HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix A3 70th-Cahill SAP_1-8-
Small Area Plan for the
City of Edina’s
70th & Cahill
Neighborhood Node
January 8, 2019
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page i
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................... iii
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... iv
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Study Area ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.4 Community Engagement and the Planning Process .................................................................. 3
1.5 Major Planning Issues ................................................................................................................ 5
1.6 Vision Statement ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 Guiding Principles ...................................................................................................................... 7
2. Community Context and Demographic Characteristics .................................................................. 15
2.1 Population Profile .................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 Housing Profile......................................................................................................................... 17
2.3 Employment Profile ................................................................................................................. 18
3. Economic Vitality .......................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Current Conditions .................................................................................................................. 21
3.2 Trends and Challenges ............................................................................................................. 22
3.3 Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................... 24
4. Land Use and Urban Design Framework ........................................................................................ 27
4.1 Current Land Use ..................................................................................................................... 27
4.2 Trends and Challenges ............................................................................................................. 34
4.3 Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................... 34
4.4 Future Land Use ....................................................................................................................... 36
4.5 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node Development Guidelines .................................................. 38
I. Building Height Limits Plan ......................................................................................... 38
II. Building Type Guidelines ............................................................................................ 42
III. Residential Density ..................................................................................................... 44
IV. Site‐Specific Guidelines .............................................................................................. 46
5. Heritage Preservation ................................................................................................................... 53
5.1 Existing Conditions................................................................................................................... 53
5.2 History of the Area ................................................................................................................... 53
5.3 Trends and Challenges ............................................................................................................. 55
5.4 Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................... 55
6. Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources ................................................................................... 57
6.1 Current Conditions .................................................................................................................. 57
6.2 Trends and Challenges ............................................................................................................. 57
6.3 Goals and Policies .................................................................................................................... 59
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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7. Transportation ................................................................................................................. 61
7.1 Existing Conditions ....................................................................................................... 61
7.2 Trends and Challenges ................................................................................................. 65
7.3 Goals and Policies ........................................................................................................ 66
8. Implementation ............................................................................................................................ 69
8.1 Economic Vitality Implementation .......................................................................................... 69
8.2 Land Use and Urban Design Framework Implementation ...................................................... 70
8.3 Historic Preservation Implementation .................................................................................... 71
8.4 Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Implementation .................................................. 72
8.5 Transportation Implementation .............................................................................................. 73
List of Figures
1.1 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan Study Area .................................................................................. 3
1.2 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan Planning Process ........................................................................ 4
2.1 Demographic Analysis Area ..................................................................................................... 16
2.2 70th & Cahill Employment Concentration and Distribution .................................................... 19
3.1 Traffic Counts at Edina Nodes ................................................................................................. 22
4.1 Existing Land Use ..................................................................................................................... 29
4.2 Existing Zoning ......................................................................................................................... 30
4.3 Building Types .......................................................................................................................... 32
4.4 Future Land Use ....................................................................................................................... 37
4.5 Impact of Site Topography on Building Height ........................................................................ 40
4.6 Building Height Limits .............................................................................................................. 41
4.7 Proposed Site Elements ........................................................................................................... 47
4.8 Internal Circulation Street ....................................................................................................... 49
4.9 Parkway‐Type Street Section ................................................................................................... 50
4.10 Parkway‐Type Street Plan ........................................................................................................ 50
4.11 Cahill Road section .................................................................................................................. 51
7.1 Current (2014) AADT ............................................................................................................... 62
7.2 Alternative Extensions of the Nine Mile Creek Trail ................................................................ 64
List of Tables
1. Use of the Plan in Development ................................................................................................ 2
2. Land Use/Year Built/Type ........................................................................................................ 31
3. 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node Characteristics .................................................................. 38
4. Representative Residential Densities for Recent Developments ............................................ 44
5. Study Area Daily Traffic ........................................................................................................... 61
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Acknowledgements
City Council Members
James Hovland, Mayor
Mary Brindle
Mike Fischer
Kevin Staunton
Bob Stewart
City Planning Commission Members
Jo Ann Olsen, Chair
Ian Nemerov, Vice‐Chair
James Bennett
Sheila Berube
John Hamilton
Susan Lee *
Lou Miranda
Gerard Strauss *
Todd Thorsen
(* Co‐Chairs to the 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan SAPWG)
Small Area Planning Team SAPWG Members (Volunteers)
Connie Carrino
Alice Hulbert
Jeff Melin
Tim Murphy
Kristi Neal
Philip Peterson
Kyle Udseth
City of Edina
4801 W. 50th Street, Edina, Minnesota, 55424
Cary Teague Community Development Director
Kris Aaker Assistant City Planner
Mark Nolan Transportation Planner
Consultant Team Members
William Smith Biko Associates, Inc.
Daniel Lubben Biko Associates, Inc.
Aida Strom Biko Associates, Inc.
Dan Cornejo Cornejo Consulting
Dan Edgerton Zan Associates, Inc.
Tim Griffin Tim Griffin, LLC
Janna King Economic Development Services, Inc.
Haila Maze Bolton & Menk, Inc.
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Executive Summary
Executive Summary
A Nod to Nodes
Cahill Village. Neighborhood Village Node. During its
earliest meetings, the 70th &Cahill Small Area Plan SAPWG
(SAPWG) tossed about these concepts to describe and
envision a transformation from what is to what could be
for that current mix of residential‐commercial‐industrial
located in this historic Edina intersection. Flash forward to
the community meetings and those same characteristics
of a village and neighborhood center were also of
particular importance to stakeholders.
The Cahill Settlement monument located at the
intersection of 70th & Cahill is a historic reminder that the
study area is significant in Edina’s past and future and
deserves to be recognized for its intrinsic character or
“sense of place.”
Now, flashback…to the 1850s when 26 Irish‐Catholic
immigrants decided to settle at what is today the
intersection of West 70th Street and Cahill Road. That small
group of pioneers saw the need and value in creating a
common gathering location for buying supplies, attending
church and school, and socializing.
Historic Cahill School was built in 1864 and was located
near the intersection of 70th and Cahill. It served as the
center of Edina’s Irish community, providing a gathering
place for school, meetings, church services, and social
events. It was used by the congregation of St. Patrick’s
Catholic Church until 1958. It is on the National Register
of Historic Places.
Clearly the attributes of a village have always been
important to Edina’s earliest settlers and remain so to its
current residents. Until 1974—before it became
incorporated as a city—Edina was known as the Village of
Edina, and often is still fondly described as such. In 2015
when the city embarked on its most recent strategic
planning process, Vision
Edina, stakeholder participants also identified the
importance of maintaining and enhancing the characteristics and fabric of neighborhoods. Framed as “nodes
and modes,” this strategic vision statement embraces balanced urban renewal with a focus on Edina’s unique
nodes and highly connected transportation modes.
But what are the attributes of a node and village? How can the 70th & Cahill study area overcome its state of
inertia and current challenges and emerge as a 21st‐Century village—or node—within what once was a first‐ring
suburb and today is transitioning into an urban city?
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The SAPWG grappled with finding answers to help guide future decisions and development and no doubt future
commissioners, staff and council members will, too. Of key importance is that Edina retain, embrace and
promote its neighborhood nodes which are an asset that many other cities can’t offer. For the 70th & Cahill
study area this will require creative design and a thoughtful and balanced development plan that goes beyond a
parcel‐by‐parcel approach and instead integrates suggestions, concepts and guidelines from this small area plan
to ultimately create a cohesive village.
Framing a New Village
When it comes to defining a desired look for a new village, there was considerable discussion about the term
“mixed‐use” from both zoning and architectural perspectives. The SAPWG and most community meeting
participants were open to a “mix of uses” (e.g. residential, retail, commercial etc.), YET there was strong
opposition to how “mixed‐use” is currently (in 2018) being used by developers to merely build rental
apartments above retail. The SAPWG and residents would prefer any new development to include a variety of
both rental and owned condos, townhomes and apartments along with neighborhood‐serving retail located in
the most visible locations.
Most of all, the SAPWG and community want to see new development that aesthetically respects the existing
and surrounding neighborhood character with new or updated design that complements and sensitively
transitions from the 1960s‐1970s architecture to 2018 and beyond. 70th & Cahill should reclaim its sense of
place and the village appeal should be timeless and inviting.
Critical Connections
70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node offers additional redevelopment opportunities beyond just creating new
housing. Among both its biggest assets and challenges are connections or linkages. These include:
Connections that enhance awareness and visibility of the village with improved wayfinding
Connection to an under‐represented housing stock and potential location for the “missing middle,”1 or
varied, affordable housing choices within a walkable area for middle‐income residents such as
teachers, police officers and retirees.
Connections to and from the regional bike trail and parks
Connections with the adjoining industrial area and its emerging retail offerings (e.g. sports facilities
and brew pubs)
Connections to future rail or transit
Purpose of the Small Area Plan
Like Edina’s other small area plans (44th and France, 50th and France and Wooddale‐Valley View), the purpose of
the 70th & Cahill small area plan is to provide a long‐range decision‐making framework for this specific study
area. The plan—the framework—includes principles, goals, policies, development guidelines and
implementation steps for staff, commissioners, and city council members to use for the next ten years or longer
when considering development proposals.
Following are the key highlights, recommendations, and findings found in this plan:
1 From Missing Middle Housing, Responding to the Demand for Walkable Urban Living by Daniel Parolek;
missingmiddlehousing.com
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Community Engagement and Planning Process
This small area plan relied heavily upon input received from various stakeholders including residents, and
business and property owners. Three community meetings were held, surveys were conducted with businesses
in the study area as well as the adjacent industrial area, and residents could respond to questions on SpeakUp
Edina. The draft plan was also made available for public comment prior to review by the Planning Commission
and adoption by the City Council.
Guiding Principles
The framework for leading change at the 70th & Cahill neighborhood node can be found in the plan’s Guiding
Principles which fulfill these primary purposes:
To influence and define the goals, policies and implementation steps found in this plan;
To add details for developers to consider and include in their proposals, such as specific public realm
improvements
To provide an evaluation tool for the city to use when considering development proposals
And, to provide the community with expectations on anticipated change and future development
In Chapter 1 Introduction, the Guiding Principles are presented in more detail. Briefly they include seven
strategic and essential standards:
Guiding Principle 1: Vibrant Development
Cahill Village will be an attractive mixed‐use, neighborhood node, seen as a cohesive, vibrant and
walkable community with an appealing streetscape and well‐cared for buildings that complement the
area’s history, architecture and natural topography.
Guiding Principle 2: Connections to the Village
Cahill Village will have strong physical connections to the nearby neighborhoods and the Edina
community.
Guiding Principle 3: Housing
Cahill Village will provide attractive, quality multi‐family housing for a variety of markets.
Guiding Principle 4: Transportation
Cahill Village will be easily accessible by automobiles, bikes, pedestrians and transit riders.
Guiding Principle 5: Parking
Parking at Cahill Village will be safe, secure, efficient, and economical.
Guiding Principle 6: Pedestrian/ Biking
Cahill Village will be easy and safe for pedestrians and bikers, including people who use the regional
trails and parks.
Guiding Principle 7: Green Space/Amenities/Urban Design
Cahill Village will be designed to enhance the pedestrian experience through public realm improvements
and architectural building character that extends beyond individual property lines to create a cohesive
village‐like setting.
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It is, however, imperative that city staff and related commissions immediately work with the Three Rivers Park
District to coordinate the final route of the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail. The Park District proposed two
options and “Option A” was the overwhelming preference of residents during the public engagement meetings.
An additional consideration for staff and the Park District to study would be to have a portion of the “Option A”
route jog through the study area instead of running along the busy intersection of 70th Street and Cahill Road.
Land Use and Urban Design Framework
The small area plan recognizes that future development will require public realm improvements, changes in land
use and zoning, and potentially increases in height and density. The nine‐member SAPWG had robust
discussions surrounding current zoning and the comp plan process, and then reviewed current development
projects within Edina as well as neighboring communities to settle on its recommendations. The most important
factor, however, was input received at the community meetings which included residents sensitive to change
and developers eager to build.
The Land Use, Parks and Transportation chapters of this plan detail the public realm improvements required to
realize the envisioned village and neighborhood node.
The key takeaway from the Land Use chapter involves the hotly debated issue of height and density. The 70th &
Cahill small area plan allows for the following limits:
Building heights
Along West 70th Street and at the intersection of Cahill and 70th: Up to three stories (39 feet). This
shall also establish the maximum upper height (MUH) limit for all buildings fronting on Cahill Rd.
Along Cahill Road: Up to five stories (63 feet) but not to exceed the established MUH
Within the interior of the study area: Up to five stories (63 feet)
Density
10 ‐ 50 dwelling units per acre
Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Adjacent just to the east of the study area is one of its greatest amenities and assets: The Nine Mile Creek
(NMC) Regional Trail. Currently, however, the trail is not easily accessible to and from the study area, nor are
there signs to direct trail‐users to potential amenities and offerings (meeting places; refreshments, etc.). With
additional connections, access and wayfinding the trail could become an economic development driver to help
encourage related new businesses to emerge, to spur redevelopment, and to distinguish the 70th‐Cahill node
over other areas of Edina as a bike‐friendly destination and neighborhood gem.
Implementation
The first step to help facilitate change in the study area is updating its land use category from neighborhood
commercial (NC) to neighborhood node (NN). This change more prominently highlights housing as a component
and not only will allow for a mix of uses in the area, but also complements the village “node” and community
envisioned by the SAPWG.
The SAPWG also recommends that when the adjoining industrial area is studied for potential redevelopment,
that this plan and study area is revisited. With potential overlapping issues involving land uses, zoning, public
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realm improvements or other concerns, new solutions may present that could help realize more dynamic
changes that benefit both areas.
Most of the additional related recommendations, policies and guidelines will be updated or adjusted with
adoption of the 2018 Comprehensive Plan.
Conclusion
The 70th & Cahill study area is positioned for change and it needs to change. There are opportunities and
challenges. The SAPWG believes focusing on improved access and connections, identifying and promoting the
node’s assets like access to the regional bike trail, and by crafting a fair approach to redevelopment will not only
protect and preserve this neighborhood node, but will ultimately achieve increased visibility and awareness for
70th & Cahill guided by this Small Area Plan vision:
Cahill Village is a vibrant, mixed‐use neighborhood node with shops, services, dining and multi‐
family housing options that appeal to people at all stages of life. Connections to the
neighborhood and surrounding Edina community contribute to the vitality of the Village.
Access to and from the Village can be accomplished by all travel modes, including bicycle and
transit. Its proximity and convenient access to the Nine‐Mile Creek Trail adds energy to the
Village. The Village offers its residents and neighbors broad opportunities for social
engagement with indoor and outdoor gathering places.
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Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Overview
1.2 Purpose
1.3 Study Area
1.4 Community Engagement
1.5 Major Planning and Design
Issues
1.6 Vision Statement
1.7 Guiding Principles
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
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Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Overview
The 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan (SAP) is intended to be approved by the City of Edina Planning Commission
and then adopted by the Council in 2018 for inclusion in the city’s new 2018 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Policies and guidelines regarding the study area in the 2018 update of the Comprehensive Plan will be adjusted
to reflect this plan.
The plan addresses the same topical areas in the city’s comprehensive plan but provides more specific guidance,
especially in the areas of land use, transportation, and economic vitality. The SAP serves as an important tool
and guidebook for decision‐makers when evaluating future development projects and provides a long‐term
vision for the area.
1.2 Purpose
Why was the Small Area Plan developed?
The 70th & Cahill neighborhood commercial node was first identified in the 2008 Edina Comprehensive Plan as a
potential area of change, noting its “potential for the addition of new compatible uses” was greater than in
other areas of the city.” As part of the city’s overall 2018 update to the comprehensive plan, 70th & Cahill was
identified as one of six critical geographic areas within the community that have the potential for significant
change and development.
Small area plans determine land use regulations and help guide future redevelopment proposals. Small area
plans do not, however, guarantee redevelopment will occur or that proposed public improvements will be
implemented. Other factors, such as market conditions or budget priorities, will play an important role in how a
small area plan is implemented. It is important to remember that small area plans are intended to provide
guidance over a long period of time.
What makes for a successful Small Area Plan?
• Represents the shared vision of multiple community residents and stakeholders
• Provides a guide for future development
• Identifies the tasks and timelines necessary for successful completion
• Strengthens the community through increased interaction and understanding of varied perspectives
• Builds connections with residents who often champion the plan and ensure its goals and objectives are
met as future development/redevelopment occurs
Using the Small Area Plan
Any property owner or prospective developer who is interested in major changes in the study area is directed by
staff to the 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan to learn what the city has envisioned and is requiring for the study
area. The Plan would likely be used as follows during the review of an application for development, variance, or
rezoning in the study area.
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TABLE 1
USE OF THE SMALL AREA PLAN IN DEVELOPMENT
Use of the
Plan
By Whom How
A. Landowners and
Developers
Reference and use the SAP when conceptualizing and
preparing development proposals for submission to the city
for review and approval. Reviewing the Small Area Plan
during the early stages of project development informs
developers of city‐adopted directions, standards and
guidelines and will ultimately prove to be a time‐ and
resource‐saving measure that can streamline the
development review process.
B. City Staff Use and illustrate city‐adopted directions, standards, and
guidelines to potential developers. The plan’s principles,
goals, and policies can be used to assess and evaluate the
degree to which a proposal adheres to city directions and the
impact of variances developers might seek.
Identify future infrastructure improvements necessary to
support the recommendations and uses proposed in the plan.
C. Planning
Commission and
City Council
Ensure the proposal and approvals meet the SAP
recommendations.
D. Residents Use as a record and guidebook to understand the City's long
range planning and development goals.
1.3 Study Area
The area of study included the public street rights‐of‐way and several land parcels in the immediate vicinity of
the intersection of West 70th Street and Cahill Road, particularly to the east of the intersection. Figure 1.1,
which follows, shows the study area. Included are areas designated in the 2008 Edina Comprehensive Plan as
Neighborhood Commercial, Industrial, and Medium Density Residential.
The 70th & Cahill small area plan study area comprises 19.09 acres of land, with 3.65 acres on the north side of
West 70th street and 15.44 acres on the south side. The site is bordered on the west by Cahill Road and on the
east by the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railroad right‐of‐way and track. Xcel Energy owns transmission lines and
towers on both sides of the railroad.
The site’s southern boundary is the property line between FilmTec Corporation, an ongoing business that
manufactures synthetic membrane filters, and a former plant that distributed brick and tile products. The plant
was sold in November 2016 to Sir Lines‐A‐Lot, a company that stripes pavement.
The site slopes from a high point in the northwest corner (at the intersection of 70th Street/Cahill Road) to low
points along the eastern edge. The site is particularly low in the northeast corner where city‐owned land is
located (a 1.56‐acre parcel) and the southeast corner where it is 40 feet lower than the northwest corner.
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Most recommendations in this plan address issues within this approximate area of study. However, where
practical, some connections, impacts, relationships and transitions to areas immediately adjacent or close‐by
were also documented and studied.
Figure 1.1: 70th &Cahill Small Area Plan Study Area
1.4 Community Engagement and Planning Process
Community engagement, the active involvement of community members in the planning and design
process, is a required step in the development of small area plans in the City of Edina. “Community
members” is broadly defined to include all stakeholders with an interest in the study area, including
residents, property owners, business owners/operators, city officials and staff.
70th Street
Xcel Energy
Film Tec
Lewis Park Cahill Road CP Railroad Right‐of‐Way
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…the SAPWG’s ultimate responsibility was to make decisions about the long‐term future of
the study area”
Small Area Plan Community Engagement and Planning and Design Process
The planning and design process was led by the 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan SAPWG (SAPWG), which was
appointed through an open application process by the Edina Comprehensive Plan Task Force (Planning
Commission), at the direction of the Edina City Council. The planning process included a substantial community
engagement program, which was directed and developed by the SAPWG to ensure that to the extent realistic
and feasible, the plan’s outcomes would reflect values and expectations of the public.
Figure 1.2 to the right, illustrates the planning
and design process, as well as roles and
responsibilities of the SAPWG, Comprehensive
Plan Task Force, City Council, and the public.
Specific efforts were made to engage a
representative cross‐section of the community,
including residents, neighbors, land owners,
businesses, visitors, customers, employees, city
residents at large, etc.
70th and Cahill Small Area Plan SAPWG
The 70th & Cahill SAPWG included nine public
volunteers representing the small area plan study
area, surrounding neighborhoods, and the City of
Edina at‐large. The SAPWG was tasked with
overseeing major aspects of the plan’s
development, including identifying major
planning issues, determining how to take
advantage of opportunities, developing the plan’s
findings and recommendations, and leading
community engagement events. Moreover, the
SAPWG’s ultimate responsibility was to make
decisions about the long‐term future of the study
Figure 1.2: 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan Planning
Process
area, based on a range of factors. This was not an easy task, because there were disagreements and differing
opinions about the future that could not easily be validated without more sophisticated research and data.
Ultimately, decisions had to be made, and the SAPWG tried to determine courses of action that would be best
for the City of Edina.
Factors considered by the SAPWG included:
1. Community input received through three Community Meetings, an Edina Speak Up survey, business
owners/operators survey, and interviews with property owners.
2. Technical information prepared by planning, architectural, and economic development
consultants.
3. Familiarity with physical characteristics of the site, e.g., site topography and hydrology.
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4. Growing knowledge about: a) development trends in Edina and other communities throughout
the metropolitan area, b) development finance trends, c) trends in commercial development, and
d) retail market behavior patterns.
5. Overall guidance provided through Vision Edina, a City of Edina strategic planning study
conducted in 2015 that identified an overall vision for the city and brought attention to the
development/ redevelopment of the city’s nodes.
6. Guidance provided by the City of Edina Living Streets Policy, Bicycle Master Plan, Affordable
Housing Policy, and Parks Strategic Plan
7. Coordination with Three Rivers Regional Park on alignment alternatives currently being
considered for the extension of the Nine Mile Creek trail through the study area to a terminal
point in the Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington.
Community Meetings
To give the community at‐large opportunities to participate in the planning and design process, a series of
three public meetings were held: Discovery (12/9/17), Visioning (2/3/18), and Small Area Plan Documentation
(3/3/18). The meetings were widely promoted in order to build awareness and encourage attendance.
Each meeting was designed to be interactive and engaging to encourage thoughtful and meaningful input from
participants. The community meetings were held on Saturday mornings. Complete summaries of the three
meetings can be found in the appendices to this plan.
Property Owner and Business Interviews
Members of the SAPWG distributed flyers to business owners within the small area plan study area to inform
them of and personally invite them to attend the community meetings. In addition, a member of the
consultant team met with property owners in the study area. These one‐on‐one meetings were conducted to
gain an understanding of issues, opportunities, and future planning for the area, as viewed by property
owners.
Finally, the consultant team administered a survey to business owners. The survey asked questions about the
business climate, customer base, and their future plans.
1.5 Major Planning and Design Issues
Three Community Meetings were held during the planning and design process. As mentioned, the
meetings provided the SAPWG opportunities to gather public input in these key areas:
1. Identification of planning and design issues within the small area plan study area
2. Development of a future vision for the small area
3. Review and critique of concept‐level plans and designs developed by the SAPWG and its
consultant team in response to input received from the community
Because community members who reside in the vicinity of the small area will be among some of the most
affected by planning and design outcomes, it was important to ensure that they were able to help the
SAPWG:
Understand community attitudes, values and ideas about the study area and
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Develop a Vision Statement and Guiding Principles that would have a major influence on goals
and policies developed for the 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan.
Below are the major issues and concerns that emerged based on input received at the first Community
Meeting held on December 9, 2017.
Site/Study Area Improvements
Create a village square
Appropriate and safe bike parking
Modernize (the study area)
Area needs redevelopment – walk/bike/transit, and landscaping
Create a signature entrance to the retail area
Buildings should front on streets
Connections/Access
Access/walkability – crossing busy streets. 70th Street north and south, and east and west on
Cahill Road. Also consider crossings over railroads
Improve connection to (and from study area) regional bike trail
Better connectivity to Lewis Park
Public Realm Concerns
Fix the Cahill Road and Dewey Hill Road intersection; consider a roundabout
Turn Amundson Avenue into a boulevard with sidewalks on both sides, lighting, landscaping, etc.
Sidewalks on both sides of 70th Street
Improve directional signage to and from the area (the node) and to and from the regional bike trail
(wayfinding)
Roundabout at 70th Street and Rabun Drive
Cahill Area electric bus shuttle
LRT station with access to the regional trail (at 70th Street rail crossing)
Redevelopment
Appropriate density for commercial and residential
Needs to demonstrate future of sustainability
Need destination businesses – ice cream shop, fast casual restaurants, collaborative work space,
library, brewery
Encourage destination restaurants and services at the trail head
Guidelines for heritage preservation
Aim high, make Cahill Village a national example
Think about traffic flow in the area (e.g. to/from high school; use of 70th)
1.6 Vision Statement
Vision Statement. The SAPWG reviewed comments and resulting major planning issues received at the first
Community Meeting and developed the following Vision Statement.
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Cahill Village is a vibrant, mixed‐use neighborhood node
with shops, services, dining and multi‐family housing
options that appeal to people at all stages of life.
Connections to the neighborhood and surrounding Edina
community contribute to the vitality of the Village.
Access to and from the Village can be accomplished by all
travel modes, including bicycle and transit. Its proximity
and convenient access to the Nine‐Mile Creek Trail adds
energy to the Village. The Village offers its residents and
neighbors broad opportunities for social engagement with
indoor and outdoor gathering places.
1.7 Guiding Principles
Good planning and design begin with the development of guiding principles that reflect and balance
considerations such as the following:
• Historical and cultural influences
• Community preferences
• Established design precedents
• Financial feasibility and market realities
• Environmental stewardship and sustainability
The Guiding Principles were developed by the SAPWG and were reviewed and critiqued at two Community
Meetings. With acceptance from the community at‐large, they were used in the development and evaluation
of alternative land use and design concepts for the 70th & Cahill Small Area Plan to ensure outcomes would
reflect the unique character of the community and, at the same time, guide future development in a realistic
and economically and environmentally sustainable direction.
Guiding Principle 1: Vibrant Redevelopment
Cahill Village will be an attractive mixed‐use,
neighborhood node, seen as a cohesive,
vibrant, and walkable community with an
appealing streetscape and well‐cared for
buildings that complement the area's history,
architecture and natural topography.
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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• The Village includes uses that attract residents,
patrons, customers, and visitors from all age
groups to ensure that it is a lively and exciting
place
• New development proposals are forward‐
thinking, boost the economic vitality of the node
and follow Edina's sustainable building goals.
• Distinctive and coordinated signage conveys a
sense of location and Village identity among the
various properties and businesses.
• Businesses cater to known and future markets, including nearby residents, residents from Edina,
Bloomington and other neighboring communities, pass‐by traffic on Cahill Road and 70th Street, future on‐
site residents, employees and businesses in the industrial/office park, and cyclists biking on the Nine Mile
Creek Trail.
• There is a mix of commercial and residential
uses to help ensure that
the village is an active place most hours of the
day, during the week, and on weekends.
• Focus on improved commercial experience
and utilization of available commercial land.
• Allow a mix of housing and commercial space,
where it can support the moderation of
commercial lease rates.
• Encourage the retention of existing
commercial businesses, when feasible, should
they desire to remain.
Guiding Principle 2: Connections to the Village
Cahill Village will have strong connections to nearby
neighborhoods and the Edina community.
• Identify the Village with improved wayfinding signage
and key entry monuments to help ensure that it is
recognized as a unique place
• Tree‐lined, illuminated boulevard streets lead to and
from the Village
• Sidewalks, bike paths and streets are seamlessly linked
to those outside the Village
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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• Village connections to/from Cahill Road and 70th Street include improvements that provide safe vehicle,
bike and pedestrian access
• Plan for possible connections across the CP Railroad right‐of‐way (leased to the Twin City & Western
Railroad) to link the Village with the industrial/office park to the south and east
Guiding Principle 3: Housing
Cahill Village will provide attractive, quality multi‐family housing
for a variety of markets.
• Housing options are based on life‐cycle housing principles
with emphasis placed on housing for a variety of age and
demographic groups
• Housing options provide opportunities for home ownership
and rental
• Housing options provide opportunities for people who work
in Edina to live in Edina
• Housing options provided at Cahill Village comply with and support the City of Edina's Affordable Housing
Policy
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Guiding Principle 4: Transportation
Cahill Village is easily accessible by automobiles, bikes, pedestrians and transit riders.
• The redeveloped site could include a logical grid system of streets and
intersections
• The internal transportation system accommodates automobiles, bikes and
pedestrians on village‐scaled streets (e.g. “woonerfs” or other solutions to
slow traffic)
• The internal
transportation
system fosters
safety for
pedestrians
• Specifically
identified bicycle
and pedestrian
paths link the Nine
Mile Creek Trail to
the Village's on‐site destinations.
• Walking, biking, or accessing the bus in or near the Village shall be safe and comfortable through
improvements such as wayfinding and bus shelters.
• Incorporate new transit such as the Edina “connector” bus or train or other multi‐modal projects to
connect the Village to other Edina nodes.
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Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Guiding Principle 5: Parking
Parking at Cahill Village will be safe, secure, efficient, and economical.
• Parking options at Cahill Village shall include a mix of
curbside, on‐street, surface level parking lots, underground
garages, and tuck‐under configurations
• Surface level parking lots are screened with landscaping
and include rain gardens and permeable pavement where
possible
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Guiding Principle 6: Pedestrian/Biking
Cahill Village will be easy and safe for pedestrians
and bikers, including people who use the regional
trails and parks.
• Provide bicycle parking facilities at Cahill
Village in quantities and at locations
according to the City of Edina Pedestrian and
Bicycle Master Plan
• Improve pedestrian and bike connections
between the north and south sides of 70th
Street
• Connect pedestrian and cycling paths that
circulate throughout Cahill Village to the
Nine‐Mile Creek Trail
Guiding Principle 7: Green Space/Amenities/Urban Design
Cahill Village will be designed to enhance the pedestrian
experience through public realm improvements and architectural
building character that extends beyond individual property lines to
create a cohesive village‐like setting.
• Develop green space amenities at Cahill Village that provide
opportunities for people to relax, meet, and interact.
• Develop public and/or pocket parks and other green spaces to
soften the hardscape and add vibrancy to the Village
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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• Incorporate stormwater management features within the
city‐owned parcel.
• Integral to the Village’s development as a pedestrian friendly
node will be:
Village‐scale building entrances which front the streets or
other public places
Appealing streetscape elements such as colored concrete or
pavers, wider pedestrian paths, public art, and water features
Sidewalks with planted boulevards
Pedestrian scale street lighting installed at regular intervals along
Village streets
Streetscape furnishings such as benches, water fountains, kiosks, and
landscaping installed at appropriate locations along Village streets
• Village buildings include high quality, durable exterior finishes and
interesting and aesthetically pleasing architectural features on all
exterior facades.
Chapter 1 ‐ Introduction
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Chapter 2
Community
Profile
2.1 Population Profile
2.2 Housing Profile
2.3 Employment Profile
Chapter 2 ‐ Community Context and Demographic Characteristics
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Chapter 2 Community Profile
2.1 Population Profile2
The area of study addressed during the planning process included the public street rights‐of‐way and several
land parcels in the immediate vicinity of the intersection of West 70th Street and Cahill Road, particularly to the
east of the intersection. This includes the existing commercial area, as well as some adjacent multifamily and
industrial areas. Since the study area is fairly small, this plan provides an overview of the surrounding area for
context. This plan looks at data for the area within a half mile radius of the intersection of West 70th Street and
Cahill Road, as shown in Figure 2.1.
The half mile distance was chosen based on the typical standard for a walkable community around a destination.
This half mile radius area includes portions of five Edina neighborhoods –Cahill, The Heights, Prospect Knolls,
and Brookview Heights. With the exception of Cahill, which is primarily an industrial area, these neighborhoods
are predominantly residential.
2 Additional supporting documentation for this chapter is available in the City of Edina's project archives. See
“Appendix: 70th & Cahill Demographic Data.”
Demographic Characteristics
A moderately growing population with relatively high
incomes
Population has increased over the past 15+ years, from
around 2,600 in 2000 to 2,900 in 2017.
Average age of 46.1.
Household size: 2.5, 35% with children
Households: families 72%, singles 24%, sharing 4%
Daytime population: 3,100 workers and residents
Ethnicity: white 84%, other 16%
Median income: $105,000
Chapter 2 ‐ Community Context and Demographic Characteristics
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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70th Street
Figure 2.1: Demographic Analysis Area Cahill Road CP Railroad Right‐of‐Way
Chapter 2 ‐ Community Context and Demographic Characteristics
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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2.2 Housing Profile
The housing profile data suggests an affluent and comfortable population, with a mix of housing options in aging
structures. Combined, this points to a potential for change through reinvestment and redevelopment.
According to demographic profile data for the area, the top three subgroups represented here are:
Golden Years – Independent, active seniors nearing the end of their careers or already in retirement.
Primarily singles living alone or empty nesters.
Top Tier – The wealthiest Tapestry market, with high incomes and purchasing power. Primarily married
couples with or without children.
Savvy Suburbanites – Well educated, well read, and well capitalized, this group tends to live in older
suburbs and invest in their properties and lifestyles. Includes many empty nesters.
Household Profile
67 percent live in single family detached homes
Significant numbers live in townhomes (12 percent) or larger
scale apartments (12 percent)
71 percent owner occupied, 20 percent renter occupied, 9
percent vacant
64 percent moved to the area since 2001
Housing Types
Higher value single family homes constructed primarily
during 1950‐1960s
Older and comparatively lower value multifamily housing
constructed primarily during 1970‐1980s
Median home value $439,000
Median rent $990
Chapter 2 ‐ Community Context and Demographic Characteristics
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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2.3 Employment Profile
Jobs in the Area. The area has around 180 businesses with 3,900 employees. Compared to the resident
population of about 2,800, there is a ratio of 1:36 jobs per resident. This is largely due to the significant
industrial and wholesale trade presence in this area. Service industries employ over 60 percent of the workers
in this area, with retail following at 11 percent, demonstrating a comparative lack of suitability for retail when
compared to other employment sectors of the economy. Manufacturing and wholesale trade percentages are
well above city averages due to the presence of the industrial area.
Area Employment. The 70th and Cahill area sits at the northwest corner of one of the largest concentrations of
employment in Edina. The office/industrial park at this location is immediately adjacent to I‐494 and TH 100 and
in proximity to TH 62, entertainment venues in the Greater Southdale District, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul
Airport. It is recognized as one of the most favorable locations in the metropolitan area for office and business
park uses and is a major source of property tax revenues. It is a major employment center in the City of Edina
where many jobs pay $90,000 per year or more. This is to be compared to wages earned in the retail sector.
Note the intensity of employment activity in this area, as shown on Figure 2.2 Employment Concentration and
Distribution.
In terms of the employment of people who live in the area, the employment rate is very high – with only 3.5
percent of the labor force identifying as unemployed. Consistent with the industry mix, around 60 percent of
residents work in the service industry. Residents however, are less likely to work in retail in comparison to the
business mix and are more likely to work in finance, insurance, or real estate.
Workers in this area commute from a wide distribution of places. The most common home communities for
commuters are Minneapolis (9.4 percent), Bloomington (7.0 percent), Eden Prairie (4.2 percent), and Edina (4.1
percent) (Source: Census LEHD 2014). Conversely, the same four cities are the four most common destinations
for residents commuting out of this area to work: Minneapolis (25.7 percent), Edina (17.8 percent), Bloomington
(8.7 percent) and Eden Prairie (5.4 percent).
Chapter 2 ‐ Community Context and Demographic Characteristics
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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70th & Cahill Small Area Plan
Study Area
Figure 2.2 Employment Concentration and Distribution
Chapter 2 ‐ Community Context and Demographic Characteristics
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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Chapter 3
Economic
Vitality
3.1 Current Conditions
3.2 Trends and Challenges
3.3 Goals and Policies
Chapter 3 ‐ Economic Vitality
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 21
Chapter 3 Economic Vitality
3.1 Current Conditions
Unlike the other neighborhood nodes in Edina, 70th &
Cahill is tucked away and not as recognized as its
counterparts at Wooddale/Valley View, 44th/France or
50th/France. Currently a sleepy mix of aging apartments,
commercial spaces and industrial businesses, it has the
potential to emerge as a hidden gem. Perhaps one of its
greatest assets is the proximity to the Nine Mile Creek
Regional Trail.
The node is within the 55439 Zip Code, the
second most affluent in Minnesota.
Businesses in the study area report that most of
their customers are residents and families from
nearby neighborhoods. Some businesses,
especially those involved with sports and fitness,
also attract residents from other parts of Edina and
neighboring communities. Employees and
businesses from the adjacent business/industrial
park are currently a limited market. Businesses in
the study area have reported that it is difficult to
market to employees in the industrial/business
park.
The study area is located just west of the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railroad track, adjacent to Edina’s largest (295‐
acre) industrial park, next to single family neighborhoods to the north and west and 95 acres of multi‐family
residential. Access to the study area is somewhat defined by physical barriers; e.g., topography and the Nine
Mile Creek to the north, the railroad to the east and four freeways – TH 62, TH 100, I‐494, and US 169.
Access to the study area is limited by physical barriers.
Metro Transit Route 578 serves the node with express service during the morning and evening rush hours,
connecting Benton Avenue, Tracy Avenue, 70th Street, Southdale transit station, the Minneapolis transit station
at I‐35W and 46th Street and downtown Minneapolis. The new Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail crosses under
70th Street just east of Amundson.
Comparing traffic conditions. From the neighboring business and industrial park, traffic counts reveal that
employees and visitors move towards TH 100 and I‐494, with an average of 16,100 vehicles per day at the 70th
Street interchange with TH 100; 12,000 vehicles per day at 77th Street/TH 100 Interchange; and 14,800 at East
Bush Lake Road/I‐494 Interchange. In the study area however, higher traffic on the periphery does not yield a
similar volume at 70th & Cahill. Currently, there are 6,100 vehicles per day on Cahill; 8,700 vehicles per day east
of the intersection of 70th & Cahill and 5,700 vehicles per day west of 70th and Cahill. Despite the proximity to
major freeways, the study area businesses do not currently benefit from this traffic. Traffic in the node is very
High Income Zip Code
Comparison of 55439 to All of Hennepin County
Source: American Community Survey ‐2016
Zip 55439 Hennepin Co
Median HH Income $ 122,054 $ 67,989
Mean HH Income $ 166,840 $ 95,858
Chapter 3 ‐ Economic Vitality
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comparable to the traffic counts at Wooddale/ Valley View and significantly lower than the traffic counts at 50th
and France or Grandview.
Traffic in the node is very comparable to the traffic counts at Wooddale/ Valley View and
significantly lower than the traffic counts at 50th and France or Grandview.
Figure 3.1 Traffic Counts at Edina Nodes
3.2 Trends and Challenges
Affordability for small businesses. The 70th and Cahill commercial node offers affordable rents for
small businesses, which is not the case in most other parts of Edina. Yet, properties in the study area
are aging, and many area residents would like to see revitalization of the area. While consumers are
expected to continue to shift to on‐line shopping and home delivery, a significant percentage of
consumers continue to express a preference for the study area’s small, independently owned
businesses.
Access to adjacent industrial park. Businesses in the 70th & Cahill commercial node report limited
success in connecting with the industrial park to the south and east due to traffic patterns that create
barriers to marketing to those businesses.
Properties in the adjacent industrial park are aging but, in some cases, are now being repurposed.
Employment related uses have declined or changed altogether in some properties. This is evidenced
by the fact that some business uses have been given over to storage, churches, schools, etc. At the
50th and France
Chapter 3 ‐ Economic Vitality
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same time, employment in the business/industrial park has intensified in other properties; generally
those properties that have converted industrial space to open‐format office space.
It will be important to have the involvement of developers and property owners and a shared
understanding of the revitalization and investment challenges in order to find workable solutions.
Revitalizing the industrial park area should focus on creating a vibrant and attractive location and
considering the addition of corporate headquarters, technology‐focused companies, and other
businesses offering high wage employment opportunities. The City can begin with a vision and
commitment to revitalization by including possible up‐front investment in sidewalks and other public
realm improvements to stimulate private sector investment.
Aging commercial and retail buildings. Residents value having the commercial node in the
neighborhood, but consistently cite the dated, tired, and unattractive appearance of retail and
commercial buildings. The commercial area offers affordable lease rates, but some businesses
expressed concern that there is higher turnover than is desirable, due to a lack of traffic and no strong
anchor tenant to attract customers to the area.
With the exception of Grandview Tire & Auto,
which many residents cited during the
community meetings and in the SpeakUp
Edina forum as a nice addition that is well‐
maintained, the most visible properties in the
study area have not been updated recently.
Table 2 in the next chapter of this plan document
presents information on the years in which buildings
in the study area were constructed.
Potential for change and a mix of uses.
Developers have expressed interest in multi‐
family residential/mixed uses at the node.
70th and Cahill is well situated in the greater
southwest metro region with good access to
employment, transit, shopping, and
recreation. A further demonstration of
support for a mixed use neighborhood node
are the residents who value the existing
neighborhood‐oriented businesses and
additional locally‐owned, non‐franchise
businesses.
The financial reality of redevelopment, however, is that many of the existing businesses would be
challenged to pay the higher rents associated with new construction because of the market constraints
described earlier. At the same time, the study area’s market characteristics make it a less suitable
location for franchise/national brand‐type businesses.
In situations where mixed use developments are proposed, developers may find that the residential
portion of the development will need to subsidize the commercial portion of the project. In such
cases, the commercial tenants will then pay a below market rent, or perhaps only CAM (Common Area
Chapter 3 ‐ Economic Vitality
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 24
Maintenance) and taxes. Therefore, increased residential densities may be justified in order to ensure
that existing businesses and lower rents are able to remain in the mix.
3.3 Goals and Policies
Goals
1. Create a strong identity for Cahill Village.
2. Promote area access to the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail.
3. Support a variety of residential housing types.
4. Improve transportation and street connections.
5. Support existing businesses and revitalize the existing business/industrial park located southeast of the
study area.
6. Support a business and property owners association.
Policies
1. The City will encourage and support development that retains and enhances the rich and authentic history
of Cahill Village and its roots in the development of the City of Edina.
2. The City will initiate further study to determine how best to revitalize the area that is an existing business/
industrial park that borders the east and south of the small area plan study area.3
3. The City will increase visibility and awareness of the node through use of wayfinding signage. Work with
the developers to provide a graphic theme for the 70th & Cahill node that can be identified with Cahill
Village, and used in future directional signage to the node and bike trail.
4. The City will utilize future infrastructure improvement opportunities to incorporate additional street and
walking connections to the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail.
5. The City will work with developers to prioritize redevelopment that creates a residential and commercial
3 A detailed discussion on the business/industrial park (and all of the city’s business/ industrial parks) will be included in
the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Update in the Economic Competitiveness chapter.
The recommendation to study the business/industrial park adjacent to the 70th & Cahill small area was first advanced
in the MAPPING EDINA’S BIG IDEAS: Bridging Between Vision and Planning (Biko Associates, Inc., August 24, 2017),
which summarized outcomes from the Big Ideas Workshop. That document identified the business/industrial park as
the next area to be studied and included in the 2028 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Funding to complete the above‐referenced study is included in staff’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget,
which will be reviewed and voted on by Council.
Chapter 3 ‐ Economic Vitality
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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node with a variety of housing types and a welcoming neighborhood ambiance.
6. The City will plan for additional bus transit, automobile, bike and pedestrian links to the 70th & Cahill node
as well as the adjacent industrial park over the railroad tracks.
7. The City will encourage development proposals that include existing businesses and prioritizes
redevelopment that takes into consideration the retention of existing businesses, as appropriate.
8. The City will encourage the creation of a Cahill Village business association.
Chapter 3 ‐ Economic Vitality
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Chapter 4
Land Use and
Urban Design
Framework
4.1 Current Land Use
4.2 Trends and Challenges
4.3 Goals and Policies
4.4 Future Land Use
4.5 Development Guidelines
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 27
Chapter 4 Land Use and Urban Design Framework
4.1 Current Land Use
Neighborhood Commercial District. The core of this study area is a neighborhood commercial district,
consisting of several 1‐2 story multi‐tenant buildings. These buildings are set back from the street behind a wide
landscaped buffer and separated from one another by surface parking lots. The tenant mix varies. At present, it
includes a market, flower shop, driving school, chiropractor, dry cleaners, tutors, dance studio, and several
restaurants.
The commercial area is mostly tenanted. The business mix
provides a range of neighborhood‐level commercial services
to the surrounding community. Combined with the multi‐
family development nearby, this mix provides a range of
convenient services in a neighborhood setting, with potential
for walkability.
The predominant zoning in the core commercial area is
Planned Commercial District 1 (PCD‐1), which allows a range
of retail and service uses. One parcel is Planned Commercial
District 2 (PCD‐4) and is currently occupied by an automobile
services business. PCD‐4 allows all the uses in PCD‐1, plus
some moderately more intensive retail and service uses, as
well as some office, lodging, and institutional uses.
Multi‐family Residential. In addition to the study area's core,
there are multi‐family residential uses on the north side of
West 70th Street. These are zoned Planned Residence District
3 (PRD‐3), which allows a range of residential buildings as well
as state‐licensed daycare facilities. The apartment buildings
were constructed in the 1960’s, and typical for that era.
Rents advertised for these units, while not extremely low, are
more affordable than others in Edina and constitutes a
segment of the city’s affordable housing. This reflects the
older properties offering fewer amenities.
Multi‐family residential uses also occur outside of the study
area, particularly west of Cahill Road. The multi‐family
residential uses provide a buffer between the
commercial/industrial area and the surrounding single‐family
neighborhoods to the north and west. See Figure 3.1 Existing
Land Use and Figure 3.2 Existing Zoning.
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 28
Industrial‐Office Uses. Industrial land uses
within the study area surround the commercial
uses on the east and south sides of Amundson
Avenue and occupy most of the acreage within
the study area. The industrial uses are located
in one‐story office/industrial properties and
include uses such as employment agency,
construction office and health foods packaging.
This area is zoned Planned Industrial District
(PID), which allows industrial, office, storage,
and some miscellaneous uses not allowed
elsewhere. It is the western border of the Edina
Interchange Industrial Park which stretches
south from 70th and I‐494 and west from Cahill
to Metro Boulevard.
Nine Mile Creek Trail Access. At the
intersection of West 70th Street and the
Canadian Pacific (CP) Rail is a grassy, city‐owned
parcel. The Nine Mile Creek Trail accesses this
lower parcel after passing through a tunnel
located under West 70th Street. This 1.56‐acre
parcel is at one of the lowest elevations within
the study area.
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
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Figure 4.1 Existing Land Use
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 30
Figure 4.2 Existing Zoning
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 31
Existing Building Types
Figure 4.3, keyed to Table 2, indicates the study area building types and locations.
TABLE 2
LAND USE: YEAR BUILT AND TYPE
# Building Type Year Built Current Land Use (as of 2017)
1 1969 Multi‐Family Residential
2 1965 Multi‐Family Residential
3 1936 Single Family Residential
4 1965 Multi‐Family Residential
5 1970 Commercial ‐ services
6 2008 Commercial – auto repair
7 1966 Commercial – retail and services
8 1968 Commercial – retail and services
9 1969 Commercial – retail and services
10 1969 Industrial – office – Two story masonry block
11 1967 Industrial – One story brick
12 1969 Industrial – One story brick
13 1961 Industrial ‐ One story masonry block
14 1961 Industrial ‐ One story masonry block
= One Story Commercial – Retail, services
= Two Story Commercial – Retail, services, office
= Single Family Residential ‐‐ Homesteaded
= Multi‐Family Residential – Apartments
= Industrial – Office and warehouse
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
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70th Street
14
Xcel Energy.
13
10
Xcel Energy.
11 12
FilmTec, Corp.
Figure 4.3 Building Types
6
2
1 5
3 4
9
8
7 Cahill Road
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
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Redevelopment Potential. When property valuation shows that land
values are significantly higher than the buildings located on the land,
it is often an indication of redevelopment potential. However, there
does not appear to have been any recent development in the study
area since Grandview Tire and Auto was last constructed on 70th
Street in 2008. Currently, there are no proposed developments for
the study area. Most of the buildings in the study area are of average
condition and indicative of their age. This also means possible
deferred maintenance and a potential need for updating or
renovation; all good triggers for redevelopment.
There are restrictions and easements on portions of the property for
utility and road access. Buildings #5, #7, #8, #9 are similarly zoned
commercial properties under the same ownership. Property assembly
is often a barrier in redeveloping property. However, when multiple
parcels are owned by the same entity, this may facilitate the
opportunity for more impactful redevelopment.
Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
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4.2 Trends and Challenges
Current uses, although underutilized, are still in compliance with current zoning. These conditions could remain
the same as long as property owners continue to meet city and county obligations regarding building code
requirements, standards and taxes.
Below is a listing of key factors that will affect future land use and community design decision‐making in the
Study Area.
Lack of Local Connections and Visibility. The 70th & Cahill neighborhood node is conveniently
situated and well‐connected to the region, with access to highways, bus transit, and the Nine Mile
Creek trail. Primarily a destination for locals, the site can only be accessed by 70th Street or Cahill
Road, neither of which serves as a major north‐south or east‐west feeder. It also lacks direct access to
the business/industrial park to the east of the railroad tracks. Currently, there is no wayfinding signage
at the area's perimeters to indicate the existence of the commercial plaza.
Lack of Streetscape, Greening, and Internal Circulation. The majority of the study area is taken up by
a one‐story strip commercial center set back from the street and surrounding by parking areas. The
study area lacks most public realm improvements including greening, streetscape, sidewalks, and
bicycle access to and through the site.
Aging Properties. Many of the properties in this area are over fifty years old, with visible deferred
maintenance. They are likely in need of significant renovation or replacement to bring them up to
current standards and expectations of commercial properties.
Redevelopment Constraints. Despite the aging building stock that may make this area ripe for
redevelopment, there have been no recent proposals to do so. This may be due to several factors,
including the area's significant topographical slope, zoning regulations that limit new buildings to a
scale (height and density) that may no longer be economically feasible, and a low tenant vacancy
turnover rates that support property owners to maintain the status quo.
Impact on Affordable Commercial Space. The modest condition of these buildings still provides
relatively affordable lease space for the existing tenant mix. Substantial investment in new or
renovated space has the potential to drive rents upward, impacting the affordability of the new spaces
for current tenants. The temporary relocation of tenants during redevelopment may also pose a
significant financial burden to businesses.
Underutilized Tax Base. The existing development is low density and therefore lower value, compared
to the development potential for the site. With new development, this area could contribute more to
Edina's tax base in terms of housing, jobs, amenities, and retail and service options.
4.3 Goals and Policies
The following is a policy framework that provides future guidance for both public and private investment in the
study area.
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Goals
1. Transform the Study Area. Support the redevelopment of the study area as a vibrant, cohesive, mixed use
village, incorporating a variety of residential and commercial (retail and office) uses. Some of the new
buildings should feature ground floor commercial or gathering spaces with appropriate frontages, oriented
toward streets and public spaces.
2. Connect the Node. Redevelopment of the study area should include new streets and bicycle/ pedestrian
paths to allow for efficient and safe internal circulation within the village and linkages to the surrounding
network. Further study is recommended for a linkage across the CP Rail to explore future bike, pedestrian,
or automobile access to the business/industrial park. Land use site plans should take these needed
connections into account.
3. Ensure that Buildings Interact with the Public Realm. Whether a new building is a mixed use, commercial,
or strictly residential, ensure that ground‐level frontages throughout the node are carefully designed with a
pedestrian scale and character that interact with the public realm, encouraging beauty, safety, informal
interaction, walkability, and a sense of place. Require additional investments in the public realm alongside
with new and renovated development to create new or improved public spaces.
4. Ensure Graceful Transitions. Encourage the scale of buildings in the mixed use core to transition from
center to edge, with the largest and tallest buildings located adjacent to the eastern and southern industrial
areas, and decreasing in scale toward the western and northern residential areas. Require that
redevelopment adjacent to residential areas is designed with sensitivity to mitigate any impacts on
neighboring properties in consideration of views, sunlight, shade and noise.
5. Allow Land Uses to Evolve. Allow existing land uses to evolve in response to the market changing over time.
Current land uses remain until owners decide to seek a change. Allow for flexibility in land use guidance to
allow for a compatible mix of uses. Encourage and accommodate affordable housing as part of
redevelopment.
6. Minimize Impact of Automobiles. While vehicles must be accommodated conveniently and safely, the
character of this area is that of a walkable, traditional, neighborhood node. Discourage building types with a
predominant auto orientation, such as buildings with drive‐through lanes, gasoline stations, and similar
uses. Likewise, on‐site parking lots should be located to the side or rear of buildings, unless site constraints
dictate otherwise.
Policies
1. The City will adopt this plan as an update to the 2018 Edina Comprehensive Plan and amend current zoning
and related ordinances to align with this plan.
2. The City will review development applications of all future projects within the boundaries of the 70th &
Cahill Small Area Plan to ensure compliance with the new 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node (NN)
Development Guidelines*. The guidelines include:
A. Building Height Limits Plan
B. Building Type Guidelines
C. Site‐Specific Guidelines
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3. With adoption of the plan, the city will establish a density range of 10 ‐ 50 Dwelling units per acre in the
study area.
4. The City will prioritize affordable housing, according to the city's affordable housing policy.
*The Neighborhood Node (NN) boundaries, its description, and the 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Development Guidelines are presented in the following pages and summarized in Table 3.
4.4 Future Land Use
Character and Scale
The proposed future land use plan for the
study area is shown on Figure 4.4 on the
following page. As noted, the 70th & Cahill
study area has significant redevelopment
potential. To achieve the goals for the area
as identified during the planning process, new development will need to be significantly different in terms of
character and scale. The focus of the change will be in the core commercial area of the district, the industrial
uses immediately adjacent to it, and the residential uses on the north side of 70th Street. Guidelines seek to
promote the scale, walkability and character of the area by regulating the relationship of buildings‐to‐streets
and the transition of building heights from node‐to‐neighborhood. The area can be transformed from a
collection of single story commercial and industrial buildings and 1960s‐era, multi‐family buildings to a mixed
use village node, with housing, retail, and services unified by a common village theme reinforced by
architectural character and scale, building materials and themed signage.
Preferred Land Use Designation
It is recommended the area be designated as a mixed use, Neighborhood Node (NN) in the 2018 comprehensive
plan, replacing the existing designation of Neighborhood Commercial (NC). Similar to the Neighborhood
Commercial category, the Neighborhood Node category supports neighborhood serving businesses. It
encourages small‐ to moderate‐scale businesses that serve primarily the adjacent neighborhoods. Primary land
uses should be retail and services, offices, studios, and institutional uses. In addition, designation as a
Neighborhood Node provides:
Predictability for current landowners. Supports current owners’ efforts to invest in improvements in their
properties by providing a predictable planning framework for the area.
Flexibility for redevelopment. Provides greater flexibility to the development market by more explicitly
encouraging the inclusion of needed housing types such as “missing middle housing, co‐housing, and affordable
housing.4
4 From Missing Middle Housing, Responding to the Demand for Walkable Urban Living; Parolek, Daniel;
missingmiddlehousing.com
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Medium Density Residential (MDR)
Neighborhood Node (NN)
Open Spaces and Parks (OSP)
Low Density Residential (LDR)
Rail road Right‐of‐Way (Industrial)
Industrial (I)
Figure 4.4 Future Land Use
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New Gathering Space and Placemaking. Encourages intentional integration of landscaped open space and new
formal public spaces.
Protection of Community Values, Scale, Walkability and Character. Guidelines protect the scale, walkability and
character of the existing area by regulating the relationship of buildings‐to‐streets and the transition of building
heights from node‐to‐neighborhood.
Table 3 below describes characteristics of the Neighborhood Node (NN) land use designation.
TABLE 3
70TH & CAHILL NEIGHBORHOOD NODE CHARACTERISTICS
Land Use
Category
General Description Development Guidelines Density Guidelines
Neighborhood
Node (NN)
In general, small‐to‐
moderate‐scale
commercial, residential
or mixed use buildings
primarily serving on‐site
residents and the
adjacent
neighborhood(s).
Primary uses encouraged
are neighborhood‐serving
retail and services,
offices, studios,
institutional and
residential.
Building footprints generally
less than 20,000 square feet (or
less for individual storefronts).
Parking is less prominent than
pedestrian features.
Encourage underground parking
(for comparatively larger
developments), district parking
for smaller developments
Open space linkages where
feasible; emphasize
enhancement of the pedestrian
environment.
Encourage development to
comply with the 70th and Cahill
Neighborhood Node
Development Guidelines:
A. Building Height Limits Plan
B. Building Type Guidelines
C. Site Specific Guidelines
Maximum residential
density up to 50 dwelling
units per acre (du/acre).
(Densities are further
constrained by the
parameters of the Building
Height Limits Plan).
Maximum Floor Area Ratio
(FAR) per zoning code.
4.5 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node Development Guidelines
I. Building Height Limits Plan
This plan establishes new height limits for the 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node, shown on Figures 4.5 and
4.6.
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Height limits along West 70th Street. Buildings that front on West 70th Street may be allowed up to
three stories high, not to exceed 39 feet. This shall establish the maximum upper height limit (MUH) for
parcels south of 70th Street along Cahill Road.
Height limits along Cahill Road and interior east/west parkway‐type street5. Buildings that front on
Cahill Road and the new parkway‐type street: maximum of five stories high, not to exceed the
maximum upper height limit established along West 70th Street.
Height limits on interior zone. Buildings east of Amundson Avenue, not abutting 70th Street:
maximum of five stories high, not to exceed 63 feet
.
5 The interior east/west parkway‐type street is described and illustrated on page 51. It is proposed to be a tree‐lined
street with generous boulevards. It will serve as Cahill Village’s main entrance and signature street, linking the
redevelopment and Cahill Road and accommodating bicycles and pedestrians as well as autos.
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina's 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node Page 40 Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework Figure 4.5 Impact of Site Topography on Building Height By City of Edina Ordinance, the height of buildings is measured along the front face of the building, from the front curb to the top of the roof. Due to the steep grade of the study area, this may potentially yield individual buildings with additional stories below street level grade. However, the plan recommends that, for buildings fronting on Cahill Road, the maximum height would be either the roof line established by three story buildings on the southeast corner of 70th and Cahill (39 feet) or five stories (63 feet); whichever is less.
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Chapter 4 ‐ Land Use and Urban Design Framework
Conceptual indication of
the portion of buildings
fronting on Cahill that
cannot exceed the
maximum upper limit
established by the
building height on the
southeast corner of 70th
Street and Cahill Road.
Parkway-Type Street
Figure 4.6 Building Height Limits
Building Height Limits
Up to 3 stories, not to exceed 39’
Up to 5 stories, not to exceed 63’
Up to 5 stories, not to exceed the
maximum upper limit set by 3‐
story structures on the SE corner of
70th/Cahill
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II. Building Type Guidelines
A village‐like character embodies the human scale formed by a collection of buildings. Buildings exhibit a similar
sense of scale and complement one another through the use of compatible building materials and colors. The
plan encourages a mix of building forms to achieve the desired outcome of a cohesive village with varied
housing types.
Description
Building Materials Traditional: brick, stone, metal and glass storefronts
Architectural
Elements
Cornices, lintels, sills, bays, upper stories have smaller window openings,
window mullions, pitched or flat roofs, shingles, dormers
Floor Heights 1st Floor commercial or retail use: 12 ‐ 15 feet
Floors 2 ‐ 5 office or residential use: 12 feet
Podium base Step back from front façade to maintain a visual “street wall.”
Building Type Examples
The following examples show buildings that demonstrate elements in the Building Type Guidelines. These
illustrations do not prescribe or dictate what must be built in the study area – nor do they attempt to suggest a
favored or preferred architectural style. They present possibilities to help guide a sense of village character,
building materials, and scale.
Corner orientation and varying roof lines add visual interest
to 5000 France, a 4 to 5 story mixed use development in
Edina. Brick on the building and brick pavers bring
continuity to the area.
Haugland Company Development, Edina, Minnesota
Post Properties Mixed Use Development, Atlanta, Georgia
Four story mixed use development example
with ground level podium style base.
Articulation of street façade and use of a mix
of materials breaks up a long building into
smaller, village‐scale components.
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Example of repurposed 1990s era warehouse as a
brewpub.
Co‐housing is an intentional development of
private homes clustered around shared space.
Each attached home has shared amenities.
Shared spaces typically feature a common house,
which may include a large kitchen and dining
area, laundry, and recreational spaces. Shared
outdoor space may include parking, walkways,
open space, and gardens.
Example of residential development with tight lot lines,
shared greenspace, and outdoor amenities.
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Rowhouses, Reston Town Center, Reston Virginia.
Traditional brick and stone rowhouses with
stoops and ground‐level front doors addressing
the street. Modest, urban‐sized lawns and
setbacks from the sidewalk contribute to the
historic, village‐like character.
III. Residential Density
The Metropolitan Council requires communities to identify density ranges for areas that allow residential
development, in the form of residential units or dwelling units per acre (du/acre). The 70th & Cahill Small Area
Plan recommends a residential density range of 10 du/acre to 50 du/acre. Table 4 lists examples of recent
development projects in and around Edina with number of units and their corresponding densities
TABLE 4
REPRESENTATIVE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY FOR RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Project Status DUs Acres Dus/Acre
Elements on France Developed 31 0.43 72
e2: Excelsior/France Developed 132 2.16 61
Excelsior/Grand (Apartment Units only)* Developed 501 7.38 68
Nolan Mains: (Market Street, Edina)) Under construction 110 1.50 73
Onyx (6725 York, Edina) Developed 72 1.38 52
The Loden (5901 Lincoln, Edina) Developed 246 8.20 30
5000 France, Edina) Developed 22 0.76 29
Edina Flats (6118‐6124 Kellogg, Edina) Developed 18 1.29 14
Total 1132 23.10
Average 142 2.88 49
Source: Biko Associates, Inc., 2018
Images showing the exteriors of three of the above‐referenced developments can be found on the following
page.
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The Loden:
Four story luxury residential development
at 5901 Lincoln Drive, Edina
Edina Flats:
Two and 3 story development at
Wooddale and Valley View, Edina
Onyx:
Five to 6 story retail and residential
development at 6725 York, Edina
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IV. Site‐Specific Guidelines
Site Concept
The timing for redevelopment of buildings and parcels in the 70th & Cahill node will depend upon the right
balance of capital resources, market demand, and the potential for return on investment. Because most of the
buildings are of similar age and condition, and several parcels are under the same ownership, the
redevelopment of a single parcel has the potential to kickstart the development of other parcels in the node. In
deciding which site‐specific guidelines to include in the small area plan, the approach has been wholistic, to
remain relevant amongst several possible future scenarios. The SAPWG identified five key features to
incorporate in the future planning for the node. These features were deemed essential toward strengthening
and providing a unique identity for the node.
Figure 4.7 illustrates a site concept that highlights these key features:
1) Bike/Pedestrian Trail Destination
2) Public Gathering Space
3) Internal Circulation Street Grid
4) Feeder Street Improvements and Crossings
5) Planning for Future Rail
Figure 4.7 illustrates proposed site elements and circulation to guide future Cahill Village development. It
identifies a street network through the site. While the final configuration will depend on actual development
patterns, it serves as a guide for what should be required.
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1
3
2 5
4
1. Designated bike and
pedestrian crossing
2. Woonerf/Gathering space
3. Internal circulation street
4. New east/west parkway‐
type street
5. Future rail platform
(location to be determined)
Figure 4.7: Proposed Site Elements
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❶ Bike/Pedestrian Crossing at 70th Street
The 70th & Cahill node's prime location means it has the potential to serve as a major destination or stop along
the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail for a significant number of bikers and pedestrians. A designated pedestrian
and bike crossing on 70th Street at Amundson is needed to provide safer foot and bike access from the north to
south side of 70th St. and into Cahill Village. Additional pedestrian crossing signage and flashing warning lights
will assist westbound cyclists in the bike lane on 70th St. to make a safe left turn on Amundson Ave. in order to
access the northbound trail.
❷ Public Gathering Space (Woonerf)
Essential to the notion of a village is a central gathering place or focus. A gathering place can simply be an
interior or exterior open space that is large enough or well landscaped to allow for a variety of activities. A
woonerf has the means to serve many functions, such as circulation for people, vehicles, bikes, or as space to
host occasional events. Woonerfs typically utilize special pavers that tend from the sidewalk into the street.
Bollards may be installed to help define the travelled way. Cyclists and pedestrians circulate freely, and often
slowly, on woonerfs. At a minimum, a woonerf can provide a unique and distinctive area that promotes interest
and activity.
A woonerf would also serve as Cahill Village’s internal, signed bicycle routes. In a sense, would provide the
secondary streets system. Traffic flows on the woonerfs would be low, as they are not designed with the
automobile in mind. They are primarily used by cyclists and pedestrians.
Parking
Accommodating parking will also be part of the plan for this area. General guidelines pertaining to parking and
access are listed below.
Encourage Underground Parking. Residents’ parking should be located under the buildings to the
extent allowed by market conditions.
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Visually Buffer Surface Parking Lots. Commercial parking should be behind or alongside the buildings
and be visually buffered by plantings so as to encourage an active streetscape.
Display Consistent Signage. Signage pylons, window display signs, and on‐site directional signage
should be consistent in terms of colors and materials. Signage should clearly mark site access and
direction for automobile and bicycle access from streets.
Install Edge Treatments along Surface Parking Lots. Edge treatments along the borders between
private surface parking lots and the adjacent sidewalks should include a planting strip approximately
two feet wide (or more) and permanent planting or fencing approximately three feet high. (Following
City standards where applicable.)
Construct Organized Parking Lots. Surface parking lots should be constructed to adhere to City of Edina
standards regarding stall width and length and aisle width. Pedestrian‐oriented lighting should be
installed on islands within surface parking lots. Where applicable, clearly defined pedestrian paths
should be marked so that pedestrians can safely walk between the parking lot and on‐site buildings.
Other Improvements for Cyclists and Pedestrians
As properties redevelop, the city may require investment in on‐site or public facilities that complement new
projects, such as:
Bicycle Parking ‐‐‐ Bicycle parking facilities located in proximity of businesses.
On‐Site Lighting ‐‐‐ On‐site pedestrian‐oriented lighting.
❸ Internal Circulation Street Grid
Currently, the commercial and industrial uses function effectively as one large auto‐oriented parking lot with
shopping opportunities in the commercial core. The expanse of parking lot lacks amenities and does not clearly
separate different modes of travel. Future development concepts are intended to change this configuration,
introducing a grid of streets to serve buildings and connect to the surrounding network. This allows bicycle and
pedestrian traffic to be handled more safely, provides opportunities for streetscape and public realm
enhancements, and creates space for community activities and events. It further serves to separate, define, and
organize development parcels. See Figure 4.8.
Figure 4.8
Internal Circulation Street
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The internal circulation street will be the most common street within the study area. It provides direct access to
buildings and their parking lots. As shown, two 10 foot wide general traffic lanes are provided. The street also
includes two 7 foot wide parking lanes. Sidewalks are at least 7 feet wide, and storm water is retained in vaults
for street trees and other vegetation.
❹ Feeder Street Improvements and Crossings (Parkway‐Type Street)
The east/west parkway‐type street will be developed as a feeder connecting to Cahill Road at the southern edge
of the study area. Its alignment follows the property line between the existing FilmTec parcel and the former
brick and tile distributor (currently Sir Lines‐A‐Lot). The parkway‐street extends to the east, and further study is
recommended to determine the feasibility of serving as a connection to properties east of the railroad tracks.
The parkway‐type street serves as the grand entry parkway to Cahill Village. Lined with trees and pedestrian‐
scaled lighting, it also accommodates bikes and pedestrians. Flare outs (widening) at intersections permit left‐
turning vehicles to be overtaken.
Figure 4.9: Parkway‐type street configuration showing auto lane, boulevard planting, sidewalk, bike path
Figure 4.10: Plan view of Parkway Street showing flare outs at intersection
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Figure 4.11 Cahill Road Configuration showing auto lane, bike lane, boulevard
planting, sidewalk and building with 15 foot setback from the sidewalk along Cahill
Road.
❺ Planning for Future Rail
Due to the proximity of the 70th & Cahill node to the CP Rail, should passenger rail service ever be activated, the
small area plan recommends the possibility of including a future passenger rail station. The actual platform
location along the eastern border of the study area, with pedestrian linkages between the station platform and
Cahill Village should be reviewed early and planned with input and review by CP Rail and neighboring Xcel
Energy. Setbacks and height restrictions from transmission towers and tracks currently exist for all new
structures and should be carefully coordinated. The primary ridership service area would be within a one‐half
mile radius of the station and would include residents surrounding the study area in single family and multi‐
family homes and employees at the adjacent business/industrial park,
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Chapter 5
Heritage
Preservation
5.1 Existing Conditions
5.2 History of the Area
5.3 Trends and Challenges
5.4 Goals and Policies
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Chapter 5 Heritage Preservation
5.1 Existing Conditions
The intersection of West 70th Street /Cahill Road is currently surrounded by housing built between the 1950s
and 1980s. At its center sits auto‐oriented commercial property dating to the 1960s. However, the history of
the area is much older than the current housing and commercial stock would indicate. The earliest structures
were built at the intersection in the mid‐1800s.
Edina's historic preservation efforts are the responsibility of the Edina Heritage Preservation Commission, and
the City Code includes both the Edina Heritage Landmark and Landmark District Zoning Classifications as the
City's official register of significant heritage resources. These districts were designed to be the local government
equivalent of the National Register of Historic Places and provide legal protection for significant heritage
resources. Whereas individual structures may not survive, historic significance is still conferred through the
district level recognition.
5.2 History of the Area
The 70th & Cahill small area has long been a local center of
trade, industry, and housing since before the founding of
Edina itself. The first European settlers in the area were
largely of Irish origin, arriving in the late 1840s and early
1850s to live as subsistence farmers. The terrain was rocky,
and the soil poor for growing crops. The land was cheap,
however, and families would grow hay and potatoes and
raise livestock.
There were 26 families farmsteading near the intersection
of 70th and Cahill by 1856. The legacy of the Irish settlers
can still be seen in street names in the area. The
community grew over the later decades of the 19th Century
and became part of Edina when it was incorporated in 1888.
After World War II, the nationwide suburban housing boom
drastically reshaped the 70th & Cahill small area. What had been an isolated farming village that lacked running
water and electricity until the 1930s was covered into tracts of housing in the 1950s and 60s, its central
intersection redeveloped into auto‐oriented commercial buildings, surrounded by new housing. This
transformation was enabled and ensured by the construction of Trunk Highways (TH) 100, 62, and 169 and along
with I‐494.
Historic Properties. Many of Edina's earliest buildings did not survive to the present day. Records document
their existence and importance in establishing the earliest beginnings of the Village of Edina.
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St. Patrick’s Church
The first recorded building in the 70th and Cahill area was St. Patrick’s
Church, a log cabin built in 1857. It was replaced by a larger structure with
a steeple in 1884 (shown at the right). Fire, caused by a lightning strike in
1924, brought this building down. Within a year the church was replaced
on the same site. In 1961, the new church was moved to a new location at
Valley View and Gleason Roads.
Cahill School
The Cahill School was one of the earliest structures built at the 70th and
Cahill intersection, erected on the southeast corner in 1864. It served as
the community’s school for, 94 years, closing in 1958. It was then moved
to its current location in Frank Tupa Park and replaced on‐site with a
more modern school made of brick. The 1950s structure was torn down
in 1990. The original school building is currently on the National Register
of Historic Places, though it is no longer located within or near the 70th
and Cahill small area.
Darcy/Cahill/Cameron’s Store
Hugh Darcy opened a general store at the intersection of 70th and
Cahill in 1898. It burned down in 1918, but the Darcy family rebuilt
the store. They sold the store in 1944 to the Cameron family, who
operated it until 1965, when it was demolished to make way for
apartments.
Calvary Lutheran Church
The first Calvary Lutheran church was built in 1938 at the 70th
Street and Cahill Intersection, though the church moved to a
newer structure nearby at 6817 Antrim Road in the 1960s. There
is no longer a church within the 70th and Cahill small area, and the
new building is not within the study area.
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5.3 Trends and Challenges
Heritage preservation will continue to serve as a reference and inspiration for future new development. As the
current 50s, 60s, and 70s era structures undergo change, the community should keep in mind its long history as
the center of the community. The 70th & Cahill node is perhaps the most significant district in the settlement of
Edina and therefore, holds great historical value. The HPC should prioritize continued historical resource
identification and public education in and around the 70th & Cahill node.
5.4 Goals and Policies
Goals
1. Promote Historical Education and Identity. Develop a strong identity for the area based on the rich and
authentic history of Cahill Village. Reinforce this identity using opportunities to educate residents.
2. Update Research. Continue to document Cahill Village’s historical events, places, and changes. Identify
and evaluate structures more than 50 years old for landmark or landmark district eligibility.
3. Advance the Research as Necessary. Evaluate development proposals submitted to the City to determine
the potential for discovering new heritage or historical resources at Cahill Village during demolition and
new construction. Submit development proposals for review by the Heritage Preservation Commission.
Integrate heritage preservation with planning for parks, recreation, education, and public realm
improvements in Cahill Village and improve integration of the preservation plan with other city planning.
Policies
1. The City’s Heritage Preservation
Commission will safeguard significant
heritage properties identified at
Cahill Village.
2. The City’s Heritage Preservation
Commission will identify and
nominate eligible Cahill Village
properties for Heritage Landmark or
Landmark District zoning designation
where heritage properties are
identified.
3. The City’s Heritage Preservation Commission will protect heritage landmarks through participation in the
development review process, emphasizing preservation, signage, building materials, scale, form and
education.
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Chapter 6
Parks, Open
Space, and
Natural
Resources
6.1 Current Conditions
6.2 Trends and Challenges
6.3 Goals and Policies
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Chapter 6 Parks, Open Space, Natural Resources
6.1 Current Conditions
Although green and open space in the 70th & Cahill study area is
currently limited, there are potential opportunities to expand these
resources, beginning with a small city‐owned parcel (1.56 acres) located
south of 70th Street in the center of the Nine Mile Creek Trail loop. The
parcel is currently vacant and has been seeded with wildflowers.
Because of its topography (a low spot within the study area) and current
use as an entry point on to the Nine Mile Creek Bicycle Trail,
consideration should be given to its future potential development as a
pocket park and trailhead.
The Nine Mile Creek (NMC) Regional Trail. Immediately to the east of the study area is this regional, local, and
neighborhood amenity. When completed, the bike trail will span 15‐miles through the cities of Hopkins,
Minnetonka, Edina, Richfield, and Bloomington. It will connect to the Minneapolis Grand Rounds trail system,
the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail, the North Cedar Lake Trail and beyond.
The Edina segment of the trail was completed as of 2018, and a future connection to the Hyland Lake Regional
Park trail system is under design. There is also a plan for a future, more direct connection to the Cedar Lake Trail
via a tunnel under Hwy 169 (the tunnel has already been constructed), which will lead to even greater numbers
of trail users. The regional trail is a shared use facility and is available for walkers, runners, dog walkers, cyclists,
inline skaters, and other non‐motorized traffic.
The trail is an asset to the study area, Edina, and future redevelopment. It should be considered an
integral component of the village and future planning should recognize the economic impact of the
growing numbers of trail users.
William Wardell Lewis Park. Located at the intersection of Cahill Road and Dewey Hill Road, just south and west
of the study area, the 21‐acre Lewis Park features two tennis courts and three soccer fields. During the winter
months the park has a full sized hockey rink, ice skating rink, and warming house. Lewis Park also includes a
playground for younger children. A 0.6‐mile paved walking path surrounding the park makes Lewis Park a
perfect spot for a mid‐day walk. Sidewalks on the west side of Cahill Road provide access for pedestrians.
However, there currently are no crosswalks serving as a direct connection to the east side of Cahill Road. Dewey
Hill Road is identified as part of the Parkway/Grand Rounds in Quadrant 4 of the Big Ideas Workshop.
6.2 Trends and Challenges
Future planning for the city‐owned parcel should include a welcoming entry point and clear connection to the
trail as well as green space for Cahill Village. The NMC trail is projected to attract increasing numbers of users
and by including a well‐designed trailhead with information about city amenities and businesses, it will also
encourage trail users to explore other areas of Edina.
Developing Connections to the Nine Mile Creek Trail. Desirable pocket park and trailhead amenities
include:
Chapter 6 – Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 58
1. Seating/rest areas for trail users
2. Water fountain (potentially using stormwater runoff for its water source)
3. Wayfinding kiosks with a map of bike routes and destinations in Edina, and information about
services available in the study area.
4. Adjacent play areas for children and those residing in the redeveloped Cahill Village.
Direct Future Trail Alignment through the
Node. Access to the Hyland Lake Park and
Reserve from the Nine Mile Creek Trail is still
in the design phase. Under consideration
are two alternative alignments to be
selected by Three Rivers Regional Park
District, the agency that has jurisdiction over
the Nine Mile Creek Trail.
Option A: along Cahill Road from West 70th
Street to 76th Street and Bush Lake Road.
Option B: east along West 70th Street to
access an existing trail that circulates
through the business/industrial park south
and east of the study area.
Option A clearly provides the most benefit to
the node by routing bike traffic to the 70th &
Cahill intersection. Adding a spur from Cahill
into the south end of Amundson would
provide a direct trail connection for
northbound bikers to the trail tunnel with
the added benefit of routing bikers through
Cahill Village.
The trail would then intersect Bush Lake
Road before crossing I‐494 on the existing
overpass. Both alignment alternatives would
eventually terminate at Hyland Lake Park
Reserve.
Improving Access to Parks. Despite Lewis Park nearby, and the potential to develop a small play area on
City property adjacent to the Village, current access favors the automobile. Pedestrian and bike access
along Cahill Road from Lewis Park to the study area and from the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail to the
study area is lacking.
Improving Pedestrian and Bike Safety. Bike lanes are provided on Cahill Road along both the east and
west side. However, bike traffic from Lewis Park must cross Cahill Road to access the bike lanes that
connect to the NMC Trail or to the future Cahill Village. The configuration of the intersection at Dewey
Hill Road and Cahill Road, the street parking on Cahill, and the parking lot at Lewis Park with multiple
exits onto Cahill Road create an unpredictability for cyclists, especially those with young children or
those who require extra time to cross. Stop signs on Cahill Road near the Park are lacking
Chapter 6 – Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 59
6.3 Goals and Policies
The following goals and policies have been identified for the 70th and
Cahill small area plan study area:
Goals
1. Seamless integration of pedestrian and bike connections between
the study area, the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and Lewis Park.
2. Improve safety for pedestrians and bikers to access trails leading
to and within the study area.
3. Improve site stormwater management with all new development.
4. Add gathering space and green space within and surrounding the
study area.
Policies
1. The City will support a trailhead and pocket
park on city property adjacent to the 70th
Street tunnel.
2. The City will support the integration and
emphasis of the Nine Mile Creek Regional
Trail within the Cahill Village
redevelopment/design. Sightlines from the
trail should allow views of a vibrant
commercial/residential area.
3. The City will provide year‐round connections to the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail and the Parkway / Grand
Rounds identified in the Big Ideas workshop conducted in May 2017.
4. The City will minimize storm water run‐off and improve water quality of Nine Mile Creek by utilizing storm
water management systems and on‐site filtration systems in all new development.
5. The city will prioritize the creation of additional outdoor community gathering spaces in the study area.
6. The City will improve wayfinding signage in the study area for trail access.
Chapter 6 – Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 60
Chapter 7
Transportation
7.1 Existing Conditions
7.2 Trends and Challenges
7.3 Goals and Policies
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 61
Chapter 7 Transportation
7.1 Existing Conditions
Streets and Roads
The small area plan study area is located at the intersection of West 70th Street and Cahill Road, two collector
streets that are under City of Edina jurisdiction. Both streets are also Municipal State Aid6 streets, which
indicate their importance as links to roads and highways in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Highway plan. West
70th Street provides direct access to/from TH 100 and indirect access to/from TH 169. Cahill Road is indirectly
linked to I‐494 via West Bush Lake Road.
As collectors, they function to gather and distribute traffic. Thus, they are mid‐level facilities that gather traffic
from local streets and deliver traffic to larger, regional roads. In reverse, they gather traffic from the larger,
regional roads and deliver it to the local streets.
Daily traffic volumes on both of these streets are at the low to moderate level (3,000 to 9,000 vehicles per
day), and because they have not changed significantly over the past 10 years, there is a clear indication that
the travel sheds they serve are not growing in terms of the number of land uses that generate traffic. The
table that follows shows how Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) has been stable throughout recent years.
Figure 7.1 illustrates the most current daily traffic volumes that were recorded and analyzed in 2014.
TABLE 5
STUDY AREA DAILY TRAFFIC
Year 70th West of
Cahill
70th East of
Cahill
Cahill South of
70th
Cahill North of
78th
2014 / 2013 6200 9440 5900 3900
2009 5645 9000 6050 3800
2005 6540 N.A. 8670 N.A.
Source: MnDOT Street Series and City of Edina
The other street that is important to the study area is Amundson Avenue. It provides direct access to/from the
study area by intersecting both West 70th Street and Cahill Road.
Transit
Transit services to/from the study area are provided by Metro Transit. These services include three regular
routes and one express route. None of the routes actually penetrate the study area but, instead, provide
access to the study area’s periphery and nearby streets.7
6 Because of their importance to the regional transportation system of highways, MSA streets are supported with both
local (City of Edina) and state (MnDOT) funding. MnDOT design standards are determining factors for MSA streets,
and cities must gain approval from MnDOT if they wish to implement roadway improvements. If the roadway design
a city wishes to implement differs from MnDOT’s standards, a variance must be requested.
7 By policy, Metro Transit does not deviate from its routes unless there is adequate ridership to justify the increased
costs, in terms of time and operational expenses.
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 62
Figure 7.1 Current (2014) AADT Source: MnDOT Street Series
Routes 6 and 578 are regular routes that run along West 70th Street
and Cahill Road and stop at bus stops adjacent to the study area.
Route 540 is a regular route that picks up and drops off passengers at
the intersection of Bush Lake Road and West 78th Street, about one‐
half mile from the study area.
Express Route 589 runs along TH 100 and picks up and drops off
passengers at the TH 100/Benton Avenue Interchange.
All of the regular routes serve the Southdale Transit Service Center
where transfers to and from other routes that cover the entire
metropolitan area can be accessed. The express route serves
downtown Minneapolis.
Through field observations (and shown to the right) it was noted that
none of the bus stops on West 70th Street and Cahill Road have bus
shelters. It was further noted that the locations for the bus stops are
inferior and lack sensitivity for the needs of passengers, who are, in
70th Street Cahill Road
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 63
fact, pedestrians. The bus stops were located along narrow sidewalks, grassy slopes, and within the splash
distance of the curbs.
Pedestrian and Bicycle
The study area itself can best be described as a sea of
surface parking lots with islands of buildings and a
single street (Amundson Avenue) that cuts through it.
As such, there are no sidewalks, except for those
located immediately adjacent to buildings at the nose
end of angle parking stalls.
Additionally, the sidewalk on the north side of 70th
street is in poor condition and just barely 5 feet wide.
Likewise, there is no sidewalk on the east side of
Cahill Road.
The Nine Mile Creek Trail runs 30 feet below grade on
the north side of 70th Street and north of the existing
multi‐family buildings. En route to the south, it
crosses under 70th Street in a tunnel.
Three Rivers Regional Park District, the agency that
oversees the Nine Mile Creek Trail, is studying bike
routes that can be developed to link the trail that
passes through the small area study area to the Hyland Park Reserve in Bloomington. Route Alternatives A and
B have been developed for analysis.
As shown in Figure 7.2, Alternative A (blue line) goes west along West 70th Street and would use Cahill Road
to travel south to 78th Street. Following 78th Street, it would then access Bush Lake Road, which crosses over
I‐494 en route to Hyland Park in Bloomington.
Alternative B (green line) would go east along West 70th Street to access an existing trail that circulates
through the business/industrial park south and east of the study area. The trail would then intersect Bush Lake
Road before crossing I‐494 on the existing overpass.
With development of a potential, future crossing of the CP Rail (as described in this plan), either alignment
alternative would ensure that visitors to and residents of the study area would have convenient access to the
Nine Mile Creek Trail. Residents attending the first 70th & Cahill Community Meeting voted overwhelmingly in
support of Alternative A, which would be even more accessible to the study area if the Nine Mile Creek Trail
were linked to Amundson Avenue, as shown on Figure 7.2. The preferred alignment will be selected by Three
Rivers Regional Park.
A tunnel has been constructed under TH 169 for future direct connections of the trail to the City of Hopkins
and downtown Minneapolis. This will lead to a substantial increase in commuter cyclists using the trail.
City‐owned parcel in
northeast corner of the
study area.
Lack of sidewalks on West 70th
Street, east side of Cahill Road,
and the interior of the study area.
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 64
Potential link between
the Nine Mile Creek
Trail Head and Cahill
Road, conceptually
shown to run through
the study area along
Amundson Avenue.
Figure 7.2: Alternative Extensions of the Nine Mile Creek Trail
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 65
Freight
The railroad right‐of‐way that defines the eastern border of the study area is owned by the Canadian Pacific
(CP) Railroad. It leases the track to the Twin Cities and Western (TC&W) Railroad, which operates freight trains
twice each day; one northbound train and one southbound train.
Utilizing the CP Rail corridor for north/south passenger service through Edina has been discussed for many
years. Historically (1908 to 1942) the corridor actually accommodated passenger rail service between
Minneapolis, Savage, and Northfield. Identified as a Tier I Potential Commuter Rail alignment in 1998‐1999,
MnDOT initiated a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Scoping Decision Study to determine the feasibility and
cost of once again running passenger trains in the corridor. Findings from the study indicated that it would be
one of the most successful passenger rail lines when compared to others that were also under study.
Citizens in Saint Louis Park, Bloomington, and Edina were strongly opposed to the proposed concept and in
2002 were successful in getting legislation passed to ban any further study of passenger rail in the corridor.
Despite the legislative ban, interest in passenger rail service in the corridor has remained high. The Edina
Transportation Commission (ETC) contracted Kimley Horn in 2017 to conduct a study the pros and cons of
passenger rail in the corridor. The most suitable station location was determined to be in the Grandview
District due to business activity and jobs in the area as well as undeveloped land that could be used for a
transit station and transit oriented development. The majority of public feedback on the study was negative,
particularly from residents who live along the route. The study concluded with a recommendation by the Edina
City Council not to pursue passenger rail on the Dan Patch Line at this time (as of 2018).
The small area plan recommends the inclusion of a passenger rail station along the eastern border of the study
area, with pedestrian linkages between the station platform and Cahill Village, if passenger rail is approved.
The primary ridership service area would be within a one‐half mile radius of the station and would include
residents surrounding the study area in single family and multi‐family homes, employees at the adjacent
business/industrial park, and on‐site residents. As average residential density in the neighborhoods
surrounding the study area is low (less than 10 dwelling units per acre), a considerably higher number of
dwelling units within the study area will increase the potential that the recommended passenger rail station
will be given serious consideration by the FTA and Metropolitan Council. 8
7.2 Trends and Challenges
The SAPWG heard several transportation‐related issues from the community at the three Community
Meetings. These are listed below.
Some intersections in the area do not operate efficiently and there are backups periodically during the
day. Specific intersections with recurring issues are70th & Cahill and Dewey Hill/ Cahill.
Safer access to the Nine Mile Creek Trail especially from westbound 70th St.
8 According to the Metropolitan Council, Light Rail Transit (LRT), Commuter Rail (passenger rail), Dedicated Bus Rapid
Transit (BRT), and Highway BRT represent the highest level of regional investment in transit. As a result, policy
expectations for residential density and levels of activity are highest for their station areas. A key planning task for
local governments is to identify locations where these policy expectations will be met.
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 66
Traffic is unorganized, and speeds are high at the 70th & Cahill intersection.
There is support for adding sidewalks along the streets within the area and for creating landscaped
boulevards and improved pedestrian‐scaled lighting.
There is a desire to screen or hide parking, either underground or behind buildings and minimize
runoff by utilizing permeable pavers and rain gardens.
Improved transit service is needed in the area; increased frequency and coverage of service and better
facilities (bus stops with stations).
A circulator bus is needed.
An on‐site transit hub is needed.
Connections across the railroad right‐of‐way are needed so that there can be more efficient t
east/west travel across the study area and into the business/industrial park.
Pedestrians and cyclists cannot conveniently access the Nine Mile Creek trail from 70th Street. There
is need for an enhanced sidewalk on the south side of 70th Street, between Amundson Avenue and
the Nine Mile Creek trail that will accommodate cyclists and pedestrians in both an easterly and
westerly direction.
7.3 Goals and Policies
Goals
The following goals and policies were developed in response to the trends and issues identified above.
1. Create a Grid. To the extent possible, create a grid system of streets and regular blocks within the study
area to define development parcels and serve as a framework for a logical network of streets and
intersections.
2. Define and Construct a Hierarchy of Streets.
Entering and exiting the study area and connecting linking Amundson Avenue to the adjacent street
system (Cahill Road and West 70th street)
Tree‐lined, east/west parkway type street along the southern border of the study area
Internal circulation to provide access to buildings, parking lots, and other on‐site destinations
Woonerf (bicycle and pedestrian dominant travel routes) to link adjacent buildings and on‐site
destinations
3. Add Traffic Control Devices. Provide at intersections to calm and regulate the flow of traffic:
70th & Cahill
Amundson/Cahill
Parkway Street/Cahill
Dewey Hill Road/Cahill
4. Add Sidewalks and Crosswalks.
Along the south side of West 70th Street between Cahill Road and Metro Boulevard
Along the east side of Cahill Road between West 70th Street and Dewey Hill Road
Crosswalk at Cahill to facilitate pedestrian and bike usage of the Cahill bike lanes for people living in
the Dewey Hill neighborhood
Along the north side of West 70th Street to the Nine Mile Creek trail
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 67
5. Further study an east/west connection across the CP Rail. Partner early with Xcel Energy and CP Rail to
begin exploring possibilities for linking the study area and the office‐industrial park that lies south and east
of the study area.
6. Expand Transit Circulator Service. Circulator operating in the Greater Southdale Area shall include 70th &
Cahill node.
7. Construct On‐Site Shelter. A bus shelter on site shall ensure that transit riders can await the circulator in
comfort.
8. Improve Metro Transit Bus Stops. Ensure adequate space for pedestrians to comfortably walk to stop
locations.
Provide concrete surfaces where bus stops are located
Ensure locations are accessible and surfaces properly sloped
Provide bus shelters
9. Construct a Bike Connection. Assist cyclists and pedestrians to access the Nine Mile Trail from both the
east and west directions on 70th Street by removing a segment of the concrete center median at the trail.
10. Provide for On‐Street Parking. along internal circulation streets within the study area.
Policies
The following policies are directions the city will initiate to ensure the small area is developed/ redeveloped in
a manner that fulfills the Vision Statement and transportation‐related Guiding Principles.
1. The city will coordinate with MnDOT on the redesign of intersections along Cahill Road where intersections
providing access to/from the small area plan study area will be constructed and where trail connections
should be made safer.
2. The city will coordinate with Metro Transit to affect decisions to ensure that transit facilities and services
affecting the small area plan study area provide for comfort, convenience, and ease of use for transit
customers.
3. The city will coordinate with CP Railroad and Xcel Energy to study the potential for a future railroad track
crossing between the small area plan study area and the adjacent business/industrial park, if
recommended as part of the follow up study.
4. The city will coordinate with Three Rivers Park District to ensure that its designs provide for (or otherwise
include) a sidewalk on the south side of 70th Street and removal of a portion of the concrete median on
70th Street for westbound cyclists to connect directly to the northbound bike trail (tunnel).
5. The city will notify the Park District that the community and small area plan work group overwhelming
prefer and support its proposed “Option A” to complete and connect the Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail to
the future CP Rail Regional Trail. The City shall explore with the Park District the potential to route or add
a trail spur through the study area rather than along 70th and Cahill—the four‐way intersection there can
be a traffic hazard. It is imperative that this follow‐up step is initiated in late 2018 or early 2019 because
the Three Rivers Regional Parks District is finalizing its construction plans.
Chapter 7 ‐ Transportation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 68
6. The city will coordinate with developers to ensure a sidewalk is constructed on the east side of Cahill and
for a trail from Amundson trail loop.
7. The city will support the development and operation of a city‐owned transit circulator that serves its
neighborhood, community, and regional nodes.
8. The city will require the proposers of new development projects and significant redevelopment projects to
complete Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) reports as a component of the development review process. The
geographic scope of TIA reports will be defined by the City of Edina, as will the scope of
transportation/traffic issues to address.
9. The city will, in the event the TIA indicates a proposer's development will generate traffic that exceeds the
capacity of the street system and/or will impact adjacent residential areas, coordinate with the project
proposer to identify mitigation measures that should be examined to determine which will ensure that
acceptable traffic operations can achieved.
Chapter 8
Implementation
Chapter 8 ‐ Implementation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 69
8. Implementation
8.1 Economic Vitality Implementation
Action Lead Timeframe
Follow‐up study of business/industrial park
The City will initiate further study to determine how best to
revitalize the area. The recommendation includes possible
up‐front City investment in sidewalks and other public realm
improvements to stimulate private sector investment.
Funding to complete the study shall be included in staff’s
proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) budget.
Community
Development/Planning
Department, Economic
Development
Department, Chamber
of Commerce
With City Council
adoption of 70th
& Cahill Small
Area Plan.
2019/2020
Create a sense of place and link the 70th and Cahill node to its
immediate surroundings
Develop identity logo or graphic theme for Cahill Village
integrating its historical significance and proximity to the
NMC Regional Trail for use in signage and wayfinding,
Conduct follow up study to identify need for, and feasibility of
additional bicycle, pedestrian or vehicle connections over
the CP Rail tracks.
Add wayfinding at key traffic intersections: monument
signage at 70th and Metro Blvd., 78th and Cahill, 70th & Cahill
Community
Development/Planning
Department,
Economic Development
Department,
Chamber of Commerce
With City Council
adoption of 70th
& Cahill Small
Area Plan
Support existing small business and property owners
The City will provide support in the creation of a business
and property owners business association.
The City will develop programs and incentives to help
prevent existing businesses from being displaced.
Economic Development
Department,
Chamber of Commerce
2020/2021
Clarify when and where any potential use of public financing
subsidies for redevelopment in the study area may be
considered
The City will provide guidelines for property owners and
developers delineating conditions and applications for public
financing subsidies (e.g., tax increment financing)
The City will make it clear to property owners, developers,
and the community what the public financing may be used
for and will define elements specific to the study area.
Should public financing be proposed for the study area, the
City will provide information (e.g., a primer) justifying and
explaining the financial benefits to the community
City Council In response to
development
proposals
Chapter 8 ‐ Implementation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 70
8.2 Land Use and Urban Design Implementation
Action Lead Timeframe
Incorporate this Plan by Reference
The City will amend the land use designation
of the 70th & Cahill study are from Neighborhood Commercial
to Neighborhood Node (NN).
The City will review development applications of all
future projects within the boundaries of the 70th & Cahill
neighborhood node to ensure compliance with Small
Area Plan Land Use and Development Guidelines
including
Building Type Guidelines, Density, and Site‐
Specific Guidelines.
Community
Development/Planning
Department
With City Council
adoption of 70th
& Cahill Small
Area Plan
Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map.
The city will amend the Zoning Map to replace the zoned Planned
Industrial District‐1 within the study area with the Planned
Commercial District‐1 designation.
Current land uses remain in effect until a development
proposal is submitted or owners decide to seek a change.
The PCD‐1 district allows certain retail or service
businesses as Permitted Uses and multi‐family housing as
a Conditional Use.
The city will use the policies and guidance of this plan as
conditions for review of the multi‐family housing.
The city will amend the zoning ordinance regarding height
maximums to be consistent with this plan.
The city will include additional code requirements (such
as form‐based codes) as needed to acquire the expected
public realm improvements which may include any or all
of the following: Frontage Types, Building Types, Street
and Streetscape, Parking, Public Space Standards,
Landscape Standards, Architectural Standards.
Community
Development/Planning
Department
With City Council
adoption of 70th
& Cahill Small
Area Plan
Building Height Regulations and Building Height Overlay
Districts Map.
The City will amend the Building Height Overlay Districts Map to
change the study area’s current HOD‐2 two‐story, maximum
height of 24 feet, to HOD‐3 three‐story, maximum height of 39
feet; and HOD‐5 five‐story, maximum height of 63 feet; as
consistent with this plan.
Community
Development/Planning
Department
With City Council
adoption of 70th
& Cahill Small
Area Plan
Chapter 8 ‐ Implementation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 71
8.3 Heritage Preservation Implementation
Action Lead Timeframe
Research and investigate Cahill Village properties and events
with potential for heritage significance
Edina Heritage
Preservation
Commission
With City Council
adoption of 70th &
Cahill Small Area
Plan
Identify and nominate Cahill Village for Heritage Landmark
designation if heritage resources are identified.
Edina Heritage
Preservation
Commission
2019‐2029
Safeguard significant heritage resources identified at Cahill
Village, when identified.
Edina Heritage
Preservation
Commission
2019‐2029
Evaluate development applications for opportunities to
incorporate history and education about Cahill Village.
Edina Heritage
Preservation
Commission
In response to
development
applications
Chapter 8 ‐ Implementation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 72
8.4 Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Implementation
Action Lead Timeframe
Improve pedestrian and bike connections between the study area
and Nine Mile Creek Regional Trail
Inform the Three Rivers Regional Parks District that the
community Prefers “Option A” to complete the Nine Mile Creek
Regional Trail and connect to the future CP Rail Regional Trail.
Explore with the Three Rivers Regional Parks District the potential
to route the trail through the study area rather than along 70th‐
Cahill due to potential traffic hazards.
Review small area plan with developers to clarify expectations and
coordinate public realm improvements
Survey both the east and west on 70th Street to add safe
connections to trail and year‐round use
Construct a trail/sidewalk to connect the bike trail located on the
city parcel, with the 70th & Cahill node
Community
Development/Planning,
Parks & Recreation,
Engineering Department,
the Three Rivers Regional
Park Commission
With City Council
adoption of the
70th & Cahill Small
Area Plan
Create more green space within and surrounding the study area
Prepare a plan to construct a trailhead and pocket park on the city
property adjacent to the 70th Street tunnel.
Review development proposals for opportunities to include
outdoor gathering space/s.
Community
Development/Planning,
Parks and Recreation,
With City Council
adoption of the
70th & Cahill Small
Area Plan
Improve pedestrian and bike connections to nearby parks
Survey improvements for crossings, bike lanes to and from Lewis
Park
Present recommendations to the public
Prioritize these improvements in the CIP—do not need to wait for
study area redevelopment
Parks Commission,
Transportation
Commission, and
Engineering Department
2019‐2024
Promote trail and parks access to and from the study area
Provide wayfinding signage on 70th Street directing cyclists and
pedestrians to the safest trail access point
Add wayfinding signage at the trailhead for Cahill Village and for
the Edina Bike Route system.
Survey access improvements needed for pedestrians and cyclists
between the study area and Lewis Park
Parks Commission and
Engineering Department
with the Three Rivers
Regional Park Commission
2019‐2024
Improve water quality of Nine Mile Creek
Require storm water retention and management of all new
development
Consider storm water retention system in newly created pocket
park to filter water before it enters the creek
Community
Development/Planning,
Engineering
With the City
Council adoption of
the 70th & Cahill
Small Area Plan
Chapter 8 ‐ Implementation
Small Area Plan for the City of Edina’s 70th & Cahill Neighborhood Node
Page 73
8.5 Transportation Implementation
Action Lead Timeframe
Coordinate with MnDOT on the redesign of intersections along
Cahill Road where intersections providing access to/from the
small area plan study area will be constructed.
Transportation
Planning and
Engineering
Department
In response to
development
proposals
Coordinate with Metro Transit to affect decisions to ensure that
transit facilities and services affecting the small area plan study
area provide for comfort, convenience, and ease of use for
transit customers.
Transportation
Planning
With adoption of
the 70th & Cahill
Small Area Plan
For parcels adjacent to the rail tracks, require proposers of
redevelopment projects to review their plans and coordinate
with CP Railroad and Xcel Energy early in the design process,
prior to submitting any plans for review to the City.
Transportation
Planning and
Engineering
Department
With adoption of
the 70th & Cahill
Small Area Plan
Coordinate with Three Rivers Regional Parks District to ensure
that its designs provide for (or otherwise include) a sidewalk on
the south side of 70th Street.
Transportation
Planning and
Engineering
Department
With adoption of
the 70th & Cahill
Small Area Plan
Coordinate with appropriate small area plan developers to
ensure a sidewalk is constructed on the west side of Cahill.
Planning and
Transportation
Planning and
Engineering
Department
In response to
development
proposals
Support the development and operation of a transit circulator
that serves the 70th & Cahill study area and is linked to the
already existing circulator serving the Greater Southdale Area
and future neighborhood nodes within the city.
Planning Department
and Transportation
Planning
With adoption of
the 70th & Cahill
Small Area Plan
Require the proposers of new development projects and
significant redevelopment projects to complete Traffic Impact
Analysis (TIA) reports as a component of the development and
site plan review process.
Transportation
Planning and
Engineering
Department
In response to
development
proposals