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Creative Solutions for Land Planning and Design
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Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
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MEMORANDUM
August 7, 2002
To: Craig Dawson, Shorewood City Manager
Myles McGrath, Excelsior City Manager
From: Bruce Chamberlain, Planning Consultant
Re: South Lake Minnetonka Vision Plan
Enclosed please find a draft of the final report for the South Lake MinnetonkaVision
Plan. The draft can be used for discussion purposes with the Shorewood City Council on
August 12 and the Excelsior City Council on August 19.
As we discussed earlier, one element of the plan each community may want to strengthen
is the development of some strategies for each community independent of collaborative
community efforts. I would like to use discussion with the City Councils to address this
topic.
Remember also that ultimately the final product for the project is intended to be a
brochure or flier for distribution to the community. Once feedback from each of the City
Council's is incorporated into the Plan, the consulting team will design the brochure and
prepare final artwork for printing and distribution by the communities.
I look forward to reviewing the Plan with your respective City Councils. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
M: IShorewoodlsouth lk visionlreportlsubmit _ memo. doc
123 North Third Street, Suite 100. Minneapolis. MN 55401-1659
Ph (612) 338-0800 Fx (612) 338-6838
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prepared for:
The City of Shorewood, Minnesota
and
The City of Excelsior, Minnesota
August 7, 2002
mil
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by
Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
Lawless Institute
MMC Associates
"
Why Visioning??? ......... ...... ...... ......... ................................. ............... 1
The Study Area ... ...... ...... .......... .......... ....... ........ ............ .......... ........... 1
The Planning Process ..................................................... ............... ..... 2
What the South Lake Community Told Us ........................................ 4
The Vision........................................................................................... 7
A Structure to Implement the Vision .................................................. 9
Objective and Strategies.. ....... ...... ............ .......................... .............. 10
Conclusion ............... ................. ...................... ................... ............... 15
Workshop Results ........................................ ......................... Appendix
Sl1UtliLake ,M':nnetl7nk.a 1/':5-/17n j>tan
Table of Contents
At its core, community visioning is intended to help ensure a high quality of life
for South Lake Minnetonka well into the future. A community's quality of life is
influenced by all sorts of internal and external forces - many of which are touched
upon in this Vision.
As the process unfolded, many community members asked why a visioning project
is necessary - "things are going fine" - "we enj oy life in South Lake Minnetonka".
The response is "change". Communities constantly change and often we don't
recognize what we appreciate about a place until a series of small changes has
taken away that quality forever. Visioning is about recognizing the qualities we
dearly want to hold on to, those we would like to alter and a strategy to accomplish
it. The South Lake Minnetonka Vision is intended to:
Establish a shared vision among Excelsior and Shorewood and hopefully
other South Lake Minnetonka communities
Identify community issues and values
Prioritize community needs
Act as a roadmap for future decisions and investments
Increase stakeholder involvement in the decision-making process
Act as an open invitation for cooperation among all South Lake Minnetonka
communities and organizations
The active partners in this project are the citizens, businesses, service organizations
and local governments of Excelsior and Shorewood. However, since one of the
primary goals of the project is to serve as an open invitation for participation by
other South Lake Minnetonka communities, the study area is generally defined as
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Why Visioning???
The Study Area...
Page 1
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the communities of Excelsior, Shorewood, Deephaven, Tonka Bay and Greenwood.
The strategies developed for the project are in some cases focused onjust the partner
communities of Excelsior and Shorewood and in. some cases broad enough to be
inclusive of other communities should they choose to participate.
Community members were at the heart of this project's outcome. Residents,
organizations and businesses actively participated in various ways to collectively
envision a future for South Lake Minnetonka.
The first stage of the project, personal interviews, gathered in-depth information
from individuals, household groups, organizations and businesses. The second stage,
public consensus-building, involved the public-at-Iarge to participate in selecting
the best approach to achieving the community's shared vision. It is important to
note that even though the communities of Excelsior and Shorewood were the active
partners in the project, invitations to participate in the process were extended to all
South Lake Minnetonka community members, some of whom took up the offer.
The following techniques were used to gather community input:
Personal Interviews:
1. Household Interviews: A cross-section of households in Excelsior and
Shorewood were invited to participate in in-home household interviews.
The household sample was representative according to significant
demographics (e.g., renters/homeowners, long-term vs. short-term
residents, East-sideIWest -side, lakeshorelnon lakeshore residents, seniors!
youth/IS to 64 year-olds, minorities). All members of participating
households, including teenagers, were encouraged to participate in order
to hear from a range of generations and viewpoints. The interviews
were conversational and open-ended to allow for discussion of
unanticipated topics.
2. Business and Organization Interviews: In-person interviews with business
representatives and organization leaders in the South Lake Minnetonka
area were also conducted. A range of service and retail businesses were
interviewed. Organizations included non-profits, schools, religious
communities, and volunteer groups. Business owners, managers or
organizational leaders were free to include others involved in the
organization in the interview.
SI7U th.- Lake .M inutl7nJor, 1/i5't"n Plan
The Planning
Process...
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3. The Community through Residents' Eyes: Each interviewed household
and organization received a disposable camera. The participants were
asked to take photographs of places that are significant to South Lake
Minnetonka's quality of life and write short descriptions of each photo.
The photos were reviewed by the consulting team and organized into
major themes.
4. My Neighborhood Is...: On an aerial photo of the South Lake Minnetonka
area, each interviewed household was also asked to draw a boundary
around what they consider their neighborhood. Maps were compiled
and synthesized to indicate the major findings.
Consensus-Building Workshops:
Three public workshops (one visioning and two strategy development) were held to
involve the community in preparing the South Lake Minnetonka Vision. The
workshops were organized in slightly different manners. The visioning workshop
relied primarily on the participation of the community-at-Iarge for its outcome. The
strategy workshops invited the public to participate but relied more heavily on the
involvement of the Excelsior and Shorewood City Councils and Commissions for
its outcome. Results of the workshops are included as attachments to this report.
The visioning workshop focused on presenting the community with information
gathered through the personal interviews as well as involving participants in an
exercise to gain a pulse on potentially controversial topics. The second workshop, a
strategy workshop, was used to evaluate the draft vision statement, receive community
response to the organizational structure and identify areas of focus for the Vision
Plan. The third and final community workshop allowed participants to evaluate
draft strategies prepared to implement the vision and identify priority strategies.
As part of the personal interviews, the consulting team gathered input from 120
residents, business owners, and organization leaders. Data came from five sources:
· 66 in-depth interviews
· 67 responses to the Web survey
· 2 focus groups conducted by Southshore Center Advisory' Board and
Minnetonka West Middle School
· maps drawn by 29 residents
· photographs taken by 15 households
::5l7Uth- Lau Minnetl7nka 1/iJtpn Flan
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There were several "themes" that became apparent during the outreach process.
The findings were presented at a Public Visioning Workshop and documented in a
report under separate cover entitled South Lake Community Visioning Process -
Community Outreach Findings, February 19, 2002. Below is a synopsis of key
findings organized by the set of themes that became apparent.
Quality of Life
The South Lake area provides a high quality of life primarily due to its small-town
feel, recreational amenities, lake access, quality schools and the presence of downtown
Excelsior. Many feel that increased traffic threatens their quality of life. Most
Residents want to stay in the area.
1. The South Lake area provides a high quality of life.
2. Most people plan on staying in the area.
3. The rural, small-town feel is critical to the area's livability.
4. Residents value the outdoor recreation opportunities in the South Lake area.
S. Lake access is essential.
6. The vitality of downtown Excelsior is important to the area's livability.
7. High-quality schools attract families to the area.
8. Open space is seen as a key contributor to quality of life
Local Identity
South Lake residents share a common identity based on two primary components.
The first is the history, presence and reputation of downtown Excelsior. The Second
is the natural, recreational and scenic amenity of Lake Minnetonka. There is a concern
that new development is negatively altering the area's character.
1. South Lake residents share a sense of place.
2. Excelsior gives South Lake residents a sense of geographical and historical
identity.
3. Lake Minnetonka defines the South Lake area, which is foremost a "lake
community. "
4. Trees, lakes, open space and wetlands are key features of the South Lake
identity.
S. The irregular city boundaries sometimes confuse South Lake citizens.
Sense of Community
Most are satisfied with the sense of community in the South Lake area although
neighborhoods with larger lots, few or no sidewalks/trails and limited places to gather
find community-building a challenge. Public celebrations, the arts, definable
:5t7Ut~ Lau .Minn~tpnJca Viftpn ?tltn
What the South
Lake Community
Told Us...
Page 4
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neighborhoods, trails, parks and neighborhood children contribute to a strong sense
of place.
1. Most are satisfied with the area's sense of community.
2. The layout of Shorewood-big lots, no city center, and a dispersed area-
makes community-building a challenge.
3. Small definable neighborhoods, public celebrations, shared activities, the
arts, and community involvement appear to increase residents' sense of
belonging.
4. The more people bike or walk, the bigger they consider their neighborhoods.
5. The community wants more gathering places.
Downtown Excelsior
Downtown Excelsior is viewed by the entire South Lake area as its downtown. Most
are proud of downtown but concerned about it become only a tourist destination,
void of community services and goods such as drug stores, hardware stores and
restaurants.
1. Many residents of Shorewood view Excelsior as the downtown for the South
Lake area.
2. Residents value the historical quaintness of Excelsior, but fear the downtown
area is losing its vitality.
3. Residents don't want antique and gift stores to dominate downtown.
4. A different mix of businesses would better draw residents to the downtown.
5. More restaurants are wanted in downtown Excelsior.
6. Businesses and residents desire a solution to the limited availability of parking.
Business Climate
There is a sense that the South Lake area offers a strong consumer market. Most
South Lake residents do their routine shopping in Minnetonka, Chanhassen and
Wayzata. Most want convenient big-box retail but not too close to their
neighborhoods.
1. South Lake demographics point to a high-potential market for businesses
and services.
2. Residents of Shore wood and Excelsior drive to surrounding communities of
Minnetonka, Chanhassen and Wayzata for routine shopping.
3. Residents shop at Big Box retailers, but most don't want them in Shorewood
or Excelsior.
Sf?Uth Lltu Mt'nnetl7nK.1t 1/t'Jtpn ?tltn
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4. Some feel that Excelsior and Shorewood do not adequately support business
efforts.
5. Some feel there is a lack of coordination when it comes to commercial
development in the South Lake area.
Families.& Youth
South Lake Minnetonka is primarily seen as a family environment. Children are
very often the tie that binds the community together although there is a sense that
more accommodations need to be made for youth, especially teens.
1. The South Lake area is a good place to raise families
2. Children link households together neighborhood by neighborhood.
3. The area needs more places where teens feel welcome to hang out, especially
in Excelsior.
Transportation
Traffic congestion and the lack of public transit are seen as significant problems.
Congestion is viewed as a threat to the quality of life in the South Lake area.
1. A significant portion of the population is dissatisfied with traffic levels or
patterns.
2. Residents want to preserve the narrow winding roads, but some see the need
for paths or sidewalks.
3. Trail systems are valued and used.
4. Overall, street conditions are good, but some South Lake areas have problems
with rough roads and potholes.
5. The lack of public transportation, especially for youth and senior citizens, is
a concern.
Growth & Governance
Many are concerned with the rate and character of development and feel its
diminishing the rural, small town charm that they value about the South Lake area.
In some neighborhoods, city water vs. well water seems to be a bellwether for this
sentiment. Citizens are generally satisfied with the responsiveness oflocal government
but some feel the tax burden is too high for the level of services provided. Some feel
regulations are compromising their property rights.
1. Citizens are generally satisfied with the responsiveness oflocal governments.
2. Many residents are displeased with the rate and shape of development in the
area
Sl7Utli LIl-K.e Minnetl1nM Viftpn .FIll-n
Page 6
3. Housing is becoming less affordable in the South Lake area, but most want
to keep housing density low.
4. Residents are split in their preference for city water vs. well water.
5. Some residents and businesses are concerned that regulations are
compromising their individual property rights.
6. Many consider the tax burden heavy for the services provided
Community Collaboration
There is strong support for multi-community collaboration efforts. Some suggest
that community mergers are worth considering.
1. Many cited the benefits of collaborations, such as Southshore Center and the
Excelsior Fire District.
2. Some would like to see the towns collaborate more in order to improve
efficiency.
3. Area-wide support of social services and the arts would enhance the quality
of life.
4. Some South Lake citizens proposed merging the individual communities.
Through the wealth of community input gathered as part of the project, two messages
seemed to weave together all other points of view that were heard.
The community identifies South Lake Minnetonka as a rural place in the
context of the metro area and the quality of life of South Lake is closely tied
to its rural character.
Community identity of South Lake Minnetonka cuts across municipal
boundaries. Residents who live outside of Excelsior passionately call
downtown Excelsior their downtown. New residents are often unsure which
municipality they actually live in. A great deal of cross-border cooperation
among service organizations and local governments is already taking place
within South Lake.
The first step in bringing clarity to the information gathered for the South Lake
Minnetonka Vision is the establishment of a vision statement. A vision statement
provides a broad view of South Lake Minnetonka and hopefully 1) inspires the
community to act in ways and make decisions consistent with its values and 2)
keeps the community focused on the moves that will lead to realization of its long-
term goals.
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The Vision...
Page 7
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Based on community input and feedback, a vision statement was drafted and refined
several times. The vision statement uses a rural vocabulary including words like
village and hamlet. This rural vocabulary is intended to strengthen the rural image
the community has of itself. Integrating the rural vocabulary into the way South
Lake describes and defines itself will also lead to public and private sector decisions
that further the rural identity. The vision statement also implies that the South Lake
Minnetonka area is a grouping of cooperating communities, each with their own
individuality and autonomy but at the same time always looking for smart ways to
work together. The vision statement is below:
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We envision a distinctive place
in which to Ih'c. work and visit
not defined by political boundaries
but by its inherently unique qualities;
a grouping of villages and hamlets.
characterized by their collective history
as a retreat on Lake Minnetonka, that come
together around village centers, commercial
crossroads and open space preserves. This plllec
will become recognized as "South Lake Minnetonka."
SllUth- LA-K.e .MinnetfflM 'ViftPn ?tA-n
Page 8
An organizational structure for the Vision Plan is intended to structure the community
cooperation already underway and foster even greater community cooperation over
time in an autonomous, non-threatening way. It's really about finding the common
values that exist across city boundaries and creating a unified approach to furthering
those values. This approach to South Lake Minnetonka is not only a way to organize
the Vision Plan - it is also a model for structuring intergovernmental cooperation
around topics like synergistic land use, open space preservation, roadway design,
public services and community character.
The organizational structure suggests that there are certain 1) physical spaces, 2)
services and 3) programs that are common to the grouping of South Lake communities
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A Structure to
Implement the
Vision...
Page 9
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and certain others that are best addressed at the local community level. Examples of
cooperation could include the design of an important South Lake gateway,
preservation of a greenway corridor across city limits, cooperation on recreational
programming, or making zoning decisions that have synergy across city limits.
A series of objectives and strategies have been developed around the South Lake
Minnetonka Vision to address community issues in ways that lead to realization of
the greater vision. The objectives and strategies listed below address only spaces,
services and programs identified in the approach chart above as South Lake
Minnetonka collaborative activities since collaboration developed as the primary
theme of the Vision Plan. The Community evaluated draft strategies and identified
priority items at the final workshop. Those priority strategies are highlighted in
bold.
Objective #1: Determine simple and inviting approaches to continued multi-
community collaboration in the South Lake Minnetonka area.
Issues:
South Lake collaboration may occur on many different levels between
numerous organizations and government agencies.
Collaboration will sometimes be no more than the decision to work
together or the decision to expand the reach of a program beyond a
municipal boundary but sometimes more formal agreements will be
required.
A collaborative effort with long-term success will need regular
reenergizing and reevaluation.
Addressing many of the common goals of South Lake communities will
require a strong partnership with leaders at the regional, state and federal
levels of government.
Strategies:
Prepare a "South Lake Minnetonka Collaborative Directory" that
identifies the collaborative efforts of service organizations, government
agencies, South Lake events and schools. The Directory should be
periodically updated and distributed to organizations and government
agencies in the South Lake Minnetonka area.
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Objectives
and Strategies...
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Recognize the Excelsior Area Chamber of Commerce' leadership in
South Lake collaboration and foster even stronger public/private
partnerships through Chamber activities.
Convene an annual "South Lake Summit" to identify core quality of
life issue affecting South Lake and evaluate collaborative efforts
underway to address them. Organize the Summit to be inclusive to
all of the South Lake communities by rotating the location and
organization responsibility.
As a follow-up to the South Lake Summit, convene an annual "Legislative
Roundtable" to express core South Lake quality of life issues to South
Lake's legislative delegation and identify where lobbying efforts may be
important. Based on community input to the South Lake Visioning
Project, today's core quality oflife issues that relate to regional, state and
federal policy appear to be traffic congestion, transit, life-cycle housing,
open space preservation and local redevelopment tools.
Objective #2: Collaborate on the designation, design, improvement and maintenance
of spaces with area-wide significance in South Lake Minnetonka.
Issues:
Spaces of area-wide significance can usually fall into one of three
categories: "centers", "edges" and "corridors". What centers, edges and
corridors of South Lake Minnetonka warrant collaborative attention and
investment?
Because the municipalities in the South Lake area blend together, it is
often difficult for visitors as well as residents to discern a clear and
definable boundary for South Lake.
As trails play an ever-increasing prominence in quality oflife, improving
the regional trail network is important to the area's livability.
The character of major streets and highway corridors play an important
part in people's perception of a place. What do South Lake Minnetonka
roadways say about the place?
Since suburban groWth can tend to erode sense of place, small town
character, historical identity and the natural environment; the desire to
successfully maintain them must be actively pursued.
A collaborative approach to significant South Lake spaces will provide
added clout for regional, state and federal attention and resources.
SJ7Utli .Llf-U .M t-nnetl71tK.1f- Yilt-1m. ;?tlf-1t
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Strategies:
Through a combined effort of local Park & Recreation Commissions
and City staffs, develop a collaborative approach to building and
maintaining a South Lake arterial trail system that focuses on
interconnecting important community destinations such as downtown
Excelsior, Freeman Park, Chowen Comers, and others. Arterial trails
can be defined as broader in scope than neighborhood trails/
sidewalks but more focused than regional trails such as the Southwest
Regional Trail.
Determine South Lake "gateway" treatments at strategic auto and
pedestrian gateways on Highway 7, County Road 19, Minnetonka
Boulevard, Mill Street and the Southwest Regional Trail.
Develop corridor plans for Highway 7 and County Road 19 that address
roadway character in addition to traffic accommodation. In the plans,
focus on common character elements.
Identify key Lake Minnetonka vistas from public spaces in South
Lake and develop tools and strategies to preserve them. Options for
preservation could include voluntary land owner conservation
easements, overlay zoning designation, or public acquisition when
opportunities arise. This could be accomplished by integrating visual
surveys/inventories completed by several interest groups in the
community such as the Historical Society, garden clubs, boating clubs
and others and identifying key lake views on official city maps.
Conduct a South Lake area review of community athletic facility and
programming needs and determine collaborative strategies and facilities
to meet those needs.
Identify potential greenway corridors and open spaces in South Lake
that preserve habitat and the sense of rural character. In unique
cases, greenways could also help define community edges or double
as trail corridors. Like lake views, options for preservation could
include voluntary land owner conservation easements, overlay zoning
designation, or public acquisition when opportunities arise. This
could be accomplished by building on the recently completed
Shorewood Land Conservation and Environmental Committee
Report that inventories remaining open space. Among available open
Sl7UtliLak.e Mt'nnettmka 1/tftffl ?tan
Page 12
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space, key greenway opportunities could then be mapped to target a
preservation effort.
Identify elements of improvement in Downtown Excelsior that
directly serve the entire South Lake area and strategize methods of
South Lake involvement in accomplishing those improvements. This
effort can be addressed in greater detail in the Downtown Excelsior
Master Plan currently underway.
Identify key commercial crossroads in South Lake that have
redevelopment opportunities and create redevelopment concepts for
each that can be used to express the community vision for
redevelopment. Key crossroads could be defined as neighborhood
commercial nodes that also serve as small gathering places. In order
to enhance the neighborhood gathering aspect, crossroads could
include elements like outdoor plaza, coffee shop, pedestrian
connections to surrounding neighborhoods, transit stop and a mix
of uses. An effort to enhance commercial crossroads would likely be
viewed favorably by grant programs such as Metropolitan Council
Livable Communities, TEA-21 and others.
Objective #3: Use the collaborative umbrella of South Lake Minnetonka to more
effectively and efficiently deliver superior municipal services.
Issues:
Public demand for higher service levels and more sophisticated facilities
is increasing in the midst of the call for steady or lower taxes.
Since municipal boundaries in the South Lake area are irregular, there
are numerous instances where public service vehicles from a particular
community must pass through another to reach its destination.
The buying power of several, collaborative local governments will lead
to lower prices on public service equipment, supplies, etc.
Combined public service facilities will reduce waste and duplication.
Strategies:
Within each municipality participating in the South Lake
collaborative, conduct an annual, internal review to identify where
collaboration could improve delivery of services. This effort would
be led by City staffs.
SPUtJi Lith. MiltnetfflM ViJ1.PIt Flltlt
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Through Planning Commission and staff coordination, develop
complementary, cross-jurisdictional land use plans. This is especially
applicable to life-cycle housing, commercial zoning and compatibility/
cross-benefit between downtown Excelsior and commercial
crossroads.
Continue to expand the collaboration of South Lake public works
departments. Study the need for a more formalized agreement and the
viability of consolidating facilities.
Continue to strengthen the collaboration of South Lake public safety
districts.
Explore the creation of a South Lake community services campus to
house service organizations, library and other community-oriented users.
Study the viability of alternative forms of South Lake transit service and
how a local transit service could link with the regional system.
Objective #4: Strengthen the flexibility and viability of community programs and
service organizations by defining their "reach" as South Lake Minnetonka.
Issues:
Community recreational programs already bridge municipal boundaries
and are becoming an increasingly important aspect of family recreation.
Many service organizations, community programs and specialty initiatives
need the population and expanded scope of the South Lake area to be
viable - anyone municipality may not be large enough.
As evidenced by organizations like the Hopkins Center for the Arts, the
Bloomington Arts Center and the Lakeville Area Arts Center, suburban
arts initiatives nation-wide are on the rise. South Lake has a committed
arts community that will likely gain increased prominence in future years.
Affordable and life-cycle housing options will become an increasingly
prominent development issue.
Strategies:
Work with the Metropolitan Council to create a South Lake housing
initiative. The initiative may be closely linked with redevelopment
:5l7Uth- Llf-u Minnetl7nJcIf- Viil-pn ,?/If-n
Page 14
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plans for downtown Excelsior and commercial crossroads in order
to provide some affordable and life-cycle housing in proximity to
goods, services and transit.
Identify a single, collaborative approach to South Lake recreational
programs and programming activities.
Convene a "South Lake Arts Roundtable" to identify the range of arts
organizations and explore opportunities to integrate art initiatives into
the life and fabric of the South Lake area.
Invite the Excelsior Area Chamber of Commerce to lead a process of
transforming community festivals (where it is appropriate to do so) to
South Lake area-wide festivals.
Encourage local newspapers to use the "South Lake Minnetonka" moniker
more prominently in their publications.
Publish community crossover and South Lake collaborative information
in each participating community's newsletter and website.
The South Lake Minnetonka area is recognized as one of the jewels of the region. A
growing population, higher community services demands, tax pressures and an aging
population suggest that the rate of change will accelerate for South Lake Minnetonka.
Evaluating and continually reevaluating the community's vision for itself is a
tremendous way to keep one's eye on the horizon in the face of everyday decisions.
This Vision Plan is hopefully a helpful tool in realizing a common vision for the
South Lake Minnetonka grouping of communities.
Conclusion
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South lake Minnetonka Community Visioning Project
VISIONING WORKSHOP
Sponsored by: Cities of Shorewood & Excelsior
Facilitated by: Bruce Chamberlain with Hoisington Koegler Group and
Peggy lawless with the lawless Institute
Thursday February 21, 2002
7:00 - 8:45 PM
AGENDA
OUR GOAL:
Review results of resident and business interviews and
compare/contrast them with regional community trends. Work in
small groups to reach consensus around statements of
understanding that will form the foundation for the Community
Vision.
1. Project Introduction (7: 10)
· What is the South Lake Minnetonka Community Visioning Project?
. What is the purpose of this evening's workshop?
2. Review "quality of life" trends (7:20)
3. Review of interview/survey/photo/map results (7:30)
4. SMALL GROUP EXERCISES (7:45)
. quality of life trends
. "This is what we heard"
o agree
o disagree
o no consensus
5. Report of small group exercise results back to larger group (8:15)
6. Next Steps (8:40)
7. ADJOURN (8:45)
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We envision a distinctive place
in which to live, work and visit
not defined by political boundaries
but by its inherently unique qualities;
a grouping of villages and hamlets,
characterized by their colle~tive history
as a retreat on Lake Minnetonka, that come
together around village centers, commercial
crossroads and open space preserves. This place
will become recognized as "South Lake Minnetonka."
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Vision Wkshp Results
Workshop participants were asked to review the findings of the
interview process summarized below. They were then asked to
discuss, as small groups of 6-8, each of the hypothetical position
statements on the following pages and make a group determination
about their level of agreement or oposition to the statement.
"This Is What We've Heard"
Each group indicated its answers on a chart at the front of the room
before a large-group discussion about the responses. The group
responses have been transferred to this document.
This is what we've heard (a recap)...
Quality of Life:
The South Lake area provides a high quality of life primarily due to its small-town
feel, recreational amenities, lake access, quality schools and the presence of
downtown Excelsior. Many feel that increased traffic threatens their quality oflife.
Most Residents want to stay in the area.
local Identity:
South Lake residents share a common identity based on two primary components.
The first is the history, presence and reputation of downtown Excelsior. The Second
is the natural, recreational and scenic amenity of Lake Minnetonka. There is a
concern that new development is negatively altering the area's character.
Sense of Community:
Most are satisfied with the sense of community in the South Lake area although
neighborhoods with larger lots, few or no sidewalks/trails and limited places to
gather find community-building a challenge. Public celebrations, the arts, definable
neighborhoods, trails, parks and neighborhood children contribute to a strong sense
of place.
Downtown Excelsior:
Downtown Excelsior is viewed by the entire South Lake area as its downtown. Most
are proud of downtown but concerned about it becoming only a tourist destination,
void of community services and goods such as drug stores, hardware stores and
restaurants.
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shorewood
"
"This Is What We've Heard"
Vision Wkshp Results
This is what we've heard (a recap)...
Commerce:
There is a sense that the South Lake area offers a strong consumer market. Most
South Lake residents do their routine shopping in Minnetonka, Chanhassen and
Wayzata. Most want convenient big-box retail but not too close to their
neighborhoods.
Transportation:
Traffic congestion and the lack of public transit are seen as significant problems.
Congestion is viewed as a threat to the quality of life in the South Lake area
Growth & Governance:
Many are concerned with the rate and character of development and feel it's
diminishing the rural, small town charm that they value about the South Lake area.
In some neighborhoods, city water vs. well water seems to be a bellwether for this
sentiment. Citizens are generally satisfied with the responsiveness of local
government but some feel the tax burden is too high for the level of services
provided. Some feel regulations are compromising their property rights.
Community Collaboration:
There is strong support for multi-community collaboration efforts. Some suggest
that community mergers are worth considering.
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shorewood
"This Is What We've Heard"
Vision Wkshp Results
Position Statements...
1. In order to support community-oriented retail in downtown Excelsior, increase the
intensity.ofhousing (built-in shoppers) in the downtown core.
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2. Increase the amount and convenience of downtown Excelsior parking.
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3. Create a greenway system (open space network) throughout the community that
interlinks neighborhoods, parks, shopping and lakes even if it means raising taxes to
preserve open space.
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South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shorewood
"This Is What We've Heard"
Vision Wkshp Results
4. Increase the amount of public lake frontage even if it means purchasing lake
homes and tearing them down.
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5. Build a commuter or light rail link between South Lake and Minneapolis. Create
an internal South Lake transit system to help alleviate traffic congestion.
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6. Expand the capacity and reduce street crossings of Highway 7 even if it means
building frontage roads, bridges and acquiring property and homes to do so.
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"This Is What We've Heard"
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7. Merge the South Lake communities.
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8. Place strict guidelines on development in downtown Excelsior to maintain its
small town charm even if it means creating more hoops for businesses and
developers to jump through.
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9. Place strict guidelines on all new residential development to maintain the rural
identity of the South Lake area even if it means increasing the cost of developing and
in turn, the cost of new homes.
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South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shore wood
10. Ensure that every neighborhood in the South Lake area has a trail link as part of
a regional trail system.
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11. Encourage the development of a range of housing types to accommodate people
of various ages, incomes and family situations.
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12. Develop strategies to ensure some moderately priced housing in the South Lake
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Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City ofShorewood
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"This Is What We've Heard"
Vision Wkshp Results
13. Construct a sidewalk with every new and reconstructed street in the South Lake
area.
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14. Create a South Lake area-wide commercial zoning strategy that encourages
compatibility between retail districts across city boundaries.
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15. For the sake of environmental protection, uniformity, fire safety, maximization of
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South lake Minnetonka Community Visioning Project
STRATEGY WORKSHOP #1
Sponsored by: Cities of Shorewood & Excelsior
Facilitated by: Bruce Chamberlain with Hoisington Koegler Group and
Peggy Lawless with the Lawless Institute
Thursday May 2, 2002
7:00 - 9:00 PM
AGENDA
OUR GOAL:
Determine the structure and areas of focus for the South Lake Vision
Plan.
1. Project Overview (7:10)
· What is the South Lake Minnetonka Community Visioning Project?
· What is the purpose of this evening's workshop?
2. Understanding of South lake's Common Values and Issues of Concern
as basis for Vision Plan (7:20)
3. Review of draft Vision Statement (7:50)
4. Creating a South lake structural framework (8:60)
5. Identifying Areas of Focus for the South lake Vision (8:20)
6. Next Steps (8:55)
7. ADJOURN (9:00)
M'\Shorewoodlsouth ik visioll\docslwkshp2 _AGEN.doc
Soutll
/cfi tl7 fl7utfi take
Lake
Are a
(as collaborative)
soaces:.
cOmmunity parks
arterial trails
Highway 7 Corridor
Lk Mtka Views
greenways
downtown Excelsior
;~pace preserve
"
rams:
fplace
ministration
'. unity festivals.
ble,housing
, itiatives
i:,:-';
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(as individualcol1ulluni(v)
services:
public safety
land use planning
public works
chamber of commerce
p.ost office
transit '.
library
j"i~,p,a ces ..',
,....~ommunity ga~~ways
:,,"Jake access
;. 'J}pen space pres.erv.
downtown Excelsior
sidewalkS '.
permitting
neighborhood trails
programs
neighbo~hood parkS
<Jesign s~~ndar<Js
Excelsior
Hamlet
spaces
.
serVIces
programs
spaces
.
serVIces
Village
orewood
spaces
services
programs
spaces
.
serVIces
programs
"
South lake Minnetonka Community Visioning Project
STRATEGY WORKSHOP #2
Sponsored by: Cities of Shorewood & Excelsior
Facilitated by: Bruce Chamberlain with Hoisington Koegler Group
Thursday June 6, 2002
7:00 - 8:30 PM
AGENDA
OUR GOAL:
Review and evaluate draft strategies for the South Lake Vision Plan.
1. Welcome (7:10)
2. Project Overview (7:15)
· What is the South Lake Minnetonka Community Visioning Project?
· What is the purpose of this evening's workshop?
3. Review revised Vision Statement and South Lake collaborative structural
framework (7:20)
4. Review of May Strategies Workshop - focus areas of the South Lake
Collaborative -vs- individual communities (7:25)
5. Review and comment on draft objectives and strategies (7:30)
6. Next Steps (8:20)
7. ADJOURN (8:30)
M'lShorewoodlsouth lk vision\docslwkshp3 _AGEN.doc
,.
Workshop participants were asked to briefly discuss each of the
draft strategies as a small group and indicate their group's overall
top five priorities with a dot in the box at the left. Comments from the
participants are also recorded.
Strategy Workshop #2
Resu Its
Roughly twenty people participated in three small groups. The
workshop was held June 6, 2002.
Top
Priorities?
e
e
-
Objective #1
Determine simple and inviting approaches to continued multi-
community collaboration in the South Lake Minnetonka area.
. Prepare a "South Lake Minnetonka Collaborative Directory" that
identifies the collaborative efforts of service organizations,
government agencies, South Lake events and schools. The Directory
should be periodically updated and distributed to organizations and
government agencies in the South Lake Minnetonka area.
comments:
. Recognize the Excelsior Area Chamber of Commerce' leadership in
South Lake collaboration and foster even stronger public/private
partnerships through Chamber activities.
comments:
. Convene an annual "South Lake Summit" to identify core quality of
life issue affecting South Lake and evaluate collaborative efforts
underway to address them.
comments.
. As a follow-up to the South Lake Summit, convene an annual
"Legislative Roundtable" to express core South Lake quality of life
issues to South Lake's legislative delegation and identify where
lobbying efforts may be important. Based on community input to the
South Lake Visioning Project, today's core quality oflife issues that
relate to regional, state and federal policy appear to be traffic
congestion, transit, life-cycle housing, open space preservation and
local redevelopment tools.
comments:
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shorewood
Top
Priorities?
.
.
.,
Strategy Workshop #2
Results
Objective #2
Collaborate on the designation, design, improvement and maintenance
of spaces with area-wide significance in South Lake Minnetonka.
. Develop a collaborative approach to building and maintaining a
South Lake arterial trail system that focuses on interconnecting
important community centers such as downtown Excelsior, Freeman
Park, Chowen Comers, etc. in the South Lake area Arterial trails
can be defined as broader in scope than neighborhood trails!
sidewalks but more focused than regional trails such as the
Southwest Regional Trail.
comments:
. Determine South Lake "gateway" treatments at strategic auto and
pedestrian gateways on Highway 7, County Road 19, Minnetonka
Boulevard, Mill Street and the Southwest Regional Trail.
comments:
. Develop corridor plans for Highway 7 and County Road 19 that
address roadway character in addition to traffic accommodation. In
the plans, focus on common character elements.
comments: ~lTPJ1ny hP.ing nnnp.
. Identify key Lake Minnetonka vistas from public spaces in South
Lake and develop tools and strategies to preserve them. Options for
preservation could include voluntary land owner conservation
easements, overlay zoning designation, or public acquisition when
opportunities arise.
comments:
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City ofShorewood
"
..
Top
Priorities?
.
.
.
Strategy Workshop #2
Results
Objective #2 cont.
. Conduct a South Lake area review of community athletic facility and
programming needs and determine collaborative strategies and
facilities to meet those needs.
comments:
. Identify potential greenway corridors and open spaces in South Lake
that preserve habitat and the sense of rural character. In unique
cases, greenways could also help define the South Lake boundary or
double as trail corridors. Like lake views, options for preservation
could include voluntary land owner conservation easements, overlay
zoning designation, or public acquisition when opportunities arise.
comments: It isn't possible to have a green ribbon around South Lake
. Identify elements of improvement in Downtown Excelsior that
directly serve the entire South Lake area and strategize methods of
South Lake involvement in accomplishing those improvements.
comments: OK - how???
. Identify key commercial crossroads in South Lake that have
redevelopment opportunities and create redevelopment concepts for
each of them. Key crossroads could be defined as neighborhood
commercial nodes that also serve as small gathering places. In order
to enhance the neighborhood gathering aspect, crossroads could
include elements like outdoor plaza, coffee shop, pedestrian
connections to surrounding neighborhoods, transit stop and a mix of
uses.
comments: Who will pay for all of this?
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shore wood
Top
Priorities?
.
-
..
Strategy Workshop #2
Results
Objective #3
Use the collaborative umbrella of South Lake Minnetonka to more
effectively and efficiently deliver superior municipal services.
. Within each municipality participating in the South Lake
collaborative, conduct an annual, internal review to identify where
collaboration could improve delivelY of services.
comments: Excellent'
. Develop complementaly, cross-jurisdictionaIland use plans. This is
especially applicable to life-cycle housing, commercial zoning and
compatibility/cross-benefit between downtown Excelsior and
commercial crossroads.
comments: no-brainer
. Continue to expand the collaboration of South Lake public works
departments. Study the need for a more formalized agreement and
the viability of consolidating facilities.
comments:
. Continue to strengthen the collaboration of South Lake public safety
districts.
comments:
South Lake Community Visioning Project.
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shorewood
.
,.
.,
Top
Priorities?
-
-
Strategy Workshop #2
...---...----------------------------
Results
Objective #3 cont.
. Explore the possibility of creating an inclusive South Lake
community services campus to house municipal offices of
collaborating communities, community service organizations, and
possibly a new South Lake library.
comments: Is this realistic? Not Possible
. Study the viability of alternative forms of South Lake transit service
and how a local transit service could link with the regional system.
comments:
Objective #4
Strengthen the flexibility and viability of community programs and
service organizations by defining their "reach" as South Lake
Minnetonka.
. Work with the Metropolitan Council to create a South Lake housing
initiative. The initiative may be closely linked with redevelopment
plans for downtown Excelsior and commercial crossroads in order to
provide some affordable and life-cycle housing in proximity to
goods, services and transit.
comments: We want to stay in the mmmunity
. Identify a single, collaborative approach to South Lake recreati~nal
programs and programming activities.
comments:
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shore wood
Top
Priorities?
c(
Strategy Workshop #2
~
Results
Objective #4 cont.
. Convene a "South Lake Arts Roundtable" to identify the range of
arts organizations and explore opportunities to integrate art initiatives
into the life and fabric of the South Lake area.
comments:
. Invite the Excelsior Area Chamber of Commerce to lead a process of
transforming community festivals (where it is appropriate to do so)
to South Lake area-wide festivals.
comments:
Already occurrin~
. Discuss, with local newspapers, the idea of using the "South Lake
Minnetonka" moniker more prominently in their publications.
comments:
Opposed to using the ''South T .ake Minnet.onka" name to market the area
. Publish community crossover and South Lake collaborative
information in each participating community's newsletter and
website.
comments:
Should be done
South Lake Community Visioning Project
Sponsored by City of Excelsior and the City of Shorewood