5.1. SR 01-17-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~~. ~. River- SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM CITY OF ELK RIVER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN CITY OF ELK RIVER The comprehensive plan, Building the Future - A Comprehensive Plan for Elk River, dated August 2004, prepared by Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., is referenced in this site analysis as it applies to the site selection for the Elk River Library. Vision: The Vision included in the comprehensive plan "encourages the community to consider the future, even a future that is twenty years distant." Choices for the library site must reflect this long-range approach for "evaluating proposals, projects, ideas, and new directions." The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for public investments in infrastructure and facilities. The development of the library needs to be coordinated with the capital improvements plan. Community Context: The existing conditions, history and heritage are to be considered in the development of the community. Growth trends show a dramatic historical increased population. The immediate population of the City grew to 16,447 in the year 2000. However, the population of Elk River is growing older - with historical growth consisting of 55% between the ages of 25 and 59. Most importantly, children (19 years and younger) make up one-third of Elk River's 2000 population. Land Use: The current City of Elk River covers 44 square miles. The largest area of the city was added in 1978 by merging with Elk River Township. This expansion provided the capacity for recent development. A plan for the analysis of the types of developments may be planned but not the timing of growth. Existing land uses for the three sites include Residential, Public/Semi-Public, and Open Space uses. Transportation: The Transportation Plan adopted by the City of Elk River examines the operational aspects of the local street system, traffic conditions and potential improvements. Corridor management plans are for existing highways and do not apply to the three sites. County roadways do have more significant impacts. The arterial routes - including Orono Parkway and the Orono Road and Main Street are critical major collectors. Assumptions about road development do impact the site location - and all are adjacent to major collectors. Housing: Population growth has resulted in new housing. In each of the past three decades the increase in population ranged from 4,358 to 5.304. From 1991 to 2001 the City issued building permits for 2,264 new housing units. The development of Elk River could result in nearly 16,000 more residents in the next twenty years. Parks: City owned parks are identified in the Comprehensive Plan. A system of trails also connects the community. The plan contains an analysis of park needs and elements of the proposed parks and trail systems and implementation strategies. Two types of parks are designated, including "community parks" that have an "active use orientation." These parks "contain a combination of uses designed around gatherings and outdoor play." The Orono Park is part of the site analysis and is designated and has been developed as a Community Park. KKE ARCHITECTS: 0606.1159.01 SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY REPORT - 20-