HomeMy WebLinkAboutCH12-ImplementationPLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-1
Chapter 12 - Implementation
Implementation
The Comprehensive Plan is a valuable tool to guide the
development and redevelopment of land, and inform capital
investments. It is also a tool that helps set the stage for future
policy decisions. The purpose of the Implementation Plan is to
identify the specific tools, strategies and action items needed to
carry out the goals and objectives called out in the plan. Most
chapters of the Comprehensive Plan contain implementation
items. These items have been collectively gathered and
summarized throughout this chapter. More importantly, this
chapter identifies some of the community’s aspirations for the
future. These aspirations are important to recognize as they
provide a foundation for the Plan’s implementation strategies
and action items.
Implementation Tools
The Comprehensive Plan will be implemented in a number of
ways. On a daily basis, the document is used by City staff to
help frame recommendations to the City Council, as well as
Stillwater’s other boards and advisory commissions. It is used
by residents and developers to understand the City’s intentions
for the use of land, the provision of housing, infrastructure
needs, and planned park and open space improvements.
The following provides a narrative on some of the City’s
implementation tools.
Chapter 12 Contents
Implementation ....................12-1
Implementation Tools ...............12-1
Putting the Plan into Action ..........12-3
12-2
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Official Controls
Official controls, such as zoning regulations,
subdivision regulations, and the zoning map are
required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act
to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
These controls represent the rules and regulations
that govern city decisions related to growth and
development. Updates to the official controls will
include the following items:
• Amend the official zoning map to be
consistent with the land use designations of
the 2040 Future Land Use Map. Anticipated
changes include the introduction of mixed-
use development along the Highway 36
corridor and areas reguided for higher
residential densities. The City’s Zoning
Code can be viewed through the City’s
website. Figure 12.1 depicts the City’s
Zoning Districts. Table 12.1 summarizes the
densities for Stillwater’s residential zoning
districts.
• Review, update and develop if necessary
the existing residential zoning district
requirements and subdivision regulations to
ensure that the densities envisioned in the
Plan can be achieved.
• Review and update design standards if
needed to ensure high quality (e.g., building
materials and architectural aesthetics)
residential, commercial and industrial
development occurs in the community.
• Review and update the zoning and
subdivision ordinances to encourage
affordable housing developments by
providing incentives for developers and
property owners (e.g., density bonuses,
reduction in permitting fees, or flexibility/
reduction in park dedication requirements).
• Review and update as necessary the park
and trail dedication requirements for new
development to ensure the appropriate
amount of dedication or fee-in-lieu for
developing parks and trails.
Other Policy Plans
The Comprehensive Plan also refers to other
policy documents that the City uses to manage
and construct municipal systems including
transportation studies, the Comprehensive
Sanitary Sewer Plan, the Comprehensive Water
Supply and Distribution Plan, the Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Program, the Local Surface
Water Management Plan and the Trails Master
Plan. These documents are the specific ongoing
implementation tools for achieving their respective
portions of this Comprehensive Plan.
Capital Improvement Plan
State law requires that the Implementation Plan
chapter for the Comprehensive Plan contain a Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) for transportation,
sewer, water, park and trail facilities. The CIP
is a five year program that identifies budgeting
priorities for all capital projects (see Appendix .
Coordination & Collaboration
The ideas represented in the Comprehensive Plan
include a number of strategies that will require
coordinated efforts by many different public,
private, and non-profit entities. As an adopted policy
plan, the Comprehensive Plan can help solidify the
Zoning District Residential
Zoning District
Maximums
Permitted
Agriclture Preservation 1 unit/10 acre
Lakeshore Residential (LR)2.2 units/acre
Cove Traditional Residential (CTR)3.1 units/acre
One-family (RA)4.4 units/acre
Traditional Residential (TR)4.4 units/acre
Cove Cottage Residential (CCR)4.4 – 6.2 units/acre
Two-family (RB)5.9 – 8.7 units/acres
Cottage Residential (CR)7.3 – 9.7 units/acre
Townhouse Residential (TH)8.7 units/acre
Cove Townhouse Residential District (CTHR)14.5 units/acre
Low Density Multiple-Family Residential (RCL)6.2 units/acre
Medium Density Multiple-Family Residential (RCM)15.6 units/acre
High Density Multiple-Family Residential (RCH)29.0 units/acre
Table 12.1 Residential Zoning District
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Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-3
support, commitment, and collaboration needed to
mobilize the community. The Comprehensive Plan
should be referenced, celebrated and promoted
both within the community and the region.
Implementing the Plan will require coordination
with many municipalities, counties, agencies
and organizations. Stillwater is located within
Washington County and also:
• Adjacent to three municipalities and one
township (Oak Park Heights, Lake Elmo,
Grant and Stillwater Township).
• Lies within Independent School District 834
(Stillwater Area School District).
• Numerous private/charter schools.
• Divided amongst three watershed districts
(Brown’s Creek Watershed District, the
Middle St. Croix Watershed Management
Organization, and Carnelian-Marine-St.
Croix Watershed District).
• Served by Trunk Highways 36, 95 and 96
(State Department of Transportation), as
well as numerous county roads (Washington
County)
• Borders on the St. Croix River, a National
and Scenic River (Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources and National Park
Service).
• Served by state and county parks (e.g., St.
Croix Islands State Recreation Area) and
trails (e.g., Browns Creek Trail), in addition
to privately owned recreational amenities
(e.g., Oak Glen Golf Course and Stillwater
Country Club),
Continued coordination with these entities is
integral to ensuring successful implementation of
this Plan.
Public Education and Outreach
The entire Stillwater community will be affected
by the Comprehensive Plan and the public’s
involvement in supporting and helping achieve
the Plan’s vision and goals is critical. Public
involvement began with an extensive visioning
and goal identification process. That involvement
will be encouraged to continue through education
and outreach tools such as the city’s website www.
ci.stillwater.mn.us, the city newsletter, publications,
public hearings, community or neighborhood
meetings, and special advisory panels. Other
opportunities include partnerships with local
schools to bring awareness to students about the
City’s aspirations to be a resilient and sustainable
community.
Putting the Plan into Action
Most of the chapters contain implementation items
to ensure that the goals and objectives established
in the Comprehensive Plan are reflected in the
decisions of the city. These chapter-specific items
vary from implementation strategies and action
steps, which are defined below.
• Implementation Strategies: The
implementation strategies are designed to
carry out the Plan’s goals and objectives.
They provide general direction, but do
not provide specific time frames for
implementation. Instead, they help inform
future decisions, work plans and actions
steps.
• Action Steps: Action steps are derived from
the implementation strategies and provide
“directives” that should occur at specific
times. For example, an action step may
include the development of a plan, program
or capital investment. These action steps are
summarized in Table 12.2 and categorized
into potential time frames (short-term, mid-
term and long-term). The time frames serve
as potential targets for implementation.
The implementation strategies and action steps
for each plan element (e.g., land use, housing,
transportation and parks) are summarized
throughout this section. Accomplishing each
item will take time and resources. Therefore, it is
important to recognize the financial commitments,
level of effort and resources required to deliver a
new program, service or capital investment. The
implementation strategies and action steps should
serve as a guide for prioritizing next steps in a
fiscally responsible manner. The Implementation
Plan should also be used to guide annual work
plans and capital improvement programs.
Figure 12.1:
Zoning
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PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Existing Implementation Efforts
In some respect, many of the implementation strategies are being applied (directly or indirectly)
today through existing policies, programs or plans. The implementation strategies recognize these
efforts by suggesting regular reviews and updates to existing tools. Some of these tools are listed
below for reference purposes and to demonstrate the City’s proactive approach to implementing the
Comprehensive Plan’s goals and objectives.
Development Regulations
The City Codes are used to regulate development and ensure that it adheres to the goals and objectives
of the comprehensive plan. These tools are also used to ensure development is built in a manner that
mitigates impacts to the natural and built environment, including traffic and adjacent neighborhoods.
• City Code Chapter 31 – Zoning Ordinance:
* Section 31-201: St. Croix River Overlay districts Subd. 15 (c): cluster developments
* Section 31-209: Design Permit (HPC)
* Section 31-210: Planned Unit Development Permit
* Section 31-317: CBD Zoning Regulations and map
* Section 31-509: Sign regulations
• City Code Chapter 48: Parks and Recreation
• City Code Chapter 51: Traffic
Master Plans
Master Plans are a common tool Stillwater uses to articulate specific improvements (e.g., roads,
utilities or parks) or land use patterns throughout the community. Master Plans are also used to help
establish a specific vision for an area that may not be typically addressed in a comprehensive plan.
Examples of past master planning efforts include:
• Market Potential Analysis for Downtown Stillwater (2016)
• North Main Street/Lowell Park Plan Update (2004)
• Boutwell South Area Plan (2004)
• Aiple Property Concept/Feasibility Study (2016)
Design Guidelines
In certain areas of the City, design guidelines have been created to maintain the area’s aesthetic
character and to preserve natural features. Examples include:
• The Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) includes the older areas of Stillwater and
maintains design guidelines for both residential and commercial development.
* Conservation District Design Guidelines (2006)
* Historic Commercial District (2006)
* Downtown Design Review District
• West Business Park (1991) Natural Resource Protection
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Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-7
Housing Tools
The City has several tools and policies in place that support a variety of housing types. More
importantly, these tools can be used to help support affordable housing options.
1. The City provides for the creation of many different types of housing, which is reflected in
the City’s Zoning Ordinance (City Code Section 31-315) by residential district.
2. The City has several Code regulations providing for diverse housing types and affordable
housing:
a. City Code Chapter 31 – Zoning Ordinance:
i. Section 31-210: Planned Unit Development Permit
ii. Section 31-501 Accessory dwellings
iii. Section 31-502 Duplex accessory dwelling units
iv. Section 31-507: Multifamily residential district bonus
3. Livable Communities Act Local Housing Incentives program – Stillwater has elected to
participate in this program (as of 2017). Membership in this program makes Stillwater eligible
to apply for livable communities’ grants through the Metropolitan Council.
4. The City has adopted a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy. In some cases, TIF can be used
to help support developments and capital improvement needs that provide a benefit to the
community.
Natural Resource Protection Tools
Stillwater has adopted various regulations to ensure the natural environment is protected and
preserved when development occurs. These tools are also used to help create and protract greenway
corridors throughout the community.
• City Code Chapter 31 – Zoning Ordinance
* Section 31-324.1: PROS Park, Recreation, or Open Space district
* Section 31-521: Revine and steep slope protection
* Section 31-522: Tree and forest protection
* Section 31-401 & 402: River and Lake Shorelands
* Section 31-400: Floodplains
* Section 31-402: Wetlands
• City Code Chapter 32 – Subdivision Code
* Section 32-1 Subd. 5: Plat and data submittal requirements
* Section 32-1 Subd 5 (11); 32-1 Subd. 6 (3) q: street trees and landscaping plan
* Section 32-1 Subd. 6 (4) Sidewalk and trail design
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PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Heritage Preservation Tools
Stillwater takes great pride in its historic location and structures and has created measures to
facilitate their protection. For example, the Historic Preservation Commission is mainly responsible
for implementing these measures. The following resources are utilized to promote and protect
Stillwater’s historical resources:
1. Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)(City Code Section 22-7)
2. Neighborhood Histories
3. Downtown Property Owner Guide
4. Heirloom and Landmark Sites Program: A joint effort between the City and the HPC to
acknowledge property owners who have voluntarily preserved or restored their historic
home.
5. Walking Tours: Three different walking tours with included audio/video to guide viewers to
historic sites throughout the downtown and south hill.
6. HPC Training Program: This program is intended to provide participants with basic
preservation-related principles and terminology. The curriculum was developed through a
Heritage Partnership Program grant from the Minnesota Historical Society in 2015.
7. Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties
8. Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Preservation
9. Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for Treatment of Historic Properties
Economic Development Initiatives
The City has several policies and programs in place that promote Stillwater’s economic initiatives.
These are used to support existing businesses, while attracting new business and commerce.
1. Downtown Plan
2. Historic Commercial District (2006)
3. Downtown Parking Commission, meet monthly
4. Stillwater Visitor Guide
5. Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
6. WCCDA Open to Business
7. Stillwater Visitor’s Bureau (Discover Stillwater)
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Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-9
Park & Trail Programming
The City adheres to the plans and policies below to create and maintain parks and trails in the
community’s interest. Maps are also used to help articulate the City’s park and trail vision. In
turn, these maps help inform the public about the park resources available to them.
1. Stillwater Trails Master Plan (2015)
2. City Code Section 48-51: Park and Trail Dedication Requirements
3. Browns Creek Nature Preserve Trail Map (2014)
4. Step it Out Walking Maps: a series of maps showing popular walking routes around the
City in an effort to promote public health and fitness.
5. Park Amenity Inventory: a publicly-available inventory of the amenities available in
each Stillwater park.
6. Parks and Recreation Board: (City Code Chapter 48); meet monthly
7. Bridgeview Park Master Plan (2015)
8. Aiple Property Park Planning Concept (2017)
Transportation Tools
Stillwater uses the following tools in an effort to create and maintain a transportation system
that promotes safety and efficiency.
1. Washington County Transit Needs Study (2018)
2. Stillwater Trails Master Plan (2015)
3. Traffic Review Committee (meet quarterly)
4. Pavement Management Program: Completed by the City’s Engineering Department
every few years to ascertain which roads need which kind of maintenance.
5. 2013 Pavement Rating Map
6. City Code Chapter 32 – Subdivision Code
Water System Management Tools
The following resources and regulations help the City maintain its water supply.
1. 2017 Drinking Water Report
2. Water Board (Board of Water Commissioners)
3. The following city codes are used to regulate the water, sewer, and stormwater systems
throughout Stillwater:
a. City Code Chapter 28: Water Department
b. City Code Chapter 29: Sewers
c. City Code Chapter 35: Stormwater Drainage
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PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Sustainability and Resiliency (Chapter 1)
As part of the planning process, the Comprehensive
Plan Advisory Committee (CPAC) worked together
to better define what sustainability and resiliency
means to the community and how these topics can
be best integrated into the Comprehensive Plan.
As a result, a ‘Stillwater Sustainability Framework’
was developed to promote strategies and best
practices towards becoming a more sustainable
and resilient community (see Appendix A). One of
the action items included the City’s participation
in Minnesota GreenStep Cities. GreenStep Cities is
a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition
program to help cities achieve their sustainability
and quality-of-life goals.
On July 31, 2018 the City Council of Stillwater
passed a resolution authorizing the City of
Stillwater to participate in the Minnesota GreenStep
Cities Program as a first step towards creating an
inventory of sustainable practices in the city. The
City will need to work towards three to five best
practices over the next three years to maintain the
GreenStep Cities status. Implementing these best
practices have been identified as an action item
Sustainability and Resiliency - Implementation
Strategies:
• Appendix A serves as a guide for
identifying the City’s sustainability and
resiliency implementation strategies.
Land Use (Chapter 2)
The Land Use Plan is a prominent chapter in the
Stillwater Comprehensive Plan because it sets
the stage for development patterns, economic
development initiatives and capital investments
(e.g., roads and utilities). It also gives people a
visual representation of what the city is expected to
look like in the future. The text, maps and images
contained in the Land Use Plan provide a basis for
making decisions on future land use regulations
and development. The implementation strategies
provide additional guidance and direction for
future land use decisions.
Previous comprehensive plans have modified land
use categories to better define the range of allowable
and desired residential and non-residential land
uses. As part of this plan, changes were made to
the commercial land use categories to better reflect
community direction. This resulted in land use
changes along the Highway 36 corridor to support
mixed-use development.
Land Use - Implementation Strategies:
1. Continue to actively monitor and
participate, where appropriate, in the
development, update and implementation
of the comprehensive plans for Washington
County and surrounding cities and
townships.
Community Aspirations
The residents of Stillwater are committed to creating
a sustainable and resilient community through
environmental best practices and the GreenStep Cities
program.
The City should actively work with its residents and
advocacy groups to prioritize action steps that adhere
to the voluntary GreenStep Cities program. Best
practices and strategies that were identified by the
CPAC as a high priority include alternative modes of
transportation (e.g., transit), housing for all, climate
change action and energy reduction (e.g., green
roofs and solar). These topic areas should be used
as a starting point for prioritizing next steps in the
GreenStep Cities program.
Community Aspirations
The residents of Stillwater are committed to creating
a sustainable and resilient community through
environmental best practices and the GreenStep Cities
program.
The City should actively work with its residents and
advocacy groups to prioritize action steps that adhere
to the voluntary GreenStep Cities program. Best
practices and strategies that were identified by the
CPAC as a high priority include alternative modes of
transportation (e.g., transit), housing for all, climate
change action and energy reduction (e.g., green
roofs and solar). These topic areas should be used
as a starting point for prioritizing next steps in the
GreenStep Cities program.
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-11
2. Evaluate and update the City’s development
codes to coordinate parks and trail
development, traffic systems, buffering and
application of design guidelines.
3. Prepare specific area plans, use the planned
unit development process and development
guidelines to recognize and preserve
existing natural resources and provide for
future development.
4. Monitor yearly development and
redevelopment impacts to see that what
occurs is as anticipated, or determine what
changes are needed in the land use plan
policy to achieve plan goals.
5. Ensure that design guidelines are in
place or updated to promote high quality
architecture and site design in all residential,
commercial and industrial districts.
6. Encourage use of innovative development
concepts where appropriate, such as mixed
use development and cluster housing to
provide life cycle housing opportunities,
minimize the need for and use of the
automobile, protect natural resources and
maintain open space.
7. If necessary, create design standards or an
incentive ordinance to preserve resources,
while allowing and supporting development
and densities as guided in the Land Use
Plan.
Natural Resources (Chapter 3)
Respecting the natural environment pays us great
dividends over the long-term. A healthy urban
forest helps shade our community. Wetlands clean
our lakes and water resources. Intact open spaces
serve as habitat for wildlife populations displaced
through development. Preservation of natural
resource areas and the integration of development
patterns within the natural characteristics of
the landscape contribute to a healthy natural
environment. The implementation strategies reflect
these aspirations.
Stillwater is committed to protecting and preserving
the natural environment. This commitment has
been demonstrated through various initiatives. For
example, the City’s buffering requirements have
established greenways that protect the City’s water
bodies and natural features. The implementation
strategies and action steps (see Table 12.2) continue
to support additional greenway development.
More importantly, the implementation strategies
and action items emphasize the preservation
and protection of natural resources through the
development review process.
Natural Resources - Implementation Strategies:
1. Review ownership of ravines and remnant
land and obtain control over such lands
through fee ownership, open space
easement, and utility easement or resource
protection regulations.
2. Make sure open space resource areas
including sensitive natural resource
areas and native plants are identified and
protected as part of development design.
3. Require natural resources (e.g., native
plants and water features) information in all
preliminary plat applications.
4. Require special landscaping plans
for developments located along
environmentally sensitive areas.
5. Require dedication of the natural resource
areas identified on the NRI maps as open
space or parks if they are located within the
proposed development area.
6. Explore educational campaigns that bring
awareness to the community’s aspirations
to be sustainable and resilient. This could
include stronger partnerships with the local
schools.
7. Integrate educational components or
interpretive signage throughout the park
system when feasible.
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PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Housing (Chapter 4)
Housing is an integral part of Stillwater’s present
and future; however, it can be the most complex
and challenging topic to address.
The implementation strategies and action steps (see
Table 12.2) identify efforts Stillwater will pursue
to create opportunities to maintain the existing
housing stock, and to provide increased housing
options for future residents. The strategies are
designed as a resource tool for specific measures
the City can effectively undertake and enforce,
while others are designed as tools to encourage
developers to incorporate affordable housing
into future development. As future subdivisions
are proposed, the City will use these strategies in
working with developers to create new affordable
housing opportunities. The strategies and
recommendations are reflected by community
goals. Many of these items are things the City
itself can do, while others will occur through
partnerships (Washington County CDA) in which
the City will engage to provide for and maintain
housing quality and increase affordable housing
opportunities.
Moving forward, the City should develop a
Housing Action Plan. Developing a housing action
plan that is dedicated and focused on the topic of
housing will be an important tool for the City to
better understand the critical housing issues facing
the community and the most effective means to
address them. This will enable future planning
efforts to focus on solutions. The housing action
plan should include:
1. Establish a Housing Improvement Area.
Designate older parts of the community as an
area of naturally occurring affordable housing (or
housing improvement area) for the purpose of
making funds available for updating and improving
homes. Perform a comprehensive survey of the
neighborhoods to identify demographic make-
up, residents wishing to improve their properties,
possible time-line for selling property, and type and
location of housing desired by potential buyers.
2. Establish Housing Programs and Tools
Evaluate financial impacts of various regulatory
provisions to ensure they are not barriers to
maintaining and preserving affordability. This can
include exploration of financial programs and tools
that may help in achieving sometimes conflicting
objectives (i.e. high design aesthetic vs. maintained
affordability or energy efficiency capital costs vs.
savings in operating costs.)
The action steps recommend adopting at least two
to three tools designed to increase the supply of
affordable housing. Potential tools and funding
mechanisms may include:
• Inclusionary zoning policy
• Livable Communities Act Demonstration
Account funds
• Community land trust
• Community revitalization funds
• Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) rehab funding
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Community Aspirations
The community’s aspirations include a well-balanced
housing stock that meets the needs of all, regardless
of age and income level. Finding this balance requires
a better understanding of the critical housing issues
facing the community and the most effective means
to address them. Therefore, the City should develop a
housing action plan that addresses the issues and ideas
presented by the CPAC:
• Prepare a housing action plan.
• Protect and preserve naturally occurring
affordable housing.
• Provide a housing stock that meets an aging
population.
• Support new housing types, such as tiny homes,
cottage homes, pocket neighborhoods (infill)
and accessory dwelling units that provide onsite
housing for caregivers.
• Evaluate and eliminate barriers to affordable
housing.
• Develop programs that support first-time
homebuyers, renters, seniors and low-income
populations.
• Adopt a rental licensing program and maintain
enforcement efforts.
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Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-13
Housing - Implementation Strategies:
The following housing strategies have been
categorized into three key areas.
Housing Need Strategies
1. Design affordable housing in a manner that
complements the surrounding market rate
housing, while incorporating a variety of
housing styles and smaller units into single
family housing developments.
2. Establish performance metrics to regularly
measure and report on the success in the
construction/rehab of affordable units.
3. Utilize techniques, such as land trusts, to
maintain long-term affordability.
4. Work with the Washington County
Community Development Agency (CDA) to
provide affordable housing for the elderly
and families.
5. Periodically review land use regulations
to determine the effectiveness of current
ordinances in encouraging additional
affordable units as well as encouraging
modifications to keep the existing housing
stock desirable and livable.
6. Review and modify ordinances that support
caregiver suites, accessory dwelling units
and tiny homes.
7. Promote a wide range of housing types,
styles, densities and choices to meet life
cycle housing needs.
8. Use the land use plan as a tool to provide
a variety of residential land uses in a range
of densities, concentrating higher density
opportunities along major transportation
and transit corridors, and around future job
centers.
9. Allow the creative use of site planning
or PUDs that provide flexibility for
development containing affordable housing
such as a reduction in lot size, setbacks,
street width, floor area and parking
requirements.
Coordination and Collaboration Strategies
1. Work with partners to assure that any
affordable housing units, especially
ownership units, employ tools to maintain
their affordability rather than to be
“flipped” for profit.
2. Partner with, support and market programs
offered by the County, State, MHFA, Federal
Government and non-profits to fund the
development of affordable housing.
3. Utilize the city’s website, newsletter and
other sources for promotion and advertising
of housing programs.
4. Continue to assist the Washington County
CDA in the administration of the housing
rehabilitation program to maintain the
existing older housing stock, maintain
neighborhood character and the diversity
and supply of moderate cost housing.
5. Use the Comprehensive Plan as a tool to
articulate the City’s housing goals and
affordable housing needs when working
with developers and property owners.
These discussions should occur early on in
the development review process.
Housing Program Strategies
1. Participate in the Livable Communities Act
Local Housing Incentives Program.
2. Consider designating a portion of TIF to
fund activities that increase new affordable
housing.
3. Explore using TIF and other funds to
provide housing rehabilitation grants to
very low and low income senior owner
occupied housing needing rehabilitation
assistance.
4. Work with local lenders, Washington
County CDA, Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency (MNHFA) and other housing
agencies to provide a comprehensive
housing assistance strategy for households
needing assistance.
5. Participate in MNHFA programs that
provide housing assistance.
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PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
6. Participate in available housing
rehabilitation programs (e.g. MNHFA
Rehabilitation Loan/Emergency and
Accessibility Loan Program, Rental
Rehabilitation Loan Program, and the Fix
Up Program).
Historic Resources (Chapter 5)
Stillwater’s efforts to identify, evaluate, and
preserve its historic and cultural resources while
encouraging adaptive reuse and reinvestment
follow national standards for preservation
planning. Preservation planning is “the process by
which a community develops a vision, goals, and
priorities for the preservation of its historic and
cultural resources.”
Updates to this chapter were driven by a separate
planning process that was guided by the Historic
Resources Advisory Committee, Heritage
Preservation Commission members, and City staff.
The chapter is intended to strengthen Stillwater’s
preservation planning framework by examining
existing needs and identifying new opportunities.
In that respect, the chapter recognizes the following:
• Preservation Planning Establishes Historic
Contexts
• Preservation Planning Uses Historic
Contexts to Develop Goals and Priorities for
the Identification, Evaluation, Registration
and Treatment of Historic Properties
• The Results of Preservation Planning are
Made Available for Integration into Broader
Planning Processes.
Following a review of Stillwater’s development,
the components of current planning programs
and tools are analyzed, along with the result of
meetings with the Historic Resources Advisory
Committee, Heritage Preservation Commission
members, and City staff. This information was
used to develop the Chapter’s goals and objectives,
as well as the implementation strategies and action
items discussed in this chapter.
Historic Resources - Implementation Strategies:
1. Continue to identify new opportunities
to increase awareness and appreciation of
Stillwater’s cultural, natural, and historic
resources.
2. Continue to develop new constituencies for
historic preservation, including those within
local government, new business owners,
prospective home buyers, renters, and
visitors.
3. Provide ongoing training for elected
officials, City staff and Heritage Preservation
Commissioners.
4. Respond to new opportunities and
challenges following the closing of the
Stillwater Lift Bridge and its conversion to
recreational use.
5. Ensure guidelines and policies
accommodate and support new sustainable
technology. Following the Advisory Council
on Historic Preservation’s advice, “Create a
sustainable and resilient community where
historic properties are used as assets for
promoting energy efficiency and community
livability, and are protected from climate
impacts.”
6. Continue to follow the Secretary of the
Interior’s Standards for the Treatment
of Historic Properties and Standards for
Preserving Planning in all design review
and planning activities.
7. Integrate other heritage and history
elements (e.g, Native American) into
the City’s preservation initiatives when
appropriate .
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-15
Downtown Stillwater Framework (Chapter 6)
This chapter represents a real change for
downtown by focusing on linking the surrounding
neighborhoods to Main Street and the riverfront
to create a framework for growth that reinforces
Stillwater’s ‘rivertown’ character. The plan knits
together a network of streetscapes, open spaces,
and land uses to create amenities, which will attract
and retain residents and businesses. It strives to
balance pedestrian and vehicular needs, and to
provide spaces for a variety of gatherings and
festivals.
The approach for this process involved gaining
an understanding of what has already been done,
synthesizing and weaving together the pertinent
aspects of past plans to maintain continuity among
these efforts, and ultimately creating a single
integrated comprehensive planning document.
Updating this chapter was a launching point
for updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The planning process occurred prior to the
comprehensive plan update and was guided by
various commissions, residents, business owners,
and City staff. Action items from this plan are
summarized in Table 12.2.
Downtown - Implementation Strategies:
• Chapter 6 should be referenced for more
information on implementation measures
related to downtown.
Economic Development (Chapter 7)
Many of the implementation measures identified
in the economic development chapter are
focused on funding tools and strategies versus
direct action items. In that respect, the chapter’s
goals, objectives and funding tools serve as the
primary implementation measures to advance
the City’s economic development initiatives.
Action items identified in the Land Use, Housing
and Downtown chapters should also be viewed
as a means to advancing economic development
initiatives. Combined, these plan elements and their
implementation measures overlap with economic
development.
The following implementation strategies describe
the actions Stillwater will take to implement the
community’s goals and objectives for economic
development. Many of these items are things the
City itself can do, while others will occur through
private initiatives and public-private partnerships.
Economic Development - Implementation
Strategies:
The following economic development strategies
have been categorized into two key areas.
Economic Growth
1. Protect the city’s industrial land base for
industrial development.
2. Support entrepreneurship through small
business retention and expansion, and home
based occupations that are not in conflict
with the Development Code.
3. Consider using tax increment financing to
assist in major new investments that support
job growth.
4. Recruit new businesses and promote
the idea of incubator space for emerging
businesses.
5. Support small locally owned business
particularly in the Downtown or
Neighborhood Commercial areas.
6. Support mixed use development along
the Highway 36 corridor that attracts well-
paying jobs to the community.
7. Support a mix of employment, multifamily
residential and retail and service activities in
and around the West Business Park area.
8. Support investments that provide efficient
and affordable high-speed internet
throughout the entire city.
Tourism
1. Continue to use design review guidelines
and processes to ensure new development
and renovation is consistent with the
historic character of Downtown.
2. Construct a new public parking ramp in
Downtown Stillwater for employees and
visitors.
3. Support the Downtown Parking
Commission as an advisory group for
managing downtown parking.
12-16
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Parks and Trails (Chapter 8)
Parks are not mere expenditures, but an investment
in the future well-being of individuals and groups,
as well as the continued attractiveness and viability
of the City. However, there is no precise standard or
measurement to determine a specific community’s
park and recreation needs. Each community is
unique in its needs and opportunities. Therefore,
it should be noted that the Parks chapter calls for a
generalized list of projects that will focus on short-,
mid-, and long-term action items. The goal of this
type of implementation strategy is to prioritize
larger initiatives. It does not prioritize individual
park needs identified by the public or CPAC. The
City and Parks Commission will need to continue
to evaluate individual park needs on an annual
basis and program these improvements in a fiscally
responsible manner.
Parks and Trails - Implementation Strategies:
The following parks and trails strategies have been
categorized into four key areas.
Efficient Use of Facilities
1. Explore partnerships with the school
district, athletic organizations, Home Owner
Associations (HOAs), public utilities, and
other public agencies (e.g., Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources and
Washington County) in order to acquire
and/or develop parkland, retain open space
areas and recreation facilities and provide
programs. This would include considering
acquisition of the Old Athletic Field and
Jaycee’s Fields from the school district
should the school district ever entertain the
possibility of divesting themselves of those
properties important to the community.
2. Periodically update and distribute the list
of available public park facilities, park
maps, and trail maps to the community and
interested groups.
3. Develop and implement a program for year-
round use of some recreation facilities.
4. Explore methods to integrate parks and
trails with the networks of adjacent
communities, Washington County, and State
facilities.
Community Aspirations
Stillwater residents cited the year-round programs,
activities and special events, walking paths, recreation
facilities and open spaces as contributing factors to
their quality of life.
Residents and CPAC members identified areas of
opportunity to enhance the City’s parks and trails.
Below is a list of priorities expressed throughout the
public engagement efforts. This list should be used
as part of the Park Commission’s budgeting and
programming plans.
• Improve wayfinding signage and gateways into
parks
• Provide and improve drinking fountains
• Provide landscaping improvements along trails
• Provide more community gardens
• Plant more native trees and plantings throughout
the parks (e.g., Shuelenberg Park)
• Provide recreational areas for teenagers and adults,
such as obstacle courses.
• Provide better access to the St. Croix River for
public boat launches and other non-motorized
activities (e.g., canoeing and kayaking).
• Keep the Aiple property natural and open, while
finding opportunities for tent camping and better
access to the St. Croix River for swimming and
non-motorized watercrafts
• Upgrade existing playgrounds to be universal in
meeting abilities.
• Improve trail connections throughout the
community
• Create a snow and ice removal plan for trails
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-17
Park Design
1. Design, install and maintain standardized
park signage for all city parkland and trails.
2. Develop and implement neighborhood park
plans based on a priority list developed by
the Park and Recreation Board and level
of service needs. These plans shall reflect
neighborhood input into the planning
process.
3. Continue a regular patrol of parks to
provide for the safety of park users.
4. Acquire the Jaycee’s Fields and the Old
Athletic Field from School District 834 if the
school district ever considers selling them. It
is the city’s desire to continue to offer these
two sites for public recreation purposes.
Trails and Pathways
1. Continue to implement the Stillwater Trails
Master Plan.
2. Continue to improve trails and sidewalks
as local roadways are improved or
reconstructed.
3. Create improved trail and pedestrian
connections into downtown from the west
and from the north.
4. Consider improving trail systems around
the city’s lakes including completion of the
trail around McKusick Lake and Long Lake,
as well as between the lakes.
Funding
1. Require park land dedication or cash in
lieu for all new residential, commercial and
industrial developments.
2. Study and pursue various means of funding
the acquisition, operation and maintenance
of park, open space, trail, and recreation
facilities.
3. Seek opportunities through public or
private funds for the establishment of new
neighborhood parks and/or redevelopment
of existing neighborhood parks.
Transportation (Chapter 9)
The Transportation Plan is a vital part of the
Comprehensive Plan. The Transportation Plan acts
as a guideline for the City as it plans for future
infrastructure needs and transportation facilities,
and is intended to provide guidance for the
development of transportation systems.
Historically, transportation investments have
largely focused on the roadway system to ensure
safe and accessible routes. These needs are still
important and key to the City’s quality of life and
economic vitality. However, Stillwater recommends
and supports an aggressive approach to transit
expansion projects and funding mechanisms that
will reduce congestion, improve mobility, and
bolster our regional economy and lifestyle. This
aspiration has its challenges given current regional
funding scenarios that show little, if any, transitway
investments planned for the community. The
importance of expanding transit service in the
area has been identified in the Washington County
Transit Needs Study (2018). One of the study’s
recommendations is currently being implemented,
which includes a pilot project that will bring a
circulator-loop transit service to Stillwater.
The City has embraced the study’s
recommendations as part of this Plan’s action steps.
The implementation strategies are further designed
to support a growing demand for a transportation
system that supports all modes of travel (e.g.,
biking and walking).
Community Aspirations
Stillwater residents and the CPAC expressed a growing
need for transit service in the area to reduce congestion
and the City’s carbon footprint. The Comprehensive
Plan recognizes the funding constraints associated
with transit expansion to the area; however, it is critical
the region continues to invest in transit to better serve
Stillwater and Washington County residents.
The community also aspires to be more sustainable
when it comes to transportation. This includes a
stronger emphasis on biking and walking, while
embracing new technologies that support electric
vehicles (providing charging stations) and autonomous
vehicles.
12-18
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Transportation - Implementation Strategies:
1. Work with Washington County to
implement high priority strategies identified
in the Washington County Transit Needs
Study (2018).
2. Work with State, regional and other partners
on a transit plan.
3. Utilize the Trails Master Plan in developing
a bikeway system facility plan.
4. Consider amending subdivision ordinance
to require bicycle facilities according to
bikeway facilities plans.
5. Promote major transportation routes as
“corridors of commerce” to attract new
businesses.
6. Promote traffic safety and education
programs.
7. Continue implementing the sidewalk/
pathways maintenance and improvement
program.
8. Improve the appearance of bus stops and
better integrate stops into neighborhood or
area designs.
9. Encourage MnDOT to provide continuous
bicycle paths both along the Highway 36
frontage road from CR 15 to TH 95 and also
along TH 95 from Oak Park Heights north
through downtown to TH 96 at the Brown’s
Creek area.
10. Continue to administer pavement and
sidewalk management programs.
Water Resources (Chapter 10)
The Water Resource Chapter is an executive
summary of the City’s Water Supply Plan (2016)
and Surface Water Management Plan (2018). Both
plans were adopted by the City and are included in
Appendix X. In essence, these documents serve as a
Water Resource chapter.
The implementation strategies identified in these
plan are listed below. Additional strategies were
also added to supplement this list.
Comprehensive Plan - Implementation
Strategies:
1. Educate residents in responsible water
quality management and ensure proper
disposal of solid and liquid wastes.
2. Design conveyance structures to
accommodate a ten-year storm event and
storage facilities to accommodate a one-
hundred-year event.
3. Explore innovative ways to improve the
quality of surface water and evaluate the
effectiveness of existing treatment methods
at reasonable cost.
4. Research a variety of treatment methods to
assess their effectiveness to improve water
quality at a reasonable cost.
5. Continue regular maintenance of storm
ponds and drainage facilities to reduce
damage to property and protect water
quality.
Water Supply Implementation Strategies:
• Monitor the City’s leak detection system
every two years.
• Revise the ordinances/codes to encourage or
require water efficient landscaping.
• Revise ordinances to limit irrigation and
adopt an outdoor lawn irrigation ordinance.
• Revise outdoor irrigation installation codes
to require high efficiency systems in new
installations or system replacements.
• Conduct audience-appropriate water
conservation education and outreach.
• Repair leaking water system components.
• Revise rate structures for each water
customer (e.g., residential, commercial and
industrial).
• Implement a rebate program for water
efficient appliances, fixtures, or outdoor
water management.
• Update and prepare a comprehensive open
space plan.
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-19
• Adopt a private well ordinance (private
wells in the city must comply with water
restrictions).
Surface Water Management Plan –
Implementation Strategies
• To minimize or eliminate I/I entering private
and public sewer infrastructure
• To reduce ratepayer costs for transporting
and treating wastewater
• To minimize liability from water pollution
and public health risks
• Strategies for I/I Reduction
• Educate property owners about I/I by
posting information on the City’s web site
and distributing information via email blasts
and community newspapers or newsletters
on frequent basis.
• Encourage private property owners to
proactively inspect and repair or replace
older segments of private sanitary sewer
connections that are beyond their service
life.
• Explore grants or other financial assistance
programs to provide financial assistance to
private property owners wishing to replace
or repair private sewer connections to the
city main.
• Make sure sump pumps and building
drains are not connected to the sanitary
sewer system. This can be done through
educational information and when permits
are required for building improvements or
expansions.
• Ensure careful construction, maintenance
and rehabilitation practices are followed in
all aspects, both public and private, of the
sanitary sewer system.
• Ongoing annual review of flows to develop
the next stage of improvements. Scheduled
improvements are identified in the City’s
Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Community Resources (Chapter 11)
Stillwater is committed to providing a high quality
of life for its citizens through access to a variety of
programs, services, and recreational amenities. In
that respect, the Community Resources chapter
highlights some of the City’s prime services and
facilities that contribute to a high quality of life.
Providing new services or facilities can be
challenging from a funding and staffing
perspective. Therefore, it is important to recognize
the financial commitments and resources required
to deliver various programs and services. The
Comprehensive Plan is not a financial document;
instead, the goals and policies provide direction
for future decision making. The implementation
strategies are designed to manage existing services,
while exploring opportunities for new programs
and services. Many of these opportunities are
discussed in the housing chapter.
One the community’s top priorities that emerged
from the public input process was a desire for
more recreational opportunities to be housed in
a community center. The type of recreational
activities expressed by the community focused on
swimming and open courts for organized sports. It
is important to recognize the community’s wishes
for a community center or swimming pool/splash
pad. However, these types of facilities will need
significant capital investments. More importantly,
the funding mechanisms need to be in place to
generate positive revenue streams to ensure the
facility can be a self-sustaining entity over time.
A feasibility study should be prepared to better
understand the capital investments and funding
mechanisms, while verifying the demand and need
for a new facility.
Community Resources - Implementation
Strategies:
1. Prioritize and plan for capital improvements
in a fiscally responsible manner.
2. Implement a conservation and emergency
management plan for the City.
3. Monitor changing demographics (e.g., aging
population and an increase in diversity) and
their influence on how the City may deliver
a particular service or program over time.
4. Maintain community facilities in a “state of
good repair.”
12-20
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Sustainability (Chapter 1)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Create an inventory of existing
best practices pertaining to
sustainability and resiliency.
Implement the required
GreenStep Cities strategies to
achieve the “Step Two GreenStep
Cities” status.
Implement the required
GreenStep Cities strategies
to achieve the “Step Three
GreenStep Cities” status.
Implement the required
GreenStep Cities strategies
to achieve the “Step Four
GreenStep Cities” status.
Land Use (Chapter 2)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Implement the land use plan by
zoning lands consistent with the
land use plan designations
(required by state law: 9 months
after the Comprehensive Plan’s
adoption).
Prepare a master plan for the
Lakeview Hospital to determine
redevelopment options and the
reuse of existing buildings.
Prepare a market analysis and
master plan for the Highway 36
corridor.
Natural Resources (Chapter 3)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Create design guidelines that are
intended to sustain Stillwater’s
unique natural features.
Prepare and adopt an official
greenway corridor plan and
supporting Sensitive Natural
Environment Areas overlay
district.
Develop education materials
and resources for homeowners
on what they can do on their
property to protect resources.
Develop environmental
education programs in natural
areas to study plant and animal
communities.
Maintain an inventory of all
ravines and remnant lands in
the city and develop a policy
regarding ravine management
that balances ravine usage
amongst natural resource
protection, public utility
and open space/recreation
opportunities.
Develop an overall planting plan
for the greenbelts in and around
the city.
Prioritize and implement the planting plan for the greenbelts in and
around the city.
Table 12.1 Action Steps
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-21
Natural Resources (Chapter 3) continued
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Develop an overall restoration
plan for the ravines and open
spaces to remove invasive species
and replant with natives.
Implement and maintain
invasive species removal and
native replanting.
Evaluate tree removal and
replacement with low-growing
native trees and shrubs to
preserve views from Pioneer Park
and other viewsheds
Implement and maintain
viewshed preservation removal
and planting.
Housing (Chapter 4)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Prepare an annual report on the number of new units created and numbers that were affordable (ongoing).
Establish a Housing
Improvement Area (Housing
Action Plan Item #1) for the older
parts of the community.
Housing Action Item #1:
Establish grant programs for
low-income residents, seniors
or first time home-buyers to
bring their homes up to code
or make needed upgrades (e.g.,
accessibility conversions).
Evaluate Housing Programs and
Tools (Housing Action Item #2)
Housing Action Items #2: Adopt
at least two to three additional
tools designed to increase the
supply of affordable housing.
Potential tools and funding
mechanisms may include:
• Inclusionary zoning policy
• Livable Communities Act
Demonstration Account
funds
• Community land trust
• Community revitalization
funds
• Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) rehab
funding
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Housing Action Items #2: Adopt
at least two to three additional
tools designed to increase the
supply of affordable housing.
Potential tools and funding
mechanisms may include:
• Inclusionary zoning policy
• Livable Communities Act
Demonstration Account
funds
• Community land trust
• Community revitalization
funds
• Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) rehab
funding
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Conduct a critical review of
development regulations and
processes to reduce barriers for
affordable housing.
Update the zoning ordinance
and subdivision ordinance
to remove impediments to
affordable housing.
12-22
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Housing (Chapter 4) continued
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Adopt a rental licensing program
and maintain enforcement
efforts.
Establish a housing committee to
guide the implementation of the
Comprehensive Plan’s housing
goals and objectives.
Study the feasibility of
establishing a program to
require a property inspection
and disclosure report before
residential property changes
hands.
Complete an assessment of
senior housing needs in the
community.
Historic Resources (Chapter 5)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Revise current preservation
regulations.
Identify publicly-owned
resources for local designation
evaluation, including Pioneer
Park, the Stillwater Public
Library, and the Third Street and
McKusick Lake Pump Stations.
Complete context studies and
surveys for additional areas
associated with the city’s history
and development, including:
Sabin’s and H.R. Murdock’s
Addition, Wilkin’s Addition, and
Churchill Nelson 2nd Addition
and Marsh’s Addition.
Consolidate adopted and draft
design guidelines and sign
guidelines into a single reference
document that will be accessible
to property owners, city staff and
public officials.
Work with the Stillwater
Public Works Department to
inventory cultural landscape
features including ravines,
public stairways, stone retaining
walls, stone curbs, and linear
circulation features such as
stone paths. Evaluate and locally
designate significant features.
Continue to evaluate
properties in twentieth-century
neighborhoods for potential local
designation, including Forest
Hills, Lily Lake, Sunny Slope,
Fairmeadows, Croixwood, Oak
Glen and Deerpath.
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-23
Historic Resources (Chapter 5) continued
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Create and adopt design
standards for new construction
in historic districts, including
related streetscape and urban
design.
Identify and protect Stillwater’s
significant viewsheds,
prioritizing those encompassing
key natural landscape features
and landmarks. Further study
and evaluation should refer to
Cultural Landscape District
documentations and include
development of conservation
guidelines.
Analyze and prioritize the
ten previously completed
neighborhood context studies
and surveys for potential local
designation (see 5-14). The
North Hill Original Town,
surveyed in 1995, and South Hill
Original Town, surveyed in 1996,
are high-priority areas to be
considered for local designation
review in Phase 1.
Continue to evaluate existing
information and prioritize
further local designation study
(individual or district) for
properties within completed
survey areas.
Analyze and prioritize properties
potentially eligible for individual
local designation, beginning with
those already individually listed
on the NRHP. Identify staff,
consultant, and other resources to
prepare local designation forms
and work with property owners.
Analyze and prioritize properties
potentially eligible for individual
NRHP designation. Identify staff,
consultant, and other resources
to prepare nomination forms,
work with property owners, and
coordinate efforts with the State
Historic Preservation Office.
12-24
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Downtown Framework Plan (Chapter 6)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (4 - 10 years)Long Term (11 - 20 years)
Provide public restrooms in
winter months.
Clean up alleys (ongoing)
Implement shuttle services for
large events.
Monitor and address traffic circulation issues (ongoing).
Develop conceptual designs and
a feasibility study for a public
parking structure.
Design and construct a public
parking structure
Design and construct a second
public parking structure.
Develop a master plan for Lowell
Park.
Implement recommended
improvements for Lowell Park.
Design and construct a new
River Park (behind Co-op)
Establish a wayfinding plan for
all transportation modes.Install wayfinding signs.
Continue to implement
recommended street plantings
along 2nd Street, Commercial
Street, and Chestnut Street.
Establish bike parking locations.Plan for a new River Park
(behind Co-op)Reconstruct Main Street.
Implement missing trail links in
and around downtown.
Implement recommended street
plantings along 2nd Street,
Commercial Street, and Chestnut
Street.
Design Chestnut Street Plaza
improvements.
Construct Chestnut Street Plaza
improvements.
Economic Development (Chapter 7)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Establish a formalized economic
development group to prioritize
economic development
initiatives, while promoting
economic development
opportunities for new
businesses.
Develop an Economic
Development Strategy Plan.
Support action items and strategies listed for Land Use (Chapter 2), Housing (Chapter 4), and
Downtown (Chapter 6) as part of the City’s economic development initiatives..
Actively promote a mix of uses (e.g., commercial, office, entertainment uses and housing) in and
around the downtown (ongoing).
Actively promote a mix of uses (e.g., commercial, office, entertainment uses, and housing) in and
around the Highway 36 corridor (ongoing).
Develop a marketing brand for
the City that creates an identity
from an economic development
perspective.
Update the City’s website to promote the City’s brand and as a
place to do business.
Use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to assist major new investment in the downtown, along the
Highway 36 corridor, and in the Business Park (ongoing).
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation 12-25
Parks and Trails (Chapter 8)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Continue to program park improvements in a fiscally responsible manner (ongoing).
Prioritize and program trail improvements identified in the Trails
Master Plan (2014) in a fiscally responsible manner.Update the Trails Master Plan.
Develop a parks master plan for
Kolliner Park.
Implement improvements and
recommendations from the
Kolliner Park Master Plan.
Develop a parks master plan for
the Aiple property.
Implement improvements and
recommendations from the Aiple
property master plan.
Establish a wayfinding plan for
trails and parks.Install wayfinding signs.
Develop and implement a
program for year-round use of
some recreation facilities.
Develop and implement neighborhood park plans based on the priority list developed by the Park and
Recreation Commission (ongoing).
Transportation (Chapter 9)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Work with Washington County to implement the high priority strategies and others identified in the
Washington County Transit Needs Study (2008) (ongoing)
Develop an area-wide coordinated road improvement program with MnDOT and Washington County
(ongoing).
Implement, expand and promote carpooling (ongoing)
Implement a community circular
route (Washington County
Transit Needs Study priority).
Develop a comprehensive
streetscape plan for plantings
and improvements along
developed or major streets. This
would have aesthetic and traffic
calming benefits.
Provide a collector connection
from County Road 12 to Olive
Street. Continue to explore
the Brick Street option for this
collector.
Increase the use of demand-
response services (e.g., dial-
a-ride) (Washington County
Transit Needs Study priority).
Develop a comprehensive
signage program. The program
will identify key gateways into
the City; will create gateway
signage/monuments; will create
consistent directional signage;
and will direct regional traffic
to downtown Stillwater via
routes that avoid residential
neighborhoods.
Adopt a Complete Streets policy.
12-26
PLAN OF STILLWATER
Chapter 12 : Implementation
Transportation (Chapter 9) continued
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Develop a site-specific shuttle
service that connects major
employers, institutions, or
retail destinations (Washington
County Transit Needs Study
priority).
Provide bicycle parking,
locations and attractive bicycle
storage racks at key locations
including parks, downtown and
commercial centers.
Develop a plan for sidewalk and
trail snow removal.
Address intersection
improvement needs identified in
the County’s Intersection Control
Ranking System (ICRS) Report:
• CSAH 5 (Stillwater
Boulevard) at Pine Street
• CSAH 5 (Owens Street) at
CSAH 12 (Myrtle Street)
• CSAH 15 (Manning Avenue)
at 62nd Street
• CSAH 15 (Manning Avenue)
at CR 64 (McKusick Road)
Water Resources (Chapter 10)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Provide a public education
program to alert the public on
the importance of protecting
storm ponds from harmful
pollutants and ensure the proper
disposal of solid and liquid
wastes.
Community Resources (Chapter 11)
Short Term (1 - 3 years)Mid Term (3 - 5 years)Long Term (5 - 10+ years)
Determine the demand,
feasibility and cost for
implementing a community
center.