8.4. SR 06-15-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Re-evaluating the FAST District We understand that current City ordinances and policies must align with the desired outcomes envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan as per Minnesota Statutes Section 462.356 which anticipates that zoning regulations must be reviewed and updated to ensure implementable land use plans. The planning process should include a review of current and proposed ordinances, such as the Southern Twin Lakes Road Business District, to ensure consistency between City regulations and Plan objectives. Ultimately, the Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that should be used to inform updates to the City's regulatory framework. Where possible, the Comprehensive Plan should identify approaches to simplifying regulations, including the zoning ordinance, and removing barriers to facilitating desired future development. Conservation and Natural Resources The Elk River watershed spans 613 square miles and is a defining feature of the community. The watershed has suffered from high levels of pollutants in the past, but has seen roughly 275 water improvement projects since 1994. Better water quality has been recorded in both Lake Orono and Elk Lake over the last 10 years, but still exceed the state level for safe bacteria. The Mississippi River, the Elk River, Lake Orono, William H Houlton Conservation Area, and Woodland Trails Regional Park are major attractions and natural assets for residents and visitors alike. Water quality and other factors that affect the quality of the environment are important considerations to ensure Elk River continues to be "Powered by Nature" The Comprehensive Plan should incorporate strategies to strengthen and improve the quality of these assets. This could include exploring green stormwater infrastructure strategies to mitigate pollutant runoff and developing a more extensive greenway network to expand access to the wider community. Also important to the Comprehensive Plan will be the study and integration of objectives laid out in the 2015 Park and Recreation Master Plan and updated Trail Master Plan completed in 2018 into a single cohesive document. At Houseal Lavigne we understand that a balance must be struck between accommodating future development and the conservation and preservation of the natural and agricultural areas so critical to the Elk River community's identity. Sustainable growth management strategies need to be fully addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. This is to ensure both the preservation conservation of natural resources, native habitats, and landscapes as well as the efficient expansion of existing service areas for the utilities and water infrastructure managed by Elk River Municipal Utilities. Sustainable Growth in North Elk River Elk River is home to a number of unique land uses. This includes the growing Elk River Extreme (ERX) Motor Park, an all -season motorsports and events facility hosting over 30,000 fans a year. The ERX Motor Park is located in north -central Elk River, an area of the City that also contains a 2,600-acre gravel mining area that is expected to host mining operations for the next 30+ years. In 2015 the City adopted the Elk River Gravel Mining Area Plan to proactively plan for land use, transportation, and utility in the region as areas of the "Development Reserve" gravel mining operations come to a close. The Gravel Mining Area Plan is an important document to help identify strategies to facilitate development while minimizing long term externalities associates with scattered development. The Comprehensive Plan should integrate recommendations made in this Plan while anticipating growth of unique uses such as the ERX area to provide a framework for sustainable growth in the City. City of Elk River, Minnesota I Comprehensive Plan Update 17 Prepared by Houseal Lavigne