Planning Commission Resolution 502-97

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. Planning Commission Resolution No, 502-97 April 16, 1997 Page 7 tie the various elements of the Center together and provide connection to a community -wide system of trails. . There are opportunities to enhance and further reinforce the opportunity to create a City Center in Mounds View through how vacant land in this district is developed, and through incorporating design elements along Highway 10, To help insure that future development is consistent with community goals, the remaining undeveloped land should be developed on a staged, planned unit basis, There are two significant vacant areas which deserve mention. Both of them are on Highway 10 and offer an opportunity to strengthen the City's economic base by taking advantage of the strong desire in the business marketplace to located on a major thoroughfare. The first is bordered by Highway 10, Long Lake Road and County Road H2. This parcel needs to be developed in a manner which maintains an open face to the Highway 10, and creates a destination activity and meeting ground across from the Civic Center, so there is a concentration of activity on both sides of the highway. Possibilities include entertainment uses, restaurants, and unique shops, These uses could be combined with offices or higher density residential to create a "village center" feeling, This parcel also presents a challenge since it abuts a single family residential neighborhood on the south side, Care must be exercised in providing an adequate buffer between the active uses located on this parcel and this neighborhood, so the quality oflife and peaceful enjoyment of their homes is not disrupted. How the development is oriented, the location of access points, and the circulation system to serve this parcel are critical to achieving this goal. The second parcel is bounded by Highway 10, Silver Lake Road, the St. Paul Waterworks ROWand existing businesses. A land use study and market analysis for this area has been completed, and they included suggestions on the types ofland uses which would be suitable for these parcels. These uses included senior citizen housing, offices, restaurants, and high impulse, convenience-type businesses. Attention needs to be given to how to create an integrated, coordinated development which related to surrounding uses, makes connections to the trail systems in Silver View Park and along Mounds View Drive, and uses the wetland as an asset. It is important to avoid development which creates a row of independent highway-oriented businesses along Highway 10 oblivious of their surroundings. This parcel is at the point where the commercial development widens along Highway 10, as one enters the City from the north. It needs to be treated as a gateway area. . The current state of the City Center is somewhat fragmented. It is most important that this area become a more coordinated, cohesive focal point for the community through the types of land uses developed, how developments are designed, and the implementation of design features which will establish an overall character. The community's goal for this area is that it will be a destination and significant place, which draws people and brings them enjoyment. Land uses need to be coordinated and interconnected, tied together by a landscaping and design theme along Highway 10 and system of walkways and trails. The types ofland uses must create activity that is an asset to those living and working in the community, to visitors, and to the residents in the immediate neighborhoods within this District 1,