7. PCSR 03-11-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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41. Accessibility: ' The City of Elk River is committed to design standards that comply with the American Disability. Act. 42• Public Need for and Benefit of Project for Specified Users (please justify all trail uses indicated from 34 under General Project Information above): 1.Connects high density mixed use devlopment to natural and recreational resource. 2. Creates an opportunity to utilize Babcock Park parking lot for large community events held in River's Edge Commons Park. 3. The 2007 Elk River Redevlopement Task Force identified a long range vision for the 400 acre core of Elk River. The draft report, entitled Mississippi Connections" identified trails and connections to the river as a key element of revitalizing downtown Elk River and it's surrounding core villiage. 4. Identified in the City of Elk Rivers trail master plan. 5. Identified in the Sherburne County's trail master plan. 6. Aligns with the future Anoka County Mississippi River Regional Trail northern alignment. 7. Contributes to the goal of providing a safe pedestrian route to Elk River's Northstar Commuter rail station which is approximately one mile southeast of Babcock Memorial Park. 8. A 2006 walkability study of Elk River conducted by Bethel University nursing students identified this corridor as having the lowest ranking walkabilty score in Elk River. 9. Creates a link between the Great Northern Trail and a future Mississippi River trail corridor. 43. ~ Community Commitment to Trail Use: In 1990 the City of Elk River commissioned the firm of Sanders, Wacker, Wehrman, Bergly Inc. to develop a master park and recreation plan. This plan identified key pedestrian routes that should be developed: Since 1990 the city has has added over 40 miles of public pathway. This project would create a lcey link identified in the original 1990 trail plan. A survey of of recreational preference taken while preparing the master plan indicated that walking was the number one recreational activity in Elk River. 44. Impact on Adjoining Landowners in the Vicinity of the Project: This project is entirely within MNDOT right of way. MNDOT personnel have indicated that a limited use permit can be granted for this project. 45. Attention to the Potential Environmental Impact of the Project and Efforts to Avoid or Mitigate Adverse Effects: The City of Elk River is committed to a planning process that takes into acount any environmental impact. It is proposed that the existing eroded slopes be restored utilizing native plantings and innovative stormwater management practices in order to protect water quality. It is proposed that the plans for this project will be reviewed by the city's Technical Evaluation Panel consisting of staff from DNR, the Board of Soil and Water the Page 5