DRAFT 171ST STUDY 04-27-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BACKGROUND OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES Existing conditions for i7~st Avenue FAST present terrific opportunities, as well as numerous challenges. This master plan looks to capitalize on the inherent opportunities within the study area and address the challenges that exist today. A summary of opportunities and challenges follows: Opportunities » Northstar Commuter Rail Station: The new Northstar Commuter Rail Station will likely bring additional tra f f is beyond the current bus service which could increase development interest. In the long term, as the Northstar commuter rail continues to mature by adding trains, extending the line north to St. Cloud and providing more reverse commute trips, the Northstar line will continue to play a key role in the evolution o f the study area. » Orientation and access to Highway ~0/~69: A primary transportation corridor in the northwest metro, Highway ~o/i6g has the potential to draw new o f fice, retail and industrial uses within the FAST area. In the near term, smaller more service oriented uses could develop nearthe existingsignal at i7ist to help serve the commuter rail station and residents o f southeast Elk River. Longer term with the transition o f the roadway into a freeway section, larger retail and of fice users would likely be attracted to the new interchange location. The visibility provided by Highway io/~6g alone is a tremendous asset for the ~7~st Avenue FAST. The volume o f tra f f is moving through the interchange at the Highway ~o~ & ~o/~6g provides high visibility for a potential iconic development - in the north, while at the southern end o f •=- the study area the vast acres o f agricultural •~~ Secondary sWtly area - - Gateway Wumw wrk Natural gu tine (97.5' eax+m.1 • • • • Overneaa Utdiry (10' easemt.l Waco "~' t,; tt .t 1•~ ~T H iv drab s 3 ~ Ok.i land provide a threshold for another iconic bookend development and views deep into the site. The RDF plant may have the potential to reinvent itsel f as an iconic anchor f or the area at the southern gateway to Energy City. Twin Lakes Parkway: Envisioned as the sub-regional collector for east Elk River, Twin Lakes Parkway has the potential to be a strong community corridor. Nearly all businesses and residents o f east Elk River will utilize Twin Lakes Parkway for access to and from the larger regional highway system. Streetscape enhancements, appropriate lighting, landscapingand pedestrian amenities along the corridor will help transform Twin Lakes Parkway into a complete street for automobiles, bikes and pedestrians. The physical design and geometry of the roadway is an ~, 17181. C7V@r1U@ Focused Area STudy Opportunities and Challenges Map