Iron Range. Central Iron Range Initiative Concept Plan

Transcription

1 Central Iron Range Initiative Concept Plan Iron Range

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3 Acknowledgements This plan was produced by: The citizens of the Central Iron Range who shaped this agenda for the region s future by participating in public forums, interviews, focus groups and other activities. Balkan Township City of Chisholm City of Hibbing Ironworld Funding for the Chisholm, Hibbing and Balkan Township Comprehensive Plan was provided by: The City of Chisholm The City of Hibbing Iron Range Rehabilitation and Revitalization Agency Blandin Foundation St. Louis County - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Prepared by: Hokanson/Lunning/Wende Associates, Inc. Close Landscape Architecture Arrowhead Regional Development Commission Ekola and Associates Becker and Associates, LLC JL Pope Associates Mary Grace Flannery 106 Group Central Iron Range Initiative

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5 Introduction This document is a companion document to the Comprehensive Plans for the City s of Chisholm and Hibbing, Minnesota. An initial assumption in beginning the process of the Comprehensive Plans was to look at the potential of the Hwy 169 corridor between the communities as the most likely place to consider joint economic development activity. As planning progressed, the communities felt a need to establish a larger regional context based on economic development opportunities for the Central Iron Range. The Central Iron Range Initiative has the opportunity to develop regional approaches for needed economic development, public infrastructure improvements and cooperative community planning. This document outlines basic guiding principles that have been embraced by the members to shape its future. This plan has been developed through a process of public input and information analysis undertaken from 2000 to This document contains: Overview of the regional approach Benefits of regional planning Review of mapping information Review of development objectives Highlight cooperative opportunities A project example using the Hwy 169 corridor An additional complimentary regional resource is the The Laurentian Vision Project which presents opportunities for new recreational uses and regional landscapes on abandoned and future mining lands and pits. Central Iron Range Initiative 1

6 Goals for the Central Iron Range Iron Range Outline City of Chisholm CSAH 73 Balkan Township City of Hibbing US Hwy. 169 CSAH Hwy. 37 Central Iron Range Initiative Planning Area Virginia The Central Iron Range Initiative aims to reshape the economic base of this sub-region and its communities by establishing an integrated and sustainable approach to community development. The Initiative, a long-range comprehensive plan and economic development strategy, recognizes the nature of and relationships among the natural and built systems that comprise the Central Iron Range. It also considers the impacts of growth and development upon individual systems and their overall balance. CSAH 73 Highway 53 Balkan Township City of Buhl City of Chisholm Great Scott Township City of Hibbing Ironworld City of Kinney In creating this cooperative plan, communities of the Central Iron Range have committed to the following values that will also guide its long-term implementation: 1.Cooperate with each unit and level of government and all of the region s communities to achieve the most efficient and cost-effective delivery of government services. 2.Create sustainable economic development strategies that will open up additional economic opportunities for the area. 3.Protect, preserve and enhance the use of each community s natural, historic and cultural resources. 4.Strengthen the individual and collective community by following the principles of livable community design for development and redevelopment. Provide appropriate land uses for development, affordable housing, access to affordable modes of transportation, enhanced greenspaces, and improved public and recreational spaces. 5.Provide and preserve an adequate supply of affordable housing and life-cycle housing for all incomes. 6. Focus capital improvement planning on sustainable methods. 7.Establish a community-based framework for decisions and actions related to land use. 8.Account for the full environmental, social and economic costs of new development including infrastructure costs such as transportation, sewers and wastewater, water, schools, recreation and open space, and plan the funding mechanisms necessary to cover the cost of additional infrastructure. 2 Central Iron Range Initiative

7 Overview Why a Central Iron Range Initiative? In 1999, convinced after years of competing for economic advantage, that pooling resources, talents and effort would enhance chances for successful economic development, the communities of Chisholm, Hibbing and Balkan Township, along with the state-owned recreation facility, Ironworld, joined forces to plan cooperatively for a region-wide development effort. These communities of the Central Iron Range have determined that the challenging economic environment and the development constraints presented by their location and geography demand a larger vision and a unified approach. They have been joined by the cities of Buhl and Kinney and Great Scott Township and together, have developed the Central Iron Range Initiative, an integrated and comprehensive planning strategy. The Central Iron Range Initiative focuses on achieving economic progress throughout the region by identifying and cooperatively pursuing mutually beneficial ventures and within individual communities through implementation of integrated Comprehensive Plans that are informed by the vision, goals and principles of the Central Iron Range Initiative. The mining industry The historic economic engine, continues to demonstrate an economic uncertainty in the global economy. An aging population base This has been exaggerated by limited, however increasing, diversified economic development. Transportation improvements Development of the Hwy 169 corridor, which has altered the physical form of the community s and the traditional function of downtown. Aging public infrastructure Improvements are needed to the sewer and water systems to support continued economic development. Continued industrial, commercial, retail and residential development This continues to demand infrastructure expansion. Central Iron Range Initiative 3

8 Benefits of Regional Planning Creating a Sub- Regional Framework Assemble cooperating communities Discuss regional issues and goals Outline needed infrastructure, economic development and community development projects Develop the Master Plan framework Get consensus on direction Develop project specific proposals Pursue individual projects As change occurs within a region, a conceptual plan establishes a decision-making framework and establishes agreed upon priorities for community development. This planning is a guide and a tool for city officials and citizens. The planning is meant to be flexible and will require periodic review and update. The following outlines the major benefits for undertaking sub-regional conceptual planning. Plan Guides development and public investment. Demonstrates a shared community vision. Determines land use patterns. Address Important Issues Creates desirable community s to live, work and recreate for all ages. Coordinates on-going development and infrastructure projects. Explores the changing character and function of highway circulation routes. Develop Sub-Regional Principles/Opportunities Fosters cooperative planning and economic development that strengthens the individual communities. Shares major capital expenses; infrastructure, public improvements and services where most cost effective. Builds on existing strengths - improves linkages, physical and otherwise, between cities. City Scale Objectives Enhances the community s identity. Identifies improvement projects within the community. Develops strategies for community development projects. Important Neighborhood Scale Considerations Improves physical connections within the community. Improves the public realm. Improves neighborhood livability. 4 Central Iron Range Initiative

9 The Layers Approach The Central Iron Range Initiative is organized around the physical framework of the sub-region. The four components of this framework, briefly described below, will ground considerations of the nature, appropriateness and priority of developments, on the Central Iron Range. Region Building Components Land Use and Built Form Recognition and understanding of the built form of the region will help communities capitalize on existing conditions and create opportunities for mutually beneficial development. The aim is to achieve a legible and hospitable City-region that encourages people to explore and to stay. Build upon the strengths of the existing communities to develop this city-region. Develop clear identities for each of the downtowns and redevelopment strategies for the neighborhoods. Movement Networks Shifting the emphasis of the regional transportation system from providing maximum vehicular capacity to the overall quality of travel by all modes will address the region s desire to encourage movement into Central Iron Range communities, not merely through them. Focus new economic development initiatives along the Highway 169 corridor. Reinforce development related to the Chisholm-Hibbing airport and the Highway 37 corridor. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Parks, recreation facilities and open space are necessary elements of a vital and appealing regional community. Development of an inter-connected network of green spaces, parks and natural corridors along with high-quality public facilities will contribute to a coherent network of public place and stimulate private investment. Develop an inter-connected regional and local system of parks and trails. Capitalize on the recreational and development potential of historic mining sites. Environmental Context/Natural Systems Recognize and interpret the region s rich natural history to celebrate its physical and cultural diversity and create a special identity and sense of place. Encourage future development efforts that work with natural systems to guide development patterns and redress imbalances that may currently exist between the natural and built environments Protect and enhance the Region s rural character and natural resources Preserve and manage the Region s natural resources, including but not limited to air, water, green spaces, natural areas and far land, through sustainable land use practices. Central Iron Range Initiative 5

10 Environmental Features 6 Central Iron Range Initiative

11 Land Use / Land Cover Central Iron Range Initiative 7

12 Existing Mining Lands 8 Central Iron Range Initiative

13 Future Mining Lands Central Iron Range Initiative 9

14 Composite Map 10 Central Iron Range Initiative

15 Regional Priorities The following is a list of community-based goals that were derived from citizen input, Steering Committee input, and Consultant Team input. Community Participation Enhance and increase opportunities for communication between city government and citizens in an effort to encourage citizens to participate in planning for the future of their communities; and to challenge city government to be cognizant of the needs of the citizens it represents. Community-Based Goals for Regional Planning Cooperative Inter-Governmental Relations Promote and develop cooperative relationships with nearby communities to ensure that governmental services, programs and facilities are provided in the most cost-effective, timely manner possible. Economic Development Create and maintain a diverse economy with expanded business and job opportunities that focus on local resources, talent and industries. This will make it possible for existing businesses and residents to prosper, area youth to remain, former residents to return, and to attract and retain new residents. Housing Promote the provision of life-cycle housing, ensuring that housing choices which are affordable and livable for all residents are available. Transportation Develop a comprehensive transportation system that offers safe and convenient access to subregional job, shopping, educational, cultural, institutional, open space and recreational opportunities which mitigates the negative impacts of traffic in residential neighborhoods. Central Iron Range Initiative 11

16 Public Infrastructure Rebuild, expand and update infrastructure systems in a costeffective, timely manner so that the subregion remains an attractive place to do business, work, live, recreate and visit. Provide city services in a cost-effective, timely manner which also take into account the needs and concerns of subregional residents and businesses. Focus capital improvement planning on sustainability and review of alternate methods for providing governmental services. Education Maintain quality educational opportunities through sound management practices which increase access to facilities, services and programs for all ages within the subregion; especially as public school districts are consolidated. Cultural and Historical Resources Protect and preserve the cultural, historical and natural attributes of the subregion so that residents, visitors and future generations will appreciate the contributions of past residents and the unique character of this subregion. Enhance and promote the subregion as an attractive place to visit year around, paying attention to the unique cultural, historical and natural attributes of the subregion. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages while focusing on the sustainability of the subregion s natural resources. 12 Central Iron Range Initiative

17 Land Use Establish land use principles for all development activity that are flexible, coherent, applied fairly and consistently, and that will ensure the sustainability of the subregion s economy and quality of life. Account for the full environmental, social and economic costs of development and redevelopment activities, including infrastructure costs such as streets, sewer and water lines, storm water runoff, schools, and parks and recreation. Provide increased, varied shopping and entertainment opportunities so residents do not have to travel long distances to meet their household and personal needs. Corridor Management Develop a cooperative planning and development infrastructure that stimulates inter-community cooperation between the communities of the Central Iron Range. Develop and redevelop the Highway 169 corridor in an economically, aesthetically and environmentally sustainable manner that provides opportunities for existing and new businesses; mitigates any negative impacts on nearby residential neighborhoods, and in a manner that maintains the distinctiveness of the communities along its path. Central Iron Range Initiative 13

18 Objectives for Redevelopment Community Form Downtown: Enhance each downtown s position as the social and cultural center for its respective community. Commercial corridors: Strengthen existing commercial corridors. Neighborhoods: Sustain and celebrate the region s neighborhoods through thoughtful redevelopment; create appealing new neighborhoods framed by existing environmental features. Housing: Preserve and improve the existing affordable housing stock. Movement Networks Highway 169 corridor: Continued highway oriented development along this major east-west Range corridor. Highway 37 corridor: The corridor will continue to develop in a business supportive role for the airport. Enhance pedestrian and bicycle routes: Create an integrated park and trail system. Improve parks and open space connections in existing neighborhoods. Downtowns to remain social and cultural centers. Develop Highway 169 as a scenic corridor. Continue reinvestment in the region s downtowns. Life-cycle housing for all ages and incomes. Expand industrial infrastructure in the Highway 169 corridor. Chisholm-Hibbing Airport: This central range asset will continue to play an important role in the development of the Central Iron Range An urbanized Highway 169 corridor section through the cities of Chisholm and Hibbing with curb and gutter, sidewalks and pedestrian lighting. 14 Central Iron Range Initiative

19 Inter-connected city/region parks and open space system. Combine new residential development with trails, open space and the existing landscape. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Conceive and develop recreational and open spaces as an interrelated system. Pursue opportunities to restore damaged or polluted land. Create an accessible and diverse open space system. Strengthen physical and perceived connections with the region s natural and cultural resources. Enhance the visual character. Environmental Context/Natural Systems Plan for development that will not preclude future mining activities. Integrated environmental stewardship and recreational systems Protect and enhance the Region s rural character and natural resources. Preserve and manage all of the Region s natural resources, including but not limited to air, water, green spaces, natural areas and farmlands, through sustainable land use practices. Improve access to the region s dynamic landscape elements. Take advantage of dramatic views. Central Iron Range Initiative 15

20 Areas of Cooperation Community Development Coordinated regional growth and development Maximizing cultural resources Developing an integrated movement system Coordinating infrastructure development Structuring neighborhood redevelopment and insuring an adequate supply of affordable housing Providing a layered regional - community - neighborhood park and open space system Developing regional land use policies Sustainable Overview For the Central Iron Range, sustainability is an economic, environmental and social issue. For years the impact and effects of iron ore mining have demonstrated the frailties of an extraction based economy. In an effort to diversify its economic base and to retain the community s social characteristics, communities need to develop a variety of partnerships with their neighbors. Existing partnerships have served these communities reasonably well; to name a few, managed growth and Chisholm s annexation in cooperation with Balkan Township, joint economic development planning between the City of Chisholm and the City of Hibbing, and discussions with surrounding communities regarding a larger Central Iron Range Initiative. In moving the Central Iron Range Initiative forward, there are two primary overlapping concepts to guide community decision-making and economic development. The first is that every design and development decision will improve the economic, social and environmental vitality of the community in a sustainable manner. The second is that each of the basic community building blocks (land use and built form, movement networks, parks/recreation/open space, and environmental context/natural systems) together represent an integrated approach to community development. Principles for Sustainable Development 1. Strengthen the existing regional connections by defining them as pedestrian and transportation oriented corridors. 2. Align new development with existing infrastructure such as utilities and roads. 3. Reclaim abandoned mining lands for new industrial or recreational uses. 4. Reuse, redevelop previously developed commercial/industrial buildings and sites. 5. Increase density of currently developed portions of the City with a focus on life-cycle housing. 6. Develop new land and infrastructure only when land use and new economic opportunities dictate. 16 Central Iron Range Initiative

21 Several opportunities exist where the coordination and cooperation of the region s governmental and non-governmental agencies can benefit in the preservation of cultural resources, and further enhance the cultural tourism potential for the area. Initially, the identification, documentation and preservation of cultural resources can best be conducted by the implementation of effective local preservation studies and ordinances. The coordination of these preservation efforts by the region s cities will help to economize the creation and implementation of a preservation plan. This collaboration will not only develop a more unified historic connection between cities, but will also make the implementation of historic preservation strategies more feasible for each community. The development of such a plan could be coordinated by contracting with a consultant who could formulate a plan more cost-effectively for the region, rather than for each individual city. Should the active staff management of a Heritage Preservation Commission be desired, an employee shared by the region s city s would ease the financial burden. Cultural Resources Coordination of preservation efforts Economies in the creation and implementation of a preservation plan Collaboration of marketing efforts for tourism Once a preservation plan has been established for the region, the cities can collaborate on marketing efforts to bring tourists to the area. Rather than competing, the communities can combine resources to create a synergy resulting in a critical mass of cultural tourism opportunities that will attract a greater number of visitors, residents and jobs to the area. Combined campaigns by Chambers of Commerce and other members of the business community, promoting the benefits of visiting the Hibbing-Chisholm area, or the Central Iron Range will not only save on the expenses of promotional materials, but also provide a greater appeal to the potential tourists. The IRRRA has already established The Wild North program promoting tourism on the Iron Range. These communities should actively participate in that program to bring visitors to their region. The coordination of the these cities may appeal to potential funding sources, such as the IRRRA, which may appreciate the efficient approach to marketing and economic development. Central Iron Range Initiative 17

22 Economic Development Address chronic infrastructure needs Reinforce the community s recreational and highway corridor connections Build upon existing industrial opportunities The regional map to the right presents a conceptual economic development model for the Central Iron Range. These projects reflect a broad range of initiatives, but can be classified into three major categories. Infrastructure Development Infrastructure development involves projects such as water and treatment facilities, wastewater treatment, communications and transportation. Community and industrial infrastructure are key to the region. The Central Iron Range Initiative heavily stresses needed infrastructure development. Corridor Development Corridor development addresses business and recreational opportunities along the community s major corridors. Improving the region s major transportation and recreation corridors are key issues for the area s development. Corridors not only tie the region together but are also the most visible presentation of a community s values. Industrial Development Industrial and business development includes industrial / business parks and redevelopment opportunities. The region s existing industrial infrastructure provides opportunities for continued industrial development. The development of an effective regional economic development program encompass aspects from having a good base data to developing the marketing approach. Within the regional framework, the expectation is to develop both regional and community-based economic development initiatives. Four key ingredients are: Creating a data base which identifies what there is to work with. Identify needed infrastructure which will keep the region competitive. Develop a cooperative community communications network to ensure a comprehensive regional strategy. Implement a marketing plan which builds on the region s strengths. 18 Central Iron Range Initiative

23 Regional Economic Development Initiatives Corridor Development Improving the region s major transportation and recreation corridors are key issues for the region s development. 1. Chisholm to Buhl Area Recreational and Residential Development At the edge of water-filled, abandoned mining pits, building sites offer spectacular vistas and access to recreational opportunities. 2. Highway 169 Development Property available along the highway allows a wide variety of commercial and light industrial development that requires highway access and substantial acreage. 6. Hibbing - Chisholm Corridor Development Utilities, business and industrial sites, offer opportunities for development all along this well established and highly traveled range highway. 9. Carey Lake Area Recreational and Residential Development This is a prime area for fishing, boating, recreation with an established seaplane base on the lake and recreation trails throughout the area. 10. Highway 37 Development The City of Hibbing s significant investment in infrastructure and rezoning has created opportunities for uniform development. This map illustrates the first large scale conceptual thinking of regional development projects Expanded regional trail and open space system Base map courtesy of Architectural Resources Infrastructure Development The Central Iron Range Initiative stresses community and industrial infrastructure development that are key to successful regional economic development. 3. Pump Storage Electrical Generation Facility Utilize the water filled abandoned mining pits, with gravity driven hydro-electric pumps at the lowest pit and water pumped to the elevation of the upper pits at of peak. 5. Central Range Utility District - Sewer and Water Collectively address wastewater treatment infrastructure needs and initiatives that the surrounding communities cannot solve independently. 7.Energy Park/Electrical Power Production Facility To locate a sizable electrical generation facility in the corridor with rail, existing transmission lines and available water supply on or adjacent to this site for industrial opportunities. Industrial Development The region s existing industrial infrastructure provides opportunities for expanded industrial development. 4.Motorplex - Law Enforcement Training Center A public-private partnership with an oval dirt track and a road course, also be used as a regional law enforcement training facility. 8. Industrial Park Development acres of prime, light and heavy industrial property, located across from the energy production site. 11. Airport Business/Industrial Park Development 540 acres for air and transportation related light industry.

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25 A key element of this Initiative is the coordinated planning and development of the regions transportation, industrial and sewer/water infrastructure. The aging infrastructure in these communities needs to addressed and a regional plan is the best way to finance and coordinate these improvements. The Highway 169 corridor is the major regional highway crossing the entire Iron Range. A regional approach offers the opportunity to develop a series of corridor segments which can meet each of the communities needs and can enhance the corridor travel experience. In addition, coordinated planning can accurately address bicycle and pedestrian concerns as well as automotive safety concerns. Mass transit can be more effectively developed at a regional scale to better serve these communities. The Chisholm-Hibbing Airport is a valued regional resource and a conscientiously developed Highway 37 corridor which supports airport related uses adds to the regions stability. Coordinated regional water/wastewater infrastructure replacement is an efficient and effective method to address the issue of these aging systems. Transportation and Infrastructure Focus on the HIghway 169 corridor for future economic development projects Maintain a viable Chisholm - Hibbing airport Develop the Highway 37 corridor as a mixed-use corridor which supports airport related businesses Coordinated infrastructure planning and investment The existing electrical and industrial infrastructure which has been in place to support the mining industry is a excellent base on which to build a regional economic development platform. Central Iron Range Initiative 19

26 Neighborhoods and Housing Coordinated neighborhood redevelopment policies Master-planning for new residential areas Regional approach to affordable housing Increased housing options Cooperative sub-regional planning establishes regional priorities and a cooperative process that can be drawn upon as needed by the Central Iron range communities as their Master Plans for Housing and Neighborhoods are created and implemented. The individual City plans that result will be coherent and compatible documents that should help to ensure that the quality of life envisioned by the subregional plan is realized throughout the area and within individual neighborhoods. Cooperative planning can yield benefits: The establishment of a regional plan review process and team or consultant to assist these communities in the creation of their individual Master Plans can help to reduce the burden on local staff as well as the cost of plan development. (Task sharing and combined information gathering for plan elements that may be identical or similar, for example.) Coordinated assessment of housing need and markets along with jointly developed goals and objectives facilitates balanced development planning. (Thoughtfully targeted developments will be easier to fund, market and maintain with success.) Master housing plans based on mutually held goals will be a useful tool for attracting developer interest as well as founder and lender support for development. (Joint applications that meet pressing regional needs may be more compelling than competing requests from individual communities.) Coordinated housing plans help local jurisdictions make wise and timely assessments and decisions for expansion of needed infrastructure; water, sewer, roads, schools. Planning bodies, community members gain greater understanding and appreciation of inter-relationships within the region. 20 Central Iron Range Initiative

27 The cities of the Central Iron Range can realize numerous benefits by establishing a cooperative approach to planning, programming and maintaining their respective parks, open spaces and recreational facilities. Some obvious benefits would be avoiding duplication of larger facilities and using limited resources more efficiently. This would be augmented by the less tangible but equally important advantages of creating alliances between communities, joining them in a common mission that could easily include the entire iron range. The development of the Mesabi Trail is a case study in cooperative planning. Perhaps the closest parallel in the state is the Root River Valley Trail in Fillmore and Houston counties of southern Minnesota, which links a series of small communities together with a multi-use recreational trail. The Root River Valley Trail has been credited with bringing a tremendous surge of tourist interest to the area, and communities have joined together to market and maintain the resource. On the Mesabi Trail, some communities have more limited resources than others, resulting in varying levels of maintenance and the possibility of an inconsistent recreational experience. A more unified strategy for funding improvements and maintaining the trail would benefit all communities along the route. Parks, Open Space and Recreation Create an inter-related system of recreational and open spaces Continuing opportunities to reclaim, restore and rehabilitate damaged or depleted land Capture the essence of this unique landscape The benefits of a wide range of recreational opportunities within or near one s community have become increasingly important when choosing a place to live or work, rating consistently high in quality-oflife surveys nationwide. The Central Iron Range provides excellent opportunities for year around recreation and Hibbing and Chisholm have complimentary facilities that would benefit from sharing of resources and programming. Central Iron Range Initiative 21

28 Land Use Develop common land use regulations at a regional scale Coordination of land use policies within the region Regional planning offers the opportunity to coordinate land use policies and regulations within each of the participating communities. It is of particular importance to develop common land use designations and plan for non-duplication of as many functions as possible. The following are some of the key initiatives or opportunities regarding land use in the region; Community Form Designation and reinforcement of the importance of the city s centers. Developing a sequence of community corridors. Individual commercial centers with a variety of neighborhoods. Cultural Resources Coordinated planning and exhibition with appropriate supporting adjacent activities. Economic Development Assurance of designated economic development districts throughout the region. Agreed upon economic development initiatives sites. Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriate land use designation to support transportation and infrastructure reinvestment. Neighborhoods and Housing Land use policies that will support coordinated housing development and planned neighborhood revitalization. Parks and Open Space Coordinated planning of parks and open space which will link the various economic development initiatives to the regional landscape. 22 Central Iron Range Initiative

29 Planning Framework It is important that the regional planning is well grounded in the issues of physical constraints and the opportunities offered by the existing landscape. The best strategy is one the merges regional economic and community development with the physical context. Context/Natural Systems Preserve and manage the Region s natural resources. Parks, Recreation and Open Space Development of a regional park and open space system. Movement Networks Focus new development along existing transportation corridors. Inventory existing conditions Map limitations and constraints Establish Guiding Principles Identify key elements in region building Develop a conceptual Master Plan Outline next steps Land Use and Built Form Build upon the strengths of the existing communities. Central Iron Range Initiative 23

30 Project Example - Highway 169 Corridor The Highway 169 corridor linking the cities of Chisholm and Hibbing plays a key role in the development scenarios of both communities. Regionally significant, this corridor has also been identified by each of the communities, and Balkan Township as the most visible opportunity for joint planning and development. The City of Chisholm is completely surrounded by the City of Hibbing to the south, and Balkan Township to the east, north and west. While there is a working relationship between the cities of Chisholm, Hibbing and Balkan Township, this example will further explore cooperative development opportunities. During the last 20 years the highway corridor has fundamentally changed the community form of both Chisholm and Hibbing: The re-routing of the Hwy 169 corridor now bypasses the City of Chisholm. Increased commercial and retail land uses along the corridor through the City of Hibbing have shifted the city s retail center out of the downtown. The location of Ironworld and the County Fair has added recreational uses to the corridor. Creation of the Mesabi Trail has brought new tourism. There are major defining factors which will continue to influence the growth and development of the corridor into the future: Development restrictions of existing mining lands and future mining considerations. Balkan Township which surrounds the City of Chisholm and limits growth options. Challenges Ability to attract investment in the corridor Constrained sites. Directing development which reinforces the existing urban form of the adjacent communities. Speed of traffic. Important concepts Strategies for improving each community s tax base. Further defining the corridor s role in the larger sub-region. 24 Central Iron Range Initiative

31 Corridor Land Use Bodies of water Iron Formation Farmsteads and rural residence Gravel pits and open mines Other rural developments Urban/industrial Central Iron Range Initiative 25

32 Corridor Elements Regional East-West Highway: Highway 169 is a 4-lane, freeway speed highway corridor with at-grade access along the corridor. City of Chisholm gateway : At the north end of the corridor is the entry into the City of Chisholm. Ironworld/County Fair Grounds: In 1999 the County Fair relocated adjacent to the Ironworld site. This has provided for an enhanced tourist and community focal point. Views/Vistas: Primarily due to mining activities, there are some dynamic landscape features which add visual interest to the corridor. Balkan Township Lands: Balkan Township controls land to the west of Chisholm and north of the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 169. Highway 5 to Side Lake: This is an emerging recreational corridor with a bike trail that leads to camping and recreational opportunities at Side Lake. Existing Mining Lands and Future Mining Considerations: The Department of Natural Resources in conjunction with the Laurentian Vision project and the mining companies have recently completed mapping which outlines future mining lands. Powerline Corridor: An existing high-capacity corridor with fivehundred foot wide easement. Kitsville: A traditional neighborhood detached from the City of Hibbing. Proposed Motorplex: This site is proposed as a racetrack and related driver training activities. Redore Site: A flat 400 acre post-industrial site located adjacent to the highway corridor. Mesabi Trail: An existing regional trail which connects Chisholm with Hibbing and links to cities along the entire Iron Range. Highway Service/Commercial Area: This area is currently zoned for these activities. Old Mining Lands: Remnants of mining activities dot the landscape from the Redore site into the City of Hibbing. Junkyards: This junkyard is to the southwest of the Redore site and adjacent to the north of the highway corridor. Bulk Storage Facilities: These sites are located between the railroad right-of-way and the highway. City of Hibbing gateway : At the south end of the corridor is the entry into the City of Hibbing. 26 Central Iron Range Initiative

33 Highway 5 to Side Lake Balkan Township Lands City of Chisholm City gateway entry Ironworld/County Fair Grounds Landscape views and vistas Existing mining lands Powerline corridor Kitsville - residential Proposed Motorplex site Redore site Mesabi Trail Junkyards Zoned Highway Services/ Commercial Bulk storage facilities Old mining lands City gateway entry Central Iron Range Initiative 27

34 Corridor Considerations The following items were identified in a corridor workshop. Positive Aspects of Hwy 169 Corridor The unique geography, landscapes and man-made lakes Potential for a scenic corridor Opportunities to save existing green space The benefits of the existing four lane highway Mine views and tourism Shopping supports tourism Camping potential Recreation/Fairgrounds/Ironworld/Side Lake as corridor attractions Transportation (Hwy 73 minor corridor) Increasing college/education presence Powerline corridor Balkan industry potential The potential of the proposed Motorplex The benefits of a well-trained workforce Redore site as a prepared development site Mesabi trail as a regional attraction Constraints Near-term mining for Balkan areas and Motorplex area Long-term sewer treatment plant for Chisholm/Hibbing Development with potentially negative impacts on a scenic corridor Loop street rather than service roads Safety on 169, Mitchell Bridge, Kitsville and Ironworld Topography as a limiting development factor Limited left turns on Hwy 169 Maintenance/ownership along corridor Bulk storage facility questions Guiding Principles The following set of guiding principles were developed at the corridor workshop. This list serves as a starting point for the corridor concept plan. Address safety issues in the corridor Recognition of unique landscape Include mining development in long-term planning Provide for safe and orderly flow of transportation Compatibility of industrial use and scenic quality Develop compatible recreation uses Develop Motorplex with related issues and opportunities Access, image and character which respond to each of the communities Central Business Districts Develop signage guidelines 28 Central Iron Range Initiative

35 Extent of future mining lands, ownership and retention of the natural resource will limit development within these boundaries Identify what views and vistas should be preserved and enhanced. Identify the potential to tap into the existing powerline corridor. Identify corridor development initiatives such as the proposed Motorplex. Identify the potential for redevelopment of the Redore site. Identify the long-term strategies regarding safety issues on the Mitchell Bridge. Identify strategies for addressing the junkyard issues. Identify long term impacts of bulk storage facilities. Identify where topography impacts highway access and development opportunities. Central Iron Range Initiative 29

36 Corridor Framework Desired Highway 169 Corridor Attributes Image and Character Provides a positive image for these city s. Provides a walkable corridor (good trails and bike paths, routes to other corridor amenities). Develops safe highway crossing (calm traffic, well lit). Creates an attractive public realm (corridor landscape, lighting). Access and Connections Enhances a network of movement systems. Provides non-motorized routes. Establishes links to parks, and trails. Creates a community gateways at each end of the corridor. Land Use and Development Develops an urban land use pattern (sidewalks, lighting, etc.) Defines and creates integral green spaces. Public Infrastructure Provides an urban highway section (curb and gutter, pedestrian lighting, and sidewalks). Opportunities/Strategies Image and Character Develop a corridor master plan. Designate areas as gateway s into the community s. Look for demonstration project opportunities. Access and Connections Designate a hierarchy for streets and movement patterns. Connect this area to the existing community s. Explore the opportunity for bicycle and pedestrian routes to the Mesabi Trail, Carey Lake and Side Lake. Land Use and Development Develop land uses which support the intended image and character. Develop around natural features. Public Infrastructure Limit additional highway stoplights. Develop low-impact storm water run-off. 30 Central Iron Range Initiative

37 Balkan Township industrial site initiative Ironworld and County Fairgrounds Mesabi Trail connection to the Side Lake recreational area Post-mining recreational landscape - lakes and lakeshore Mesabi Trail connection to Motorplex and Ironworld/ County Fairgrounds Kitsville Residential Motorplex development site Redore re-development site - compatible development with Kitsville Mesabi Trail Access to industrial development sites Reclaimed landscapes Central Iron Range Initiative 31

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