08-25-25 - City Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Mapping Northwest Main, also known as the Main Street Master Plan, outlines a vision to guide future development within a 962-acre study area in the city’s northwestern corner. It also provides guidance on enhancing and conserving natural resources, as well as integrating development with adjacent neighborhoods and existing transportation networks. Although this Main Street Master Plan does not select a final development plan, it does identify a preferred scenario to guide development withing the study area. PURPOSE OF THE PLAN PROCESS The City of Lino Lakes was committed to hearing from residents about their goals for the development of this area, especially those who live near or adjacent to the study area. To ensure that residents had opportunities to provide input, the city conducted a comprehensive planning process to help guide decision-making for future development. To help facilitate discussions, the city held several community open houses and one-on-one meetings with residents to hear their priorities for development in the area. Using this feedback, several development scenarios were generated and ultimately resulted in one preferred development scenario as described later in this plan. To ensure that development goals reflect the diverse priorities of city residents, residents were encouraged to provide input and feedback throughout the planning process. • Guide development of the area for the future • Define potential development scenarios • Outline development requirements Lino Lakes’ 2040 Comprehensive Plan identified the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Main Street as a key gateway into the community. The Comprehensive Plan recognized the need to coordinate planning activities for this large area and recommended that a Master Plan for the corridor between Sunset Avenue and 4th Avenue be completed. Residents raised important questions about potential impacts of development on the environment, infrastructure, traffic, and community identity for the area. The Master Plan and environmental review of this area seeks to address these questions and anticipate future impacts of development. GOALS OF THE OVERALL PLANNING PROCESS WHY WAS THIS PROCESS IMPORTANT? Screening of the Study Area: Mapping land features, including wetlands, floodplains, existing roads/trails, and easements, to assess opportunities and challenges related to development. Stakeholder Engagement: Input was collected from those who may be most likely impacted by development including property owners, nearby residents, school district leaders (Forest Lake and Centennial), developers and local agencies such as Anoka County Highway Department and Rice Creek Watershed District. Public Community Meetings: Three public open house meetings were held over a few months where residents had a chance to provide input on development goals for the area. Residents were also welcome to attend and observe City Council and Advisory Board work sessions. Throughout the engagement process, feedback opportunities, notices of meetings, and other project related materials were made available virtually through the project’s website. Creation of Development Scenarios: The city used stakeholder feedback, resident input, and the initial screening of the study area to develop development scenarios. Each scenario provided a potential of what development could look like generally. Scenarios incorporated different levels of residential density, natural/ park areas, and commercial space. Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR): Scenarios underwent an environmental review via the AUAR. The AUAR assessed the likely impacts of each development scenario within the area in greater detail. The review also identifies potential mitigation strategies to minimize environmental impacts. WHAT DID THE PROCESS INCLUDE? MAPPING NORTHWEST MAIN - MAIN STREET MASTER PLAN AUGUST 25, 2025 BACKGROUND | 5Page 59 of 171