Chisholm Community Form

Transcription

1 Chisholm Community Form 1.1

2 Community Goals 1.3 Information and Assessment Recommendations Implementation

3 Community Goals Neighborhoods Strengthen the sense of community in all neighborhoods. Provide clean, safe, attractive homes and neighborhoods. Achieve a balance of single-family homes, 2-4 family homes and multi-family apartments within the city for all groups and income levels. Note: Neighborhoods and Housing are covered in detail in Chapter 6. To continue to grow and develop community life by recognizing that every design and development decision will improve the economic, social and environmental vitality of the community in a sustainable manner. Downtown Strengthen the character and economic vitality of downtown by capitalizing on existing human and physical resources. Highway 169 Corridor Retain the mixed-use character of Highway 169 in Chisholm and to improve the corridor by addressing its scenic qualities and identifying potential new entries into the Ironworld/County Fair grounds area. Highway 73 Corridor Retain the mixed-use character of Highway 73 through the City of Chisholm and to improve the corridor by addressing character and business potentials along the route. Community Entries Develop a mixed-use plan which proposes a new community entry from Highway 169, providing a mix of housing types and creating a new focus for downtown at Longyear Lake. Relationship with Balkan Township Develop and enhance the existing working relationship between Balkan Township and the City of Chisholm regarding future land use decisions and recreational opportunities. Note: At the request of Balkan Township, no additional Township planning was conducted or discussed beyond potential industrial uses adjacent to the Highway 169 corridor. 1.3

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5 Information and Assessment The urban form of Chisholm is similar to that of many traditional outstate communities. A downtown core is surrounded by supporting neighborhoods and a linking highway that used to pass through on Main Street now bypasses to the south of the city. The scale of downtown is primarily 2 story with the surrounding residential areas at 1 to 2 stories. Introduction The City of Chisholm is completely surrounded by either the City of Hibbing to the south, or Balkan Township to the east, north and west. For some time there has been a working relationship between Chisholm and Balkan Township on matters of annexation and cooperative development. This partnership has served both communities well and should be looked at as the model for further cooperation with the other Central Iron Range communities. During the last twenty years there have been fundamental additions and alterations to Chisholm s community form. They are as follows: The rerouting of the Hwy 169 corridor, which now bypasses the city. Aging residential neighborhoods. Ironworld and the County Fair as regional recreational attractions. Loss of downtown businesses. There are two major defining factors which will continue to influence the growth and development of the city into the future are: The desire to reserve mining lands for the future to the east and west of the city. The working relationship with Balkan Township, which surrounds the city and limits growth options. The major challenges for the City are: The need to stimulate investment to revitalize particular neighborhoods. Developing strategies to keep downtown vital. Guiding development to reinforce desired physical patterns. The following information first presents an overview of planning guidelines and considerations. Second is a narrative overview of the major planning issues as raised by the community during the planning process. Third are case example studies for these planning areas which present desired attributes and outline potential opportunities and strategies. Fourth is an implementation framework for further discussion and engagement by the community. 1.5

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14 Sustainable Community Planning Sustainable Overview For Chisholm and 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, Chisholm has had to develop a variety of partnerships with its neighbors. These partnerships have served Chisholm reasonably well; to name a few, managed growth and annexation in cooperation with Balkan Township, joint economic development planning with the City of Hibbing, and leading discussions with surrounding communities regarding a larger Central Iron Range Initiative. In moving the Comprehensive Plan 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. 1.6

15 The is organized around the physical framework of the sub-region. The four components of this framework, briefly described below, reflect the nature, appropriateness and priorities of development in the City of Chisholm. Land Use and Built Form 1.) Future development in Chisholm will be guided by restrictions of future mining considerations, 2.) the ability to reuse abandoned mining lands, and 3.) a redefinition of the connections between downtown, Highway 169 and Ironworld. Strengthen the development connections along the Highway 169 corridor. Continue to develop an inter-connected network of green spaces. Continue to develop a clear identity for downtown 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 City s desire to encourage movement into the city. Redevelop the Highway 169 corridor into an urbanized corridor within the city and a scenic corridor between Chisholm and Hibbing. Improve the Highway 73 corridor north to Balkan Township as a community entry point. Parks, Recreation and Open Space 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 additional connections to the Mesabi Trail. Develop new trails between Chisholm and the City of Buhl. Provide additional trail connections within the City of Chisholm. Develop additional trail connections from the Mesabi Trail to the Highway 5/Side Lake Recreational Area. Environmental Context/Natural Systems 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. Make needed improvements to the health of Longyear Lake. Plan future development east of the city to maximize the recreational potential of the abandoned mining lands and pits. 1 3 City Building Components 2 1.7

16 Planning Considerations Environmental Features The map indicates natural features. Planning Considerations: areas of active and abandoned mining lands restrictions of wet soils, retention of natural systems. Key: Coniferous Forest Deciduous Forest Mixed wood Forest Open Water Wetlands - Bogs Wetlands - Marsh/Fens Land Use/Land Cover The map indicates the existing uses on the land. Planning Considerations: areas of opportunity for new development; adjacent land uses, opportunities to connect open space systems, protection of natural systems and features. Key: Commercial Industrial Public/Parks/Open Residential Mining/Other 1.8

17 Future Mining Considerations The map indicates future mining potential as mapped by the Department of Natural Resources. Planning Considerations: That new development and community planning may not preclude long-term mining activities. Key: Current to 20 years years 50+ years Primary Auxiliary Land Composite of Existing Conditions When the previous information is applied in layers, patterns emerge which indicate areas of greater or lesser development constraints. This information is then combined with the Central Iron Range Initiative planning and the City Building Components to develop the Comprehensive Plan. Key: Bodies of Water Existing Mine Disturbances Better Development Suitability 1.9

18 Entry sequence east of Chisholm Entry sequence east of Chisholm Downtown Downtown is defined as the central business district bounded approximately one block either side of Lake Street. The historic character of downtown is the unique opportunity. While there have been many unsympathic remodels to the storefronts, this work is mainly cosmetic and has done limited structural damage. In addition, new paving, infrastructure improvements and streetscape initiatives have transformed the look and feel of Lake Street. The road to downtown vitality faces these several challenges: Securing a regional role. Attracting a diversified business base which builds upon recent improvements. A commitment that downtown is the commercial/retail center for the community. The future for downtown lie in its abilities to project itself as an historic mining town, to better connect with and integrate into its structure Ironworld and the related resources, and the creative use of mining lands at its borders. Highway 169 Corridor The Highway 169 corridor was relocated at the edge of town during the 1980 s creating a bypass around Chisholm. Over the years some business and industrial development has migrated out to the highway corridor but has not competed with the traditional downtown commercial area. This highway corridor has these two individual segments: South of Chisholm from the intersection of County Road 5 west to the intersection of Highway 73. South of the intersection of Highway 73 to Howard Street in Hibbing, (this section is covered as part of the Central Iron Range Initiative document.). There are now two significant tourist and public-use facilities on Highway 169 immediately South of an adjacent to be corridor. Ironworld is a regional mining history and interpretive complex, and recently the County Fair has relocated their site just to the east of the Ironworld facility. Highway 169 has now become the front door for Chisholm - its first image for the visitor. It is important to develop a safe and attractive roadway, that reflects the character of Chisholm and provides safe access to Ironworld and fairgrounds. A new entry into downtown would also enhance the character of Highway

19 Highway 73 Corridor The Highway 73 corridor is a major north and south route connecting to Balkan Township and regional recreational areas north of the City of Chisholm. Over the years commercial development has migrated to the highway corridor and has affected not only the viability of the traditional downtown commercial area but has created a second main street for the community. This highway corridor has these two individual segments: An urbanized section through the City of Chisholm, from Hwy 169 to Lake Street. A residential section through the neighborhoods to Balkan Township. The desire is to retain the mixed-use nature of the corridor and to develop a future general business and community entry at the north end as the transition into Balkan Township. Commercial development should be limited to convenience commercial which does not conflict with strengthening downtown commercial. New Development Opportunities During discussions and workshops, several issues have emerged regarding various physical improvements the City is contemplating. The following scenario is explored as a case study to demonstrate a larger opportunity. The items that were discussed include: Exploring redevelopment opportunities at the east end of downtown, near Longyear Lake. The disposition of vacant and under-utilized land between the school and Longyear Lake. Creating a Mesabi Trail connection into downtown. A desire to develop a general business district where the industrial park now exists. The desire to create a new entry into downtown from Highway 169. The need to develop a new and safer entry into the Ironworld and County Fair grounds site. New entry redevelopment potential When taken together they represent a major improvement opportunity for the City of Chisholm. 1.11

20 Downtown Example Characteristics Historic nature Updated streetscape Wide sidewalks Mix of businesses Assets An identifiable urba core defined by building type and pedestrian amenities A comfortable community scale and historic character Center of civic activities Downtown view and links to Longyear Lake Challenges Keeping downtown a vital center for the community Clearly defining the downtown role in the city and sub-region Recruiting businesses which will reinforce the mixed-use character Desired Downtown Attributes Image and Character Revitalized historic downtown anchored at each end by Memorial Park and Longyear Lake. Revitalization of Longyear Lake as recreational opportunity and community focal point, creating a major downtown amenity. Renewal and expansion of Memorial Park for festivals and tournaments. Access and Connections Compact and walkable downtown. Designated, all-season pedestrian routes from the neighborhoods, linking neighborhood amenities (parks, schools, open space) into downtown. Dedicated bike lanes from Memorial Park through downtown to Longyear Lake and the Mesabi Trail. Develop community gateways. Land Use and Development Focus on revitalization of existing commercial storefronts. Senior housing adjacent to downtown supports social/cultural interaction and supports downtown business. Encourage mixed-use development. Public Infrastructure Downtown remains the center for public services. Improved sidewalks and streets adjacent to downtown. 1.12

21 Recommendations/Guidelines Boulevard development north to Balkan Township Redevelop interface between Longyear Lake and downtown Historic downtown West gateway Infill development Boulevard development south to Chisholm High School Boulevard development out to Hwy 169 Opportunities/Strategies Image and Character Remodel commercial storefronts back to historic character. Strengthen east and west gateways into downtown. Extend downtown development to embrace Longyear Lake. Access and Connections Provide stronger connections to the parks. Explore the opportunity for bicycle routes from downtown to parks and the Mesabi Trail. Land Use and Development Adaptive re-use of existing vacant/underutilized buildings. Evaluate existing housing stock in terms of reinvestment and redevelopment. Develop strategies for adaptive re-use of existing commercial buildings. Look for infill housing opportunities adjacent to downtown. Public Infrastructure Develop a 5 year capital improvement program for sidewalk repair and replacement on designated streets into the neighborhoods. Remove treatment plant from Longyear Lake. 1.13

22 Highway 169 Example Western gateway Eastern gateway Ironworld County Fair grounds Business Existing Light Industrial Characteristics No community impression Limited highway oriented development. Views of man-made and natural landscapes. Assets This corridor presents the first impression of the community s image. Plenty of room for improvement. Challenges Improving the visual image of the corridor. Developing the highway corridor in a way which better integrates the public attractions of Ironworld and County Fair grounds with the City of Chisholm. Desired Highway 169 Corridor Attributes Image and Character East and west community gateways that announce an enhanced highway corridor section. An interesting and inviting entry into the city and the Ironworld/ County Fair complex. Additional landscape elements that build upon the geological context. Access and Connections Create a new entry point that establishes links to downtown and neighborhoods from Ironworld and fairgrounds. Improved trail connections to the Mesabi Trail. Land Use and Development Potential for new mixed-use neighborhood which connects downtown to Ironworld and fairgrounds. Relocated highway-oriented industrial uses further east on Hwy 169. Public Infrastructure Development of an urban highway section (curb and gutter, pedestrian lighting, sidewalks). Develop low-impact storm water run-off. 1.14

23 Ironman site urbanized highway section new mixed-use community entry and connection to Ironworld and fairgrounds Bruce Headframe Opportunities/Strategies Image and Character Designate two areas as the gateway into the community, possibly Bruce Headframe site and elaborate on the Ironman site. Develop a long-term plan and implementation strategy for new community entry and relocated entry into Ironworld/Fairground site. Access and Connections Longyear Lake trail as hub of a larger system. Develop improved links to Mesabi Trail and Longyear Lake. Link to Balkan Township. Land Use and Development Relocate existing industrial uses, rezone for mixed-use development. Develop plan for highway-oriented industrial uses in conjunction with Balkan Township. Public Infrastructure Establish timeline and funding sources for corridor improvements. An urbanized Highway 169 corridor section with curb and gutter, sidewalks and lighting. 1.15

24 Highway 73 Example Corridor Elements North entry from Balkan Township Residential district Downtown segment Mixed-use commercial South community entry Characteristics Residential feel in the northern section. Commercial orientation south of Lake Street. Assets A major through-way and link to Balkan Township. A significant community entry from the south. Challenges Development of the corridor through the residential neighborhood. Desired Highway 73 Corridor Attributes Image and Character A walkable corridor with an attractive public realm. Safe corridor crossing (calm traffic, well lighted). Access and Connections Enhance a network of movement systems. Provide non-motorized routes. Established links to parks and trails. Create a community gateway at the each end of the corridor. Land Use and Development Develop neighborhood convenience commercial at the corridors north end, next to Balkan Township. Define and create integral green spaces. Public Infrastructure Develop an urban roadway section (curb and gutter, pedestrian lighting, sidewalks). 1.16

25 Create a northern gateway into the community Create an enhanced community corridor Create a bicycle/pedestrian corridor from parks to Longyear Lake Opportunities/Strategies Image and Character Designate this area as the northern gateway into the community. Look for demonstration project opportunities. Access and Connections Designate a hierarchy for streets and movement patterns. Connect this area to the existing community. Explore the opportunity for bicycle and pedestrian routes to the Mesabi Trail. Land Use and Development Develop land uses which support the intended image and character. Develop around natural features. Public Infrastructure Develop low-impact storm water run-off. Create a southern gateway into the community 1.17

26 New Development Example Opportunities Downtown redevelopment properties Vacant and underutilized land School site Lake and trail access Desire to develop as general business area New entry into downtown Potential new access to Ironworld and County Fair grounds Characteristics Light industrial image. Vacant and underutilized land. Assets Opportunity to accomplish several discussed goals which together can have significant community impact. Many sites are currently available. Challenges Significant grade separation into the Ironworld/County Fair site. Relocation of existing businesses. Desired New Development Attributes Image and Character Provide a new image entry into Chisholm Provide a walkable corridor (good sidewalks, routes to other businesses) Develop safe highway crossing (calm traffic, well lit) Create an attractive public realm (urban forest, lighting) Access and Connections Provide a direct connection from downtown to Ironworld and County Fair grounds Improved links to Longyear Lake, parks and Mesabi Trail Land Use and Development Re-use of underutilized urban land Urban housing pattern (sidewalks, alleys, etc.) Internal green spaces Public Infrastructure Reuse of existing infrastructure 1.18

27 Boulevard connection into downtown Park Commercial development Longyear Lake Ironworld/ Fairgrounds Highway 169 New housing Extended Mesabi Trail and Lakewalk The New Development could address several related issues being discussed in the community. Combine the new City entry with a new Ironworld/County Fairgrounds entry, develop the new entry with a park and related businesses, connect the town entry to the lake, provide a new entry into downtown, and re-develop adjacent underutilized properties for housing, and new commercial development at the end of downtown, next to the lake. Opportunities/Strategies Image and Character Develop a new entry for Chisholm and Ironworld/County Fair Develop a town center with a park and highway oriented businesses Access and Connections Create a new entry into downtown. Develop the lake walk and connect to a Mesabi Trail connection Land Use and Development Redevelop adjacent underutilized sites for housing Develop around natural features Public Infrastructure Maximize use of existing infrastructure 1.19

28 Downtown Goal: To strengthen the character and economic vitality of downtown by capitalizing on existing human and physical resources. Actions 1. Create a shared vision for downtown among all major stakeholders, including business owners and the city. 2. Keep downtown the center of social and cultural activities. 3. Maintain and enhance the character and human scale of downtown streets and historic architecture. 4. Enhance economic viability and public interest in the downtown district through strategic reinvestment. 5. Coordinate city programs, agency capabilities and private initiative to facilitate and support downtown redevelopment. Highway 169 Corridor Goal: To retain the mixed-use character of Highway 169 in Chisholm and to improve the corridor by addressing its scenic qualities and identifying potential new entries into the Ironworld/County Fair grounds area. Actions 1. Enhance the human scale of the corridor with landscaping, lighting and improved crossings for pedestrian and bicycles 2. As necessary, modify existing zoning regulations, spot zoning and other city ordinances to maintain the integrity of the corridor and prevent incompatible uses. 3. Seek redevelopment opportunities to relocate conflicting land uses. 1.20

29 Highway 73 Corridor Goal: To retain the mixed-use character of Highway 73 through the City of Chisholm and to improve the corridor by addressing character and business potentials along the route. Actions 1. Enhance the human scale of the corridor with landscaping, lighting and improved crossings for pedestrian and bicycles. 2. As necessary, modify existing zoning regulations, spot zoning and other city ordinances to maintain the integrity of the corridor and prevent incompatible uses. 3. Seek redevelopment opportunities to relocate conflicting land uses. New Development by the Lake Goal: To develop a mixed-use plan which proposes a new community entry from Highway 169, providing a mix of housing types and creating a new focus for downtown at Longyear Lake. Actions 1. Develop a community based approach to future land use planning. 2. As necessary, modify existing zoning regulations, spot zoning and other city ordinances to maintain the integrity of the corridor and prevent incompatible uses. 3. Seek redevelopment opportunities to relocate conflicting land uses, possibly east along the Highway 169 corridor. 1.21

30 Relationship with Balkan Township Goal: To develop and enhance the existing working relationship between Balkan Township and the City of Chisholm regarding future land use decisions and recreational opportunities. Actions 1. Pursue joint development decisions which are mutually beneficial to both parties. 2. Explore opportunities to expand recreational connections. 1.22

31 Conceptual Community Development Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods remain the urbanized core, with the Highway 169 corridor redeveloped to connect Ironworld and its dynamic landscape with the City fabric Cultural Resources A comprehensive and inter-connected cultural resource platform in Chisholm supports the larger social/cultural objectives of the Central Iron Range Initiative. Neighborhoods/housing Create a Master Plan for neighborhoods and housing. Strengthen neighborhood identity, preserve existing neighborhoods, ensure availability of affordable housing options. Future mining potential Future housing New commercial development Future housing Chisholm to Buhl Area recreation and residential Economic Development The following projects represent an agreed upon development direction for the Central Iron Range Initiative within the City of Chisholm. Corridor Development Highway 169 Development; Redevelopment of this corridor which enhances Chisholm s presence between the two city entries Hibbing - Chisholm Corridor; Development; A scenic corridor with selected development opportunities. Highway 73 Development; Improvements to this corridor which support additional commercial development and improved community entry. Parks/Open Space Develop a mixed-use open space / recreation corridor between Chisholm and Buhl, develop improved trail connections to the Mesabi Trail, develop trail connections to County Road 5/Side Lake and interconnect trails/parks throughout Chisholm. Land Use Strengthen land use definitions and consistent application to support the Comprehensive Plan objectives. Redeveloped highway section Expanded trail and open space system Chisholm to Buhl Area Recreational and Residential Development; At the edge of water filled abandoned mining pits, the building sites will offer spectacular vistas and access to recreation and fishing. Infrastructure Development Central Range Utility District - Sewer and Water; Address wastewater treatment infrastructure needs and initiatives that surrounding communities cannot solve independently. Industrial Development Highway 169 Development; Highway related industrial development east of Chisholm. 1.23

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33 Implementation General Recommendations 1. The city should convene a round table, coordinating municipal departments, non-profits and private concerns to focus on downtown issues and programs. The round table would provide a forum to strengthen communication and foster partnerships between the public and private sectors operating in downtown with the purpose of enhancing the district s appeal to businesses, shoppers, tourists and residents. Those in leadership roles should meet on a regular basis, perhaps quarterly, to share information, air concerns and, when appropriate, pool resources for cooperative efforts. Downtown Convene discussion round tables Schedule downtown events Establish downtown districts Promote historic nature 2. Use downtown events as a springboard for revitalization. Major downtown events have been successful in attracting large numbers of people and have the potential to enhance perceptions of the community both locally and regionally. Along with public relations benefits, festivals bring economic advantages and enjoyment. The downtown needs more frequent programmed events to ensure that existing businesses and institutions benefit from the visitation they bring. 3. Establish districts within the downtown area which have distinct identities and complement each other. The downtown across the nation have demonstrated that segmenting downtown into a series of smaller components has enhanced revitalization efforts. The smaller areas allow for more specific targeting of resources and programs, and make results more visible. 4. Protect, promote and capitalize on the appeal of the the downtown historic architecture. The the downtown historic architecture has been cited as one of the area s strengths and attractions and should be incorporated into redevelopment initiatives. 1.25

34 Recommendations for Physical Improvements Create a downtown signage program. Support gateway improvements. Plant and maintain trees throughout downtown. Establish a Business Improvement District. Identify opportunities to support mixed-use redevelopment. Establish a comprehensive Facade Improvement program for downtown. 5. Create a downtown signage program. Informational signage is recommended to help visitors find their way to the area s various facilities and attractions, and to promote fuller use of the area by promoting services and destinations. Such a system should be integrated into the urban context using kiosks, map systems, etc. 6. Support gateway improvements. The appearance of major roads leading into the downtown is a source of major concern, as it is widely perceived as a deterrent to downtown visitation. 7. Plant and maintain trees throughout downtown. Streets lined with trees bring a more intimate scale to urban areas, creating a warmer and more comfortable sense of place for pedestrians. Trees also help to enclose and define streets that have parking lots and few buildings, again enhancing the experience of walking. 8. Establish a Business Improvement District. A downtown BID provides the resources and mechanisms to help manage the public environment, attract and retain businesses and assist with marketing, sanitation and other centralized services. A well-supported BID results in a better managed and programmed downtown, and would have a positive impact on the overall perceptions of the community. 9. Identify opportunities to support mixed-use redevelopment. This strategy might include renovation of vacant or underutilized upper floors of downtown buildings to create affordable housing and increase the residential base of downtown. 10. Establish a comprehensive facade improvement program for downtown. A typical program provides matching monies or grants for restoration/renovation of facades with ground floor commercial uses. These programs are available to property owners and leaseholders. 1.26

35 General Recommendations 1. Begin discussions with Minnesota Department of Transportation and the County regarding issues of traffic management and community image. 2. Establish a community-based Task Force. This Task Force should be led by the Planning Commission and include representatives of MnDOT, th County, the City, retail business owners, land owners and residents. This should be an anticipatory process, not reactive. The goal of the Task Force is to develop a set of guiding principles for the corridor. This should include guidelines for lot development, traffic management, landscape, pedestrian amenities and connections to the existing open space systems. The process should also outline other requirements for development. Highway 169 Corridor Begin discussions with Minnesota Department of Transportation and the County. Establish a community-based Task Force. Develop a master plan for land use in the corridor. 3. Develop a master plan for land use in the corridor. With guiding principles and guidelines in hand, a master plan and development schedule should be assembled. 4. Engage a public artist and landscape architect to develop conceptual designs for the community gateways. General Recommendations 1. Establish a community-based Task Force. This Task Force should be led by the Planning Commission and include representatives of MnDOT, the County, the City, retail business owners, land owners and residents. This should be an anticipatory process, not reactive. The goal of the Task Force is to develop a set of guiding principles for the corridor. This should include guidelines for lot development, traffic management, landscape, pedestrian amenities and connections to the existing open space systems. The process should also outline other requirements for development. Highway 73 Corridor Begin discussions with Minnesota Department of Transportation and the County. Establish a community-based Task Force. Develop a master plan for land use in the corridor. 1.27

36 2. Develop a master plan for land use in the corridor. With guiding principles and guidelines in hand, a master plan and development schedule should be assembled. 3. Engage a public artist and landscape architect to develop conceptual designs for the community gateways. New Development/ Community Entry Establish a community-based Task Force. Develop a Master Plan. General Recommendations 1. Establish a community-based Task Force. This Task Force should be led by the Planning Commission and include representatives of the City, retail business owners, land owners and residents. This should be an anticipatory process, not reactive. The goal of the Task Force is to develop a set of guiding principles for the development area. This should include guidelines for lot development, traffic management, scale, building materials, open space requirements and connections to existing open space systems, and other requirements for development. Issues regarding establishing a western growth and development boundary for the City of Hibbing should also be discussed. 2. Develop a Master Plan for the site. With guiding principles and guidelines in hand, a master plan and development schedule should be assembled. 3. Engage a public artist and landscape architect to develop conceptual designs for this community gateway. 1.28