8.1 PCSR 01-26-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Energy City 2024 Action Plan • The city of Elk River's goal"is to make Elk River the most energy responsible city in Minnesota" • Ecology fits perfectly into this plan by using multiple sources of"energy and water efficient and cost-effective building materials","reduc(ing)solid waste impact",and"promot(ing)walking and biking within the city". (A2,A4,Al0) • Ecology will also assist the city of Elk River by achieving three more steps in the GreenSteps program. a. This action plan is asking for the City to achieve only 1 additional step. (C7) b. The three steps are laid out below. 171'Avenue Focused Area Study(FAST) • The FAST area is defined as the"Area around the transit station(that)will emerge as a prime location for housing,office and neighborhood retail with a compelling village atmosphere." (pg.36 FAST Final Plan 6-24-10)It will have a"diverse employment base"including green businesses. o Ecology will be a leading"green"business that will be comprised of a mixed use vertical building with 90+ residential units,restaurant,and community garden. It will also serve as place to gather crucial data on energy use and savings through a building management program. All Data collected will be public knowledge for future development • "The Mississippi River provides the greatest natural amenity opportunity for residents for recreational use.The large wetland complex offers great amenity opportunities for residential and office development... Combined with an integrated trail network to connecting these natural amenities with city parks and commercial nodes these broad natural systems can be a tremendous asset to the FAST project area"(pg. 11 FAST Final Plan 6-24-10) o Ecology fits right into this opportunity as laid out by the City of Elk River and is situated at a location where future trails are planned to be installed. We will install the trail system along the portion of Yale Ct abutting the building • While Ecology will not be positioned in the Eco-Business Park as laid out in the plan,it will be seen as a leading"Energy City"building within Elk River and the state as a result of all the green building initiatives being implemented • Ecology will help provide retail and housing,along with a new park and open space for the residents of Elk River,this will be accessible by all income levels through the tiff program and our current under market rental rates. Green Steps Program: • Currently the city of Elk River has completed 21 of the green steps. • 3 new Best Practice goals will be met with the development of Ecology,increasing Elk River's total to 24 completed steps. o Best Practice#3(#4&#5):New Green Buildings • Ecology will be built utilizing a green building framework • The Ecology building with have a"common interest community" • Native vegetation.Utilize renewable energy,Community garden used by the residents and businesstrestaurant,and Utilize storm water for irrigation • Ecology will use only EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances throughout the building and use only LED lighting and renewable energy sources. o Best Practice#17(#5):Innovative Stormwater Management • Ecology will capture rainwater to irrigate the community garden and native vegetation around the building and throughout the living roof o Best Practice#23(#4&#5):Local Air Quality • Ecology is planning to have a public charging stations for plug in hybrid and full electric vehicles,in addition to the charging stations in the parking garage for the residents and business employees,a first in Elk River. • In addition,Ecology will solidify Elk River's progress in the program by enhancing 10 steps Elk River has already accomplished(Best Practice#4,#7,#8,#12,#18,#22,#25,#26,#27,#28) A complete list of support for all of Elk River's plans and how Ecology fits into them will be supplied at or before the planning commission public hearing. 2 of 2