05-02-2022 Council Work Session Packet

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WS — Item 3 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 3 Date: May 2, 2022 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director Re: Planning and Zoning Board Master Plan Recommendation Background The 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies gateway locations, the need to strengthen and maintain the appearance of gateways, and recommendation to complete master planning studies were identified. These areas are detailed in Chapter 3: Land Use -Planning District section of the Comprehensive Plan. At their February 9 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Board discussed the need to prepare master plans for key developing areas of the City. The board initially identified the Sunset Avenue/Main Street Corridor, the Lake Drive and Main Street intersection, and the Main Street/35E corridor from 21st to 24th Avenues as priority study areas. Each of these areas are currently under some level of development planning or interest. At their April 13 meeting, the board refined their project scope to recommend, for City Council consideration, that the City retain professional services to prepare a gateway design study encompassing the identified locations in the Comprehensive Plan. Analysis The Implementation section of the Comprehensive Plan (Chapter 12) identifies a number of proposed actions and timing to implement the plan. These items are used to develop an annual work plan and support for project inclusion in the annual budgeting process. The development of design guidelines related to gateways is identified as a short term action (1-5 years). The completion of master plans in individual planning districts is included in the medium priority category. Staff would suggest the development of gateway design standards is a priority goal. This study would look at all gateway locations as a whole to develop a uniform treatment when improvements are proposed and funding is available. These areas include: • Lake Drive and 35W — 2022 budget includes increased funding for boulevard landscaping. • Sunset Avenue and Main Street — Key western gateway into city — Robinson Farms being considered for development.