher valued homes to diversity the housing stock and provide
a full range of housing choices in the city. The new housing units built in the city in the next 10-12 years will most likely be the result of redevelopment efforts. 17 17 Metropolitan
Council, January 2006, Local Percentage Need for Affordable Housing
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 23 Opportunities for New Affordable Workforce Housing There are several opportunity areas within the city that have the potential
to create additional housing units. These areas, outlined in the economic development and land use chapters of the plan, are areas for potential higher densities with mixed uses and
mixed income housing. Estimates for new housing range from 500-700 potential units if fully built out by 2030. Considering that housing would require a purchase price at or less than
$152,000 to own a home or pay no more than $1,177 per month in rent for a family of four in 2007 dollars, Columbia Heights will need to consider a wide variety of new housing options
to achieve the Metropolitan Council’s forecasted need for affordable housing units in the city by 2020. Those options will likely be additional rental housing, ownership multifamily
homes or small lot singlefamily homes that are developed in partnership with non-profit housing developers or organizations (Habitat for Humanity or community land trusts groups) mostly
within redevelopment areas in the city. Job Growth and Economic Base: The City of Columbia Heights’s employment increased 41.5 percent, from 4,537 jobs in 1990 to 6,419 jobs in 2000.18
The employment change in Columbia Heights over the last 10 years is more than the overall change in the county at 31.7 percent and the twin cities metro area at 22.8 percent. By comparing
Columbia Heights’ change in employment from 1990-2000 to similar cities, only the communities of Shoreview and White Bear Lake experienced higher employment growth. However, Columbia
Heights had one of the lowest employmentper-household ratios of any 18 Census 2000 0.30 0.50 0.70 0.90 1.10 1.30 1.50 1.70 1.90 Columbia Heigh ts Anoka Brookl yn Cent er Crystal Hast
ings Hopkins New Brighton New Hope Richfield Shoreview Sout h St . Paul West St. Paul Wh it e Bear La ke Metropolitan Area State of Minnesota Jobs per Household
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 3 -Housing 24 other comparable city, except Crystal. More significantly, since 2000, the jobs in Columbia Heights decreased by 21.6%,
with a total of 4,976 in 2007. This was likely due to the redevelopment of industrial areas to residential uses in the past several years, making the projections for employment growth
directly related to Columbia Height’s ability to redevelop and reinvest in the land. Therefore, as older areas in the city are redeveloped, there will be additional opportunities to
add jobs as well as new housing. With Columbia Heights location close to Minneapolis, there is a great potential for access to labor needed to attract quality business development. The
additional jobs will provide employment opportunities for existing residents and those who might consider moving to the city, thereby providing a positive market for existing and new
housing. According to Metropolitan Council Forecasts, Columbia Heights’ employment base will grow by 400 jobs between 2010-2030 with a total employment base of 7,000 jobs by 2030. Housing
Financial Resources Providing an adequate amount of funding implements the initiatives that will help to achieve the city’s housing goals is an ongoing issue for the city. With limited
local public resources, the city must seek additional outside sources of funds to adequately address home renovation, rehabilitation and revitalizations. While there are federal, state
and local programs to encourage reinvestment in the housing stock, they are neither long-term nor substantial. According to the city, between 2002 to 2006, the total public investment
in housing rehabilitation and replacement was approximately $650,000, or an average of $130,000 per year. The total number of Columbia Heights’ households participating in a local, county
or state program was 177, or about 35 residents per year. Approximately 55% of the assistance was provided in the form of rehabilitation loans or grants, and 45% for home replacement.
Furthermore, 65% of the assistance was provided through Minnesota Housing, 15% by the Metropolitan Council, and 20% by the City of Columbia Heights. The use of these programs are scattered
throughout the community. This could indicate that there is not one neighborhood in need of housing assistance, but rather the entire city has a need and has used publicly assisted housing
improvement programs in the past. This level of investment has not proven sufficient to address the extent of deferred maintenance of the housing stock in the city and help increase
the property values and preserve the appeal of the city’s neighborhoods. In 2007, the Community Development Department estimated that to adequately address the housing issues in the
city, there should be a significant increase in public resources from $130,000 to $650,000 per year. With this level of public resources the city could increase rehabilitation and replacement
assistance to problem properties from 35 per year to approximately 95 per year, which is a 270% increase. There are a number of financial tools available to the city and its residents
to promote housing maintenance and revitalization. Access to these tools, along with redevelopment resources, will help to achieve the city housing goals and promote a community with
a safe, affordable and diversity of housing choices for current and future residents. The tools and a brief definition are provided in Appendix A.
Chapter 4: Economic Development City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 1 Chapter 4 -Economic Development Introduction The City of Columbia Heights, its Economic Development Authority
(EDA), and the community can help to protect a strong local economy by creating and retaining desirable jobs which provide a good standard of living for individuals and diversify the
local tax base. Since the city has long been fully developed, this effort includes looking at areas in need of upgrade, modernization, better utilization and in some cases, redevelopment.
This chapter will outline the city’s goals and policies with respect to economic development; provide an overview of the employment and economic conditions in Columbia Heights, and describe
the districts where economic activity is concentrated. There are varieties of economic development tools and techniques that will be important for the City to be aware of and utilize
when appropriate. These tools can benefit not only economic development measures but, redevelopment and housing as well. For that reason, all the financial tools are assembled together
in Appendix A. One of the first steps is to analyze the local economy to get an indication of how well the economy is performing. In order to achieve a better understanding of the economy,
it is best to use more than one measure of economic size and compare the community to the economy as a whole (State of Minnesota or Metropolitan Area) and also to surrounding communities
that face similar economic conditions that are often competitors for businesses. Economic Development Goals and Policies In an effort to improve and diversity the tax base and increase
local jobs the city has establish economic goals, policies and implementation steps. These goals, combined with the policy and implementation steps, will help provide direction for current
and future policy leaders in repose to maintaining a strong economy. Goal: Enhance the economic viability of the community. 1. Encourage the continuation and enhancement of existing
industries within the community. Meet with existing businesses to understand needs or assistance city may be able to supply. 2. Rehabilitate, or where necessary, redevelop substandard
and/or functionally obsolete commercial development through private means or, if necessary, public assistance. Develop a revolving loan fund to provide low interest loans for structural
building and or aesthetic improvements. Goal: Promote reinvestment in properties by the commercial and industrial sectors. 1. Work with the Chamber of Commerce and other merchant and
civic organizations to stimulate and maintain commercial interest in the community.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 2 Support and encourage activities promoted by the Chamber of Commerce and other merchants to attract visitors
and shoppers to Columbia Heights. 2. Encourage existing industries and businesses to expand within the community. Use fiscal tools to financially support expansion efforts. 3. Develop
a marketing plan and strategy aimed at creating a commercial and industrial identity that will help recruit business and industry to Columbia Heights. Create a specific marketing
and promotion effort for downtown with the intent of creating a unique and marketable identity for downtown. Utilize the city’s website, newsletter, newspaper and industry journals
to market and promote opportunities for business growth and development in the city. Partner with local news sources to reflect positive attributes of the community. 4. Promote high
quality development and redevelopment opportunities within the community. In order to provide provide businesses with superior long term access to employees and customers, redevelopment
in key transit corridors should be designed with provisions
to support existing transit service and flexibility to upgrade for known future transit service. Explore what state and federal programs exist that could be used to help encourage
economic development in Columbia Heights. 5. Solicit business that fill voids in the current range of retail and business services offered in Columbia Heights. The City will consider
the number and average wage rates of created jobs when deciding on the use of financial incentives for industrial uses to more fully utilize the higher skill levels of local workers.
Goal: Provide a wide variety of employment opportunities within the community 1. Improve the quality and quantity of local employment opportunities. Determine what industries will
best fit specific opportunity sites and directly seek and motivate their interest. Attract higher paying jobs in service, industry, and/or office to invite and retain residents.
Consider encouraging discount stores and other retail to develop in Columbia Heights. One of the first steps to analyze the local economy is to get an indication of how well the economy
is performing. In order to achieve a better understanding of the economy, it is best to use more than one measure of economic size and compare the community to the economy as a whole
(State of Minnesota or Metropolitan Area) and also to surrounding communities that face similar economic conditions that are often competitors for businesses.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 3 Total Employment As a first ring suburb, Columbia Heights has long been fully developed and this lack of vacant
land has resulted in a very moderate employment growth rate over the past 30 years (Figure 1, Table 1). The Metropolitan Council is projecting that Columbia Heights will be able to grow
400 new jobs between 2010-2030. Figure 1: Employment Growth (1980-2030) Source: Metropolitan Council In the 1990-2000 time period, the employment growth rate accelerated and has since
leveled off at approximately ¾ of a job for every household. This level is a slight decline from 2000, but is projected to remain stable through the life of this plan (Table 1, Figure
2). Table 1: Households and Employment (1980-2030) 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Households 7,343 7,766 8,033 8,600 9,200 9,300 Employment 4,618 4,536 6,397 6,600 6,800 7,000 Job/HH
0.63 0.58 0.80 0.77 0.74 0.75 Source: Metropolitan Council, Bonestroo 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,0001980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Employment
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 4 Figure 2: Employment Per Household (1980-2030) 0.55 0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 0.90 0.95 1.001980 1990
2000 2010 2020 2030 Jobs per Household 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Source: Metropolitan Council, Bonestroo Columbia Heights’ employment per household is approximately half of the rate
in the Metropolitan Area as a whole (Table 2) and indicates that the City is largely a bedroom suburban community rather than a regionally significant employment center. When viewed
against the other comparison cities (Table 2, Figure 3), Columbia Heights is near the bottom in employment per household, trailing all cities except Crystal. Columbia Heights’ lack of
employment is not the concern that it would be in many other communities because it is located immediately adjacent to the State’s largest employment center, the City of Minneapolis,
and therefore local residents have a wide range of employment possibilities nearby.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 5 Table 2: Employment Per Household (2007) Figure 3: Employment per Household Source: Metropolitan Council,
Bonestroo 0.30 0.50 0.70 0.90 1.10 1.30 1.50 1.70 1.90 Columbia Heigh tsAnoka Brooklyn Center Crystal Hastings Hopkins New Brighton New Hope Richfield Shoreview South St. Paul West St.
Paul White Bear Lake Metropolitan Area State of Minnesota Jobs per Household Employment Households Emp/HH Columbia Heights 4,980 8,021 0.62 Anoka 13,433 7,310 1.84 Brooklyn Center 12,932
11,207 1.15 Crystal 4,341 9,345 0.46 Hastings 9,249 8,347 1.11 Hopkins 11,716 8,514 1.38 New Brighton 10,099 9,330 1.08 New Hope 11,759 8,821 1.33 Richfield 16,949 14,974 1.13 Shoreview
12,982 10,467 1.24 South St. Paul 8,535 8,163 1.05 West St. Paul 8,538 8,605 0.99 White Bear Lake 12,302 10,081 1.22 Metropolitan Area 1,615,659 1,109,836 1.46 State of Minnesota 2,677,054
2,061,551 1.30 Source: Minnesota State Demographic Center, Minnesota Department of Employment Employment and Economic Development, Bonestroo
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 6 Wages Given the relatively small size of the Columbia Heights employment base, it is not surprising that it
also lags almost all of the comparison cities in total annual wages, with approximately $200 million being paid to local workers each year (Figure 4, Table 3). Figure 4: Total Annual
Wages (2007) Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Table 3: Total annual Wages (2007) $100,000,000 $200,000,000 $300,000,000 $400,000,000 $500,000,000 $600,000,000
$700,000,000 $800,000,000 $900,000,000 $1,000,000,000 $1,100,000,000 Columbia Heights Anoka Brooklyn Center Crystal Hastings Hopkins New Brighton New Hope Richfield Shor eview South
St. Paul West St. Paul White Bear Lake Total Wages Total Wages Columbia Heights $199,723,283 Anoka $569,072,627 Brooklyn Center $512,275,804 Crystal $127,598,027 Hastings $295,555,509
Hopkins $506,746,727 New Brighton $452,927,363 New Hope $465,203,712 Richfield $1,035,513,144 Shoreview $695,136,657 South St. Paul $331,042,643 West St. Paul $251,106,956 White Bear
Lake $417,606,031 Source: Minne sota De partment of Employment a nd Economic Development
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 7 The average weekly wage goes beyond the total wage information and attempts to measure what is often referred
to as “job quality”. Higher average weekly wages tend to support higher residential values as employees will pay more to locate near high quality jobs and bid up the local housing stock.
Higher average weekly wages also can lead to more discretionary income and result in an increase of retail and service variety in the community. Columbia Heights’ close proximity to
the City of Minneapolis makes its quality of life less dependent on wage generating capacity within the City limits than in other cities. Columbia Heights’ average weekly wage is in
the middle of the comparison cities and 79% of the Metropolitan Area average (Table 4, Figure 5). Table 4: Average Weekly Wage (2007) Avg. Weekly Wage Columbia Heights $772 Anoka $816
Brooklyn Center $762 Crystal $566 Hastings $622 Hopkins $833 New Brighton $865 New Hope $796 Richfield $1,181 Shoreview $1,033 South St. Paul $764 West St. Paul $569 White Bear Lake
$658 Metropolitan Area $977 State of Minnesota $853 Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 8 Figure 5: Average Weekly Wage (2007) Source: Minnesota Demographic Center, Minnesota Department of Employment
and Economic Development Employer Profile Table 5 lists the largest employers in Columbia Heights. This data source has limited analytical value because the information can be dated,
part-time and full-time employment is often mixed and companies are often resistant to providing updated information, however, it serves as a useful snapshot of where the employment
is occurring within the community. $500 $600 $700 $800 $900 $1,000 $1,100 $1,200 Columbia Heigh ts Anoka Brooklyn Center Crystal Hastings Hopkins New Brighton New Hope Richfield Shoreview
South St. Paul West St. Paul White Bear Lake Metropolitan Area State of Minnesota Avg. Weekly Wage
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 9 Table 5: Major Employers in Columbia Heights Employer Number of Employees Medtronic, Inc. 619 Independent
School District 13 435 Crestview Corporation 231 City of Columbia Heights 203 Columbia Park Clinic 108 Employment by Industry Table 6 and Figure 6 present data on the distribution of
jobs by industry and the change in the number of jobs by industry from 2000 to 2007. From the table and chart, it can be seen that the employment base in Columbia Heights is about 80%
in the service industries. The top industries are Education and Health Services; Professional and Business Services; and Manufacturing. Columbia Heights has experienced a broad based
decline in employment across most sectors since 2000. The primary exceptions to this negative trend have been in Education and Health Services (+18.9%) and Financial Activities (+8.1%).
One area of particular concern is the large decline in Professional and Business Services which is traditionally one of the highest paying service industry sectors. It should be noted
that during the 2000 to 2007 time period, there was significant redevelopment of employment areas into new residential development that would account for some of the City’s employment
declines.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 10 Table 6: Employment by Industry 2000 and 2007 Figure 6: Distribution of Employment by Industry 2000-2007
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 Construction Manufacturing Transportation and Utilities Retail Trade Information
Financial Activities Professional and Business Services Education and Health Services Leisure and Hospitality Other Services Public Administration # jobs 2000 # jobs 2007 # jobs 2000
# jobs 2007 % Change Total, All Industries 6344 4976 -21.6% Goods-Producing Domain 1298 973 -25.0% Construction 176 107 -39.2% Manufacturing 1122 866 -22.8% Service-Providing Domain
5047 4005 -20.6% Transportation and Utilities 368 138 -62.5% Retail Trade 855 522 -38.9% Information 51 22 -56.9% Financial Activities 211 228 8.1% Professional and Business Services
1363 905 -33.6% Education and Health Services 1035 1231 18.9% Leisure and Hospitality 633 570 -10.0% Other Services 322 178 -44.7% Public Administration 209 211 1.0% Source: Minne sota
De partment of Employment a nd Economic De velopment
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 11 Resident Employment The skill set of the residents of Columbia Heights is extremely broad and is very similar
to the Metropolitan Area as a whole, as seen in Table 7. This range of resident employment is likely the result of the close proximity of Columbia Heights to the broad range of employment
possibilities in the central cities. Columbia Heights residents are more likely than the Metropolitan average to work in the Manufacturing and Retail sectors and less likely to work
in the Educational, Health and Social Services industries. Table 7: Resident Employment by Industry (2000) Household Income Columbia Heights residents generally lag the Metropolitan
Area in household income, particularly in the percentage of residents with a household income above $75,000 per year (Figure 8, Table 8). Although the local economy does not provide
a large number of high paying jobs within the city, those opportunities are in ample supply in close proximity within Downtown Minneapolis. This income situation is therefore less likely
to be an economic development problem and more one of a lack of a suitable variety of lifecycle housing options within the City which forces residents to move outside of the City as
their incomes rise. This issue will be discussed further in the Housing chapter. INDUSTRY Number of Employed Residents Percent of Employed Residents Number of Employed Residents Percent
of Employed Residents Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 10 0.10% 9,701 0.60% Construction 489 5.09% 90,120 5.60% Manufacturing 1,690 17.58% 257,567 15.90% Wholesale
trade 337 3.51% 64,014 4% Retail trade 1,254 13.04% 189,495 11.70% Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 644 6.70% 87,710 5.40% Information 259 2.69% 46,830 2.90% Finance, insurance,
real estate, and rental and leasing 827 8.60% 144,808 8.90% Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management9 s8e8rvices 10.28% 181,451 11.20% Educational,
health and and social services 1,708 17.77% 309,322 19.10% Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services 649 6.75% 112,127 6.90% Other services (except public administration)
483 5.02% 73,434 4.50% Public administration 276 2.87% 52,894 3.30% Total 9,614 100.00% 1,619,473 100.00% Source: US Census (2000) Columbia Heights Metro Area
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 12 Figure 8: Median Household Income (1999) 0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0% Less than $10,000 $10,000 to $19,999
$20,000 to $29,999 $30,000 to $39,999 $40,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $124,999 $125,000 to $149,999 $150,000 to $199,999 $200,000 or more Columbia
Heights Metro Area TABLE 8: MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME Columbia Heights Columbia Heights % 7-County Metro Metro % Total: 8,029 100.0% 1,022,021 100.0% Less than $10,000 530 6.6% 53,201
5.2% $10,000 to $14,999 442 5.5% 42,019 4.1% $15,000 to $19,999 681 8.5% 43,822 4.3% $20,000 to $24,999 459 5.7% 50,645 5.0% $25,000 to $29,999 589 7.3% 54,693 5.4% $30,000 to $34,999
677 8.4% 58,275 5.7% $35,000 to $39,999 574 7.1% 54,814 5.4% $40,000 to $44,999 523 6.5% 54,339 5.3% $45,000 to $49,999 433 5.4% 50,269 4.9% $50,000 to $59,999 757 9.4% 101,790 10.0%
$60,000 to $74,999 965 12.0% 131,881 12.9% $75,000 to $99,999 800 10.0% 148,158 14.5% $100,000 to $124,999 340 4.2% 76,776 7.5% $125,000 to $149,999 109 1.4% 37,946 3.7% $150,000 to
$199,999 94 1.2% 31,043 3.0% $200,000 or more 56 0.7% 32,350 3.2% Median household income in 1999 $40,562 $54,332
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 13 Commute Times Table 9 and Figure 7 displays commute times for employed Columbia Heights residents and Metro
Area residents. From Figure 7, it is possible to see a proximity advantage that the City has in relation to other communities in the Metropolitan Area. Table 9: Daily Commute Times (2000)
Employed Residents % of Employed Residents Employed Residents % of Employed Residents Total: 9,416 100 1,595,550 100 Did not work at home: 9,227 98 1,534,939 96.2 Less than 5 minutes
203 2.2 40,039 2.5 5 to 9 minutes 915 9.7 146,700 9.2 10 to 14 minutes 1,313 13.9 218,813 13.7 15 to 19 minutes 1,782 18.9 247,968 15.5 20 to 24 minutes 1,838 19.5 267,118 16.7 25 to
29 minutes 800 8.5 119,817 7.5 30 to 34 minutes 1,356 14.4 216,949 13.6 35 to 39 minutes 287 3 50,860 3.2 40 to 44 minutes 180 1.9 59,230 3.7 45 to 59 minutes 371 3.9 102,589 6.4 60
to 89 minutes 140 1.5 45,895 2.9 90 or more minutes 42 0.4 18,961 1.2 Worked at home 189 2 60,611 3.8 3.8 Average travel time (minutes) Source: US Census (2000) Columbia Heights Metro
Area 20.8 23.7
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 14 Figure 7: Daily Commute Times (2000) 05 10 15 20 25 Less than 5 minutes 5 to 9 minutes 10 to 14 minutes 15
to 19 minutes 20 to 24 minutes 25 to 29 minutes 30 to 34 minutes 35 to 39 minutes 40 to 44 minutes 45 to 59 minutes 60 to 89 minutes 90 or more minutes Minutes Columbia Heights Metro
Area Source: US Census (2000) Target Markets The previous analysis provides a view of the Columbia Heights economy at a broad level, but does not provide the level of detail that is
necessary for determining how various sectors of the economy are performing and whether certain sectors should receive additional attention in local economic development efforts. In
order to accomplish this task, the location quotient technique was used. In this location quotient analysis, the performance of Columbia Heights was compared to the broader activity
in the State of Minnesota as of 2007. The location quotient technique compares the employment performance at the two digit North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) level.
The NAICS framework classifies the nation’s industries into 20 major market sectors. Only those sectors which were most relevant to Columbia Heights were selected. For instance, the
mining sector, NAICS code 21, was eliminated from the reporting because there is little that the City can do to promote this sector if there is not a suitable resource to mine. Industry
sectors that receive a location quotient above 1.0 are performing better than the state economy and those that have a score below 1.0 are lagging state performance. For this analysis,
industries scoring 1.25 or above are achieving above average performance, scores of .75 to 1.24 are achieving average performance and scores below .75 are achieving below average performance.
Once the market sectors are analyzed, economic development agencies typically look at the sectors that are performing above and below average to attempt to determine some of the community’s
strengths and weaknesses. Actions are taken to ensure that competitive advantages are maintained and weaknesses are minimized. Actions are
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 15 then focused and limited resources are targeted to those activities where the most benefit can be realized.
Columbia Heights’ top four market sectors (Figure 9) are Administrative and Waste Services; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing; Manufacturing; and Accommodation and Food Services. With
the exception of Manufacturing, the other three sectors are all industries that benefit from being near large business areas but can survive without direct access to the interstate highways
or railroads. In addition, these three sectors can survive on the relatively small average commercial lot size in the community. Figure 9: Location Quotients (2007) 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50
2.00 2.50 3.00 Information Wholesale Trade Transportation and Warehousing Finance and Insurance Construction Professional and Technical Services Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Public
Administration Retail Trade Education and Health Services Other Services, Ex. Public Admin Management of Companies and Enterprises Accommodation and Food Services Manufacturing Real
Estate and Rental and Leasing Administrative and Waste Services Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Bonestroo Columbia Heights’ worst performing sectors
include industries that rely heavily on direct interstate access (Transportation and Warehousing; and Wholesale Trade) or highway visibility (Finance and Insurance). It also lags in
the Construction industry which is likely due to location since this industry tends to concentrate on the outer edges of metropolitan areas where land is less expensive, regulations
of open storage are more relaxed, and construction is more active. The two remaining lagging industries, Professional and Technical Services; and Information would be candidates for
increased focus since they often prefer to be located in areas near, but not inside large business areas, much as with Administrative and Waste Services. The primary difference with
these industries industries is that they often require updated buildings, with access to reliable power and internet services and tend to seek out locations with moderate visibility
and a “sense of place” with elevated
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 16 amenities and character. Expansion of these industries would provide access to significantly higher wage
jobs. In the Metro Area, the average weekly wage for Professional and Technical Services is $1,460 and for Information is $1,265. In comparison, the average weekly wage for Administration
and Waste Services is $593 per week. Economic Development Advantages and Challenges Columbia Heights has advantages that it can capitalize on in its economic development efforts. The
first is proximity to the large business areas in the central cities. Columbia Heights’ location makes it extremely convenient for companies and “back-office” operations that support
the larger businesses downtown but want the lower costs, convenience of parking and simplicity of access found in more remote suburban markets. This advantage could be increasing in
importance as the economy adjusts to a long term reality of more expensive transportation costs. Proximity is also a challenge to economic development as Columbia Heights must carve
out a market niche in an extremely competitive environment. It must compete not only with other first ring suburbs, but at times, the central cities themselves. In order to be competitive
and preserve scarce resources, it will be important for the City to focus its economic development efforts in targeted areas and industries. The second primary advantage is history.
Columbia Heights still has a supply of old commercial structures, particularly along Central Avenue. On the one hand, this presents a challenge, due to natural decline and functional
obsolescence however, when managed carefully, retention, upgrading and reuse of older commercial structures can provide a sense of character and quality that can not be replicated through
redevelopment efforts alone and are not commonly found in other nearby suburban communities. Older structures are also more likely to attract unique “Mom and Pop” uses, such as artists,
neighborhood coffee shops, antique stores, restaurants, nightclubs, etc. that are critical to establishing Columbia Heights as a destination and pull traffic off of the interstate highway
system or out from Minneapolis. Merging redevelopment with maintenance and upgrading of older structures can take a significant commitment of leadership and partnership between the private
and public sectors. Columbia Heights has taken many positive steps to maintain its competitiveness. Development and redevelopment in recent years has had a higher level of aesthetic
quality than has previously been experienced in the community and public streetscape enhancements along the southern half of Central Avenue have started to improve the image and character
of this commercial district. Further efforts in this area will assist the City in establishing a positive image and promoting destination status for Columbia Heights. The City also faces
several challenges to maintaining a strong economy. The first is that the City doesn’t have locations that have superior access to the interstate highway or rail systems. This limits
the amount and types of commercial and industrial development that can occur within the City and also makes an area like northern portion of Central Avenue dependent on the vitality
of a commercial area in an adjacent community. North Central Avenue faces an additional identity challenge because it is not readily apparent
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 17 whether someone is in Columbia Heights, Fridley or Hilltop and this limits Columbia Heights’ ability to be
a destination location. In the industrial market, Columbia Heights’ historical land use pattern has exacerbated this situation because most industrially zoned property does not have
access and visibility onto a major roadway but rather sits in scattered pockets that are often accessed via local, residential streets. The ideal industrial user is therefore limited
to a small business that does not require much in the way of visibility or access and generates few impacts on the surrounding residential neighborhoods. By promoting its advantages
and being conscious of its challenges, Columbia Heights has an opportunity to further develop its quality of place which is critical to position itself as a destination location. Communities
that do not have an ability to compete with others on interstate highway convenience need to provide provide outsiders with a reason to venture a bit further to discover their economic
assets. Establishing a community as a destination location can have spinoff efforts as well. Communities with a high quality of place capture a greater proportion of the talents of its
local population because residents seek to find employment within the community, even if they must become an entrepreneur to do it. Businesses overlook minor location disadvantages because
of the high quality of life, particularly in some high technology and financial service sectors. Finally, the establishment of a few high quality developments forces other development
within the community to upgrade its own level of quality to remain competitive with the new community standard. Development Districts and Design Guidelines The City has a mixture of
development patterns across the community. Each of these is distinct and serves unique purposes in terms of location, access, uses and ultimately design. Due to the uniqueness of each,
it is important to consider and plan for development guidelines and standards that fit appropriately with the array of district areas. New design standards could be created for many
of these areas in the future and build off already existing design requriements. These standards would then become part of the Zoning Ordinance where the City has greater regulatory
control and enforcement. Design standards are a tool to set the requirements for design elements within the Zoning Ordinance. The design standards provide a baseline for quality in order
to revitalize different areas of the community or to ensure continued design quality in newer areas. Design standards will focus on more then just the architectural design and materials
used on a façade. Standards will include requirements for landscaping, streetscapes, parking areas, screening, signage, open space, public space and amenities and storm water treatment.
All of these standards will aid developers and property owners in understanding the City’s intent for the district in either redevelopment or new construction. Design requirements will
be developed based on the vision, goals and policies identified in this plan. The standards will be prepared and established for each area selected by the community and in the priority
desired.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 18 The following provides a description of the districts and some considerations that will be important to include
when creating design standards. Not all areas will require the same level of design requirements in the Zoning Ordinance. This list will help identify the districts so that areas may
be given a level of priority depending on development patterns that exist today and what is anticipated for the future. Description of Districts South Central Avenue – This is the portion
of Central Avenue that lies between 45th Avenue and the city limits with Minneapolis. The area is largely retail and still contains several areas of historic charm, including a historic
movie theater. Much of the streetscape has been upgraded in recent years to improve aesthetics and pedestrian access. Challenges in this area include the lack of depth of some retail
lots that limits opportunities for expansion and parking. In addition, the traffic counts and and width of Central Avenue creates challenges to pedestrian connections across Central
Avenue. There are several residential structures in this corridor that could be opportunities for redevelopment or renovation as non-residential uses. This area should continue to maintain
its status as the historic heart of the community with elevated design standards both in private development and public infrastructure that maintain a traditional design to maintain
its historic feel and charm. North Central Avenue –This is the portion of Central Avenue that lies between 45th Ave and 53rd Ave. This area is largely suburban retail in character and
is an extension of the Interstate 694 retail corridor. Challenges in this area include that it is in the middle of two other communities (Fridley and Hilltop), the sites are more remote
to the interchange, lot depths between 49th and 51st Avenues and aesthetics in the corridor. A five acre redevelopment, The Grand Central Lofts, has begun on a highly visible location
at 49th Avenue. This project features upgraded design features, 230 condominiums and townhomes, and new commercial redevelopment along Central Avenue. As the remaining new development
occurs it should incorporate similar design features of the Grand Central Lofts to maintain the theme of the overall redevelopment area. The Heritage Heights Redevelopment and Renewal
Area (which includes The Grand Central Lofts site) is located between 45th
and 49th Avenues. This area was the subject of earlier planning efforts in the mid-1990’s that was only partially implemented as represented on the graphic below. Changes in legislature
and eminent domain regulations has limited the city’s ability to be more aggressive in its effort to redevelopment this area. The City has recently dedicated additional staff and resources
to assist in the stabilization of this neighborhood and will continue its work to improve this area.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 19
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 4 – Economic Development 20 North University Avenue –This is the area of University Avenue from 46th Avenue to 53rd Avenue and consists
of a mixture of commercial and residential uses. The lots have excellent visibility from University Avenue; however, the access is somewhat indirect with a quick turn frontage road.
The mixed use areas share an alley system with the residential areas to the east and there is minimal space to buffer the two uses from each other. This area has been reguided to Mixed
Use to better relate to the actual mixture of uses that exists today. This designation will also facilitate any potential redevelopment plans in the future that might call for retail,
office and residential components. Design standards included at the same time. Southwest–This is the area south of 41st Avenue and west of Jackson Street and includes almost all of the
industrial land within the City. Industrial areas are scattered among residential, transit oriented development and the City’s largest park. The majority of sites are small in size,
have lower grade access and visibility and are older structures that do not have the same attention to aesthetics as newer development within the City. Any new smaller scale industrial
users should include improved aesthetics to attract customers and better mix with the existing residential area. A large, 30 acre redevelopment of an industrial park has been undertaken
to convert the use to transit oriented development. This redevelopment has performed extensive environmental cleanup and will consist of 548 owner-occupied multi-family residential units
and approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial development. Another key redevelopment site is the 40th & University project that involved the City redevelopment of a blighted corner
and has now been redeveloped as Sarna’s Classic Grill. Southeast–This is the small area in the far southeast corner of the City between Hart Boulevard and Stinson Boulevard. This area
has recently seen extensive redevelopment with the demolition of the Apache 6 Theatre and start of construction of an assisted living facility, an attached Montessori School and the
new City Liquor Store. The area has been guided Transit Oriented Development which supports mixed use to capitalize on the redevelopment that has occurred just to the east. Development
Tools As mentioned earlier in this chapter there is numerous development and redevelopment tools that are available to the city. Many of the tools can benefit not only economic development
but also redevelopment and housing. Using these tools can help achieve the vision for the future of Columbia Heights in areas where market forces alone will not be sufficient. State
law provides a broad array of powers and tools that may assist the city in these initiatives. Appendix A has been created to provide one single source for all the development tools currently
available to the city. This information is designed as a point of reference in continued economic development planning.
Chapter 5: Parks and Trails City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 1 Chapter 5 Parks and Trails Introduction The City of Columbia Heights recognizes that Parks, Trails, and Recreation
are essential in promoting community wellness, connecting the individual to ecological value and stewardship, promoting cultural understanding, and fostering economic viability. The
city values the importance of developing and maintaining recreational opportunities that enhance the quality of life of their residents and visitors. The comprehensive plan plays a key
role in identifying ways to maximize the use of park and trail facilities while promoting healthy living. The purpose of the park and trails chapter is to ensure these facilities are
current and safe and developed to address their deficiencies and maximize potential to best serve the residents. The land use chapter of the Comprehensive Plan will: Identify action
items through the goals, policies, and strategies to enhance and maintain the park and trail system Describe the park classifications and give an overall inventory of the existing
park system Propose the implementation of a City Bike/Trail Loop and the 2008 Pedestrian and Bike Mobility Plan Discuss the latest recreational and social trends affecting Columbia
Height’s park system. Identify immediate park & trail facility needs and implementation strategies to help meet those needs. Parks and Trails Goals and Policies Goal: Maintain, improve,
and redevelop the system of parks within the Community. 1. Utilize Master Planning and the City Code to maximize benefits for park redevelopment projects. The City will develop flexible
master plans for each park that address the current and future needs of the community and the neighborhoods served. The City will review the subdivision regulations, and amend them
if needed, to ensure that adequate park and trail dedications are required during the platting of property for development or redevelopment. Create and adopt a unifying signage concept
concept that would display park and trail maps and facility names. 2. Develop a comprehensive parks improvement program, maintenance standards, and life cycle replacement costs to adequately
plan for future needs. Annually revisit the park plan goals and strategies to promote a continued vision for the park system.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 2 Incorporate a Health Impact Assessment on proposed policies and projects that have a potential impact (positive
or negative) on public health, and report on the findings. Goal: Develop a system of trails within the community. 1. Work to implement the City Bike/Trail Loop Plan prioritizing major
trail connections that could be completed in conjunction with street reconstruction projects. Coordinate with other City Departments to create a phasing plan for trail construction
of the City Bike/Trail Loop. Expand regional opportunities by coordinating with neighboring communities to creating connections to adjacent trail systems. Begin designing for the
highest priority trail segments. Implement trail loops within existing parks Require mandatory sidewalks in all new redevelopment projects. Update the Pedestrian and Bicycle
Mobility plan every 4 or 5 years as needed Encourage connections to the City’s planned bike loop for all new developments including redevelopment projects in progress. A system
inventory should be conducted every 3-5 years to identify areas that have high levels of current and potential usage of bike and pedestrian facilities by children, seniors, and handicapped
residents. Provide a curb cut at 7th and 53rd to safely connect Columbia Height’s bike route to Fridley’s bike route across the road. Create a trail connection to Silver Lake Park
and Silverwood Park. 2. Increase and promote safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation. Support the creation of opportunities for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit routes
and access for primary destination points within the city. Goal: Maintain and improve current standards for all parks to provide safe, accessible (meet ADA requirements), and attractive
facilities for all residents. Explore methods and costs of transitioning to more sustainable operational practices. Evaluate existing parks for ADA compatibility. Goal: Provide
a park and open space system that serves the wide-ranging recreation, health, and leisure needs of the community. 1. Integrate community characteristics and trends when developing park
facilities and recreation programs. In the next one to three years conduct a Facility Needs Assessment for the entire park and open space system to assist in budgeting for park improvements.
The facilities needs assessment should be updated every ten years while integrating current demographic changes and recreational trends. Annually collaborate with youth in the
community and the school district to enhance youth recreational programming & facilities.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 3 Consider conducting community surveys on a bi-annual period to gain a current view of park system trends
and evaluate performance of existing facilities. Gather public input to gain accurate insight on recreational opportunities offered in the Park and Trail system and on proposed projects.
Goal: Preserve and protect natural features and resources in existing parks and when planning and redeveloping park and recreational facilities. 1. Explore methods and costs of transitioning
to more sustainable operational practices. 2. The City will coordinate park planning and surface water management efforts to preserve and improve the quality of water resources within
existing parks and open space areas. Goal: Develop financing strategies to maintain and improve the park and trail system. 1. Promote alternative funding sources for park and recreational
facilities and programs in the community. Coordinate volunteer opportunities to maintain park facilities and promote a sense of ownership among neighboring residents. Identify
opportunities to generate revenue through special use recreational facilities and programs. Advocate public-private partnerships for the purposes of constructing or redeveloping park
and trail facilities. 2. Pursue appropriate grant opportunities whenever possible. Create and annually maintain a list of potential grant opportunities specific to parks and trails.
Seek out volunteers or athletic associations to assist in preparing grants. Apply for and utilize grant funding for any applicable park improvement. Existing System The city is
currently home to fifteen (15) municipal parks and 1 county park that total 121.5 acres. Existing trails make up approximately 5 miles of trail links including access to other regional
corridors such as the Grand Rounds and the Mississippi River Corridor. Figure 1 illustrates Parks and Trails in the city with recommended trail network. Recently the city has approved
two two major redevelopment park projects that will enhance current amenities. Silver Lake Park will accommodate renovations that include beach improvements, a new picnic shelter, a
new playground area, and infiltration basins to improve water quality of the lake. Plans for the improved Silver Lake Park are illustrated in Figure 2. Sullivan Lake Park will undergo
construction of new asphalt trails, a larger shelter, and new playground equipment. Construction should be completed in 2009. Plans for Sullivan Lake Park are illustrated in Figure 3.
Beginning with these redevelopment projects, the City hopes to integrate the architectural style of limestone pillars like those found on the Huset parkway signs. This
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 4 style could be reflected in picnic shelter columns and park entry signs. This effort can help to create a
positive image among the community and distinguish the City. Park Classification The park system is divided into 8 classifications that provide different functions and opportunities
for the City’s residents. These classifications are a guide to future redevelopment to ensure an equitable distribution and diversification of parks throughout the community. Mini-Parks
Mini-parks are usually 1-2 acres in size and provide space for picnicking, walking, or gathering. Park components typically include benches, tables, playground area, and a focal element
such as a sculpture or a fountain. Mini-parks in the Columbia Heights park system includes Edgemoor, Hilltop, and Wargo Court parks. Neighborhood Parks Ranging from 2-5 acres in size,
neighborhood parks provide active recreational areas that serve surrounding residents within one-quarter to one-half mile of the park. Amenities typically include playground equipment,
open play areas, game courts, benches, picnic areas, and occasionally ballfields or skating facilities. Neighborhood parks in Columbia Heights include Gauvitte, Keyes, Ostrander, and
Prestemon parks. Community Parks Community parks are usually 15-25 acres in size and provide organized recreational activities for the entire community. Park facilities usually include
athletic fields, game courts, picnic areas, playground equipment, wading pool, and pathways. Community parks are typically accessed by automobile and located near a major thoroughfare.
Examples include Huset, Curt Ramsdell, and McKenna parks.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK ST 4TH ST
UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW 38TH PL
39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50T H AVE ARGONNE DR 43 1/2
AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOL N TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR FILLMORE ST 39TH AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH
AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake
Silver Lake HILLTOP Sullivan Lake Park Mc. Kenna Park Curt Ramsdell Park Albert A. Kordiak Park Keyes Park High School & Highland Elem. Silver Lake Beach Silver Lake Park Prestemon Park
Ostrander Park Labelle Park Huset Park Wargo Court Edgemoor Park Lomanki Park Gauvitte Park Valley View Elem. & Central Middle Schools Northwestern Electronics Institute STINSON BLVD
Parks and Trails Plan City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota Recommended Route Network I:/332/33207010/gis/maps/park n trail.mxd November 10, 2008 Connect to City of Fridley Bikepath Connect
to City of Fridley Bikepath Connect to St. Anthony Connect to Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, Columbia Park & Columbia Golf Course Connect to Mississippi River Trail and Rice Creek West Regional
Trail 500 0 1,500 Feet City Limit Primary City Trail Loop System Gap Existing Bike Route on Road Secondary Route to Consider Future Commuter Rail Primary City Trail Loop Secondary Trail
Connections Open Water Schools Redevelopment Site Park Minneapolis Water Works Possible Connection to Future Commuter Rail -Potential Station Fridley Connection Over/Under I-694 Connection
Over/Over/Under I-694 -Heavy Traffic Connection to Grand Rounds Scenic Byway Pedestrian and Bike Overpass Figure 5-1
Alternate: Trail up the hillside Infi ltration basin with natural landscape New Parking Lot Infi ltration basin with natural landscape Existing Concession Building Playground with Swings
and Spring Animals 24’ Picnic Shelter New Volleyball Court Beach Area New Asphalt Trails Image of the proposed shelter style, but without the railings Vegetated Swale /Ponding Area Playground
will contain a couple of spring animals and a stand-up spinner. There will also be a swingset with 2 belt swings, one toddler bucket and a HC swing. Figure 5-2
Image of the proposed shelter style and the columns will be attached on 3’ high limestone piers, as indicated to the right. Playground will contain a small play structure (2 views shown)
meant for the 2-5 year old with a couple of slides, one overhead element and some climbing apparatus. There will also be a swingset with 2 belt swings, one toddler bucket and a HC swing.
Figure 5-3
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 8 County Parks County parks are larger parks that serve more than one community and are often located in areas
with natural amenities such as woods, hills, or water. Typical activities include picnicking, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, skiing, and camping. Albert A. Kordiak Park is managed
by Anoka County and the only county park in Columbia Heights. Historic Parks Historic Parks have significance related to a particular event within a community. These areas preserve,
maintain, and interpret features that make the site meaningful. Although there are no historic parks in the community, many people recognize the historical significance of Wargo Court
because of the on-site time capsule and name dedication. Special Use Special Use parks are usually created for a specialized purpose such as golf, nature centers, or band shells. The
Silver Lake Swimming Beach is a special use park within the community. School Parks School parks are located adjacent to schools and are created to jointly serve the recreational needs
of the school and the immediate neighborhood or community at large. Recreation areas classified as school parks are Columbia Heights High School and Central Middle School. Additional
facilities are located at North Park Elementary, which is located in Fridley but within the Columbia Heights school district, and are used by the Columbia Heights Recreation Department
to meet its current recreation demands. Other: Churches and Colleges Numerous churches within the community have recreational facilities; however, most of these facilities are only available
for use by members, students, and employees. Examples of these facilities include First Lutheran Church, and Immaculate Conception Church. The facilities at First Lutheran Church are
available to the general public during specified times. Park & Trail Inventory As the City evolves and plans for future development, it is important to review what has been successful
in distribution distribution of park types. This information is useful in order to determine what amenities could potentially be added to meet the demands of future growth and demographic
types.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 9 Columbia Heights Park Facility Inventory Basketball Courts Tennis Courts Horseshoe Pits Volleyball Courts
Softball Fields Football Fields Baseball Fields Play Structures Hockey Rink Warming House Free-Skate Rink Neighborhood Ballfields Soccer Field Swimming Beach Picnic Areas w/Tables Picnic
Shelter Walk/Jog/Hike Wading Pools Edgemoor 3957 2nd St. NE Gateway 3700 Central Ave Gauvitte 4333 2nd St NE Hilltop 4657 Heights Dr. NE Huset 3965 Jefferson St. NE Keyes 1345 45 1/2
Ave. NE LaBelle 1150 42nd Ave. NE Lomianki 80 39th Ave. NE McKenna 4757 7 St. NE Ostrander 1500 40th Ave. NE Prestemon 39th & McKinley St. NE Ramsdell 4956 Johnson St. NE Silver Lake
45th & Stinson Sullivan Lake 721 51st Ave NE Wargo Court 4100 Central Ave
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 10 Park & Trail Trends Each year the National Sporting Goods Association conducts an in depth study of how Americans
spend their leisure time. By 2005 exercise walking had consistently stayed at the top of the list for over ten years. People of all ages are able to participate in this sport. Walking
is the form of mobility that everyone wants to maintain throughout their lives. Multi-Use Trail loops of different lengths and paved pedestrian paths are in high demand by people across
the country. Trails have many benefits to the public such as low-cost, low time-impact, and are close to home so many are able to participate. The National Recreation and Park Association
reports in 2007 that people with access to recreational activities are twice as likely to be more physically active. With the aging population rapidly growing in Columbia Heights, the
city should consider investments towards building a useful trail network that will provide access to goods/services and other recreational opportunities. Recent studies have shown people
highly value the time they spend in parks and believe parks and recreation will play a larger role in reducing the obesity problem in America. The National Recreation and Park Association
reports in 2007 that a larger number of smaller neighborhood parks may be more effective in encouraging physical activity than large sporting complexes on the edge of communities that
can be difficult to travel to. Neighborhood parks provide easy access to affordable opportunities for youth development, the learning of lifetime skills and participation in individual
and team sports. Parks also provide a gathering place for neighborhoods and the community. Parks and open space can be the stage for building community and strengthening relationships.
The issue of merging cultures and accepting diversity is a rising trend within many firstring Twin Cities suburbs. Different ethnic groups practice multiple cultural celebrations and
customs in public park settings. The rise in Latino, Hmong, and Somali populations in Columbia Heights could potentially create a new demand for additional picnic shelters and multi-purpose
playing fields on the city’s park system. The cultural custom of separating genders at an event creates a need for multiple picnic shelters at one park. This also presents an opportunity
to generate revenue for park maintenance and enhancement through shelter rental fees. Likewise these cultures recreate in sports such as la crosse, soccer and rugby that are gaining
popularity in the United States creating a new demand for large multi-purpose playing fields. According to the 2005 NSGA national report, over the past ten years there has been a decreasing
enrollment in baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Increasing enrollment is occurring in soccer, la crosse, football, and skateboarding. Providing recreational facilities
to accommodate these historical trends can enhance the city’s parks usage. Continued research shows that people who recreate in parks and natural settings have less occurrence of stress,
depression, and are more at peace with their surroundings. The 2003 APA report shows that specific design considerations promote more use of parks such as accessibility, proximity, adequate
lighting, restrooms, and well maintained
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 11 paths. These studies reveal the need for Columbia Heights to prioritize and provide clean, safe, accessible
and relevant park and trail facilities. Immediate Park Facility Needs and Implementation Strategies As the city continues to access its park needs and prepare for updates in the future
the following list of facility needs should be considered when prioritizing options for future park redevelopment. This list incorporates needs and trends that can respond to the changing
population demographics. o Conduct an athletic/park facilities needs assessment to determine the preferred type and amount of future recreational facilities within the park system. The
last needs assessment study was completed in 1996. o Conduct an ADA accessibility needs assessment and prioritize future projects to provide access for all citizens to recreational facilities.
o Encourage the addition or renovation of multi-use playing fields to support culturally relevant sports. o Partner with the Senior Center to explore the need for fitness programs ranging
from osteoporosis prevention to line dancing. o Host events in the park such as city-wide festivals to build a sense of community. o Explore the need for additional picnic shelters to
host multiple celebrations and group events. o Ensure funding to maintain quality facilities and enhance the park system. o Provide clean and accessible restrooms to the public during
park hours. o Annually maintain drinking fountains to ensure they are in working order. o Explore the addition of offering culturally related programs within the park and recreation
system. o Explore activities that can be offered to meet the needs of single-parent households and non-traditional families. o Acquire additional parkland whenever possible to ensure
space for park and trail development o Partner with the school district to plan for recreational needs of the community that will meet the needs of residents and students o Pursue grant
opportunities for 2009. The following grant sources could be considered: o The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federal program that supplies matching grants (50/50) to states
and localities for recreation planning, public land acquisition and the development of outdoor recreation facilities. It is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) and the Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED).Applications for grants are due in the fall, with recipients being notified in late winter. The criteria used to rank
the applications change periodically. o The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) is an organization that administers three state funds intended to assist with innovative
projects that enhance natural resources. Projects are funded on a two-year basis and need to have a specified beginning and ending
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 12 date. LCMR accepts applications biennially with competition for these grants remaining quite high. o The
Tree Trust is a private, non-profit organization that administers job programs funded by grants from the federal government. The summer youth employment is a resource available to local
governments and other non-profit agencies. The Tree Trust provides labor and supervision, while the local government provides tools and materials. o The MnDNR oversees and manages the
state's natural resources and many recreational facilities and parks. This organization offers several grants specifically designed for park and trail development. Bicycle and Pedestrian
Trails Communities across the country have worked hard to improve their quality of life through developing trail systems and regional trail networks. The city is currently working to
develop trails that will encourage daily use for not only recreational purposes but also commuting to school or work and visiting local destinations. Recently the city underwent a public
planning process funded through a grant provided by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Active Community Planning program to create a Pedestrian/Bicycle Mobility Plan. This plan identifies ways
to promote the city’s image as an “Active Living” community. It will serve as an integral tool to assist the city in implementing strategic new trail connections to complete citywide
trail loops and neighboring regional trail corridors. Figure 1-Park and Trail Plan Recommended Route Network demonstrates the location of existing and proposed trails, loop systems and
connections. For recreation purposes, it is preferable to develop off-road trails that provide separated facilities for both bicyclists and pedestrians where feasible. Trails around
lakes and through parks and natural areas are always highly desirable routes if and when they can be attained, as they provide a more scenic experience for the user. An off-road trail
is one that is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier either within the roadway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. According
to the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines, the minimum width of a trail that provides for two-way bicycle traffic and allows for pedestrian
use is eight-feet with two-foot shoulders on each side. Where traffic volumes are higher, a more desirable width for a bicycle path is ten-feet. In Columbia Heights these off-road trails
should be considered when renovating city Parks and reconstructing main roadways such as 40th Ave. Access to and usability of these trails can be enhanced by providing viable connections
for pedestrians to sidewalks and for bicyclists to on-road bike lanes. As it will not be financially feasible to construct every new trail as an off-road trail, the city will need to
prioritize potential trails to determine which ones would benefit most by being separated from the roadway.
Criteria should include: o High traffic roadways that make up the proposed City Trail Loop o Roadways with geometric deficiencies (narrow, poor pavement conditions, poor vertical or
horizontal alignments)
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 13 o Sections of trail connecting residential areas to schools and parks o Users and their skill levels o Provide
safe cycling connections to mass transit Even in roadway construction or reconstruction projects, adequate room is not always available within the existing road right-of-way for an off-road
trail. Where it is necessary to develop continuous trail segments, it is recommended that the city work with residential developers and owners of commercial developments to obtain easements
in areas where the roadway right-of-way is not adequate for an eight-or ten-foot off-road trail, or in areas where the topography does not allow the trail to be constructed within the
existing right-of-way. In cases where funding or right-of-way is limited, an on-road bicycle trail can present a more economical solution. An on-road bicycle trail can be accomplished
through the restriping of existing roadways or with extra consideration during the design of a new roadway. Efforts should be made to connect to and enhance local bike routes. Similar
to a functional classification of roadways, bikeway facilities also have a hierarchy of structure. The following classification helps to define the different facilities available for
on-road bicycle trails: 1. Bicycle Lanes – One-way bicycle facilities, which travel in the same direction as adjacent vehicle traffic. Contra-flow bike lanes, or two-way bicycle lanes
located together on the same side of the roadway tend to promote bike travel against the flow of vehicle traffic. This type of bicycle lane should only be used for short connections
when necessary. 2. Shared Bus/Bicycle Lanes – The grouping together of bicycles and buses may be considered if the average speed and traffic volumes are low. 3. Shared Lanes – Shared
lanes consist of roadways with no special provisions for bicyclists. Shared lanes generally require vehicles to cross the center lane in order to pass bicyclists. These types of lanes
are usually not signed and can be used in residential areas that have low traffic volumes and speeds of less than 30 mph. 4. Widened Curb, Wide Outside Lanes or Shoulders – Located adjacent
to the outermost through traffic lane, experienced bicyclists who are not intimidated by high traffic volumes and speeds generally use this type of facility. Shoulders may be utilized
by average experience cyclists depending upon the speed and amount of traffic on the adjacent roadway. 5. Local roadways – Typical urban local or collectors can be used as routes for
bicyclists and pedestrians. Traffic calming can be implemented to reduce the speed of motor vehicles.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 5 – Economic Development 14 A distinction can also be made between pedestrian/commuter trails and recreational trails. Pedestrian/commuter
trails generally connect residential areas to commercial, retail or school facilities. Pedestrian/commuter trails tend to follow collector and arterial roadways, used by motor vehicle
commuters, since the users of these trails generally seek our the most direct path to their destination. Conversely, recreational trails tend to be off-road trails, which connect residential
areas to parks, natural areas and/or greenway corridors. These trails can provide a connection between parks and neighborhoods, as well as meander within parks. Recreational trails generally
do not travel a direct route and are often located along waterways or contained within parks and greenway corridors. Categorizing proposed trails into either commuter/commercial or recreational
can help to determine from where the appropriate funding should be derived. Immediate Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Needs and Implementation Strategies As the city continues to access
its trail needs and improvements the following list of pedestrian and bicycle needs should be considered when prioritizing options for future trail development. This list incorporates
needs identified in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Active Community Planning program to create a Pedestrian/Bicycle Mobility Plan. Create and prioritize a programming schedule to implement
action steps and the recommended trail network of the 2008 Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility Plan Create and prioritize a list of accessibility improvements so as to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); incorporate improvements into future projects. Encourage connections to adjacent sidewalks and the city’s planned bike loop for all new redevelopment
plans through the City zoning code. Encourage the use of traffic calming features such as bump-outs, medians/refuge islands, mid-block crossings, street tree plantings and signal
improvements for pedestrians where appropriate. Explore the use of shortcuts and other pedestrian and bicycle best practices to provide safe and direct access to parks and trails.
Pursue funding opportunities such as the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program to cover pedestrian and bicycle best practice and enhancement expenses.
Chapter 6: Transportation City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 1 Chapter 6 -Transportation Introduction The purpose of the transportation plan element is to identify existing and
future transportation needs in the City of Columbia Heights for the horizon year of 2030. The plan also identifies policies and planned actions to meet those transportation needs. This
chapter addresses: Highways and streets, Right-of-way preservation and access management Transit Bicycle and pedestrian facilities Crashes along Central Avenue Columbia
Heights is classified as a fully developed community by the Metropolitan Council. Being a “developed community” means that more than 85 percent of the land is developed infrastructure
is well developed efforts must be taken to keep infrastructure in good condition greatest opportunity to adapt and/or replace obsolete buildings to improve community amenities
greatest opportunity to remodel/replace infrastructure to enhance the quality of life Transportation Goals and Policies Columbia Heights provides a transportation system which allows
the movement of people and goods throughout the City. The identification of goals and objectives assists in providing direction in the development of an integrated multi-modal transportation
system that will serve the anticipated growth within Columbia Heights over the next 20 years. The establishment of transportation goals helps to guide decisions that affect growth and
redevelopment in the community. The following list provides the goals of the Transportation Plan that will guide further development of the City’s transportation system. Goal: Promote
the safety of residents and ensure a safe environment for pedestrians. 1. Create a lighting plan that will increase visibility and public safety among residential and commercial areas.
2. Provide accessible and safe pedestrian connections to destination points within the community. Goal: Ensure that land uses do not conflict with the operation of aviation facilities.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 2 Goal: Manage and maintain the roadway systems within the community in a manner that supports regional transportation
objectives and enhances community growth and redevelopment. Goal: Increase and promote safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation. 1. Support the creation of opportunities
for pedestrian, bicycle and transit routes and access for primary destination points within the City. 2. Identify and establish safe transportation routes to public schools. Goal: Manage
and maintain the investment in the existing local roadway systems. Goal: Embrace transit as a means to improve the livability and diversity of the community. Goal: Provide for safe and
efficient roadway transportation. 1. Review and analyze high traffic crash locations on a biannual basis. 2. Work with MnDOT and Anoka County to provide means for low-cost traffic congestion
mitigation. Goal: Support intergovernmental transportation efforts that benefit the community 1. Continue participation in organizations that promote intergovernmental cooperation and
maintain communication with other governmental agencies. 2. Promote efforts to increase efficiency in the provision of municipal services. Existing Transportation System Transportation
elements are divided into several sub-categories, each of which is an important piece of the overall transportation system. Several sub-categories are further divided into existing conditions
followed by the analysis and recommendations. A. Highway and Streets 1. ROADWAY JURISDICTION Roadways are categorized under the agency that is responsible for their maintenance. The
State is responsible for the Federal Interstate, US Highways, Minnesota Trunk Highways and State Park Roads. The County is responsible for County State-Aid Highways (CSAH) and County
Roads. Other roadways, including Municipal State-Aid Streets and Municipal roads are the responsibility of the City of Columbia Heights. Figure 6-1 shows the current jurisdiction for
the area roadways.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45T H AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST
ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD Existing Roadway Jurisdiction City
of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/rd jurisdiction.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet September 3, 2008 Figure 6-1 City Limit Parcels Open Water
Roadway Jurisdiction Trunk Highway County Road/CSAH Municipal State Aid Street
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 4 2. ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION Functional classification of a roadway system involves determining what function
each roadway should be performing with regard to travel within and through the City. The intent of a functional classification system is the creation of a roadway hierarchy that collects
and distributes traffic from local roadways and collectors to arterials in a safe and efficient manner. Such classification aids in determining: Appropriate roadway widths Speed
limits Intersection control Design features Accessibility Maintenance priorities Functional classification helps to ensure that non-transportation factors, such as land use
and development, are taken into account in planning and design of the roadway system. A balanced system is desired, yet not always attainable due to existing conditions and characteristics.
The criteria of the functional classification system are intended to be guidelines and are to be applied when plans are developed for the construction or reconstruction of a given classified
route. It can, and does, occur that different roadways with very similar design characteristics may have different functional classifications. Some roadways, for a short segment, may
carry higher volumes than a roadway with a higher classification. Spacing guidelines may not follow recommendations for a variety of reasons such as topography, environmental concerns,
and land use type and density. The two major considerations in the classification of roadway networks are access and mobility. Mobility is of primary importance on arterials, thus limitation
of access is a necessity. The primary function of a local roadway, however, is the provision of access, which in turn limits mobility. The extent and degree of access control is a very
important factor in the function of a roadway facility. The functional classification types utilized are dependent upon one another in order to provide a complete system of streets and
highways. A complete functional design system provides a series of distinct travel movement. Most trips exhibit six recognizable stages. These stages are as follows: Main movement
Transition Distribution Collection
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 5 Access Termination It must be recognized that all intermediate facilities are not always needed for various
trip types. The character of movement or service that is provided has a function, and these functions do not act independently. PRINCIPAL ARTERIALS Principal arterial roadways serve
major activity centers higher traffic volumes longer trips carry a higher proportion of total urbanized travel on a minimum of mileage. Along these facilities, access needs
to be limited in order to preserve the ability of the roadway to accommodate the volumes and to maximize safety. Principal arterials emphasize mobility over land access. Little or no
direct land access should be allowed within an urban area. The management criteria require that a 40 mph average speed be achieved during peak traffic periods. Grade separated intersections
are required for freeways and highly desired for other principal arterial roadways. In the Metro area, interstate freeways are classified as principal arterials. Interstate 694 is an
example of a principal arterial roadway near the city. Principal arterials serve the longest trips within the region and generally have express bus routes. MINOR ARTERIALS Minor arterial
roadways connect the urban service area to cities and towns inside and outside the region and generally service medium to short trips. Minor arterials connect principal arterials, minor
arterials, and collectors. The spacing ranges from ¼ to ¾ of a mile in metro centers to 1-2 miles in a developing area. The desired minimum average speed during peak traffic periods
is 20 mph in fully developed areas and 30 mph in developing areas. The emphasis for minor arterial roadways is on mobility rather than on land access. In urban areas, direct land access
is generally restricted to concentrations of commercial/industrial land uses. Minor arterials generally serve medium to short trips and provide use for local and limited stop transit
service. Minor Minor arterials are divided into “A” minor arterials and “B” minor arterials. “A” minor arterials are roadways that are of regional importance because they relieve, expand,
or complement the principal arterial system. “A” minor arterials are categorized into four types, consistent with Metropolitan Council guidelines:
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 6 Relievers – Minor arterials that provide direct relief for metropolitan highway traffic. Expanders – Routes
that provide a way to make connections between urban areas outside the I-494/I-694 beltway. Connectors – Roads that provide good, safe connections to and among communities at the
edge of the urbanized area and in rural areas. Augmenters – Roadways that augment principal arterials within the I-494/I-694 beltway. A well-planned and adequately designed system
of principal and “A” minor arterials will allow the City’s overall street system to function the way it is intended and will discourage through traffic from using residential streets.
Volumes on principal and minor arterial roadways are expected to be higher than on collector or local roadways. There are two “A” minor arterial routes within Columbia Heights Trunk
Highway 47 (University Avenue) Trunk Highway 65 (Central Avenue) “B” minor arterials serve a county and city-wide function, serving medium to long distance trips. There are three
“B” minor arterials within the city. CSAH 4 (49th Avenue), CSAH 2 (40th Avenue), and CSAH 102 (Main Street) are examples of “B” minor arterials within the city. COLLECTOR STREETS Collector
streets provide more land access than arterials and provide connections to arterials, although not in all cases. As is the case with any roadway system, there will always be exceptions
to the planning guidelines that are used to classify a roadway system. Collectors serve a dual function of accommodating traffic and the provision of more access to adjacent properties.
Mobility and land access are equally important and direct land access should predominately be to development concentrations. Collector road spacing ranges from ¼ to ¾ of a mile in a
fully developed area to ½ to 1 mile in a developing area. Collectors can be broken down further into major and minor collectors. Major collectors generally connect to minor arterials
and serve shorter trips within the county or city. These roads supplement the arterial system in that mobility is slightly emphasized over access. An example of a major collector within
Columbia Heights is Jefferson Street NE. Minor collectors provide the connection between neighborhoods and commercial/industrial areas and the major collector/minor arterial system.
Access is slightly emphasized over mobility in minor collectors. There are no minor collectors within Columbia Heights.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 7 LOCAL STREETS The lowest classification of roadways is the local roadway where access is provided with much less
concern for control but land service is paramount. Spacing for local streets is as needed to access land uses. Local roadways generally have lower speed limits in urban areas and normally
serve short trips. Local streets will connect with some minor arterials but generally connect to collectors and other local streets. The development of local streets will be guided by
the location of the existing and proposed minor arterials and collectors as well as by development and the expansion of local utilities. The existing roadway functional classification
system is shown on Figure 6-2.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE
ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AV E 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 TH 47 CSAH 4 TH 65 CSAH 2 2 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH 65 TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD Existing
Roadway Functional Classification City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/2007 trans class.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet September 3, 2008
City Limit Parcels Open Water Roadway Classification A Minor Augmentor B Minor Arterial Major Collector Figure 6-2
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 9 3. ACCESS MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES The management of thoroughfare access along roadway systems, particularly arterial
and collector roadways is a very important component of maximizing the capacity and decreasing the crash potential along those roadway facilities. As mentioned in a previous section,
arterial roadways have a function of accommodating larger volumes of traffic and often at higher speeds. Therefore, access to such facilities must be limited in order to protect the
integrity of the arterial function. Collector roadways provide a link from local streets to arterial roadways and are designed to provide more access to local land uses since the volumes
and speeds are often less than arterial roadways. MnDOT studies have shown that as the density of access increases, whether public or private, the traffic carrying capacity of the roadway
decreases and the vehicular crash rate increases1. Businesses suffer financially on roadways with with poorly designed access, while well designed access to commercial properties support
long-term economic vitality. As with many transportation related decisions, land use activity and planning is an integral part of the creation of a safe and efficient roadway system.
Every land use plan amendment, subdivision, rezoning, conditional use permit, or site plan involves access and creates a potential impact to the efficiency of the transportation system.
Properties have access rights and good design will minimize the deleterious effect upon the roadway system. Minnesota State Statutes state that “reasonable, convenient, and suitable”
access to property shall be provided. Access management is a combination of good land use planning and effective design of access to property. The granting of access is shared by the
State, County, Cities, and Townships with each having the permitting process responsibility over roadways under their control. The aforementioned authorities may also require the following
while examining access: Dedication of public rights-of-way Construction of public roadways Mitigation measures of traffic and/or other impacts Change in and/or development
of new access points Using proper access guidelines helps all the agencies involved to be on the same page. However, access spacing is important not just for new developments, but for
existing developments and accesses as well. Processes should be developed to deal with existing corridors that have allowed improper access spacing in the past. In these cases it is
possible that the number of access points exceed the access spacing guidelines. These existing access 1 “Toward An Access Classification System and Spacing Guidelines”, Technical Study
No. 4, MnDOT, February 1999.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 10 points must be handled in a different manner than with new access points. It is desired to aggressively minimize
any new accesses while consolidating, restricting and/or reducing existing access points as redevelopment occurs. It is important to remember that access spacing guidelines are long
term goals and not absolute rules. Maintaining flexibility is important when promoting access consolidation, including consideration of existing conditions, physical barriers, or constraints.
The traveling public benefits from access spacing, whether using gradeseparated crossings, frontage roads, right turn only entrances/exits, etc. Given the number of agencies potentially
involved in reviewing plats and access points, access guideline, and corridor management practices should be implemented at the state, county and city level. MnDOT has developed guidelines
for access management based upon their goals of safety, mobility, and statewide growth. As a part of their guidelines, four new categories were developed as an addition to the functional
classification system: High Priority Interregional Corridors (IRC) Medium Priority IRC Regional Corridors Statewide Roads These types of roadways link the state’s primary
trade centers and the Twin Cities Metro area to one another. MnDOT has further divided the primary categories into sub-categories based upon the specific facilities and land use patterns
surrounding the roadway. Table 6-1 shows MnDOT’s recommended street spacing guidelines for IRC’s according to the January 2008 Access Management Manual. Table 6-2 shows the street spacing
guidelines for non-IRC’s
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 11 Table 6-1 Summary of Recommended Street Spacing for IRCs Public Street Spacing Category Area or Facility Type Typical
Functional Class Primary Full-Movement Intersection Secondary Intersection Signal Spacing 1 High-Priority Interregional Corridors & Interstate System (IRCs) 1F Interstate Freeway Interchange
Access Only 1AF Non-Interstate Freeway Interchange Access Only (see Section 3.2.7 for interim spacing) 1A Rural 1 mile ½ mile 1B Urban/Urbanizing ½ mile ¼ mile 1C Urban Core Principal
Arterials 300-600 feet, dependent upon block length See Section 3.2.5 for Signalization on Interregional Corridors 2 Medium-Priority Interregional Corridors 2AF Non-Interstate Freeway
Interchange Access Only 2A Rural 1 mile ½ mile 2B Urban/Urbanizing ½ mile ¼ mile See Section 3.2.5 for Signalization on Interregional Corridors 2C Urban Core Principal Arterials 300-600
feet, dependent upon block length ¼ mile 3 Regional Corridors 3AF Non-Interstate Freeway Freeway Interchange Access Only (See Section 3.2.7 for interim spacing) Interim 3A Rural 1 mile
½ mile See Section 3.2.5 3B Urban/Urbanizing ½ mile ¼ mile ½ mile 3C Urban Core Principal & Minor Arterials 300-600 feet, dependent upon block length ¼ mile Source: Anoka County Highway
Department
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 12 Table 6-2 Summary of Recommended Street Spacing for Non-IRCs Public Street Spacing Categor y Area or Facility Type
Typical Functiona l Class Primary Full-Movement Intersection Secondary Intersection Signal Spacing 4 Principal Arterials in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and Primary Regional Trade
Centers (Non-IRCs) 4AF Non-Interstate Freeway Interchange Access Only (see Section 3.2.7 for interim spacing) Interim 4A Rural 1 mile ½ mile See Section 3.2.5 4B Urban/Urbanizing ½ mile
1.4 mile 1.2 mile 4C Urban Core Principal Arterials 300-600 feet, dependent upon block length ¼ mile 5 Minor Arterials 5A Rural ½ mile ¼ mile See Section 3.2.5 5B Urban/Urbanizing ¼
mile 1/8 mile ¼ mile 5C Urban Core Minor Arterials 300-600 feet,, dependent upon block length 1/4 mile 6 Collectors 6A Rural ½ mile ¼ mile See Section 3.2.5 6B Urban/Urba nizing 1/8
mile Not Applicable ¼ mile 6C Urban Core Collectors 300-600 feet,, dependent upon block length 1/8 mile 7 Specific Area Access Management Plans 7 All All By adopted Plan The County’s
Access Spacing Guidelines are shown in Table 6-3.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 13 Table 6-3 Anoka County Access Spacing Guidelines Intersection Spacing Functional Class Route Speed (mph) Area or
Facility Type Primary Full Movement Intersection Conditional Secondary Intersection Signal Spacing Private Access 50 -55 Rural 1 mi 1/2 mi 1 mi By Deviation Only 40 -45 Urbanizing 1/2
mi 1/4 mi 1/2 mi By Exception or Deviation Principal Arterials < 40 Urban Core 1/8 mi 300 – 660 feet 1/4 mi Subject to Conditions 50 -55 Rural 1/2 mi 1/4 mi 1/2 mi Subject to Conditions
40 -45 Urbanizing 1/4 mi 1/8 mi 1/4 mi By Exception or Deviation “A” Minor Arterials < 40 Urban Core 1/8 mi 300 – 660 feet 1/4 mi Subject to Conditions 50 -55 Rural 1/2 mi 1/4 mi 1/2
mi Subject to Conditions 40 -45 Urbanizing 1/4 mi 1/8 mi 1/4 mi By Exception or Deviation “B” Minor Arterials < 40 Urban Core 1/8 mi 300 – 660 feet 1/4 mi Subject to Conditions 50 -55
Rural 1/2 mi 1/4 mi 1/2 mi Subject to Conditions 40 -45 Urbanizing Collectors 1/8 mi N/A 1/4 mi Subject to Conditions < 40 Urban Core 1/8 mi 300 – 660 feet 1/8 mi Subject to Conditions
50 -55 Rural 1/2 mi 1/4 mi 1/2 mi Subject to Conditions Local 40 -45 Urbanizing 1/8 mi N/A 1/2 mi Subject to Conditions < 40 Urban Core 1/8 mi 300 – 660 feet 1/8 mi Subject to Conditions
Specific Access Plan All By adopted plan/agreement/covenant on land Source: Anoka County Highway Department The City will implement the aforementioned access spacing guidelines as redevelopment/devel
opment occurs. B. Traffic Volumes The Metropolitan Council has projected
the City’s growth as shown in Table 6-4. This growth will be accommodated through redevelopment efforts and changes in the community’s housing stock. The demographic assumptions for
the transportation plan, by traffic assignment zone (TAZ), are also provided in Table 6-4. Figure 6-3 shows the location of each TAZ within the city limits. These assumptions are the
same as the projections prepared by the Metropolitan Council.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 14 The Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Policy Plan supports the maintenance and enhancement of transportation
facilities to accommodate growth and reinvestment into the community. Table 6-4 Forecast of Population, Households, and Employment Revised Development TAZ 2000 Framework 2010 2020 2030
119 1,668 1,790 1,923 1,944 120 1,602 1,713 1,823 1,847 121 1,759 1,878 2,008 2,039 122 2,337 2,540 2,724 2,765 123 3,387 3,630 3,887 3,945 124 7,767 8,450 9,035 9,160 Population Tota
l 18,52 0 20,00 0 21,40 0 21,70 0 119 738 791 849 855 120 642 686 733 740 121 772 827 884 896 122 1,012 1,083 1,159 1,172 123 1,438 1,540 1,647 1,665 124 3,431 3,673 3,929 3,972 Household
s Tota l 8,033 8,600 9,200 9,300 119 790 809 831 865 120 424 418 422 436 121 260 273 283 290 122 123 123 125 130 123 1,302 1,350 1,380 1,430 124 3,520 3,627 3,760 3,850 Employme nt Tota
l 6,419 6,600 6,800 7,000 Source: Metropolitan Council, Bonestroo The most recent daily traffic traffic volume information for the primary roadways in the City of Columbia Heights was
obtained from MnDOT. Figure 6-4 shows the most recent traffic volumes in Columbia Heights. All roadways in the community are two-lane except TH 47, TH 65, CSAH 2 (40th Avenue) between
University Avenue (TH 47) and Central Avenue (TH 65), and 44th Avenue between Jackson Street and Tyler Place.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AVE 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AVE 45TH AVE 49TH AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45T H AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOULD AVE LOMIANKI LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST
ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AVE 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD 124 120 123 119 121 122 Traffic Analysis
Zones (TAZ) City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/taz.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet September 3, 2008 Traffic Analysis Zone (TAZ) City
Limit 119 120 121 122 123 124 Figure 6-3
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 16 Traffic volumes, as shown on Figure 6-4 are used as a planning tool to help test the ability of a roadway to accommodate
future volumes. In addition to the number of lanes provided, the daily capacity of any individual roadway is based upon many factors including: Number of access points per mile
Number of signalized intersections per mile Percentage of truck traffic Physical grade of the roadways Six levels, LOS A to LOS F, are generally used for traffic analysis. LOS
A is the best with free flow conditions and little to no delay. LOS F is the worst with congestion, long delays, and forced flow. Table 6-5 shows how each level of service would look
to motorists. Table 6-5 LOS Description For planning purposes, a generalized ADT threshold for roadways is used. Table 6-6 shows the generalized ADT volume thresholds for a roadway type
and number of lanes in terms of level of service. Level of service (LOS) is a qualitative measure describing operational conditions within a traffic stream, generally in terms of such
service measures as: Speed and travel time Freedom to maneuver Traffic interruption Comfort and convenience
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE
ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AV E 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP (20,000) 20,100 1,750 5,700 5,600 3,700 3,350 (23,900) (28,500) (29,000) 6,400 2,050 4,350 3,500 4,700 8,100 6,300 2,750 (19,600)
(15,400) (18,500) (21,000) (26,500) 1,600 5,500 6,800 9,000 10,400 1,750 3,900 8,300 CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD 6,000* Existing
Traffic Volumes City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/Existing ADT.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet May 21, 2009 City Limit 2007 AADT Volumes
2006 AADT Volumes 1,234 Open Water (1,234) Figure 6-4 1,234* 2005 AADT Volumes
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 17 Table 6-6 Generalized Average Daily Traffic Volume Thresholds Maximum ADT Volume at Level of Service1 Facility
Type A B C D2 E 2-Lane Roadway -Without Turn Lanes With R Turn Lanes With L Turn Lanes3 With L and R Turn Lanes3 3,000 4,750 5,250 7,500 4,500 7,200 7,900 11,250 6,500 10,300 11,400
16,250 8,500 13,500 14,900 21,250 10,000 15,900 17,500 25,000 4-Lane Roadway -Without Turn Lanes With R Turn Lanes With L Turn Lanes4 With L and R Turn Lanes4 7,100 9,600 10,100 12,600
10,700 14,400 15,200 18,900 15,400 20,700 21,900 27,200 20,100 27,100 28,600 35,600 23,700 31,900 33,700 41,900 1 ADT Volumes above the LOS E maximum threshold would be considered LOS
F. 2 LOS D is usually the lowest acceptable LOS allowed by most agencies within the metro area. 3 Also considered the planning capacity for a 3-lane roadway (one through lane in each
direction with a center, two-way left turn lane) without or with a right turn lane. 4 Also considered the planning capacity for a 5-lane roadway (two through lanes in each direction
with a center, two-way left turn lane) without or with a right turn lane. Note: Approximate values based upon several assumptions: Capacity assumptions per lane Peak hour percentages
Directional orientation ¼ mile signal spacing The above table provides planning-level capacity thresholds for different roadway cross-sections. These thresholds can be used to
identify existing and future capacity problems. However, because of variations in traffic as well as roadway characteristics, which do not always fall neatly into the above categories,
capacity/operational issues should be confirmed through other sources if possible. Figure 6-5 shows the roadway network and general lane configurations as they were applied to Table
6-6 to obtain LOS estimates. Figure 6-6 shows the planning LOS values per road segment. As shown in that figure each of the road segments analyzed are currently operating at satisfactory
conditions.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW 38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST
DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA
ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE
46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40T H AVE 3RD ST 44TH AV E 5TH ST 6TH ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver
Lake HILLTOP 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn
Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 4 Lane w/o Turn Lanes 4 Lane w/o Turn Lanes
4 Lane Divided w/Rt + Lt Turn Lanes 4 Lane Divided w/Rt + Lt Turn Lanes CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD 2 Lane w/o Turn Lanes Road Segment
Lane Configuration City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/lane config.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet May 21, 2009 City Limit Open Water Figure
6-5
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE
ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AV E 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH CSAH 2 TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD Existing ADT Level of Service
City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/ADT Level e.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet May 21, 2009 City Limit Parcels Open Water ADT Level of
Service LOS A LOS B LOS C LOS D LOS E Figure 6-6
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 20 C. Crash Analysis One of the city’s goals is to review and analyze high traffic crash locations on a biannual basis.
Anoka County has also identified crashes as a priority for improvement. Included in their Draft Transportation Plan is a figure illustrating locations with high crash rates between 2002
and 2006. The County considers 10 or more crashes per year at one location as being a high incident crash location. The number of fatal crashes is also highlighted. According to the
County’s figure, there are four intersections within Columbia Heights with 10 or more incidents per year. The intersections are listed below. 44th Avenue NE & Main Street NE 40th
Avenue NE & University Avenue NE 40th Avenue NE & Central Avenue NE 40th Avenue NE & Reservoir Boulevard Intersection crash rates can be calculated for each intersection by examining
the historical crash data. These rates are then compared to Metro and Statewide averages that have been compiled by MnDOT. A summary of these rates are shown in Table 6-7 below. Table
6-7 Metro and Statewide 2004-2006 Average Intersection Crash Rates Category District Crash Rate Severity Rate Crash Density Low Volume1, High Metro 0.6 0.9 3.8 Speed2 Statewide 0.7 1.1
4.5 High Volume3, High Metro 0.8 1.1 14.5 Speed2 Statewide 0.8 1.2 14.2 Low Volume1, Low Metro 0.5 0.8 3.7 Speed4 Statewide 0.6 0.8 3.6 Metro 0.7 1.0 10.0 Signalized High Volume3, Low
Speed4 Statewide 0.7 1.0 9.6 Urban or Suburban Metro 0.2 0.3 1.8 Thru/Stop Statewide 0.3 0.4 1.3 Metro 0.2 0.4 1.5 Rural Thru/Stop Statewide 0.3 0.5 1.0 Metro 0.6 0.8 3.2 Unsignalized
All Way Stop Statewide 0.6 0.8 2.4 1 Low volume considered less than 15,000 ADT Source: MnDOT 2 High speed considered greater than or equal to 45 mph 3 High volume considered greater
than or equal to 15,000 ADT 4 Low speed considered less than 45 mph
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 21 In general, when crash rates are above those listed in Table 6-7, improvements may be necessary at the intersection.
The crash rates at specific intersections were not examined at this time. The information presented is to be used as a reference as the City conducts it’s biannual crash analysis of
intersections. If, when examined, crash rates are found to be greater than the metro and statewide averages outlined in Table 5, the City must determine which actions need to be enacted
to alleviate the issues. Crash analysis has been conducted along the Central Avenue corridor per the City’s request. The crash data has been obtained using the Minnesota Crash Mapping
Analysis Tool or MnCMAT provided by MnDOT. Analysis between the years of 2004 and 2006 was chosen to be consistent with data presented in Tables 6-7, 6-8, and 6-9. During those years
there were 204 crashes on Central Avenue within city limits. Of the 204 crashes there were: Severity of Crash Number of Crashes Fatal 0 Incapacitating injury 3 Non-incapacitating injury
32 Possible injury 50 Property Damage 119 Table 6-7 and 6-8 show the Metro and Statewide crash statistics by category. The crash rates, severity rates, and crash densities shown in the
tables are used to compare roadway section’s crash statistics. Crash statistics higher than those shown in the table indicate sections requiring attention from a safety perspective.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 22 Table 6-8 Two-Lane Section Crash Data (2004-2006) Category District Miles Crash Rate1 Severity Rate Crash Density2
Metro 13 0.0 0.0 0.2 ADT < 1,500 Statewide 3,800 0.5 0.9 0.1 ADT 1,500 to Metro 85 0.4 0.7 0.4 4,999 Statewide 4,013 0.4 0.7 0.3 ADT 5,000 to Metro 104 0.5 0.9 0.7 7,999 Statewide 699
0.4 0.7 0.6 Metro 139 0.5 0.8 1.6 Rural ADT > 8,000 Statewide 318 0.4 0.7 1.2 ADT < 1,500 Metro 1 0.5 0.5 0.2 Statewide 83 0.6 1.1 0.1 ADT 1,500 to Metro 9 1.1 1.5 0.9 4,999 Statewide
241 0.6 0.9 0.4 ADT 5,000 to Metro 29 0.7 1.0 1.0 7,999 Statewide 148 0.5 0.8 0.8 Metro 53 0.8 1.1 2.5 Urban ADT > 8,000 Statewide 126 0.7 0.9 1.8 1 Crash Rate per million vehicle-miles
Source: MnDOT 2 Crash Density crashes per mile per year
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 23 Table 6-9 Multi-Lane Section Crash Data (2004-2006) Category District Miles Crash Rate1 Severity Rate Crash Density2
Rural Freeway Metro 124 0.4 0.6 4.4 Statewide 840 0.4 0.6 2.0 Urban Freeway Metro 275 0.7 0.9 14.5 Statewide 296 0.7 0.9 13.9 Rural 4-lane Metro 111 0.4 0.5 2.3 Expressway Statewide
810 0.4 0.6 1.2 Urban 4-lane Metro 113 0.5 0.8 3.9 Expressway Statewide 155 0.5 0.8 3.3 Rural 4-Lane Undivided Metro 0 0.9 1.1 3.0 Statewide 27 0.3 0.6 0.6 Metro 20 1.1 1.4 4.8 Urban
4-Lane Undivided Statewide 58 0.9 1.2 2.8 Rural 4-Lane Divided Metro 1 0.5 0.7 1.9 Conventional (Non expressway) Statewide 115 0.4 0.6 0.8 Urban 4-Lane Divided Metro 21 0.8 1.0 3.7 Conventional
(Non expressway) Statewide 89 0.7 1.0 2.5 Three-lane Metro 9 0.9 1.3 2.9 Statewide 39 0.7 1.0 1.8 Five-lane Metro 2 2.2 3.5 11.9 Statewide 17 0.8 1.2 2.7 1 Crash Rate per million vehicle-miles
Source: MnDOT 2 Crash Density crashes per mile per year MnDOT’s “Crash Rate Calculator” calculated the crash rate for this corridor. It was determined that the Central Avenue Corridor
exhibited the following crash statistics between 2004-2006: Crash Statistics Crash Rate 3.94 per million vehicle-miles Severity Rate 6.32 Crash Density 34 crashes per mile per year As
shown above, the crash statistics are higher than both the Statewide and Metro averages. The city requested specific notification with regards to crashes involving pedestrians or bicycles.
Out of the 204 crashes, there were seven involving bicycles and three involving pedestrians. The severities of those crashes are as follows:
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 24 Severity of Crash Number of Crashes Fatal 0 Incapacitating Injury 1 Non-Incapacitating Injury 5 Possible Injury
4 Property Damage – No Apparent Injury 0 As shown by this crash analysis, the crash rate, severity rate, and crash density are greater than the statewide and metro crash statistics for
an urban 4-lane undivided roadway. Safety is an utmost concern on the Central Avenue corridor for the city and based on this analysis should remain as such. At this time it is recommended
that the city remain vigilant of opportunities to improve the safety along the corridor. Further study and analysis is recommended to determine appropriate safety measures for this important
corridor. The city will work with the state and/or county, depending on location, to address safety issues at intersections or along corridors. D. Transit System Transit service in Columbia
Heights consists of fixed route, demand-responsive, and para-transit service. Metro Transit, the Twin Cities metropolitan area regional transit provider, provides fixed route service
as shown in Figure 6-7. Columbia Heights is within the Metropolitan Transit Taxing District, Market Area II. Service options for Market Area II include: regular-route locals, all-day
expresses, small vehicle circulators, special needs para-transit (ADA, seniors), and ridesharing The city is within the market area that receives full peak and off-peak fixed
route transit service. Metro Transit has constructed a transit hub along Central Avenue between 40th and 41st Avenues. This station provides for transfers between regular route buses
and community circulators. The station is adjacent to existing parking that may be used for drop-offs and for park-and-ride. Service frequencies are provided in Table 6-10.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 25 Table 6-10 Transit Service Frequency1 Transit Route Peak Hour Frequency (minutes) Off-Peak Hour Frequency (minutes)
4 7-15 15-30 10 7-10 30 11 12-15 30 25 7-10 60 118 4-52 13 141 20-30 N/A4 801 60 60 824 32 N/A4 829 32 N/A4 2 Total trips during peak hour Source: Metro Transit 3 Total trips during
midday hours 4 Route is not provided during off-peak hours The Anoka County Traveler provides demand-responsive (dial-a-ride) transit service to the Columbia Heights area. It was established
in 1990 as a demonstration project to provide accessible dial-a-ride service in Anoka County. In January 1996, the Columbia Heights Shared Ride Transit System became part of the Anoka
County Traveler service area. Today, the Anoka County Traveler transit system provides service to all Anoka County communities including Columbia Heights. Para-transit service is also
provided by Metro Mobility and various other special-purpose service providers. The Northstar Corridor is a transportation corridor that runs between Big Lake and Minneapolis along TH
10. It will utilize the BNSF railroad just west of Columbia Heights, between East River Road and Main Street. There are no stations slated to be located in Columbia Heights but there
will be one in the neighboring city of Fridley on 61st Ave. The Northstar Commuter Rail will travel at speeds up to 79 mph and offer services between Big Lake and Minneapolis. Commuter
Rail service operates during peak travel times and across longer distances such that fewer stops are made. The Northstar trains will operate primarily during weekday rush hours when
traffic is heaviest and demand is greatest. The Northstar Commuter route is expected to be operational in 2009. HOV by-pass lanes have been installed at the University Avenue and Central
Avenue interchanges with I-694. There are currently no park-and-ride lots in Columbia Heights.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE
ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AV E 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD 11 824 4 801 801 10 829 801 10 829 801 10 824 11
11 Existing Transit Routes & Facility City of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/transit.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet May 12, 2009 City Limit
Parcels Open Water Bus Route ID 410 11 801 824 829 118 141 Transit Center Figure 6-7
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 27 E. Pedestrian Crossings and Safety Existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities are discussed in the Parks and Open
Space section of the Comprehensive Plan. Trail crossing locations of arterial and collector roadways should be carefully considered to maximize trail user safety. Appropriate consideration
should be given to signed crosswalks, signals, or grade separated crossings at each trail crossing. Pedestrian safety is a common thread when looking at the goals established at the
beginning of this chapter. As such, possible improvements that could be applied to improve pedestrian safety at intersections are discussed below. Some of the items listed in the below
list are not standard safety measures. They have been provided to facilitate discussions and to think of alternative safety measures. The city will coordinate with MnDOT and the County
upon implementing any pedestrian safety measures at an intersection. The city will examine each pedestrian crossing on a case-by-case basis. ADVANCE STOP LOCATION involves placing
the stop bar pavement marking four to 20 feet in advance of the crosswalk. CROSSWALK PAVEMENT TREATMENTS are textured or colored crosswalks that better differentiate the crosswalk
for approaching motorists and crossing pedestrians. IN-PAVEMENT LIGHTS are flashing insert lights at marked crosswalk that are designed to attract attention to the crosswalk when
a pedestrian is present and has activated them. CURB EXTENSIONS, also called chokers, physically reduces the street width at an intersection and provides increased visibility for
both motorists and pedestrians. RAISED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS are a speed table that is the desired width of a crosswalk. ADDITIONAL SIGNS which could include signs mounted at ground
level or on the signal mast arms for both motorists and pedestrians. NO RIGHT TURN ON RED reduces the conflict between turning vehicles and pedestrians by preventing motorists from
turning on a red light. COUNTDOWN PEDESTRIAN TIMERS provides the pedestrian with exact knowledge of how much crossing time remains. LEADING PEDESTRIAN INTERVAL will activate the
pedestrian phase of a signal in advance of vehicle traffic.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 28 LAGGING PEDESTRIAN INTERVAL delays pedestrians from crossing the intersection until after the motorists have
been given the corresponding green indication. AUTOMATIC PEDESTRIAN DETECTORS uses microwave, infrared, or video technology to detect pedestrians that are waiting to cross or are
crossing the street. PEDESTRIAN RAI LINGS physically prevents pedestrians from crossing at areas other than the marked crossing. STAGGERED PEDESTRIAN REFUGE ISLAND consists of
using the median in a staggered configuration, such that it will force pedestrians to walk towards traffic in order to reach the second half of the crosswalk. CROSSING FLAGS are stored
in canisters near the crosswalk. When a pedestrian approaches the crosswalk, he/she waves the flag to attract the attention of passing motorists. ENFORCEMENT increases the presence
of law enforcement actively looking for violators not yielding to pedestrians. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE is an overpass specifically for pedestrians, eliminating the pedestrian and vehicle
interaction. The previous list is not comprehensive and is meant to offer ideas of potential pedestrian treatments. Improvements must be analyzed to determine the appropriateness for
each application. The city will review on an as-needed basis if further pedestrian treatments are necessary at specific intersections. F. Freight and Goods Movement System 1. TRUCK ROUTES
According to MnDOT’s CSAH 10-Ton Project, there are a few conceptual 10-ton system roadways within Columbia Heights including: Central Avenue 40th Avenue NE 49th Avenue NE There
are no state highways within Columbia Heights that restrict truck traffic. 2. RAILROADS There is a rail yard located to the west of Columbia Heights. There is a small portion of Canadian
Pacific Railway (CPR) located within Columbia Heights. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail line runs north-south near the western border of the city.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 29 G. Aviation Facilities There are no existing aviation facilities within Columbia Heights. However, the city remains
cognizant of the need to protect its airspace. This includes protection from potential hazards such as hazards to air navigation including electronic interference and height of structures.
The following internet address provides access to the Current Federal Aviation Regulations. http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/Part 7 of the Current Federal Aviation
Regulations contains guidelines regarding when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shall be notified of proposed construction or alteration. Generally the FAA shall be notified
of construction or alteration that will be greater than 200 feet above ground level. Notification is not required if the construction or alteration will be shielded by existing structures
or natural terrain. In the event that the FAA is to be notified of proposed construction construction or alterations, the appropriate form can be found at the following web address.
http://forms.faa.gov/report_new.asp?stype=N The “Notice of Proposed Construction of Alteration” is form number 7460-1. The FAA has several regional offices. Minnesota is part of the
Great Lakes Region and is served by the Great Lakes Regional Office. Great Lakes Regional Office Air Traffic Division, AGL-520 2300 East Devon Avenue Des Plaines, IL 60018 Tel: 847-294-7568
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 30 YEAR 2030 TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM A. Highways and Streets There are no principal arterials within the City of Columbia
Heights. There are no roadways considered in the Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Constrained Metropolitan Highway System Plan Investment Priorities within the city. 1. JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFERS
(PLANNED OR POSSIBLE TRANSFERS) Jurisdictional changes are usually made when an opportunity presents itself. Examples of such opportunities include construction of a new segment that
replaces the function of the current roadway and the improvement or major rehabilitation of a facility that is identified as a potential transfer. Both TH 47 and TH 65 have been discussed
as “possible” transfers from the State to the County. While no firm dates for the turn-back have been established, it is believed that TH 65 will be turned-back before the turn-back
of TH 47. No dates for turnback
of these roadways have been identified. 2. FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION CHANGES (PLANNED OR POTENTIAL CLASSIFICATION CHANGES) The designated function of a roadway is defined by the role
it plays in serving the flow of trips through the overall highway and street network. The Metropolitan Council has established detailed criteria for all of the different functional classifications.
The intent of a functional classification system is to create a hierarchy of roads that collects and distributes traffic from neighborhoods to the metropolitan highway system, accounting
for topography and other physical constraints of the area. In addition, larger trip generators, such as employment and commercial centers and river crossings, should be served by roadways
with higher classification, such as arterials. Residential, neighborhood, commercial uses and places of relatively low demand should have roadways of lower classification such as collectors
and local streets. It is in this manner that the land use plan is integrated into the transportation plan. Descriptions of each functional classification can be found previously in this
section of the Comprehensive Plan. There are currently no functional classification changes planned for the city’s roadways. 3. YEAR 2030 TRAFFIC PROJECTIONS Traffic projections and
forecasts were made to determine how future growth within the city will impact the area roadways. To begin, the historical average daily traffic (ADT) volumes were compared to determine
growth patterns and rates. Also used for these projections are volumes contained within the Anoka
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 31 County Transportation Plan. From these sources it was determined that a growth rate of 0.25 percent per year will
yield a conservative growth rate. Area roadway ADT’s were increased by that factor. The 2030 daily traffic projections are shown in Figure 6-8.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE
ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AV E 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP (27,000) 1,860 6,050 5,940 3,930 3,550 3,550 33,300 6,790 2,180 4,610 3,710 4,990 8,590 6,680 2,920 (20,000) (24,100) 1,700
5,830 7,210 9,540 11,024 1,860 4,140 (6,600) CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD 2030 Forecasted AADT Volumes City of Columbia Heights,
Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/2030 ADT.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet October 20, 2008 City Limit 2030 Forecasts Anoka County Forecasts 1,234 Open Water (1,234)
Figure 6-8
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 33 4. ROADWAY CAPACITY ANALYSIS Traffic projections, as shown on Figure 6-8 are used as a planning tool to help test
the ability of a roadway to accommodate future volumes. In addition to the number of lanes provided, the daily capacity of any individual roadway is based upon many factors including:
Number of access points per mile Number of signalized intersections per mile Percentage of truck traffic Physical grade of the roadways Table 6-4 was used again to determine
the planning LOS for the roadway segments using the projected 2030 ADT’s. Figure 6-9 shows the planning LOS results for road segments within Columbia Heights. As shown in that figure,
each of the roadway segments are operating at satisfactory planning LOS. B. Transit System According to the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Policy Plan, transit services are to
be a focus of improvement to the region. This includes a goal to increase transit ridership 50 percent by 2020 and to double it by the year 2030. A transit system is being designed and
will be scaled to fit various regions’ needs while promoting mobility and access opportunities around the region. The bus system will remain the foundation of future transit services.
Bus service will be increased with strategically focused improvements to better meet the needs and promote efficient use of public facilities. A network of dedicated transit corridors
will be developed. Several routes within the Columbia Heights city limits are planned to be improved. However, no new bus routes are planned in the city. Central Avenue (TH 65) is planned
for transit improvements through 2030. The corridor is planned to be developed as alight rail transit (LRT) /Busway /Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) /Commuter Rail. It has also been identified
as an Arterial Street BRT and an express bus corridor with transit advantages. The existing transit center will remain in Columbia Heights. There are no plans to incorporate new transit
centers or transit stations within the area. There are no future park-and-rides planned to be located within Columbia Heights. C. Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Improvements to the bicycle
and pedestrian trails are discussed elsewhere in the Comprehensive Plan. These facilities are intended to serve both a transportation and recreation purpose and to provide bicycle/pedestrian
access to major generators including the transit hub. Opportunities for cycling to downtown
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 6 – Transportation 34 Minneapolis, neighboring communities, and nearby trail systems should be considered whenever feasible to offer
alternative forms of transportation to and from work and services. D. Freight and Goods Movement System There are no planned improvements to the Freight and Goods Movement System. E.
Aviation Facilities All cities within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area are required to develop an aviation plan. The primary intent of this requirement is to ensure that land uses do
not conflict with the operation of aviation facilities, including seaplane lanes. Four critical areas must be addressed within a city’s aviation plan and appropriately located and mapped:
All structures 200 feet above ground level Any special aviation facilities and functions in off-airport areas and identify appropriate local protections measures Any permanent
private and emergency use airports and heliports allowed by zoning and/or permit Any designated lakes for seaplane bases Currently, Columbia Heights does not have any structures that
exceed 200 feet. However, the current zoning ordinance does not preclude buildings of this height in the GB, General Business District. There are no special aviation facilities, permanent
private use airports, emergency use airports, heliports, or lakes designated for seaplane bases within the community. There are no planned improvements to the City’s aviation facilities.
WASHINGTON ST FAIRWAY DR 7TH ST MAIN ST 49TH AVE MAIN ST 43RD AV E 39TH AVE RESERVOIR BLVD POLK ST 46TH AVE MADISON ST 47TH AVE 2 1/2 ST JACKSON ST 2 1/2 ST 50TH AVE CENTRAL AVE NE POLK
ST 4TH ST UNIVERSITY AVE WASHINGTON ST 42ND AVE 53RD AV E 45TH AVE 49T H AVE 52ND AVE TH 65 45TH AVE ARTHUR ST 3RD ST 43RD AVE TYLER ST 48TH AVE 45 1/2 AVE SUMMIT ST INNSBRUCK PKWY MPLSWW
38TH PL 39 1/2 AVE FOREST DR GOU LD AVE LOMIANK I LN EDGEMOOR PL MCKINLEY ST UPLAND CREST 49 1/2 AVE 50 1/2 AVE HART BLVD JOHNSON ST CHATHAM RD FAIRWAY DR BENJAMIN ST 50TH AVE ROYCE
ST ARGONNE DR 43 1/2 AVE TAYLOR ST CALIFORNIA ST MCLEOD ST MILL ST POLK PL 38TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE UNIVERSITY AVE PIERCE TER LINCOLN TER VAN BUREN ST HEIGHTS DR 42 1/2 AVE FILLMORE ST 39TH
AVE CLEVELAND ST 43RD AVE HAYES ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE MADISON ST MONROE ST TYLER ST QUINCY ST 51ST AVE 41ST AVE JEFFERSON ST 42ND AVE 2ND ST 4TH ST 40TH AV E 3RD ST 44TH AVE 5TH ST 6TH
ST Sulivan Lake Highland LakeHart Lake Silver Lake HILLTOP CSAH 2 TH 47 CSAH 4 CSAH 2 CSAH 4 CSAH CSAH 2 TH 65 TH 47 CSAH 2 CR 102 37TH AVE STINSON BLVD 2030 ADT Level of Service City
of Columbia Heights, Minnesota 2030 Comprehensive Plan I:/332/33207129/gis/maps/ADT Level f.mxd 500 0 500 1,0001,500 Feet May 21, 2009 City Limit Parcels Open Water ADT Level of Service
LOS A LOS B LOS C LOS D LOS E Figure 6-9
Chapter 7: Surface Water City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 1 Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management Introduction Columbia Heights prepared a Water Resources Management
Plan in 2000 to conserve its water resources, to mitigate or prevent flood damage, to protect natural watercourses and shoreline, and to guide its operation and maintenance procedures.
Columbia Heights intends to update its plan when the two watersheds complete their own recently initiated watershed plan updates. Six Cities Watershed Management Organization anticipates
completing their plan in (July 2010) while Rice Creek Watershed District proposes completing their plan in (June 2010). It makes little sense for Columbia Heights to update its WRMP
for the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update and then update it again in a couple of years to be compatible with new watershed plans. Consequently, the city has chosen to delay its WRMP update.
The purpose of this chapter of the Columbia Heights Comprehensive Plan, is to demonstrate how Columbia Heights’ current WRMP, when combined with its current procedures, policies, and
MS4 permit responsibilities meets Metropolitan Council’s requirements as outlined in the 2030 Water Resources Management Policy Plan. State Statutory Requirements for Local Surface Water
Management Plans Minnesota Statute 103B.235 defines content for local water management plans. According to the statute’s text the requirements for local plans are: 1) After the watershed
plan is approved and adopted, or amended, pursuant to section 103B.231, the local government units having land use planning and regulatory responsibility for territory within the watershed
shall prepare or cause to be prepared a local water management plan, capital improvement program, and official controls as necessary to bring local water management into conformance
with the watershed plan within the time period prescribed in the implementation program of the watershed plan and, as necessary, shall prepare or cause to be prepared amendments to the
local local comprehensive plan. 2) Each local plan, in the degree of detail required in the watershed plan, shall: 1. describe existing and proposed physical environment and land use;
2. define drainage areas and the volumes, rates, and paths of stormwater runoff; 3. identify areas and elevations for stormwater storage adequate to meet performance standards established
in the watershed plan; 4. define water quality and water quality protection methods adequate to meet performance standards established in the watershed plan; 5. identify regulated areas;
and 6. set forth an implementation program, including a description of official controls and, as appropriate, a capital improvement program.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 2 Minnesota Rules 8410 augment the statutory requirements by requiring the following of local plans: 1.
Table of Contents 2. Purpose 3. Water resource management related agreements 4. Executive summary 5. Land and water resource inventory 6. Establishment of policies and goals 7. Relation
of goals and policies to local, regional, state, and federal plan, goals, and programs 8. Assessment of problems 9. Corrective actions 10. Financial considerations 11. Implementation
priorities 12. Amendment procedures 13. Implementation program There is some overlap in the statutory and rule requirements, though the current WRMP generally meets these requirements
as discussed below. Metropolitan Council Requirements Metropolitan Council’s 2030 Water Resources Management Policy Plan expands upon the requirements of Rule 8410 as follows: 1. Communities
must commit to a goal of no adverse impacts (nondegradation) for area water resources. 2. The assessment of problems and corrective actions must include TMDL considerations. 3. Require
infiltration of the first ½ inch of runoff from impervious areas created by projects where there are A and B soils. 4. Require infiltration in wellhead protection areas be based on City’s
wellhead protection plan. 5. Communities with trout streams must identify actions to reduce thermal pollution. 6. Communities must meet state requirements for development near outstanding
resource value waters. 7. Communities must consider stormwater management practices that promote infiltration and filtration including the reduction of impervious surface.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 3 8. Include information on types of Best Management Practices (BMPs) used to improve stormwater quality
and quantity including maintenance schedules. The following sections describe how the WRMP and current City policy meet Metropolitan Council requirements. When the City updates its WRMP
it will create a document that ties current policy and procedure directly to the documents. 1. Purpose of Plan The purpose of this chapter is to describe how the current WRMP, when combined
with City policy and procedures, meets statutory, rule, and Metropolitan Council requirements. The purpose of the WRMP is broader. Its goal is to guide the City in managing its surface
and ground water resources, and enables the City to develop drainage facilities in a cost-effective manner, while maintaining or improving the quality of its water resources. 2. Water
Resources Related Agreements The City of Columbia Heights has maintenance agreements with the City of Fridley and also with MnDOT governing maintenance of storm sewer facilities. 3.
Executive Summary The WRMP includes an executive summary. This chapter of the Comprehensive Plan also serves as an executive summary of Columbia Heights’ water resource management efforts.
4. Land and Water Resources Inventory A. Climate Columbia Heights and the Twin Cities area have a continental-type climate because of their proximity to the geographic center of the
North American continent. The area has moderate amounts of precipitation, wide daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations, warm humid summers, and cold winters. The average January
temperature at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (1951-1980), is 11.2°F, while the average July temperature is 73.1°F. The average annual temperature is 44.8°F. The average
date of the last below-freezing temperature (32°F) in the spring is April 30, and the average date of the last below-freezing temperature in the fall is October 13. Therefore, the growing
season is approximately 166 days. Precipitation patterns are influenced by moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Precipitation occurs as rain, freezing rain, hail, and snow. Tornados, severe
thunderstorms, and hailstorms occur occasionally and are of short duration. Annual normal precipitation is
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 4 approximately 26.4 inches, of which approximately two-thirds occurs during the summer months of May through
September. The annual snowfall in the Twin Cities area averages approximately 50 inches. On average, snow depth is 6 inches or more for 40-45 days per year, and over 12 inches for 20
days per year. Runoff from snowmelt can occur any time during the winter. The most severe snowmelt runoff conditions usually occur in March and early April, especially when rain falls
on top of the snowpack. The prevailing winds are northwesterly in the winter and spring, and shift to east and southeasterly in summer and fall. The average annual wind speed is close
to 10 miles per hour. Winds may vary locally, however, due to such features as topography, land use, and water bodies. B. Topography Most of Columbia Heights is rolling to hilly terrain
with several small lakes and ponds. Elevation of the City ranges from approximately 1,020 feet above mean sea level (1,020 msl) near the Minneapolis Water Works property to approximately
850 feet above mean sea level (850 msl) along the City's southern border with Minneapolis. C. Geology Surficial Geology The surficial geology of Columbia Heights consists of glacial
and alluvial (outwash) deposits which cover most of the community. The City of Columbia Heights is within the Grantsburg Sublobe of the Des Moines Lobe. The Grantsburg Sublobe deposited
silty till that was reworked by glacial meltwaters which converted much of the area within the community into a sand plain, sandy lacustrine and valley train deposits. In the Columbia
Heights' portion of the Sublobe, a till deposit is present as Hilltop Moraine. These glacial deposits, along with older glacial deposits, range from 100 to 250 feet in thickness and
are underlain by bedrock. These glacial deposits were placed 12,500 to 14,000 years ago during the last period of glaciation in the Twin Cities area. Soils The texture and composition
of the surficial materials are factors that affect permeability. Fine-grained, densely packed till, for example, has low permeability and high water retention. In these areas, high clay
content increases the absorption properties and lessens the permeability. In contrast, outwashes of relatively course-grained, well-sorted materials will have relatively high permeability
and low water retention ability. Changes in texture and composition of materials may be gradual or abrupt. Local variations in surficial materials may not be apparent within the City
of Columbia Heights because urbanization and development have substantially altered the surface soils; however, the Anoka County Soil Survey provides general guidance in soil types throughout
the City. According to the soil survey there are eight main soil classes within the City: Zimmerman Complex; Hayden-Kingsley Complex; Dundas Complex; Lino Complex; Hubbard Complex; Udorthents
Wet Substratum; Urban Land; and Aquolls and Histosols (ponded).
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 5 Bedrock Geology The bedrock underlying the surficial deposits is composed of sedimentary units that are
part of the Twin Cities Structural Basin. Several sandstone and limestone units are aquifers that are separated by shale confining units. D. Land Use The City of Columbia Heights is
nearly fully developed. The volume and rate of stormwater runoff from a watershed is affected by the land's ability to absorb precipitation (perviousness), which is directly related
to land use.. Because the greatest runoff volumes and rates will occur when the City is completely developed, full development land use conditions were assumed in the analysis of stormwater
quantity and quality. Full development land use was estimated using the City's comprehensive plan and land use zoning maps. Given the developed nature of the City, existing and ultimate
land uses are essentially identical. At full development, the portion of Columbia Heights west of Central Avenue will consist primarily of low density residential properties. Commercial,
industrial and medium density residential properties will exist along the City's south border with Minneapolis, its west border with Fridley, and along Central Avenue. The City of Hilltop
resides entirely within the borders of Columbia Heights and is located from Monroe Street to Central Avenue, between 45th Avenue and 49th Avenue. The area east of Central Avenue consists
primarily of residential land use. Low density, medium density and high density residential properties are located in this area. A major land use feature is the Minneapolis Water Works
located between 45th Avenue and Fairway Drive between Reservoir Boulevard and Chatham Road. 5. Surface Water Goals and Policies Columbia Heights will update its policies once the watersheds
complete their own plan updates so that the City’s and watershed goals and policies are consistent. The City’s existing goals and policies follow: A. Water Quantity Goal: Prevent flooding
from surface flows while reducing, to the greatest practical extent, the public capital expenditures necessary to control excessive volumes and rates of runoff. The City of Columbia
Heights will meet this objective by adopting the following policies: 1. Trunks (outflow conveyors) shall be designed with capacity for the greater of the 10-year event or the 100-year
detention basin outflow. 2. All other systems shall be designed with primary capacity for the 10-year event, and shall provide secondary capacity for the 100-year event in the form of
overflow routes or adequate storage volume.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 6 3. A 100-year level of protection shall be provided for properties within the City. Protection may be
provided by design detention areas for the 100 year runoff event were practical or by requiring the purchase of flood insurance for low lying properties. 4. A hydrograph method shall
be used in the design of detention basins and other facilities (such as wetlands) where there is significant storage. 5. A SCS Type II 24-hour storm or other accepted critical storm
analysis must be considered in determining the critical event for stormwater storage areas. 6. All drainage system analyses and designs shall be based on ultimate full development land
use patterns. 7. New development shall incorporate stormwater controls to prevent any increase in peak discharge rates for the 2, 10, and 100 year events, unless increased discharge
is provided for in an approved regional ponding site, and flood storage volumes shall be maintained within the subwatershed. 8. Intercommunity water resources issues planning shall consider
alternative solutions: All drainage studies or feasibility studies, whether by a WMO, watershed district, or municipality, leading to projects in a subwatershed with an intercommunity
drainage issue, shall consider the impact of the project on the drainage issue and shall consider the total intercommunity project cost. Except in emergencies, no solutions or partial
solutions to intercommunity drainage issues shall be implemented without prior completion of a feasibility study of options and adoption of a preferred option by the applicable WMO.
9. The following items shall be considered in the management of landlocked basins: The flood levels established for landlocked basins shall take into consideration the effects of
water level fluctuations on trees, vegetation, erosion, and property values. Steeply sloped shoreland subject to slope failure and shoreland damage should not be in contact with floodwaters
for extended periods of time. The capacity of proposed outlets to landlocked basins should not be so small as to cause extended duration of high water levels that would result in
damage to upland vegetation. Only the existing tributary area may discharge to a landlocked basin, unless a provision has been made for an outlet from the basin. The form of outlet
may range from temporary pumps to gravity storm sewers. The outlet shall be implemented before increased water levels are likely to affect vegetation, slope stability, and property values.
B. Water Quality Goal: Maintain or improve the quality of water resources within the City.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 7 The City of Columbia Heights will meet this objective by adopting the following policies: 1. Surface waters
are to be classified and water quality functions are to be maintained according to the provisions set forth in this plan. 2. 2. Wetlands will be protected according to regulations and
guidelines in the Wetland Conservation Act. The City will act as the local governmental unit (LGU) for wetlands in the City. 3. Persons proposing or carrying out filling or other development
activity in wetlands or water bodies identified in this plan will be notified by the City that their activity may be under the jurisdiction of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act. They
will be directed to contact the City for guidance and permits. 4. The use of watershed "Best Management Practices" will be promoted to help minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff.
C. Erosion and Sediment Goal: Prevent, to the extent possible, sediment from construction sites from entering the City's surface water resources and to control the erosion from drainageways
within the City. The City has adopted an ordinance for sediment and erosion control that incorporates the general criteria outlined in "Minnesota Construction Site Erosion and Sediment
Control Handbook" published by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Association of Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts. (Ordinance 1547) D. Floodplains and Shoreland
Goal: Control development in floodplains, floodways, and shoreland. The City of Columbia Heights has adopted the following ordinance and policies: 1. Land use constraints along all open
channels, storm sewer overflow areas, depressions, wetlands, and lakes will be managed based on their respective 100-year flood levels computed as part of this plan. 2. The City has
adopted a floodplain and shoreline management ordinance consistent with Chapter 6120 of the 1991 Minnesota Rules. (Ordinance 1550) E. Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Water Recreation Facilities
Goal: Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitats, water recreational facilities, and water resource aesthetics. The City of Columbia Heights will meet this objective by encouraging
the preservation of wetland and water bodies within the City by adopting the provisions and policies included in this plan and the City's comprehensive land use plan.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 8 F. Nondegradation Goal: Improve the quality of the City’s and region’s surface water resources by, whenever
feasible, decreasing total phosphorous, total suspended solids and water volume discharge. The City of Columbia Heights will meet this objective by adopting the following policies: 1.
Development and redevelopment projects will be reviewed in the context of nondegradation and BMPs will be applied as necessary to maintain or reduce current phosphorous, total suspended
solids loads and water volume loads. 2. Treatment will be retrofitted where opportunities on public projects and redevelopment projects exist. 3. The nondegradation strategies of no
increase in TP, TSS and water volume shall, as much as practical, pertain to discharge to DNR public waters and public watercourses and shall not solely be considered on a city-wide
basis. Policies in place to meet Metropolitan Council Requirements Columbia Heights is classified as as a developed MS4 community. As such to meet Metropolitan Council requirements Columbia
Heights must show actions or commitment to a goal of no adverse impact for area water resources. These required actions and Columbia Heights’s goals and actions related to them are as
follows: Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance The City currently has a Construction Site Storm Water Management Ordinance and Erosion Control Ordinance. The City will continue to review
and amend this ordinance as required to be consistent with the NPDES Construction Stormwater permit and MS4 permit requirements Wetland Management Plan As a fully developed community
that is retrofitting water quality and infiltration to public and private projects, Columbia Heights would not benefit from a wetland inventory as much as developing communities. Columbia
Heights anticipates that the new Rice Creek and Six Cities watershed plans will include an inventory as an implementation item. In the near term Columbia Heights implementation of water
quality and infiltration retrofits on public and private projects means continual improvement of the City’s discharge to wetlands and lakes. Peak Rate Control The Storm Water Management
Ordinance requires no increase from existing conditions for the 2, 10, and 100 year storm events. Practices for development that will result in TSS or TP reductions of 80% and 50% respectively.
All new development must meet TSS and TP reductions of 90% ands 60% respectively.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 9 Adopting best management practices for redevelopment that will result in TSS and TP reductions All redevelopment
must meet TSS and TP reductions of 90% and 60% respectively. Also, an updated street sweeping policy has been approved. Funding Mechanisms A Storm Water Utility is applied to all parcels
in City and collected as part of the quarterly utility bill. SWPPP Another stormwater regulatory force is the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The MPCA is the permitting authority
in Minnesota for the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, the federal program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency to address stormwater runoff
pollution. The permit is known as the NPDES Phase II MS4 permit and Columbia Heights is required to obtain coverage by addressing the following six minimum control measures: 1. Public
education and outreach 2. Public participation/involvement 3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination 4. Construction site stormwater runoff control 5. Post-construction stormwater
management 6. Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations Columbia Heights must identify Best Management Practices (BMPs) and measurable goals associated with each
minimum control measure. An annual report on the implementation of the SWPPP is submitted to the MPCA each year. This report can be found online at http://www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us/departments/SW
PPP.asp The BMPs and goals laid out in Columbia Heights’ SWPPP are summarized below: Implementation Item MCM-1: Public Education and Outreach This MCM includes increasing public awareness
about the stormwater system and how it affects community waterbodies by distributing educational materials, implementing an education program, and holding annual meetings, as well as
educating City employees and contractors that work within the City about SWPPP requirements. Implementation Item MCM-2: Public Participation This MCM includes advertising for and holding
an annual public meeting to discuss the City’s SWPPP, solicit and incorporate the public’s comments into the SWPPP, and organizing a volunteer storm drain stenciling program.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 10 Implementation Item MCM-3: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination This MCM includes updating the
storm sewer system map, updating the ordinance to detect and eliminate non-stormwater discharge into the system, implementing an illicit discharge detection and elimination plan, developing
a program to inform the public of the hazards of illegal dumping and discharge, and identifying non-stormwater discharges and flows. Implementation Item MCM-4: Construction Site Stormwater
Runoff Control This MCM includes review and implementation of the existing construction site stormwater management ordinance, enforcement of construction site and building construction
site waste control, development of a site plan review process, recording process for non-compliance reports, and establishment of procedures for construction site inspection and enforcement.
Implementation Item MCM-5: Post-construction Stormwater Management This MCM includes includes development and implementation of structural and/or non-structural BMPs, review of the ordinance
that addresses post construction runoff from new development and redevelopment, long-term operation and maintenance of BMPs, updates to the City’s Surface Water Management Plan, operation
and maintenance control measures and site inspection. Implementation Item MCM-6: Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations This MCM includes development and implementation
of a municipal operations training program, a stormwater system inspection program, street and parking lot sweeping, inspection of exposed stockpile and storage areas, inspection follow-up
including the determination of whether repair, replacement, or maintenance measures are necessary and the implementation of the corrective measures, records reporting of all inspections,
and evaluation of inspection frequency. Implementation Item MCM-7: Additional BMP Requirements This MCM includes an impaired waters review process. 6. Assessment of Problems and Corrective
Actions Assessment of problems This section describes the results of the water quantity and quality analysis and the current and projected water quantity and water quality problems based
on these results. The problems are organized by the major drainage systems within the City of Columbia Heights. Recommended improvements are presented later in this section. Water Quantity
Results and Problem Areas A summary of the water quantity and existing water quantity problems in the City is discussed in this section for each of the watersheds. Water quantity is
defined as peak
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 11 discharges for storm drain flow, and as peak discharges and volume of storage required for pond/lakes.
Columbia Heights is a mature city with a small potential for future land use changes and, therefore, the water quantity analysis performed for present conditions is also considered applicable
for future conditions. Several as-built plans were referenced to the City of Columbia Heights City Datum. The conversion from City Datum to NGVD Datum of 1929 adjustment is 710.3 + elevation
at City Datum. All elevations noted in this Plan are based upon the 1929 NGVD Datum. 1. Watershed A This watershed, located within the center 1/3 of the City along 44th Avenue, is the
largest watershed within the City with an area of approximately 1.76 square miles. The watershed is drained by an extensive storm drain system that exits from the City at 45th Avenue
and Main Street and discharges stormwater westerly to the Mississippi River through a 78-78-inch pipe. The three main storm sewer drains are as follows: 48th Avenue/Monroe Street
(Valley View Elementary and Central Middle Schools) west and south to 45th Avenue/Main Street Labelle Pond west along 44th Avenue through Jackson Pond to 45th Avenue/Main Street,
and 38th Avenue/University Avenue north along University Avenue to 44th Avenue and north and west to 45th Avenue/Main Street. Labelle Pond and Jackson Pond serve as detention areas
for stormwater and reduce peak flows in the storm sewer system. A discussion of some of the drainage components with an emphasis on those components with potential problems follows.
Labelle Pond. This pond, located at 41st Avenue, east of Central Avenue, has a tributary drainage basin of 102 acres and a water surface area of approximately 7.4 acres at normal water
level of 923.3. At the design high water level of 926.3, the water surface area would be approximately 9.2 acres. The gated outlet structure is opened by Columbia Heights personnel when
the water level reaches unacceptable heights. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water level was normal (923.3) at the beginning of the storm and that the sluice gate
was closed throughout the runoff event. The calculated peak discharges from the pond for the 5-, l0-, and 100-year storm events are 0.6 cfs, 3.8 cfs, and 18.0 cfs, respectively. These
flow rates can be easily handled by the existing 24-inch discharge pipe. The pond water level would rise 1.8 feet, 2.1 feet, and 2.7 feet for the 5-, l0-, and 100-year storm events,
respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water level of 926.0, which is 0.3 feet below the design high water level of 926.30. A manhole, located at the 40th Avenue/Central
Avenue intersection, contains a control structure that currently diverts water to Labelle Pond. The water quantity analysis assumed that this water will continue to be diverted to the
pond. The pond has enough capacity to handle the diverted water and it is recommended that diversion to Labelle Pond be continued. Jackson Pond. This pond, located southwest of the Jackson
Street/44th Avenue intersection, has a tributary drainage basin of 547 acres and a water surface area of
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 12 approximately 1.6 acres at normal water level of 880.8. At the berm level of 890.3, the, water surface
area would be approximately 2.3 acres. During small storm events, runoff into this pond is by a storm drain system from a 193-acre drainage area located south of 44th Avenue. During
large storm events, runoff into this pond occurs from the entire 547-acre drainage basin as overland flow as well as storm drain flow, such as overflow from the main storm drain along
44th Avenue. Discharge from this pond occurs through two pipes during a storm. This pond is drained to the main storm drain along 44th Avenue through two storm drains: a 60-inch BCCMP
with an inlet elevation of 880.8 and a 42-inch BCCMP that will begin to flow at Elevation 888.1. The 60-inch BCCMP has a backflow flap to prevent flow into the pond when the 44th Avenue
storm drain is under pressure flow. The 42-inch BCCMP directs flow into the pond from the 44th Avenue storm drain when its hydraulic grade line exceeds an elevation of 888.1. The 42-inch
BCCMP drains from the 44th Avenue storm drain to the pond with inlet and outlet elevations of 888.1 and 882.3, respectively. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water
level is at 880.8 at the beginning of the storm, which means that the pond has 6.5 feet of water from a recent storm. The analysis also assumed that the entire 547-acre drainage basin
would drain through the pond and that discharge from the pond would be equal to the capacity of the 44th Avenue storm drain, which is approximately 176 cfs. Peak discharges from the
pond for the 5-year or greater storm event would be approximately 176 cfs. The pond level would rise 6.9 feet, 10.0 feet, and 14.1 feet for the 5-, l0-, and 100-year storm events. The
respective water level elevations are 887.7, 890.8, and 894.9. The computed water level elevations indicated that the 5-and 10-year storm events will not create water levels higher than
either the Quincy Street or 44th and 43rd Avenue low points. However, the 100-year storm event will flood these streets and adjacent areas. The pond, constructed in the 1960s and modified
several times since, is located in the low point of a natural depression. The area around the pond has experienced flooding, and the Columbia Heights Flood Insurance Study established
896.2 as the 100-year flood level, which would result in the flooding of approximately 30 structures. FEMA has recently reanalyzed Jackson Pond and is in the process of reestablishing
the 100-year flood level as the top of the berm around the pond. Forty-fourth Avenue Storm Drain. This storm drain begins at Labelle Pond, flows north to intersect 44th Avenue at Tyler
Place, flows west along 44th Avenue to Jackson Pond, flows west along 44th Avenue to a junction with a storm drain from the south along University Avenue, flows west along 44th Avenue
to Main Street, flows north along Main Street to a storm drain junction at 45th Avenue and Main Street, and then flows flows west to the Mississippi River in a 78-inch storm drain. The
segment of the storm drain from Jackson Pond to Main Street will carry approximately 176 cfs during the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events. The storm drain size is reduced from a 60-inch
RCP east of University Avenue to storm drains of 54 inches, 42 inches, and 48 inches between University Avenue and the Main Street/45th Avenue intersection. These decreases in size probably
create pressure flow in the pipes along with some flooding at the Main Street intersections of 44th Avenue and 45th Avenue. Portions of the storm sewer are fairly shallow limiting the
amount of surcharging
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 13 that can occur before stormwater is discharged out of the system at manholes and catch basins. Flooding
probably occurs for all storm events analyzed. 2. Watershed B This watershed, located along the northern boundary of the City, is the second largest watershed within the City with an
area of approximately 0.84 square miles. The watershed is drained by an extensive storm drain system, which discharges from the City at 53rd Avenue and University Avenue north to the
Mississippi River through a 48-inch pipe. The four main storm sewer drains are as follows: Clover Pond west along the north City limit to Central Avenue and then west to Sullivan
Pond, Sullivan Lake at Sullivan Drive/Washington Street west and north to 53rd Avenue/University Avenue, 49th Avenue/Jackson Street (Valley View Elementary and Central Middle Schools)
north to Sullivan Pond at 51st Avenue/Jefferson Street, and, Innsbruck Parkway/Johnson Street west along 49th Avenue to Central Avenue and then north along Central Avenue to a junction
with the Clover Pond storm sewer. Clover Pond and Sullivan Lake serve as detention areas for stormwater and reduce peak flows in the storm sewer system. A discussion of some of the drainage
components with an emphasis on those components with potential problems follows. Clover Pond. This pond, located in the northeast comer of the City and to the northwest of Highland Lake,
has a contributory drainage basin of 18 acres and a water surface area of approximately 3.2 acres at normal water level of 988.4. Discharge from the pond is through a 12-inch RCP with
a flared end section. Discharge from the 12-inch outlet is controlled by a structure at the northwest comer of the pond. Diversion plates can be installed in the structure to prevent
discharge from the pond. This analysis was performed assuming that the diversion plates were not in-place and that the outlet was functioning. This outlet discharges into a storm sewer
that flows to Sullivan Lake. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water level is at the discharge elevation of the 12-inch RCP, which is 988.4. The peak discharges from
the pond for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events are 3.7 cfs, 4.7 cfs, and 7.1 cfs, respectively. These flow rates can be easily handled by the existing 12-inch discharge pipe. The
pond level would rise 2.1 feet, 2.7 feet, and 4.7 feet for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water level of 993.1. A review
of as-built plans indicates that houses around this lake have been built above the computed 100-year water level and flooding should not be a problem. Boundary Storm Drain (Clover Pond
to Central Avenue). This storm drain begins at Clover Pond, flows north to the City boundary with the City of Fridley, and then flows west along the boundary line to the junction with
several storm drains at Central Avenue. The storm drain is located within a drainage easement along the back back lot line of
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 14 properties within the City of Columbia Heights. Several low spots exist in the terrain along the storm
drain alignment. Stormwater has collected in these low spots in the past and this analysis indicates that this will continue to be the case. During all storm events analyzed, these low
spots will continue to collect water. Inlets have been placed in these low spots to drain the stormwater runoff into the storm drain system. Excess water during the storm will overflow
these low spots and flow west along the storm sewer alignment to Central Avenue. The excess water will collect at Central Avenue causing flooding of the street and surrounding area.
Several houses built within the City of Fridley along the north edge of these low spots have experienced flooding problems. Central Avenue to Sullivan Lake Storm Drain. This storm drain
begins at the junction of several storm drains: the boundary storm drain from the east, the Central Avenue storm drain from the north, and the Central Avenue storm drain from the south.
Thirty-inch and 42-inch parallel pipes increasing to twin 48-inch pipes drain the stormwater runoff to Sullivan Lake. The outlet pipes at Central Avenue have a combined capacity of approximately
335 cfs, which is less than the calculated 5-, 10-, and 100-year peak runoffs. The calculated peak runoffs are 472 cfs, 616 cfs, and 1,027 cfs, respectively. The excess water should
cause flooding at the storm drain junction on Central Avenue. Sullivan Lake. This lake, located near the north City limit west of Central Avenue, has a contributory drainage basin of
0.73 square miles and a water surface area of approximately 15.3 acres at normal water level of 880.3. At the design high water level of 884.3, the water surface area would be approximately
21.7 acres. Outflow is controlled by a gated outlet structure with a 48-inch RCP discharge pipe that necks down to a 42-inch RCP. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water
level is normal (880.3) at the beginning of the storm. The peak discharges from the lake for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events are 29 cfs, 50 cfs, and 130 cfs, respectively. The
lake level would rise 2.6 feet, 3.1 feet, and 4.6 feet for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water level of 884.9, which is
0.6 feet above the design high water level of 884.3. Under full flow conditions, the discharge pipe will handle 82 cfs, which is larger than the 5-and 10-year peak discharges. The 100-year
peak discharge of 130 cfs would place the existing pipe system under pressure flow. This increased flow may cause minor flooding at downstream inlets. Furthermore, the 100-year storm
event would increase the lake level 0.6 feet above the design high water level and cause the inundation of more land than anticipated by the original design. Sullivan Lake to 53rd Avenue/University
Avenue Storm Drain. This storm drain begins at Sullivan Lake, flows west along Sullivan Drive to 7th Street, flows north along 7th Street to 52nd Avenue, flows west along 52nd Avenue
to University Avenue, flows north along University Avenue to the north City boundary, and then flows north to the Mississippi River in a 48-inch RCP storm drain. This storm drain, assuming
full flow conditions, will handle approximately 82 cfs. Pressure flow would increase the capacity of the existing system. Calculated peak discharges at the 53rd Avenue/University Avenue
intersection are 52 cfs, 84 cfs, and
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 15 201 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The existing storm drain system will
handle the 5-and 10-year storm events while the 100-year storm event will cause flooding of the street system. 3. Watershed C This watershed, located in the northeast comer of the City,
drains an area of approximately 0.50 square miles to a low spot that does not have an outlet. The watershed is drained by an extensive storm drain system, which discharges into Highland
Lake located in Kordiak Park. Six storm drains discharge stormwater into Highland Lake. The outlet from Highland Lake flows through a storm drain to Secondary Pond, which is located
on the City of Columbia Heights' north boundary with the City of Fridley. A storm drain conveys the discharge from Secondary Pond to Tertiary Pond, which is located in the City of Fridley
and does not have an outlet. Highland Lake and Secondary Pond serve as detention areas for stormwater and reduce peak flows in the storm sewer system. Tertiary Pond functions as a retention
pond for this watershed because it is the low point in the drainage system and does not have an outlet. A discussion of some of the drainage components with an emphasis on those components
with potential problems follows. Highland Lake. This lake, located in Kordiak County Park in the northeast comer of the City, has a contributory drainage basin of 0.32 square miles and
a water surface area of approximately 15.7 acres at normal water level of 996.1. Discharge from the pond is through an 18-inch RCP located inside a 10-foot diameter control structure.
Inflow to the manhole is controlled by a metal weir box located at the orifice entrance to the manhole. The elevation of the weir box cannot be changed. The control structure includes
a sluice gate to control outflow from the lake as necessary. This outlet discharges into a storm sewer that flows to Secondary Pond. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the
water level is at the discharge elevation of the metal weir box, which is 996.1. The peak discharges from the lake for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events are 14 cfs, 16 cfs, and
19 cfs. These flow rates can be easily handled by the existing outlet structure. The pond level would rise 1.1 feet, 1.5 feet, and 2.7 feet for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events,
respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water level of 998.8. A review of the as-built plans indicates that the 100-year water level will encroach into the backyards of
several houses located along the east side of the lake and fronting onto West Upland Crest. The 100-year water level will not, however, result in the flooding of any existing homes along
the lake. The elevation of the lowest home around the lake is approximately 1004.4. Secondary Pond. This pond, located north of Highland Lake on the boundary of Columbia Heights and
Fridley, has a contributory drainage basin of 0.33 square miles and a water surface area of approximately 2.0 acres at normal water level. Discharge from the pond is through a 24-inch
RCP with a flared end section. Discharge from the 24-inch outlet is controlled by a structure at the north end of the pond. Plates can be installed in the structure to prevent discharge
from the pond. The control structure
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 16 normally functions with the plates in-place, however, the plates are removed when the water level in
the pond gets too high. The outlet discharges into a storm sewer that flows to Tertiary Pond. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water level is at the invert of the 24-inch
discharge pipe, which is 991.8. It was assumed that the plates were removed from the control structure at the start of the rainfall event. The peak discharges from the lake for the 5-,
10-, and 100-year storm events are 14 cfs, 15 cfs, and 19 cfs, respectively. These flow rates can be easily handled by the existing outlet structure. The pond level would rise 2.1 feet,
2.3 feet, and 2.9 feet for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water level of 994.7. A review of the as-built plans indicates
that the 100-year water level will encroach into the backyards of several houses located around the lake and that it will also encroach into some of the structures. The elevation of
the lowest home around the pond is approximately 994.4. Tertiary Pond. This pond, located northeast of Secondary Pond within the City of Fridley, has a contributory drainage basin of
0.50 square miles and a water surface area of 1.1 acres at normal water level (area was measured from May, 1989 aerial maps of the City). This pond, which is located at the low point
of the drainage basin and has no outlet, serves as the final retention area for the watershed. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water level is 940.0 as shown on the
1989 aerial maps of the City. The peak inflow to the lake including overland and storm drain flow is estimated to be 151 cfs, 206 cfs, and 369 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm
events, respectively. The pond level would rise 15.8 feet, 18.1 feet, and 23.3 feet for the 5-,10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water
level of 963.3. The large contributory drainage area and the small storage volume of this pond will produce large fluctuations in the water levels for this pond. It is expected that
flooding of homes adjacent to Tertiary Pond will occur for the 10-and 100-year storm events. The elevation of the lowest home around the pond is approximately 957.3. 4. Watershed D This
watershed, located in the southeast comer of Columbia Heights, drains approximately 0.45 square miles of the City to Silver Lake. This watershed also drains a portion of the City of
St. Anthony, which is located to the east of Columbia Heights. The watershed is drained by an extensive storm drain system that runs along the City's east boundary with the City of St.
Anthony. The four main storm sewers drain as follows: 45th Avenue/Stinson Boulevard south along Stinson Boulevard to Silver Lake, 45th Avenue/Tyler Street south and east to Silver
Lake, Hart Lake east and north to Silver Lake, and 39th Avenue/Alley located east of Polk Street, northeast and east along 40th Avenue to a junction with the Hart Lake storm sewer
near 40th Avenue/McKinley Street.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 17 Hart Lake serves as a detention area for stormwater in this watershed. A discussion of some of the drainage
components with an emphasis on those components with potential problems follows. Storm Sewers Draining the Area North of Silver Lake. The area north of Silver Lake drains by two major
storm sewer systems. These two storm sewers enter the lake through 21-inch RCP and 30-inch RCP outlets with a combined capacity of 40 cfs. This is less than the calculated 5-, 10-, and
100-year peak runoffs of 108 cfs, 147 cfs, and 263 cfs. Some of the excess water may be temporarily stored in low spots not accounted for in the analysis with the remainder flowing to
the lake as overland flow and street flow. Hart Lake. This lake, located east of Hayes Street between 37th and 39th Avenues, has a contributory drainage basin of 0.04 square miles and
a water surface area of 8.2 acres at normal water level (area was measured from May 1989 aerial maps of the City). Discharge from the lake is through an uncontrolled 18-inch CMP with
a flared end section and a trash guard. This outlet discharges into a storm sewer that flows to Silver Lake. The TR-20 analysis was performed assuming that the water level is at the
invert elevation of the 18-inch CMP outlet or 950.0. The peak discharges from the lake for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events are 1 cfs, 2 cfs, and 3 cfs. The lake level would rise
0.4 feet, 0.5 feet, and 0.8 feet for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The 100-year storm event would create a water level of 950.8. As shown by the calculations,
flooding around this lake should not be a problem due to its large size in comparison to the small area of the drainage basin. Thirty-one percent of the contributory drainage basin is
occupied by the lake. Storm Sewers Draining: the Area South of Silver Lake. The area south of Silver Lake is drained by two major storm sewer systems. These two storm sewers are combined
at a junction near the intersection of 40th Avenue and McKinley Street and drain to Silver Lake by a single 48-inch RCP. In addition to Hart Lake, substantial storage areas are present
north of 39th and 40th Avenue between Hayes Street and Arthur Street. This storage was accounted for by increasing the time of concentration to set the 5-year peak discharge equal to
the capacity of the 48-inch RCP. The TR-20 analysis indicates that the peak discharges entering the lake for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events are 130 cfs, 175 cfs, and 300 cfs.
The 5-year peak runoff will be handled by the storm sewer systems, but the 10-and 100-year peak runoff rates will be conveyed to the lake within the existing street system and overland
where possible. Some of the excess water will be temporarily stored in low spots not accounted for in the analysis. 5. Watersheds E, F, and G These watersheds, located along the southern
boundary of the City, drain an area of approximately 0.53 square miles. The watersheds are drained by an extensive system of storm drains that discharge south into the Minneapolis storm
sewer system at eight locations. From west to east, these connections along 37th Avenue are at: University
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 18 Avenue, 5th Street , Madison Place, mid-block between Reservoir Boulevard and Tyler Street , Tyler Street,
just west of Pierce Street, Johnson Street, and Hayes Street. For analysis purposes, this area was divided into several watersheds that drain to these major discharge points.
These watersheds, outlined on Figure 5, are labeled E (E1, E2, E3, and E4), F, and G. A discussion on each of these watersheds follows. Watershed E. This watershed is further divided
into subwatersheds, one for each major discharge point. Discussion on each subwatershed follows. Subwatershed E1. This subwatershed has a contributory area of 0.08 square miles and drains
to two discharge storm drains on 37th Avenue; one at mid-block between Reservoir Boulevard and Tyler Street, and the other at Tyler Street. The combined peak discharges for these two
points are 88 cfs, 117 cfs, and 204 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The discharge capacity of the 36-inch RCP at Tyler Street is approximately 33 cfs. These
discharges indicate that flooding will occur on 37th Avenue for all storm events analyzed. Subwatershed E2. This subwatershed has a contributory area of 0.04 square miles and drains
to the discharge storm drain at 37th Avenue and Pierce Street. The peak discharges to this point are 38 cfs, 51 cfs, and 92 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively.
The discharge capacity of the 12-inch discharge pipe (size assumed based on upstream pipe size) at Pierce Street is approximately 4 cfs. These discharges indicate that flooding will
occur on 37th Avenue for all storm events analyzed. Subwatershed E3. This subwatershed has a contributory area of 0.03 square miles and drains to the discharge storm drain at 37th Avenue
and Johnson Street. The peak discharges to this point are 22 cfs, 30 cfs, and 54 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The discharge capacity of the 18-inch discharge
pipe (size assumed based on upstream pipe size) at Johnson Street is approximately 8 cfs. These discharges indicate that flooding will occur on 37th Avenue for all storm events analyzed.
Subwatershed E4: This subwatershed has a contributory area of 0.01 square miles and drains to storm sewer inlets at 37th Avenue and Johnson Street. The peak discharges to this point
are 14 cfs, 19 cfs, and 34 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. It is likely that flooding will occur on 37th Avenue for all storm events analyzed, due to the
limited capacities of storm sewer inlets in the area and the capacity of the discharge pipe. Watershed F. This watershed has a contributory area of 0.04 square miles and drains to the
discharge storm drain at 37th Avenue and Madison Place. The peak discharges to this point are 61 cfs, 76 cfs, and 118 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events, respectively. The
capacity of the 30-inch discharge storm drain is 35 cfs. This capacity is less than the peak discharges for all storm events analyzed and some flooding within the watershed is anticipated.
As-built plans indicate that detention storage will occur at the headwater of the storm drain system, which is located on 38th Place. This storage was not accounted for in the runoff
analysis. Watershed G. This watershed has a contributory area of 0.33 square miles and drains to the discharge storm drain at 37th Avenue and 5th Street. The peak discharges to this
point are 331 cfs, 425 cfs, and 690 cfs for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events,
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 19 respectively. The capacity of the 48-inch discharge storm drain is 220 cfs. This capacity is less than
the peak discharges for all storm events analyzed and flooding within the watershed is anticipated. A substantial portion of the runoff flows through Huset Park, which has experienced
flooding during peak runoff events. Flooding problems have also been experienced along 39th Avenue at Jackson Street and Van Buren Street. Stormwater storage within the park was not
included in the analysis and, therefore, the actual peak flows may be less than those predicted by the model. 6. Watershed H This watershed, located in the southwest comer of the City,
drains an area of approximately 0.12 square miles. The watershed is drained by a storm sewer system that exits from the City at 39th Avenue and California Street and discharges storm
water westerly to the Mississippi River through a 54-inch pipe. The main storm drain begins at the 3rd Street/Edgemoore Place intersection, flows south along 3rd Street, flows west along
38th Avenue, flows north along Main Street, and then flows west along 39th Street to the Mississippi River. The TR-20 analysis indicates that the peak discharges reaching the 54-inch
pipe for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events are 55 cfs, 87 cfs, and 188 cfs, respectively. Assuming a full flow condition, the capacity of the storm drains flowing to the intersection
is 34 cfs, while the capacity of the 54-inch discharge pipe is greater than 180 cfs. The existing upstream storm drain system will not handle the flow from any of the storm events analyzed,
however, pressurized flow conditions would increase the capacity of the upstream system. Runoff that cannot be handled by the storm drain system will flow within the streets to the low
points within the watershed. The as-built plans show that there are mid-block low points between 38th and 39th Avenues on California Street, Main Street, and 2nd Street. Due to the undersized
pipes, some flooding may occur at these low points during major storm events. Water Quality Problems Limited data are available on the quality of the water resources within Columbia
Heights. Results of the PONDNET Modeling (Table 6) indicate that the wetland and waterbodies within Columbia Heights receive a substantial amount of nutrients and sediment from their
tributary watersheds. Several of the larger ponds and lakes remove substantial amounts of nutrients from their direct tributary watershed. However, as shown in Table 7, the majority
of storm water runoff within the City does not receive treatment in wet detention areas. A summary of existing and potential water quality problems in the City is given in this section.
The water quality of each of the main drainage systems is discussed first. The overall state of water quality within the City is then discussed. 1. Watershed A A1 -Labelle Pond
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 20 Labelle Pond is located at 41st Avenue, east of Central Avenue. According to the Six Cities WMO plan,
the current use of Labelle Pond is for aesthetic enjoyment, and the City of Columbia Heights has no current plans for upgrading its use. The pond is classified as eutrophic, and algal
blooms and odor have been a problem in some years. An augmentation well on the west side of the pond north of 40th Avenue provides an additional water source for the pond. A3 -Jackson
Pond Jackson Pond is located southwest of the intersection of Jackson Street and 44th Avenue. The pond is a constructed stormwater detention pond and, therefore, its primary use is for
reducing stormwater discharge rates. The City has no other intended uses for the pond. Jackson Pond has a low aesthetic or wildlife value. 2. Watershed B B1 -Clover Pond Clover Pond
is located northwest of Highland Lake in the northeast comer of the City. The pond has experienced low water during periods of drought. According to Six Cities WMO plan, the current
water quality of the pond is eutrophic and improvement of the water quality for other than aesthetic uses is not planned. An augmentation well on the south end of the pond provides an
additional water source for the pond. B4 -Sullivan Lake Sullivan Lake is located on the northern edge of the City west of Highway 65. The Six Cities WMO Plan indicates that Sullivan
Lake is mildly eutrophic and algae bloom and odors have the potential to be a problem. The lake is closely related to the surrounding groundwater and water levels remain stable, even
during times of drought. Efforts should be made to limit, where practical, the amount of nutrients entering this lake to ensure that algae and odor problems do not worsen. A recent project
in the park retrofit a water quality pond and infiltration basin to treat a portion of the runoff entering Sullivan Lake. 3. Watershed C C1-Highland Lake Highland Lake is located in
Kordiak County Park in the northeast portion of the City. Several studies have been performed on the lake to determine measures for water quality improvement. Currently, there is an
aeration system operating on the lake that is maintained by Anoka County. However, the lake is shallow, high in nutrients and water quality problems most likely result from substantial
inputs of stormwater from its tributary watershed. C2 -Secondary Pond This pond is located on the border of Columbia Heights and Fridley, north of Highland Lake. According to the Six
Cities WMO plan, the pond is eutrophic, and the value of the pond is primarily flood control and aesthetic enjoyment. Water quality goals should be to prevent nuisance algal blooms and
odors, however, no serious water quality problems have been reported.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 21 4. Watershed D D2 -Hart Lake Hart Lake is located in the southeast comer of the City. According to the
Rice Creek Watershed District Plan, Hart Lake is considered to be of marginal value for water quality treatment. Given its small size, shallow depth and urban watershed, little water
quality improvements can be expected. Efforts should be focused on maintaining existing water quality and preventing future problems. Dl & D3 -Silver Lake Silver Lake is located on the
border of Columbia Heights and the City of St. Anthony. The lake is classified as a fisheries lake by the Rice Creek Watershed District. Water quality problems in the Columbia Heights
portion of Silver Lake's watershed result primarily from inadequate treatment of stormwater runoff prior to discharge into the lake. Efforts should be made to provide wet detention areas
or other improvements where practical. A recent project in the park retrofit infiltration basins, reduced the sand beach area, and added shoreline vegetation to provide treatment for
runoff entering the lake. The City also operates a seasonal aeration system on the lake. Corrective Actions This section will describe some preliminary recommendations on drainage improvements
that can be implemented to alleviate some of the water quantity problems discussed previously. These recommendations are based on the limited physical data that was available for the
existing topography and the existing storm drain system. Field reviews were also made, as necessary, to obtain additional data, but groundwater was not established and critical lake
level elevations were assumed as necessary. 1. Watershed A. Labelle-Jackson Pond Drainage System The main storm drain system within this watershed begins at Labelle Pond, drains north
and west to Jackson Pond, drains west along 44th Avenue, drains north along Main Street, and then drains westerly from-the 45th Avenue/Main Street intersection to the Mississippi River.
The two water quantity problem spots identified along this storm drain are at Jackson Pond and along Main Street from 44th to 45th Avenue. Jackson Pond. This pond is located in a low
spot and historically the area around the pond has experienced flooding. The 100-year flood level established by the Columbia Heights Flood Insurance Study would result in the flooding
of approximately 30 structures. Both structural and nonstructural methods are available to deal with the flooding problem. Recently the retaining wall along one side of Jackson Pond
has also collapsed. A feasibility study was conducted to determine the best method of repairing the pond while maintaining its flood storage capacity. The feasibility study recommended
installing a lift station and lowering the NWL while grading the slopes back, rather than replace the retaining wall. This feasibility report did not deal with the reoccurring threat
of flooding. Two structural methods that would remove the threat of flooding are to provide additional downstream storm drain capacity and/or to acquire some of the structures subject
to
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 22 flooding and construct additional detention volume on those properties. This could be accomplished by
expanding Jackson Pond or by constructing another pond. The capacity of the existing storm drain system is fairly constant for a considerable distance downstream of Jackson Pond to University
Avenue. Improving the capacity of the downstream storm drain would most probably require the construction of an additional storm drain from Jackson Pond to the Mississippi River. This
would require the construction of at least one mile of storm drain just to the west City limit and an additional 1/2 mile of storm drain westerly to the Mississippi River outfall. The
value of the potentially affected structures would render an unfavorable cost/benefit ratio and, therefore, it is concluded that the increase in capacity method should not be pursued.
Increasing the detention volume to minimize the flooding around Jackson Pond would be accomplished by acquiring some of the structures subject to flooding and constructing another pond
or expanding Jackson Pond. The detention basin could be constructed as a dry basin to allow its use as another City park. Three benefits that would occur with additional detention storage
are: a. structures subject to flooding would be removed from the floodplain, b. another City Park could be created, and c. downstream flooding at Main Street would be alleviated. It
is recommended that the feasibility of this solution be further explored to determine the cost/benefit ratio. The nonstructural method would require the purchase of flood insurance by
those affected by the flooding. A flood insurance study has been completed for the City and therefore those properties shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) to be within an established
floodplain are eligible for flood insurance. This would require no cost to the City. Even though a structural solution may be selected in the future, the purchase of flood insurance
for the present possibility of flooding should be encouraged by the City. University Avenue to Main Street/45th Avenue Storm Drain --As stated previously, the storm drain size is reduced
from a 60-inch east of University Avenue to 54-inch, 42-inch,and 48-inch between University Avenue and the Main Street/45th Avenue intersection. Historically, flooding has occurred in
this segment of reduced pipe size. The flooding could be minimized or eliminated for small storm events by adding an additional storm drain along this street segment. However, 5-, 10-,
and 100-year storm events would still cause flooding in this segment of pipe unless the pipe size were increased the entire distance to the Mississippi River. Again, the cost/benefit
ratio may not be favorable for adding another pipe. As discussed above, additional detention volume at Jackson Pond may be more cost-effective. Another possible method that could be
considered to alleviate flooding along this section of storm drain is the construction of an additional detention basin. A possible location for the detention pond could be south of
44th Avenue between 2nd Street NE and 3rd Street NE within Gauvitte Park. Stormwater from Jackson Pond and areas south along University Drive could be discharged to the proposed pond
and the pond volume and outlet could be designed to limit outflow to the downstream pipe capacity. A feasibility
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 23 study was recently completed for a new pipe under University Avenue and a pond in Gauvitte Park. 2. Watershed
B. Clover Pond-Sullivan Lake Drainage System The main storm drain system within this watershed begins at Clover Pond, drains north to the north City limit, drains west along the north
City limit to Central Avenue, and then drains west through Sullivan Lake Park into Sullivan Lake. The discharge from Sullivan Lake drains west and north to the 53rd Avenue/University
Avenue intersection and then drains north to the Mississippi River. The two water quantity problem spots identified along this storm drain are the boundary storm drain between Clover
Pond and Central Avenue and the storm drain junction at Central Avenue located between 51st and 52nd Avenues. Boundary Storm Drain (Clover Pond to Central Avenue). This storm drain is
located along the City boundary with the City of Fridley within a drainage easement along the back lot lines of a number of Columbia Heights' residents. Existing depressions along this
storm drain collect water and cause flooding of several houses in Fridley along the north side of the storm drain. The existing storm drain does not have enough capacity for the runoff
peaks from the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events. This flooding problem could be solved by either installing a larger storm drain or by floodproofing the houses with potential flooding
problems. Correcting the flooding problem by installing another storm drain would require the installation of a new line all the way to Sullivan Lake, since the storm runoff calculations
indicate that a flooding problem also exists along this line at Central Avenue. This solution would require the construction of approximately 1/2 mile of new storm drain, which would
be very expensive. Improvements to alleviate the flooding problems in this area have recently been further investigated in cooperation with the City of Fridley. The recommended solution
is to perform grading work in the area to eliminate the existing depressions and drain excess stormwater to Central Avenue. Storm Drain Junction at Central Avenue between 51st and 52nd
Avenues. The TR-20 analysis indicates that flooding should occur at this storm drain junction for the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events. The model did not consider scattered upstream
storage in determining these peak discharges and, therefore, these peak discharges may be higher than actual. Correcting the potential problem would be very expensive because it would
require the installation of additional inlets near the junction and 1,377 feet of new storm drain from Central Avenue to Sullivan Lake. Unless a historical record of flooding can be
proven, it is recommended that no improvements be installed. 3. Watershed C. Highland Lake-Secondary Pond Drainage System An extensive storm drain system collects and conveys the runoff
from 0.32 square miles to Highland Lake, which is drained to Secondary Pond by a storm drain system. Secondary Secondary Pond, which is located on the north City boundary with the City
of Fridley, is drained by a storm drain to Tertiary Pond. Tertiary Pond does not have an outlet and it is located in the City of Fridley. A water quantity concern associated with these
three lakes
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 24 is the regulation of the lake levels to prevent flooding of houses located around the lakes. During the
100-year peak runoff, untimely operation of the control structures could cause flooding of houses around all of the lakes. The TR-20 analysis, performed with the assumption that the
gates were open on the two upstream lakes, indicates that the 100-year runoff would raise water levels by 2.7 feet at Highland Lake, 2.9 feet at Secondary Pond, and 23.3 feet at Tertiary
Pond. Based upon these 100-year water levels, flooding of homes would occur around Secondary Pond and Tertiary Pond. During a 100-year storm event, it may be desirable to limit overflow
from Highland Lake to prevent or minimize downstream flooding in Secondary Pond and Tertiary Pond. The normal water level of Highland Lake, which is located in Kordiak County Park, is
controlled by the City of Columbia Heights. The normal water level in Secondary Pond is controlled controlled by the City of Columbia Heights in cooperation with the City of Fridley.
Proper control of these water levels is necessary to prevent or minimize the potential flooding of houses around these lakes. It is recommended that additional studies be made of these
lakes and that an operation manual be written to assure proper operation of the outlet control structures. A critical time in flood control with Highland Lake, Secondary Pond and Tertiary
Pond will be right after a 100-year storm event. Another large storm event right after a 100-year storm event could cause substantial flooding of all three of the lakes. Therefore, it
may be necessary to provide an additional outlet from Highland Lake to drain off the excess water immediately after a large storm event. A previous study of this area has recommended
that a diversion pipe be constructed from Highland Lake to Clover Pond to provide additional water for Clover Pond. It is recommended that this proposal be pursued to alleviate a potential
flooding problem as well as provide relief for a water quality problem on Clover Pond. The construction of the diversion pipe must be coordinated with the 52nd Avenue Floodway Project
to avoid the creation of additional flooding problems downstream of Clover Pond. 4. Watershed D. Silver Lake Drainage System Drainage from the portion of the watershed area within the
City of Columbia Heights is toward Silver Lake by an extensive system of storm drains. The TR-20 analysis indicates that the storm drain that begins at the 45th Avenue/Tyler Street intersection
and flows south and east to Silver Lake is undersized for peak runoffs from the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm events. The other storm drains will handle the peak runoffs from the 5-year
storm event. Substantial scattered storage that exists in this watershed was not accounted for in the model, and therefore, unless there has been some historical record of flooding,
it is recommended that the system be maintained as it currently exists. If the low spots that currently exist are regraded to drain, it may be necessary to increase the capacity of the
current drainage system.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 25 5. Watersheds E. F. and G. City of Minneapolis Drainage System These watersheds drain the areas along
the southern boundary of the City south to 37th Avenue and into the City of Minneapolis Drainage System. All pipes are undersized for peak runoffs from the 5-, 10-, and 100-year storm
events. Flooding has been experienced in the past along 37th Avenue at Buchanan Street and Lincoln Street, and it is expected that flooding will occur at other locations along 37th Avenue
during major storm events. Since these storm drains discharge to a system within the City of Minneapolis, it would be very expensive to increase the size of the system. Unless extensive
historical flooding has created significant problems in the area, it is recommended that no changes be made to the system at this time. Some flooding relief could be accomplished for
the storm drain system that discharges at the 37th Avenue/5th Street intersection by constructing a detention basin within Huset Park. It is recommended that a study be undertaken to
determine the feasibility of the construction of a detention basin in this area to alleviate historical flooding problems along 39th Avenue. 6. Watershed H. City of Fridley Drainage
System Flooding may occur at the mid-block low points between 38th and 39th Avenues on California Street, Main Street, and 2nd Street during major storm events. The storm drains in this
location drain to a 54-inch pipe that discharges to the Mississippi River from the California Street/39th Avenue intersection. The 54-inch pipe has the available capacity to allow the
installation of additional inlets or to increase lateral pipe sizes as necessary to alleviate any localized flooding problems. Impaired Waters The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(MPCA) is required to publish a list of impaired waters; these are lakes and streams in the state that are not meeting federal water quality standards. For each water body on the list,
the MPCA is required to conduct a study to determine the allowable Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for each pollutant that exceeds the standards. Impaired waters in Columbia Heights
are summarized in the table below. Impaired Waters Waterbody/Watercourse Affected Use Pollutant/Stressor Sandy Lake Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication Highland Lake Aquatic Recreation
Nutrient/Eutrophication Silver (West) Lake Aquatic Recreation Nutrient/Eutrophication None of these waterbodies has an approved TMDL plan. Columbia Heights will revise its SWPPP and
its stormwater management program to meet the requirements of a TMDL implementation plan, when it is approved. It should be noted that public and private projects throughout the city
retrofit water quality and infiltration whenever feasible so Columbia Heights is already in the process of reducing its pollutant loads.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 26 7 & 8. Implementation Priorities and Financial Considerations The City has developed an implementation
program based on the information developed in earlier sections of this Local Surface Water Management Plan. This Section summarizes general implementation items required to meet Metropolitan
Council requirements and also includes specific items identified in Sections 5 and 6 and presents a preliminary cost estimate to complete the items based on the best available information.
It should be noted that estimated costs presented in the section are preliminary only and are presented only for long-term budget planning purposes. General Implementation Activities
Required by Metropolitan Council 1. Erosion and Sediment Control-The City's objective is to prevent, to the extent possible, sediment originating from construction sites from entering
the City's water resources and to control the erosion from drainageways within the City. The City of Columbia Heights intends to keep its erosion and sediment control ordinance updated
to be consistent with the NPDES Construction Stormwater permit and MS4 permit requirements. 2. Water Quantity-The City of Columbia Heights will continue to employ policies and ordinances
that control runoff rates from land-altering activities. 3. Water Quality-The City will continue to protect, preserve, maintain, and use wetlands and water resource-related areas in
Columbia Heights to preserve the functions served by wetlands and water bodies. The quality of surface water runoff will be maintained or improved through encouraging the use of watershed
Best Management Practices that result in TSS and TP reductions. These practices are discussed in more detail in the Minnesota Stormwater Manual. 4. Infiltration-Infiltration will be
required for the first ½ inch of runoff from impervious areas created by new projects where there are A and B soils. 5. Soil Amendment-A soil amendment and required ripping 1 ½-2 feet
after mass grading will be considered. 6. Infiltration in Wellhead Protection Areas-Infiltration in wellhead protection areas will be based on Columbia Heights’ wellhead protection plan.
7. Pretreatment of Stormwater-Pretreatment of stormwater will be required prior to discharge into all waterbodies. Capital Improvement Plan The City’s current, overall Capital Improvement
Plan includes several projects that address issues identified in Section 6 and goals and policies identified in Section 5. A summary of those projects is provided in the table below,
showing proposed start year and budgeted cost. The improvements are funded by the City’s storm water utility fund.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 27 The City will use the implementation project information to update their current CIP, as necessary. The
City updates the Capital Improvement Plan on an annual basis. Activity Activity Description Proposed Start Budgeted Cost Silver Lake Beach Retrofitted existing park with raingardens,
shoreline vegetation, replaced outfall with erosion issues. Completed $301,000 Sullivan Lake Park Retrofitted existing park with pre-treatment basin and raingarden Completed $285,000
Jackson Pond Install a lift station outlet to in Jackson Pond to lower the pond NWL and reduce pond wet volume and thus reduce or eliminate the current retaining walls through more gradual
pond sloping. 2009 $400,000 University Avenue Storm Sewer Pipe Construct a new 60” pipe under University Avenue to convey drainage from the frontage road as well as the overtaxed 44th
Avenue System. 2009/10 $275,000 Gauvitte Water Quality Pond Construct a water quality pond in Gauvitte Park
to treat stormwater from the new 60” pipe under University Avenue prior to discharge to the Mississippi River 20010-12 $350,000 WRMP Update Update the City’s Water Resources Management
Plan once the two jurisdictional watersheds have completed the updates to their plans. 2009/10 $20,000 Storm Sewer System Improvement Annual projects concurrent with Street Rehabilitation
Program Ongoing $75,000 Public Education and Outreach Program Develop and maintain a public education and outreach program to provide stormwater management education opportunities for
City residents Ongoing --Public Participation Hold an annual public meeting to discuss the City’s SWPPP Ongoing --Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Ordinance Review city code
and update as necessary to address the NPDES illicit discharge detection and elimination ordinance requirements Ongoing --Construction Site Stormwater Runoff control Review city code
and update as necessary to address the NPDES construction site erosion control ordinance ordinance requirements Ongoing --Postconstruction Stormwater Management Review city code and
update as necessary to address the NPDES stormwater management ordinance requirements Ongoing --Pollution Development and implementation of a Ongoing --
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 7 – Surface Water Management 28 Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations municipal operations training program General inspection
and maintenance of the City’s stormwater management system, including: Annual street sweeping Inspection and maintenance of ditches, ravines, and storm sewer Inspection and
maintenance of stormwater basins and outfalls Inspection and maintenance of structural pollution devices Impaired Waters Report Conduct impaired waters evaluations and prepare an
impaired waters reports, per BMP 7a-1 --Total for MS4 SWPPP Implementation Ongoing $15,000-$25,000 9. Amendment Procedures Because this is not considered a Water Resources Management
Plan but instead a chapter of the comprehensive plan, the City of Columbia Heights will need to complete a Water Resources Management Plan consistent with the Watershed plans of Rice
Creek Watershed District and the Six Cities WMO upon completion of those plans (tentative schedule, July 2010). Subsequent to that the City will amend on a regular basis as needed and
update on a regular 10-year cycle according to the requirements of statute, rules, waters w/jurisdiction, and Metropolitan Council.
Chapter 8: Sanitary Sewer City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 –Sanitary Sewer 1 Chapter 8 – Sanitary Sewer Introduction The Metropolitan Land Planning Act (amended 1995) requires local governments
to prepare comprehensive plans and submit them to the Metropolitan Council to determine their consistency with metropolitan system plans. The local Comprehensive Plan is to include a
wastewater element covering the collection and disposal of wastewater generated by the community. Similarly, the Metropolitan Sewer Act requires local governments to submit a Comprehensive
Sewer Plan (CSP) which describes the current and future service needs required from MCES. In March, 2005 the Metropolitan Council adopted a revised Water Resources Management Policy
Plan (WRMPP). The 2030 WRMPP includes the metropolitan wastewater system plan with which local comprehensive plans must conform. The method Columbia Heights has chosen to demonstrate
its conformance is through a chapter in its Comprehensive Plan. This chapter satisfies the requirements of both the wastewater element of the Comprehensive Plan and the Comprehensive
Sewer Plan (CSP). This report updates the City of Columbia Heights’ wastewater plan. The City last updated its wastewater plan with the City’s last Comprehensive Plan in 2001. The sanitary
sewer system for the City of Columbia Heights is complete. Columbia Heights is now concerned with maintaining its existing system and ensuring it continues to serve the residents of
Columbia Heights and Hilltop. This wastewater chapter calculates sanitary sewer flows that Metropolitan Council can use in the planning of the Metropolitan Disposal System or MDS, which
is operated by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). MCES also uses the wastewater chapter to determine whether capacity upgrades will be needed at the Metropolitan Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP). Columbia Heights’s sanitary sewer system connects to three Metropolitan Council Interceptors: 1-MN-305, 1-MN-306, and 4-FR-440. The City of Hilltop is also served
by Interceptor 4-FR-440 and the flow from Hilltop is not metered by Metropolitan Council. Metropolitan Council estimates that Hilltop’s average daily flows will remain relatively constant
at 0.1 MGD through 2030. Therefore any Columbia Heights flow projects presented in this chapter have been adjusted to remove Hilltop’s flow. Forecasts Table 8.1 presents Metropolitan
Council’s population projections for Columbia Heights.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 –Sanitary Sewer 2 Table 8.1 – Metropolitan Council City-wide Projections Revised Development Framework 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Population
18,910 18,520 20,000 21,400 21,700 Households 7,766 8,033 8,600 9,200 9,300 Employment 4,536 6,419 6,600 6,800 7,000 Table 8.2 includes projections of sewered population, households,
and employees for the City of Columbia Heights, as prepared by Metropolitan Council and presented in its 2030 WRMPP. Table 8.2 – Metropolitan Council Projections for Sewered Areas1 Year
Sewered Population Sewered Households Sewered Employment 2010 20,000 8,600 6,600 20152 20,700 8,900 6,700 2020 21,400 9,200 6,800 20252 21,550 9,250 6,900 2030 21,700 9,300 7,000 1Metropolitan
Council Water Resources Management Policy Plan, May, 2005. 2 Values Interpolated Table 8.3 shows the number of existing connections by local sewer service district (See map for sewer
districts). Table 8.3 – Existing Sewer Connections District 1-MN-305 1 4602 2 1561 3 128
8Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 –Sanitary Sewer 3 Table 8.4 shows Metropolitan Council’s projected flows for the years 2010, 2020, and 2030 from its Water Resources
Management Policy Plan (updated 2005). Values for intermediate years are interpolated. Table 8.4 – Wastewater Flow Projections Year MCES Projected Average Flow (MGD)1 2010 1.53 20152
1.56 2020 1.58 20252 1.57 2030 1.56 1Metropolitan Council’s Water Resources Management Policy Plan (May 2005). 2Interpolated Table 8.5 shows Columbia Heights’ flow projections broken
up by interceptor. Table 8.5 – Total Projected Average Daily Flow Year 1-MN-305 1-MN-306 4-FR-440 Total Columbia Heights Projected Average Flow (MGD) 2008 0.240 0.288 0.815 1.343 2010
0.278 0.317 0.906 1.500 2015 0.292 0.328 0.941 1.560 2020 0.307 0.339 0.976 1.621 2025 0.310 0.342 0.984 1.636 2030 0.314 0.345 0.993 1.651 Columbia Heights’s 2008 sewage flow is based
upon MCES metered average flow from meter numbers M106 (1-MN-305), M107 (1-MN-306), and M108 (4-FR-440). The average flow projections were calculated by assigning 75 gallons per day
to each additional person and 25 gallons per day to each employee and applying it to the population projections. The projected increased flow was partitioned among the three interceptors
according to the 2008 breakdown of flow. 0.1 MGD of flow was removed from the projected average daily flow for Interceptor 4-FR-440 to account for Hilltop. The City’s flow projections
align well with Metropolitan Council’s flows through 2015, but diverge after that. While Metropolitan Council shows an increase in population and employment through 2030, the projected
average flow actually goes down. This does not seem realistic.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 –Sanitary Sewer 4 Sanitary Sewer Trunk System The trunk sewer system layout for the City of Columbia Heights is presented on the Sanitary
Sewer System Map, Figure 8.1. This map shows the main sanitary sewer districts to each interceptor, existing trunk and lateral sanitary sewers, and existing and proposed lift stations
and force mains. As a fully developed community, Columbia Heights has no need or plans to expand its existing sanitary sewer system. The majority of pipe in the City is vitrified clay
pipe, though when pipe is replaced it is either with PVC or RCP pipe. Capacity and design information for Columbia Heights’ trunk sewer system is shown in Table 8.6. For the purposes
of this chapter, trunk sewer was determined to be the three sewer pipes immediately upstream of the interceptor at the border of Columbia Heights. The design flow was calculated using
the 2030 flows from Table 8.5 and multiplying them by peak flow factors shown in Table 8.7, which are generally considered conservative and widely used throughout the state for municipal
planning. Table 8.6 – Pipe Capacities Inlet Control Outlet Control Capacity Capacity/Design Flow To interceptor From Point To Point Design Flow (MGD) Pipe Size (in) Length (ft) Slope
(%) (MGD) (MGD) (MGD) 1-MN-305 36C51 36C54 1.13 15 129 1.67 2.65 5.40 2.65 2.34 1-MN-306 35C53 35C48 1.24 18 310 1.87 4.01 9.30 4.01 3.22 4-FR-440 Metropolitan Council Interceptor Table
8.7 – Peak Flow Factors Peak Flow Factor Average Daily Flow Limits (MGD) 4.0 0.00-0.11 3.9 0.12-0.18 3.8 0.19-0.23 3.7 0.24-0.29 3.6 0.30-0.39 3.5 0.40-0.49 3.4 0.50-0.64 3.3 0.65-0.79
3.2 0.80-0.99
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 –Sanitary Sewer 6 The City of Columbia Heights has four lift stations, however none of these lift stations is considered part of the
trunk sanitary sewer system of Columbia Heights. IndividuaI Sewage Treatment Systems (ISTS) There are currently no ISTS located within the City limits. The last ISTS was connected to
the City sewer system in September, 2000. Intercommunity Flows Columbia Heights sends approximately 20 parcels along its southern border into Minneapolis’s sanitary sewer system, which
has a negligible effect on Minneapolis flows. Infiltration and Inflow The City performed an extensive I/I study in 1983 that clearly determined that Columbia Heights does not have an
I/I problem and that there would only be a limited cost/benefit for undertaking I/I reduction measures. Nonetheless, the Metropolitan Council identified Columbia Heights as a community
with at least one Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) exceedence event recorded between June 1, 2004 and June 30, 2006, and assessed a surcharge to begin in 2007 and last for five years, until
2011. The City’s surcharge fee for each of the five years is $81,900. The City has since commenced a program directed at identifying and correcting I/I, whose cost can be used to offset
Metropolitan Council’s surcharge. The majority of I/I in the City is caused by deterioration of the existing VCP pipe system and illegal sump pump connections. To reduce I/I within the
City, the ongoing and proposed programs and improvements are as follows: 1. Private sump pump disconnect program a. Over the past four years almost 4000 properties have been inspected,
and 219 sump pump cross-connections have been detected. This program has cost the City approximately $200,000. b. The program will continue and $55,000 has been budgeted for the 2009
sump pump disconnect program. c. The City has an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of sump pumps and foundation drains into the sanitary sewer, which is attached. 2. Sewer main lining
project a. To To eliminate inflow in areas with high water tables, in 2008 the City will line pipe in District 1 and 3, at a cost of over $123,000 b. This program of lining pipes in
expected to continue and the City has budgeted $125,000 for the 2009 project. 3. Ongoing maintenance projects a. In 2008 the City completed the following maintenance projects that helped
to reduce I/I: i. City Hall sump pump correction ($6,037), ii. Repair blocked Sanitary Sewer line on Huset Parkway ($8,400) iii. Central Ave Manhole repair ($9,673)
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 –Sanitary Sewer 7 b. The City expects to continue to complete routine sanitary sewer maintenance projects, including projects concurrent
with street reconstructions, that will reduce I/I. 4. Purchase of a televising rig to help detect illegal cross-connections and locate obstructions in sewer lines at a cost of $125,150.
a. The City expects to televise one-tenth of the sanitary system annually. The I/I reduction strategies are funded primarily by user fees.
Chapter 9: Water Supply City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 1 Chapter 9 – Water Supply Introduction The Metropolitan Land Planning Act (amended 1995) requires local governments to
prepare comprehensive plans and submit them to the Metropolitan Council to determine their consistency with metropolitan system plans. One element of these plans must address municipal
water systems. Minnesota Statute 473.859 requires Water Supply Plans (also referred to as Water Emergency and Conservation Plans) to be completed for all local units of government in
the seven-county Metropolitan Area as part of the local comprehensive planning process. Additionally, Minnesota Statute 103G.291 requires all public water suppliers that serve more than
1,000 people to have a Water Supply Plan approved by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). An approved Water Supply Plan is also a requirement to obtain a Water Appropriations
Permit Amendment from the DNR. Columbia Heights’ Water Supply Plan was approved by the DNR and Met Council in 2008. The Water Supply Plan consists of four parts: Part 1: Water supply
system description and evaluation Part 2: Emergency response procedures Part 3: Conservation plan Part 4: Metropolitan Land Planning Act requirements. The City of Columbia Heights also
regularly prepares a Water Distribution System Analysis (WDSA). This detailed and comprehensive engineering analysis of the trunk water system serves as a planning document to guide
Columbia Heights as it maintains its system. The WDSA performs a more exhaustive scientific, engineering and financial analysis of the water system than is required to meet the minimum
Metropolitan Council and DNR requirements. The most recent WDSA was prepared in 1999. This WSDA was updated in conjunction with a Utility System Rate Study in 2007. The purpose of this
chapter of the comprehensive plan is to provide a summary of the Water Supply Plan and the more detailed WDSA. For brevity and security reasons, the more detailed documents are not included
in this 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Water Supply Goals and Policies During the early stages of the Comprehensive Plan updated goals and policies were created for each of the chapters or
elements of the Plan. In terms of water supply the main goal and policies relate to the maintenance of a high quality water supply and distribution system. This goal and supporting polices
include: Goal: Maintain a high quality and reliable water supply and distribution system.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 2 1. Maintain existing distribution system and plan to protect the City’s infrastructure investment. 2. Periodically assess
system costs and adjust user rates to meet system needs. 3. Explore an alternative supply of water for the community for emergency needs. 4. Maintain and update a Capital Improvement
Plan to address system needs. 5. Replace or rehabilitate water mains throughout the City at specific sites to address system needs and improve water quality. Water Supply System Description
& Evaluation Historic Water Demand Water usage within the City has slightly decreased during the last 10 years. In 2006, the City of Columbia Heights used approximately 529 million gallons
of water throughout the system. Peak day water demand in 2007 was 2.77 million gallons per day (MGD). Table 1-Historic Water Demand, contains a detailed analysis of existing water usage,
including historic water demand. High volume users are listed in the DNR Water Supply Supply Plan.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 3 TABLE 1-Historic Water Demand Year Total Popula tion Populat ion Served Total Connec tions Reside ntial Water Sold (MG)
C/I/I Water Sold (MG) Whole sale Deliver ies (MG) Total Water Sold (MG) Total Water Pumped (MG) Percent Unmeter ed/Unaccou nted Avera ge Dema nd (MGD) Maxim um Deman d(MGD) Residen tial
gallons/capita/d ay Total gallons/capita/d ay 1997 18699 18699 6268 563.8 88.8 N/A 652.6 N/A N/A 1.79 N/A 82.6 95.6 1998 18699 18699 9268 540.3 87.6 N/A 627.9 N/A N/A 1.72 N/A 79.2 92.0
1999 18699 18633 6375 480.7 89.9 N/A 570.6 N/A N/A 1.56 N/A 70.4 83.6 2000 18520 18520 6697 476.7 81.5 N/A 558.2 N/A N/A 1.53 N/A 70.5 82.6 2001 15829 18529 6333 472.1 85.9 N/A 558.0
N/A N/A 1.53 N/A 69.8 82.5 2002 18698 18698 6346 479.8 86.3 N/A 566.1 272.9 N/A 1.55 N/A 70.3 92.9 2003 18698 18698 6357 4918 87.5 N/A 579.3 335.0 N/A 1.59 N/A 72.1 84.9 2004 18600 18600
6378 454.2 84.2 N/A 538.4 360.9 N/A 1.48 N/A 66.9 79.3 2005 18261 18261 6388 441.7 85.9 N/A 527.6 492.8 N/A 1.45 2.63 66.3 79.2 2006 18261 18261 6415 445.3 84.3 N/A 529.6 486.7 N/A 1.45
2.56 66.8 79.5 MG – Million Gallons MGD – Million Gallons per Day C/I/I-Commercial, Industrial, Institutional 2.77 in 2007 Residential. Water used for normal household purposes, such
as drinking, food preparation, bathing, washing clothes and dishes, flushing toilets, and watering lawns and gardens. Institutional. Hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, and other
facilities that use water for essential domestic requirements. This includes public facilities and public metered uses. You may want to maintain separate institutional water use records
for emergency planning and allocation purposes. Commercial. Water used by motels, hotels, restaurants, office buildings, commercial facilities, both civilian and military. Industrial.
Water used for thermoelectric power (electric utility generation) and other industrial uses such as steel, chemical and allied products, food processing, paper and allied products, mining,
and petroleum refining. Wholesale Deliveries. Bulk water sales to other public water suppliers.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 4 Unaccounted. Unaccounted for water is the volume of water withdrawn from all sources minus the volume sold. Residential
Gallons per Capita per Day = total residential sales in gallons/population served/365 days Total Gallons per Capita per Day = total water withdrawals/population served/365 days NOTE:
Non-essential water uses defined by Minnesota Statutes 103G.291, include lawn sprinkling, vehicle washing, golf course and park irrigation and other non-essential uses. Some of the above
categories also include non-essential uses of water. *NOTE: A new master meter has been installed to measure and record purchased water volumes.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 5 Water Supply System The existing water supply and distribution system has served Columbia Heights’s needs well. Previous
studies have provided cost-effective and timely improvements for the system. The existing trunk distribution system is presented on the Proposed Distribution System Improvements Map
(Figure 9-1). The system operates under two pressure zones, with high water level elevations of 1069 ft, and 1174.3 ft. This approach provides satisfactory pressure to most customers.
The City presently purchases treated water from the City of Minneapolis. This water source is treated by the processes of softening, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, membrane
filtration, chlorination and fluoridation. The City of Columbia Heights currently operates one 250,000 gallon elevated storage structure. The remaining storage is leased from the nearby
Hilltop Reservoir, owned by the City of Minneapolis. This reservoir currently can hold up to 40 million gallons, 6.2 million of which are available to Columbia Heights for use. Columbia
Heights does not have any retail or wholesale connections with other communities. However, Columbia Heights does have an emergency interconnection with the neighboring city of New Brighton.
Water Demand Projections Water usage is projected to slightly increase over the next several years. The projected water demand for 2030 is a daily average of 1.76 MGD with an estimated
daily maximum of 3.2 MGD as shown in Table 2-Projected Water Demands. Water conservation is discussed later in this chapter. Table 2: Projected Water Demands Resource Sustainability
Monitoring. Since Columbia Heights purchases its water from Minneapolis, there are not any water resources that require monitoring. Year Total Population Population Served Avg. Day Demand
(MGD) Max. Day Demand (MGD) Projected Demand (MG per Year) 2010 20,000 20,000 1.62 2.9 591.3 2020 21,400 21,400 1.74 3.1 635.1 2030 21,700 21,700 1.76 3.2 642.4
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 6 Insert figure 9-1 Proposed Distribution System Improvements Map
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 7 Natural Resources Impacts. The sustainability of the Columbia Heights water system is dependent on the supply from the
Minneapolis water system. The sustainability of the Minneapolis water source, the Mississippi River, is not expected to experience any shortage in the future. Additional data on resource
sustainability is found in the City’s Water Supply Plan on file with the Minnesota DNR and Metropolitan Council. Also, the water use in Columbia Heights has decreased and is not expected
to reach historic levels any time in the near future. Other Water Supply Issues/Emergency Response Procedures Columbia Heights has prepared a water system vulnerability assessment and
emergency response plan in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, as modified by the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002. These documents identify contacts for emergency
situations, emergency response procedures, describe water sources and services areas, and provide procedures for augmenting water supplies in the event of an emergency. The Water Supply
Plan identifies triggers for implementing demand reduction procedures in the event of a water system emergency. Water use is rationed in accordance with water use priorities established
by state statute. These triggers and water use priorities are regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed. Demand reduction measures are instituted by the City Manager. Water Conservation
Plan Water conservation programs are intended to reduce the demand for water, improve the efficiency in use and reduce loss and waste of water. Conserving water can be a cost-effective
way to reduce the need to construct and operate additional facilities. Columbia Heights’s Water Conservation Plan (contained in the Water Supply Plan) details each of the conservation
goals and how Columbia Heights compares to “benchmark” metrics for each of the goals. The conservation plan also details existing and proposed conservation programs. These programs include:
Metering of water usage. Water audits. Regulation and enforcement of federal, state and local regulations such as: plumbing codes, rain sensors on irrigation systems, water
efficient plumbing fixtures and watering restrictions. Education programs such as Consumer Confidence Reports, community newsletter articles, information at public buildings, events,
and information on the website.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 9-Water Supply 8 Implementation Future System Needs The design system shown on the Proposed Distribution System Improvements Map (Figure
9-1) consists of the following improvements: Additional trunk and lateral distribution mains to be installed and replaced or cleaned and lined as needed to assist with pressure, fire
flows, and water quality. Capital Improvement Plan Columbia Heights updates the water distribution system Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) every 5 years. The most current CIP is kept on
file at the City. Performance Measures The City monitors its infrastructure systems to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the services that are provided to its citizens. Some
of the indicators used in monitoring and measuring Columbia Heights’s water system are as follows: Water use (average and maximum day use for each service area) Water billing summaries
(water use by customer type and top 10 users) Number of water quality and water pressure complaints Performance measures will continue to be monitored and adjusted as necessary to
operate the system in the most efficient and effective manner.
Chapter 10: Implementation City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 1 Chapter 10 -Implementation Introduction The Comprehensive Plan is the most valuable tool to guide the development
and redevelopment of land in the City as long as the visions, goals and policies called out in the plan are implemented. The purpose of the implementation chapter is to identify the
more specific strategies and action items that the City will undertake, over the course of several years, to ensure that the plans, programs and policies set forth in the Plan will be
carried out by the decisions of the city. This chapter provides guidance for policymakers and staff to determine priorities for a wide range of strategies recommended to carry out the
plan. Most chapters within this Comprehensive Plan contain individual implementation steps or plans. These chapter-specific implementation plans contain the detailed policies, programs
and future studies that are recommended to carry out the vision and goals of this Plan. The purpose of this overall Implementation Plan chapter is to provide a collective resource that
describes implementation tools available and a summary of how these tools will be used to implement the Plan. The implementation plans for each chapter will be included within this chapter.
Implementation Tools Official Controls Official controls, such as zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, and official zoning map, must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
These controls are being reviewed and updated within the next 6 months. These controls represent the rules and regulations that govern city decisions regarding growth and development.
Updates to the official controls to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan include the following items: Update the official zoning map to be consistent with the land use designations
recommended on the 2030 Future Land Use Map Review and update if necessary the existing residential zoning district requirements and subdivision regulations to ensure that the densities
allowed in the Plan can be achieved. Develop or review as necessary design standards to ensure high quality residential, commercial and industrial development in the community.
Review and update as necessary the park dedication requirements to ensure appropriate amount of dedication is required to develop future parks and trails based on the updated plans.
Zoning Columbia Heights’s current zoning ordinance establishes 12 zoning districts. Below is a description of the zoning districts in the City. The existing Zoning Map is displayed in
Figure 10-1.
SULLIVAN LAKE CLOVER POND HIGHLAND LAKE SECONDARY POND SILVER LAKE HART LAKE LABELLE POND JACKSON POND PARK LAKE LAKE COURT WARGO BEACH SILVER SILVER HUSET PARK HUSET PARK KEYES PARK
LOMANKI PARK HILLTOPPARK EDGEMOOR PARK LABELLE PARK MC KENNA PARK PRESTEMON PARK GAUVITTE PARK OSTRANDER PARK SULLIVAN LAKE PARK CURT RAMSDELL PARK ALBERT A. KORDIAK PARK OF CITY FRIDLEY
CITY OF HILLTOP MINNEAPOLIS (WATERWORKS) CITY OF FRIDLEY CITY OF FRIDLEY CITY OF ST. ANTHONY CITY OF NEW BRIGHTON PASS PLACE TERRACE 51ST COURT PL ST ST ST ST ST ST DR CHALET ARGONNE
DR BLVDDR RAINER PASS 53RD AVE ST ST ST AVE AVE 51ST 52ND 50 1/2 AVE JEFFERSON INNSBRUCK PKWY JOHNSON PIERCE 50TH TYLER 49 1/2 AVE ST TERRACE ST ST FILLMORE LINCOLN JACKSON MONROE MADISON
7TH PKWY FOREST INNSB RUCK PKWY WEST PL DR FAIRWAY 49TH 47 1/2 AVE CREST HIG HLAND AVE STINSON 5TH 4TH AVE 6TH 50TH AVE AVE 47TH AVE PIERCE FILLMORE ST 47TH AVE 46TH AVE STST ST ST ST
JOHNSON TAYLOR POLK TYLER UPLAND GOLF PL LN MAIDEN 45TH AVE 44 1/2 AVE ST ST 45 1/2 AVE ST ST ST ST ST ST AVE ARTHUR ARTHUR PL BLVD 46TH AVE 47TH AVE 45TH STST ST ST ST AVE ST ST AVE
45TH AVE 7TH MC LEOD 43RD 44TH LEANDER ROYCE ST 43 1/2 AVE ST AVE AVE 44TH 43RD AVE STINSON LANE 42ND BLVD 41ST FILLMORE 42ND AVE AVE STINSON AVEAVE BLVD 5TH
3RD 2ND 6TH 4TH MAIN 44TH AVE 44TH AVE 43RD 43RD AVE 42ND AVE 42ND ST AVE ST ST ST CIRCLE 40TH AVE 40TH HAYES ST POLK TYLER RESERVOIR VAN BUREN JACKSON QUINCY MONROE MADISON JEFFERSON
WASHINGTON 7TH ST ST ST ST ST GOULD ST ST ST ST ST ST ST AVE 39 1/2 BLVD AVE 39TH ST ST BLVD 39TH AVE ST ST ST ST S.T.H. #65 ST ST ST AVE HART CLEVELAND ARTHUR AVE PETERS AVE 41ST ST
6TH ST 4TH ST 5TH 3RD 40TH ST ST 3RD 40TH AVE LOOKOUT ST AVE 41ST SUMMIT 38TH AVE 39TH ST 39TH 38TH AVE MILL PL PL CALIFORNIA EDGEMOOR AVE AVE TERRACE BLVD 41ST WASHINGTON 2 1/2 VAN
BUREN JACKSON QUINCY MONROE MADISON JEFFERSON POLK BUCHANAN INNSBRUCK 38TH PL HAYES PIERCE ST JOHNSON RESERVOIR 37TH AVE LINCOLN BUCHANAN POLK TYLER VAN BUREN JACKSON QUINCY 38TH MADISON
ST MADISON PL AVE AVE BLVD STINSON AVE 37TH 37TH PL 37TH ST MAIN 5TH 38TH37TH 2 1/2 3RD 2ND 37TH AVE MC KINLEY ST ST ST CENTRAL AVE. NE JEFFERSON BENJAMIN ST UNIVERSITY AVE. NE S.T.H.#
47 MULCARE BUCHANAN ST POLK CIR. INNSCIR.W. ST. IMER DR BOR EALISLN KHYBER L N CHEERY LN WASHINGTON SULLIVANLN SULLIVAN WAY CENTRAL AVE. NE S.T.H. #65 IVANHOE PL RESERVOIR BLVD RESERVOIR
BLVD BENJAMIN PL ULYSSES ST S.T.H. # 47 UNIVERSITY AVE. NE VAN BUREN JACKSON QUINCY MONROE MADISON JEFFERSON WASHINGTON 7TH ST ST ST ST ST ST ST ST 6TH ST 4TH ST 5TH ST FAIRWAY DRIVE
CREST NORTH UPLAND ST. MORITZ DR. MATTERHORN MOLAN TERR. SULLIVAN DR 4TH ST 5TH ST 48TH 49TH WASHINGTON ST JEFFERSON ST 4TH ST 5TH STWASHINGTON ST JEFFERSON ST AVE 46 1/2 PARKVIEWLN
BUCHANAN ST TYLER PL TYLER PL 45TH CHATHAM ROAD HEIGHTS DRIVE ST PIERCE ST DR PENNINE DR PL EAST UPLAND CREST WEST UPLAND CREST 6TH ST 6TH ST SULLIVAN DR LOMIANKI LN PARKVIEW PL KEYES
ST LABELLE ST MCKENNA ST GUAVITTE ST MAUREEN LN MAUREEN DR KAREN LN KATHY LN 42 1/2 AVE GRAND AVE PARKSIDELN GRANDVIEW CT WAY Parcel Lines City Limits L E G E N D Commercial: 84.95 25.92
26.11 Right-of-Way 522.01 22.46% Acres: 32.55 180.66 718.52 512.58 116.62 9.74 3.59% 1.12% 1.13% % of Total: 1.36% 7.77% 30.92% 22.06% 5.02% 0.42% LB -Limited Business District CBD -Central
Business District GB -General Business District Public: Residential: R-4 -Multiple Family Residential District Industrial: I -Industrial District I-2 -Industrial District 2363.25 100.00%
69.32 2.98% Non-City Land: City of Hilltop TOTALS: Water Features 69.24 P -Parks Zoning Designations: Mixed: MXD -Mixed Use District 21.55 0.91% R-3 -Multiple Family Residential District
R-2B -Built as Duplexes R-2A -One and Two Family Residential District R-1 -Single Family Residential District Z O N I N G M A P City of C O L U M B I A H E I G H T S C O M M U N I T
Y D E V E L O P M E N T Revision Date: 1/30/1991 Revision Date: 2/2001 -Engineering Department Review Ordinance Date: August 12, 1974 Revision Date: 3/2001 -New Parcel Coverage Revision
Date: 2/2003 -Community Development Department Review Disclaimer: The Zoning Designations found on this map are a graphical representation of the contents of the City of Columbia Heights
Zoning Ordinance. This edition of this map is designed for the purposes of editing and correction. All questions concerning the Zoning Map should be directed to the Community Development
Department. Sources: City of Columbia Heights -Community Development Department Engineering Department (G.I.S. Division) Revision Date: 3/2000 -Community Development Department Review
Map Compilation Date: March 3, 1998 Map Update Date: November 2006 · 0 900 1,800 3,600 Feet 0 0.15 0.3 0.6 Miles RF: 1:12,893 1 inch equals 1,074 feet Project Path: Q:\GIS\GISDATA\PLANNING\PROJECTS\Z
ONING 11X17.MXD
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 3 Residential The City has five residential related zoning districts. The R-1, Single-Family Residential District provides
appropriately located areas for detached single-family dwellings. The minimum lot size requirement is 8,400 sq. ft. The R-2A and R-2B Two-Family Residence District provides appropriately
located areas for single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings (duplexes) and directly related complementary uses. The minimum lot size requirement is 6,500 sq. ft. The R-3, Limited
Multiple-Family Residential District provides appropriately located areas for small lot single-family dwellings, multiple-family dwellings with up to eight units per structure (town
homes, condominiums and apartments), congregate living arrangements and directly related complementary uses. The minimum lot size requirement is 8,400 sq. ft. for twin homes. The R-4,
Multiple-Family Residential District provides for appropriately located areas for high density multiple-family dwellings and congregate living arrangements. The multiple family dwelling
units minimum lot size requirement is 10,000 sq. ft. Commercial The LB, Limited Business District provides appropriate locations for limited retail sales and services for the convenience
of adjacent residential neighborhoods. These areas are located along collector or arterial roadways in close proximity to residential neighborhoods, arranged and designed to be a functional
and harmonious part of the neighborhood, and accessible by public sidewalks or trails as well as by roadways. The GB, General Business District provides appropriate locations for general
retail sales, services and other commercial developments that benefit from their proximity to other commercial uses. These areas are located away from residential neighborhoods, along
arterial roadways and are accessible primarily by automobile. The CBD, Central Business District provides for the development and redevelopment of the established downtown core, including
a mix of retail, financial, office, service and entertainment uses. Residential units are allowed within this district when located above a first floor commercial use. Mixed Use The
MXD, Mixed Use Development District promotes efficient use of existing city infrastructure; ensures sensitivity to surrounding neighborhoods; creates linkages between compatible areas
of the city; provides appropriate transitions between uses; ensures high quality design and architecture; creates good pedestrian circulation and safety; promotes alternative modes of
transportation; and increases the quality of life and community image of Columbia Heights. The intent of this district is to encourage a flexible high-quality design strategy for development
and/or redevelopment of specific areas within the community. Industrial The L-1, Light Industrial District provides appropriate locations for industrial enterprises engaged in activities
such as assembly, storage, warehousing and light manufacturing and further processing of materials first handled by general industry.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 4 The L-2, General Industrial District provides appropriate locations for industrial enterprises engaged in activities
such as manufacturing, processing, assembly, storage and warehousing, which, because of their size and/or nature, require isolation from nonindustrial uses. Other Policy Plans The Comprehensive
Plan refers to other policy plans that the city uses to plan, construct and maintain municipal systems (e.g. sanitary sewer, water supply and distribution, and surface water management),
to make investments, and to carry out actions. These plans include various transportation studies, Comprehensive Sanitary Sewer Plan, Comprehensive Water Supply and Distribution Plan,
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program, Local Surface Water Management Plan and water quality studies. These plans are ongoing implementation tools for achieving the vision and goals
presented in this Plan by providing policies and actions for the city to follow in its its decision making. Capital Improvement Plan State Law requires that the implementation plan chapter
for the Comprehensive Plan contain a capital improvement program (CIP) for transportation, sewer, water, and park and trail facilities. The city’s current CIP is provided in Appendix
B. The CIP provides the city ability to prioritize and budget for projects and improvements on a yearly basis. By planning and budgeting into the future the city is better able to find
funding sources where gaps may occur. Intergovernmental Coordination Implementing the Plan will require coordination with many municipalities, counties, agencies and organizations. Columbia
Heights is: Within one county (Anoka) Adjacent to 4 municipalities (Hilltop, Minneapolis, Fridley and St. Antony Village). Within one school district (Columbia Heights School
District) Within two watersheds (Six Cities Watershed Management Organization and Rice Creek Watershed) Served by TH 47 (University Avenue), TH 65 (Central Avenue) and I-694. Continued
coordination with these entities is integral to ensuring implementation of this Plan. Public Education and Outreach The planning process started the citizen’s of Columbia Heights being
provided the opportunity to participate in a citizen led visioning and goal/policy process. The entire Columbia Heights community will be affected by the Comprehensive Plan and the public’s
involvement in supporting and helping achieve the Plan’s vision and goals is critical to its successful implementation. The city has used several public education and outreach tools
available including the city’s website www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us ,the city newsletter, publications, public hearings, and community or neighborhood meetings. These tools will be
used to involve the public in implementing the Plan.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 5 Major Implementation Items Implementation items are discussed in many of the Plan chapters within the goals and policies
discussion. The following is a summary of the new initiatives/strategies from several chapters to provide one simple, collective source for all items. Community Image Goals and Policies
Goal: Establish and maintain a strong sense of community. 1. Encourage public involvement by creating identifiable neighborhood representation and city initiatives. Create a neighborhood
based communication program with a resident representative of each neighborhood. 2. Enhance the social fabric of the community through city-wide events and programs. Continue annual
events to bring the community together. Develop new events that highlight unique attributes of the community such as a Taste of Columbia Heights. 3. Continue to support the development
of a mixed-use downtown/civic core along Central Avenue to provide a focal point for the community. Through redevelopment include public open spaces and design elements that encourage
public interaction. 4. Create innovative ways to advertise public events and notices to residents of all ages. Broaden the use of the city’s website, newsletter, local newspapers
and other media to promote the city and advertise special events. Encourage businesses to participate and market city events. The city may explore the possibility of a video contest
or creative initiative to foster a positive image of the community. Goal: Strengthen the identity and image of the community as a desirable place to live and work. 1. Enhance the physical
appearance of the community through clean-up initiatives, redevelopment, and housing maintenance programs. Advertise and promote housing maintenance programs available to residents.
Provide staff assistance to homeowners to process applications. Hold city-wide clean up and recycling events in neighborhoods and commercial areas such as an annual clean-up day
utilizing city trucks to pick up garbage for free. Consider burying all telephone lines to improve the aesthetic appearance of the community. 2. Identify themes that will give the
city a unified expression and statement. Create a specific marketing and promotion efforts for downtown with the intent of creating a unique and marketable identity for the city.
3. Create opportunities for and encourage the establishment of a positive media campaign to promote the city.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 6 4. Establish design requirements for all public facilities including buildings, streetscape, landscaping and park
facilities. Prepare design requirements as necessary for public improvements. 5. Enhance the city’s gateways by developing a plan to install signage, features, and landscaping at
city entrances. Prepare a city wide gateway plan complete with lighting, signage and other features. Enhance the north end of Central Ave to create a sense of place (49th Ave and
North) Evaluate the budget to plan for one upgraded gateway per year. 6. Encourage public art in redevelopment projects. Utilize the community public art committee to pursue grant
funding and guide the process of public art installations. Goal: Promote activities and provide opportunities that encourage social interaction among diverse groups of city residents.
1. Create events that highlight the strengths of the diverse population that exists in the city. Develop multi-lingual communication efforts on city programs, procedures, policies
and events. Land Use and Redevelopment Goals and Policies Goal: Preserve and enhance the existing viable commercial areas within the community. 1. Facilitate the enhancement and redevelopment
of major streets and commercial districts. Seek funding mechanisms for additional streetscape improvements. 2. Develop a redevelopment plan for the 40th Avenue Corridor. Budget
for and complete a redevelopment plan for 40th using the Transitional Development District guidance to strengthen the residential character and provide for increased neighborhood commercial
development. 3. Update zoning regulations that more accurately reflect existing commercial conditions by focusing on increasing design standards needed for redevelopment. Review and
update as necessary existing design guidelines. As redevelopment plans are prepared include guidelines into the overall plan. Goal: Provide mechanisms for successful redevelopment of
vacant lands and targeted areas within the community. 1. Enhance the image and viability of the Central Avenue corridor, while protecting and enhancing adjacent residential uses.
Utilize mixed use land use and design principles to integrate office, commercial and residential uses with a focus on pedestrian amenities within redevelopment along Central Avenue.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 7 Encourage redevelopment discussions for the northern corridor of Central Ave at 49th Ave to the city limits. 2.
Create a unified downtown/civic core that provides a focal point for the city along Central Avenue, recognizing the need to modify existing standards in order for redevelopment to occur.
3. Continue to work with the City of Hilltop in an effort to establish a common redevelopment plan for Central Avenue. Engage in quarterly dialog with the City of Hilltop regarding
joint redevelopment efforts. 4. Enhance the image and viability of the University Avenue corridor, while providing opportunities for transit-related uses. Prepare a mixed use redevelopment
plan for the corridor with emphasis on increasing transit opportunities and access. 5. Prepare a master redevelopment plan for the city with identified funding sources. 6. Modify the
Design Guidelines that would better reflect the physical conditions of the redevelopment parcels. 7. Encourage infill development that demonstrates compatibility with existing neighborhood
characteristics, in terms of quality, design, building height, placement, scale and architectural quality. Goal: Promote the safety of residents and ensure a safe environment for pedestrians.
1. Create a lighting plan that will increase visibility and public safety among residential and commercial areas. 2. Provide accessible and safe pedestrian connections to destination
points among the community. a. Require mandatory sidewalks for all redevelopment projects. 3. Address problem intersections when nearby redevelopment occurs. a. Modify Central Ave and
52nd Ave when feasible as crossing is difficult. Goal: Provide convenient access to mixed land use developments to encourage more trips via non-motorized modes of travel and less by
automobile. 1. Place mixed use land uses adjacent to transit with convenient pedestrian access. Ensure design review standards and ordinance requirements support pedestrian, biking
and other alternative modes of transportation. Goal: Provide a natural buffer between housing and industrial zones to promote community health. 1. As redevelopment occurs in industrial
areas require an increase in the amount of landscaping or other buffering as well as improvements to the building aesthetics. Housing Goal: Provide a variety of life cycle housing opportunities
within the community. 1. Encourage development and redevelopment with a mix of housing choices in appropriate areas that protect single-family neighborhoods. Provide master plans
for redevelopment areas of the city that include diverse housing styles at a various purchase and rental levels Allow mixed use and mixed residentially zoned areas of the city
Seek developments that include higher valued housing options
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 8 2. Ensure that the community’s senior residents and residents with special needs have safe and accessible affordable
housing. Evaluate opportunities for new affordable senior housing Support the transition of seniors leaving existing homes and selling to new young buyers Evaluate options for
older residents in single-family housing to age in place while maintaining the home 3. Implement, continuously evaluate and modify the city’s 10-year housing plan. Provide and seek
out an adequate level of annual public funding toward the 10-year housing plan 4. Evaluate a program for the conversion of rental duplexes to for-sale single-family dwellings. Identify
duplexes for private and/or public purchase and conversion and include those units in the 10-year housing plan Seek grant funding to purchase duplexes for renovation and resale 5.
In redevelopment areas of the city, incorporate, when appropriate, options for housing that is affordable at 60% of the most recent area median income to help achieve the Metropolitan
Council Livable Communities housing goals identified for 2011-2020. Identify higher density redevelopment that will include a percentage of units targeted for workforce housing Goal:
Advocate housing efforts that attract and retain residents, especially young families. 1. Increase the knowledge of residents regarding available housing programs for home renovation
and purchase assistance. Include information in City newsletter, cable and city flyers regarding first time purchase classes and renovation loan programs 2. Provide additional opportunities
for first time homebuyers to purchase existing single-family homes. Seek first time homebuyers for purchase of city owned property Evaluate gap funding for first time purchase
of homes under foreclosure Annually meet with area bankers and realtors to promote living in the city 3. Partner with employers and the school district to attract workers to live
in the city. Promote the value of quality affordable homes near established city services, schools and jobs Promote community benefits including parks, trails, recreational opportunities,
small community downtown and schools. Meet with area employers and school district board to promote the benefits of living close to work and to reduce family moves due to inadequate
housing choices. Partner with area organizations and churches to host job fairs and provide job related educational seminars. Goal: Preserve and reinvest in the housing stock to protect
values and investment in the city. 1. Implement an inspection program upon the private sale of homes to ensure that the city’s housing stock remains safe, livable and marketable.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 9 Review effective city ordinances used to address home health and safety conditions 2. Monitor the effects of foreclosures
and on the health of residential neighborhoods and anticipate vacant properties that may experience deferred maintenance and health hazards. Implement a foreclosure prevention and
remediation program Work with Anoka County to access gaps funds for the private purchase of foreclosed properties 3. Continue to offer programs that provide financial assistance and
provide education on the importance of improving housing within the community. Continue to offer and fund a low-interest renovation loan program, rebate program and energy efficiency
program for home remodeling Market Anoka County deferred renovation and energy efficiency programs to residents of lower incomes Evaluate the benefits of participation in a home
remodeling fair Modify home renovation marketing materials for multiple languages 4. Reinvest in older ownership multifamily complexes through the use of Housing Improvement Areas
or other innovative financing methods. Survey multifamily ownership complexes to determine renovation needs and financial capacity to complete long term maintenance Educate homeowner
associations on the importance of ongoing maintenance and options for financing large common area projects 5. Encourage energy efficiency and sustainability in renovation and new construction.
Adopt a sustainability policy for home construction and renovation Goal: Preserve and expand the single-family neighborhoods as the community’s strongest asset. 1. Assess the community
health of neighborhoods through a neighborhood health monitoring report. 2. Hold quarterly meetings with city department leaders to review the status of the city’s housing conditions.
3. Enhance and maintain the quality and appearance of single-family neighborhoods and the housing stock through code enforcement and clean-up efforts. Continue to offer and fund a
low-interest renovation loan program, rebate program and energy efficiency program for home remodeling Market Anoka County deferred renovation and energy efficiency programs to residents
of lower incomes 4. Identify, monitor and ensure the quality condition of rented homes to promote the integrity and livability of single-family neighborhoods. Continue to annually
inspect rental properties and identify rental homes in single-family neighborhoods 5. Reduce the potential adverse impacts of adjacent commercial or industrial land uses on single-family
residential areas.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 10 Evaluate redevelopment of commercial and industrial land uses adjacent to single-family neighborhoods to complementary
residential uses 6. Identify redevelopment areas that could support new single-family housing. 7. Evaluate new higher valued housing opportunities to provide move-up housing for existing
and new residents. 8. Encourage the development of a single-family homeowner’s maintenance association to target older resident needs in single-family neighborhoods. 9. Identify neighborhoods
and promote neighborhood liaisons to work with the city on housing and community goals. Goal: Promote the redevelopment and reinvestment of rental housing properties to provide for safe,
quality housing for resident renters. 1. Strengthen the rental housing license program to ensure that all rental housing properties meet the city maintenance codes. 2. Establish a Crime
Free Multi-Family Housing Network as a forum for landlords to communicate with with each other and the city. 3. Encourage the development or redevelopment of multi-unit senior housing
rental units. 4. Seek county and state funding for the renovation of rental complexes in partnership with owners and non-profit developers. Goal: Strengthen areas of commercial and civic
activity by introducing complementary housing development. 1. Support the inclusion of appropriate housing alternatives during redevelopment in mixed-use districts. 2. Create pedestrian
accessibility between housing and multi-use districts. Economic Development Goals & Policies Goal: Enhance the economic viability of the community. Meet with existing businesses to
understand needs or assistance city may be able to supply. Possibly hold an annual luncheon with businesses and city officials to discuss needs and desires for the city. Develop a
revolving loan fund to provide low interest loans for structural building and or aesthetic improvements. Goal: Promote reinvestment in properties by the commercial and industrial sectors.
Support and encourage activities promoted by the Chamber of Commerce and other merchants to attract visitors and shoppers to Columbia Heights. Use fiscal tools to financially support
expansion efforts.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 11 Create a specific marketing and promotion effort for downtown with the intent of creating a unique and marketable
identity for downtown. Utilize the city’s website, newsletter, newspaper and industry journals to market and promote opportunities for business growth and development in the city.
In order to provide businesses with superior long term access to employees and customers, redevelopment in key transit corridors should be designed with provisions to support existing
transit service and flexibility to upgrade for known future transit service. Explore what state and federal programs exist that could be used to help encourage economic development
in Columbia Heights. The City will consider the number and average wage rates of created jobs when deciding on the use of financial incentives for industrial uses to more fully utilize
the higher skill levels of local workers. Goal: Provide a wide variety of employment opportunities within the community Determine what industries will best fit specific opportunity
sites and directly seek and motivate their interest. Parks and Trail Goals and Policies Goal: Maintain, improve, and redevelop the system of parks within the Community. 1. Utilize Master
Planning and the City Code to maximize benefits for park redevelopment projects. The City will develop flexible master plans for each park that address the current and future needs
of the community and the neighborhoods served. The City will review the subdivision regulations, and amend them if needed, to ensure that adequate park and trail dedications are required
during the platting of property for development or redevelopment. Create and adopt a unifying signage concept that would display park and trail maps and facility names. 2. Develop
a comprehensive parks improvement program, maintenance standards, and life cycle replacement costs to adequately plan for future needs. Annually revisit the park plan goals and strategies
to promote a continued vision for the park system. Incorporate a Health Impact Assessment on proposed policies and projects that have a potential impact (positive or negative) on
public health, and report on the findings. Goal: Develop a system of trails within the community. 1. Work to implement the City Bike/Trail Loop Plan prioritizing major trail connections
that could be completed in conjunction with street reconstruction projects.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 12 Coordinate with other City Departments to create a phasing plan for trail construction of the City Bike/Trail
Loop. Expand regional opportunities by coordinating with neighboring communities to creating connections to adjacent trail systems. Begin designing for the highest priority trail
segments. Implement trail loops within existing parks Require mandatory sidewalks in all new redevelopment projects. Update the Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility plan every 4
or 5 years as needed Encourage connections to the City’s planned bike loop for all new developments including redevelopment projects in progress. A system inventory should be conducted
every 3-5 years to identify areas that have high levels of current and potential usage of bike and pedestrian facilities by children, seniors, and handicapped residents. Provide a
curb cut at 7th and 53rd to safely connect Columbia Height’s bike route to Fridley’s bike route across the road. Create a trail connection to Silver Lake Park and Silverwood Park.
2. Increase and promote safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation. Support the creation of opportunities for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit routes and access for primary
destination points within the city. Goal: Maintain and improve current standards for all parks to provide safe, accessible (meet ADA requirements), and attractive facilities for all
residents. Explore methods and costs of transitioning to more sustainable operational practices. Evaluate existing parks for ADA compatibility. Goal: Provide a park and open space
system that serves the wide-ranging recreation, health, and leisure needs of the community. 1. Integrate community characteristics and trends when developing park facilities and recreation
programs. In the next one to three years conduct a Facility Needs Assessment for the entire park and open space system to assist in budgeting for park improvements. The facilities
needs assessment should be updated every ten years while integrating current demographic changes and recreational trends. Annually collaborate with youth in the community and the
school district to enhance youth recreational programming & facilities. Consider conducting community surveys on a bi-annual period to gain a current view of park system trends and
evaluate performance of existing facilities. Gather public input to gain accurate insight on recreational opportunities offered in the Park and Trail system and on proposed projects.
Goal: Preserve and protect natural features and resources in existing parks and when planning and redeveloping park and recreational facilities. 1. Explore methods and costs of transitioning
to more sustainable operational practices.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 13 2. The City will coordinate park planning and surface water management efforts to preserve and improve the quality
of water resources within existing parks and open space areas. Goal: Develop financing strategies to maintain and improve the park and trail system. 1. Promote alternative funding sources
for park and recreational facilities and programs in the community. Coordinate volunteer opportunities to maintain park facilities and promote a sense of ownership among neighboring
residents. Identify opportunities to generate revenue through special use recreational facilities and programs. Advocate public-private partnerships for the purposes of constructing
or redeveloping park and trail facilities. 2. Pursue appropriate grant opportunities whenever possible. Create and annually maintain a list of potential grant opportunities specific
to parks and trails. Seek out volunteers or athletic associations to assist in preparing preparing grants. Apply for and utilize grant funding for any applicable park improvement.
Transportation Goals and Policies Goal: Promote the safety of residents and ensure a safe environment for pedestrians. 1. Create a lighting plan that will increase visibility and public
safety among residential and commercial areas. 2. Provide accessible and safe pedestrian connections to destination points within the community. Goal: Ensure that land uses do not conflict
with the operation of aviation facilities. Goal: Manage and maintain the roadway systems within the community in a manner that supports regional transportation objectives and enhances
community growth and redevelopment. Goal: Increase and promote safe and efficient alternative modes of transportation. 1. Support the creation of opportunities for pedestrian, bicycle
and transit routes and access for primary destination points within the city. 2. Identify and establish safe transportation routes to public schools. Goal: Manage and maintain the investment
in the existing local roadway systems. Goal: Embrace transit as a means to improve the livability and diversity of the community.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 14 Goal: Provide for safe and efficient transit transportation. 1. Review and analyze high traffic crash locations
on a biannual basis. 2. Work with MnDOT and Anoka County to provide means for low-cost traffic congestion mitigation. Goal: Support intergovernmental transportation efforts that benefit
the community 1. Continue participation in organizations that promote intergovernmental cooperation and maintain communication with other governmental agencies. 2. Promote efforts to
increase efficiency in the provision of municipal services. Surface Water, Water Supply, and Sanitary Sewer Goals and Policies Surface Water-Water Quantity Goal: Prevent flooding from
surface flows while reducing, to the greatest practical extent, the public capital expenditures necessary to control excessive volumes and rates of runoff. The City of Columbia Heights
will meet this objective by adopting the following policies: 1. Trunks (outflow conveyors) shall be designed with capacity for the greater of the 10-year event or the 100-year detention
basin outflow. 2. All other systems shall be designed with primary capacity for the 10-year event, and shall provide secondary capacity for the 100-year event in the form of overflow
routes or adequate storage volume. 3. A 100-year level of protection shall be provided for properties within the City. Protection may be provided by design detention areas for the 100
year runoff event were practical or by requiring the purchase of flood insurance for low lying properties. 4. Consider improvements for flooding problems on University Ave. 5. A hydrograph
method shall be used in the design of detention basins and other facilities (such as wetlands) where there is significant storage. 6. A SCS Type II 24-hour storm or other accepted critical
storm analysis must be considered in determining the critical event for stormwater storage areas. 7. All drainage system analyses and designs shall be based on ultimate full development
land use use patterns. 8. New development shall incorporate stormwater controls to prevent any increase in peak discharge rates for the 2, 10, and 100 year events, unless increased discharge
is provided for in an approved regional ponding site, and flood storage volumes shall be maintained within the subwatershed.
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 15 9. Intercommunity water resources issues planning shall consider alternative solutions: All drainage studies
or feasibility studies, whether by a WMO, watershed district, or municipality, leading to projects in a subwatershed with an intercommunity drainage issue, shall consider the impact
of the project on the drainage issue and shall consider the total intercommunity project cost. Except in emergencies, no solutions or partial solutions to intercommunity drainage
issues shall be implemented without prior completion of a feasibility study of options and adoption of a preferred option by the applicable WMO. 10. The following items shall be considered
in the management of landlocked basins: The flood levels established for landlocked basins shall take into consideration the effects of water level fluctuations on trees, vegetation,
erosion, and property values. Steeply sloped shoreland subject to slope failure and shoreland damage should not be in contact with floodwaters for extended periods of time. The capacity
of proposed outlets to landlocked basins should not be so small as to cause extended duration of high water levels that would result in damage to upland vegetation. Only the existing
tributary area may discharge to a landlocked basin, unless a provision has been made for an outlet from the basin. The form of outlet may range from temporary pumps to gravity storm
sewers. The outlet shall be implemented before increased water levels are likely to affect vegetation, slope stability, and property values. Water Quality Goal: Maintain or improve the
quality of water resources within the City. The City of Columbia Heights will meet this objective by adopting the following policies: 1. Surface waters are to be classified and water
quality functions are to be maintained according to the provisions set forth in this plan. 2. 2. Wetlands will be protected according to regulations and guidelines in the Wetland Conservation
Act. The City will act as the local governmental unit (LGU) for wetlands in the City. 3. Persons proposing or carrying out filling or other development activity in wetlands or water
bodies identified in this plan will be notified by the City that their activity may be under the jurisdiction of the 1991 Wetland Conservation Act. They will be directed to contact the
City for guidance and permits. 4. The use of watershed "Best Management Practices" will be promoted to help minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff. Erosion and Sediment
Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 10-Implementation 16 Goal: Prevent, to the extent possible, sediment from construction sites from entering the City's surface water resources
and to control the erosion from drainageways within the City. The City has adopted an ordinance for sediment and erosion control that incorporates the general criteria outlined in "Minnesota
Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook" published by the Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Association of Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
(Ordinance 1547) Water Supply Goal: Maintain a high quality and reliable water supply and distribution system. 1. Maintain existing distribution system and plan to protect the City’s
infrastructure investment. 2. Periodically assess system costs and adjust user rates to meet system needs. 3. Explore an alternative supply of water for the community for emergency needs.
4. Maintain and update a Capital Improvement Plan to address system needs. 5. Replace or rehabilitate water mains throughout the City at specific sites to address system needs and improve
water quality.
Appendix A: Financing Tools City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
1 APPENDIX A OVERVIEW OF STATUTORY AUTHORITY Every statutory power contains a unique set of authorizations and restrictions. Understanding these provisions is a key to effective use.
In some cases, the city may have several options. For example, public improvements can be financed with special assessments, special service districts, housing improvement areas, tax
abatement, and tax increment financing. To evaluate the use of potential statutory powers, the city should find the answers to the following questions. Who can use the powers? Most municipal
powers are granted directly to the city. In these cases, the city council can act without the involvement of any other body. Some development powers reside solely with another entity,
such as the housing and redevelopment authority and the economic development authority. How do the powers function? Every municipal development power carries certain requirements and
implications for its use. For example, tax increment financing involves a complex set of statutory statutory requirements. Property owners must petition to start the process for establishing
a special service district. Tax abatement discussions should involve the county. These are just some of the important issues that shape decisions on finding and using the right tools
to implement the plan. Does the power provide funding capacity? Many statutes provide access to revenues and debt that can be used to finance implementation initiatives. Several questions
can help guide the evaluation of the funding capacity in a given statute: • What revenues are authorized? • How can the revenues be used? • Can the city issue the bonds as “general obligations,”
achieving the lowest interest rates? • Do the bonds count against the city’s debt limit? • What approvals are needed to authorize use of these powers? Some key sources of statutory authority
come from the following: • Constructing public improvements and levying special assessments – Chapter 429 • Constructing, operating, and maintaining water, sanitary sewer and storm water
utility systems – Section 444.075 • Creating and using special service districts – Sections 428A.01 through 428A.101 • Creating and using housing improvement areas – Section 428A.11
• Establishing and using tax increment financing districts – Sections 469.174 through 469.1791 • Making and using tax abatement levies – Sections 469.1812 through 469.1815 • Powers granted
to cities through housing and redevelopment authorities – Sections 469.001 through 469.047 • Powers granted to cities through economic development authorities – Sections 469.090 through
469.1081
2 • Lease financing for real and personal property – Section 465.71 These statutes are available on the Internet at www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats. FINANCE TOOLS Economic development
actions require a framework for financial-decision making. The investment of public dollars to achieve economic development objectives should be guided by several key principles: • Financial
resources are limited. The City has limited funding to apply to economic development initiatives, so the use of resources must be targeted to achieve the greatest effect on the community.
• Financial decisions require long-term perspective. The current use of financial resources may reduce monies available in the future. In evaluating short-term opportunities, it is important
to question the long-term impact on community development. • Public funds should lead to private investment. While this section focuses on public finance actions, economic development
cannot become reality without private investment. The use of public funds should be targeted to actions that encourage private investment in Columbia Heights. A complete examination
of the tools available to the City is not possible, but providing an overview of the most commonly used finance tools is important. This discussion focuses on the highlights of those
tools, but the specific statutory requirement for using them is not fully described. In addition, the laws governing these programs change over time. Finance plans for actual projects
should be made using appropriate technical and legal advice. TAX INCREMENT FINANCING Tax increment financing (TIF) is the primary development finance tool available to Minnesota cities.
TIF is simple in concept, but complex in its application. Through tax increment financing, the property taxes created by new development (or redevelopment) are captured and used to finance
activities needed to encourage the development. The challenge in using TIF lies with the complex and ever-changing statutory limitations. These complexities make it impractical to provide
a thorough explanation of tax increment financing as part of this plan. Instead, this section highlights the use of TIF as it relates to the implementation of the plan. USES Tax increment
financing can be used to finance all of the important implementation actions facing the City: land acquisition, site preparation, parking, and public improvements. In addition, TIF creates
a means to borrow money needed to pay for redevelopment costs. The City can issue general obligation bonds without an election if 20% or more of the debt is supported by tax increment
revenues. These bonds are not subject to any debt limit. TYPE OF TIF DISTRICTS The implementation of the plan may require the creation of one or more new TIF districts. The following
overview highlights some of the considerations in creating a TIF district. This information
3 is intended solely as a basic framework for finding applications. All specific uses will require a thorough analysis of all statutory factors. The ability to meet the statutory criteria
for establishing a district is a key to the use of TIF. Four types of TIF districts have application to the plan. • Redevelopment: A redevelopment TIF district has two basic criteria.
(1) Parcels consisting of 70% of the area of the district are occupied by buildings, streets, utilities, or other improvements. To be occupied, not less than 15% of the parcel’s area
must covered by the improvements. And (2), more than 50% of the buildings, not including outbuildings, are structurally substandard to a degree requiring substantial renovation or clearance
(as defined by statute). A redevelopment district may consist of noncontiguous areas, but each area and the entire area must meet these criteria. • Renewal and Renovation: A renewal
and renovation TIF district requires similar, but reduced criteria. The following three factors factors must exist. (1) The same 70% occupied test applies. (2) The minimum amount of
structurally substandard buildings drops to 20%. And (3), 30% of the other buildings require substantial renovation or clearance to remove existing conditions such as: inadequate street
layout; incompatible uses or land use relationships; overcrowding of buildings on the land; excessive dwelling unit density; obsolete buildings not suitable for improvement or conversion;
or other identified hazards to the health, safety, and general well being of the community. • Housing: A housing TIF district is intended to contain a project, or a portion of a project,
intended for occupancy, in part, by persons or families of low and moderate income. • Economic Development: Economic development TIF districts focus on industrial development. These
districts can be established when the city finds it is necessary to (1) discourage commerce, industry, or manufacturing from moving their operations to another state or municipality;
(2) increase employment; or (3) preserve and enhance the tax base of the state. The TIF Act defines specific types of industrial uses that are eligible for the establishment of this
form of district. The primary uses are manufacturing, warehousing, research and development, and telemarketing. LIMITATIONS State Law imposes a variety of restrictions on the use of
TIF. Several of these restrictions are particularly relevant to implementation of the Plan. USE OF TAX INCREMENTS The use of tax increment revenues is controlled by both State Law and
by local plan. State Law sets forth specific limitations based on the type of TIF district. These limitations generally tie back to the original criteria used for establishing the district.
For example, at least 90% of the revenues derived from tax increments from a redevelopment district or renewal and renovation district must be used to finance the cost of correcting
conditions that allowed for the designation of the district. This limitation requires careful consideration of the links between individual projects and the community development initiatives.
The use of tax increments must also be authorized by a tax increment financing plan adopted by the city. POOL ING
4 The term pooling refers to the ability to spend money outside of the boundaries of the TIF district. For redevelopment districts, not more than 25% of revenues can be spent on activities
outside of the TIF district. The limit is 20% for all other districts. Monies spent on administrative expense count against this limit. This limit reduces the ability of TIF to pay for
area-wide improvements and to use excess revenues to support other development sites. TIMING CONSTRAINTS Timing factors must be considered in creating a TIF district. Establishing a
district too far in advance of actual development may limit future use. Within 3 years from the date of certification, the city must undertake activity within the district. The statutory
criteria of activity include issuance of bonds in aid of a project, acquisition of property, or the construction of public improvements. Without qualifying activity, no tax increment
can be collected from the district. Within 4 years from the date of certification, the city or property owners must take qualifying actions to improve parcels within the district. All
parcels not meeting these statutory criteria must be removed (knocked down) from the district. Upon future improvement, any parcel so removed may be returned to the district. After 5
years from the date of certification, the use of tax increment is subject to new restrictions. Generally, tax increment can only be used to satisfy existing debt and contractual obligations.
The geographic area of the TIF district can be reduced, but not enlarged, after 5 years from the date of certification. TAX ABATEMENT Tax abatement acts like a simpler and less powerful
version of tax increment financing. With TIF, the city controls the entire property tax revenue from new development. Under the abatement statute (Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.1812
through 469.1815), the city, county, and school district have independent authority to grant an abatement. USES Abatement in Minnesota works more like a rebate than an abatement. The
city (and other units abating taxes) adds a tax levy equal to the amount of taxes to be abated. The revenue from the abatement levy can be returned to the property owner or retained
and used to finance development activities. Tax abatement can be used to finance the key redevelopment actions in the downtown: land acquisition, site preparation, and public improvements.
Tax abatement is perhaps best suited as an incentive for reinvestment in existing property. While TIF deals with only the value from new development, abatement can apply to both new
and existing value. This power provides the means to encourage rehabilitation of commercial buildings and housing. The City could agree to abate all or part of the municipal share of
taxes to encourage reinvestment tied to the plan. The statute grants the authority to issue general obligation bonds supported by the collection of abated taxes. The proceeds of the
bonds may be used to pay for (1) public improvements that benefit the property, (2) land acquisition, (3) reimbursement to the property owner for improvements to the property, and (4)
the costs of issuing the bonds. These bonds can be issued without an election and are not subject to the debt limit.
5 LIMITATIONS State law places several important limitations on the use of tax abatement: • In 2003, the State Legislature increased the total taxes abated by a political subdivision
in any year to an amount that may not exceed the greater of 10% of the current levy or $200,000. • If one political subdivision declines to abate, then the abatement levy can be made
for a maximum of 15 years. If the city, county, and school district all abate, then the maximum period drops to 10 years. • The duration of the abatement can be extended to 20 years
if it is for a “qualified business” as defined in the statute. This provision is targeted towards industrial development applications. • Taxes cannot be abated for property located within
a tax increment financing district.
6 Example Tax Abatement Project City of Woodbury: I-94 South Frontage Road East of Radio Drive The City of Woodbury used tax abatement to finance the frontage road, east-bound I-94 access
ramp and other roadway enhancements in the Radio Drive/Hudson Road, I-94 region due to increases in population and vehicle traffic. The City felt that such improvements would improve
traffic flow on Radio Drive and Woodbury Drive, which are both county roads, as well as provide better access to the freeway system. The City believed that in times of shortage of federal
and state financing, tax abatement was the most practical and effective system of improving county roads. Total Project Cost: $6.6 Million City Tax Abatement Bonds $4.8 Million Project
Timeline July 2007 through October 2008 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS Public improvements are often financed using the power to levy special assessments (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429). A special
assessment is a means for benefiting properties to pay for all or part of the costs associated with improvements, and to spread the impact over a period of years. This tool can be applied
to both the construction of new improvements and the rehabilitation of existing improvements. USES Special assessments can be used to finance all of the public improvements resulting
from the plan. Eligible improvements include sanitary sewer, water, storm sewer, streets, sidewalks, street lighting, park, streetscape, and parking. Special assessments provide a means
to borrow money to finance public improvements. Chapter 429 conveys the power to issue general obligation improvement bonds to finance the design and construction of public improvements.
Important factors in the use of improvement bonds include: • A minimum of 20% of the cost of the improvement must be assessed against benefited properties. • Beyond the 20% threshold,
any other legally available source of municipal revenue may be used to pay debt service on improvement bonds. • Improvements bonds are not subject to any statutory debt limit. • Improvement
bonds may be issued without voter approval. LIMITATIONS Careful consideration must be given to setting the amount of the assessment. From a legal perspective, the amount of an assessment
cannot exceed the benefit to property as measured by increased market value. There are also practical considerations. In growth areas, cities must decide how to allocate costs between
current and future development. Assessment policies must consider how to make this allocation and the financial resources needed to carry future costs until development occurs. For reconstruction,
the challenge becomes determining how much benefiting
7 property owners should pay for enhancing an existing improvement. Within this limitation, several factors will shape the amount of the assessment. • The amount of the assessment must
be 20% or more of the improvement cost to allow the issuance of bonds. • Local improvement policies and/or decisions made on previous projects often create parameters for assessments.
Likewise, assessment decisions should be made with consideration of the potential implications for future similar projects. • The assessment must strike a balance between equity and
feasibility. Properties that benefit from improvements should pay a fair share of the costs. The assessment must be affordable for both the property owner and the city. Reducing the
assessment to the property requires the city to allocate other revenues to the project. SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT A special service district is a tool for financing the construction and
maintenance of public improvements within a defined area. Minnesota Statutes, Sections 428A.01 through 428A.10 govern the creation and use of special service districts. This legislation
is currently scheduled to sunset in 2009. A special service district provides a means to levy taxes (service charge) and provide improvements and service to a commercial area. USES A
special service district can be applied to both commercial and industrial areas. The district can provide an alternative means of financing the construction of any of the public improvements
discussed previously with special assessments. The service district approach avoids the benefits test imposed by special assessments; the test for the district is that the amount of
service charges imposed must be reasonably related to the special services provided. The costs of parking, streetscape, or storm water improvements, for example, may be better spread
across a district than through assessments to individual properties. An important use of the special service district is the maintenance of public improvements. Some of the improvements
described in the the plan require a level of maintenance above the typical public improvement. Items such as banners and planted materials must be maintained and replaced. Higher levels
of cleaning and snow removal may be needed. Without a special service district, these costs are typically borne through the General Fund of the city. LIMITATIONS The use of a special
service district is subject to some important constraints: • The process to create a special service district and to levy taxes must be initiated by petition of property owners and is
subject to owner veto. The use of a special service district requires a collaboration of property owners and the city. There are two separate steps in the process: (1) adoption of an
ordinance establishing the service district and (2) adoption of a resolution imposing the service charges. Neither step can be initiated by the city; the city must be petitioned to undertake
the processes to create a special service district and to impose service charges. At a minimum, the petitions must be signed by owners representing 25% of the area that would be included
in the district, and 25% of the tax capacity subject to the service charge.
8 • The actions of the City Council to adopt the ordinance and the resolution are subject to veto of the property owners. To veto the ordinance or the resolution, objections must be
filed with the City Clerk within 45 days of initial City Council action to approve. The objections must exceed 35% of area, tax capacity, or individual/business organizations in the
proposed district. • The service charge applies solely to non-residential property. State Law limits the application of a service charge to only property that is classified for property
taxation and used for commercial, industrial, or public utility purposes, or is vacant land zoned or designated on a land use plan for commercial or industrial use. Other types of property
may be part of the service district, but may not be subject to the service charge. Several cities of varying sizes have utilized special service districts as a tool to fund streetscape
and other types of amenities as illustrated in the chart below. Some of these service districts are no longer running, however the table provides some good ideas of what it can be used
for. City Services Funded by District Bloomington Provide street furniture, sidewalks, plowing, sweeping, irrigation and plants Crookston Fund downtown storefront improvements and citywide
flood control Duluth Provide services related to safety, cleanliness, marketing and physical enhancements to the downtown waterfront district. Eagan Provide signage, landscaping, public
parking facilities, and promotion of Cedarvale Mall Lakeville Provide flowerpots, marketing programs, festivals and events, cleaning, maintenance, signage and public art. Little Falls
Fund multi-purpose facility for farmer's market and retail promotion Mankato Provide and maintain free parking facilities for customers of business district Mendota Heights Operate and
maintain additional streetlights Minneapolis Provide additional decorative lighting, banners, security, cleaning, snow and ice removal and landscaping New Ulm Provide free on-street
and off-street parking Roseville Fund parking lot improvements, landscaping, lighting replacement and improvements St. Louis Park Provide general upkeep, snow removal, landscaping, lighting,
banners and waste removal White Bear Lake Promote and manage district as a shopping or trade area.
9 HOUSING IMPROVEMENT AREA The City has the power to establish a special taxing district to make improvements in areas of owner-occupied housing (Minnesota Statutes, Sections 428A.11
through 428A.21). The housing improvement area is similar in concept to the special service district. It is a special taxing district that can be used to finance a variety of improvements.
However, there is an important administrative difference with the housing improvement area. The City has the ability to assign the procedures for imposing “fees” and administering the
area to another “authority,” such as the HRA or EDA. A housing improvement area is a defined collection of parcels. The area may cover a single housing project or a broader area within
the downtown. The city has the power to levy a “fee” on the housing units in the area. This fee may work like a property tax or may be spread using another approach determined by the
city. The fee can be collected through the property tax system. USES The statute allows each city to define the nature of housing improvements. This tool can be used to finance any form
of public improvement, including streetscape, parking, and trails. A housing improvement area can also be used for private improvements that are part of new or existing housing developments.
LIMITATIONS The city does not have the unilateral power to establish a housing improvement area. The process must be initiated by petition of property owners. In addition, the actions
to establish the area and impose the fees are subject to veto by the property owners. These potential complications become moot if the area is set up at the beginning of the development
process. Typically, there is a single property owner at this stage of the process. In existing neighborhoods, this tool allows residents to take the initiative to improve local parks.
UTILITY REVENUES The city operates three municipal utilities: water, sanitary sewer and storm water. The revenues from the operation of these utilities are available to pay for capital
improvements in support of community development initiatives. State Law (Minnesota Statutes, Section 444.075) gives the authority to pledge these revenues to general obligation bonds
for utility system improvements. STREET STATE AID The city receives state aid for the construction and maintenance of the local streets. This aid can only be used for streets designated
for inclusion in the local state aid street system. These revenues can also be pledged to pay debt service on bonds issued for the construction and maintenance of state aid streets (M.S.
162.18).
10 STREET RECONSTRUCTION A relatively new municipal power is the ability to issue bonds to finance street reconstruction projects (M.S. 475.58). To use this authority, the streets to
be reconstructed must be part of a “street reconstruction plan” that describes the streets to be reconstructed, the estimated costs, and any planned reconstruction of other city streets
over the next five years. The issuance of the bonds must be approved by a vote of all of the members of the governing body following a public hearing. The issuance is subject to a reverse
referendum provision. The city must hold an election prior to issuance if petitioned by voters within 30 days of the public hearing. Unlike most municipal debt, these bonds are subject
to the debt limit. LEASE REVENUE BONDS Public buildings can be financed through the issuance of lease revenue bonds. This tool combines two pieces of statutory authority. A housing and
redevelopment authority (or EDA using these powers) has the ability to issue revenue bonds to finance projects pursuant to a redevelopment plan. These projects can include the construction
of public buildings. Most HRAs do not, however, have sufficient revenues to secure these bonds. A city can provide this revenue through a lease purchase agreement with the HRA. The authority
for the lease comes from Minnesota Statutes, Section 465.71. In considering the use of lease revenue bonds, several factors should be noted: • The lease is not a long-term, binding obligation
in the form of most city bond issues. The lease is subject to a statutory “annual appropriation” pledge. In simple terms, the city council has the right not to appropriate funds to pay
the lease in any fiscal year. This action would, however, mean forfeiture of the facilities financed with the lease. • If the amount of the lease exceeds $1,000,000, then the obligation
is subject to the statutory debt limit. This limit equals 2% of the taxable market value of property in Elk River. • A levy by the city to make payments on lease revenue bonds bonds
qualifies as a special levy under the current levy limit system. A levy to pay debt of another political subdivision is an eligible special levy. Although a HRA is a part of city government,
it is technically a political subdivision. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BONDS Capital improvement bonds are the newest capital finance power for Minnesota cities. This authority was granted by
the State Legislature in 2003. Through this authority, the City can issue bonds to finance the acquisition or betterment of a city hall, a public safety facility, or a public works facility.
The statute does not define the precise nature of public safety or public works facilities. This debt authority is subject to several procedural requirements and limitations: • The bonds
must be issued pursuant to an approved capital improvements plan. • The issuance is subject to a reverse referendum petition. • The total principal and interest due in any year on all
outstanding capital improvement bonds may not equal or exceed 0.05367% of taxable market value of the city.
Appendix B: CIP City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010
Prepared by Public Works 5/28/2009 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2009 -2013 SUMMARY LISTING BY DEPARTMENT AND YEAR OF REQUEST STORM SEWER DEPARTMENT: 2009 ITEM PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATED
FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION COST SOURCES REMARKS 1 PL-01-49650-02 Water Quality Educational Program (SWPPP) $5,000 604 2 PL-01-49450-02 Update WMRP Plan (Water Resource Management Plan
-meet $15,000 604 WD and WMO plans) 3 MA-98-49650-01 Annually inspect and/or televise storm system by Zone (following $10,000 604 Zone 5 year) to develop rehab/replacement listing. 4
SS-98-49699-02 Annual Street Rehab Program: mainline rehab or $25,000 653 Zone 4 full replacement within zone year. 5 SS-98-49699-03 Annual Street Rehab Program: manhole rehab or $15,000
653 Zone 4 reconstruction within Zone year. 6 SS-98-49699-04 Annuall Street Rehab Program: catch basin and casting rehab or $10,000 653 Zone 4 reconstruction within Zone year. TOTAL
2009: $80,000 STORM SEWER DEPARTMENT: 2010 ITEM PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION COST SOURCES REMARKS 1 PL-01-49650-02 Water Quality Educational Program (SWPPP)
$5,000 604 2 PL-01-49650-02 NPDES mandates: Policy, plan or activity to meet next phase of $10,000 604 regulations 3 PL-01-49650-03 NPDES Industrial Permit -Public Works Facility $15,000
604 4 MA-99-49650-01 Annually inspect and/or televise storm system by Zone (following $10,000 604 Zone 6 year) to develop rehab/replacement listing. 5 SS-99-49699-09 Annual Street Rehab
Program: mainline rehab or $25,000 653 Zone 5 full replacement within zone year. 6 SS-99-49699-10 Annual Street Rehab Program: manhole rehab or $15,000 653 Zone 5 reconstruction within
Zone year. 7 SS-99-49699-11 Annuall Street Rehab Program: catch basin and casting rehab or $10,000 653 Zone 5 reconstruction within Zone year. 8 SS-99-49699-11 Replace Jackson Pond Retaining
Wall $375,000 653 TOTAL 2010: $465,000 STORM SEWER DEPARTMENT: 2011 ITEM PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION COST SOURCES REMARKS 1 PL-01-49650-02 Water Quality
Educational Program (SWPPP) $5,000 604 2 PL-01-49650-02 NPDES mandates: Policy, plan or activity to meet next phase of $10,000 604 regulations 3 PL-01-49650-03 NPDES Industrial Permit
-Public Works Facility $15,000 604 4 MA-00-49650-04 Annually inspect and/or televise storm system by Zone (following $10,000 604 year) to develop rehab/replacement listing. 5 SS-00-49699-10
Property Acquisition: Tyler Place between 43-1/2 and 44th Avenues $275,000 653 Zone 7 to eliminate recurrent flooding issues 6 SS-00-49699-07 Annual Street Rehab Program: mainline rehab
or $25,000 653 Zone 6 full replacement within zone year. 7 SS-00-49699-08 Annual Street Rehab Program: manhole rehab or $15,000 653 Zone 6 reconstruction within Zone year. 8 SS-00-49699-09
Annuall Street Rehab Program: catch basin and casting rehab or $10,000 653 Zone 6 reconstruction within Zone year. 9 SS-00-49699-11 Annual Storm Lining Program $50,000 653 TOTAL 2011:
$415,000 STORM SEWER DEPARTMENT: 2012 ITEM PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION COST SOURCES REMARKS 1 PL-01-49650-02 Water Quality Educational Program (SWPPP) $5,000
604 2 PL-01-49650-02 NPDES mandates: Policy, plan or activity to meet next phase of $10,000 604 regulations 3 PL-01-49650-03 NPDES Industrial Permit -Public WorkPs aFgaec i1li ty $15,000
604
Prepared by Public Works 5/28/2009 4 SS-01-49699-01 Rehabilitation: Mainline -Labelle Pond to 44th (Phase I) $50,000 653 5 MA-01-49650-01 Annually inspect and/or televise storm system
by Zone (following $10,000 653 Zone 1 year) to develop rehab/replacement listing. 6 SS-01-49699-04 Annual Street Rehab Program: mainline rehab or $25,000 653 Zone 7 full replacement
within zone year. 7 SS-01-49699-05 Annual Street Rehab Program: manhole rehab or $15,000 653 Zone 7 reconstruction within Zone year. 8 SS-01-49699-06 Annuall Street Rehab Program: catch
basin and casting rehab or $10,000 653 Zone 7 reconstruction within Zone year. 9 SS-01-49699-07 County Road Storm Sewer Improvements: 40th Avenue east of $70,000 653 Central to Labelle
Pond (Intersection to Pond) 10 SS-00-49699-08 Annual Storm Lining Program $50,000 653 11 MA-01-49650-02 Inspection of Mainline Storm Outlet to River -Joint w/Fridley $45,000 653 Contracted
services TOTAL 2012: $305,000 STORM SEWER DEPARTMENT: 2013 ITEM PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION COST SOURCES REMARKS 1 PL-01-49650-01 Water Quality Educational
Program (SWPPP) $5,000 604 2 PL-01-49650-02 NPDES mandates: Policy, plan or activity to meet next phase of $10,000 604 regulations 3 PL-01-49650-03 NPDES Industrial Permit -Public Works
Facility $15,000 604 4 MA-01-49650-01 Annually inspect and/or televise storm system by Zone (following $10,000 653 Zone 2 year) to develop rehab/replacement listing. 5 SS-01-49699-01
Rehabilitation: Mainline -Labelle Pond to 44th (Phase II) $75,000 653 6 SS-01-49699-04 Annual Street Rehab Program: mainline rehab or $25,000 653 Zone 1 full replacement within zone
year. 7 SS-01-49699-05 Annual Street Rehab Program: manhole rehab or $15,000 653 Zone 1 reconstruction within Zone year. 8 SS-01-49699-06 Annuall Street Rehab Program: catch basin and
casting rehab or $10,000 653 Zone 1 reconstruction within Zone year. 9 SS-00-49699-07 Annual Storm Lining Program $50,000 653 10 SS-00-49699-08 Reconstruct Storm Outlet at 39th Ave and
California -west to $150,000 653 Burlington Northern Rail line yard TOTAL 2013: $365,000 TOTAL 5 YR. STORM SEWER: $1,630,000 Page 2
STREETS/MUNICIPAL STATE AID: 2009 ITEM ROUTE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION YEAR COST * SOURCES REMARKS 1 MSAS 107 Jefferson Street 2009 $25,000 212 MSA
49th Ave to 51st Ave crack sealing/sealcoating 2 MSAS 112 40th from McKinley to Hayes 2009 $95,000 402 MSA, Local Storm Sewer reduce intersection flooding 3 MSAS 108 5th Street $75,000
402 MSA Huset Parkway to 40th Ave 4 MSAS 107 Madison Place $60,000 402 MSA Huset Parkway to 37th Ave 5 LOCAL Alley Construction 2009 $115,000 415 Assessments 49th Ave to 50th Ave 6 TH
47 University Avenue 2008/09 $825,000 402 Cooperative Agreement Frontage Road Turnback MSA Off-System 7 LOCAL Street Rehabilitation Program 2009 $600,000 212 MSA Pop. Appor., Local Zone
4 TOTAL 2009: $1,795,000 STREETS/MUNICIPAL STATE AID: 2010 ITEM ROUTE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION YEAR MSA COST * SOURCES REMARKS 8 TH 65 Pedestrian
Bridge 2010 $3,250,000 402 ARRA, Earmark, Reconstruction MSA 9 Bituminous Overlay 2010 402 MSA MSAS 101 37th Avenue $49,640 1/2 cost w/City of Minneapolis Main St to Central Ave 10 LOCAL
Street Rehabilitation Program 2010 $655,000 212 MSA Pop. Appor., Local Zone 5 TOTAL 2010: $3,954,640 STREETS/MUNICIPAL STATE AID: 2011 ITEM ROUTE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED FUNDING
NO. NO. DESCRIPTION YEAR MSA COST * SOURCES REMARKS 11 MSAS 116 Reservoir Blvd and Fillmore Street 2011 $51,799 402 MSA 44th Ave to 49th Ave Bituminous Trail 12 Retaining Walls 2011
MSA MSAS 101 37th Avenue, E of Polk St $37,500 402 MSAS 112 40th Avenue, W of Hayes St $22,500 402 13 Bituminous Overlay 2011 MSA MSAS 118 53rd Avenue $132,693 402 Joint w/Fridley University
Ave to Central Ave MSAS 110 39th Avenue $22,303 402 Central Ave to Reservoir Blvd MSAS 117 47th Avenue $7,493 402 Central Ave to Tyler St MSAS 116 Fillmore Street $24,493 402 47th Ave
to 49th Ave MSAS 106 Hart Blvd $47,775 402 37th Ave to 39th Ave MSAS 115 Stinson Blvd $29,543 402 Fairway Dr to 5th St 14 LOCAL Street Rehabilitation Program 2011 $1,898,000 212 MSA
Pop. Appor., Local Zone 6 TOTAL 2011: $2,274,096 STREETS/MUNICIPAL STATE AID: 2012 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2009-2013 SUMMARY LISTING BY DEPARTMENT AND YEAR OF REQUEST g\pw\pw cip\msas
cip.xls Page 1
STREETS/MUNICIPAL STATE AID: 2009 ITEM ROUTE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION YEAR COST * SOURCES REMARKS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2009-2013 SUMMARY
LISTING BY DEPARTMENT AND YEAR OF REQUEST ITEM ROUTE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION YEAR MSA COST * SOURCES REMARKS 15 MSAS Crack Seal and Seal Coat 2012
$105,500 402 MSA VARIOUS 16 LOCAL Street Rehabilitation Program 2012 $600,000 212 MSA Pop. Appor., Local Zone 7 17 CSAH 2 40th Avenue 2012/13 $856,164 402 City Share of costs: University
Ave to Central Ave Anoka Co Cost Share Partial Street Reconstruction $300,000 MSA Off-System Mill and Overlay $386,467 MSA Off-System Storm Sewer $94,697 MSA Off-System, Local Streetscape
$75,000 MSA Off-System, Local TOTAL 2012: $1,561,664 STREETS/MUNICIPAL STATE AID: 2013 ITEM ROUTE IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATED FUNDING NO. NO. DESCRIPTION YEAR MSA COST * SOURCES
REMARKS 18 MSAS 101 37th Avenue 2013 $750,250 402 MSA Central Ave to Stinson Blvd 1/2 cost w/City of Minneapolis Street Reconstruction 19 MSAS 114 37th Place 2013 $116,100 402 MSA 37th
Ave to Stinson Blvd Street Removal/Recon 20 MSAS 113 Stinson Blvd 2013 $245,000 402 MSA 37th Ave to Silver Ln 1/2 w/City of St. Anthony Street Reconstruction 21 MSAS 121 Innsbruck Parkway
2013 $73,022 402 MSA Johnson St to Pennine Pass Concrete Panel Repair Joint and Crack Sealing 22 MSAS 116 Reservoir Blvd, 46th Avenue, 2013 $104,668 402 MSA and Fillmore Street 44th
Ave to 47th Ave Bituminous Overlay 23 LOCAL Street Rehabilitation Program 2013 $1,995,000 212 MSA Pop. Appor., Local Zone 1 TOTAL 2013: $3,284,040 MSAS CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TOTAL:
$12,869,439 * Estimated MSA Costs consists of construction costs plus 20% of the construction cost for engineering g\pw\pw cip\msas cip.xls Page 2
City of Columbia Heights Capital Equipment Listing Equip # Equipment Description Year Manufacturer Dept Veh ID Purchase Price Replacement Vin-Serial Number Year 0001 F450 4X4 Super Duty
Pick-up truck 2003 Ford Streets VEH-TRU $29,560 2018 1FDXF47P63FC03212 0002 Paver-1028 B-91 Self Propelled 1991 Lee Boy Streets ME $45,000 2005 2800060-042 0003 Snow Blower-Loader Mounted
10 FT 1998 Wildcat Streets ME $50,000 2007 9277 0004 Pelican Street Sweeper 1999 Elgin Storm Sewer VEH-SWEEP $110,115 2006 S8733D031635 0005 chain saw 2002 Husqvarna Tree Trimming 0006
Attenuator 2006 Traffic Tech Streets ME $14,883 0009 Front End Loader-621 B-2 yds * 1994 Case Streets ME $120,000 2019 JEE0040770 0009A Reversible 12 FT Plow/Wing Attachment 1999 Henke
Streets ME $25,000 2019 7659 0009B Fork Attachment-CFH2048 6 ton 1994 V.W.S Streets ME $5,000 2019 7894 0009C 12ft wing plow 1999 Henke Streets 0010 Street Pavement Roller 2004 Bomag
Streets ME $30,000 2014 519591 0011 In Box Salt Sander 2008 Hiniker Streets ME $5,125 825-0312-1 0011A power broom 2006 Husqvarna Streets 0012 2500 4X4 3/4 Ton Pickup w/plow 1998 Chevrolet
Streets VEH-TRU $33,000 2008 1GCGK24R3WZ243335 0013 Tapping Machine 2006 bomag Streets MEU $2,715 0014 Cat Loader 938G 2007 Streets ME $119,858 CAT0938GACRD2454 0015 Compactor Plate
(Walk Behind) 1997 Wacker Streets MEU $1,511 2007 757601160 0016 aerial truck 1998 Ford Streets ME $45,000 0017 leaf loader 2005 Streets ME $26,470 0021 concrete finisher 2006 United
Rental Streets MEU $1,872 0023A Utility Trailer w/Beaver Tail-16 FT 1996 Kiefer Streets VEH-TRA $3,895 2012 1DVDU1426TA003408 0024 Model 200 Pavement Cutter 2003 Brock White Streets
MEU $6,284 2013 24090 0027 Randem Crack Saw RCS-25 1986 Cimline Streets ME $6,000 2005 86-70-235 0029 Pavement Saw 24 in Walk Behind 1986 Cimline Streets ME $9,000 2005 86-90-321 0030
Chain Saw-450-16 in bar 1987 Jonsered Tree Trimming MEU $270 2003 5220072 0032 Leaf Pusher Attachment -6 Feet-Truck Mount* 1990 Columbia Heights Streets MEU $300 2005 Home Made 0032A
Leaf Pusher-Truck Mount 10 FT 1999 Columbia Heights Streets MEU $500 2009 No Serial Number 0035 F700 Water Truck* 1994 Ford Streets VEH-TRU $29,000 2017 1FDXF70J1RVA19182 0036 LS8000
Oil Distributor Truck 2,500 Gals (Used) 1974 Ford Streets ME $26,519 2005 Y814VU12180 0037 Pothole Patch Truck S.T.E. (35,000 G.V.W.) 2001 Ford Streets ME $54,883 2021 49HAACBV61HJ1HJ45864
0039 saw 2005 Husqvarna Streets MEU $1,313 0040 Wood Chipper-200-Pull Behind 1999 Brush Bandit Tree Trimming ME $20,000 2014 15329 0041 Chain Saw 338XPT 2008 Husqvarna Streets 338XPT?
0043 3120K-Construction/Chop Saw 16 in/w cart 1999 Husqvarna Sewer/Water MEU $1,400 2005 9190027 0045 L8000 Dump Truck-35,000 GVW* 1987 Ford Streets VEH-TRU $53,000 2005 1FDYKOU4HVA18901
0045A One Way Plow-11 FT 1987 Henke Streets ME $3,500 2008 1598 0045B Drop Sander 1987 Swenson Streets MEU $1,200 2008 11856 0045C Underbody Plow-10 FT 1987 Root Streets MEU $2,000 2008
1044 0048 Chain Saw 335XPT 2000 Husqvarna Tree Trimming MEU $300 2005 99400356 0049 Chain Saw 350XPT 2000 Husqvarna Tree Trimming MEU $425 2005 165243 0050 Weed Whip-225RE 1999 Husqvarna
Tree Trimming MEU $248 2004 1105223 0051 Deluxe Rollpack Roller-2 Ton 1996 Roscoe Streets ME $9,000 2008 34183 0052 Bill Jax Hydraulic Drop Trailer Model 4000 1999 United Rental Streets
VEH-TRA $3,184 2009 40-0251 0053 Power Broom 2006 Husqvarna Streets MEU 54500124 0055 Paver Trailer-16,000 GVW-20 FT 1991 DCT Streets ME $8,000 2011 1D9F52023M1109194 0056 Chain Grinder-511A
Bench Mount 1994 Oregon Tree Trimming MEU $280 2004 161999 0057 Sandblaster 3.5 Cu FT-Portable 1996 Schmidt Streets ME $3,000 2016 L 4546 0059 Power Pruner PPT-2400 2000 Husqvarna Tree
Trimming MEU $600 2005 507927 0068 L8511 Dump Truck-35,000 GVW-Single Axle* 2000 Sterling Streets VEH-TRU $70,000 2015 2FZAAWBS91AF61859 0068A Reversible Plow-11FT 2000 Falls Streets
ME $7,500 2015 No Serial Number 0068B Wing Plow-10 FT 2000 Falls Streets ME $3,500 2015 No Serial Number 0068C Underbody Plow-10 FT 2000 Falls Streets MEU $2,500 2015 814800 0068D Spinner
Sander 2000 Falls Streets MEU $2,000 2015 No Serial Number 0069 L8511 Dump Truck-35,000 GVW* 1998 Ford Streets VEH-TRU $63,000 2013 1FDYX82E6WVA41035 0069A Reversible Plow-11 FT 1998
Falls Streets ME $7,000 2013 No Serial Number 0069C Underbelly Plow-10 FT 1998 Falls Streets ME $7,000 2013 No Serial Number 0069D Spinner Sander 1998 Swenson Streets MEU $1,200 2013
No Serial Number 0071 Chainsaw 2008 Husqvarna Streets MEU $373 7220008 0080 Plow Truck 4300 2009 international Streets VEH-PLOW 1HTWDAZR69J183631 0081 Sweeper Crosswind 2008 Elgin Streets
VEH-SWEEP J3098D 0082 Plow Truck 4300 2009 international Streets VEH-PLOW 1HTWDAZR49J183631 0091 Stump Grinder S-650 (Walk Behind) 1997 Partner Tree Trimming MEU $799 2004 10344 0092
chain saw 2006 Husqvarna Streets MEU $430 0096 milling planner 2001 MacQueen Streets ME $14,190 0099 L8000 Dump Truck Single Axle 35,000 GVW* 1996 Ford Streets VEH-TRU $90,000 2011 1FDYK82E2TVA18927
0099A Reversible Plow 11 FT 1996 Falls Streets ME $6,000 2011 R1605TH96 0099B Wing Plow-10 FT 1996 Falls Streets ME $6,000 2011 641996 H 0099C Underbody Plow-10 FT 1996 Monroe Streets
MEU $2,000 2011 70072 0099D Spinner Sander 1999 Hiniker Streets MEU $1,500 2004 No Serial Number Appendix 'A' Page 1 of 4
City of Columbia Heights Capital Equipment Listing Equip # Equipment Description Year Manufacturer Dept Veh ID Purchase Price Replacement Vin-Serial Number Year 0101 Jetter 2006 international
sewer ME $133,418 0101A V Snow Plow-8 Ft 1993 Boss Water MEU $2,500 2005 20056 0103 Centrifical Pump PT3R 1989 Wacker Sewer/Water MEU $1,500 2006 624601159 0104 1400 B 4X4 Tractor/Backhoe
1990 JCB Sewer/Water ME $57,500 2010 14BT4060135348917 0105 Cement Mixer #65 CM 1990 Stone Construction Sewer/Water MEU $1,685 2010 5181-80 0106 Diaphragm Pump-3 in PDT-3A 1990 Wacker
Water MEU $995 2003 5825-01903 0107 centrifical pump 2002 Honda water MEU $426 0107A Diaphragm pump 2002 Honda water/sewer MEU $1,225 0108 generator 2005 kohler water ME $10,131 0109
8230k30 Air Compressor-8 horse gas -Portable 1993 Rol-Air Sewer/Water MEU $1,695 2005 9303017 0110 L-8000 Vactor-Chasis 1992 Ford Sewer/Water ME $128,237 2012 1FDZW82AINVA14702 0110A
vactor 1992 peabody sewer 0111 Trench Box 2002 United Rental water/sewer ME $7,431 0112 utility truck 2006 Ford water ME $19,906 0113 generator 1993 Honda water 0114 generator 2001 Honda
water MEU $1,134 0116 CCR Powerlite Snowblower 1994 Toro Water MEU $450 2005 5906994 0117 F-350 4x4 Utillity Truck 2004 Ford Sewer/Water VEH-TRU $26,285 2014 1FTSF31L44ED29438 0119 Hydraulic
Unit D-400-812-14-0-Trailer Mount 1993 Portaco Sewer/Water ME $15,180 2013 93357308 0120 Air Compressor-Q185D Pull Behind 1996 Le Roi Water ME $11,295 2011 327X1183 0122 Abrasive Saw
T S760 1994 Stihl Sewer/Water MEU $933 2004 324059778 0123 Electric Portable Steamer-3104 1996 Alkota Sewer/Water MEU $2,920 2011 178223 0124 Diaphragm Pump-PDT-3A 3 in 1996 Wacker Sewer/Water
MEU $1,303 2005 761401861 0127 Brush Cutter (Walk Behind) 1997 Billy Goat Water MEU $1,500 2012 50796063 0128 428 C 4 X 4 Tractor/Backhoe 2000 Cat Sewer/Water ME $100,000 2020 1YR01795
0128A Reversible 11' Snow Plow 2002 Henke Water MEU $2,900 2010 0129 Electric Demolition Hammer 11311 EVS 1996 Bosch Sewer MEU $965 2007 466010178 0131 Hydraulic Pipe Cutter (Hand Held)
1968 Unknown Water MEU $1,200 2006 3890 0132 cement saw 2002 partner sewer ME $1,010 0132W 760 AV Abrasive Saw 1990 Stihl Water MEU $783 2005 760AV 0133 generator 2006 catapillar water
ME $30,965 0134 E-250 Cargo Van 2004 Ford Sewer/Water VEH $14,975 2014 1FTNS24L34HB03288 0135 Centrifugal Water Pump-ATS-1 1 in* 1988 Acme Water MEU $1,000 2005 454639ATS 0136A 2400
SK1 Hydraulic Auger-Truck Mount 1992 Simco Water ME $22,006 2005 921383250-115 0137 utility truck 2006 Ford sewer ME $19,906 0138 Pressure Washer Trailer-42430 8 FT Trailer Mount 1999
Aaladin Sewer/Water ME $3,700 2014 73099 0139 Tapping Machine 2002 Mueller Water MEU $3,000 2012 50634 0140 Tapping Machine 2002 Mueller water MEU $1,774 0141 valve exerciser 2005 Eiben
water MEU $4,765 0142 Cement Saw K960 2007 Husqvarna Water MEU $1,067 72200562 0144 E450 Cube Van 2008 Sewer VEH-VAN $125,150 1FDXE45S28DB08623 0148 Generator 30 EKW Trailer Mounted
1972 Onan Sewer/Water ME $3,250 2005 40003A-1-HM 0150 Generator 85 EKW(Pump Station #2)Natural Natural Gas 1978 Onan Water BC $10,000 2005 15R13296U 0151 Generator 100PSHAF-7111 2007
Cummins Water ME J070120470 0167 Pavement Breaker H-4XL 2000 NPK Sewer/Water ME $2,000 2010 C204155 0175 F-250 4 X 4 3/4 Ton Pick-up w/Utility Box 1995 Ford Water VEH-TRU $24,000 2010
1FTHF26HXSLB85539 0195 F450 SD Utillity Dump Truck 4X4 1 1/2 Ton 2002 Ford Sewer/Water VEH-TRU $30,611 2017 1FDXF47F42EA37309 0201-1 Back Pack Blower PB 650 2002 Echo Parks MEU $450
2007 3025298 0201-3 back pack blower 2006 Echo Parks MEU $431 0201-9 Hand Held Blower/Vacuum, 225 HPV Lite 2000 Husqvarna Parks MEU $184 2006 1900362 0204 F250 4 X 2 Pickup Truck w/lift
gate 1996 Ford Parks VEH-TRU $30,000 2006 1FTHF25H4TEA85895 0205 Rink Blower-Tractor Mounted 1992 Unknown Parks MEU $2,500 2007 Worn Off 0206 Tiller RTA 1558-60" Wide-Tractor Mount 2000
Lands Pride Parks MEU $1,545 2030 289919 0208 Ice Edger-Walk Behind 1988 Thomson Parks MEU $695 2005 92-99 0209 Turf Sweeper Pull Behind-Tractor Mount 1990 Olathe Parks ME $7,500 2005
2166117 0210 0210 Rider Power Sweeper 2003 Tennant State Aid ME $22,920 2013 6400-3433 0211 Rider Sweeper-4800 HL Self Propelled 1995 Toro Parks ME $7,113 2005 44050 50108 0212 Top Dressing
Spreader-Tractor Mount 2000 Mills Creek Parks ME $6,000 2015 3749 0213 3930 Farm Tractor-4 WD* 1993 Ford Parks ME $30,000 2008 BD53655 0213A Broom Sweeper-Tractor Mounted-7' wide 1993
Sweepster Parks ME $5,132 2008 935026 0213B Tiller 60" Tractor Mount 15858 2001 Lands Pride Parks MEU $1,450 2011 289919 0215 Riding Ball Field Groomer/Painter (used 1998) 2000 Kromer
Parks ME $6,762 2004-Replace 571 0217 F-250 Crew Cab Pick-up Truck 2004 Ford Parks VEH $20,415 2014 1FTNW20L54ED29439 0219 Felling Tilt Trailer Model #FT-6T-S 2000 Felling Parks Veh-TRA
$2,052 2019 5FTUH1217Y1013183 0220 250 2X4 1/2 Ton Truck W/Utility Box* 1992 Dodge Parks VEH-TRU $20,000 2004-Replace 1B6KE2650NS607413 0220A Tractor Mounted Ice Shaver-4' wide 1971
Columbia Heights Parks MEU $400 2011 1501 0221 2500 4 x 4 3/4 Pick-up Truck W/Lift Gate 1994 Chevrolet Sewer/Water VEH-TRU $27,000 2004-Replace 1GCGK24K3RE296180 0221-1 weed whip 1999
Husqvarna Parks 0221-7 Weed Whip 322L 2001 Husqvarna Parks MEU $223 2006 3900128 Appendix 'A' Page 2 of 4
City of Columbia Heights Capital Equipment Listing Equip # Equipment Description Year Manufacturer Dept Veh ID Purchase Price Replacement Vin-Serial Number Year 0221-8 Weed Whip 325
LX 2002 Husqvarna Parks MEU $290 2007 994501053 0221-9 Weed Whip 325 LX 2002 Husqvarna Parks MEU $290 2007 994501060 0221A Snow Plow 7' X 6" 1988 Western Water MEU $2,681 2004 #60381
0222-1 weed whip 2005 Husqvarna Parks MEU $234 0222-2 weed whip 2005 Husqvarna Parks ME $234 0224 Sod Cutter-JR 544845-Walk Behind 1990 Ryan Parks MEU $2,100 2010 90500205 0225 Line
Painter-4000 Walk Behind-Parts Only 1988 Jaydee Parks MEU $1,150 N/A Worn Off 0225-1
Walk Behind Line Painter 1998 Jaydee Parks MEU $1,905 2008 31798 0226 Ground Master 580 D-16 FT Deck 2001 Toro Parks ME $69,606 2006 210000214 0228 Weed Sprayer-Self Propelled Rider*
1992 Toro Parks ME $15,500 2005 20154 0228A Turf Shaper Tractor Mounted 1978 Lely Parks MEU $1,500 2008 116060020 0230 Trailer FT-7E 16FT 1989 Felling Parks VEH $2,000 2009 1F9FS1628L1072018
0231 Trailer-DCT DCT 116SL 16 FT Lawn Service 1996 DCT Parks VEH $3,500 2016 4GBF16243T1011554 0232 MTI Groundsmaster 325-D-72 in deck 2000 Toro Parks ME $18,000 2008 30722-200000791
0232A ETEC 60" Wide Hydraulic Broom 2003 MTI-Toro State Aid ME $5,442 2013 230000139 0233 Irrigation Hose Reel-Rainbow 5OT 1990 Bauer Parks ME $4,295 2010 0203-10841 0234 utility truck
2006 Ford Parks VEH $19,906 0235 E250 3/4 Ton Ford Club Van 1996 Ford Water VEH $20,000 2004-Replace 1FTFE24H3THA71223 0237 mower-walk behind 2006 John Deere Parks 0238 deck mower 2005
John Deere Parks 0241 Toro 580D 2007 Toro Parks VEH $70,935 270000152 0241-10 SP mower 2004 Husqvarna Parks 0241-11 mower 2006 Husqvarna Parks MEU $446 0241-12 Lawn Mower 2006 Husqvarna
Parks MEU $0 N/A 55365226 0241-3 walk behind mower 2000 Toro Parks MEU $639 0241-4 SP mower 2000 Toro Parks MEU $639 0241-5 SP mower 2000 Toro Parks MEU $639 0241-6 mower 2001 Toro Parks
MEU $639 0241-7 walk behind mower 2001 Toro Parks 0241-8 walk behind mower 2001 Toro Parks 0241-9 SP mower 2004 Husqvarna Parks MEU $399 0242 Tractor Model 5425 2007 John Deere Parks
VEH-TRA $43,612 LV5425R345648 0242-6 Hedge Trimmer-30 in Gas 2000 Husqvarna Parks MEU $299 2005 1500238 0242-7 hedge trimmer 2000 Husqvarna Parks 0242-8 hedge trimmer 2005 Husqvarna
Parks 0243-1 Snowblower-8264 2 stage blower 1994 Snapper Parks MEU $208 2005 45062770 0243-2 Snowblower-8264 2 stage blower 1994 Snapper Parks MEU $905 2005 4502817 0243-4 Snow Blower-1
Stage CCR3650 2002 Toro Parks MEU $550 2007 230009361 0243-5 Snow Blower-1 Stage CCR3650 2002 Toro Parks MEU $550 2007 230009362 0244-1 Auger 2004 Echo Parks 0245 F250 Ford P.U. 2009
Ford Parks VEH-CAR $18,997 1FTNF20589EA66730 0250 F-450 4 x 4 Dump Truck 2003 Ford Parks VEH-TRU $48,102 2013 1FDXF47P34EA91096 0253 sod cutter 1986 edger Parks 0261 Turf Aera-vator/Seeder
80 in Tractor Mounted * 1999 First Products Inc. Parks ME $9,800 2019 579 0261A Aeravator Drop Seeder 1999 Gandy Parks MEU $1,500 2019 87633 0280 Cat Skid Steer 247B 2008 Cat Parks ME
CAT0247BEMTL05909 0281 Towmaster Trailer 2008 Parks VEH-TRA $4,720 2L162405 0285A Broom Sweeper-Tractor Mounted-7' wide 1990 Sweepster Parks ME $5,000 2005 903575 0285B Tractor Mounted
Landscaping Plane 1988 Metro Turf Parks MEU $2,485 2003 000273 0286 flail mower 2006 alamo Parks MEU $4,777 21762 0290 Generator-EM2200X-2000 watts 1989 Honda Parks MEU $842 2004 GX140231-2884
0291-3 Chain Saw-335 X PT-13" Bar Length 1998 Husqvarna Parks MEU $350 2005 7430215 0291-4 Chain Saw 55 Rancher 18" Bar 2001 Toro Parks MEU $239 2008 4600939 0296 MT Trackless Tractor
* 1998 MacQueen Parks ME $81,623 2008 MTSTD-1475 0296A MT Trackless Snow Broom 1998 MacQueen Parks MEU $3,500 2008 No Serial Number 0296B MT Trackless Snow Blower 1998 MacQueen Parks
MEU $2,000 2008 No Serial Number 0296C MT Trackless -Snow Blade 1998 MacQueen Parks MEU $2,000 2008 No Serial Number 0296D MT Trackless-Mower Deck 1998 MacQueen Parks MEU $2,000 2008
No Serial Number 0296E MT Asphalt Milling Planner 2001 MacQueen Streets ME $14,190 2011 No Serial Number 0298 Ball Field Groomer 2007 Flex Steel Parks MEU $3,834 PH1200-12 0299 combo
plane 1988 MT Parks 0300 F250 Pickup w/Utility Box 2x4 1996 Ford Shop VEH-TRU $21,000 2011 1FTHF25H8TEB07963 0302 F450 SD Utillity Truck 2001 Ford Signs VEH-TRU $26,348 2016 1FDXF46F11EA65813
0303 POW -200 Amp Arc Welder* 1992 POW CON Shop MEU $1,800 2012 2M1-22203 0303A Wire Feed Welder 1992 POW CON Shop MEU $1,800 2012 128-21081 0303B Air Angle Arc Torch-Welder Attachment
1992 Air Arc Shop MEU $172 2012 61-065-001 0304 Paint Shaker 1989 Miller Signs MEU $2,984 2014 4891549 0305 snow blower 2002 Toro traffic 0306 Portable Battery Charger-12 24 volt 1995
Lightning Signs MEU $373 2005 08500-4332 Appendix 'A' Page 3 of 4
City of Columbia Heights Capital Equipment Listing Equip # Equipment Description Year Manufacturer Dept Veh ID Purchase Price Replacement Vin-Serial Number Year 0309 5900 Line Lazer
III-Paint Machine 2002 Graco Signs ME $5,308 2012 BA396 0310 Sand Blaster C042 1972 Cyclo Signs ME $3,750 2004 C720913 0311 Dynamic Spin Wheel Balancer 1996 Coats Shop ME $3,000 2006
1295096652 0312 Floor Cleaner-5700 XP 1997 Tenant Shop ME $8,461 2007 5700-9589 0313 Air Powered Oil 20 in Filter Crusher 1995 Lincoln-Bauer Built Shop MEU $1,813 2005 100-120 0314 tire
changer 2005 Coats garage MEU $3,007 0315 F350 2 X 4 3/4 Ton Pickup w/utility box 1986 Ford Signs VEH-TRU $13,000 2005 1FDHF37Y4GPA78647 0316 Directional Arrow-Board Pull Behind 1988
Hi-Vu Signs ME $3,400 2005 50372750189 0317 Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener 1980 Neary 400 Shop MEU $300 2005 2564 0318 Generator-5550 Watts Portable 1999 Honda Signs MEU $2,700 2006 EZCZ-1020382
0319 M2 Core Bore Machine 1999 Dewalt Signs MEU $2,500 2004 4588 0320 scan tool 2006 OTC garage MEU $2,500 0321 parts washer 1995 ZEP garage 0324 paint sprayer 2006 Graco garage MEU
$966 0337 Portable Welder-220 AMP AC/DC 1978 Miller Shop MEU $1,525 2008 HJ187019 0351 In-Floor Mount Hydraulic Hoist Lift X 2 1972 Globe Shop BC $20,000 2005 Worn Off 0352 lift 2006
mohawk garage ME $13,459 0353A Hydraulic Air Jack-20 Ton 1987 NAPA Shop MEU $250 2017 L19A6 0353B hand jack 1981 intermarket garage 0354 resh Air Supplied System-SAS 9800-30 (Spray Booth
1991 Survivair Signs BC $515 2010 02080 0356 Air Operated Bumper Jack 1969 Hein Warner Shop MEU $750 2005 1167049 0358A Floor Jack-2 Ton 1977 NAPA Shop MEU $299 2007 Worn Off 0358B Floor
Jack-5 Ton Hydraulic Jack 1985 NAPA Shop MEU $50 2005 Worn Off 0358C Floor Jack-5 Ton Hydraulic Jack 2002 NAPA Shop MEU $75 2005 Worn Off 0358D Floor Jack-5 Ton Hydraulic Jack 1999 NAPA
Shop MEU $75 2005 Worn Off 0359 Fueling Station Equipment 1998 Fuel Master Shop ME $22,109 2008 15 0360 Generator 175KW 2008 Cummins Shop ME J070119104 0361 Antifreeze Recycling Freezer
(Air) 1992 Solar Shop MEU $1,124 2007 D485038 0362 Brake lathe 1974 AMMCO Shop BC $5,000 2005 1410-A 0372 Air Pressure Washer 206-5 (Air Operated) 1989 Graco Shop MEU $1,550 2005 A8416-206-420
0376 Blackhawk-10 ton jack-Hydraulic Bottle 1958 Black Hawk Shop MEU $200 2008 Worn Off 0378 band saw 1975 kalamazoo garage 0380 Aluminum Trailer-10 FT 2,000 GVW 1999 Aluma Signs VEH
$1,160 2018 1YGUS0814XB000351 0388 Weed Whip 1993 Echo Signs MEU $249 2005 DPSMN930616 0391 Overhead Crane-3 Ton 1972 Yale Shop BC $10,000 2012 7291014 0396 Pressure Washer 2000 Aaladin
Shop BC $4,900 2010 74786 0397 pressure Washer 1822SS 2006 hotsy garage H1205-113675 0399 Air Compressor-Electric-25 Horse 1998 Saylor-Bell Shop ME $8,635 2018 518991440 0400 Lawn Mower
1990 Snapper Library MEU $432 2005 6343345 0401 City Float Trailer 2003 Crystal Welding Mayor's ME $5,700 2023 1C9XB202131271620 0402 F150 Ford P.U. 2007 Ford Engineering VEH-TRU $13,981
1FTRF122X7NA86537 0402A Honda Generator-Float 3500 KW 1999 Honda Mayor's MEU $1,030 2009 1053921 0403 Crown Vic-73 1997 Ford Engineering VEH-CAR $29,500 2006 2FALP71W9VX151907 0409 C15
Cargo Van 1992 Chevrolet Engineering VEH-VAN $11,300 2007 2GCE625Z3N4156628 0412 CCR Snow Blower-3 Horse-(Verify) 1989 John Deere Fire MEU $682 2004 84715696 0417 crown vic 1999 Ford
Engineering VEH 0418 Crown Vic-77 1998 Ford Police VEH-CAR $35,000 2008 2FAFP71W7WX145098 0423 Puppet Trailer Enclosed-8 FT 2,000 GVW 1998 Ford Recreation MEU $1,850 2008 16HCB0818XH050331
0427 Burglary Alarm 1995 Vista Engineering BC $5,000 2020 514OXM 0430 Ford Escape XLS 2008 Ford Inspection VEH-CAR 1FMCU92Z28KD83873 0451 175KW Generator 2007 Cummins Recreation ME J070121253
0452 Crown Vic-66 1995 Ford Recreation VEH-CAR $16,442 2004 2FALP71W6SX156185 0453 Chevy Pick-up S-10 (Forfeiture) 1995 Chevrolet Meter VEH-TRU $0 2015 1GCCS194XS8248604 0456 E-350 15P
Van 1999 Ford Recreation VEH-VAN $21,546 2009 1FBSS31L3XHC25266 0457 Single Axel Trailer-Enclosed Tandem 2,000 GVW 1999 Haulmark Recreation VEH-TRA $4,110 2009 16HGB1625YH061789 0458
crown vic 2003 Ford admin 0459 E350 Mini Bus 2002 Recreation VEH-BUS $16,000 1FDWE35L73HA16293 0501 E250 Van 2001 Liquor Store VEH-VAN $5,300 1FTSE34L01HB23879 Appendix 'A' Page 4 of
4
Appendix C: Water Supply Plan City of Columbia Heights 2030 Comprehensive Plan July 2010