HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 3, 2011 MEETING NOTES
Grandview Small Area Guide Plan Process
Thursday, August 3, 2011, 6:00 — 9:00 PM
Edina Senior Center
Aquarium Room
Staff Present: Executive Committee Present:
Kim Montgomery
Kris Aaker Kevin Stauton
Michael Fischer
Lisa Deihl
Steering Committee Present: Larry Chestler
Collin Bredeson
Gene Persha Peyton Robb
Andy Brown
Peter Susman
Britt Dornblaser
Consultants Present:
Mike Lamb/Cunningham
Bob Close/Close
Antonio Rosell/Cmty Design
Bruce Jacobson/Close
Andrew Dreschner/Cunningham
I. Welcome
Kevin Staunton welcomed everyone and had everyone introduce themselves and
explain how they are connected to the project and what got them involved.
Mr. Staunton explained that over the past couple weeks the Executive Committee has
been interviewing area consultants and has invited the chosen consultants present
tonight to collaborate on the Grandview Small Area Plan. Mr. Staunton indicated that
the Close and Cunningham group would lead with Land use, Community Needs and
Public Realm piece. Jack Bros with WSB and Antonio Rosell with the Community
Design Group would lead on Transportation and Anthony Schertler would lead on
Market Analysis and Finance. Questions were raised by the consultants as to the
boundaries of the study area and how it became defined. Mr. Staunton said the
boundaries may be elastic as we get into the planning process.
II. Executive Committee Perspectives
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Mr. Staunton had each of the Executive Committee members share their perspective
and some background information for the benefit of the consultants.
Peyton Robb Indicated that he is on the School Board, that the School District owns
property within Grandview, (school bus garage), and that the School District's official
position is that they would be willing to move the facility at no cost to the District.
Kim Montgomery stated that the Community Needs and Public Realm work group is
looking at community connectivity in social and civic ways and connectivity in how one
can get around the district. Ms. Montgomery stated that it is important to continue out-
reach to determine the amenities a 21st century city should have and how this plan may
address some of those identified needs. Ms. Montgomery sees the area as a service
node with no large retail draw.
Lisa Diehl Stated that the City has recently completed a "Quality of Life Survey" that
may be helpful in determining some needs assessment for Grandview. Ms. Diehl
indicated that her work group is the marketing and Finance piece and that they were
two separate work groups until they were combined for efficiency. Ms. Diehl stated that
her group is interesting in finding the highest and best use for the district and what can
the area support.
Collin Bredesen who represents business owners indicated that transportation and
parking are issues that will need to be addressed in any plan. Truck traffic, loading and
unloading for local businesses are currently not well planned out. Parking in the area is
congested and is often taken up by park and ride vehicles. There is no formal park and
ride; however, people park cars in business parking lots taking up valuable parking for
businesses.
Larry Chestier stated that his work group is the Transportation Work Group. He noted
that many of the Guiding Principles touch on transportation issues including walking,
biking, mass transit and bridging the east and west sides of the district. Mr. Chestier
indicated that the work group and the Steering Committee are very aware of the issues
surrounding the rail line that bisects the district and the potential for future activity on the
rail road ROW.
Michael Fischer indicated that from an over-all perspective Edina has always been
innovative and forward thinking regarding future development in the city. Mr. Fischer
believes that with community involvement and the chosen consultants that this plan can
again strike the right balance to be innovative, creative and provide solid guidance for
future redevelopment in the area.
Comments from Steering Committee members present included the following: Peter
Susman indicated that Grandview has become the area where most of his services are
provided. He does not believe the area is a regional draw, but also acknowledged that
even if he doesn't live all that close by, that he drives to Grandview quite often for
things. Britt Dornblaser said that he rarely crosses over Highway 100 from the east side
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to go to Grandview for goods and services. Mr. Donblaser stated that he and most
people who live on the east side of Highway 100 go to 50th and France for services.
Gene Persha stated that the rail road presents problems for redevelopment. Mr. Persha
said that he has no desire to stay or linger in the district currently and that there is no
inviting or accommodating place to spend time.
III. Discussions with Consultant Team
Bruce Jacobson with Close and Associates indicated that the district needs to create a
sense of place with public amenities, parks, something notable and unique. Grandview
should not duplicate other parts of Edina that are successful. Mr. Jacobson stated that
the area's unique signatures must be explored to identify the sense of place that is
Grandview. After hearing comments it was indicated that a certain amount of retail is
currently there for a reason and that a market analysis piece should identify what
business interests Grandview is the best setting for.
A general discussion transpired regarding a work plan. The possibility of three meetings
or perhaps a three day Charette was brought up. A concentrated effort to distill the work
that has already been done was suggested. Mr. Jacobson stated that upon reflection of
what everyone has learned so far through the process, it is important for the consultant
team to offer new and fresh perspectives on the foundation that has already been set in
place.
Discussion went on regarding what product will be produced in the process. What form
will the product take? It was indicated that it should not just be a document that sits on
the shelf. It was discussed as a vision piece, something that perhaps could be fluid and
change. The possibility of a computer generated three dimensional model was
discussed.
The importance of outreach was discussed. Options cited were the possibility of a re-
launch of the project, a cable show piece, the web page, survey monkey, and print
media.
It was stressed that the Steering Committee/work groups are ready to assist the
consultant as are city staff members for providing information and data gathering and
that they should be used to provide what the consultants need so they may spend their
time on creating an innovative plan.
Concluding, Staunton said the Executive Committee will be meeting Wednesday,
August 10, at 7:30 AM to discuss the work plan with the consultants. Kevin indicated
that perhaps a meeting of the Executive Committee and the City Council should occur
to bring the City Council up to speed on the process so far and the direction the
Committee intends to take with consultants.
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VII. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM
Kris Aaker
Respectfully submitted
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