03-10-26 City Council Workshop Packet

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29 Development Opportunities on City-Owned Land | Lake Elmo, Minnesota As the City considers the broader policy questions noted in the Phasing and Timing section, it will also need to determine its preferred level of involvement in the development of the study site. The table on this page begins to outline the range of roles the City may wish to consider as it relates to the development of the study area. Early Steps Once the City has determined its preferred depth of involvement in the site’s development, it is encouraged to take the following early steps. Begin engaging with the public. Early engagement should include key messaging items and outline the City’s plans for involvement in the site development. Initiate conversations with Union Pacific. The sewer line crossing at the rail line will be key to unlocking development on Parcels 2 and 3. Conversations with Union Pacific should not wait. Plan for the sewer extension. In addition to launching conversations about the physical expansion of the sewer line, capital planning and budgeting should also begin early. Identify curb cuts with Washington County. The road access points into each of the three parcels should be identified in partnership with Washington County, and discussions about the process for improvements should be formalized. Scenario PROS CONS Level of Effort FOR SALE SIGN: Find a master broker or developer to figure it all out • Cheap and easy • Can start immediately • Less control of outcomes • Potential longer lead time • Less net revenue Low BASIC INFRASTRUCTURE: City installs sewer connection • Maximum flexibility • Catalyzes first stages of development, suggests phasing • Some up-front costs and rail coordination needs Low/ Mid MEDIUM INFRASTRUCTURE: City installs the sewer and main roadway • Ensures basic infrastructure fits • Further sets the table for developers, defines areas • Up-front costs • Could misjudge the market and need to rework improvements Mid STAGED ROLLOUT: The site is platted and packaged with infrastructure • Makes more sites available for more developer types, provides infrastructure efficiently • More up-front costs and considerations, less flexibility for scenarios Mid CITY AS DEVELOPER: The City and staff are hands on throughout the entire development process • Most control and options • Much more resource intensive and costly • Need to be in tune with the market to work High Exhibit 4. The City’s Potential Role in Site Development The table below outlines the various scenarios the City may wish to consider as it contemplates its potential role in the development of the three parcels making up the study site. Create a policy framework. Using Lake Elmo’s comprehensive plan as a foundation, the City should update the processes associated with development at the site. Consider jurisdictional touchpoints. As Lake Elmo is on the cusp of a new comprehensive plan, so is Oakdale. Working with this neighboring jurisdiction could provide both cities with interesting opportunities to find alignments that could benefit both communities. Lake Elmo’s elected and staff leadership are clearly dedicated to the city’s growth and vitality. They have become and its new staff are becoming adept at navigating the challenges of a growing city that is also proud of and comfortable with a rural history and open space mindset. As the City continues to chart its path forward and provide the services the community needs, it may find this balance between rural and urban more challenging to maintain. The recommendations provided by this panel can serve as guidelines for future development opportunities, and, when combined with the City’s passion for and dedication to its residents, can provide Lake Elmo with the leadership it needs to succeed well into the future.