EQEA 12/12/2017-packet
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne
AGENDA
December 12, 2017, 7:00p.m.
Location: City Hall, Conference Room A
Call to Order
Approve Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Minutes
1)Review November 14 2017 minutes
New Business
2040 Comprehensive Plan-Local Water Plan chapter,
Critical Area chapterreview
OrganicsEducation Plan
Next Meetings/Announcements
rd
1)Chicken and Bee Keeping ordinance (effective December 23)
Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., Springbrook Nature Center
Adjourn
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center, 6431 University Ave Ne
MINUTES
November 14, 2017
Location:City Hall, Conference Room A(Main Level, City Hall)
Call to Order
Chair Hansencalled the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
Members present: Nick Olberding, Kyle Mulrooney, Justin Foell,Heidi Ferris, Mark Hansen, Sam Stoxen
Absent:Paul Westby
Staff present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner; Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works
Approval ofMinutes
CommissionerOlberdingmoved to approve the October 102017 meeting minutes as written. Commissioner
Foellseconded the motion.
MOTION PASSED Unanimously
New Business
2017 Water Resource Management Re-Cap
1)
Jim Kosluchar, Director of Public Works, provided the EQEC with a summary of water resources projects and
modeling updates done in 2017 to benefit the City’s surface waters. Mr. Kosluchar also provided an update on
potential projects the City was evaluating for 2018.
Parks and Trails Comp Plan Chapter review
2)
Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner, provided the group with the draft trends, policies, objectives, goals, and
action steps for the Parks and Trails Section of the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Ferris recommended that
the City coordinate with Anoka County on goals related to resiliency and sustainability. Ms. Workin stated that
could be included as an action step. The commissionalso discussed howresiliency would be incorporated into
the plan. Ms. Workin stated that the City was planning to weave themes of resiliency throughout each chapter.
It wasdiscussed that should this approach be taken, the concept of resiliency should be highlighted. Ms. Workin
stated that the opportunity to review additional chapters would be provided at the December meeting, and that
additional input could be provided at the Public Hearing and through Chair Hansen via the Planning
Commission. Chair Hansen stated that he would communicate the EQECs recommendations.
Organics Update
3)
Ms. Workin stated that 4 proposals had been received during the Organics RFP that were currently being
reviewed.
Old Business
Environmental Fun Fair Meeting Re-Cap
1)
Commissioner Ferris provided an update from the November Fun Fair planning meeting. Ms. Workin stated
that they had received volunteers for the Fix-It Clinic, but that they might need more vendors related to
bicycling if that was a theme of interest. Commissioner Foell recommended contacting local bicycle groups. It
was discussed that the Trails Day bike ride could be advertised during this event. Commissioner Ferris
suggested that the bike ride visit some of the water quality projects that the City has installed.
Other Informational Item
Ms. Workinprovided information on the following events:
1)Partners in Energy Application
Ms. Workin indicated that the city was interested in applying Partners in Energy is a program by Xcel to
assist Cities in the energy planning process. Commissioners expressed support for the program.
2)MnTAPintern deadline-January 2018
Ms.Workin updated the group regarding the MnTAP program internships and that the City had reached
out to the manufacturing community.Commissioners encouraged collaborations with the business
community.
Adjournment
CommissionerFoellmoved to adjourn the meeting and ChairHansenseconded the motion. The meeting
adjourned at 8:34p.m.
Memorandum
Planning Division
_____________________________________________________________________
DATE:December 7, 2017
TO:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission members
FROM:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
2040 Comprehensive Plan-chapter drafts
SUBJECT:
Background
The following are draft versions of the Land Use chapter, Transportation chapter, Local Water chapter,
and Critical Area chapter of the 2040 ComprehensivePlan. These chapters will be reviewed at the public
hearing on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan during the Planning Commission meeting on Wednesday,
th
December 20.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the EQEC review the draftsand provide recommendations at the
th
December 12meeting.
Land Use
Land Use
1.0 Urban Designation
Fridley is designated by Metropolitan Council as an Urban community. Urban communities developed
primarily during the economic prosperity between the end of World War II and the economic recession
experienced rapid development to house the growing families of the Baby Boom era. Urban communities
also experienced considerable growth and development along highways with development dominated by
redevelopment.
articulated in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan.
• Coordinate regional infrastructure and program funding with other efforts designed to mitigate Areas of
these areas with opportunity. Provide technical assistance to communities undertaking planning efforts
around regional transit stations and other regional investments.
• Partner with local communities to improve land use patterns to reduce the generation of carbon
emissions.
• Plan for forecasted population and household growth at average densities of at least 10 units per acre for
new development and redevelopment. Target opportunities for more intensive development near regional
transit investments at densities and in a manner articulated in the 2040 Transportation Policy Plan.
of jobs and housing.
• Lead detailed land use planning efforts around regional transit stations and other regional investments.
implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Recognize opportunities for urban agriculture and small-scale food production.
Recognize opportunities for
urban agriculture and small
scale food production
Plan for growth with average
densities of at least 10 units
per acre for development and
redevelopment
Figure 1.1 Generalized Land Use Map
yyy
Coon
Blaine
Rapids
Spring
Lake Park
Mounds
View
Brooklyn
Park
Fridley
New Brighton
Brooklyn
Center
Hilltop
Crystal
Columbia
Heights
Minneapolis
St.
Anthony
Robbinsdale
00.5123
Roseville
Miles
2010 Generalized Land Use
FarmsteadMixed Use ResidentialMajor Highway
Seasonal/VacationMixed Use IndustrialRailway
Single Family DetachedMixed Use Commercial and OtherAirport
Manufactured Housing ParkIndustrial and UtilityAgricultural
Single Family AttachedExtractiveUndeveloped
MultifamilyInstitutionalWater
Retail and Other CommercialPark, Recreational or Preserve
County Boundaries
OfficeGolf Course
City and Township Boundaries
NCompass Street Centerlines
1.1 Existing Land Use
developed along the two railroad lines that are still operating in the City. Commercial development occurred
Central Avenue.
Figure 1.2 Generalized Land Use
Land Use AcresPercentage
Single Family Detached36%
Industrial and Utility 20%
69410%
Open Water4547%
Institutional 3455%
Major Highway3295%
Retail and Other Commercial3175%
Multifamily2233%
Railway2013%
Undeveloped Land 1993%
Single Family Attached1652%
Manufactured Housing Park 751%
461%
Mixed Use Residential 20%
Mixed Use Commercial and Other10%
Total 6,921100%
*
Source: Metropolitan Council
*Due to rounding the percentages may not equal 100%
Figure 1.3 Existing Land Use
Existing Land UseAcresPercentage
Single Family Residential 1981.929.9%
Right of Way1292.719.6%
Industrial 1256.019.0%
Parks602.39.1%
Commercial357.25.4%
Multi-family Residential333.75.0%
Institutional258.23.9%
Water Features159.92.4%
Utilities149.12.3%
Vacant Land108.61.6%
Railroad92.81.4%
Public/Semi-public15.00.2%
9.70.1%
Vacated Right of Way1.60.0%
Total6620.7100.0%
Source: City of Fridley
Figure 1.4
1.2 Future Land Use
The intent of the future land use map is to help guide future growth in a way that best achieves the
community’s collective vision.
Designation
Single Family
Residential
Multi-Family
Residential
Mixed Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Mixed Use An area or neighborhood with a combination of commercial and industrial type
(Commercial/Industrial)uses.
Mixed Use
Institutional
Public/Semi-PublicLots owned by a government entity for a public purpose.
Park and RecreationLand that is primarily for public active or passive recreation
RailwayLand uses for public or private freight or passenger rail activities.
Right-of-WayPublic or private vehicular or transit right-of-ways.
UtilityPublic or private land used for public or private utilities
Open Water
or other public waters.
Source: City of Fridley
Figure 1.9 Future Land Use
Future Land Us e AcresPercentage
Single Family Residential 1952.229.5%
Right-of-Way 1300.219.6%
Industrial 1297.319.6%
Park and Recreation 583.98.8%
Multi-Family Residential 374.35.7%
Commercial 354.45.4%
Institutional 238.13.6%
Open Water168.52.5%
Utility155.52.3%
Railway87.21.3%
Mixed Residential 47.10.7%
Mixed Use21.60.3%
Mixed Use (Commercial/Industrial) 17.20.3%
Public/Semi-Public13.00.2%
10.10.2%
Source:
Total 6620.7100.0%
City of Fridley
Figure 1.6
Figure 1.7
1.3 Potential Redevelopment Areas
community’s vision. The description of each potential redevelopment area is listed below and enumerated to
Figure 1.7
match the numbers on the map shown as with the areas highlighted.
1. West Intersection of East River Road and Fairmont Street
improving safety and mobility. This study also considered improvements to
throughout the corridor and the study discussed evaluating each street
A potential solution is to realign Fairmont Street slightly
to the south to align with the south end of Fairmont Circle creating a
four-way intersection.
zoning on this corner to allow for potential future redevelopment.
2. Osborne Road and University Avenue Intersection
Plan. It has been selected by the City’s Police Department as one of the most accident prone
intersections in Fridley. It is located in the midst of a busy retail area and the Service Road access
structures in this 11 acre area site need to be redeveloped. These buildings include the old Kennedy
staff could
envision this
area being
a mix of
both industrial
and
commercial
users.
3. West Intersection of Osborne Road and Hwy 65
This potential redevelopment area is a slimmed down version of what
was in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Many of the properties that
were in the redevelopment area last time have since redeveloped or
have become thriving businesses that no longer need to be considered
for redevelopment. The properties that remain in the potential
redevelopment area are in the southwest intersection of Osborne Road
more modern mix of commercial and industrial buildings and uses
could bring life back to the existing tired buildings and properties.
Building conditions and overall site conditions are a problem in this
these properties.
4. 7345 and 7365 Central Avenue and 1360 Onondaga Street
Redevelopment area #4 consists of three lots with a mixed zoning of
two acres in size and is currently being used for the American
surrounding duplexes and single family homes.
5. Girl Scout Camp on East River Road
property to the Metropolitan Council for access to a recently reconstructed sewer line on the southern
border of the site and possible future construction of service buildings. It is unknown at this time how
much of the property the Met Council wants to retain for their utility service access needs. The north
Wetland Inventory approximately half of the northern two-thirds of the site is wetland.
The Future Land Use map guides the rest of the land area as mixed
use residential. The vision is for the construction of new single
the single family homes that already exist to the north and a multi-
family development on the south end of the wetland. Incorporating
a public walkway around the wetland with a boardwalk and other
trail features would provide a nice amenity to this development.
Providing this would likely involve getting easements from the
neighborhoods to the north and south to connect the trails. Staff
would recommend enlisting the Twin Cities LISC’s Corridor
Development Initiative (CDI) to facilitate a series of community
6. West Corner of Mississippi Way and East River Road
This potential redevelopment area includes three
small commercial lots currently occupied by
small mini-golf area that has been abandoned. It
Local Business. The existing zoning is aligned
with a potential new user. The best re-use of
these parcels would be to take these under-utilized
parcels and combine them for a single user that
could provide a convenience and possibly a fresh
food opportunity considering the largely populated
residential area surrounding these parcels.
7. Holly Center and (2) properties to the west
approximately 9 acres of land. This property was also included as a potential redevelopment area
in the last Comprehensive Plan update. Staff continue to hear from Fridley Citizens that something
needs to be done with this
property. Updates are
needed to the structure
and façade. There is
also an overabundance
informally being used
as a park and ride site.
Two additional parcels
addressed as 201 and
203 Mississippi Street
have been added to the
redevelopment area
because they are small
commercial buildings
located on parcels zoned
lots are non-conforming
as having a high potential for redevelopment into a mixed-use development with upper level housing
8. East Intersection of Mississippi Street and Central Avenue
The Future Land Use map continues
to guide the northern portion of this
intersection for commercial type uses.
Focus should be given to similar type use
convenience uses could be added that
food type use. The southern portion of the
District and has received approval to have
a mixed use building constructed on it
with small elements of commercial on the
concept would align with the vision in the
Future Land Use map.
9. Existing City Hall Campus Area
With the construction of the new Civic Campus on what was the
available for redevelopment. This area is approximately 9 acres in
potential of some housing/senior/assisted living options. Of those 9
any type of housing.
10. Banquets of Minnesota, vacant lot (Sinclair) and daycare
Service station on it years ago. The Future Land Use map continues to designate this area as
overall area could use
some new landscaping
and storm water treatment
amenities. There are also
improvements that could
be made to the daycare
building and construction
of a new commercial use
building could also improve
this area.
11. City Liquor Store and (3) commercial properties to the north
lots to the north may function better as either a mixed used or as multi-
family housing.
12. Residential lots east of Moore Lake along Central
There are six large single family lots along the northeast edge
of Moore Lake. The City owns three of the lots and the other
three are privately owned. Total lot area is approximately 7.5
family complex overlooking the lake that is accessible to all the
should be considered.
13. Moon Plaza, and Commercial Lots to the North
The Moon Plaza strip mall was constructed in the 1960’s and was guided for commercial
redevelopment in the last Comprehensive Plan update. The strip mall building is tired and could use
a face lift. The property is also over-parked for the type of retail businesses that occupy the building.
included in this redevelopment
building. The lot to the east
is primarily vacant with a
¼ of the lot used for utility
uses should be considered in the
redevelopment of this area.
14. West Train Station
for riders on both the west and the east side of the tracks. The City completed a Transit Oriented
users.
15. Georgetown Apartments and Apartments to the North
This
redevelopment
area will
continue to be
guided as multi-
family. The
Georgetown
Apartments are
generally in
good condition;
however the apartments
to the north are in poor
shape and need to be
updated. This area has
been on the City’s radar
for years to consider for
is one of the reasons
that the HRA purchased
the property at 6000
it was for sale. Islands
the apartment buildings.
the construction of new parkways.
16. East Train Station
City’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority and has a lease with Metro
is 11 acres and is currently over parked and underutilized. The HRA
staff have been in contact with Metro Transit to consider reducing the
is working with a local developer to construct approximately 232 units of
will provide for underground parking and surface parking to meet the
demands of the tenants. A portion of the property will remain as parking
decreased based on current demand needs and the ability to share parking
areas with the new development that could be used by riders during the
day and visitors of the apartments during the evening and weekend.
17. Hyde Park Neighborhood
City continues to guide this neighborhood for Mixed Residential.
residential. With its close proximity to both train and bus transit
This neighborhood also provides a mixture of affordable housing
redevelopment.
18. Industrial Equities Property
Road and Interstate 694. It is 25 acres is currently the City’s
largest piece of undeveloped land. The site was formally
zoned industrial and was home to a shampoo manufacturer. It
and in the area slated to be a Transit TIF District. A TOD
commercial and industrial uses.
19. Home Depot/Goodwill
The property at 5650/5660 Main Street is occupied by a Home
property is underutilized and over parked. City code standards have
outlots along Main Street. The community continues to ask for
20. Commercial strip between 57th Place and 57th Ave
This single block provides a
buffer between the residential
development to the north and the
commercial area to the south.
Redevelopment of this area should
pedestrian access and connections
could be made between the Hyde
Park neighborhood and the retail
businesses. This area should be
guided for commercial use.
21. Neighborhood south of 57th Avenue/East of University Avenue
The City is still interested in pursuing the City View Corridor Master Plan that was highlighted in
the previous Comprehensive Plan update. This plan would make Medtronic Parkway a continuous
retail area.
The residential area that would need to be redeveloped to
accommodate the new parkway is currently zoned single and
multi-family housing. While this area could support some
thought ten years ago due to new commercial development
22. Pawn America and two lots south
This redevelopment area was highlighted in the
the properties highlighted ten years ago has been
redeveloped. What was an old and tired gas station
site at 5300 Central Avenue is now a new multi-tenant
an AT&T store and a restaurant. The parcels that
continue to be in the redevelopment area consist of
main anchor. The properties were at one time part of
poor access. Future redevelopment should involve a
performance standards that will make redevelopment
feasible.
Retaining wall design and storm water drainage issues
easily occur when the vacant site (former car wash) is
redeveloped.
Figure 1.8 Redevelopment Area Potential Land Use Changes
Redevelopment AreaPotential Future Land
AcresUse by Acres
.56 Commercial.20 Right-of-Way +.20 ROW
River Road and Fairmont Street.42 VacantAlignment+.22 SF Residential
.22 SF Residential-.42 Vacant
.56 Commercial
2. Osborne Road and University 10 Commercial10 Commercial/+10 C/I Mixed Use
Ave IntersectionIndustrial Mixed use-10 Commercial
3. West Intersection of Osborne 2.96 Commercial7.04 Commercial/+7.04 C/I Mixed Use
Road and Hwy 654.11 IndustrialIndustrial Mixed use-2.96 Commercial
-4.11 Industrial
4. 7345 and 7365 Central Ave 1.11 Commercial2.08 SF Residential- 1.11 Commercial
and 1360 Onondaga Street.97 SF Residential+1.11 SF Residential
22 Institution2.66 SF Residential+2.66 SF Residential
River Road13.2 Park & Recreation+13.2 Park &
3.7 MF ResidentialRecreation
2.5 Utility+3.7 MF Residential
+2.5 Utility
-22 Institution
6. West Corner of Mississippi 1.75 Commercial1.75 Commercial
7. Holly Center and (2) 8.20 Commercial8.20 Mixed Use +8.20 Mixed Use
properties to the West
1.63 CommercialMixed Use+.14 Commercial
Mississippi St and Central Ave1.87 SF Residential1.77 Commercial+4.16 MF Residential
2.43 Vacant4.16 MF Residential-1.87 SF Residential
-2.43 Vacant
7.86 InstitutionMixed Use-7.86 Institution
.68 Commercial6 Commercial+4.86 Commercial
3 MF Residential+3 MF Residential
5.33 Commercial5.33 Commercial
and daycare
1.54 Commercial.62 Commercial-.92 Commercial
65 and (3) properties north.92 MF Residential+.92 MF Residential
12. Residential lots north of 7.5 SF Residential7.5 MF Residential-7.5 SF Residential
Moore Lake along Central+7.5 MF Residential
13. Moon Plaza and 6.9 Commercial6.9 Commercial
Commercial lots to the north
14.West Train Station3.51 Public/Semi-1.38 Public/Semi-Public-2.13 Public/Semi-
Public3.34 MF ResidentialPublic
1.21 SF Residential -1.21 SF Residential
+3.34 MF Residential
15. Georgetown Apts and Apts 39 MF Residential35.55 MF Residential-.45 MF Residential
to the north13.6 Park & .45 Commercial+.45 Commercial
Recreation13.6 Park & Recreation
6.15 Public/Semi-1.11 Public/Semi-Public-5.04 Public/Semi-
Public9.54 MF ResidentialPublic
4.5 Vacant-4.5 Vacant
+9.54 MF Residential
63 Mixed Residential63 Mixed Residential
27 Vacant13 Industrial+13 Industrial
8.87 Commercial+8.87 Commercial
5.12 MF Residential+5.12 MF Residential
19. Home Depot/Goodwill14.45 Commercial14.45 Commercial
20. Commercial strip between 3.59 Commercial3.59 Commercial
57 Ave and 57 Place
thth
.84 Commercial1.29 Commercial+.45 Commercial
th
24.5 Mixed 24.05 Mixed Residential-.45 Mixed Residential
Residential
22. Pawn America and (2) lots 3.52 Commercial3.52 Commercial
south
Net Change
-.22 Commercial
+.20 ROW
-29.86 Institution
+8.89 Industrial
-6.59 SF Residential
+8.20Mixed Use
+13.2 Park & Recreation
-7.35 Vacant
-7.17 Public/Semi-Public
+36.83 MF Residential
+17.04 C/I Mixed Use
-.45 Mixed Residential
+2.5 Utility
Source: City of Fridley
1.4 Natural Resources
1. Floodplain Management Overlay District
2. Critical Area Overlay District
3. Shoreland Overlay District
continues to use the 1993 wetland inventory as its guide. When development is proposed near any of these
Mississippi River
Urban Forest
Increased property values
•
Wildlife habitat
•
Recreation
•
Shading/cooling
•
Storm water interception
•
Erika Van Krevelen training a group
of Medtronic volunteers in the rain
Much more attention is now being given towards tree diversity since Fridley was fortunate to obtain a Green
Corp employee for one year from the fall of 2015 to August 2016. Fridley’s Green Corp employee completed
an inventory of all public space trees in the City of Fridley in an effort to determine the potential impacts of
apparent that the City was going to be greatly impacted by the impending loss of ash trees as 29% of all trees
in public spaces were ash trees.
Figure 1.10 Large Deciduous Trees in the City of Fridley
White oak
Other
4%
Cottonwood
Bur oak
8%
4%
10%
Sugar maple
2%
Silver maple
15%
Green ash
29%
Siberian elm
10%
Red maple
9%
Honeylocust
2%
3%
2%2%
Source: City of Fridley
The City of Fridley has been pursuing
grant funds for various tree planting
gravel beds to reduce costs of trees being
planted to increase the species and age
diversity of Fridley’s urban forest.
Nature Center
and funded by a special property tax to Fridley residents. This location is going through an extensive
redevelopment and has become a showcase for nature education and outdoor recreation.
Springbrook Interpretive Center, Photo by Julie JonesInnsbruck Nature Center Park Sign, Photo by Julie Jones
Historic Sites
the building to begin soon.
There is a historic home along the Mississippi River under the care of
This structure is not on the Historic Registry. The County has renovated
the home and now rents it out for meetings and parties. The lawn of the
many weddings.
The City is currently working with the Anoka County and Fridley History
2018. Because Fridley is known for being built up with ramblers in the
and homes that survived the tornadoes.
Fridley Tornado
1.5 Resiliency
Food Security
An important factor in creating stable neighborhoods is access to groceries. While most Fridley
grocery store. (See Figure 1.11) Few residential areas of Fridley have the ability to walk to a source of fresh
cross in order to walk or bike to a grocery store. Making this situation worse is the fact that most people who
making crossing a barrier like a major highway or railroad tracks a serious public safety concern.
plan guides certain redevelopment areas for community commercial zoning to make it easier for a grocery to
gardens and farmers markets in the community.
Landscaping
The landscaping on properties throughout the City plays an important role in the resiliency of the City.
Tree Planting at Riverview Heights Park
Figure 1.11
Solar Resources
total energy used be derived from renewable energy sources by 2025. It also sets greenhouse gas reduction
goals in order to increase the City’s environmental health and resiliency.
The Metropolitan Council calculated the potential for solar generation within the City. Based on existing
hours per year within the City. Much of this potential is concentrated within the City’s industrial areas which
Figure 1.12. The City of Fridley
use permit. There are two zoning districts where the allowance to obtain a special use permit for solar devices
that are not attached to a building has mistakenly been overlooked in past text amendments. Those zoning
nearly all property owners have the opportunity with a special use permit.
Solar has the potential to save residents and businesses money
Figure 1.12 Gross Solar Potential City of Fridley, Anoka County
1.6 Bus Rapid Transit
The main potential regional transportation project affecting Fridley from the Metropolitan Council’s 2040
Transportation Policy Plan is the proposed Central Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line. The most recent projections
Mall.
Existing BRT Stop on University Avenue in St. Paul,
Photo provided by Metropolitan Council
There are ten proposed BRT stops in Fridley along the Central Line. The map was created to show ¼ mile
creating an overlay zoning district for the highlighted areas with allowances for higher density like the City
Figure 1.13
1.7 Land Use & Redevelopment Goals and Objectives
In keeping with the City vision on making Fridley a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses,
Safe environment for residents and businesses
Objectives
• Plan for safe multi-modal access to and within development projects
Vibrant community in the Twin Cities
Objectives
overly restrictive
proposing will be successful
needed improvements in the City
environmental health of our community and the region as a whole
Friendly Fridley in the Twin Cities
Objectives
• Treat every customer with respect and strive to be responsive to their needs
• Celebrate the positive aspects of the City of Fridley
Stable environment in which families and businesses can thrive
Objectives
• Protect the economic value of land and buildings in the community
• Maintain a diversity of housing options in the community
desirable place to live and work
1.8 Policies
Transportation Plan.
• Protect existing wetlands and natural amenities in development projects.
areas where people can be less dependent on automobile transportation.
• Limit outside storage as a deterrent to crime.
from transit.
• Protect surface water and groundwater resources while considering development projects.
Fridley’s urban forest.
• Preserve railroad spurs on industrial sites where they exist as they add value to the industry they serve.
visual impacts to residential properties.
1.9 Conclusions and Action Steps
are currently under redevelopment or awaiting approved plans. Many improvements have been made over the
was done to calculate the number of off-street and on-street parking stalls the City contains. It was found
we have in the City on the average work day.
Action Step:
Code following further study of current parking demands.
Fridley is scheduled to be served by the Central BRT Line along University Avenue by 2021. Part of the
University Avenue in recent years with increasing pedestrian activity in the area growing with new housing
regarding crossing University Avenue.
Action Step: As part of the effort to master plan each designate BRT station stop along University Avenue
Lake Park to conduct a corridor study of University Avenue from 53rd Avenue to 85th Avenue before 2021.
Action Step:
new home construction.
1960s but have now reached a time in their life where they need assisted living options. When they sell their
and tornados.
Action Step: The City will partner with the Anoka County and Fridley Historical Society volunteers to create
the Federal Highway Administration has designated nationally to promote alternative fuels and help drivers
route in the near future.
Action Step: In order to have economically competitive commercial areas along the I-694 corridor through
Step Two or Step Three Green Step City.
Action Step:
energy.
Action Step:
solar energy devices detached from the principal structure by special use permit.
property.
Action Step:
information and assistance into the building permit process.
is home to a variety of arts and cultural institutions and can display art within its facilities. Using art as a
communication tool is a strategic way to communicate environmental awareness while increasing the City’s
vibrancy.
Action Step: Utilize public art as a creative means of communicating environmental messages.
access to fresh food.
Action Step: Analyze City Code to determine if any changes need to be made to allow more community
gardens or community orchards.
Current research on the topic indicates that the impact of autonomous vehicles (AVs) on land use without the
next 20 years will be great. A key unknown is how many households chose to longer own a vehicle and opt to
contract with a rideshare service.
Action Step:
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Transportation
Transportation
3.0 Introduction
While the City of Fridley developed along the Mississippi River due primarily to access to water,
the City’s transformation from a farming community to an industrial base was a result of its strong
transportation system. It is that continued solid transportation system that is a major development
strength of the City of Fridley today. With an interstate, two State highways, one County highway,
a major freight train line, and both commuter train and bus transit options passing through Fridley,
industry has many options for moving goods and drawing employees. However, these major roadways
non-motorized method.
Purpose
means of moving both people and goods within and through the community and region. The primary emphasis
of Fridley’s Transportation Plan will be to manage, preserve and maintain the existing roadway network and
expand the multimodal transportation alternatives available to the community.
Regional Setting
through Fridley from the north into downtown Minneapolis. The section of Interstate 694 running east-west
Commuter Train and on several express bus routes, before heading into downtown Minneapolis. The City also
boasts a national and a regional bike trail.
3.1 Existing Roadways
and the Interstate running through the City have been resurfaced. East River Road? For many years, the City
has been rebuilding local streets, focusing on the streets in the worst condition. Street conditions are rated
once every three years, and about two miles of street are replaced each year. This is the City’s response to the
limitations of the 40-year life cycle of a street. The County arterial roads, however, are overdue for rebuilding.
Many ADA accessible improvements have also been made to key intersections throughout the City. MnDOT
updated pedestrian infrastructure on Highway 47 just a few years ago. The same was done at intersections on
Highway 65 when the roadway was entirely rebuilt in 2015.
Figure 3.1
Figure 3.2
Roadway SegmentJurisdictionThru Lanes
Interstate 694Principal ArterialFederal6
US Trunk Highway 65 (from I-694 north)Principal ArterialState4
Central Ave (US Trunk Highway 65)(from
“A” Minor ArterialState4
I-694 south)
University Ave (US TH 47)“A” Minor ArterialState4
East River Road (CSAH 1)“A” Minor ArterialCounty4
Mississippi Street (CSAH 6) (from E. River
“B” Minor ArterialCounty4
Rd to Central Ave)
Main Street (County Road 102)(from 57
th
“B” Minor ArterialCounty2
south to County Road 2)
Osborne Road (CSAH 8)“B” Minor ArterialCounty4
Rice Creek Road (CSAH 6)“B” Minor ArterialCounty2
57 Ave (CR 102) (Main St to University
th
“B” Minor ArterialCounty4
Ave)
44 Ave (CSAH 2) (E. River Rd to Main St)“B” Minor ArterialCounty4
th
49 Ave (CR 104) from Main St to TH 47“B” Minor ArterialCounty2
th
Central Ave (CSAH 35 from I-694 north)CollectorCounty2
73 AveCollectorCity4
rd
69 AveCollectorCity2
th
Mississippi Street (County Road 106)(from
CollectorCounty2
61 AveCollectorCity2
st
Gardena AveCollectorCity2
53 AveCollectorCity2
rd
Main Street (from 57 Ave to 61 Ave)CollectorCity2
thst
7CollectorCity2
th
West Moore Lake DriveCollectorCity2
Other RoadsLocalCity or Private2
3.2 Rail Transportation and Aviation
Fridley does not have an airport, but contains the largest rail switching yard between Chicago and Seattle.
Fridley implemented quiet zones in 2008.
Road, Minnesota Commercial Railway Company also maintains a Class III regional rail line that running east-
west through Fridley on the north side of Rice Creek.
Figure 3.4 Metropolitan Freight System
Lexington
Blaine
Coon
Rapids
10
610
Spring
Shoreview
Lake Park
Brooklyn
Mounds
Park
View
65
252
Fridley
10
35W
Arden
Hills
94
Brooklyn
New Brighton
Center
694
Hilltop
Crystal
100
Columbia
Heights
St.
Minneapolis
Anthony
Robbinsdale
Roseville
00.512345
Miles
Freight TerminalsPrincipal Arterial Highways
Air / TruckInterstate
Barge / TruckUS Highway
Rail / TruckState Highway
Railroads (Functional &
County Road
Abandoned)
EXISTING
Street Centerlines (NCompass)
ABANDONED
Lakes and Major Rivers
Figure 3.5 Railroad Bottleneck Map
Sherburne
Anoka
Wright
2
Reference Items
Principal Arterial Highways
Lakes and Rivers
Ramsey
Hennepin
City Boundary
County Boundary
2
2040 Urban Service Area
MPO Area
3
4
1
5
7
6
6
Carver
Scott
§
Dakota
Miles
Nov 2014
051020
Railroads by Class
Class 1 - BNSF Railway
Bottlenecks
Class 1 - Canadian National Railway
Class 1 - Canadian Pacific Railway
Source: MN Statewide Freight + Pass. Rail Plan, 2010
Class 1 - Union Pacific Railroad
Class 3 & Private
Abandoned
Passenger Rail
a 40 mile route in the Trunk Highway 10/47 corridor between downtown Minneapolis and the Big Lake
and Minneapolis. It serves Fridley residents for travel to and from downtown Minneapolis and also allows
commuters who live in outlying suburbs to commute to their workplaces in Fridley. Commuters can connect
to the light rail line at the Target Field Station and connect to service to other destinations like U.S. Bank
Stadium, the University of Minnesota, the MSP Airport, and Mall of America.
Five trains run on weekdays during the morning rush hours into downtown Minneapolis and depart from
downtown in the evening rush hours heading northward with a stop in Fridley. There is also one reverse
commute train during the morning and evening rush hours. On weekends less frequent service is provided.
Special runs support major sport or concert events at Target Field and US Bank Stadium. Metro Transit has
to downtown takes 19 minutes. The weekday fare from Fridley is currently $3.25 during the week and $2.75
on weekends ($1.00 for students and seniors).
Figure 3.6 Northstar Route Map
Ridership
routes drive times from Fridley. In addition, bus lines going directly downtown take riders into the heart of
downtown, but from there train riders need to go up a level at Target Field Station. Then, riders can take light
Fridley Station
is located at 61st Ave. and 61st Way within
Fridley’s Transit Oriented Development District.
The platforms are accessible from both sides of the
station via a tunnel beneath the tracks. The tunnel is
also used by elementary students who attend after
school activities at Fridley Middle School east of
University Avenue on 61st Street. The tunnel is
closed at night for security reasons. Fridley station
provides park and ride facilities. Bike racks and
bike lockers are available, but there is a special
The only on-street bike lanes in Fridley are on Main
57th Avenue, where it connects to an off-road multi-
purpose trail, heading south into Minneapolis.
Main Street Pedestrian bridge over I-694,
Photo by Doug Katzung
Long Distance Passenger Train
Chicago to Seattle. This passenger line runs through Fridley between St. Paul and St. Cloud once per day in
each direction, but does not stop in Fridley. There is a planned addition to the inter-city rail offering called the
pass through Fridley, with the closest stop being in Coon Rapids.
There is a rail transit support organization called All Aboard Minnesota, which has voiced interest in having a
uses like restaurants nearby for passengers to use when waiting. Fridley’s TOD Master Plan, as adopted, does
not plan for any future retail near either side of the station.
Northstar Train
Aviation
The City of Fridley regulates the height of structures in the City’s Zoning Code, and limits the illumination of
telecommunication towers except as required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Mississippi River is the only water body in Fridley where MnDOT allows seaplanes to land.
Mercy Unity Hospital in Fridley no longer operates a heliport, as they have moved much of their standard
operations to their facility in Coon Rapids.
3.3 Public Transit Facilities and Services
Transit Market Area
upon an index of population density, employment density, automobile availability (population over 16, less
areas, with Area I supporting the most intensive transit service and Area 5 supporting the least intensive transit
service.
Figure 3.7
The primary provider of transit services is the Metropolitan Council through its operating agency Metro
Transit. In Fridley, Metro Transit provides regular-route locals, all-day express, paratransit services (Metro
University Avenue and at 53rd Avenue connects to Central Avenue. The 10C route travels on Monroe
Street in Spring Lake Park and Osborne Road and then goes down Central Avenue into downtown
Minneapolis. Route 10 is the only Frequent Local bus route serving Fridley, which means it runs at
least every 30 minutes on weekdays and weekends with additional rush hour service.
This is the only All-Day Local bus route running in Fridley, meaning it operates all day but with less
frequent service.
• Route 59 provides service between Coon Rapids and Downtown Minneapolis following Highway 65
in Fridley. This is strictly a rush-hour, M-F only service route.
• Routes 824 and 854 are Limited Stop Express bus routes that only run on weekdays, from the
at the intersection of Mississippi Street. Route 824 runs only three times in the morning and evening
and stops on Osborne Rd, 73rd, and 53rd Ave. It also services Unity Hospital in Fridley.
• Route 801 is a limited stop route between the Brooklyn Center Transit Center and Rosedale during
peak periods. This route travels on 694 & south into 44th Avenue after traveling along the University
Avenue frontage road on the border of Columbia Heights and Fridley.
River Road through Fridley. The route becomes an express route at I-694, and follows I-94
into downtown Minneapolis hourly Monday to Saturday.
Anoka County Services
Anoka Traveler and Anoka County Transit also provide bus services on a more local level than Metro Transit.
generators such as County facilities, major employers, educational institutions and retail hubs. Routes 801,
805 and 831 serve the City of Fridley and are scheduled to provide timed transfers to Metro Transit bus routes.
The Anoka County Traveler is under contract with Metro Transit to provide the Metro Mobility paratransit
service for disabled people and services based upon demand for the general public primarily through dial-
a-ride services with calls in advance for a ride. The Anoka County Traveler has limited service hours and
can provide coordinated transfers to Anoka County Transit and Metro Transit bus routes. The entire City of
Fridley is within the dial-a-ride service area.
In September 2017, Anoka County, through a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to its Transit
Management Organization, Anoka Commute Solutions, began providing shuttle bus services between the
Route 812 - Medtronic Operational Headquarters
Route 813 - Medtronic Rice Creek Campus
Route 815 - Unity Hospital Campus
The service is a temporary test to see if there is enough ridership interest to continue such a service.
Figure 3.8 Fridley Northstar Shuttle Route
Private Transit
The private sector also provides transit services, primarily through taxi and bus/van charter companies. These
local transit services are generally small, producing minimal impact on citywide transportation patterns.
Existing Park and Ride Lots
Highway 47 at 61st Avenue, has had 20 parking spaces reserved by Metro Transit and many people use it to
access bus service at that busy corner. There are many other unauthorized “hide and ride” lots located near
busy express bus router locations, such as the Holly Center at Mississippi and University Avenue, and CVS
Pharmacy at 57th Avenue and University Avenue. While there seems to be adequate vehicle parking for bus
users, there is a lack of secure bike parking at the stops for those that would rather bike to the bus stop.
Bus Stop Amenities
Even on the most frequent routes, many bus stops in Fridley
lack basic amenities such as shelters or a bench. Fridley has
many bus stops where there is no place for a rider to stand other
than in the street, sometimes in a right turn lane.Since benches
are not provided by a governmental agency and are placed by
private parties that use them for advertising, they are not always
placed in a useful location and are rarely ADA compliant.
While MnDOT has a permitting process for bus benches, no
one regulates them. The City has had many concerns about bus
has studied options for regulating them.
There are also many bus stop locations in Fridley where it
would be safer for customers to have a shelter to wait in. Metro
Transit has guidelines, based on passenger ridership, that are
used to determine bus stop shelter placement. Their minimum
boarding required for a shelter in a suburban area like Fridley is
to have at least 25 weekday daily passengers at a stop. Currently,
only one bus stop location in Fridley meets the 25 weekday
passenger threshold but does not have a shelter and it is on
University Avenue and 81st Avenue.This is a heavily used stop
as it is near a large, affordable, multi-family housing complex
on both the Fridley and the Spring Lake Park side of University
Avenue.
Figure 3.9
Figure 3.10
As stated in the beginning of this chapter, the many arterial and collector streets in Fridley make it very
just an inconvenience, for some residents it is a necessity. While at any given time 20-30% of residents don’t
have the ability to get around without a car, when Fridley staff applied for some grant funds a few years ago,
it was discovered that Fridley has a high percentage of handicapped households and a high percentage of
households that do not own a car (see Figure 3. 9).
Figure 3.11
The Fridley City Council adopted an Active Transportation Plan (ATP) on August 12, 2013. The ATP selected
an existing street network that could provide some good east/west and north/south routes throughout the City
and mapped them. By adopting the plan, and then amending the Fridley Zoning Code to reference it, the City
established a procedure for developers to be required to install bike/walk infrastructure when they developed
new buildings along those designated routes. This adopted network is designed to connect to existing regional
trails and to give residents safer access to schools and transit.
Figure 3.12
Safe Routes to Schools
The Columbia Heights School District passed a Safe Routes to Schools Plan in 2013, but unfortunately, the
funding for some of the improvements included in the plan. The infrastructure improvements needed to create
Appendix __.
In 2016, after several failed attempts to obtain SRTS infrastructure funding for the Fridley School District,
neighborhood, so great care was taken with the most recent grant to get community involvement in the
process. Therefore, a detailed plan for changes related to three schools in the Fridley School District has now
been adopted and can be viewed in Appendix __.
Over the past three years, Fridley has experienced its share of fatal crashes, both those involving vehicles vs.
vehicles and those involving vehicles vs. pedestrians. In almost all cases, these accidents are occurring at, or
very near intersections. The two main factors involving these types of crashes are driver inattention/distraction
or errors on behalf of the pedestrians. As indicated on the motor vehicle crash maps, all of the pedestrian
fatalities have occurred along the University Avenue corridor. This makes sense as University Avenue
the roadway itself is lined with a mix of commercial, retail and residential. The Fridley Police Department
has been actively enforcing distracted driving violations as well as pedestrian violations. One initiative for the
upcoming year is a campaign to educate and enforce pedestrian laws.
Figure 3.13
Figure 3.14
The Metropolitan Council has provided the City with projections for population, household, and employment
changes over the next 30 years (see p. 11). The City has worked with SEH, Anoka County’s consultant,
projections for anticipated new construction in certain areas of the City with anticipated or planned
redevelopment.
Figure 3.15
MnDOT. In 2017, in response to growing problems with broken equipment, the City began hiring a consultant
accurate than the 2016 data shown. Data on State and County roads is supplied by MnDOT.
1
Annual % Change
Roadway Segment
199720012005200920132016
@ Bridge146,000160,000142,000155,000150,000152,000+0.2
East of TH 47131,000134,000123,000133,000128,000135,000+0.2
TH 65
@Moore Lake36,00035,00030,00030,00030,50031,500-0.7
37,00035,50035,00034,00033,00030,000-1.0
South of Osborne Rd37,00035,50035,00034,00033,00030,000-1.0
University Avenue (TH 47)
South of Mississippi St35,50036,00034,50031,00033,50034,000-0.2
South of 73 Avenue38,00037,00034,00032,00034,00032,500-0.8
rd
37,00038,00034,50030,00031,00031,000-0.9
East River Road (CSAH 1)
17,70019,50018,60015,40013,60013,200-1.3
South of Osborne Road18,00020,00018,70016,50014,90014,200-1.1
South of Mississippi Street21,00025,00022,00017,80017,70017,200-1.0
Osborne Road
West of University11,00011,60011,5008,1007,1007,800-1.5
East of University13,00011,70011,5009,9008,9008,600-1.8
East of TH 655,6006,4006,7005,5005,3005,100-0.5
73 Avenue
rd
East of University11,0005,3004,7506,4007,7008,700-1.1
East of TH 658,0007,6009,0006,8007,2006,700-0.9
Mississippi Street
West of University9,0008,3007,8006,5007,0006,900-1.2
West of TH 656,3006,9006,0005,6005,4005,400-0.8
East of Central4,8004,7004,6003,8004,4504,250-0.6
Central Avenue
8,3008,5008,9008,1008,2008,200-0.1
Rice Creek Road
East of Central4,6004,3004,0504,0504,0504,000-0.7
61 Avenue
st
East of 7 Street4,6004,5005,3004,4003,9503,750-1.0
th
West of 7 Street6,7004,5005,1003,9503,5004,350-1.8
th
Moore Lake Drive
West of TH 653,8503,7004,2003,1503,2003,050-1.1
East of TH 6511,00010,1009,6008,3007,8007,900-1.5
Matterhorn
@I-6943,1002,5002,6002,2502,1502,050-1.8
8,8009,0008,6007,2007,1006,600-1.3
3.6 Commuting and Trucking Impacts
means to commute. A review of the latest census data (2014 ACS) for Fridley shows that although driving
alone remains the overwhelmingly dominant commuting choice at 74.8% in 2014, alternative modes have
walking together more than doubled from 1.5% to 3.7% since 2009. The percentage of people taking transit
remained nearly the same at 4.7%. The trend away from driving alone is expected to continue in future years
and should be accommodated in the next 25 year transportation plan by investing more in transit, bike and
pedestrian infrastructure and promoting the usage of carpooling and other shared vehicles. Special focus on
improving transit facilities and convenient connections to neighborhoods should result in increasing usage of
the transit options available in Fridley.
Organized Garbage Collection
From 2010 to 2014, the City of Fridley staff, commissions, and haulers studied the possibility of converting
Fridley’s garbage hauling system from an open system to an organized system. One of the key reasons for the
investigation was the concern from homeowners who had recently paid street assessments for the rebuilding
of the street in front of their home. With many neighborhoods having all six of the licensed haulers traveling
on a given street, homeowners were concerned that their street investment was being quickly deteriorated by
In response to the concern, the City used data from a heavy vehicle impact study by the Local Road Research
determination that the City could save $100,000-200,000 per year in road repair costs if garbage collection
in Fridley was organized. In addition, there are environmental costs and impacts to pedestrian safety under
the current open system. While the Fridley City Council voted against organizing garbage collection at
the conclusion of the study in 2014, the desire for organizing garbage collection was mentioned by several
residents in the survey as a service they want the City to implement. In addition, the State goal of recycling
75% of waste by 2030 is only going to be met if organics recycling is implemented. While the City is
implementing a voluntary, curbside, organics recycling service in 2018, it is not expected to be successful
weekly refuse and recycling service.
Intersection Study
In February 2017, MnDOT and the Metropolitan Council completed a highway intersection study of principal
intersections in the Metropolitan Area. Of 91 intersections included in the study, several along Highway 65
analysis were along Highway 65 in Fridley (see Figure 3.16). The intersection of Medtronic Parkway and
Highway 65 scored highest in need in the Fridley/Spring Lake Park area. Realizing the incredible costs of
building grade-separated interchanges in fully developed areas, the study analyzed other less expensive
affect the appropriate timing and extent of future improvements, which could lead to higher intersection
the complete build-out of the Medtronic campus master plan.
Figure 3.17
TH65-A:I-694toTH10(AnokaCounty3of5)
CorridorContext.ConstrainedLimited-AccessExpresswaywitheightat-gradeintersectionsevaluatedinthe
study,aswellasthreerampintersections(see Figure10).Thiscorridorgenerallyhasfourthroughlanesof
mainlinecapacity,amedian,andisaproposedfutureBRTcorridor.Thepostedspeedlimitis50-55mph.The
corridorisconstrainedbydevelopment,includestherailroadcrossingasshown,andoftenincludeswide
setbacksandfrontageroads.Othercharacteristicsinclude:
IntersectionSpacing–Theeightintersectionsarespacedapproximately0.4to1.0mile(s)apart,andare
about0.2milesfromtheI-694interchangeandlessthan0.1milesfromtheTH10interchange.
Access–Roadwayaccessbetweenthemajorintersectionsislimitedtoright-in/right-outaccessand
privateaccessroadways.
Intersectionmeasures:
PreviousPlanningforInterchanges?No.Gradeseparations
Capacity:Dopeak-hourvolumesexceeddesign?
Mobility:Aredailyvolumesandcongestionhigh?
havenotbeenproposedforthisareainpreviousplanning
Safety:Aretheremanyorseverecrashes?
documents.
Context:Areplansandmulti-modalfactorssupportive?
IntersectionScoresandGrade-SeparationPriorities
CapacityAnalysis,Needs,andOpportunities.Thiscorridorincludesthefullrangeofintersectionpriorities.
Thecapacityanalysisindicatespossibleneedforhigh-capacityat-gradeimprovementsoragradeseparation
attheMedtronicParkwayintersection,located0.2milesnorthoftheI-694interchange.Thesegmentfrom
OsborneAvenuetothenorthalsowarrantsattentionforpossiblecapacityimprovements.Allthreeramp
intersectionsexhibitmobilityorcapacityproblems.
CapacityAnalysisSummary
Alternative
ExistingExpandedAt-GradeAddPAHybridFull
IntersectionIntersectionIntersectionCapacityInterchangeInterchange
TH65-A
1
MedtronicPkwy.
2
MooreLakeDr.
3
MississippiSt.
4
73rdAve.
5
OsborneRd.
6
81stAve.
7
85thAve.
8
89thAve.
Key
V/C>0.85&<1.0
Figure 3.18
response time for emergency personnel. Pedestrians illegally crossing these barriers against the light, over
frustration of long wait times at signal lights, are cause for great public safety concern. The predictions for
of the City. Therefore, in addition to studying the potential need for overpasses on Highway 65, and corridor
studies for Highway 47 and Mississippi Street, there needs to be consideration of an east-west thoroughfare is
warranted in Fridley. It would also improve public safety if Fridley had an east-west greenway for pedestrians
and cyclists.
3.8 Maintenance
Roadways in Fridley are maintained by the State (MnDOT), County, or City. The City maintains
approximately 110 miles of streets. Major maintenance activities include snowplowing, street sweeping,
sealcoating, pavement marking, sign repair, street light repairs, tree trimming, and mowing. Due to a lack
of acceptable maintenance by the State, the City regularly mows University Avenue. Also, due to a lack of
winter maintenance by the State and County, the City also plows several trail sections in the winter. During
snow events, the City also removes snow from Metro Transit bus stops, because Metro Transit usually takes
several days to clear snow after a snowfall. All of these measures are a priority for the City to maintain safe
conditions year-round for drivers and pedestrians.
The City rehabilitates about two miles of selected streets each year using mill/overlay or full-depth
reconstruction. Streets are selected for repair based upon an assessment of road conditions throughout the
entire City, which is performed by City Engineers every three years. Public hearings are held to obtain public
input and provide assessment information before the start of each year’s projects.
3.9 Resiliency
For a City to be resilient, its transportation infrastructure must meet the needs of all users. Those users include
shipping industries, retail businesses, transit providers, employees of local businesses, residents in vehicles,
and residents in various other modes of non-motorized transportation. A resilient transportation system must
related to massive rain events, which, with climate change, are predicted to be more severe and occur more
frequently.
While there is nothing the City can do to prevent natural disasters from occurring, there are things the City can
do to reduce its contribution to carbon emissions. Making it safer for people to use non-motorized means of
transportation is one way to do this. Using less electricity and fossil fuel in our processes is another. Planting
trees in street boulevards is a technique that can help shade, and cool City streets.
Many streets throughout the City are built wider than standards require. In the 2017 online survey, several
questions were asked of participants about reducing on-street parking lanes to allow for more green space,
multi-use trails, and storm water treatment. Most residents favored losing some parking lanes on one side of
installation of a trail or more green space for storm water runoff. However, the reaction was split when the
question was asked about reducing drive aisle widths as an effort to reduce speeds on residential streets.
3.10 Future Improvement Needs
Transportation Plan. Only two of them, however, require changes in street locations. One of those is the
(see Appendix __). This plan calls for a new bridge
throughout the redeveloped multi-family housing area between East River Road and the River.
The other plan that changes and adds new street connections is the Locke Park Pointe development, where
the new Civic Campus is under construction along University Avenue. The most recent plans for this site
involve changing the access to the Holiday Hills neighborhood and creating a new connection from the Locke
Park Pointe development to 73rd Avenue. These changes are proposed to increase safety at the intersection of
University Avenue and 69th and the intersection of University Avenue and 73rd.
Anoka County has completed an Osborne Road Improvement Plan, which would convert the four-lane road to
a three-lane road with safer pedestrian connections. The same process needs to occur with Mississippi Street,
road design.
In 2012, the City amended its 2030 Comprehensive Plan to incorporate another study completed jointly with
Anoka County and the City of Coon Rapids. This plan adopted a design for East River Road to be more of
a parkway with trail on one side and sidewalk on the other. The plan put priority on improvements south of
residents to retail and jobs, and to offer the Fridley School District better school access.
The City also amended its 2030 Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the 2013 Active Transportation Plan. This
Plan designated streets that require any new adjacent development to include sidewalks or trails.
In 2017, The Fridley School District and the City of Fridley both adopted a Safe Routes to Schools Plan
for the Fridley School District. This Plan calls for infrastructure changes related to Stevenson Elementary
School on East River Road, Hayes Middle School on Mississippi Street, and the Fridley Middle School. See
Appendix __ for detailed plans.
The Columbia Heights School District also has a Safe Routes to Schools Plan. Unfortunately, due to a
school’s Safe Route to School Plan can be viewed in Appendix __.
Future street improvements will likely be required on University Avenue and 53rd Avenue for the future
Central Bus Rapid Transit Line. Increased transit service on these roadways will be needed to address
Figure 3.19 Existing Congestion Levels
1,100
1,000
1,100
1,300
1,3501,500
20,400
830
2,1003,000
560
1,400
1,700
2,200
1,0501,350
3,100
3,850
1,450
10,300
1,450
2,300
5609,900
1,650
4,65021,000
1,750
770
1,650
940
600
600
880
1,900
5,900660
1,850
6,200
2,9002,1003,6004,200
1,450
360
2,200
1,550
1,550
540
7,200
6,700
640
385
1,500
580
4,950
25,000
560
860
540
2,200
1,050
4,9501,450
1,600
8,900
7,000
2,000
6,700
1,550
1,350
610
1,150
29,000
690
1,400
1,400
1,200
5,400
4,600
890
5,900
7,200
3,300
1,700
6,8002,000
4,250
6,100
6,700
6,400
445
6,100
950
5,000
3,050
5,800
1,850
1,900
1,500
1,000
3,600
10,500
6,700
970
910
3,250
6,000
4,150
560
7,200
2,550
29,500
1,000
1,950
1,150
2,550
1,950
660
6,200
3,800
4,150
2,850
1,050
300
2,350
700
1,300
2,600
1,150
175
4,350
4,5505,500
7,300
670
7,800
6,600
550
590
6,000
7,600
5,300
465
28,500
3,100
12,300
2,500
620
3,1001,350
1,2005,700
450
4,250
3,500
5,3004,700
3,4001,250
2,050
7,200
350
6,900
9,4008,800
630
3,200
2,900
310
4,6009,00031,500
2,100
4,100445
1,850
7,900
8,200
14,400
2,250
7,100
18,400
1,700
1,500
2,350
1,650
1,650
12,200
1,200
1,250
900
4,350
16,000
15,200
425
2,000
800
930
34,000
810
3,300
4,250
710
14,600
2,450
17,900
780
23,0001,150
3,150
7,100
17,500
12,000
35,000
11,100
16,000
36,000
4,900
7,500
2,200
7,300
8,100
40,500
4,200
14,900
19,200
16,800
840
82,000
14,100
11,100
6,200
10,000
21,400
5,900
3,700
43,000
9,800
56,000
25,800
12,400
10,200
4,800
1,400
71,000
330
38,000
8,700
730
10,900
13,00033,000
17,2008,800
20,900
19,800
12,200
8,400
9,500
43,000
11,000
2,300
4,750
1,600
2,3002,400
4,250
4,000
10,100
78,000
8,200
1,250
7,600
5,300
39,000
10,8002,400
1,850
1,850
15,500
2,500
43,500
820
21,100
4,950
11,200
4,350
1,200
3,400
4,850
13,800
5,500
18,800
2,050
95,761
93,000
13,400
13,300
13,600
18,400
7,60048,000
5,600
19,500
8,100
6,300
3,700
14,800
38,500
11,100
15,500
11,900
3,550
11,200
5,800
2,400
20,700
7,700
16,100
8,100
51,0005,200
5,700
4,050
18,800
40,000
17,700
12,900
9,200
16,200
22,700
59,000
6,700
11,700
8,300
5,800
4,850
680
5,700
19,300
73,000
5,300
10,900
12,600860
20,900
31,000
100,000
6,300
2,150
36,50011,600
62,000
1,300
910
6,400
2,550
13,300
11,100
93,0008,400
1,800
3,50016,100
15,100
11,400
6,700
12,900
17,700
5,400
8,600
680
13,2005,100
12,600
31,000
30,000
7,800
13,200
8,70030,000
4,650
32,500
6,600
32,500
14,200
17,200
2,800
6,600
34,000
38,500
15,600
120,000
5,800
5,400
6,900
4,650
3,650
9,600
2,650
4,000
21,600
3,950
17,200
4,350
3,750
6,500
31,500
6,800
2,950
34,000
1,500
3,400
1,150
18,200
3,050
12,900
8,200
1,600
1,750
15,600
151,000
135,00038,500
120,000
6,000
11,500
3,150
2,050
27,500
540
22,400
5,250
5,150
5,3002,650
9,600
1,950
1,600
25,000
3,600
3,950
19,800
6,2005,250
1,450
6,500
1,400
21,600
2,950
18,500
1,500
3,050
5,5005,6004,0503,750
1,150
12,900
18,200
12,20011,900
Note: Daily capacities for roadways are estimated based on the
number of lanes and functional class in the original regional model. See Table 2.2
<all other values>
±
LOS F
LOS E
01.536Miles
LOS D
LOS C
LOS A or B
Figure 3.20 2040 Projected Congestion Levels
1,600
2,400
1,900
2,3002,100
2,500
2,6003,400
1,000
2,200
4,200
1,8002,2004,800
5,400
12,400
4,300
1,900
1,900
8,600
3,500
16,100
1,600
11,3002,200
7,50025,500
2,100
1,100
3,000
3,200
600
2,000
1,100
1,300
1,300
2,500
8,200
2,700
7,600
2,4003,9005,700
2,200
1,200
3,000
2,300
8,700
800
8,200
1,100
1,400
2,00030,500
700
5,600
1,200
1,500
2,400
1,800
7,100
10,100
2,100
9,100
2,400
8,000
1,600
2,100
700
1,200
37,200
1,700
1,400
1,500
1,400
2,100
7,100
5,900
900
6,4008,400
4,400
9,4002,500
5,300
8,200
9,2009,100
8,000
7,600
800
7,800
7,600
3,800
7,600
2,900
2,000
2,300
1,400
12,400
9,200
1,200
5,400
4,800
2,100
900
3,600
7,800
9,400
3,500
36,900
1,200
2,200
1,500
2,900
8,300
6,000
4,100
4,400
1,400
4,800
1,800
2,600
11,2007,700
14,100
7,500
7,2007,900
9,800
1,400
10,500
8,300
3,800
9,700
4,800
1,1008,100
35,200
9,700
6,900
200
1,200
3,300
900
3,1001,600
6,600
700
7,500
6,200
1,700
4,200
5,600
3,600
4,7002,100
7,900
11,70011,200
7,400
9003,300
2,300
3,000
3,500
600
38,700
5,200500
2,500
6,700
2,300
11,000
10,400
10,600
700
4,600
16,200
900
8,600
8,700
21,600
4,400
6,500
2,10014,9001,900
1,600
5,500
8,200
5,400
10,800
41,200
7,500
800
1,600
16,6001,100
23,600
900
17,100
6,8002,800
1,600
26,000
2,4001,5003,900
3,000
48,300
25,700
17,000
41,900
23,400
5,500
13,100
20,100
6,400
8,700
53,400
8,000
24,500
21,200
22,600
23,300
18,500
89,200
15,00015,600
9,600
37,500
12,800
61,800
27,700
2,700
4,000
14,000
8,500
49,700
4,600
30,700
65,300
14,200
2,400
80,200
400
9,900
45,400
2,300
12,700
15,50036,200
20,800
27,100
23,200
19,100
14,500
18,600
45,800
3,400
28,500
5,9004,900
11,800
9,100
10,900
44,600
88,400
12,300
2,400
6,500
3,400
43,500
5,800
17,400
27,000
4,200
5,900
48,600
900
24,100
15,700
7,200
5,400
5,500
13,5004,900
7,000
3,900
108,000
100,000
14,500
13,900
23,10017,000
22,400
9,80052,400
7,100
12,800
25,100
8,700
33,200
4,200
43,700
11,400
16,300
13,9007,400
4,400
2,500
11,200
37,100
54,600
7,000
7,800
17,700
9,500
56,60022,600
6,400
23,900
45,600
22,20010,900
34,700
5,800
24,500
26,7008,400
67,200
11,300
6,100
18,100
1,10062,800
91,80026,800
5,700
12,600
13,800
1,900
35,000
25,600
112,000
2,600
8,000
71,200
89,500
3,000
6,900
8,400
4,3003,600
2,500
15,200
8,900
43,700
2,000
17,700
3,8009,500
16,500
13,500
8,300
22,200
6,500
9,700
14,2005,300
13,800
35,000
32,900
10,200
10,200
9,90032,900
4,900
34,300
2,900
34,300
16,10035,300
2,900
6,900
33,900
24,200
127,000
6,900
5,500
7,100
5,200
4,100
11,600
6,200
2,000
4,200
4,500
26,500
21,300
24,200
4,800
4,500
33,900
6,800
7,800
35,300
3,600
14,700
13,000
9,100
4,300
2,600
2,300
24,70040,900
163,000
144,000
127,000
7,300
12,600
4,100
30,000
1,900
23,800
6,100
6,200
3,100
11,600
2,000
1,900
26,500
3,800
4,500
21,300
6,6006,800
3,500
1,700
7,700
22,300
1,600
3,600
19,500
1,500
3,400
5,9006,1004,7004,400
7,800
14,700
19,700
13,00012,400
Note: Daily capacities for roadways are estimated based on the
number of lanes and functional class in the original regional model. See Table 2.2
±
LOS F
LOS E
01.536Miles
LOS D
LOS C
LOS A or B
The continued growth north of Fridley is projected to dramatically increase congestion levels on Fridley’s
already dangerously congested on Interstate 694 in both directions in the morning and evening rush hours are
projected to worsen by 2040. This section of roadway operates at a Level of Service (LOS) F now, and vehicle
per day (VPD) counts are projected to increase from the current 151,000 VPD to 163,000 in 2040.
Currently, sections of Highway 65 and Central Avenue south of Mississippi Street are congested at LOS C. By
2040, the entire length of these two roadways through Fridley will be operating at LOS C.
and redesign, which has been complicated by the fact that the roadway is shared by Fridley and the City of
Columbia Heights. Another complication is the Central BRT Line which is planned to have several stops
along this section of road. Due to right-of-way width limitations, major buried utilities, and steep slopes in
boulevard areas, redesigning this section of City street to accommodate BRT stops and sidewalks or trails is
going to be challenging. (We need to add an action step related to this to work with Columbia Heights on a
solution)
University Avenue is currently operating at LOS F south of Mississippi Street, it is projected to be operating
at LOS F all the way up to Osborne Road by 2040 and at LOS E between Osborne Road and Coon Rapids
of pedestrian crossings and installation of the planned Central BRT Line along University Avenue translates
into a need to complete detailed study and planning for future infrastructure needs along this highway that is
considered the “Gateway” into Fridley.
3.11 Goals and Objectives
Following the City’s Vision Statement (We believe Fridley will be a home
Safe environment for residents and businesses
Objectives
• Partner with other roadway jurisdiction entities to improve the safety of Fridley roadways
• Use City resources where feasible to provide public safety during roadway emergencies
• Plan for safe transportation options for all modes of transportation
• Prepare for weather events to keep roadways safe for travel
community in the Twin Cities
Objectives
• Ensure that City Code regulates adjacent uses to provide for compatible growth without being
overly restrictive
• Ensure that key destinations in the City can be safely reached
• Study what is working well in other Metro Area communities and copy their successful
measures
needed improvements in the City
• Continue to be a leader in City services that balances the demands of the public and City
• Establish policies that support Fridley’s commitment to the environmental health of our
community and the region as a whole
Friendly Fridley in the Twin Cities
Objectives
• Maintain Welcome to Fridley signs at key entrances into the City
• Strive to have clear street signage throughout the community
• Maintain road right of ways clear of litter and weeds
Stable environment in which families and businesses can thrive
Objectives
• Maintain economically sustainable policies for street reconstruction and maintenance
• Provide a sound transportation system that supports commerce stability
• Provide a variety of transportation options to enable people to get to jobs, shopping, and
recreational opportunities in the community
• Encourage increased car sharing, biking, walking, and transit usage as a means to reduce
3.12 Policies
• Before the rebuilding of arterial roadways in the City, staff will analyze redesign options that make the
roadway safer for all modes of transportation will occur.
• Before the rebuilding of collector or local streets, the City will consider the feasibility of incorporating
• The City will partner with Metro Transit, the County, and MnDOT to improve access and safety at
transit stops.
• The City will work with the County and MnDOT to modify signal-controlled highway intersections to
provide reasonable wait times and adequate crossing time allowances for ages 8-80.
• Establish policies and programs that minimize wear and tear on City streets.
• Reduce the environmental impact of our transportation network when feasible.
3.13 Conclusions and Action Steps
or bike throughout the city. The demographic evolution with an increase in younger and older residents
supports the demand of pedestrian and bike improvements and other alternatives to automobiles. Planned
redevelopment projects are going to create increased residential density that will support future transit
ridership.
The following are action steps necessary to create a transportation system in Fridley that is safe, vibrant,
clearance requirements.
Action Step:
Depot owns north of the Goodwill Store site for future rail crossing use.
Fridley is scheduled to be served by the Central BRT Line along University Avenue by 2021. Part of the
University Avenue in recent years with increasing pedestrian activity in the area growing with new housing
and frequent transit service to the area. Recent survey results demonstrate clear public safety concerns
regarding crossing University Avenue.
Action Step: As part of the effort to master plan each designate BRT station stop along University Avenue
and 53rd Avenue, the City should partner with MnDOT, Metro Transit, Anoka County, and the City of Spring
Lake Park to conduct a corridor study of University Avenue from 53rd Avenue to 85th Avenue before 2021.
A 2017 Metropolitan Council/MnDOT Intersection Study found that two intersections along Highway
65 ranked high in priority for a grade-separated interchange. Those two locations were the intersection at
Osborne Road and Medtronic Parkway. The intersection of Medtronic Parkway/Hackmann Avenue/Highway
Action Step: While there currently is no MnDOT funding for such improvements, the City should consider
conducting further study of the intersection of Medtronic Parkway and Highway 65 – especially since the
Medtronic campus is only halfway constructed to its approved master plan. In addition, the City, County, and
MnDOT need to initiate discussions about the need to consider an east-west route through Fridley that can
In order to properly budget needed street repairs, needs must be continually prioritized.
Action Step: The City will continue to rate conditions of City streets every three years and repave
approximately two miles of street per year to address maintenance needs to meet minimum road condition
standards for the City.
Fridley’s senior and disabled population has special transportation needs.
Action Step: To ensure that seniors and disabled individuals can safely remain in their home, the City will
continue, through our Senior Center and web site, to connect senior residents to available County and Metro
Transit home pick-up transportation services.
MnDOT’s goal in setting speed limits and the timing of stop lights on University Avenue is to move a heavy
cross University Avenue, many pedestrians cross against the lights daily. In addition, drivers are often running
red lights and making illegal right turns on red. There have been many preventable pedestrian deaths on
University Avenue in Fridley in recent years.
Action Step: The Police Department will be monitoring violations and warning or citing violators. In
addition, when the University/Mississippi Street intersection is studied as part of the Mississippi Street study
analyzed.
Action Step: Work with Anoka County to analyze redesign options for Mississippi Street in a similar planning
process that was completed for the redesign of Osborne Road. The County and City should also involve
MnDOT in this planning process to investigate options for making the University/Mississippi intersection
more pedestrian friendly.
Once City Hall moves to the new Civic Campus, there is no need to maintain direct access onto Highway 47
for emergency vehicles. In addition, there will be no need to maintain the frontage road on the west side of
the Fire Station to Mississippi Street. Since the design of this frontage road at the intersection of Mississippi
Street and University Avenue poses hazards for drivers and pedestrians, it should be removed and closed off at
Fourmies Avenue.
Action Step:
at Mississippi Street should be closed off. The vacated street could be added to adjoining property for future
redevelopment purposes. Removing the frontage road will also allow for design of a safer at-grade pedestrian
crossing and offers an opportunity to continue the multi-use trail on the east side of University Avenue south
to 61st Avenue.
for having a shelter, but does not have one. This particular bus stop has a bench placed less than 10 feet from
also is no paved path leading to this bus stop, so it is not ADA accessible. It is a heavily used stop because it is
located near large, affordable, multi-family housing complexes.
Action Step: Work with Metro Transit to install a bus shelter that is ADA compliant at 81st and University.
In order to make bus stops more pleasing to use, the City is providing trash bins at many Metro Transit bus
stop locations and City crews are collecting the trash once a week from the bus stops that have trash bins.
Another long unmet infrastructure need at Metro Transit bus stops is the lack of bike racks.
Action Step:
near high use trails.
Action Step: In order to get more transit ridership, bus stop locations need to also be accessible. The City
could initiate a bus bench permitting process, and the installer of the bench would be required to make
access to the bench accessible in exchange for no temporary sign permit fees as long as the bench location is
maintained.
There continues to be many unmet trail needs in the City.
Action Step:
current needs for sidewalk and trail connections.
and Fridley Middle School. Staff has met with the principal of Woodcrest Elementary and the Osborne Road
reconstruction plans address most of their needs. Attention has not been given, however, to two busy private
Action Step: The city staff should meet with the appropriate staff of these two schools to determine safety
needs for kids walking, biking, and taking transit to these private schools, and then incorporate those needs
into the next Active Transportation Plan update.
Gardena Avenue Crossing
By 2040, the USDOT is estimating that 90% of light vehicles on the road will be V2V assist (Vehicle to
Vehicle. A recent Metropolitan Council study predicts that by the year 2024, autonomous vehicles (AVs) will
outnumber self-owned vehicles on the road. The greatest interest in AVs is in the trucking industry. Fridley,
having a heavy industrial base, will be greatly impacted by this change.
Action Step: Monitor development of Autonomous Vehicles and their impacts on land use and road design.
for emergency personnel. When a call comes in for help west of the railroad tracks, response times can be
Action Step: Explore means for a train-passing alert system for dispatch use when instructing emergency
responders to a call, so that they can take alternative routes when a train is blocking their normal response
route.
Research Board, led to the determination that the City could save $150,00-200,000 per year in road repair
costs if garbage collection in Fridley was organized. In addition, there are environmental costs and impacts
to pedestrian safety under the current open system. While the Fridley City Council voted against organizing
garbage collection in 2016, the desire for organizing garbage collection was mentioned by several residents
during surveys as a service they want the City to implement. In addition, the State goal of recycling 75%
of waste by 2030 is only going to be met if organics recycling is implemented. The City is implementing a
voluntary, opt-in, curbside organics collection service in the spring of 2018. However, anticipated limited
participation in $10/month opt-in service is not expected to generate enough abated waste to allow the City to
meet the 75% recycling goal.
Action Step: Organized garbage collection would offer a more affordable opportunity for organics recycling,
so the City should consider studying the option of organized garbage collection again. The City should also
immediately amend Chapter 113 to limit the number of garbage hauler licenses allowed in the City.
Qualifying for grants and demonstrating need to other road jurisdictions requires data.
Action Step: The City should collect bicycling and pedestrian data on key intersections on University
Avenue and other locations with unmet trail connection needs. This data would then be used in the Active
Transportation Plan to guide planned improvements.
is in need of maintenance. Before making improvements, however, the City may want to consider redesigning
these areas and requiring the adjoining businesses to maintain them collectively as has been done on Moore
Lake Drive.
Action Step: The streetscape conditions on 57th Avenue, University Avenue and Mississippi Street should be
The Metropolitan Council has designated regional job concentration areas in the Metro Area. One such area
City is partnering with Anoka County Commute Solutions to use CMAQ grant funds to provide a shuttle from
route that services other bus users on East River Road with a route into downtown Minneapolis south of the
Action Step:
River is a national park, and there is a national bike trail that runs through the west train station that leads
Station.
Action Step: Being in an alternative transportation node affords Fridley the eligibility for certain federal
funding sources that can help pay for easements, so the City should pursue such funds when they become
available to obtain the easements needed along the River to expand Islands of Peace Park Trails north to River
Edge Way Park, which could lead to bringing the MRT closer to the River.
Anoka County has made it clear that if bike/pedestrian infrastructure is going to get built on East River Road
Action Step: Pursue funding options for the infrastructure planned in the East River Road Corridor Study.
Action Step: The City needs to begin obtaining easements where needed to complete the future sidewalk and
Local Water Plan
Local Water Plan
This Local Water plan serves as a comprehensive planning document to guide the City of Fridley
in conserving, protecting and managing its water resources. The purpose of this plan is to assess the
current status of water resources, set the City’s goals and policies for water resource management, and
outline the necessary implementation program. These goals and policies will be used to support the City
in achieving its community vision of being a “safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses”.
Located in Anoka County and bordered by the communities of Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, New
Brighton, Spring Lake Park, and Coon Rapids as well as the Mississippi River, Fridley is a 10.2 square mile,
inner ring Twin Cities Metropolitan Area suburb. The City of Fridley became fully developed following a
period of rapid development between 1949 and 1963; however, much of the City was reconstructed after a
devastating tornado in 1965. Since the 1970s, Fridley’s population has been remained fairly constant, with an
estimated current population of 27,500 residents.
Fridley’s desirability as a place to live and work is prompted, in part, by its location along important transit
corridors, including the BNSF railroad, Interstate 694, University Avenue, East River Road, and Trunk
Highway 65. Fridley’s natural and recreational amenities also contribute to the City’s high livability. In
addition to Mississippi River frontage, Fridley contains eight DNR-protected waterbodies and over 500-acres
of parkland.
The City of Fridley has adopted the vision of a community that is a “safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home
for families and businesses.” To achieve this vision, the City has adopted the following goals and objectives as
part of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Goal #1: Provide a Safe environment for residents and businesses
Goal #2: Maintain Fridley as a Vibrant community in the Twin Cities
Goal #3: Continue to be known as Friendly Fridley in the Twin Cities
Goal #4: Provide a Stable environment in which families and businesses can thrive
Sustainable local water planning is crucial to achieving these goals and maintaining the City as a desirable
place to live. This Local Water Plan (the plan, the Water Plan) serves as a guide for both the City and
its partners who maintain jurisdiction over water resources in the City. The Plan contains background
necessary implementation tasks to achieve these goals.
Fridley may revise this Plan through an amendment prior to the next update of the plan, if either changes
are required, or if problems arise that are not addressed in the Plan. However, any major changes must
be approved by Coon Creek Watershed District (CCWD), Mississippi Water Management Organization
(MWMO), and Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD). If it is unclear whether a proposed Plan change is
major or not, the City will bring the issue to the CCWD, MWMO, and/or RCWD for their determination.
6.1 Community Setting
This chapter provides background information of the City of Fridley’s physical and built environment.
Topography and Geology
southeastern portions of the community while lower elevations are associated with the Mississippi River
primarily by glacial ice and meltwater during the most recent glaciation. However, the glacial landscape has
been altered by soil formation and erosion during the postglacial periods. All of the glacial deposits were from
Rice Creek and the Mississippi River. These deposits consist of primarily silty sand overlaid in places by
corner of the City. The terrace deposits are mainly sand and gravel in nature and are found over most of the
western two-thirds of the City.
Land Use
Land Use Distribution
ExistingProposed
Land UseAcres% AreaAcres
% Area
Single Family Residential1981.929.9%1952.229.5%
Right-of-Way1294.719.6%1300.219.6%
Industrial1256.019.0%1297.319.6%
Parks/Recreation602.39.1%583.98.8%
Commercial357.25.4%354.45.4%
Multi-Family Residential333.75.0%374.45.7%
Institutional258.23.9%238.13.6%
Open Water/Water Feature159.92.4%168.52.5%
Utility149.12.3%155.52.3%
Vacant Lands108.61.6%0.00.0%
Mixed Use0.00.0%85.91.3%
Railroad92.81.4%87.21.3%
Public/Semi-Public15.00.2%13.00.2%
9.70.1%10.10.2%
Vacated Right-of-Ways1.60.0%0.00.0%
Total6620.7100.00%6620.7100.0%
In general, Fridley is fully developed with the largest land use being single family residential. While future
from single family residential to multi-family residential to meet growing housing needs. Further information
on Fridley’s land use be found in Section 1 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
information can be found within the City’s Capital Investment Program included in the appendix.
Surface Water
Within the City of Fridley there are several lakes, watercourses and wetlands. These surface water features
are divided amongst three major drainage areas, each corresponding to a watershed management organization
with jurisdiction in Fridley (Rice Creek Watershed, Coon Creek Watershed, and Mississippi River Watershed).
westward to the Mississippi River. As additional hydraulic and hydrologic (H&H) modeling is performed, these
Some of these surface water features have been deemed to meet the criteria of public waters set forth in Minnesota
Statutes, Section 103G.005, subd. 15 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and are ascribed a
DNR number.
Surface Water Features
Waterbody DNR Watershed Type
Description
NameNumberDistrict
Mississippi 02001a WatercourseFridley section is located in the Middle Mississippi Riv-
River er Basin of the Upper Mississippi River; characterized
silts along the bottom
Oak Glen N/ACCWDWatercourseWatercourse with the upstream portion piped
Creek
Springbrook 02-0688PCCWDWetlandLarge wetland in the Springbrook Nature Center.
Wetland
Springbrook 02009aCCWDWatercourse
Creek (County surrounded by a steep ravine. Flow controlled by manu-
Ditch 17ally operated weir located in Springbrook Nature Center
Stonybrook n/aCCWDWatercourseWatercourse that is piped into the Mississippi River due
Creek to erosion issues
Rice Creek 02010bRCWDWatercourseWatercourse with a drainage area of approximately 200
Locke Lake impoundment.
East Moore 02-007-01PRCWDLakeShallow lake to the east of Trunk Highway 65; A popular
Lake
and recreation basin on portion of the eastern shore. Hy-
draulically connected to West Moore Lake via culverts.
West Moore 02-007-02PRCWDWetlandShallow lake to the west of Trunk Highway 65. Hydrau-
Lakelically connected to East Moore Lake via culverts.
Locke Lake02-0077PRCWDImpoundmentDredged, impounded basin on Rice Creek upstream of
Harris Pond02-0684WRCWDWetlandExcavated wetland utilized for stormwater manage-
ment; undergoes treatment for algae and phosphorus
reduction
Farr Lake02-0078PMWMOPondDeep water wetland utilized for stormwater manage-
ment
Mississippi River
The portion of the Mississippi River in Fridley is part of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area
(MRCCA) and contains the drinking water intakes for the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. It has a varying
ordinary high water elevation that coincides with the top of the riverbank. More information on the MRCCA
can be found in Chapter 9 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Wetlands
The City completed a Wetland Inventory in 1993, including information on location, size and type of
each wetland. This inventory provides a baselines for the location, vegetation, and hydrology of the
City’s wetlands, but does not include a function or value assessment. Additional detail on the approxi-
mate location of wetlands in Fridley can be found in the updated National Wetland Index published in
2013. The City requires proof of a wetland delineation or watershed district review when development
occurs in a suspected wetland area.
Floodplains
Mississippi River, Rice Creek, Springbrook Creek, East Moore Lake, and West Moore Lake are located
2015. Additional revisions to the maps are incorporated based on H&H modeling performed by the City’s
watershed district partners.
Stormwater Management System
Fridley has a city-wide storm sewer system which was primarily built between then 1960s-1970s. During
this time period, standard engineering practices called for swift conveyance of storm and melt water
to the receiving waterbody or watercourse. The City has taken advantage of opportunities as they have
and other low-impact design measures. Location and spacing of catch basins, as well as pipe sizes, have
to some extent the catchment area that is the subject of the design. However, the design for many of these
roads are based on lower standards for rainfall events than we see today. The stormwater management
system also includes two dams, one on Rice Creek that creates the Locke Lake impoundment and another
along Springbrook Creek within the Springbrook Nature Center.
Regional Treatment Systems
In addition to numerous retention ponds, the City has installed and maintains several stormwater treat-
using grant funding from the Mississippi Water Management Organization. Oak Glen Creek Pond was
-
City, in partnership with the Rice Creek Watershed District, will also be installing an iron enhanced sand
Additional opportunities for regional treatment system opportunities have been planned within the
Springbrook Nature Center to reduce bacteria levels in Springbrook Creek. The City is also evaluating
-
ention basin which is not currently functional. The NorthStar Transit Overlay District master plan also
includes planned regional stormwater treatment.
NorthStar Transit Overlay District Master Plan (Source: City of Fridley)
NorthStar Transit Overlay District Stormwater Management Recommendations(Source: City of Fridley)
Rain Gardens
Since 2005, the City has implemented a Rain Garden program in partnership with local property owners, Anoka
Conservation District, and the corresponding watershed management organizations to cost-share on curb cut
raingardens on private property and in right-of-ways. As of 2017, over 60 rain gardens and bioswales have been
installed. The City has also installed and maintains a large rain garden at Jay Park
Maintenance
The City began prioritizing the inspection and maintenance activities of publicly owned stormwater treatment
devices using the Stormwater Asset Management Program (SWAMP) in 2016. SWAMP helps the City prioritize
which BMPs need attention so that the City can plan and budget for maintenance.
The City requires maintenance agreements and easements from property owners that installed stormwater BMPs
as part of a land alteration permit, or proof of a maintenance agreement of the BMP with the watershed district.
The SWAMP program also allows the City to track these maintenance schedules in order to ensure compliance.
Groundwater Resources
Within the City of Fridley, there are multiple locations where groundwater and surface water interact. As a re-
sult, the sensitivity rating for the water table system to pollution in the Fridley area ranges from very high in the
central portion and eastern half to high in the northeastern, southwestern, and extreme western portions of the
City according to the Regional Hydrogeologic Assessment of the Anoka Sand Plain. Due to the heterogeneous
-
tion is generally west or southwest toward the Mississippi River.
In addition to the water table system, there are three bedrock aquifers present in the Fridley (the Prairie du
Chien-Jordan, the Franconia-Ironton-Galesville, and the Mt. Simon-Hinckley). The Prairie du Chien-Jordan is
the uppermost bedrock aquifer and is present throughout Fridley at thicknesses of up to 140 feet in some areas.
The Franconia-Ironton-Galesville bedrock aquifer exists beneath the Prairie du Chien-Jordan aquifer and has
an approximate maximum thickness of the aquifer is 330 feet. The deepest bedrock aquifer is the Mt. Si-
mon-Hinckley.
All three aquifers are utilized in the production of the City of Fridley’s drinking water. The City currently main-
tains thirteen wells to access this groundwater supply. Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMA)
have been established around these wells and Wellhead Protection Plans have been developed to protect against
groundwater contamination. Further information on Fridley’s drinking water supply can be found within the
City of Fridley’s Wellhead Protection Plan and Water Supply Plan. In addition to the City of Fridley’s DWS-
MA, the DWSMAs for Brooklyn Center, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park extend into Fridley’s city limits.
Surface Water and Groundwater Interaction
City of Fridley, Anoka County
Lexington
CoonBlaine
Laddie
Rapids
Spring
Lake Park
Shoreview
Spring
Mounds
Brooklyn
View
Park
Locke
Fridley
Palmer
Rush
Moore
Long
Round
Arden
Brooklyn
Hills
Pike
Center
New
Brighton
Crystal
Hilltop
Twin
Silver
(West)
Columbia
Heights
Minneapolis
Ryan
Johanna
St.
Twin
Anthony
Robbinsdale
Roseville
Crystal
00.512345
Miles
Karst Features (DNR)
Surface water type (regional screening by Met Council)
Disconnected from the regional groundwater system
Spring
Recharges aquifers
Sinkhole
Receives and discharges groundwater
Calcareous Fens
Supported by upwelling groundwater
Trout Streams (DNR)
County Boundaries
City and Township Boundaries
NCompass Street Centerlines
Other Open Water Features
Source:Metropolitan Council
Jurisdictions
Fridley’s surface and ground water resources fall under the jurisdiction of several of entities.
Jurisdiction of Water Resources
Jurisdictional EntityJurisdictional Responsibility
United States Army Corps of Engineers (US-Section 404 permit program; Mississippi River-to the top-of-bank ;
ACOE)jurisdictional wetlands
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
program and NPDES program
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
shoreland management program; the wild and scenic rivers program;
Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)Oversight of watershed management organization; oversight of WCA
Minnesota Department of HealthDrinking water and groundwater protection; the Well Management
program, the Wellhead Protection Program, the Safe Water Drinking
Act
Metropolitan CouncilRegional planning and wastewater treatment
Anoka CountyGroundwater protection and management; the County also administers
a well sealing cost share grant program and works with the cities in
the county to implement the county’s groundwater plan
Coon Creek Watershed DistrictSurface waters and administration of the Wetland Conservation Act
within the CCWD portion of the City; review of Fridley’s local water
management plan
Mississippi Watershed Management Organiza-Surface waters within the MWMO portion of the Cities; review of
tionFridley’s local water management plan
Rice Creek Watershed DistrictSurface waters and administration of the Wetland Conservation Act
within the RCWD portion of the City; review of Fridley’s local water
management plan
City of FridleySurface waters within the City
Watershed Districts
22% of Fridley is in the Coon Creek Watershed District, 2) 34% of Fridley is in the Mississippi Water Man-
agement Organization, and 3) 43.8% of Fridley is in the Rice Creek Watershed District.
These watershed management organizations review the City of Fridley’s Local Water Management Plan and
prepare their own watershed management plans based on the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act
(Chapter 509, Laws of 1982, Minnesota Statute Section 103B.201 to 103B.255 as amended). The law requires
• Preserving and using natural water storage and retention systems to improve water quality
•
• Promoting groundwater recharge
•
• Reducing, to the greatest practical extent, the public capital expenditures necessary to control excessive
•
•
install capital improvement projects, provide education, and either regulate land-disturbing activities or
Coon Creek Watershed District
Rice Creek Watershed District
Mississippi Water Management Organization
City of Fridley
-
ing. This includes the construction, maintenance, and operation of the City’s stormwater management systems
(i.e., ponds, pipes, channels). Since the City operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4), it is
regulated under the National Pollutant and Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and holds a MS4 gener-
al permit. As a regulated MS4, the City must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that
1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Participation/Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management
6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
A copy of Fridley’s SWPPP can be found at http://www.springbrooknaturecenter.org/DocumentCenter/
View/1082. To meet these NPDES Phase II requirements, the City has implemented water-resource related
elements within the City of Fridley’s code of ordinances including language related to stormwater manage-
ment (Chapter 208), erosion control (Chapter 208), and illicit discharge prevention (Chapter 224). The City of
Fridley also conducts several good housekeeping practices.
Good Housekeeping Practices
ActivityFrequency
Street sweepingOne spring and one fall round of sweeping citywide
Inspection of structural pollution control devicesAnnual inspection of all devises;
Active construction inspectionDuring active construction
Inspection of outfalls, sediment basins and pondsInspect 20% or more annually
SWPPP review
design and review of SWPPPs
Inspection of exposed stockpile, storage, and material Annual inspection of all stockpile, storage, and material
handling areahandling areas
Corrective ActionsComplete corrective actions associated with above inspec-
tions
Record keepingMaintain records of above corrective action and inspec-
tions per record retention policy
Smart Salting
operators obtain at least Level 1 Smart Salting training
-
ment (Chapter 205.32), wetlands (Chapter 205.29) and critical area (205.28). The City requires permits and/or
approval from the appropriate watershed management organization, depending on the type of project.
Recreational Areas
Fridley has a strong park and trails system consisting of 581.6 acres of park land owned by the City and Ano-
-
tures are often a key attraction of these parks and trails, providing recreational and scenic amenities and uses.
City Parks
Springbrook Nature Center a 127-acre park featuring wetlands, Springbrook Creek, an interpretive center,
boardwalks and trails.
Innsbruck Nature Center a 24-acre park featuring wetlands, boardwalks and trails.
Farr Lake a 6.6-acre park along Farr Lake featuring a short trail.
Moore Lake Park
Riverview Heights
Creek featuring trails.
River Edge Way a 1.3-acre riverfront park along the Mississippi River.
West Moore Lake Sand Dunes a 7.6-acre natural history area along West Moore Lake featuring trails.
Community Park
County Parks
Riverfront Park- a 60.0-acre riverfront park featuring trails and a boat landing.
Islands of Peace Park a 79.0-acre riverfront park featuring trails, a walk-in canoe landing, and an interpreta-
tive center currently used as an administrative building.
Manomin Park -
Rice Creek West Regional Trail Corridor a 32.5-acre park containing a portion of the 4-mile long regional
trail along Rice Creek.
Further information about Fridley’s parks and trails can be found in Chapter 4 of the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan.
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Neighborhoods (Multiple Colors)
Parks
Water
Right of Way
City Limits
City of Fridley
6431 University Ave NE
Fridley, Minnesota 5543204303
Phone: (763) 572-3566
K:\\GIS\\gisdata\\parks_rec\\projects\\Parks 8.5 x 11.mxd
6.2 Issues Assessment
Fridley’s water resources contribute to the City’s vibrancy by providing access to nature, recreational opportu-
-
ment, a large number of Fridley properties are below the size threshold that trigger regulation. New water
resources have also arisen due to larger storm events and increased development upstream. The following
chapter provides an assessment of the issues, challenges, and problems that the City currently faces related to
water resource management
Surface Water Quality Assessment
Pollutants are discharged into Fridley’s surface water from both point sources and non-point sources. Addi-
tionally, as a downstream community, Fridley’s water contains pollutants discharged upstream. These pollut-
ants, such as phosphorus, sediment, and heavy metals, can cause a variety of impairments that reduce a water-
body’s ecological and recreational value. In Fridley, two water resources were included on the MPCA’s Draft
2018 Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) list and one water resource was listed on the MPCA’s Draft 2018
Impaired Water List.
Draft 2018 TMDL list
Water Body
Year Added/Target Completion Impairment (indicator)
Year
Mississippi River2002/2020
2016/2018Aquatic Life (nutrient/eutrophication in biological indicators)
2006/2024Aquatic Recreation (Fecal coliform)
1998
Rice Creek2006/2025Aquatic Life (Aquatic Macroinvertebrate bioassessment)
2014/2025Aquatic Life (Fishes bioassessment)
Draft 2018 Impaired Waters list
Water Body
Year Added/Year TMDL ap-Impairment (indicator)
proved
Springbrook 2006/2016Aquatic Life (Aquatic Macroinvertebrate bioassessment)
Creek
2014/2016 Aquatic Recreation (E.coli)
A TMDL which had previously been completed for East Moore Lake was approved in February 2015. Sup-
porting information on this TMDL can be found in the Rice Creek Watershed District Southwest Urban Lakes
TMDL and the Southwest Urban Lakes Study Phase 1 Report. A Watershed Restoration and Protection Strat-
egy (WRAPs) report was developed for the Coon Creek Watershed, including Springbrook Creek, in 2016.
Creek’s water quality. Additional information on the management of the Springbrook wetland can be found in
the Final Report for the MPCA Clean Water partnership Phase II Grant and the Metropolitan Council Metro
Environment Partnership Grant which addressed documented water quality issues within the wetland.
Surface Water Quantity Assessment
Historic construction of impervious surface without adequate stormwater management in the City of Fridley
been exacerbated by the increased frequency of large storm events that the City has experienced in recent
Groundwater Resource Assessment
The majority of the City is located within a Drinking Water Surface Management Area (DWSMA) which neces
-
sitate increased land use controls to protect groundwater-based drinking supplies from contamination. Potential
-
that this may not be appropriate on all sites. The City’s management of stormwater with regards to its impact on
groundwater is guided by the City’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and MS4 permit. The City does not
management requirements of its MS4 permit.
Monitoring Assessment
Monitoring data in Fridley is collected by partner agencies as well as citizen volunteers through the MPCA’s
•
•
-
olis Water Works facility in the Anoka County Riverfront Regional Park by MWMO
A monitoring station along Rice Creek immediately downstream of Highway 65 operated by Rice Creek
•
continuously since 1996.
A water quality station along West Moore Lake that is monitored by RCWD for Total Phosphorus and Chlo
•
-
•
District.
.
Habitat and Shoreland Management Assessment
Problem Solving for Environmental Change course during the Fall of 2015 conducted a visual assessment of
Rice Creek by canoe on October 18th, 2015. This assessment documented that many private properties had
installed hard armoring along the bank such as riprap and replaced native vegetation with non-natural species
such as turf grass. The survey also indicated that private shoreland was more likely to have “low” (0% to 33%)
vegetative coverage while public shoreland was most likely to have “high” vegetative coverage (67% to 100%).
However, instances of severe erosion were more common along public shoreland than private shoreland.
ESPM Survey Results
Example of shoreline erosion along Rice Creek (Source: University of Minnesota ESPM 4041W course)
Recently, the City has received reports of incidents of slope shifting, also known as mass wasting, along small
portions of the Mississippi River. Analysis of these events by Coon Creek Watershed District indicate that this
-
cal events may be exacerbated by increased rainfall events.
Education and Outreach Assessment
The City of Fridley completes its education and outreach through the City’s bi-monthly newsletter, social me-
dia, Springbrook Nature Center, and at community events. Audience numbers can be found in the City’s MS4
reports. Common topics include illicit discharge prevention, lawn care, and smart salting. Increased education
-
ments
-
owners with shoreline erosion on corrective vegetative stabilization. The students also recommended sending
out a broad informational letter to all shoreline residents on best management practices for shoreland manage-
ment. The City has also recognized a need to incorporate a formal education plan into the residential rain garden
program to ensure that recipients are equipped to maintain the gardens long term.
Curb-cut rain garden in Fridley (Source: City of Fridley)
.
Integration of Land Use and Water Resources Planning Assessment
Land use controls that can limit a site’s impervious surface area and promote stormwater management are an
• Setting a rate control requirement
• Specifying that redevelopment of existing parcels remove in excess of 80% of suspended solids and other
pollutants from a 1.5 inch 24-hour storm event
• Requiring a maintenance agreement for stormwater best management practices installed as part of a building
permit
• Requiring water quality and quantity controls before discharge to wetlands
• Removing the curb and gutter requirement for areas draining toward rain gardens or natural drainage fea-
tures
• Allowing permeable pavers and reinforced turf grass for parking areas
• Setting tree planting requirements for all land uses (except single family homes)
• Setting maximum lot coverages for buildings
• Requiring unpaved landscape islands for parking lots containing over 100 stalls
• Allowing for the reduction of parking stalls based on the particular nature of the proposed use
• Reducing parking stall width requirements in multi-family, industrial, and manufacturing uses
• Specifying maximum driveway widths
• Allowing shared parking to meet parking stall number requirements
•
site treatment proves to be infeasible
•
•
• Requirement of 10 feet parking stalls in commercial land uses
• Establishment of parking minimums
• Requirement for the installation of irrigation systems
• Limitation of lot coverage of buildings rather than total impervious surface
• Building setbacks, which encourage green space, but discourage higher density developments
In addition to land use controls in the zoning code, land use and water resource planning are integrated in Frid-
ley through a weekly inter-departmental coordination meeting known as the Development Review Committee.
As part of the Development Review Committee, members of both the Engineering and Planning departments
can simultaneously review development proposals and land use change. Furthermore, the City evaluates oppor-
capital improvement projects such as road reconstruction and the construction of public facilities.
Resiliency Assessment
The increased frequency and intensity of large rain storms associated with climate change may require addition-
al capacity to manage, store, and treat stormwater. In order to most accurately size stormwater management in-
frastructure for increased levels of precipitation, the City utilizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin-
istration’s (NOAA) Atlas 14 precipitation data as its design standard, since Atlas 14 estimations have a higher
through the capital investment projects and public-private projects described elsewhere in this Plan.
supply. The City’s water conservation and protection initiatives are described in the Wellhead Protection Plan
and Water Supply Plan.
Administrative Assessment
The City uses its Stormwater Utility Fee as the primary funding mechanism for its stormwater management pro-
implemented a 75% increase in the rates to more comprehensively cover the costs associated with the stormwa-
ter system. Additionally, certain parts of the stormwater management system, such as curb and gutter repairs,
are paid for through the road assessment. If funds from these fees do not cover costs, the City can adjust the
Stormwater Utility Fee as well as use general funds to cover the costs. The City can also apply for grants from
6.3 Goals and Objectives
These goals and objectives have been agreed upon related to the vision of keeping Fridley safe, vibrant,
friendly, and stable:
Goal #1: Provide a Safe environment for residents and businesses
Objectives
• Maintain or enhance the water quality and ecological integrity of Fridley’s surface
waters including lakes, creeks, wetlands, and the Mississippi River.
•
Goal #2: Maintain Fridley as a Vibrant community in the Twin Cities
Objectives
•
Goal #2: Maintain Fridley as a Vibrant community in the Twin Cities
Objectives
• Protect and enhance wildlife habitat and connectivity alongside the sustainable,
•
equitable use of public water and public water accesses.
• Support innovation in stormwater management and decrease costs where feasible.
• Protect and enhance wildlife habitat and connectivity alongside the sustainable,
equitable use of public water and public water accesses.
Goal #3: Continue to be known as Friendly Fridley in the Twin Cities
• Support innovation in stormwater management and decrease costs where feasible.
Objectives
• Maintain collaborative, positive relationships with our agency partners.
• Increase public awareness of Fridley’s water and natural resources as well as
Goal #4: Provide a Stable environment in which families and businesses can
thrive
Objectives
• Protect the quantity and quality of groundwater resources and the drinking water
supply through the Water Supply Plan and Wellhead Protection Plan.
• Utilize best available data to design projects and track progress.
• Increase resiliency against climate change and increased extreme weather events
through the design and management of stormwater infrastructure.
•
plan.
6.4 Policies
• Recognize the Minnesota Stormwater Manual and other technical guides adopted by reference in Chapter
208 of the Fridley code.
• Require that new development and redevelopment meet the water quality standards of the City and encom-
passing watershed districts.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with partner agencies on programs and projects.
• -
tal improvement projects when feasible.
• Work with property owners to support and incentivize implementation of best management practices on
private property.
•
when feasible.
• Promote low-impact design, comprehensive site planning, and other tools to reduce unnecessary impervious
surface.
•
facilities and the co-use of stormwater facilities where appropriate.
• Minimize illicit discharge and soil erosion into the City’s storm sewers and receiving waterbodies.
• Implement good housekeeping practices as required by the City’s SWPPP.
• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of the City’s stormwater management system.
• Require and enforce maintenance of structural stormwater best management practices.
• Protect drinking water supply from potential contamination.
•
• Minimize use of groundwater supply through water conservation methods and water reuse.
•
• Utilize best available climate data to determine design standards.
•
• Educate residents on the prevention of illicit discharge.
• Facilitate education on the design and maintenance of stormwater and shoreland best management practices.
• Provide clarity to landowners on City and Watershed District regulations.
• Streamline processes and promote consistency to minimize public and private expenditures and promote
innovative designs through the permitting process.
• Utilize the zoning code to promote low impact development.
• Provide coordinated review of projects through the Development Review Committee.
• Continue to utilize the stormwater utility fee and explore additional funding methods to fund the implemen-
tation of this Plan.
6.5 Action Steps
Permitting and regulation are important tools to ensure adequate stormwater management during new
development and re-development. Updating the City’s volume control standard is a requirement of the City’s
MS4 permit. Developing consistent standards can streamline the permitting process for landowners.
Action Steps: Continue to rely on Coon Creek and Rice Creek Watershed Districts to implement their
regulations and issue permits within their respective jurisdictions in Fridley. Adopt city-wide standards based
on watershed district and MS4 standards as well as the Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS) calculator.
Adopt MWMO standards to be administered by the City within the portion of Fridley in the MWMO.
Small sites (<1 acre) often do not trigger regulation requiring stormwater management. Larger sites are not
adequate stormwater management systems.
Action Steps: During redevelopment, evaluate the feasibility of capturing untreated stormwater in regional
stormwater treatment facilities, within public-right-of ways, or through public/private partnerships. Update the
Fridley Code to establish impervious surface limitations on single family properties. Integrate incentives for
installation of stormwater BMPs into the stormwater utility fee.
patterns.
Action Steps: Adopt a “Complete Streets” policy to decrease road widths, install vegetation, and implement
stormwater best management practices where appropriate during road reconstruction projects. Formalize the
residential rain garden program. Reduce impervious surface associated with parking through comprehensive
site planning, allowing for the co-use of parking spaces between properties to meet parking requirements,
reducing parking requirements in strategic areas of the City, and promoting pervious pavers and reinforced turf
grass as parking material. Complete the Code Ordinance Worksheet to ensure that the City’s code encourage
Better Site Design.
The Mississippi River and Rice Creek were included on the MPCA’s Draft 2018 TMDL list and Springbrook
Creek was listed on the MPCA’s Draft 2018 Impaired Water List.
Action Steps: Cooperate with the RCWD, CCWD, MWMO, and Anoka Conservation District to complete and
implement the TMDLs for these waterbodies. Implement GreenStep Cities Best Management Practices where
Discharges to the storm sewer system besides stormwater are a point source pollution. Detecting and
eliminating illicit discharges are requirements of the City’s MS4 permit.
Action Steps:
to illicit discharge and a system for recording reported illicit discharges. Provide property owners with
information on proper solid and hazardous waste handling during the construction process.
Good housekeeping practices and maintenance of public stormwater facilities ensure BMP functionality.
Action Steps: Keep facilities inventory up-to-date. Continue to use SWAMP program to prioritize maintenance
of stormwater BMPs and evaluate sediment levels in waterbodies. Continue good housekeeping procedures
as required by the MS4 permit. Develop enforcement procedures in coordination with watershed partners to
ensure that privately held maintenance agreements are followed.
as a result of climate change.
Action Steps:
evolving climate data and best practices. Update and enact the City of Fridley’s Emergency Operations Plan to
address impacts from climate change and extreme weather events.
Fridley relies on groundwater for its drinking water supply treats water to meet health standards. Groundwater
recharge, water conservation and water re-use help ensure an adequate water supply in the future. Encouraging
the use of non-potable water for non-drinking water uses can reduce water treatment costs.
Action Steps:
available.
The DWSMA for Fridley extends into neighboring communities and vice versa. Land use controls and proper
storm water management can help protect the underlying groundwater from contamination.
Action Steps: Follow the Minnesota Department of Health’s guidelines for stormwater management in
DWSMAs. Adopt the Minnesota Stormwater Manual by reference into Chapter 208. Partner with Anoka
contaminants in DWSMAs. Coordinate with neighboring communities included within Fridley’s DWSMA
regarding wellhead protection.
prioritize funding.
Action Steps: Accumulate the water quality data from multiple reporting agencies to establish current trends in
water quality. Utilize monitoring data to track progress toward meeting TMDL goals. Evaluate the installation
weather events.
improved habitat. Many of Fridley’s City parks and parks owned by partner organizations are located along
water resources. Native vegetation requires less fertilizer inputs and mowing which improves water and air
quality.
Action Steps: Support Anoka County and other partners in the creation of natural corridors. Encourage
other appropriate projects. Analyze City parks for suitable areas for no-mow grass or native perennial plantings
ordinance for consistency with updated MRCCA rules and to promote establishment of native vegetation.
Public education and outreach is an important tool in improving water quality, maintaining transparency in
City activities, and promoting civic engagement.
Action Steps: Continue existing educational activities and evaluate new outreach tactics to equitably engage
all citizens. Provide targeted education to shoreland property owners on shoreland management. Facilitate
education on the maintenance of stormwater BMPs, particularly for owners of City-installed curb cut rain
gardens.
policy goals.
Action Steps:
as part the Development Review Committee and consider need for additional ordinance or policy changes.
Create a “sustainability checklist” to encourage developers to install above and beyond minimum stormwater
treatment requirements and implement low-impact-development standards.
Adequate funding is essential for the implementation of the City’s plan.
Action Steps: Apply for grants for stormwater management projects associated with capital improvement
projects. Update the stormwater utility fee to include long-term maintenance of stormwater BMPs. Evaluate
other funding sources, such as additional grants or road assessments, to achieve objectives of the Plan.
Islands of Peace Park in winter (Source: City of Fridley)
Critical Area
Critical Area
Travel and trade along the Mississippi River spurred the City of Fridley’s early growth and cemented
the City’s river heritage. Today, access to the River’s natural, recreational, and scenic amenities
contributes to the vibrancy of Fridley as a place to live and work. The City of Fridley is committed
to managing the River as a multi-purpose resource in order to protect the River’s natural resources
alongside development and recreational access.
This Critical Area plan has been developed for the portion of the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area
(MRCCA) within the City of Fridley. It is an amended version of the Critical Area Plan that was included in
published by the Minnesota Department of Resources (DNR) on December 27, 2016. The purpose of
designating this portion of the River as a Critical Area is:
• To protect and preserve a unique and
valuable state and regional resource for the
the citizens for the state, region and nation;
• To prevent and mitigate irreversible damage
to this state, regional and national resource;
• To preserve and enhance its natural,
aesthetic, cultural, and historical value for
the public use;
• To protect and preserve the river as an
essential element in the nation, state and
region
MRCCA /MNRRA (Source: Friends of the Mississippi River)
Fridley’s Critical Area is primarily comprised of residential, institutional, and parkland uses, although there
is a small commercial center located at the intersection of East River Road and Mississippi Way NE. The
largest river front property owners are Anoka County, which manages more than two miles for parkland and
the City of Minneapolis, which manages more than a mile for the Water Works campus. In total, there are
approximately 6.25 miles of river frontage in Fridley.
The BNSF railroad yard, one of the largest rail yards in the upper Midwest, is situated directly east of the
Critical Area. Although the yard and associated right-of-way are not located within the MRCCA, safety
factors, noise pollution, and transit must be considered when evaluating the future of the Critical Area. In
2009, the Northstar Commuter Rail Service began on the BNSF between Minneapolis and Big Lake along the
BNSF route.
Island is currently maintained by Anoka County as part of the Islands of Peace Park and is used as a
recreational amenity for the City and surrounding municipalities.
9.1 Mississippi River Districts
CA-RN District
The portion of the MRCCA directly along the River north of 61
st
characterized by residential neighborhoods that are riparian, readily visible from the river or that abut riparian
parkland. The district includes parks and open space, limited commercial development, marinas, and related
land uses.
The CA-RN district must be managed to maintain the character of the river corridor within the context of
existing residential and related neighborhood development, and to protect and enhance natural habitat, parks
and open space, public river corridor views, and scenic, natural, and historic areas. Minimizing erosion and
the district.
CA-SR District
The portion of the MRCCA between the CA-RN District and East River Road north of 61
st
as part of the CA-SR (Separated from River) District. This district is characterized by its physical and visual
distance from the Mississippi River and includes land separated from the river by distance, topography,
development, or a transportation corridor. The land in this district is not readily visible from the Mississippi
River.
resources and features of the river corridor. Minimizing negative impacts to primary conservation areas and
CA-UM District
The portion of the MRCCA south of 61
st
of the river corridor, including institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential areas and parks and open
space.
untreated storm water into the river, and providing public access to and public views of the river are priorities
in the district.
View from Islands of Peace Park (Source: City of Fridley)
9.2 Future Redevelopments in the MRCCA
and 2040 Comprehensive Planning processes. The following statement, which was included in the 2020
“The Mississippi River is a hidden resource that has played a key role in the historical development of
the community. Where appropriate, future redevelopment and improvement projects should reference the
community’s river heritage by providing both direct and indirect linkages.”
redevelopment in the MRCCA. More
detail can be found in Section 1 (Land
Area 1 includes three properties locat-
ed wholly within the CA-SR Separated
from River District. The area has been
a planned realignment of Fairmont
Street, although the remaining proper-
ty is still guided as commercial.
Area 5, the Girl Scout Camp, is
one property located within the River
Neighborhoods Districte and the Sep-
arated from River District. This prop-
although the current owner Metropoli-
tan Council, will likely retain a por-
tion of the land for thei utility service
access needs.
Area 6 is located wholly within the
Separated from River District and is
zoned commercial. The best use of the
three existing properties is to remain
commercial but combined into one
peroperty.
Area 15
Mixed District. This property compris-
es part of the Transit Overlay District
(TOD), a zoning district that was developed to encourage dense, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development
within a one-half mile of the Northstar Commuter Rail Station in Fridley.
through increased building setbacks, improves visibility and public access to the Islands of Peace Park, and pro-
vides regional stormwater treatment while increasing the number and density of housing units.
A master plan for the Transit Overlay District was approved by the Fridley City Council on December 8, 2014.
City of Fridley TOD Master Plan (Source:City of Fridley)
9.3 Primary Conservation Areas
Shore Impact Zone
waters and a line parallel to it at a setback of 50 percent of the required structure setback. Reducing visual
disruptions in the SIZ is important to preserving the natural and scenic value of the River.
are not suitable for development.
The City of Fridley, in collaboration with the
Anoka Conservation District and the Coon
Creek Watershed District, completed an exten-
Mississippi River in 2015. This project stabi-
lized eroding banks that threatened 21 homes
and reduced annual sediment and phospho-
rus discharge into the River by approximately
633,600 lbs and 507 lbs respectively.
Water Resources
-
-
National Wetland Inventory as well as through
the 1993 City of Fridley Wetland Inventory.
Floodplains for several drainage ways (Oak
Creek, and Rice Creek) as well as for the
Mississippi River are located in Fridley.FEMA
have undergone slight revisions. As additon-
al modeling data is released, these mpas are
the City within the Floodway Overlay Zoning
District .
(Source:City of Fridley)
Unstable Soils and Bedrock
There are eight soil types within Fridley’s reach of the Mississippi River Corridor study area: Anoka, Becker,
and Marsh are alluvial soils or soils of a high water table. Characteristically, these soils are poorly drained with
foundations. As slopes increase, the cost of grading roads, streets, laying sewer and water mains increases. The
Cut and Fill soils take on the characteristics of the neighboring soil. The Cut and Fill area in Fridley’s reach of
Certain areas along the Mississippi River have been known to experience slope shifting also known as mass
wasting. Changes in precipitation or groundwater level may accelerate or exacerbate these types of events.
Vegetation
One tree species found commonly in the Critical Area is the green ash, which is vulnerable to a new invasive
pest to Minnesota, the emerald ash borer. This pest can quickly cause ash tree mortality and result in drastic
under quarantine by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The City of Fridley has developed an emerald
ash borer plan to maintain tree cover and improve the resiliency of our urban forest.
-
-
brook Nature Center that is connected to the Critical Area via Springbrook Creek.
Opportunities for vegetative restoration
Framework for Identifying Vegetation Resto-
ration Priorities. Many of the areas include
residential portions of the City located with-
and River’s Edge Way neighborhoods as
well as the multi-family properties locat-
ed directly north of Interstate 694. While
the City of Fridley’s Critical Area overlay
district prevents clear cutting in these areas,
detection of clear cutting that is screened
location of the Riverview Terrace road
directly along the River also contributes to a
lack of vegetation in the northern portion of
the City.
Mowed turf shoreline (Source: City of Fridley)
Metropolitan Council maintains an access road.
Cultural and Historic Properties
this building served many purposes over the years including as a tavern, overnight lodging place, homestead for
a dairy farm, and a summer home and retreat for young people from the city. The building currently sits within
-
other site important to Fridley’s history. This 1880’s home currently serves as a special event facility.
)
Source: City of Fridley)
Other PCAs
9.4 Open Space and Recreational Facilities
The MRCCA shares a border with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA), a unit of
the National Park Service. There are ten parks located within the Critical Area in Fridley and approximately
2.3 miles of river frontage is managed as parkland. The Critical Area also contains a portion of the multi-state
Mississippi River Trail (MRT).
Of the ten parks located within the Critical Area, one is a regional special-use park owned by Anoka County
(Riverfront Park), two are county parks (Manomin and Islands of Peace), four are neighborhood
Manomin, River’s Edge Way, Islands of Peace, Riverfront).
Riverfront Regional Park contains a boat launch area. Water depths are shallow in this part of the river; so the
boat launch is not frequently used for motorized craft. Other access points to the river are pedestrian oriented
and allow visitors to launch canoes and kayaks. River’s Edge Way is an undeveloped park that is maintained
in a natural state for use as a possible trail connection and access point in the future.
Recreational Facilities
Size (Acres)Recreational Facilities
Owner
Park
City of FridleyTrails; picnic area
7.4
ManominAnoka CountyTrails; picnic area;
15.0
River Edge WayCity of Fridley
1.3
None
Islands of PeaceAnoka County/City of Trails; picnic area; canoe launch
79.0
Fridley
Riverfront RegionalAnoka CountyTrails; pcinic area; boat launch; playground
60.0
Despite the large amount of park space, these parks are historically under utilized. As part of the 2017 Citizen
Survey, Fridley residents were surveyed on methods to increase use of the parks. Direct access to a bike trail
was the second most common recommendation which emphasizes the need for increased publicity of the ex
-
isting trails as well as increased connectivity within the Fridley trail system. The City is addressing these gaps
through an evolving Active Transportation Plan (ATP). In the latest version of the ATP, East River Road and
portions of Riverview Terrace were designated as priority streets for trails and sidewalks (see Chapter X for
more information). Plowing trails during the winter is also crucial to ensuring year-round recreational opportu
-
nities.
Increased canoeing and boating access was also a common theme in the survey. The City currently only con
-
tains one vehicle accessible boat ramp along the river, formal canoe launch, and no opportunities to store or rent
kayaks/canoes.
Desired Features in Riverfront Parks
Direct access to a bike trail
Restaurant on the river
Handicapped accessible canoe launch
Kayak rental station
Ability to rent a boat slip
Boat launch
Fishing pier
More populated
Better lighting
9.5 Public River Corridor Views (PRCVs)
neighborhood were proposed in the 1980 Critical Area Plan. Of these proposed scenic overlooks, the Kimball
Street overlook was actually developed and today provides river-viewing opportunities. An additional scenic
section of land.
Many of the riverfront parks for Fridley and the Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center are located
across from one of another or the River’s undisturbed islands. These natural viewsheds are a scenic amenity
for park visitors, providing an opportunity to connect with nature in the middle of an urban area.
View of Fridley shoreline from River Park in the City of Brooklyn Park
(Source: City of Fridley)
View of Durnham Island from Chase Island in Islands of Peace Park in Fridley (Source: City of Fridley)
9.6 Transportation and Public Utilities
Transportation
There are three main transportation facilities located within or near the Fridley Critical Area-
Interstate 694, East River Road, and the BNSF Railroad. Interstate 694 is the only vehicular transportation
-
-
ropolitan sub-regions.
along the River. A master plan for the East River Road corridor was developed by Anoka County and the
Cities of Coon Rapids and Fridley in 2012. Recommendations including addition of trails and transitioning
certain connector streets to cul-de-sacs. Improvements to East River Road are expected to be implemented as
funding permits over time.
East River Road Vision Statement
The Cities of Fridley and Coon Rapids, with Anoka County, will develop a safe and visually appealing cor-
pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections.
the location of the railroad is a barrier for transportation into and out of the Critical Area as there are limited
roads and trails which cross the tracks. On the other hand, the North Star Commuter Line provides a conve-
nient mode of public transit into Fridley, allowing regional access to the City’s and County’s riverfront parks.
Transmission Service/Utilities
There are transmission line crossings as well as natural gas line crossings underneath the River in the Fridley
Critical Area. Since the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, two 42-inch sanitary sewer forcemains have been installed
by the Metropolitan Council under the River to connect to a sanitary sewer pump house in Brooklyn Park.
Storm sewers in the City of Fridley range in size from 12-inches to 84-inches. While outfalls used to discharge
reduce velocities and improve water quality.
Water Intake Facilities
Both the Saint Paul Water Pumping Station and the Minneapolis Water Works exist in the Fridley Critical
Area. The Saint Paul Pumping Station is located east of 75th Way NE in the CA-RN River Neighborhood Dis-
9.7 Surface Water and Water Oriented Uses
The Mississippi River is a “working river” and is utilized as an important mode of transportation into and out
The City of Fridley’s reach of the river corridor does not contain a navigation channel maintained by the
Sea Plane Activity
-
ing the river for this purpose would occur strictly on an emergency basis.
Recreational Boating
Small motorized watercraft can access the River in Fridley from the Riverfront Regional Park. Additionally,
some private properties maintain personal docks. During the 2017 Citizen Survey, Fridley residents indicated
an interest in non-motorized boating along the River, including the ability to rent and store canoes and kayaks.
9.8 Resiliency
Communities along waterways such as the Mississippi River are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of
of increased rain storms and high water levels on the stability of its shorelines, the functioning of its infra-
-
ing can also minimize risks to life and property.
9.9 Goals and Objectives
These goals and objectives have been agreed upon related to the vision of keeping Fridley safe, vibrant,
friendly, and stable:
Goal # 1: Provide a Safe environment for residents and businesses.
Objectives:
•
• Flood storage is provided to accommodate rising water.
• Shorelines are planted with deep-rooted native vegetation to reduce soil erosion and
potential for bank failure.
Goal # 2: Provide a Vibrant community in the Twin Cities.
Objectives:
• Access to the river is enjoyed equitably through various modes and in balance with
protection of natural resources.
• Residents on both sides of the River are able to enjoy scenic views and natural set-
tings from public and other valued areas.
• -
ral resources, primary conservation areas, and scenic amenities of the Critical Area.
• Improve the accessibility of the MRCCA to residents on the eastern side of the City.
Goal # 3: Continue to be known as Friendly Fridley in the Twin Cities
Objectives:
• Coordinate with our partners such as Anoka County, Watershed Districts, the
management of the MRCCA.
•
Goal # 4: Provide a Stable environment in which families and businesses can
thrive.
Objectives:
• -
plains, and Primary Conservation Areas.
• Design and manage the Critical Area for resiliency against climate change.
9.10 Policies
• Ensure new development along the riverfront has a relationship to the river, a need for a river location, the
potential to increase river access, and is capable of enhancing the river environment.
• Require open space provisions and encourage public spaces (such as overlooks, plazas, historic
landscapes, or interpretive facilities) where possible in new development or redevelopment projects in the
corridor.
• Promote development that respects the natural environment and is consistent with Critical Area Plan, the
Transit Oriented Development Master Plan, site development policies, and the Shoreland, Critical Area,
Transit Oriented Development, and Floodplain zoning overlay districts.
•
protect endangered, threatened and rare species and their habitats.
•
• Prioritize PCA types for protection through evaluation criteria when development sites contain multiple
types of PCAs and the total area of PCAs exceed the required set aside percentages.
• Promote uninterrupted vegetated shorelines along the Mississippi and its tributary streams and ravines
of the river and the opposite shore and to provide ecological corridors to nearby natural areas (such as
Springbrook Nature Center).
• Prohibit clear cutting and encourage property owners within the river corridor to manage invasive species
and replace diseased trees with diverse, native vegetation to control erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and
increase resilience.
• Require park dedication that is generated within the corridor to consist of land within the corridor or if
cash is given in lieu of land, the cash should be used towards improving open space, riverfront access, or
other public service within the River Corridor.
• Facilitate, support and encourage the conversion of non-conforming uses to conforming uses and prohibit
the reconstruction of non-conforming uses that are severely damaged within the Corridor.
•
enhance water quality.
• Design transportation to minimize impacts on residential, recreational and environmentally sensitive areas.
• Enforce complete compliance with air and noise quality standards and regulations established by state and
federal agencies.
•
Native American groups, and any other interested organizations to identify, protect, and preserve historic
sites, historic buildings and archaeological resources within the corridor.
• Reduce the use of salt on area roads by encouraging greater use of alternative materials for winter mainte-
nance while considering public safety needs.
• Provide easements for future trail corridors and connections in new developments, redevelopments, and
appropriate tax-forfeited parcels within the Corridor.
• Evaluate options to facilitate crossing the BNSF railroad from the eastern side of the City into the Corri-
dor.
• Coordinate with Anoka County on the management of Riverfront Parks to reduce the environmental im-
pacts of parks and promote increased environmental resilience.
• Promote Fridley’s riverfront parks as destinations for users of the NorthStar Commuter Rail.
• Promote opportunities for multi-modal transportation including bicycle, kayak, canoe-sharing and use.
• Manage islands within the corridor as open space.
• -
ical Area Corridor.
• Encourage the use of riverfront parks for festivals and other programming that promotes the City’s natural
heritage.
• Protect and minimize impacts to Public River Corridor Views from public and private development activi-
ties as well as vegetation management activities.
• Coordinate with river corridor neighborhoods to identify additional river views or corridors and link them
with the City’s Active Transportation Plan
•
natural features.
• Prohibit installation of billboards or other advertisement signs that are visible from the river or its opposite
shores.
•
and do not stimulate incompatible development.
• In planning and designing the construction or reconstruction of all public transportation facilities which
occur within the river corridor, consider provisions for scenic overlooks, alternative transportation use,
and stormwater treatment
• Minimize utility crossings and encourage the location of necessary crossings along existing bridges and
utility crossings. If feasible, crossings should be underground and should not negatively impact natural or
• Encourage the placement of utilities underground.
• Manage the use of River for complimentary recreational uses.
• Evaluate commercial uses of the River in Fridley as they occur.
9.11 Action Steps
The DNR recently updated the rules and regulations regarding Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area that
Action Steps: -
trict, and Chapter 205.27 Flood Plain Management overlay district for compliance with the goals and policies
zoning map with new MRCCA districts.
The City’s riverfront is the most vulnerable area of the City to climate change. Appropriate shoreland best
-
cient time to implement these best practices is during redevelopment.
Action Steps:
Critical Area. Install and utilize low-impact design, energy conservation, low maintenance turf grass, pollina-
The City of Fridley’s riverfront parks are historically under utilized for recreation. Current barriers for park
use include lack of crossings over the BNSF railroad to the Parks, trail gaps to reach the parks via multi-mod-
al transportation, and a lack of amenities.
Action Steps:
Include funding for trails within the budget for Capital Investment Projects. Coordinate with the BNSF rail-
road to establish methods to safely cross the railway to access the Critical Area. Coordinate with partners to
promote the River and riverfront parks as destinations and install infrastructure to support multi-modal trans-
portation. Evaluate the feasibility of developing a visitor interpretation center at Islands of Peace Park as part
of the redevelopment of the NorthStar Transit Overlay District. Implement the Transit Overlay District to
bring restaurants and other commercial amenities closer to the Islands of Peace Park.
Natural views provide a scenic amenity to visitors of Fridley’s riverfront parks and enhance riverfront proper-
ty. Land management activities undertaken in Fridley impact the Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center
and vice versa. Maintaining Public River Corridor Views (PRCVs) is important for protecting the River’s
character.
Action Steps: Compile information on PRCVs so that property owners understand how PRCV-relevant
ordinance requirements apply to their property for project planning and permitting and update website on
summary of Fridley codes. Specify procedures for processing applications with potential impacts to PRCVs,
appropriate mitigation. Coordinate with the Cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center to protect PRCVs
Islands of Peace Park (Source: City of Fridley)